Rain in Seattle: Q&A with Joe Bithorn as lead guitarist 'George'

*/

Beatles tribute act Rain is set to light up Seattle stages January 30 through February 3 at the Moore Theatre. Today’s Q&A is with Joe Bithorn, who plays George. This writer has seen Bithorn as George in previous Seattle appearances (including the ones Bithorn mentions in this interview), and his rendition of “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” always results in a standing ovation. It’s great to have him back in the Emerald City.

Name: Joe Bithorn

Beatle you portray: George Harrison

When you joined Rain: 1983

Other instruments you play: Piano, bass, cuatro, sitar, swarmandal

Favorite Beatle song(s) to play: All of them

Favorite Beatle album: All of them

Favorite Beatle film: A Hard Day’s Night

Favorite solo Beatle song/album: I choose not to pick, I love so many of them....

Collarless suit or Sgt Pepper outfit?: We don't use the collarless suits. I do like my Sgt Pepper suit and I believe I have the only real "looking glass tie"...

Most memorable gig(s) with Rain: One of them was playing on the roof of the Occidental Building in Pioneer Square in 1990, performing live the music of the "Rooftop Concert" the Beatles played from Let It Be. We were broadcast live on KBHG and filmed by the press.

Most memorable Seattle moments with Rain: Playing outside at the Museum of Flight many moons ago!!

What you hope to do/see this Seattle trip: Experience Music Project.

Have you ever met a real Beatle?: No

Did you ever see the Beatles/a solo Beatle in concert: I've seen both Ringo and Paul and was thoroughly impressed!!

What can returning Rain fans expect in this show?: A high energy nostalgic trip back through the music of the early Beatles to the last of their catalog performed completely live with video montage, fantastic lighting and live camera work.

What’s in the future for Rain?: Onwards and upwards. We also love to perform in Seattle.

What’s the best part about being in Rain?: Being with the great performers and crew that have all become family to me. I also have a job most people envy.