The British Invasion Leaving Epcot!

[DVCMBR05]

I'm so upset by this! :boohoohoo::angry: If I had known this, I would have made an effort to see them when I was there last month!

Source: http://www.illuminatingepcot.com/epcot-news/the-british-invasion-leaving-epcot/

[KNWVIKING 2.0]

That is disappointing. They've been there a long time.

We never set time aside to be there to watch them, but if we were in the area and they were playing we'd usually stop for a song or two.

Hard to imagine what other cover band they would put there. The Beatles were the defining sound for a generation, no other band comes close in that regard. Somehow, The Stones or The Who just wouldn't fit.

Maybe The Sex Pistols ?

[Checkers]

:(Disappointing news. Always stopped by when they were performing when we were in the area. Can't imagine either what will replace them.

[Colorado Belle]

I, too, never specifically went to see them, but if they were playing I usually walked over for a couple of songs....and it seemed that it was always crowded enough.

I can't mourn cuz I 'm still mourning the Human Statues...my fav in all of the World. Wonder if they are performing anywhere since?

[idratherbeinwdw]

I don't know when those of you who posted above saw the BI last, but they are not what they used to be. Most of the group was replaced about 2 years ago, and the newer version does not just do Beatles songs, they do a variety of British Rock. IMHO they were not very good compared to the originals who REALLY sounded like the Beatles to me. So I have already mourned the loss of this band, the replacements never impressed me much.

Sorry to those who will miss the current act.

[denlo]

I'm glad we saw them last October. We always heard the music but never took the time to stop and listen. Sure they weren't the Beatles but it was still good to hear music from that era. I wonder what will replace it? I hope it's something uniquely British.

[cyl-e]

I've always loved British Invasion - we would make a point of going to listen to them. I'm not sure I caught that they had changed - I guess that shows how observant I am - although I did notice that they were doing non-Beatle songs. Either way, it's still disappointing to me. Hopefully they'll be replaced with something even better...

[dmoore22]

My DW, DDs and I were saddened to hear the news that The British Invasion would no longer be performing at Epcot the United Kingdom. Since we began visiting WDW when our children were much younger, and our subsequent visits as our children matured, survived the teen years, and became young adults, a stop at the Gazebo outside the quaint shops to listen to The British Invasion was a required activity. We did not indoctrinate our kids in the ways of the Beatles but this became come link, another bonding between parents, children, and grandchildren. The Beatles were the very first the British groups in what music history calls the British Invasion. They are one of the most successful of the "boy" groups, setting the transition for those that followed, The New Kids on the Block, The Backstreet Boys, N-Sync, and the Jonas Brothers. All groups that our 6 kids loved and grew up with, so to speak. Their music, so far, has stood the test of time. I'm disappointed in the choice of a group to replace The British Invasion. I'm not being critical of the band itself. What they play they play very well. However the group, The English Channel, is a group that would be a better fit in Hollywood Studios as a compliment to Mulch, Sweat, and Shears, or perhaps a group to perform at the Atlantic Dance Hall, or the old Pleasure Island, or House of Blues. The British Invasion did more than just perform music. They were a show, a performance that created the illusion that you could very well be in a park in England. They transcended time. The current group spoils the setting has soon as they open their mouth to speak in their American English. I don't feel like I'm in England but rather an upscale Six Flags show. I'm not sure how to say this tactfully but, in short, the replacement group is a good bar band that I can hear in any pub or tavern in our community. When I visit WDW I want to be blown away. I want an experience that I can't experience anyplace other than WDW. I feel shortchanged when I travel thousand of miles for an experience I could have within my own community for a fraction of the expense. I apologize if I've inadvertently upset any posters.

[simbasmom]

That stinks! I've never seen the British Invasion, but it so saddens me to see the erosion of live entertainment in WDW. They're supposedly being replaced, but I can think of so many groups that haven't been-Main Street Marching Band, Future Corps, World Showcase Brass, Tomorrowland used to have a musical group, etc. Many musical groups in DL have been let go also over the years. I admit, part of my feelings are personnal-when DS was in HS, he wanted to become a musical entertainer at WDW-now not so much because so many more have been let go than hired.

[kathyseb]

We caught their replacement while we were at the World for the past two weeks.

My first impression, based on looks ONLY, was what a waste. Long hair, messy clothes.

But man could they sing.

We both walked away saying maybe this will give OK a kick in the pants and they will start to perform a larger variety of songs.

Thumbs Up from Ron and I.

[matysgranma]

Kathy, both Tom and I thought they were excellent musicians. They had a HUGE crowd when wr saw them. We were so impressed with them that we stayed for their entire set (which is something we normally don't do).

[kathyseb]

We stay for the set too, although they were already playing when we walked in.

They are a very talented group, played songs from a variety of artists and sounded really good.

There was a huge crowd there the day we stopped and the people seemed to really be getting into the music.

It was a refreshing change. I doubt we will plan our day around them, but would stop in again.

[tink4146]

British Invasion will be touring. I saw today that they will be near me in Philadelphia on August 19th!