IN MY LIFE… AS RINGO!
Part 7 by Mike Streeto

After seeing the “Legends of Yesterday” show twice at the Tropicana in Atlantic City, and meeting and hanging out with the show’s cast, I went from being a member of “Fab Forever” to joining this group as a substitute for the drummer. It was great being back in Atlantic City for the first time since the eighties.

Bobby Potter, the regular “Ringo” in “Yesterday,” got a call telling him that his father had passed away. The show’s producer and its “Lennon,” Don Bellezzo, called me and said, “how soon can you get here?” While on the phone with him, I was already packing for the gig. Bobby was on his way home to the funeral, and I was on my way to act as his fill-in. I remember being excited, but concerned about how to pull it off logistically. Fortunately, I had some time off from my full-time and part-time jobs, so it somehow worked out. It was very rushed and last-minute ... clearly I said yes, and off I went.

My thoughts at the time were mostly how lucky I was this year. After not playing with any Beatle show-bands since 1986 (Beatlemania), except for one or two guest spots, here I was going from one highly-touted casino band to another.

I recall Don’s exact words: “here’s your shot with ‘Yesterday’." I was thinking about the song “All You Need is Love” – not the case here – all you need is the talent, the look and your stick bag (drummers will know what I mean). I also needed to bring my Beatle suits/boots/wig/gear, and I had them all. Thanks goodness I didn’t have to ship my drum kit! I always love it when the backline is there.

While en route to the venue, Don Bellezzo called me on my cell 2-3 times to see how close I was (from CT to Atlantic City). Once there, he met me in the main room at the casino, and took me on a tour of the show-room where I hung up my Sullivan suit and Shea jacket, and then to my room in the hotel. I would stay there until Bobby returned.

Though I didn’t know Bobby, I felt bad that I had to fill in for him under such sad circumstances. I was hoping that he would be back quickly, for his sake, and because I had my job commitments back home.

I felt instantly at ease with the band’s Harrison, Jim Lett, as everyone does. Most George’s are nice, right? Needless to say, I was looking forward to playing with the McCartney, Todd Rainey, who I’ve written about in the past. By the time I got there, he was gone, replaced by their new and young bass player, Adam (Aoereste) Joel. He also made me feel very welcome, and I admire him as being the king of applying make-up (in a good way, of course)! That’s still my weak point. Thanks, Adam, for your tips~~

I had always had a good feeling about the “Legends of Yesterday,” especially the act’s director, Barbara. She was very calming and helpful, and easy to talk to. She is a class act. In fact, my best friend and partner Charles F. Rosenay!!!, had been in touch with her for a little while before this about doing a “Beatles weekend” in Atlantic City (like his Vegas “Weekend of Love” promotions), which would have revolved around seeing the band perform, but that never happened.

On the day I arrived, we didn’t get to rehearse properly except for a quick sound-check, but we didn’t need more than that. We did three days of shows, and everything went very well. I especially enjoyed the after-show ritual: meet & greet with the fans (photo-taking with the band-members, and signing autographs), followed by having dinner with the band (and Barbara).

I did get one huge surprise during my three-day stint, and I can’t believe nobody leaked out the secret. Charles F. Rosenay!!! drove to Atlantic City with his wife Melissa and their children from Connecticut to see me play with “Yesterday.” During the show, I was thrown when I heard my name called from the crowd. I couldn’t imagine anyone knowing me, or that I was there. After the show, they were waiting for meat the “meet & greet,” and I can only imagine the look of shock that was probably on my face. Don and Barbara never let on, and it was one of the highlights of my quick engagement.

On the third day, Bobby returned, so I figured I’d be on the next train or bus back. Don said, “No, you’re playing tonight! I want him to see you.” Perhaps for the future? I had mixed feelings about this, but after the show, Bobby gave me a hug and expressed his appreciation for me coming to fill in for him on such short notice. He was fine with my playing too!

So far, so good.

To paraphrase John Lennon, “I hope I passed the audition.” I guess I did, because next I was asked to play in the Tahoe cast of “Yesterday,” but we'll save that for the next column!

“I’ve got an invitation to make a reservation…” The Lake Tahoe tour was waiting to taking me away.

Peace & Love,
Mike “Ringo” Streeto

Visit "Yesterday" here

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