The Beatles in Heswall Jazz Club

On Saturday 30 June 1962, The Beatles performed in the Heswall Jazz Club, which was actually located in Barnston's Women's Institute on Barnston Road.

They appeared together with The Big Three and were announced as "Parlophone Recording Artists"

Copyright info for the poster from maximumrnb

1. It's a low resolution copy of an advertising poster.
2. It doesn't limit the copyright owner's rights to sell the poster in any way.
3. Because of the low resolution, copies could not be used to make illegal copies of the poster.
4. The image is itself a subject of discussion in the article or used in the infobox.
5. The image is significant because it was used to promote a performance that has not been well documented.
6. There is a link to the owner's website where the poster can be bought: www.maximumrnb.com

The Beatles at the Tower Ballroom in New Brighton

It was 50 years ago today (29 June 1962) that the Beatles performed at the Tower Ballroom in New Brighton, a seaside resort in Wallasey, Merseyside.

New Brighton was a very popular resort in the 19th century and during the first part of the 20th century, but after WWII it last quite some appeal, but the Tower Ballroom became famour in the '50s and '60s for hosting numerous concerts with local Liverpool bands (for example The Beatles) and international stars.

On 29 June 1962 The Beatles appeared at the Tower Ballroom together with The Fourmost. One day later (30 June) Brian Epstein would sign The Fourmost to NEMS. The line-up at that time was Mike Millward, Billy Hatton, Brian O’Hara and Dave Lovelady.

The Fourmost released three singles composed by Lennon/McCartney: 'Hello Little Girl', 'I'm in Love' and 'Here, There and Everywhere'

Other groups appearing with them were at this "Operation Big Beat 3" were:
- The Big 3,
- The 4 Jays,
- Kansas City 5
- Kingsize Taylor and the Dominoes
- The Undertakers
- The Searchers
- Johnny Templars Hi-Cats
- Lee Curtis & The Detours


p.s. Some sources also claim that The Beatles played a lunch session at the Cavern Club.

Temple Bar Beatles Fest 2012

On Friday 13 July, Saturday 14 July and Sunday 15 July 2012 all Beatle fans should jump in their airplane and fly over to Dublin, Ireland where they will organise the first ever Temple Bar Beatles Fest.

The organisers have a nice list of bands, guests and speakers:

- Tribute Bands: Beatles For Sales, The Rockets, Macca Paul, Big Dog and the Beatles Blues Band
- Special Guests: Pete Best, Julia Baird, Tony Bramwell, Gail Renard
- Art Fair with Georgina Flood

Beatles perform at the Majestic Ballroom, Birkenhead

Birkenhead is a town near Liverpool where on June 28, 1962 The Beatles performed at the Majestic Ballroom.

The Majestic opened in June 1916 as a cinema, seating 730 patrons. It was renamed Birkenhead Super in 1924 and converted in a "Top Rank Luxury Ballroom" and by 1962 it was a Majestic Ballroom (closed down in 1969) and now a Chinese restaurant.

The Beatles performed here 17 times, the last time on 10 April 1963 (receiving £100)

Copyright notice: the poster (as published on fincharie.com) is presented here under the fair use copyright law

1. It's a low resolution copy of an advertising poster.
2. It doesn't limit the copyright owner's rights to sell the poster in any way.
3. Because of the low resolution, copies could not be used to make illegal copies of the poster.
4. The image is itself a subject of discussion in the article.
5. The image is significant because it was used to promote a performance that has not been well documented.

22nd Annual Liverpool Beatles Auction

Do you have some spare cash lying around? And are you a Beatle fan? Then head over to Liverpool where on 25 August 2012 they will have their 22nd Liverpool Beatles Auction. During the International Beatle Week a nice collection of Beatles memorabilia will be auctioned off.

Among the items are :
- a rare ticket of the last appearance of The Beatles at the Cavern on Saturday 3 August 1963
- a signed copy of the first Beatles Monthly
- an autographed postcard of George Harrison that also includes autographs of Tommy Quickly and Les and Freddie from the Pacemakers
- rare promotional posters
- handwritten notes by Bob Wooler
- Cavern Club memorabilia
- a Beatles photo signed by all 4 Beatles and containing a reference to Aunt Mimi
- lots of original pictures

The auction will be held on Saturday 25th August, from 10am.


The 2012 Liverpool Beatles Auction will be held at The Paul McCartney Auditorium at The Liverpool Institute for the Performing Arts.

Entry is by catalogue. These will be available in advance from the The Beatles Shop on Mathew Street or on the door on the day (and the viewing day)

A viewing day for the items for sale in the auction will be held on Friday 24th August from 11am to 4pm at The Paul McCartney Auditorium.  Entry to this is free.

In Pictures: Revolution 9

Revolution 9, often mistakenly referred to as "Revolution Number 9", is a sound collage by John Lennon and Yoko Ono (but credited as always to Lennon/McCartney) and appears on "The Beatles" (a.k.a. The White Album).

Paul McCartney was not in favor of including this "song" on the album, but lost out. At over eight minutes, this is the longest song on any Beatles album (8'22 in total)

"Revolution 9" was not the first experimental song by The Beatles. "What's the New Mary Jane" and "Carnival of Light" already contained a sound collage, and John said he was inspired by musicians John Cage and Karlheinz Stockhausen.

Revolution 9 always brings out strong feelings among Beatles fans.

Up Your Legs Forever by John Lennon and Yoko Ono

In 1970 John Lennon and Yoko Ono made an experimental film called "Up Your Legs Forever", which consisted of a camera panning around different legs for 70 minutes. It was essentially a remake of their previous movie "Nr. 4 (bottoms)" where the bottoms were substituted with legs.

The Beatles with the Big Three

On Wednesday 27 June The Beatles appeared at the Cavern together with The Big Three, a local Liverpool Mersybeat group who are best remembered for their 1963 hit "Some Other Guy"

They evolved out of Cass & the Cassanovas and primarily consisted of three fixed members: Brian Casser, Adrian Barber and Johnny Hutch. They were locally know as "one of the loudest, most aggressive and visually appealing bands around". Adrian Barber was famous for his giant amps which were called "coffins". Legend has it he also built one for Paul McCartney.

