Biography

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His origins

Javier Parisi, born in Lanus City, province of Buenos Aires, Argentina, began studying guitar and English language quite early in his childhood (he was only 8 years old), when he was deeply influenced by a new band, which he discovered by listening one of their songs at his parents’ house. This group, brand-new to him until then, was no other than… THE BEATLES.

From that moment on, his life would take a new direction.

At the age of twenty,  he decided to create his first tribute band to the “Fab Four from Liverpool” with friends from his neighborhood, a starting point that pushed him to buy all their original musical instruments —guitars, basses, and drums,— as well as the very same VOX AC30 amplifiers THE BEATLES got.

The band kicked off at small venues until they gained notoriety in the city and thus began to raise the bar and play on better-renowned stages.

Javier wanted to keep on innovating in the way he presented his shows, which made him decide that the band should not only sound like THE BEATLES but also "look" like them on stage. From that moment on he decides to replicate the outfits they used to wear throughout their career and begins to work with the band to carry out a “musical, vocal and scenic” recreation.

1st Liverpool Tour

Being already nine years experienced, his band would receive an invitation from the directors of the "International Beatleweek” in Liverpool to perform on the "Beatles Annual Convention", after being recommended by Allan Williams, THE BEATLES first manager, having seen them perform several times in Argentina.

With great acceptance from the European audience, the band obtained wide recognition in South America, which enabled them to have their schedule fully booked upon their return to Buenos Aires, offering shows at the most prestigious places in South America —theaters, hotels, and casinos.

South American tour

Javier and his band went on tour throughout South America since 2010 portraying a recreation of all THE BEATLES’ different stages and, fundamentally, having a distinctive signature to their shows "—their great physical and vocal performance, which captivated the audience every time.

Luna Park + Brazil Symphonic Show

In 2017, they performed at the mythical "Luna Park" Stadium, the most important dome in Argentina, making the entire audience vibrate and thrill.

Months later, he would travel to perform alongside the Unisinos Anchieta Orchestra from Porto Alegre (Brazil), directed by the renowned legend Evandro Matte on the 50th anniversary of the album “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band ”.

John Lennon Returns

As he performed with his band, Javier started receiving proposals from abroad (UK) to work in Europe, which made him intensify his studies to master the accent from Liverpool. From that moment on, he began to work with vocal coaches and signed up for advanced courses on make-up and body gestures.

At that point, he began to perform solo acoustic presentations with the occasional addition of a band throughout different cities in Argentina.

A Dream Come True - Meeting John's Family

By the end of 2018, Javier would get in touch with Helen Anderson, the distinguished designer who created the classic leather caps for John Lennon throughout his career. It is important to point out that Lennon and Anderson were close friends since he was 16 years old. They both attended the Liverpool art college alongside Cynthia Powell, Julian's mother, and John's first wife, with whom he kept a great friendship throughout his life.

Javier Parisi would buy one of the limited-edition designs from Helen Anderson via Instagram. Up to that moment, everything seemed to develop in a normal way, but Javier’s life was just about to take a new direction once again.

Javier receives the cap in a very posh and beautiful black box, including John’s postcards from the 60's. Curiously enough, there was a note underneath which said: "Could you take a picture using it and send it to me?" (this is a customary request she makes to her clients).

Javier takes the picture, sends it to her and, minutes later, he receives a message saying: "I CAN'T BELIEVE IT, YOU LOOK SO MUCH ALIKE MY FRIEND (John Lennon)." She posts the image on her Instagram account and minutes later Julian Lennon, John's son, leaves a comment. “I love him!” From that moment on, Julian follows Javier Parisi on his social media and “likes” his pictures and videos.

2nd Liverpool (UK) Tour

After that extremely high-level exposure, Javier Parisi, is invited to impersonate John Lennon for a musical play in Liverpool, England. It took place that August and brought to life Cynthia Lennon’s story.

Javier lived in Chester (1 hour from Liverpool) for 3 months, staying at Helen Anderson’s, John's friend, while studying "Scouse," the typical Liverpool accent, and working 24/7 on the impersonation. This huge effort allowed Javier to master John's accent and gestures when taking him to stage. There was nothing better than knowing John, his psychology and his day to day intimately, as recalled by his family and friends. During that time, Javier had the chance to meet Freda Kelly, Brian Epstein's secretary, and president (1962-1972) of the Beatles Official Fans Club of Liverpool, as well as John‘s sister Julia, who he would have tea with, while sharing anecdotes and moments only they could recall as part of John's closest ones. "It was exciting to hear anecdotes right from the source, his closest inner circle. 

All of them told me about John as the brother, the father, and the friend, not the Super Star we all know through published biographies. I met John, a man with the same doubts, concerns, and fears as the rest of us mortals. Now, when I look at his videos, it's hard for me to see him as I used to before. Now I see him from a different, more human approach, which is better because I loved him more intensively now than I used to before”… (Javier Parisi dixit).

