On Sunday, July 28, The Liverpool Shuffle made history with their free concert, “Beatles on the Balcony,” at the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF). It was a landmark event, being the first-ever concert held on the Hall of Fame’s balcony. The event was a resounding success, drawing in fans of all ages and celebrating the timeless music of The Beatles.
LIMEHOF Chairman Ernie Canadeo shared his excitement about the event, noting the Beatles’ significant connections to Long Island. “The Beatles have multiple ties to Long Island, from their concerts at Forest Hills Tennis Stadium (1964) and Shea Stadium (1966), to John Lennon’s residency in Cold Spring Harbor in 1979, Paul McCartney’s current home in the Hamptons, and Paul and Ringo’s continued performances at venues across Long Island. We are excited that the first concert held on our balcony follows in the tradition of the Beatles’ legendary last live concert for the ‘Let It Be’ sessions, held on the rooftop of Apple Corps.”
The Liverpool Shuffle, a band with a rich history of its own, consists of Joe Refano (vocals, guitars, bass), Jamie Bateman (vocals, guitars), Brian James (vocals, drums), Andrew Lubman (vocals, bass, keyboards), and Dave Clark (vocals, bass) when they expand to a five-man group. Formed in 2003 by Joe Refano, the band has seen several reformations in 2008, 2014, and 2021. Over the years, many talented musicians have been part of The Liverpool Shuffle’s journey.
The current lineup brings together a wealth of experience and unique connections to The Beatles. Joe Refano, who saw The Beatles at Shea Stadium in August 1966, has toured with Peter Noone and Herman’s Hermits, performed with Micky Dolenz of the Monkees, and served as musical director for British Invasion icon Billy J. Kramer. Andrew Lubman, a Berklee College of Music graduate who received his diploma from Sir George Martin, has performed with Tony Kishman’s Paul McCartney show and Wondersous Stories. Jamie Bateman, with family roots in Liverpool and a fifth cousin to Ringo Starr, has subbed as George Harrison with Strawberry Fields. Brian James has provided his distinctive drumming and vocals for numerous Beatles tribute bands over the years.
The LIMEHOF concert, which lasted two hours, was a comprehensive journey through The Beatles’ career. The setlist included early hits like “All My Loving,” “Roll Over Beethoven,” and “Rock and Roll Music.” As the evening progressed, the band delved into later classics such as “In My Life,” “Lady Madonna,” and “Day Tripper.” The show culminated with an energetic finale featuring “Strawberry Fields,” “Penny Lane,” “Get Back,” “Revolution,” and an electrifying rendition of “I Saw Her Standing There.”
The event’s success has set a promising precedent for future outdoor concerts at LIMEHOF. Fans are already looking forward to more balcony performances, hoping to experience the magic of live music in such a unique and historic setting.
Setlist: All My Lovin, Boys, Roll Over Beethoven, Do You Want to Know a Secret, From Me To You, She’s A Woman, I Feel Fine, Please Please Me, I Want to Hold Your Hand, She Loves You, Hard Days Night, Happy Just to Dance With You, Can’t Buy Me Love, Help!, In My Life, Lady Madonna, We Can Work It Out, Act Naturally, Day Tripper, Strawberry Fields, Penny Lane, Sgt Pepper/Little Help, Get Back, One After 909, Revolution, Back in the USSR, Hey Jude, I Saw Her Standing There
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