Many senior patrons of the Cavern still believe that The Big Three were the best live act, even better than the Beatles. And Johnny "Hutch" Hutchinson sometimes replaced Pete Best when he was unavailable to play with The Beatles.

They were signed to Brian Epstein's agency and sent over to Hamburg, where Barber was responsible for taping a Beatles show that was later released as "The Beatles Live! at the Star Club in Hamburg"

Copyright info for the poster from maximumrnb

1. It's a low resolution copy of an advertising poster.
2. It doesn't limit the copyright owner's rights to sell the poster in any way.
3. Because of the low resolution, copies could not be used to make illegal copies of the poster.
4. The image is itself a subject of discussion in the article or used in the infobox.
5. The image is significant because it was used to promote a performance that has not been well documented.
6. There is a link to the owner's website where the post can be bought: www.maximumrnb.com

The Rutles!

I just saw the Beatles tribute mockumentary "The Rutles: All You Need is Cash" and "Can't Buy Me Lunch" and it was hilarious! The way Eric Idle spoofs the Beatles Anthology (22 years before the latter was published) and how he prepares the way for Spinal Tap is just fabulous.

And it's great to see George Harrison as an interviewer at Rutles Corp. Anybody who knows about the Beatles will love the way Beatlemania and the Apple debacle are put into a humorous context. Don't forget to listen to the songs, especially those on The Rutles Archeology :)


Copyright disclaimer of the The Rutles cartoon: Greg Williams published it under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.5 Generic licence

Take it Away/I'll Give You a Ring

30 years ago on 26 June 1982 Paul McCartney released the single "Take it Away/I'll Give You a Ring", taken from his his 1982 album Tug of War. The single reached #10 in the USA and #15 in the UK.

The video shows Ringo Starr and George Martin (who played on the record) and actor John Hurt.

There is also a 7" record which includes "dress me up as a robber".

Interesting for collectors: The 7" Japanese version is on yellow vinyl

Carlton Brook Management was founded

On this day 50 years ago, Joe Flannery founded Carlton Brook Management, a concert promotion company. He is considered by many to be the first real booking manager for the Beatles (although Mona Best would probably disagree).

Flannery was the manager of Lee Curtis and The Detours, and he first met the Beatles when The Detours played The Cavern Club and they had a problem with a bass amp. The Beatles (who were performing together with them) kindly lend them their amplifier. Incidentally, Lee Curtis was the stage name of Peter Flannery (Joe's brother).

When Pete Best was sacked by The Beatles, he joined Lee Curtis and the All-Stars.
 
Joe Flannery was also the driving force behind the project to place commemorative plaques outside famous concerthalls in Wales where The Beatles performed in their early days. The plaques can now be found everywhere around Wales, for example in Prestatyn, Mold, Rhyl etc...

Joe Flannery also claims that the Beatles' hairstyle was based on his mum's hairstyle. Allegedly John Lennon visited Joe at his Aintree flat and saw a picture of Agnes Flannery.

Copyright info for the poster

1. It's a low resolution copy of an advertising poster.
2. It doesn't limit the copyright owner's rights to sell the poster in any way.
3. Because of the low resolution, copies could not be used to make illegal copies of the poster.
4. The image is itself a subject of discussion in the article or used in the infobox.
5. The image is significant because it was used to promote a performance that has not been well documented.

NEMS Enterprises

On Tuesday 26 June 1962, Brian Epstein formed NEMS Enterprises, a management company that would take care of the artists that were signed under Brian's Management. Directors and shareholders were Brian and Clive Epstein

List of Artists managed by Brian Epstein

- The Beatles
- Cilla Black
- Gerry & The Pacemakers
- Billy J. Kramer & The Dakotas
- The Fourmost
- The Cyrkle
- Tommy Quickly
- Sounds Incorporated

On the same day as the creation of NEMS, Ron White, an EMI marketing executive congratulated Epstein with securing a recording contract with George Martin. Ron White had personally contacted some EMI producers (Norrie Paramor, Norman Newell, Walter Ridley) to tell them about the Beatles but they all refused. The only one he couldn't reach (because he was on holiday) was George Martin.

In Pictures: All You Need is Love

Our rendition of one of the Beatles' most powerful songs: All You Need is Love

Specifically chosen for today, 25 June, which marks the 45th anniversary of the "Our World" transmission.

Happy Global Beatles Day

We have International Beatles Day on July 10.
There is a National Beatles Day on February 7.
Of course there is International Beatles Freak Day on June 6.
And then there is even a whole Beatles week at the end of August...

...so why do we need a Global Beatles Day?

Because the idea behind the Global Beatles Day (GBD) is different. It is the celebration of 45 years "Our World".

On 25 June 1967 The Beatles participated in "Our World", the first global transmission broadcast ever. The Beatles sang "All You Need is Love" and the whole world watched and sang.

Who was the Fifth Beatle?

Ever since the Beatles made it big (end 1963 - beginning of 1964) there have been numerous reports and articles in the press about who was the Fifth Beatle.

Let's be honest, there is no such thing as the 5th Beatle, certainly not if you mean with "BEATLES" the four lads from Liverpool who rose to stardom in such a short time: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr

Of course, things are different if you talk about the BEATLES before they made it big. Then Pete Best and Stu Sutcliffe enter in the picture.

Anyway, here is a list of the most likely contenders for the Title of FIFTH Beatle

1. Brian Epstein : he was their manager from 1962 till 1967 and according to Paul McCartney "if anybody is the Fifth Beatle, it should be Brian".

