ONE of the major musical developments in the last century was the so-called musical "British Invasion" in the United States in the mid-1960s with The Beatles and The Dave Clark Five emerging as the biggest and most successful of British acts. These two acclaimed British rock and roll bands whose phenomenal popularity inspired a legendary and enduring competition for the attention and patronage of millions of fans worldwide.

Memories of the classic "rivalry" between the two top British bands will be relived and provide an interesting sidelight to the much-awaited visit to Manila of The Apple Band, one of the hottest Beatles tribute bands, for a series of performances to be highlighted by a major concert at the Aliw Theater in Pasay City at 8 p.m. on March 24.

Billed as "The Beatles Forever! With The Apple Band," the three-night gig to be mounted by Steve O’Neal Productions and George Montero in cooperation with Hard Rock Café and Hyatt Hotel and Casino-Manila kicks off with a show at Hard Rock Café in Makati City tonight at 7:30 and end with a dinner-concert at Hyatt Hotel and Casino-Manila at 7 p.m. this Sunday, March 25.

The musical presentation, considered as "the ultimate Beatles concert in four decades," will feature the immortal hit songs of The Beatles as performed by The Apple Band comprised of David Leon (as John Lennon), Jeff Toczynski (as Paul McCartney), David Brighton (as George Harrison) and Mike Sarafian (as Ringo Starr).

Guest performer is actor Michael Sherman as Ed Sullivan, who will present the group and provide some comic entertainment.

Also appearing as special guest is the local band M.O.B.B., which will perform hit songs of The Dave Clark Five.

"The Beatles Forever! With The Apple Band" will re-create the Beatlemania phenomenon for thousands of Pinoy fans more than 40 years after the Fab Four visited Manila on July 4, 1966 and performed two sold-out shows before an estimated crowd of 40,000 at the Rizal Football Stadium.