The theme song for Media Geek & The Glass Onion is “Waiting For a Sign,” a very real track from Liverpool singer-songwriter Chris O’Neill, who, beyond, his own music, portrayed George Harrison in the movie Backbeat and takes on Paul’s part in the tribute band Backbeat Beatles.
As to the song itself, which was part of his Chris O’Neill solo album, he offers, “Well it was a long time ago but I think the Beatles band Backbeat Beatles were on the road maybe 20 days a month for a few years so it’s a little bit about being on the road to nowhere endless journeys, and I guess hoping to find something at the end. So give me a sign; there must be something better, somewhere worth going, etc . The ‘waking up inside my head’ line is funny, and that will be waking up in strange hotels not knowing where you are and probably with a hangover longing for your own bed and drinking tea. Yeah, you wouldn’t want to wake up in my head—you have crazy dreams on the road and sleepwalking, too.
“I woke up in a lift once with a red throw around me I’d taken from the bed. I remember thinking it looks like a Roman toga before I fell asleep… so there I am in the lift, nothing on, dressed like Caesar, no underwear, no footwear, no room key—I had to walk over to reception in another building. I had to cross the road bare foot—15 degrees in the snow .. receptionists thought I was some crazy drunk until I told them what happened. Also, the Chris O’Neill album was mainly recorded in hotel rooms and dressing rooms. We had a portable studio at the time and laptops probably did the lead vocals at home or at our drummer Dave’s house in the countryside.”
About the Backbeat Beatles
The Beatles tribute band was formed in 1994 by musician, actor and singer-songwriter Chris O’Neill, inspired by his successful acting performance in the BAFTA Award-winning Beatles film Backbeat. The lads, who are from the Liverpool area, have long shared a mutual admiration for The Beatles and had previously played alongside Chris in other bands.
Following numerous TV appearances and a countrywide P.A. tour, they were snapped up to appear in the highly successful Ultimate Tribute Show, which toured major UK theatres and cities.
With their popularity increasing, they embarked on numerous UK and European tours of major venues, including their own complete history of The Beatles show, as well as making many TV appearances. They also performed in the Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Show, which toured UK theatres and featured an amazing light show along with animations.
The Backbeat Beatles are undoubtedly one of the leading Beatles tribute bands on the circuit and have built up an unrivalled reputation. They performed at the Sporting Club of Monaco for the Forte International Hotels Conference, where they were received exceptionally well. The manager of the Sporting Club said they were the first band he had asked to perform an encore in 15 years — remarkable when you consider the top international stars who have played there.
Chris was involved with setting up the Beatles Day charity, which celebrated the homecoming of The Beatles to Liverpool from America in 1964. The event was staged in many cities around the world, culminating in the Backbeat Beatles headlining a fundraiser at Liverpool Echo Arena with Ricky Tomlinson and many original ’60s musicians. Beatles Day raised money for several children’s charities, including Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.
The Backbeat Beatles don’t just give a Beatles history lesson by preaching about song release dates and repeating every quip John Lennon ever made, which can often lead to a very flat show. Instead, they perform with an energy and spontaneity that makes for a fun, enjoyable evening for everyone involved.