2. Derek Taylor: The Beatles' (and Apple's) Public Relations Manager

3. Neil Aspinall: The Beatles' road manager/personal assistant and later CEO of Apple Corps.

4. Mel Evans: Personal assistant and road manager for The Beatles

5. Stu Sutcliffe: the bassist of the original five-member Silver Beatles/Beatles

6. Pete Best: the original drummer of the Beatles, since he joined last he was a real "5th" Beatle

7. George Martin: the producer of almost all The Beatles records and composer of some songs (notably on Yellow Submarine and on the US editions of A Hard Day's Night and HELP!

8. Jeff Lynne: together with George, Paul and Ringo he produced and contributed on the "Free as a Bird" and "Real Love" projects

9. Billy Preston: the only artist to get joint credit on a Beatles record (Get Back)

Plaza Ballroom, St. Helens

Monday 25 June 1962 (exaclty 50 years ago) The Beatles performed in two completely different locations. First they had a lunchtime appointment in the Cavern Club, and in the evening they were expected to play at the Plaza Ballroom in St. Helens for the "Big Beat Bargain Night" with The Big Three.

A poster still survives of this evening session and gives us a nice insight in the concert. Admission price was 2 shillings and six pence, it was hosted by Bob Wooler (from the Cavern) and there is a mention about the Beatles signing a recording contract with Parlophone.

"They're terrific! You must see them! First performance in St. Helens!"

Copyright info for the poster from fincharie.com

1. It's a low resolution copy of an advertising poster.
2. It doesn't limit the copyright owner's rights to sell the poster in any way.
3. Because of the low resolution, copies could not be used to make illegal copies of the poster.
4. The image is itself a subject of discussion in the article or used in the infobox.
5. The image is significant because it was used to promote a performance that has not been well documented.

George Harrison produces 'Is this what you want?'

On June 24, 1968 George began producing the Jackie Lomax album Is This What You Want? 


The album includes "Sour Milk Sea" which George had written in Rishikesh, India; and which was a likely contender to appear on The White Album. 


"Sour Milk Sea" was released as a Jackie Lomax single on Apple Records, and features George, Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr (and Nicky Hopkins on piano).

Paul McCartney to appear on Ron Wood TV Show

If you happen to live in the UK you might catch some very good programmes tomorrow Monday 25 June 2012. Just tune in to Sky Arts 1 HD for some great Beatle-related shows

Sky Arts 1 HD - 25 June 2012

- 8:00 pm : "All You Need is Klaus": a documentary about Klaus Voormann, friend, artistic muse and co-musician of The Beatles. You know his "Revolver" Artwork, you heard him play bass on "Concert for Bangla Desh", now meet the man

- 10:00 pm : "The Ronnie Wood Show" with Paul McCartney who talks about his inspirations. Expect some great jammin' of two famous rockers

- 11:00 pm : "Paul McCartney - Good Evening NYC" : Sir Paul McCartney christens the New York Mets' stadium and talks about the famous Shea stadium gig of 1965

International Beatle Week from 22 till 28 August 2012

Roll up all you Beatles fans for the one and only International Beatle Week which will take place this year from 22 till 28 August 2012 in and around Liverpool.

Organised by Liverpool’s leading tour operator Cavern City Tours, International Beatle Week Festival is one of the biggest music events in the world. And it takes place in the city where it all began – Liverpool.


There is so much to do and see that you do not need to be a Beatle fan to enjoy the festival, though it probably helps!


This is truly an international event with bands from over 20 countries and fans from over 40. As well as live gigs, there are exhibitions, memorabilia sales, guest speakers, video shows, sightseeing tours and a convention.


Festival venues include the Cavern Club and Cavern Pub in Mathew Street, the Adelphi Hotel and the Philharmonic Hall.


There will be more than 100 tribute bands and guest speakers performing and attending the Beatle Week, so be sure to check out a more detailed list on www.beatlesfestival.co.uk  and www.cavernclub.org

The Beatles at their Best movie is available for free!

Good news for all Beatle fans who want to learn more about the early days of the Beatles when Stu Sutcliffe and Pete Best belonged to the Beatles and Ringo was till drumming with Rory Storm and the Hurricanes.

From today you can watch a documentary for free on The Ultimate Trip

Join the Beatles Social Network!

Ever heard of a thing called FaceBook? Well, now there is something completely different for all you Beatles lovers everywhere! It's called The Beatles Social Network and it is the perfect place to get to know other Beatlemaniacs, Fab Four freaks, music lovers and back beaters.

Whether you like John, Paul, George, Ringo or are a fan of Wings, The Plastic Ono Band, Dark Horse or Ringo's All Star Band, you will fit in and make great friends.

You can upload pictures, ask questions, explore the Beatles universe and learn new facts about the greatest rock band of all times.

Sign up now, you won't regret it!

And if you do, feel free to add LorettaMartin to your friends' list. A splendid time is guaranteed for all.

The Beatles on the Internet

50 years ago in 1962 if you were a Beatles fan, you had to rely on a lot of old skool communication and a bit of modern technology.

First of all, you could go to a local record shop and ask to listen to the vinyl records in a special listening booth.

Or you could tune in to the radio and hope you caught a teenage radio station on BBC, or try to find Radio Luxemburg.

All the rest was paper-based: signing up for a quarterly newsletter from the Beatles Fan Club, reading all about it in the papers, corresponding with George Harrison's parents (Louise Harrison in particular was known for her kindness in responding in person to the many fans).

But luckily nowadays the young (and old) fans can find enough information on the internet.

List of The Beatles Resources on the Internet

- The Beatles Social Network: Facebook for the Beatle fans

- The Beatles Wikipedia Page: Everything you always wanted to know about the Beatles

- The Beatles Official Page: it's psychedelic, it's fun and it's loud!

- The Rolling Stone Beatles Album-by-Album: an app for iPad that offers commentary on the making of the Fab Four's albums. Of course with juicy anecdotes an images from the premiere rock magazine's archives.

- The Guitar Collection: George Harrison: an app for iPad compiled by Dhani Harrison and if features info on the famous guitars used by his dad. If you purchase this through Apple you will be able to listen to all the riffs in their entirety.

In Pictures: She Came in Through the Bathroom Window

Due to popular demand from my friends at the Beatles Social Netword, our photographic rendition of 'she came in through the bathroom window' which can be found on Abbey Road.

