Replay the Beatles features Ricardo Branchini as John, John Oriettas as Paul, JF Cyr as George, and Ted Doyle as Ringo. They are based in Montreal, Canada, and are extremely talented look- and sound-a-likes. A note on their official site reads: "No special effects or a multitude of costume changes, just a straight-forward Beatles concert - probably very much like The Beatles would give today if they were together."

The following is a ten-question interview which John Oriettas (Paul) was so good to answer and send to me by e-mail. Thank you so much, John!

Q: If you could, would you mind giving an interesting fact about each member of the band?
John:
Ricardo - John - A 50s antique freak. His house is decorated entirely in 50s style and furniture. It's like being in a time warp.
JF - George - Is partially deaf in his left ear.
Ted - Ringo - Great cook and the joker of the band.
Me - Paul - One of my songs called "REACH OUT" was selected and almost released as a record in 1987. It was supposed to be produced by David Foster and other well known Canadian producers for Amnesty International's theme song. For unknown reasons the project sat on the shelf for 5 years, then fell through.

Q: What song, to you, is the most fun to do live?
J: My favorite song to do live is I WANNA HOLD YOUR HAND, because a) it still gives me goosebumps every time I hear/play it, and b) it's usually our opening number and I love seeing the stunned expression on people's faces in the front rows, as they look twice and three times at us, and point towards us and their friend as if to say... "Hey look at that... wow... they really look like the Beatles"!

Q: Replay is based in Canada, but do they play many shows in the United States, Europe, or any other country?
J: We do most of our shows here in Canada. We've done 1 private party in New York. Would love to do more in the USA someday. (If only 1964, The Fab Four, RAIN would break up!!!! -- just kidding!)

Q: Does Replay have any CDs out? If not, will they in the future?
J: Yes we do, we have a promo CD with 15 Beatles and 60s cover songs. We also want to eventually record a few original songs and see what happens.

Q: Which show sticks out in your mind as one of the best, if not the best?
J: Our most exciting show in my mind would have to be when we played the big showroom at the Montreal Casino in Feb. 2005.

Q: What kind of equipment does the band use?
J: We have most of the usual Beatles guitars, and the Ludwig Beatles drum kit.

Q: Do you know or go to see other Beatles tribute bands?
J: Yes, I've seen RAIN, Beatlemania, Get Back, and a few other less known ones. I plan to go see 1964 in Toronto this September.

Q: Does Replay go to many Beatles festivals (Liverpool Beatleweek, Abbey Road on the River, etc.)?
J: No, none.

Q: Since it's hard to pick just one song, which Beatles album is your favorite?
J: That's still really tough cos they're all terrific, but if I had to pick one it would be Abbey Road.

Q: Maybe this is a silly question, but if you had to pick, who is your favorite Beatle?
J: That's easy --- It's Paul. :)

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