Liam Mahoney, 11, of South Salem plays a cover of the Beatles' "Across The Universe" with his band at Clockworks Cafe. / Dee Moore | Special to the Statesman Journal
Written by
Dee Moore
Special to the Statesman Journal
Slumped over in his chair, 11-year-old Liam Mahoney is anything but awake.
The activity on the stage behind him as his band sets up for a show in Clockworks Cafe is the last thing on his mind.
His slight body slides closer to the floor. He looks as if he should be asleep, which is what he was just a moment before.
Liam is spending his summer in South Salem with his dad. During the school year he lives in Cissna Park, Ill., with his mom.
While in Oregon, the Salem native is on stage, playing classic rock 'n' roll. He has spent the summer playing shows all over the Willamette Valley and on the coast.
The Liam Mahoney Band includes his father, Tinh, playing lead guitar and singing up backup, Dane Kuester of Salem on drums and former Salem resident Stuart Sparkman on rhythm guitar and percussion.
Liam is quiet at first but becomes talkative when discussing his current interests.
As a big Beatles fan, Liam has created a show that's primarily a tribute to the Fab Four with a few other tunes thrown in as part of the sound check.
Although the band choice may seem unusual for a boy his age, he knows what he likes.
"I heard one of their songs, and I just started listening to them," he said.
It was "Across the Universe" from the Beatles' album "Let It Be." It's the song he starts his set with.
One song led to the band's entire catalog. Currently, Liam's favorite Beatles songs include "Hey Jude" and "Hide Your Love Away."
Liam, who plays bass, said that of all the music he plays, the Beatles songs are "a little bit harder" and more complex.
But his interest in the band has gone beyond their music. He appears to have developed a more personal connection with the group.
"He was always really friendly," Liam said of Paul McCartney. Then added, "They were all really friendly."
"I want to make it up to George and John," Liam said of the deceased members of the band. "I can't really see them, so why don't I play their music."
This was the start of what has been a full time summer gig.
Additionally, Liam avidly watches old Beatles video clips on YouTube.
Though he isn't in the school band and doesn't take private lessons, he is a dedicated young musician.
"I practice on my own. If I have a question, I call my dad," he said.
Liam is talented young man, but he isn't all about Beatles tunes or performing; he also enjoys video games and writing movie scripts. His two favorite directors are John Woo and Steven Spielberg. His favorite film is "Saving Private Ryan."
The young star is also on the market for the time being. "I'm single at the moment," he said with a big grin.
Copyright Statesman-Journal 2010
http://www.statesmanjournal.com/article/20100818/COMMUNITIES/108160018
The activity on the stage behind him as his band sets up for a show in Clockworks Cafe is the last thing on his mind.
His slight body slides closer to the floor. He looks as if he should be asleep, which is what he was just a moment before.
Liam is spending his summer in South Salem with his dad. During the school year he lives in Cissna Park, Ill., with his mom.
While in Oregon, the Salem native is on stage, playing classic rock 'n' roll. He has spent the summer playing shows all over the Willamette Valley and on the coast.
The Liam Mahoney Band includes his father, Tinh, playing lead guitar and singing up backup, Dane Kuester of Salem on drums and former Salem resident Stuart Sparkman on rhythm guitar and percussion.
Liam is quiet at first but becomes talkative when discussing his current interests.
As a big Beatles fan, Liam has created a show that's primarily a tribute to the Fab Four with a few other tunes thrown in as part of the sound check.
Although the band choice may seem unusual for a boy his age, he knows what he likes.
"I heard one of their songs, and I just started listening to them," he said.
It was "Across the Universe" from the Beatles' album "Let It Be." It's the song he starts his set with.
One song led to the band's entire catalog. Currently, Liam's favorite Beatles songs include "Hey Jude" and "Hide Your Love Away."
Liam, who plays bass, said that of all the music he plays, the Beatles songs are "a little bit harder" and more complex.
But his interest in the band has gone beyond their music. He appears to have developed a more personal connection with the group.
"He was always really friendly," Liam said of Paul McCartney. Then added, "They were all really friendly."
"I want to make it up to George and John," Liam said of the deceased members of the band. "I can't really see them, so why don't I play their music."
This was the start of what has been a full time summer gig.
Additionally, Liam avidly watches old Beatles video clips on YouTube.
Though he isn't in the school band and doesn't take private lessons, he is a dedicated young musician.
"I practice on my own. If I have a question, I call my dad," he said.
Liam is talented young man, but he isn't all about Beatles tunes or performing; he also enjoys video games and writing movie scripts. His two favorite directors are John Woo and Steven Spielberg. His favorite film is "Saving Private Ryan."
The young star is also on the market for the time being. "I'm single at the moment," he said with a big grin.
Copyright Statesman-Journal 2010
http://www.statesmanjournal.com/article/20100818/COMMUNITIES/108160018
No comments:
Post a Comment