There are many stories about the event behind this song. One of the Apple Scruffs (Beatles' groupies who waited outside Abbey Road Studios) by the name of Jessica Samuels says she is the source because she crawled through the bathroom window of Paul's St John's Wood home.

But Mike Pinder from The Moody Blues says he told Paul about a groupie who did exactly that in Ray Thomas' house...and Paul immediately grabbed a guitar and sang "she came in through the bathroom window".

The Beatles at the Casbah for the Last Time

On Sunday 24 June 1962 The Beatles perform a final time at the Casbah Coffee Club in West Derby, Liverpool. Not long after that day Mona Pest (Pete Best's mum) would close the Club down. There are several rumors about the true reason.

- Some sources say there was a death in the family
- Others claim there was going to be a new baby born in the family
- And still others think it had to do with the fact that Pete Best was sacked as Beatles drummer and the interest for the Casbah Coffee Club dwindled

In Pictures: Fixing a Hole

Fixing a hole from Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band


Photograph: copyright Frank Van Den Block

The Beatles at Northwich Victory Memorial Hall

On 23 June 1962 the Beatles took a short break from playing at the Cavern Club, and headed down south to Northwich, about 40 km from Liverpool.

They had an appointment to play at the Victory Memorial Hall. It had been opened 2 years earlier (in 1960) and was supposed to be an upmarket venue, but locals referred to it as "the Morgue".

Brian Epstein had contacted music promoter Lewis Buckley (who organized several "beat" dances around the country, and this venue was seen as a kind of audition for The Beatles. If they performed well, Buckley would hire them for other venues. Apparently the concert was a success, because not only were they allowed to play another 5 gigs at this location, but Lewis Buckley also promoted many other NEMS artists in the years to come.

We can't be 100% sure what the set list was, but based on other similar concerts, the set lists of the Cavern Club and memories of people who were there. If anybody has more info, please do share this with us

Tentative Set List for the 23 June 1962 Northwich Victory Memorial Hall concert by The Beatles

The Hippy Hippy Shake
Sweet Little Sixteen
Love Me Do
The Sheik of Araby
Slow Down
Ask Me Why
September in the Rain
Dizzy Miss Lizzie
Take Good Care of my Baby
'Till There Was You
Memphis Tennesee
Like Dreamers Do
Money
Young Blood
The Honeymoon Song
A Picture Of You
Hello Little Girl
So How Come (No One Loves Me)
Ooh My Soul
To Know Her Is To Love Her
Besame Mucho
Roll Over Beethoven
Love of the Loved
Searchin'

Beatles still making loads of money

When The Beatles played 'Money (that's what I want) on their second British Album (With The Beatles), little did they know that 40 years later they would still be making millions.

In 2002 Rolling Stone magazine published a list with top earners from US sales in 2001.

Top Earners US Sales 2001


1. U2 ($75 million)
2. Dr. Dre ($63 million)
3. The Beatles ($58 million)
4. Dave Mathews Band ($52 million)
5. Madonna ($50 million)

not bad for a group that hasn't toured for over 35 years, hey :)

The Story of Strawberry Fields Forever

Strawberry Fields Forever is by many considered one of the greatest rock/pop songs ever, and proof that The Beatles had reached an enormously high creative level in 1967.

The story behind the song is just as rich and amazing as the tune itself.

The song was written by John Lennon (although credited as usual to Lennon-McCartney) and was inspired by John's memories of playing in the garden of a Salvation Army house near his childhood home of his aunt Mimi's (better known as Mendips on Menlove Avenue).

> A <  marks the spot where John Lennon grew up, and the red rectangle is Strawberry Fields.

"Strawberry Fields Forever" was intended for inclusion on Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (and the first song recorded for it) but in the end it was released as a double A-side together with Paul McCartney's other Liverpool song "Penny Lane").

John first started working on the song when he was shooting a movie called "How I Won the War" in Almeria, Spain and the working title was "It's Not Too Bad"

The Beatles recorded 3 distinct versions of the song, and George Martin managed to combine two of the best versions by using the beginning of one part and editing the second part of the other into it.

Barefoot Paul McCartney is Top of the Pops!

A list published today in the USA shows the 5 most memorable "shoeless" moments in entertainment.

Here, in descending order, are the winners:

5. Josephine Baker and her Banana Dance.

American entertainer Josephine Baker performed her sexy dances barefoot

4. Beach Boy magician Brian Wilson writing "Smile"

Brian Wilson wrote his masterpiece "Smile" with his feet in the sand...and his piano in the middle of the sandbox

3. Fred Flinstone

We all love this all-American guy from Bedrock, running around barefoot

2. Uma Thurman in "Pulp Fiction"

Remember Uma kicking off her shoes in the famous dance-scene with John Travolta? And then you are surprised they call Quentin Tarantino a footie?

1. Paul McCartney crossing Abbey Road

One of the most memorable LP covers of all time, and Paul's bare feet are definitely contributing.

Characters in Beatles Songs

With a little help from my friends (that is YOU) I would like to make a complete list of all the characters that are mentioned in Beatles Songs. There are already quite a lot of lists available on the internet, but most are not complete or even incorrect. So let's try to do it better....because it's getting better all the time.

Here is the list, if you see one missing, feel free to add them by writing a comment

List of Characters in The Beatles Song texts

- Anna (in 'Anna' - Please Please Me)

- Aunt Marry (wife of Uncle John) in 'Long Tall Sally

- Beethoven (in 'Roll over Beethoven' - With the Beatles)

- Billy Shears (the one and only in "Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band")

- BB King (American Blues guitarist and composer) on 'Dig It' - Let It Be

- Bungalow Bill (the all American bullet-headed saxon mother's son in 'The Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill' on The White Album (aka The Beatles). Incidentally the story was inspired by a certain Richard A. Cooke III who stayed at the same ashram as the Beatles in 1968 and killed a tiger.