Exposure on Europe and Argentina

Different mass media in Europe echoed the news after his high level of exposure.

Javier made it to the front cover of important magazines and newspapers in many countries, such as Norway, Finland, Spain, England, and Israel.

Argentina was not oblivious to the news and, upon his arrival to Buenos Aires, Javier was invited to the most relevant prime time TV shows, such as “SUSANA GIMENEZ,” presentation which would hold the highest rating figures of the season.

He was also recognized by the Lanus Athletic Club (a recognized soccer club) upon his arrival to his native city.

50 Years of Abbey Road / Geoff Emerick

On August 8th, 2019, Javier would receive an invitation to visit London from producer Marcelo Lamela, creator of “Rock is Here,” to visit the mythical Abbey Road Studio and offered him a VIP pass including a talk at Studio No. 2, where THE BEATLES recorded alongside the Abbey Road sound engineers.

Javier Parisi arrived on a very special sunny afternoon and took by surprise The Beatles fans crowd taking the classic picture moving along the crosswalk emulating the cover of the world-renowned album.

Javier stayed long hours with fans asking him for pictures non-stop, creating a magical atmosphere all over the place.

Steve Madden, the famous BBC photographer, portrayed Javier throughout the afternoon and followed him everywhere. In the end, Steve asked Javier for his approval to include his pictures on his next book on the story of the Beatles fans in Abbey Road.

Something similar already happened years ago when Geoff Emerick, The Beatles' sound engineer, asked Javier for some pictures emulating John Lennon reading his book "The Sound of The Beatles," and posted them on his Instagram page.

Shows in England

Javier Parisi performed several acoustic shows throughout United Kingdom during his stay, being Liverpool one of the most significant for music lovers and even more when it comes to The Cavern Club.  More than 35 shows were performed as part of the "Summer Fest." He also attended the "International Beatle Week" and the Annual Beatles Convention, where he completed very successful performances.

His stay in The United Kingdom came to a close in London, where he performed countless shows and offered interviews for both English and Spanish media.

His show

He is not an impersonator, but a professional interpreter taking his job to the highest level.

Javier Parisi offers a multi-layered show, which can be adapted to an acoustic setting or a larger venue, where he runs through his entire artistic range from beginning to his latest material. The latest show proposal allows a band with local musicians to play alongside him, previously endorsed by the artist and his producers.

The show can tour around the world and be enjoyed across multiple generations. Seniors will be excited to see John Lennon back on stage and the most recent fans will have a better grasp of this musical genius.

Official Ambassador of Julia, John Lennon's sister

Parisi liaised with the former Beatle's inner circle and spent 3 months at Anderson's house, where he met Julia Baird, Lennon's sister, who later asked him to become the ambassador for the Spanish version of her last autobiography, where she wrote about her family, to bring Lennon much closer to new generations.

Ft. Kennedy Choir

Javier was invited by Kennedy Choir Conductor Raul Fritzsche to the New Year event the Choir performed at San Isidro Horse track in December 2021.

Film debut

Javier has been chosen to recreate two characters (Norberto and Lennon) for a new film called LENNONS directed by José Cicala. It was shot at the beginning of 2021 and will be released by the end of the year. It was produced by TIELESS MEDIA, SHOCKHOUSE, and MORBO.

LENNONS is a comedy starring Gastón Pauls, Javier Parisi and Luciano Cáceres. It was shot in Buenos Aires. Luis Machín, Griselda Sánchez, Guillermo Zapata, Santiago Domínguez, Eduardo Calvo, Pachu Peña, Betiana Blum, Malena Guinzburg, and singers Nito Mestre, David Lebon, among others, completed the cast list.

What is LENNONS about?

In 1940, an old man dressed as a clown left a child at an orphanage. A local employee called him “Canelón”.

Years later, in 1980, Canelón meets Jacobo, a record distributor, and starts hunting talent for him with no success until he meets Norberto, who strongly resembles John Lennon, and proposes him to perform a show to raise funds for the orphanage children. Jacobo decides to fund the Lennon show in Argentina.

Vanoche, a TV host  and Lennon fan, is thrilled to find out about it, but when he meets Lennon, he is shocked by listening to him speaking perfect Spanish. He feels disappointed and decides to take revenge. He is planning to take Jacobo's proposal to make a special production of the program where the show will be broadcasted as part of his revenge.

Thus, begins a story full of music, with some disappointment, madness and friendship while channeling the spirit of the beloved and remembered John Lennon.

Film productions for Spain and Austria

Javier was chosen to perform for 2 video clips from European artists whose musical styles and languages are very different.

Javier had to learn to lip-sync the song in Spanish for his performance on the Spanish musician "Kinder" (trap-hiphop) video, where the aesthetic intended to recreate the famous Imagine video clip.

