Backstage at the Egyptian: Interview with Billy McGuigan

The Egyptian Theatre has the honor to host Yesterday and Today: An Interactive Beatles Experience, featuring Billy, Ryan, and Matthew McGuigan and their backing band on October 14, 2016. The three brothers do not try to impersonate the Beatles, however, they honor the music and the memories that people have with each song. We recently talked with Billy McGuigan to discuss both the upcoming event here at the theatre as well as the band in general.

Interview conducted by: Jessica Hicks – Egyptian Theatre Intern

Jessica: Why did you choose to play music by the Beatles?

Billy: Ever since I was a little kid, I always felt it was the best music! It was always playing their music in my house.

Jessica: What makes your show unique compared to other Beatles tribute bands?

Billy: We don’t dress up like the Beatles, or try to impersonate them in any way. Yesterday and Today is all about the music and affect it’s had on our lives. Everyone has a story or memory attached to a song. Our show celebrates that. It’s a show about the  music, as opposed to the personas of the Beatles.

Jessica: Why is it so important to you to let the audience members pick the songs?

Billy:  I put this show together to honor my Dad. He loved the Beatles and taught us to play the music. He passed away from Leukemia at the age of 42. Playing the Beatles music after he passed was almost like a healing experience. I figured, if the music can help me, I knew it could help others.

Jessica: How do you decide what stories to tell with each specific song?

Billy: The audience decides for us. On the request cards we ask for the reason why they chose the song. Throughout the show I read the cards on stage and share the audiences stories about why they chose the song.


Jessica: What is you favorite Beatles song and why?

Billy: That’s a hard one, it changes all the time! Right now, I’d say it is “Let It be”. It was my Dad’s favorite. He was very secretive when it came to his favorite Beatles song. As a graduation present he took me to see Paul McCartney and when Paul started singing Let It Be, my Dad said, “this is my favorite”. I’ll never forget that moment.

Jessica: What is your favorite part about performing in historic theaters?

Billy:  My favorite part of performing in historic theaters is just that, the history! The buildings are interesting and the community that is involved with these venues are super supportive.

For more information on Yesterday & Today visit their website

To purchase tickets to the show click the image below.