- Captain Marvel (who zapped the tiger right between the eyes) on 'The Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill" - The White Album

- Chairman Mao in 'Revolution #1" - The White Album

- Charles Hawtrey (and the Deaf-aids) who wrote 'I dig a pygmy' on 'Two of Us' - Let It Be.

- Chuck (one of the grandchildren on Ringo's knee in 'When I'm Sixty-Four' from Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band)

- Daniel (a.k.a. Danny Boy or Dan or Rocky Raccoon) in 'Rocky Raccoon' from The White Album

-  Dave (on of the grandchildren on Ringo's knee in 'When I'm Sixty-Four' from Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band)

- Den(n)is O' Bell in 'You Know My Name (Look up the number) which was on the B-side of Let It Be

- Desmond Jones (who has a barrow in the market place) in 'Obla-Di Obla-Da  on The White Album

- Doctor Robert (who will make you a new and better man)  in 'Dr Robert' on Revolver

- Doris (who gets her oats in phase one) in 'Two of Us' on Let It Be

- Doris Day (on 'Dig It' - Let It Be)

- Duchess of Kircaldy (always smiling and arriving late for tea) in 'Cry Baby Cry' on The White Album

- Duke of Kircaldy (who was having problems with a message at the local bird and bee) in 'Cry Baby Cry on the White Album.

- Edgard Allan Poe (American writer, also present on the front of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band) who was kicked by penguins on 'I am the Walrus'

- Edward Heath (Prime minister of Great Britain) on 'Taxman'


- Eleanor Rigby (one of the lonely people who died in the church) on 'Eleanor Rigby' - Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.

- Elmore James (Blues guitarist) on "For You Blue" - Let It Be

- Father McKenzie (writing the words of a sermon that no-one will hear) in 'Eleanor Rigby' - Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band

- The Fool (the man of a thousand voices) in 'The Fool on the Hill" - The Magical Mystery Tour

- Georgie Wood (the author of 'Dig It) on 'Dig It' - Let It Be

- Gideon (owner of the Bible and offers to help with good Rocky's revival) in 'Rocky Raccoon' - The White Album

- Harold Wilson (Prime Minister of the United Kingdom) on "Taxman".

- The Hendersons (who dance and sing at the 'Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite) - Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band

- Henry The Horse (who dances the Waltz) in 'Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite - Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band

- Her Majesty (a pretty nice girl but she doesn't have a lot to say) in 'Her Majesty' (the sortest official Beatles Song and one of the first hidden tracks in modern pop/rock music - Abbey Road

- Joan (a murdered girl who studied pataphysical science) in 'Maxwell's Silver Hammer" on Abbey Raod

 - Jojo, who left his farm in Tucson, Arizona for some California grass in "Get Back" on Let It Be

- Jude (Julian Lennon, who should take a sad song and make it better) on 'Hey Jude'.

- Julia (the ocean child, Julia Lennon) on 'Julia' - The White Album

- Junior (who buys every rock and roll book on the magazine stand) from 'Bad Boy' - A Collection of Beatles Oldies

- King of Marigold (cooking breakfast for the queen) on 'Cry Baby Cry' - The White Album



- Lady Madonna (children at her feet) from 'Lady Madonna'


- Loretta Martin (SWEET Loretta Martin, she thought she was a woman, but she was another man) in 'Get Back' on Let It Be


- Lucy (probably Lucy O'Donnel who made a drawing of her in the sky with diamonds) in 'Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds' on 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band


- Maggie Mae (a prostitute who robbed sailors and was made famous in a traditional Liverpool folk song). From 'Maggie Mae' on Let It Be


Magil (who calls herself Lill, but everybody knows her as Nancy

- Martha in 'Martha My Dear' (Martha was the name of Paul's Old English Sheepdog) - The White Album


- Mary Jane (who had a pain at the party) from "What's the new Mary Jane." Actually, it should not be a surprise that she had a pain at the party, since she ate 12 chapatti's and cream!

- Matt Busby (famous football player and manager) in the song "Dig It" - Let It Be

- Maxwell Edison, the hammer-wielding murderer from 'Maxwell's Silver Hammer' on Abbey Road

- Michelle (ma belle) in "Michelle" -  Rubber Soul

- Mister Kite (who flies through the ring) on 'Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite' - Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band


- Mister Jones (Dylan's Mister Jones) on 'Yer Blues' - The White Album


- Miss Lizzie in 'Dizzy Miss Lizzie' on Help!


- Mister Mustard (Mean Mister Mustard who always shouts something obscene) on 'Mean Mister Mustard' - Abbey Road


- Molly Jones ( a singer in a band) in 'Obla-di, Obla-da) on The White Album


- Nowhere Man (he's as blind as he can be) in 'Nowhere Man' - Rubber Soul



- Pablo Fanque (the first black circus owner of the Cirque Royal) mentioned in 'Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite on Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band


- P.C. 31 who caught Maxwell, the murder in 'Maxwell's Silver Hammer' on Abbey Road

- Peter Brown (who called to say you can make it OK, you can get married in Gibraltar near Spain), the personal assitant to The Beatles and Brian Epstein, mentioned on 'The Ballad of John & Yoko"

- Polythene Pam (the sister of Mean Mister Mustard and the kind of girl that makes the News of the World) in 'Polythene Pam' - Abbey Road

- Prudence (Mia Farrow's sister Prudence) in 'Dear Prudence' - The White Album

- Queen of Marigold (playing piano for the children of the King) on 'Cry Baby Cry' - The White Album

- Rita (a lovely meter maid) from 'Lovely Rita' - Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band

- Rocky Raccoon (a young boy from the black mountain hills of Dakota) in 'Rocky Raccoon' - the White Album

- Rose (one of the girls in the gallery who scream 'he must go free') in 'Maxwell's Silver Hammer on Abbey Road)

- Sergeant Pepper (leader of the Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band)

- Sadie (who made a fool of everyone) was the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi on 'Sexy Sadie' - The White Album

- Sally (who's got everything uncle John needs) in 'Long Tall Sally'

- Semolina Pilchard who was climbing up the Eiffel Tower in "I am the Walrus"

- Uncle John (who had a lot of fun) in 'Long Tall Sally

- Valerie (one of the girls in the gallery who scream 'he must go free') in 'Maxwell's Silver Hammer on Abbey Road)

- Vera  (one of the grandchildren on Ringo's knee in 'When I'm Sixty-Four' from Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band)

- Walter Raleigh (Sir) who was such a stupid git - 'I'm so Tired' - the White Album

In Pictures: Happiness is a Warm Gun

Today #2 in our series about putting Beatles Songs into pictures

The Beatles with The Cyclones

On Saturday 22 June 1962, the Beatles performed at the Cavern together with The Cyclones.

