The music of The Beatles, George Harrison & Eric Clapton performed by Come Together & The Clapton Chronicles with The Casey Philharmonic Orchestra
Two of Melbourne’s most well-respected cover bands – Come Together and The Clapton Chronicles – have banded together to shed light on a love story that changed the world, the personal and musical relationship between The Beatles, George Harrison and Eric Clapton. Aptly titled Something In The Way She Moves, this one night only show at Bunjil Place Theatre in Narre Warren will also feature arrangements by the reputed Casey Philharmonic Orchestra and is a must for all lovers of great music.
The relationship between Eric Clapton, The Beatles and George Harrison spans decades. They have collaborated together – most famously on the iconic Beatles’ track While My Guitar Gently Weeps, which made Eric Clapton the only external guitarist to record on one of their songs, as well as throughout their solo careers. Their story doesn’t just span music, but love and friendship, often fraught with tension. It has created some truly legendary tracks.
For Dave McFarlane from The Clapton Chronicles, the fascinating backstory between the three was too interesting not to explore through music. “George Harrison married Pattie Boyd after meeting her on the movie set of Hard Days Night,” says Dave. “Eventually Clapton fell in love with her too and Pattie was the inspiration for many iconic songs including Something, I Need You, Wonderful Tonight, Layla and Old Love… all songs which feature all throughout the soundtrack to my life as a musician. There is a genuineness and excitement about the artists and era that always broke new ground. Many years later the music still has that feeling of discovery for younger audiences.”
Selecting the tracks to feature in the almost biopic concert was an interesting task in itself. “With 50 years of repertoire its difficult to pare down, but we selected songs based on the story and timeline of The Beatles / Clapton / Harrison collaboration and their suitability for orchestration, contrast in styles and chart positions,” says Dave. “Including While My Guitar Gently Weeps, Something, Layla, Penny Lane, Strawberry Fields, Got To Get You Into My Life, Wonderful Tonight and many more.”
The show itself is going to be huge – not only with two bands on stage, but including the collaboration with the orchestra as well. “The Beatles orchestration through George Martin has always been a feature of their sound and when the chance came to work with the Casey Philharmonic Orchestra and conductor Kent Ross, it was an excellent fit,” says Dave. “It is an unique opportunity to creatively arrange some of the Clapton classics for orchestra.”
The seven-piece Clapton Chronicles have been touring Victoria for the past 12-years, exploring Eric Clapton’s musical catalogue that spans five decades of classic hits and collaborations. For Dave and his bandmates, there is something in the way Eric Clapton approached his music – and the songs he created – that should resonate with all fans. “Eric Clapton found fame early, experienced much hardship in his life through substance abuse, failed relationships and personal tragedy plus the huge expectations of being one of the world’s most recognisable rock guitarists,” he says. “Now at the age of 73 he is still musically productive, has found stability in his personal life, has become a philanthropist and has been a classic anti-hero, turning away many years ago from commercial pressures to pay tribute to his roots. You could say he went down the rock star rabbit hole and came out alive… but did it his way.”
Come Together, led by Phil Smith, present the best music of The Beatles. They’ve played over 60 sell-out shows and take audiences on a Magical Mystery Tour through the band’s repertoire. Dave says The Clapton Chronicles are looking forward to joining forces with Come Together for this very special event. “The Beatles / Clapton connection is amazingly strong, yet is lesser known,” he says. “For both Come Together and The Clapton Chronicles telling the story of that still ongoing relationship is an exciting connection with rock history both past and present that produced a fantastic legacy in modern music that we can now celebrate with a huge team of talented musicians and classic rock fans.”
Friday 9th November 2018
Bunjil Place Theatre, NARRE WARREN VIC
www.bunjilplace.com.au | (03) 9709 9700
Tickets are on sale now. For more information, please visit https://www.facebook.com/theclaptonchronicles/ and https://www.facebook.com/Come-Together-The-Music-of-The-Beatles-260440730717001/
