A balancing act of rock and role
TRIBUTE
The Australian Beatles and Jumping Jack Flash
The Cruising Yacht Club
7pm on Saturday, June 7
When Tom Jennis was first told he looked like Cliff Richard, it was the start of a new career.
The Perth-based musician has been performing with the All Star Showstoppers for four years, adding Mick Jagger, John Lennon and David Bowie impersonations to his resume.
Jennis and a lively cast will pay homage to The Beatles and The Rolling Stones next month at a joint tribute at The Cruising Yacht Club.
He said the shows were in demand in Australian and across the globe.
“People never seem to tire of the acts,” Jennis said.
Jennis, who grew up playing music at licensed venues as soon as he was old enough, has had a long-standing musical career that includes playing in award-winning bands, duos and composing jingles for TV and radio.
He said he loved the diversity of being a tribute artist.
“We’re all fairly seasoned musicians,” he said.
“It’s a privilege to do what we do and we all work very hard.
“Once we have perfected an act, we start thinking about what else we can do.”
Jennis said the All Star Showstoppers members drew on their experience as multi-instrumentalists to perform multiple roles.
“We swap instruments constantly,” he said.
“Going on the road with us is like going on the road with Diana Ross, with all the gear we take.”
Jennis said he prepared for shows by rehearsing each role, saying he could often be found strutting around as Jagger at home trying to perfect his walk.
“People want to see something as close as possible to the stars,” he said.
“It’s like an actor preparing for a part.”
Jennis said he was a big fan of Lennon and Jagger and could not choose his favourite gig.
“Doing the Lennon (role) is great because I get to be part of a band and then Mick is a monkey, jumping around and making people laugh,” he said.
“For him, it’s all about the stage presence.”
He said changing from one character to another was fun and challenging.
“People can see it’s the same guy but hopefully after the first or second song they have forgotten about the previous role,” he said.
“You have to step into one pair of shoes from another and reset the mind.
“As long as you’re convincing, it works — we are actors doing singing roles.”
The Australian Beatles and Jumping Jack Flash shows will be in the members bar.
Tickets cost $25 for members and $30 for non-members.
Phone 9527 5468 to book.
