​ The Fab Four Bring Beatles Brilliance to Scottish Rite on July 27th

They are billed as the “ultimate tribute” to The Beatles. And indeed, California-based band The Fab Four has earned major kudos since its start more than 25 years ago.

The group, which plays the Collingswood’s Scottish Rite on Saturday, July 27, was founded by Ron McNeil (John Lennon) and Ardy Sarraf (Paul McCartney), who met by chance at a Beatles convention in California in 1997.

When Sarraf, portraying Paul McCartney in a Wings tribute group, performed the Wings’ hit “Coming Up” for a sound-alike contest, McNeil – who had won the event’s sound-alike contest as John Lennon one year prior -- took immediate notice.

From there, the two began practicing Beatles songs’ relentlessly and recruiting for appropriate George Harrison and Ringo Starr sound-alike/lookalikes. Today, there is usually more than one performing cast of the Fab Four at any given time. Nearly 15 years ago, multi-instrumentalist Erik Fidel joined the group as Ringo Starr.

“Each show is a celebration,” Fidel said in a recent phone interview. “There’s no separation between us and the audience – we’re all celebrating The Beatles.”

And while Fidel says he’s aware that there can be a stigma surrounding tribute bands, “we’re all professional musicians, session musicians who very much love and respect The Beatles. We consider it an honor to perform their music.”

Fidel – who undergoes a 1.5-hour makeup prep to become Ringo Starr – says he has “the greatest job in the world.”

“It’s all live, no overdubs – when you see the show, you see four guys up there celebrating a very special era in music,” Fidel said.

The Fab Four first played the Scottish Rite in 2014 ago to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Beatles February 1964 appearance on the "Ed Sullivan Show.''

Rich Mancinelli of BRE Presents, which books shows for the venue, notes that the Fab Four has played the Scottish Rite several times since – always earning raves for its spot-on performance.

“It’s a great way for people who remember the Beatles when the band was together to live the experience again – and to also introduce their music to people who weren’t born until after the Beatles broke up. Everyone has a great time.”

Mancinelli says BRE is thrilled “to bring The Fab Four back to perform their new ‘USA Meets The Beatles’ show this summer after watching them delight a sold-out all-ages crowd last year.”

The Fab Four’s stage show includes three costume changes, representing the various eras of their short-lived, but ever-changing career. There’s even an appearance by an actor portraying Ed Sullivan to add to the authentic feel of 1964.

Fidel says he is proud of all The Fab Four has achieved – including winning an Emmy Award for their PBS special, filmed in 2012 at California’s Pechanga Resort & Casino.

“I think our musicianship and the love and detail we bring to each show comes through,” he said. “It’s always a great time.”

If you go

The Fab Four performs at 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 27, at the Scottish Rite Auditorium, 315 White Horse Pike, Collingswood. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $39.50 to $69.50. Go to Etix.com or call 1-800-514-3849 or at the Box Office (856-858-1000).