Teach Yourself Stevie Riks: Q & A

Popshifter: How do you feel about “serious” tribute bands? Have you ever been in one or would you go see one?

Stevie Riks: I’ve only ever seen one and that was The Bootleg Beatles, whom I thoroughly enjoyed. I don’t think you can better them. Some of them are questionable, I have to say.

Popshifter: Do you watch other people doing impressions or tribute songs to musicians, and if not, why not? If you do, who do you like and why?

Stevie Riks: Now and then, I’ll come across someone doing an impression and I don’t mind. The more the merrier . . . that’s the beauty of YouTube.

Popshifter: If you could actually be one of the characters you impersonate, who would it be and why?

Stevie Riks: Any of The Beatles. Or Bowie. Or Elvis. Or Barry Gibb. . . I have so much respect for them. I truly value everything they’ve done. They’re my idols.

Popshifter: Have any of the musicians you impersonate ever commented on your impersonation? Who would you like to hear most from, and what do you think he would say about you?

Stevie Riks: I believe Jeff Lynne and Tom Petty are fans. Which absolutely thrilled me when I found out. I’d love to hear what Bowie and McCartney think, but only if it was good, LOL.

Popshifter: What do you think of The Fratellis and their attempts to be Bolan (but straight)?

Stevie Riks: I like The Fratellis. They’re a great little band and there ain’t nothing wrong with copying Bolan, if that’s what they’re doing. I love ’em.

Stevie Riks Unmasked!

Here is a brief list of my favorite Stevie Riks videos. There are literally hundreds to choose from but I managed to limit myself to five.

[Ed.— Please note that since this Q&A was published, Mr. Riks’ YouTube channel was “removed” due to “copyright violations,” so he has had to reupload many of his videos on his new channel, Mr. Stevie Riks.]

Teach yourself Ringo Starr