This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon, July 20, 2012 - As the name of the band indicates, Abbey Road Warriors is a group dedicated to recreating the music of the Beatles. But don’t expect Jack Miller (guitars/bass), Doug Carson (guitar), drummer Mike Ehrhard and Steve Hoover (bass/keyboard/trombone) to wear costumes and wigs designed to make them look like the Fab Four.
The members of the Abbey Road Warriors make it clear that they are focused on recreating the music – not trying to mimic how John, Paul, George and Ringo looked on stage.
“One of the first things we emphasize to anyone who wants to book us and one of the first things we say to audiences that come to our concerts is that we are not attempting to impersonate the Beatles, Ehrhard says. “We just all love their music, so we just want to do the best job we can of playing those great songs live.”
Thanks to the impeccable musical credentials of everyone in the band – with resumes that include working with groups such as Everyday People, Bob Kuban and Ralph Butler - the Abbey road Warriors definitely do an outstanding job of making the music of the Beatles come alive in concert. From early classics such as “Can’t Buy Me Love” to more complicated songs from the “Revolver” and “Sgt. Pepper” era, the band handles everything with authentic feeling and professional musicianship.
This Sunday, July 22, Abbey Road Warriors will play at Bobby’s Custard in Maryville. Here’s some additional background about the group provided by drummer Mike Ehrhard.
HOME: St. Louis, Edwardsville … and abbeyroadwarriors.com
AGE: All together, the band’s ages total 200 years plus.
INSTRUMENTS: YES!!
HOBBY: Beatles music
LAST CONCERT ATTENDED: Starcastle at The Granary
LATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Playing for more than 2,000 people at Faust Park in Chesterfield!
WHY I DO WHAT I DO: Because we can!
QUOTE: “And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.”
--Lennon/McCartney
Bobby’s Custard Concert Series
From June through August, Bobby’s Frozen Custard in Maryville, features bands on weekends to entertain the frozen treat fans who show up to at one of the east side’s most popular drive-ins. On Route 159 in Maryville south of I-270 and north of I-70, Bobby’s is probably best known for its turtle sundae, but the music series is getting plenty of notoriety as well. Admission is free, and bands perform from 7:30-9:30 on Sundays, and 7:30 – 10:30 on Saturday nights. Lawn chairs are encouraged, but no outside food and refreshments – it IS a custard stand, after all! And no alcohol is permitted. For more info and the complete concert schedule, go to www.bobbysfrozencustard.com, or call 618-345-3002.