THE Mersey Beatles will be turning the clock back 55 years when they perform at King George’s Hall, Blackburn, next month.

For the band - previously the resident house band at the world famous Cavern Club in Liverpool - are touring the UK visiting towns and cities the original Fab Four played in the 1960s.

In the case of Blackburn, Beatlemania struck in June 1963 when the loveable mop tops toured with Roy Orbison.

Formed in 1999, The Mersey Beatles are Mark Bloor (John), Steven Howard (Paul), Craig McGown (George) and Brian Ambrose (Ringo).They were residents at the Cavern for 10 years before touring the world.

Ahead of their visit to Blackburn, the band answered a few questions.

You must be looking forward to the tour?

Steve: Yes, it’s going to be amazing.The idea behind this tour is we are playing the same venues The Beatles played when they toured Britain back in the day. Sadly, so many of the original venues have been demolished down the years so it’s a real honour to be able to play those that have thankfully survived.

Craig: For us, we’re going to get a sense of what it’s like to play these iconic songs in these historic venues. We’re sure the audiences will enjoy these shows as much as we will playing them as we’re looking to recreate something very special – an authentic-sounding Beatles’ gig in a truly authentic setting.

And what can Beatles fans expect from the shows?

Mark: We’re going to play the same setlist The Beatles did when they played these venues in the 1960s – the sets are a real barnstorming mix of rock’n’roll and a great way to start the show.

Of course, given the fact The Beatles only usually played for about 20 minutes at their gigs back in the 60s we’ll be playing for a bit longer on the night!

We’ll incorporate the original sets into a full show that will chart The Beatles’ career from the days of Love Me Do right through to their last album Let It Be.

Brian: What’s also really special is that we get to play songs live The Beatles never did. They finished touring in 1966 so we play songs from the later, more experimental albums, such as Sgt Pepper, The White Album and Abbey Road, live on stage. This year, with it being the 50th anniversary of The White Album we’re going to be playing a few songs from this classic album. Songs like Dear Prudence and Helter Skelter are not often heard live, so we’re really looking forward to this.

Do you feel any extra pressure in making the show as authentic as possible?

Steve: At the end of the day we are Beatles fans and, as fans, we want to make our shows as authentic as possible. The Beatles are so well loved, everyone knows their songs, so everything we do has to be just right. It’s been our mantra since day one that we want to be the most authentic sounding tribute there is.

Craig: To get the chance to get up on these stages and play this extraordinary, era-defining music is a real privilege and one which excites us every time we do a gig. Beatles fans want that true, unmistakable sound, and that is what we bring to the show. For two hours we all – the band and the audience – get lost inside this wonderful music and have a great time.

That is why music is such an amazing medium.

Do you see the world’s fascination with The Beatles slowing down?

Steve: We weren’t even born when The Beatles split up. New generations continue to discover and fall in love with this amazing music and it seems The Beatles are as relevant today as they ever were.

Craig: The music is universal, and it still rings true today. It’s got big themes such as peace and love, and I think it speaks to all people. Who doesn’t want peace and love in their life?

Brian: I think what’s important is The Beatles did not stand still. They are not just the four ‘mop tops’ singing about wanting to hold your hand. Yes, that is the era when the world fell in love with them, but they grew and developed together as a band.

Mark: They were not afraid to experiment with different types of music. There is something for everyone whether it is the rock’n’roll era Beatles to the more ‘way out’ experimental stuff.

And it must be great to see new generations of Beatles fans at your gigs?

Steve: It’s an amazing thing. To see teenagers getting into the really cool stuff like The White Album is brilliant and shows The Beatles’ music is timeless. I really can’t see the love affair with The Beatles ever ending.

The Mersey Beatles, King George’s Hall, Blackburn, Friday, November 9. Details from 0844 847 1664 or www.kinggeorgeshall.com