On top of that, Javier learnt to lip-sync in German to perform for the Austrian-Icelandic pop duo Oehl, where the video clip art will show John's different looks over the years in different parts of the city.

Both videos evoke the same universal topics —those of freedom, peace, and hope.

Singing at Abbey Road Studios – Studio No 2.

On April 2022 Javier was chosen and invited to perform at Abbey Road Studios, where THE BEATLES recorded their albums. During the event Javier and his pianist Pablo Citarella were allowed to use the pianos that THE BEATLES used to play during the recording sessions. You can watch more in the “videos” section of this web site.

FINLAND / CANNES FESTIVAL

On May 2022 Javier was invited to be part of one of the biggest Beatles events in the world, called “Helsinki Beatles weekend”.

After the event Javier flew direct to NICE because the Cannes Festival was about to start, Javier was part of the festival surprising people passing by trying to find their idols, The French media and TV recorded the moment Javier (John) and a “French” Elvis were standing at the Warner Bross Studio.

Filming “Give peace a chance” version 2022 / 27th Ourense Film Festival

On June 2022 Javier shot a version of “Give peace a chance” recorded originally in 1969 by John Lennon. The filming was in Ourense, Galicia, Spain, with local actors and a well-recognized bagpipe band. The video was directed by Chema Rios, filmmaker1 & Editor Raul Lorenzo, Filmmaker 2 Carlos Hermida, Music producer Juan de Dios, and supported by the Ourense deputation.

The director said: Our purpose is to give another small message of encouragement to peace by recreating that wonderful idea thought by Lennon in 1969 and that we have made with brushstrokes of the Galician land.

The 27th edition of the Ourense Film Festival was held between September 23rd and October 1st. An act for peace was held in addition to presenting the video recorded in June in Spain. Javier was part of the event where he was singing on the stage before presenting the video with a crowed theatre.

Highlights of 2023

During 2023 Javier has been touring the world: Asia, Europe, Central America and South America, presenting his latest tour “Imagine, The Beatles legacy” where he tells the audience the musical story of John Lennon during almost 2 hours, playing with a full band the iconic songs of John in The Beatles and solo career plus 3 different change of costumes blow the audience mind.

This show was presented in more than 30 different cities around the world with a massive success. These are some of the cities: Asia: PHILIPPINES, San Juan, Alabang, Manila, Cauayan, Dapitan City, Pampanga. Europe: FINLAND, Helsinki, SWEDEN, Stockholm, ENGLAND, Chester, Wirral Merseyside, SPAIN, Seville, Cordoba, Granada, Almeria, Malaga. Central America: MEXICO, CDMX, Puebla, Sinaloa, Queretaro, Tlalnepantla, Queretaro. South America: ECUADOR, Cuenca, Quito, CHILE, Santiago de Chile, Puerto Varas, Coquimbo, Viña del Mar, PERU, Lima, URUGUAY, Colonia, ARGENTINA, Bs.As.

Due to his great versatility as a musician and performer, Javier was performing with a symphony, taking his show to its highest level receiving the most wonderful reviews after his 3 SOLD OUT concerts in Mexico.

This year Javier was performing as he usually does as a duet, this time accompanied by the renowned pianist Julieta Iglesias, in the UK with SOLD OUT gigs.

LENNONS: The film “LENNONS” was premiered in theaters in september and due to demand has been in cinemas until november in addition to being part of international film festivals. To be continued…

Highlights of 2024

During this year Javier is touring the world: Asia, Europe, Central America and South America, presenting his latest tour “The Beatles, in my life” where he tells the audience the musical story of John Lennon during almost 2 hours, playing with a full band the iconic songs of John in The Beatles and solo career plus 7 different changes of costumes blow the audience mind.

This show has been presented in more than 15 different cities around the world until august, with a massive success. These are some of the cities: Asia: PHILIPPINES, San Juan, Alabang, Manila, Cauayan, Dapitan City, Pampanga, INDONESIA, Yogyakarta. Europe: ENGLAND, Chester, Southampton, Isle of Wight, Wirral Merseyside, SPAIN, Seville. Central America: MEXICO, Merida. South America: PERU, Lima, ARGENTINA, Bs.As., Tierra del fuego, Neuquen.

1st time in INDONESIA, Javier was part of the most important festival in Indonesia, in Yogyakarta, “Prambanam Festival” singing for 20.000 people. Javier included in his Lennon/Beatles repertoire songs of his latest single disc recorded in Indonesia.

In this tour Javier recorded 4 music videos for his album plus a meeting up and recording session at Ahmad Dhani “Dewa 19” Studio of one of Dewa’s hits.

This is the 3rd year in a row  Javier toured the UK as he usually does accompanied by the renowned pianist Julieta Iglesias, with SOLD OUT gigs. This year Javier included the famous festival Jack up the Party in “THE ISLE OF WIGHT”