There were many reasons why they came. But they all came to see one person: Bob Eubanks.
The iconic TV personality was in Laguna Woods on Sept. 23 to present his Backstage with the Beatles touring show at the Performing Arts Center, sponsored by the Boomers Club.
Around 40 show-goers paid $25 a person extra to schmooze with Eubanks for an hour before the show, with proceeds from the meet and greet going to the Florence Sylvester Senior Center.
When Eubanks arrived in one of the PAC dining rooms, a buzz swept the room. Fans lined up to have their photos taken with the living legend, who is best known for hosting TV’s “The Newlywed Game” on and off since 1966. His face and voice are also familiar as the announcer of Pasadena’s Rose Parade with Stephanie Edwards on Los Angeles’ KTLA TV station for decades.
A lesser known fact about Eubanks’ early career: He brought the Beatles to L.A. and produced their shows in 1964, ’65 and ’66. The first two concerts were at the Hollywood Bowl and the third was at Dodger Stadium.
So those who came to meet the man Saturday had a variety of reasons why he meant so much to them.
Jim Cirivello wanted to meet Eubanks because he is an aficionado of “The Newlywed Game.”
“I have some 80 episodes on tape and I watch them every night,” he said with a grin.
Allison Sheets also watched the show for a long time, recalling how “striking” Eubanks was on TV.
Gerry Saunders, an admitted rock ’n’ roll groupie, was thrilled to get Eubanks’ signature on the back of a poster for the PAC show.
“I love the Beatles and I remember him (Eubanks) from TV,” she said.
Another attendee with a strong Beatles connection was Philip Taylor, a Brit who says he has loved the Beatles since he saw them perform in England in 1962.
He was with friend and fellow Village resident Lynn Cline, who said she is Paul McCartney’s first cousin once removed and communicates with the Beatle regularly.
“My grandmother and her…
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