Interview by Joseph Hett & Robert Kern

Music Recall Magazine recently had the chance to speak with Ardy Sarraf (Paul McCartney) of The Fab Four: The Ultimate Tribute. The lads will be making stops in Charlotte, NC and Birmingham, AL this weekend. Check out our interview with Sarraf below, along with show information.

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MRM: Thanks for the interview! You all put on an amazing show in Atlanta a few months ago. What did you think of the stunning photographs of that show from our own Robert Kern?

Sarraf: Really great angles of the show, very good eye by Robert. Not easy to make us look good.

MRM: How did you get started in music? 

Sarraf: My mother was in a church choir with her high school friends and I grew up listening to her sing. My love of music is from her for sure.

MRM: When did you develop that love for The Beatles? 

Sarraf : When John Lennon was murdered, my older sister made a tribute collage photo album, I started listening to Beatles and never looked back.

MRM: What is your favorite Beatles era? 

Sarraf : All of it!!! Mop tops to long haired Beatles.

MRM: Could you speak about how The Fab Four tribute show was conceived? 

Sarraf : I met Ron and Rolo at a Beatle convention in Los Angeles back in early ’90s. We got together and made the Tribute WE would love to see.

MRM: What all goes into building the inventory of gear and costumes to make this show happen? 

Sarraf: Money and more money!! Lots of homework by viewing and reviewing what they used and how they used the gear.

MRM: Why is this show more performance driven versus multi-media and staging effects? 

Sarraf : We have learned that bells and whistles and smoke and mirrors do not MAKE a show great. It’s the performers that make a connection with the audience.

MRM: Since you all have been able to travel the world, where has the biggest and best reaction been? 

Sarraf : I’d have to say Japan and Australia for me were highlights. The Beatles are HUGE in both those countries, and we had a great welcome.

MRM: How does your show set you apart from other Beatles tribute acts out there? 

Sarraf : We play and sing everything LIVE as a 4 piece band. We don’t have a 5th guy hiding backstage playing parts. We are very proud of that, and our constant attention to detail.

MRM: Has The Fab Four received any feedback/reactions from people close to The Beatles? 

Sarraf: Yes, Paul and his current band have our CDs on their tour bus. That’s directly from the band themselves.

MRM: How good does it feel to be recognized for the phenomenal PBS special “The Fab Four: The Ultimate Tribute” with an Emmy? 

Sarraf: Amazing accomplishment which we’ll never forget and always remain proud of.

MRM: What can fans expect for your show on June 14 at Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts in Charlotte, NC for FABFEST? 

Sarraf: A Beatles fan’s dream come true: all your favorite Beatles songs performed live by a band that loves them just as much as the audience. We love our “jobs”. We love to spread peace and love in our own small way.

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Upcoming shows nearby – The Fab Four: The Ultimate Tribute

1. Friday, June 14, 2019 at 8:00 pm
Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts
430 South Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC 28202
(704) 372-1000
Ticket Link: https://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/the-fab-four-1
NOTE: This concert is part of Charlotte’s FABFEST Beatles Festival.

2. Saturday, June 15, 2019 at 8:00 pm
Alabama Theatre
1817 Third Avenue North
Birmingham, AL 35203
(205) 252-2262
Ticket Link: https://www1.ticketmaster.com/the-fab-four/event/20005518D7ABA001