The Bootleg Beatles have been together longer than the real Fab Four.

They are now on their December 2016 tour of the UK – and, of course, they are dropping into the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall - but we will be seeing and hearing a lot more next year too.

The Phil is a venue well-suited for their incredible recreation of Beatle songs.

The acoustics are spot-on, just like this group of superb musicians.

The band, along with their renowned string and brass ensemble, is visiting 15 cities.

Since their inception in 1980 they have performed hundreds of gigs, gaining standing ovations from fans of all ages and generations.

The late George Martin, Beatles producer, himself described the Bootleg Beatles experience as a "terrific show".

And you don't get a better thumbs-up than one from George Harrison when he said the Bootleg's probably knew more chords than the he did.

Radio 2's Chris Evans was left speechless - now that's some achievement.

He regards them as "off-the-scale fabulous".

I have seen Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr on stage in solo concerts and performing together.

I have also reviewed the Bootlegs many times across the UK over the past 30 years and I often imagine that watching them perform is like being at the concert The Beatles never managed to give in their astonishing eight-year long career.

Formed from the original cast of London’s West End hit show Beatlemania, The Bootleg Beatles have become an institution in their own right with their note-perfect recreation of hits from every era of the world’s most famous songbook.

Every tiny detail is meticulously covered from iconic costumes to authentic period instruments; from the 'Liverpudlian' banter to their 'inflection-perfect' vocal mimicry.

But it's not only their sound that is so authentic.

The even bear an uncanny resemblance to the Moptops.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the release of the milestone album Revolver by The Beatles, widely acknowledged for its revolutionary range and the regarded as the record that redrew the map of popular music.

It proved that the band were not only unique singer-songwriters but creative innovators in the studio Songs from that album – certified five times Platinum - feature heavily in The Bootlegs Beatles set and will be heard on the tour.

And 1966 was also the year of the Fab Four's final public show in Candlestick Park, San Francisco There's always an anniversary to celebrate with The Beatles.

And I read the news today, Oh boy-there's more.

A Celebration of Sgt. Pepper and The Summer of Love next year.

As Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band reaches its half century, the award-winning Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and The Bootleg Beatles team up to perform this iconic album live in its entirety - 50 years to the day of its original release.

With music arranged by Nigel Osborne and hosted by Liverpool poet Roger McGough, this special concert is a unique opportunity to experience what Rolling Stone magazine proclaimed ‘the number one greatest album of all time’ complete with full-blown symphonic backing.

Incorporating many other hits from the heady days of 1967 - including Strawberry Fields, Penny Lane and All You Need Is Love.

Gear ... fab, indeed.

December 4, 2016, May 31 and June 3, July 8, 2017 Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool. Tickets from 0151 709 3789.