Billy Preston joins the British Rock Symphony for a ‘symphonic rock world tour’ at UNLV

Kirk Baird

Thursday, March 23, 2000 | 9:40 a.m.

John, Paul, George, Ringo ... and Billy.

There are many who would argue that Billy Preston's name belongs in that group. After all, Preston's keyboard work on such Beatle albums as the "White Album," "Let It Be" and "Abbey Road" went beyond simple session performances and created an indelible presence all its own. (Can you imagine the songs "Get Back" and "Don't Let Me Down" without his energetic R&B/rock stylings?)

And although his career has included stints with the Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin and Ray Charles, among others, as well as several solo hits himself ("Will it Go Round in Circles," "Nothing From Nothing" and "You Are So Beautiful," which Preston wrote and Joe Cocker turned into a hit), it's his association with the Fab Four for which he'll forever be remembered.

Preston will get the opportunity to play some of those Beatles classics again when he performs with the British Rock Symphony on Saturday at Artemus Ham Hall at UNLV as part of the symphony's national tour.

Still, you won't hear Preston make the case for himself as the fifth, sixth (behind George Martin) or even the fourth Beatle, replacing Ringo -- a statement Preston laughed at. Rather, to borrow a cliche from the sports world, Preston was just happy to be there.

"I was just proud to be part of the band. They treated me as if I was a member of the band when I was with them," Preston said in a phone interview from his home in Los Angeles. "I knew them before they became big, so we were friends. I have no ill feelings about any of them."

Still, if people want to insert him into the lineup, Preston is inclined to let them. "I don't back off when people say that. It makes me proud," he said.

He's also quite proud of the work he did with the Beatles, and said he never grows weary of playing those songs. "It takes me right there, takes me back in time like it was yesterday," he said. "It was such a wonderful time in my life. They did a lot for me and touched a lot of people."

And they continue to do so, as evidenced by shows such as the British Rock Symphony performances. Billed as the first "symphonic rock world tour," the show features a live symphony, alongside a core rock band, gospel choir and featured vocalist. Previous tours have included shows in Europe, Asia, North America and Australia, and such notable guest vocalists as Roger Daltry and Alice Cooper to lead fans through a mix of rock standards such as "My Generation," "Satisfaction," "Whiter Shade of Pale," "Let It Be," "Stairway to Heaven" and "Comfortably Numb."

The symphony marks the latest attempt to incorporate the raw power of rock 'n' roll with the delicate beauty of classical music. It's a tradition that began in the '60s with the Beatles' use of string sections, and quickly jumped to full-fledged orchestration in 1967 with the Moody Blues' "Days of Future Passed."

In the '70s the relationship continued, although limited to progressive rock bands, as well as the occasional disco tune. In the '90s, however, the musical marriage took a new twist with orchestral interpretations of songs by such rock luminaries as Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, the Rolling Stones and Yes. And some bands routinely played with orchestras while on tour -- the Moody Blues and Kansas, among others -- while Metallica had an unlikely pairing with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra for two nights for the CD "S&M."

Even with all this musical cross-pollination, however, this tour marks the first time that Preston has worked with a symphony as a musician, his only previous experience coming as a 10-year-old at a Houston elementary school. The winner in a schoolwide contest, Preston had the opportunity to direct the city's orchestra playing "Stars and Stripes Forever."

Preston said he was looking forward to playing with an orchestra, seeing it as "something different."

When asked what those differences were, Preston simply laughed and said: "More musicians."

"It takes a little more of an arrangement, everything has to be pretty much tight; there's not a whole lot of room for ad-libbing," he said. "It's just going to be an experience to work and have the different instruments.

"The thing about this symphony is it's young people playing: Young musicians, young music majors will be a part of the orchestra, so they will give a lot of fresh life to that music like they would normally do, but the energy behind it will be great."

In terms of the exact lineup of the show, Preston was still unsure. When the interview for this story was conducted early last week, Preston had yet to rehearse with the musicians, so he only knew the songs he'll play on (besides the Beatles hits, Preston will crank out solo hits as well). But previous symphony set lists included tunes from the Who, the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd, among others, divided into two parts: Part One featuring songs about rebellion, peace and celebration, and Part Two about the universe and love.

As for merging an orchestra with the rock band, Preston said it's a great partnership because "it solidifies the music ... and it broadens the ear of the people. Rather than just hear guitar, drums and bass, you get to hear oboes, violas and different things. I think it's a great educational (tool)."

Although he may have had his problems in the past -- in '92 Preston pleaded no contest to charges of assault and possession of cocaine, was convicted and served time in prison, and later had problems with the Internal Revenue Service -- he seems to have put those troubles behind him.

Hip-O records is scheduled to release "Billy Preston: Ultimate Collection," featuring 20 songs spanning two decades. And Preston recently reunited with his original band, the God Squad, for a tour. Preston also has been working on a gospel album that he hopes to have out soon, and regularly plays the organ at a church in Los Angeles where his sister serves as musical director.

"I grew up in the church and I consider my talent a God-given gift," Preston said. "I've been playing since I was 3 years old, so I give God the credit."

Of course, playing with the Beatles didn't hurt either.