Andre Barreau, former member of The Bootleg Beatles passed away

Another sad loss in the music industry. A former member of The Bootleg Beatles passed away. Andre Barreau was the co-founder and original George of the Bootleg Beatles and more recently co-manager with Neil Harrison who played John.

A lovely man who was also well-known for his musical achievements, including the classic guitar solo on Robbie Williams’ “Angels.”

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and fans during this unimaginably difficult time. May his soul find peace, and may his music continue to resonate through the ages.

Andre Barreau passed away: What happened to him?

Andre was a great musician, artist, and friend to many and a genuinely nice person. He will be greatly missed. The music world mourns the loss of co-founder and original George of the Bootleg Beatles Andre Barreau who passed away this morning.

Andre Barreau has been leaving a positive effect on people for more than three decades. In The Bootleg Beatles, the actor who portrays George Harrison expresses to Dave Owens how much he values the opportunity.

Message on social media from Andre’s Beatles Band.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our friend and founding member, Andre Barreau. Andre co-founded the band with Neil Harrison in 1980 and played the role of ‘George’ until 2017.

In recent years he was heavily involved in the creation of audio visuals for the band’s theatre shows and the design and copy of the programme as well as personally representing the band on their hectic tour schedules around the globe.

His knowledge of and passion for the Beatles, his skilled musicianship, and his cheeky razor-sharp wit will be missed by all who knew him in the BB world, and we send our profound condolences to Lorraine and the whole family

Who was Andre Barreau?

Andre Barreau (1956 – 2023) was a British former member of The Bootleg Beatles, in which he played George Harrison from March 1980, when the group was formed, until 2017.

Barreau and fellow cast members David Catlin-Birch and Neil Harrison founded The Bootleg Beatles after the final performance of the West End musical Beatlemania.

Two guitars, an Epiphone and a Gretsch, two Vox amplifiers, four black polo necks, and a wig were purchases made by the band with their meager resources.

Andre’s part in The Bootleg Beatles perfectly reflects the character he plays. While John and Paul may have made headlines in The Beatles, it only makes sense that their counterparts in The Bootleg Beatles attracted a similar amount of press coverage.

But after spending three decades portraying The Beatles’ hushed George Harrison, Andre has mastered the skill of patience and thoughtful reflection.

Andre Barreau and Adam Hastings participated in The Bootleg Beatles Interview on December 19, 2011, and they answered questions on The Beatles’ Legacy as well as other topics.

Andre Barreau cause of death

According to a statement released by his band today, Andre Barreau passed away this morning. Apart from the confirmation of his death, no cause of death was not yet made public at this time of publication.

Additionally, neither web reports nor his family members disclosed any illness history of Andre Barreau. But the tragic news has been confirmed by his Band.

We must extend the utmost respect and sympathy to Andre Barreau’s mourning family and loved ones during this trying time. They are moving through a horrible and intensely personal time of loss while searching for solace and healing.

The family’s privacy must be respected even though attempts are being made to compile pertinent information and promptly deliver the most recent updates on Andre Barreau cause of death.

About the History of Bootleg Beatles 

The Bootleg Beatles are a Beatles tribute band. They have performed over 4,000 times since their establishment in March 1980.

After the final performance of the West End musical Beatlemania, fellow London cast members Andre Barreau, Neil Harrison, and David Catlin-Birch founded The Bootleg Beatles.

The band bought two guitars, an Epiphone and a Gretsch, two Vox amplifiers, four black polo necks, and a wig with their depleting funds. In Tiverton, Devon, England, during a small student gathering, they gave their debut performance.

The band then played a series of low-key shows before embarking on a 60-date tour of the Soviet Union. Subsequent tours to Israel (1982 and 1986), the Far East, and India then followed.

The band recreated the Beatles’ final live performance for the general public, which took place on the same rooftop 30 years previously, on January 30, 1999, while performing on the rooftop of 3 Savile Row in London, the former home of the Beatles’ Apple Corps firm.

They intended to recreate the performance in 2009 to commemorate the 40th anniversary, however, health and safety issues prevented the appearance. 

The band performed at Buckingham Palace’s Golden Jubilee Party in 2002 for Queen Elizabeth II. At the Glastonbury Festival in 2010, the band headlined the Acoustic Stage and drew the festival’s largest crowd in five years.

On July 13, 2014, Andre Barreau performed his final show at London’s Hyde Park. There are presently no original members performing as the Bootleg Beatles due to Barreau’s departure.

Tributes pour in as reports of Andre Barreau’s passing appear online

Nigel Collins said,

Saddened and shocked to read this news. Awesome musician and his performance as George was accurate and fantastic. Met him once, such a lovely guy. Groundbreaker into the Beatles tribute world and will be sorely missed but his performances will be admired for a very long time. RIP Andre.

Sam Stevens wrote,

Oh gosh, this is terrible news! Andre was such a nice guy. We had a wonderful chat after a show once upon a time. He also played the solo in Angels and we talked about that. Rest in peace and all the love to his family.

Simon Niblock said,

Devastated to hear of the passing of my good friend and founder of the Bootleg Beatles- Andre Barreau – we had many amazing conversations – from conspiracy theories to arranging and transcribing the original Beatles tracks. Rest in peace my friend- you will be sorely missed.

Claire Taylor said,

Unbelievably sad news. Andre was one of a kind and such wonderful company. This is a real shock but has brought back so many wonderful memories of the Bootlegs and chats with them after their shows- they became genuine friends and this is terrible news.

OBITUARY

“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. Saying goodbye to someone we love is heartbreaking. I write this obituary with a heavy heart to inform you of the demise of a former member of The Bootleg Beatles Andre Barreau.

The terrible loss of Andre Barreau has left his family and fans inconsolable, and they have been writing sympathy messages after another to convey how much it hurts.

Andre Barreau, you were an unbelievable talent with, a huge heart, and an all-around awesome guy. Your music and voice is soothing. Thanks for all the memories. We grieve his passing and extend our heartfelt sympathies to his family, friends, and everyone else whose life he impacted. Our

Andre was the most skilled and devoted individual, and after retiring from a lifetime of portraying George Harrison (founding the band in 1980! ), he took on the role of tour manager and lighting director. All those who knew him in the BB world will miss his depth of understanding and love for the Beatles, as well as his talent as a musician and his irreverent, razor-sharp humor.

We grieve Andre Barreau’s passing and extend our heartfelt sympathies to his family, friends, and everyone else whose life he impacted. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this trying time of loss and reflection. Please feel free to leave a condolence in the comment area below as well.

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