Tribute bands may be ten-a-penny right now but most don't have the magnetic allure or staying power of grandfathers of the genre, The Bootleg Beatles.

What makes four experienced musicians and entertainers choose a career which follows the well-worn path of the original "Fab Four" rather than going it alone?

"It was only supposed to be a six-month thing," explains Andre Barreau, co-founder of the band and George Harrison doppleganger. "We were originally part of the Beatlemania show which transferred from America.

"But it was too American for a British audience and folded pretty quickly after it opened. We just thought we'd carry on from there for a few months until we found something better to do."

Fast-forward 25 years and has he found something better? Barreau's response is an emphatic no: "We still enjoy performing and as long as it's enjoyable and the audience doesn't start throwing eggs at us, then we'll carry on."

Over the years the line-up has changed several times and is now, believes Barreau, stronger than ever. He is full of praise for Hugo Degenhardt, the "fantastic new Ringo" and is delighted that after a gap of 14 years, original band member David Catlin-Birch is back playing Paul McCartney. Neil Harrison, in the role of John Lennon, makes up the modish quartet.

Himself no stranger to the delights of Brighton - the group usually end their tour here once every two years - Barreau can't help wondering if, now that he has a home in Hove, the real McCartney might put in an appearance.

"We met Sir Paul when we played at the Queen's Golden Jubilee Garden Party," says Barreau. "He was really nice to us but did ask where we were next playing so he could come along and heckle."

If McCartney, mark 1, does opt for a night out, he might be surprised by the change in the order of play. "We decided to shuffle the pack a bit in terms of the show. We play the Revolver set in the first half, which includes Strawberry Fields Forever and Penny Lane, then the real crowd-pleasers, like Lucy In The Sky, come in the second half."

The changes, including a few new numbers, have been well received by appreciative audiences. "This set is really happening," says Barreau. "It's been going down really well."

The band have fond memories of Brighton and try to make it their last tour date so they can go out on a high.

"Brighton was the first place the crowd really started to go wild. It was about seven years ago, mid-way through the show, when suddenly the audience all got up and started to do a Mexican wave. It was amazing - I love the wildness of the crowd here, they really know how to party."

As they celebrate their 25th year on the road, The Bootlegs are in no hurry to surrender their tribute crown and confess to still "really loving it" - although even they must admit it's been a long six months.

Start 8pm Tickets £18.50 Call: 01273 290131