Mark Peters and the Cyclones were a Liverpool band which included in their ranks lead guitarist Kenny Johnson. He is the brother-in-law of Raymond Jones (the person probably responsible for Brian Epstein signing up the Beatles) who told him that The Beatles had recorded a record in Hamburg called My Bonnie with Tony Sheridan.

Mark Peters knew the Beatles quite well, as they had played together on other occassions, for example at the Cassanova Club on Valentine's Day (14 February 1961)

In Pictures: The Long and Winding Road

Over the next weeks we will publish a picture that was inspired by a Beatles song (or from their solo albums)

Today, #1 : The Long and Winding Road

Disclaimer: the picture is copyright of Frank Van Den Block

LeRoy Neiman dies aged 91

Artist LeRoy Neiman, famous for his expressionist and colourful paintings died yesterday, aged 91.

He has also a Beatles connection, since he did a couple of serigraphs of the Fab Four (1989) and John Lennon (1991). Because of copyright issues I will not publish the paintings here, but just go to images.google.com and type in "leroy neiman beatles' or "leroy neiman john lennon' as keywords.

2013 looks like a busy year for Paul McCartney

According to Paul McCartney's manager (Scott Rodger), 2013 will be quite an active year for the ex-Beatle.

1. Paul will definitely tour, although no dates and locations have been fixed

2. The triple live album "Wings over America" will be reissued. The concert film "Rockshow" will be made available for the first time on DVD and will feature all 30 songs that are on the records

3. There should be a new McCartney record in the stores in the first quarter of 2013

Was Yesterday Composed on the Toilet?

According to Tony Sheridan, one of the oldest colleagues of The Beatles, Paul McCartney composed "Yesterday" on the toilet. Sheridan (72) said in an interview that Paul himself had told him that in 1964 he was staying at his girlfriend's place (Jane Asher) and that at night he dreamt of a melody.

When he woke up, he went to the toilet, and sang it for the first time. Afterwards he had breakfast (maybe Jane made him eggs?) and titled the song "Scrambled Eggs".

Almost a year later he recorded it, and changed the title to "yesterday" because it was easier to find words that rhyme with yesterdag than with "scrambled eggs".

Kazakh Bank Buys Beatles Abbey Road Picture

At an auction in London last month, a picture (one of the 6 that were taken during the famous "Abbey Road Pedestrian Crossing" session) was sold for a whopping £16,000. And the new owner? A Kazakh bank called RBK.

The picture, of which only 25 copies exist, was taken by photographer Iain Macmillan. Big differences between this picture and the one that made it on the cover of the famous Abbey Road record, are that the Beatles are walking right to left, and that Paul isn't holding a cigarette nor walking barefoot.

I have no idea what the bank will do with this picture, but I hope they have a nice place in one of their offices. And yes, you can say that now the Beatles are back in the U.S.S.R, even if Kazakhstan is no longer part of the great Russion Union.

At the Tower Ballroom with Bruce Channel

On Thursday 21 June 1962 the Beatles went to New Brighton, which is an area in Liverpool at the other side of the Mersey (in Wallasey). The appeared as a backing group for Bruce Channel, an American singer who had a huge hit in 1962 with "Hey! Baby".

This evening was the first Pop dance concert organised by Brian Epstein. Also appearing with Bruce Channel was the harmonica player Delbert McClinton. John Lennon was fascinated and although there is an urban legend about John learning to play the harmonica that evening, it is quite clear that Lennon already knew how to play.

What is probably true, is that John Lennon liked the harmonica arrangment on "Hey! Baby" so much, that he decided to include something similar on Love Me Do. Furthermore, "Hey! Baby" contains a sustained first note with a rythmic shuffle in the background, something the Beatles would copy years later on "I Should Have Known Better" on "A Hard Day's Night".

A List of "Is Paul Dead" Clues

In 1969 there was a rumour that Paul McCartney was dead. The story goes that he was killed on November 9, 1966 in a car crash, and that he was replaced by the winner of a look-alike contest, William "Billy Shears" Campbell. A day later the newspapers officially announced that the Beatles would not tour anymore.

When the rumour first started spreading, hundreds of clues were discovered on all albums since Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band up to Abbey Road.

Here for your amusement is a (non-exhaustive) list of all the clues. If you know of any others, please feel free to add them

1. Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band

- Look at the drum in the middle of the picture. It was allegedly designed by Joe Ephgrave (a mix of "Epitaph" and "Grave"? If you look at the drum in the mirror, it spells "I ONE IX HE DIE". This could mean 11 9 HE DIE (he died on 9 November).

- On the doll to the right of the picture can be seen a left-handed bloodstained glove. Paul McCartney is left-handed. There is also an Aston Martin, the car that was involved in the car crash.

- The Beatles are stonding in front of what looks like a grave. Next to them are the 4 wax Beatles statues from Madame Tussauds, and Ringo looks very sad with Paul consoling him.

- Paul McCartney is holding a black English horn, the only Beatle to wear something black. He is holding it with 3 fingers, representing the remaining 3 members of the band.

- The British actor and singer Issy Bonn holds his hand over Paul's head. This is a symbol of death in many Eastern religions.

- In the front is a flower arrangement with yellow hyacinths. It resembles a left-handed bass guitar with only three strings (the 3 remaining Beatles?) and if you look careful the flowers spell the name "Paul?"

