The Rutles, that fab Beatles parody band, didn’t tour behind their wry “Archeology” album last year – leader Neil Innes thought doing so would be tacky in the post-John Lennon era – but you can catch them in the most sympathetic of settings this weekend: Beatlefest.
Innes, multi-instrumentalist Ricky Fataar and drummer John Halsey – a k a Ron, Stig and Barry – are scheduled to perform at about 10 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday at that annual celebration of all things Beatles at the Hyatt Recency O’Hare, 9300 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Rosemont.
Expect a mix of newer songs such as “Major Happy’s Up and Coming Once Upon a Good Time Band” and those surprisingly durable tunes from the original 1978 Rutles TV special, such as “I Must Be in Love.”
Also featured at this year’s fest will be Beatles Hamburg pal-photographer Astrid Kirchherr, ex-Wings guitarist Laurence Juber, Len Garry from Lennon’s pre-Beatles band the Quarrymen and Louise Harrison, sister of George. In addition, the 1997 event is touting a brand new feature: a Beatles Puppet Show!
Beatlefest runs 5 p.m. to midnight Friday and noon to midnight Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $19 Friday, $24 Saturday and Sunday. Call 847-696-1234.
