Verso Gig Reviews
A Tribute to George Harrison – St. Peter’s on the Waterfront, Ipswich
A new venue, a familiar face, and a musical legend – our night at St. Peter’s on the Waterfront delivered in every possible way. This former church in the heart of Ipswich has transformed into a vibrant arts and heritage centre, often used by local music groups, charities, and now – tribute acts honouring some of music’s most iconic figures. This time, it was George Harrison’s turn.
Setting the Scene
Walking into St. Peter’s was a surprise. The venue, with its stained-glass windows and stripped-back charm, made for an intimate and acoustically rich performance space. For first-timers like us, it felt like the perfect environment to celebrate the quiet Beatle.
Tribute acts can go one of two ways: they either soar or stumble. Recreating the essence of The Beatles – arguably the most influential band of all time – is no small feat. But within seconds of the band launching into Taxman, any doubt melted away. They weren’t imitating – they were channelling.
A Career-Spanning Set
The setlist read like a journey through George’s life: from Beatles classics to solo standouts and a respectful nod to his work with The Traveling Wilburys. What made the performance truly shine wasn’t just technical accuracy – it was soul. Each song was delivered with real affection for Harrison’s legacy.
Harrison was often seen as the quiet third man behind Lennon and McCartney – but nights like this prove how immense his catalogue truly is. Personal favourites like While My Guitar Gently Weeps, Something, and Here Comes the Sun were met with huge audience appreciation.
The inclusion of lesser-known gems like I Don’t Want To Do It (penned by Bob Dylan for the Porky’s Revenge soundtrack, no less!) was a welcome surprise for fans who dig deeper than the hits.
Between the Notes
What really elevated the night were the stories and anecdotes peppered between songs. The frontman shared personal reflections and historical tidbits that placed the music in context – from the early 60s mop-top days to Harrison’s more introspective solo years and his all-star Wilburys collaborations.
And with permission from the band – or at least a verbal nod from Gary, the lead singer – I was able to record Something, which holds a special place in my heart. I may have cheekily captured two more: one from The Beatles era and one from the Wilburys. (All done respectfully, of course – front row, no blocking anyone’s view.)
Final Thoughts
This show is an absolute gem. Thoughtful, celebratory, and musically accomplished. Easily one of the most memorable live performances I’ve seen this year – not because of bombast or production, but because of honesty, passion, and the timeless beauty of George Harrison’s music.
If this tribute band heads to your town – go. Simple as that.