- At the front there is a statue of the Hindu godess Kali, symbol of Death, rebirth and regeneration.

- The album is bright red...the colour of blood

- On all previous records they were "THE BEATLES" but now on the flower arrangement it just says "Beatles". Maybe they were no longer "THE" Beatles. The flower arrangement can also be read as "Be At Leso". Maybe "Leso" is the place where Paul was buried?

- On the back of the LP, George Harrison's thumb is pointing to the lyrics "Wednesday Morning at five o'clock as the day begins" -> this points to the date and hour of Paul's death-> the 9th of November was a Wednesday.

--- to be continued ---

At the Cavern with The Strangers and The Sorrals

50 years ago on Wednesday 20 June 1962 The Beatles performed twice (lunch and evening) with The Strangers and The Sorrals at the Cavern in Mathew Street, Liverpool.

The Strangers

Very little is known about The Strangers. They should not be confused with the American band with the same name (who were a back-up band for country music artist Merle Haggard) and certainly not with De Strangers, a Flemish parody act.

From what I could gather, they were probably a South African band who came to Liverpool to be successful. And not only did they share the stage with The Beatles in The Cavern Club, but they even recorded a Lennon/McCartney song that was never recorded by The Beatles: "One and One is Two", which they released in May 1964. Paul McCartney had first offered it to Billy J. Kramer, who refused it, and then to The Fourmost. They did record it (with Paul McCartney on bass) but decided not to release it.

In a Playboy interview in the 1970's, John Lennon called "One and One is Two" 'paul's attempt at writing another bad song'.

The Strangers teamed up with Mike Shannon and became "The Strangers with Mike Shannon".

The Sorrals

Originally called 'Alby and the Sorrals' and later renamed 'Alby and the Sorrels', this Liverpool band is also know under the name The Cadillacs.

The line-up was in 1962:
Keith Draper (lead),
Brian Cox (rhythm),
Dave Foley (bass)
Trevor Morris (drums)
Pete Dobson (tenor sax)

In 1961 they played at St Barnabas Church Hall, Penny Lane. The Beatles never played there because the promotors refused to pay more than £15 per band.

Victor Spinetti dies, aged 82

Today we learned the sad news that the famous actor Victor Spinetti died on June 18, 2012 of prostate cancer.

For Beatles fans everywhere he will always be remembered for his roles in A Hard Day's Night (T.V. Director), HELP! (Foot) and Magical Mystery Tour (Army Sergeant). He also appears on one of the Beatles' Christmas records, in the London Town video clip (by Paul McCartney & Wings) and his version of 'Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da' can be heard on "The Beatles complete on ukelele" podcast.

George Harrison even told Victor Spinetti that he HAD to play in all the Beatles movies because otherwise "my mum won't come to see the movie... she fancies you".

One of his famous lines in A Hard Day's Night is "Get me a bottle of milk and some tranquilizers. I see it all now, it's a plot... a plot.."

In Help! he plays Professor Foot: "He's an idiot. Degree in woodwork. I ask you"

Disclaimer: the photograph above has been released by the copyright owner into the public domain. More info can be found on Wikimedia

Petition for a statue of George Harrison in Henley-on-Thames

Ever heard of Henley-on-Thames? This wonderfully nice town in Oxfordshire, England is by Beatle fans remembered as the place where George Harrison lived at Friar park from 1970 till his death in 2001. Many of George's albums have been recorded at F.P.S.H.O.T (Friar Park Studio, Henley-on-Thames).

Now a local from Henley-on-Thames has launced a petition to put up a statue for George Harrison. In his words : "George was a longstanding resident of Henley and did so much for the town that a new landmark in Henley would best recognise his work"

So if you are sympathetic to this cause, why don't you surf to the petition and give your support?

Great Beatles Book for Free!

The website Copia is giving away free copies of "With the Beatles", the personal account of Alistair Taylor, Beatles aid and friend to Brian Epstein.

The only thing you have to do, is sign up (for free) at Copia and download their app (for Windows, Mac, iPad or Android). You will then be able to download the eBook and read all about the rise and fall of the biggest rock group the world has ever known.

Paul gets a trumpet for his 14th birthday

On 18 June 1956, Paul McCartney received a special gift for his 14th birthday, that may well have been the start of his impressive career.

He received from his father a trumpet, which they bought at Rushworth & Draper's in Liverpool. In the Fifties trumpets were the big thing, following the success of Harry James (The Man with the Golden Trumpet) and Eddie Calvert.

But because Paul couldn't sign while playing the trumpet, he soon traded it for an accoustic guitar, a Zenith. On the Anthology video he says he still owns the guitar.

The Beatles and the Blue Genes

On June 19th 1962, one day after Paul McCartney's 20th birthday, The Beatles played the Cavern Club twice, once for lunch and also later that evening.
On the bill with them were Ken Dallas & the Silhouettes and The Blue Genes.

Interestingly, the Blue Genes didn't like the Beatles a lot. When Ray McFall booked the Beatles for the first to play in his Cavern Club, he scheduled them on Tuesday 21 March 1961. This was the Blue Genes fixed day when normally they could invite guests. Ray couldn't put the Beatles on another day. Wednesday was out of the question because the Beatles were playing at Litherland Town Hall, Thursday the Cavern was closed or open for jazz-only, the weekend was traditional jazz.

The Blue Genes wanted clean groups who didn't make too much noise, but the beat music of the Beatles was definitely not described as clean & silent!

The Blue Genes later became the Swinging Blue Jeans. Singer Ray Ennis recalls the first time the Beatles played after their own group. Apparently the Beatle fans had taken up the front rows and gave the Blue Genes a hard time.

Guitarist Ralph Ellis thought the Beatles played dismal and he didn't understand why they had such a great following.

A nice touch to the story is that The Swinging Blue Jeans recorded a version of Chan Romero's 'The Hippy Hippy Shake" which reached number 5 in the charts. But recently it became clear that The Beatles had actually recorded this song before the Swinging Blue Jeans, as The Beatles performed this at the BBC sessions in July 1963.

