Tribute Bands

The Overtures


The best band of their kind in the world Sir Elton John (GQ magazine).
With their magnificent repertoire of over 400 songs they have built a reputation as the very best 60s band in the country. Covering every aspect of 60s music from the early Merseybeat of The Beatles and The Searchers through to the surf sound of The Beach Boys from the R&B of The Rolling Stones to the folk-rock of The Byrds and The Mamas & Papas from the delicate harmony of Simon and Garfunkel to the unbridled power of The Who.
Apart from cementing their status in Britain, recent years have seen The Overtures entertaining audiences as far afield as Singapore, Pakistan, South Africa, America, Sweden, and Finland. Having already performed for Sir Bob Geldof, Pink Floyd's David Gilmour, Elvis Costello and Sir David Frost, they were then honoured to be invited by Sir Elton John and David Furnish to be the entertainment at their civil ceremony in Windsor in December 2005. Sir Elton described them in the September 2006 edition of GQ magazine as quite simply the best band of their kind in the world!
Their paths crossed again when the band performed at Lulu's sixtieth birthday party in London, during which both Sir Elton and the birthday girl herself performed with the band, swiftly followed by an invitation to appear as guests on the bill of Sir Elton's lavish New Year's Eve 2008 show at London's O2 arena. Since then the boys have performed in Las Vegas for Nigel Lythgoe, played Sir Paul McCartney's after-show party at the O2, backed a host of 60's stars on a German TV special and performed with Lionel Richie at the Palma Bullring in Majorca.

Among other cities, The Overtures may serve the following areas: Hertfordshire, Watford, Bushey, Hare Street, Hitchin, St Albans, Water End, Blackmore End, Bishop's Stortford, Berkhamsted, Benington, Bengeo, Bendish, Bell Bar, Bedmond, Bayfordbury, Bayford, Batchworth Heath, Batchworth, Barleycroft End, Barley, Barkway, Baldock, Baker's End, Ayot St Peter, Ayot St Lawrence, Aston End, Aston, Aspenden, Ashwell

The Overtures are the UK's finest Sixties tribute act. To quote Sir Elton John, speaking to GQ magazine after they performed at the celebration of his civil partnership with David Furnish: "This band are amazing! They're just the best band of their kind in the world." Hertfordshire-based The Overtures were formed in 1989, and their line-up consists of founders Den Pugsley (bass/lead vocals) and Steve Phypers (drums/vocals), plus Jamie Cook (guitar/lead vocals), Chris Skornia (keyboards/vocals) and Phil Evans (guitar/vocals).

They are firm favourites on the private party and corporate event circuit, performing for the likes of Sir Paul McCartney at his after-show party in December 2009 at Matter nightclub at The O2 Arena, Elvis Costello and Diane Krall, Chris Difford of Squeeze, Kenney Jones (ex of The Who and The Small Faces), the annual Liverpool Beatles Convention, the Cavern Club and many, many others too confidential to mention.

In November 2008, Sir Elton invited the band to entertain, this time at a party thrown to celebrate Lulu's 60th Birthday. Many of the musical legends present were at one time or another coaxed on to the stage to perform with the band. "At one point" said Den, "I was singing, turned to my right, and there was Lulu, Kiki Dee and Sir Elton providing backing vocals!" Sir Elton himself then sang 'Pinball Wizard' – a song both he and The Overtures have performed separately many times over the years – and Lulu herself rounded off the night with her signature tune, 'Shout!' "It was a fantastic night" said Steve, "but we didn't know then that a few weeks later we would be performing at probably the biggest show of our lives!"

Two weeks following Lulu's party Sir Elton asked the band to support him at his New Year's Eve show at The O2 Arena in London! The band performed a 40-minute set to 17,000 people in a show that included Will Young and X-Factor winner, Alexandra Burke. "It was a truly unforgettable experience" says Phil. "Elton's crowd were great. They were just totally intent on having a great New Year's Eve party!"

January 2009 saw The Overtures realise another ambition. They played three sell-out shows in Las Vegas where they performed their theatre production, 'The Bootleg 60s Sight and Sound Show" at the Suncoast Casino. The band returned in September 2009 for a further four shows at The Orleans Casino to standing ovations.

In April and May 2010, The Overtures appeared on live television, first in Germany, where they provided backing for Robin Gibb, Peter Noone and Chubby Checker, and then in Majorca, for the German TV show Wetten Das, performing with the American music legend, Lionel Richie, seen live, by countless millions.

In Spring 2010 AND 2011 The Overtures took their Bootleg Sixties Show on major tours of UK theatres playing over 70 dates!

The Overtures present a faithful and dynamic tribute to pop's greatest decade. With their magnificent repertoire of over 400 songs they have rapidly built their reputation as the finest tribute band in the country. You'll hear every aspect of sixties music from the early 'Merseybeat' of The Beatles and The Searchers through to the 'surf' sound of The Beach Boys – the rhythm and blues of The Rolling Stones to the folk-rock of The Byrds and The Mamas and The Papas – the close harmony of Simon and Garfunkel to the psychedelic power of Jimi Hendrix. Whether you are a 'Hippie', 'Mod' or 'Rocker', as Sergeant Pepper says ... "A splendid time is guaranteed for all!"