The Counterfeit Stones are more than a tribute to the Rolling Stones, they are a complete re-enactment. With a healthy smattering of “Spinal Tap” type humour, their performances take on an almost cartoon-like air. The theatre production is essentially a mockumentary of the Rolling Stones’ colourful history from 1962. The repertoire, instruments and clothes faithfully match those of the originals, and the show has been affectionately described as a masterpiece in “fraud rock and hookey nostalgia”.
The band formed in October 1991, and although there have been some personnel changes since then, the characters, of course, never change. They have successfully toured the world for over twenty years playing in most of the major countries, and have been booked by multinationals, British Royalty, and some of the most famous international celebrities.
Their many fans include Bill Clinton, Prince Edward, The Gallagher Brothers, Jerry Hall and even Mick Jagger himself, who quoted The Counterfeit Stones as being, “The Most Famous Stones Band in England”. They have also shared stages with Joe Cocker, Iggy Pop, Blur, ZZ Top, Bryan Ferry and many more.
In the current line up of the band Nick Dagger is played by Steve Elson, Keef Rickard is played by Bill Lennon, Bill Hymen is played by Steve Stroud, Charlie Mott is played by John Prynn, Bryon Jones, Mick Taylor-Made and Ronnie B Goode are played by David Birnie and Nicky Popkiss is played by Holger Skepeneit.
One of the most impressive ingredients in the Counterfeit Stones’ show is their attention to the guitar arsenal. They have tried to replicate as many of the popular Stones’ guitars as possible including the range of acoustics and basses, as well as an electric sitar – all the special tunings are also applied. The back-line technicians really have their work cut out as the band tour with over 25 guitars which poses many challenges but it’s just another ingredient that makes the show so authentic.
Why pay a fortune to see originals as ants in a mega-dome when, for a fraction of the price, you can smell the sweat of bogus brilliance? It’s phony rock ‘n’ roll but a real bargain!
The Counterfeit Stones appear at The Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells on Saturday 21st May at 7:30pm. There are still some tickets available, priced at £21 plus a booking fee, at www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk or through the theatre box office on 01892 530613.