By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
THEY GOT together in the way typical of bands across the country – some ads and the old school network.
At first it was just a chance for some U2 fans to get together and belt out a few of their favourite tunes from the barnstorming Irish mega-rockers.
But the accuracy of their portrayal started winning The U2 Show – Achtung Baby a few gigs as its efforts at replicating the music, costumes and stage shows paid off.
When Michael Cavallaro hits the stage he transforms into U2 lead singer Bono, harnessing all the star’s energy and presence, he’s backed by band founder Peter Kalamaras as The Edge on guitars, vocals and keyboards along with David Attard as bassist Adam Clayton and Craig Jupp as drummer Larry Mullen jnr.
Last month marked the 28th year since the album that catapulted U2 into the worldwide public consciousness, The Joshua Tree, was released.
But it had lost none of its significance, Cavallaro told the Indepedendent.
“People still want to hear those songs,” he said.
“Once we are up on that stage and the music kicks in, that’s where the change happens.
“We put a lot of effort into the show. We do our shows the way U2 do theirs.
“Where space allows we have a video screen set up and running behind us. U2 were the pioneers of using video on stage.
“We costume up to look exactly like the band members and even do a costume change to reflect their different eras.”
Cavallaro said the music of U2 was quite sophisticated, with Bono boasting one of the widest vocal ranges of any rock lead singer.
“It takes quite a bit to remain faithful to the original but we’re all big U2 fans, so we love it.”
The popularity of tribute bands could be sheeted home to the tyranny of distance for many international acts in touring Australia, Cavallaro believed.
“We’re so far away and big bands don’t tour Australia for long periods of time but people still like to hear the music – that’s where we come in.”
The U2 Show – Achtung Baby plays its first gig at North Geelong’s Sphinx Hotel on 18 April.
