PHOTOS: The Bootleg Beatles – Beacon, Bristol – 18/12/2025

Even within our ever-widening remit, we don’t tend to cover tribute bands, but there’s a couple of reasons why this is an exception—a) it’s Christmas; why not?, and b) The Bootleg Beatles have arguably transcended the meagre bounds of what it means to be a ‘tribute band’. They’ve been going since 1980, becoming which might be the ideal way to experience the music of The Beatles today. And when there’s been praise and plaudits their way from both George Harrison and Paul McCartney over the years, they’re clearly doing a good job at this.

And with the end of year approaching, it’s almost the equivalent of a panto for the gig-going public. Here’s an easy show to like and sink into, complete with era-accurate costuming and orchestral opulence that most cover bands could never even hope to scrape together. Plus, there’s a certain demographic who would drop everything for a chance to hear The Beatles’ music performed live; they deserve something this good. As their UK tour arrives in Bristol, Ross Peacey headed down to check it out.

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Photos by Ross Peacey (Instagram)