Newton resident to open show for former Beatle
By JESSICA LOWE NDN Staff Writer
Ricky Moore is getting the opportunity of a lifetime Saturday night. The Newton musician will be opening a show for a former Beatle.
Moore, who lives in Newton, will be performing with Circle of Friends Saturday night in What Cheer. His group is the opening act for Pete Best, who performed with the Beatles from 1960 to 1962.
“He is the for real deal,” said Moore of Best.
Moore has been a rock musician for 40 years, playing drums and guitar for a variety of popular musicians. Even with four decades of professional performances and star-studded appearances, Moore said he’s nervous about Saturday’s show.
“Honestly, I’m a little intimidated and I’m never intimidated by anyone. This is the closest I’ve ever been to a real Beatle,” Moore said.
Best and Circle of Friends are both performing in What Cheer as a favor to friend and fellow musician Ralph Gatton, who is suffering from stage-4 liver cancer.
“We’re doing whatever we can to make what’s left of his life as pleasant as possible,” Moore said of Gatton “He’s a talented musician and a great man.”
Saturday’s concert will actually take place in Gatton’s backyard — dubbed “Beatle in the Backyard” by Moore — the concert begins at 2 p.m. with Circle of Friends, the Johnny Rogers Band and the Dinosaurs, with Best taking the stage at 5 p.m. The concert is at 1002 S. Barn St. in What Cheer. Tickets are sold at the gate.
“Best is certainly somebody I admire,” Moore said. “When I heard the Beatles my life changed forever. I’m totally looking forward to playing with my old band Circle of Friends and to sharing the stage with a Beatle.”
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On the Web:
www.petebest.com
