Hard Day's Night Returns

Back by popular demand, the Beatles tribute band Hard Day's Night returned to Rio Hondo for a second concert in a capacity filled Wray theatre. It was an unusually cold Thursday night when things heated up at 7:30 pm as the group, who surprisingly are all from southern California, began to play "I Want to Hold Your Hand." Hard Days Night mostly plays the touring years of the Beatles, from 1962 to 1966. Playing the part of Ringo Starr was Louie Renteria. George Harrison was played by David Brighton and Paul McCartney was played by Dan Carson. The late John Lennon was played by Gilbert Bonilla. All four gave an exciting and authentic performance.

They continued the nostalgia with "Please Please me" Next up for the group was "All My Loving." The women in the audience screamed and went crazy as they sang along and bobbed their heads.

The band followed up their opening set with "Do You Want to Know a Secret?" One of the strengths of the group was the uncanny resemblance to the actual artists they were portraying. The members wore black suits and ties and had the trademark Beatles hairstyles. In between songs, the men talked with English accents. The drummer, portraying Ringo Starr, was constantly grinning and shrugging his shoulders as he connected with the audience. His charisma often distracted the girls and his fun-loving smile stood out.

"He's my favorite. because he is so cute" said Michele Gomez, an 18 year old from La Puente. "I loved his smile. Ringo smiled the whole time", she said as she grinned and blushed.

The band carried on with the song they were named after, "A Hard Days Night."

The audience had their chance to get involved when John Lennon asked the crowd to clap and help sing "Eight Days a Week". It was followed by "Can't Buy Me Love" and "Help!"

"She Loves You" was the next song and "Twist and Shout" really got the crowd excited. Many people could be seen doing the twist and other old style dance moves. The band needed a well deserved break and the Musicians for Cultural Unity club sold refreshments outside the theatre during the 15 minute intermission.

"Day Tripper" was the first song played after intermission. The band revealed their new wardrobe change with green, pink, purple and yellow suits. Their new mustaches were also evident. The radical change symbolized the groups' transformation in music and the beginning of the "Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" album.

"With a Little Help From My Friends" was next, followed by "Penny Lane".

The mood was dampened when Gilbert Bonilla, playing John Lennon, came out on stage by himself and discussed the man who wrote about peace and love. He said he admired him "not necessarily by what he said, but because he had the guts to say it."

He dedicated his next song, "Imagine", to all the people who still believe in peace, love and freedom. After, the band re-united with "Come Together" and "Back in the U.S.S.R".

Hard Day's Night was a hit at the Wray Theatre last year, and received another standing ovation this time. The group came out for one final song; "Long Tall Sally" officially ended the bands' return to Rio.