Pseudonyms used by Paul McCartney

here is a (non-exhaustive) list of some of the pseudonyms used by Paul McCartney. If you know of any others, please tell us!

1. Paul Ramon (during tours with the Silver Beatles)
2. Bernard Webb (when he produced 'Woman' for Peter & Gordon)
3. Percy "thrills" Thrillington (the artist who made a remake of "Ram')
4. The Fireman (a side-project)
5. Clint Harrigan (Paul writing linear notes for Live & Let Die)
6. Apollo C. Vermouth (producer of the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band)
7. Billy Martin (when booking recording space for his first solo album MCCARTNEY)

James Paul McCartney: Happy Birthday!

Today 70 years ago Sir Paul McCartney was born as James Paul McCartney. According to Guinness World Records he is the most succesful composer and recording artist of all time.

70 years ago he was born in Walton Hospital in Liverpool on 18 June 1942. And now 70 years later he is still going strong, playing concerts (he just finished the "On the Run" tour) and writing music. Happy Birthday Paul!

Artwork by Georgina Flood, with kind permission through her facebook page and website

Paul Weller releases "Birthday"

Paul Weller will celebrate that other "Paul"'s birthday in style when for one day (and one day only) "Birthday" will be available for download on iTunes. Proceeds of the Lennon/McCartney cover will go to War Child Charity.

Famous Beatles artist Georgina Flood from Ireland has been selected to provide the cover of this unique record.

Paul McCartney's birthday will be celebrated in style

In two days time (June 18th) Paul McCartney will turn 70, and his birthday will be celebrated in style.

- First of all, Time Magazine will have a special supplement commemorating his life both as a Beatle and as a solo artist

- Paul Weller will release the song "Birthday" for one day only as a charity song for the War Child Charity

- There will be lots of tribute bands playing all over the world, for example in the famous Cavern Club in Liverpool, in Copenhagen and lots of other places.

- PETA will be sending a big birthday card that features animals crossing the famous pedestrian crossing at Abbey Road.

- Radio stations all ove rthe world will be making special documentaries, and Belgian's Radio Een will have a special Beatles Tribute band made of famous Belgian artists like Arno, Soulsister, Amatorski and Intergalactic Lovers

Tony Smith's Jazzmen at the Cavern Club

50 years ago, on Saturday 16 June 1962 the Beatles were booked for an evening performance at the Cavern Club. Joining them on stage were the Tony Smith's Jazzmen, who were often booked at the Cavern as can be seen from the flyer at the top.

The Tony Smith's Jazzmen included Tony Smith, John Featherstone (piano), Moe Green (drums) and Joe Silmon. When Tony left the band, they continued under the name Joe Silmon's Dixielanders.

Update: Joe Silmon, original member of the Tony smith's Jazzmen sent us some more info. Thanks Joe!

May I add the names missing from "Tony Smith's Jazzmen", a 7-piece band which, as rightly stated above, became "Joe Silmon's Dixielanders" not by my choice, in late Summer 1962.
The missing men: the late George Ratcliffe (trombone);the late Bob Ascough (banjo); Bob Leaver (double bass). One sweaty night (the night that "those famous Boys" came back from the Star Club, Hamburg), the cellar really packed, "heaving", hot and very humid, Bob (half-fainted) fell all the way down the steps into the 'original' cellar, with his bass. Both survived, thank goodness, as it was just before the gig!!!
Moe Green turned professional sometime through 1962 and was replaced by the time it became "Joe S... D...", by Mike Carnie. John Featherstone died many years ago. Tony Smith played great trumpet and was an excellent leader, for the past 50-60 years in a variety of first-class Jazz bands. He only retired about 2 months ago. When Tony left, Ian Royle, Geoff Wilde and Barry Dixon all deputised on a rota system at the Cavern. Between Tony's band and as "JSD", we appeared there at least 25 times between 1961 and 1962. 
See also F. Lopez Chaurri's excellent book: "Beatles 62 - Year of Change" (when someone translates it into English). It's in Spanish. Fernando gives equal weight to Jazzers as to all the Beat,Rock and Blues groups with whom we all shared a tiny stage and dressing room.
Thank you for remembering us all.
Joseph A A Silmon-Monerri ("Joe Silmon" - now an author)
Copyright info for the poster

1. It's a low resolution copy of an advertising poster.
2. It doesn't limit the copyright owner's rights to sell the poster in any way.
3. Because of the low resolution, copies could not be used to make illegal copies of the poster.
4. The image is itself a subject of discussion in the article or used in the infobox.
5. The image is significant because it was used to promote a performance that has not been well documented.

Here We Go Transmission

On Friday 15 June 1962 the Beatles appeared on BBC radio for the second time. They performed three songs which had been recorded on Monday 11 June

Songs transmitted: `Ask Me Why'; `Besame Mucho'; `A Picture Of You'

The show started at 5 pm and ran till 5.30 pm

At the Cavern with the Dennisons

On Wednesday 13 June the Beatles played another gig at the Cavern, this time with The Dennisons.

Once The Beatles made it big, the Dennisons were hailed as "the next band from the Cavern that would make it big". Decca (who had turned down the Beatles) were quick to sign them, but The Dennisons never created any big waves.

BBC viewers might recognize the drummer as Clive Hornby who played the part of Jack Sugden in the popular TV-series Emmerdale.

In the Cavern with Mark Peters and the Cyclones

On Sunday 10 June 1962 the Beatles played again in the Cavern, this time with Mark Peters and the Cyclones. In a poll conducted by Mersey Beat, The Cyclones came in 14th place when asked which Liverpool group was most popular.

the results of the poll were as follows:


1. The Beatles (still with Pete Best)
2. Gerry & The Pacemakers
3. The Remo Four
4. Rory Storm & The Hurricanes (still with Ringo Starr)
5. Johnny Sandon and The Searchers
6. Kingsize Taylor & The Dominoes
7. The Big Three
8. The Strangers
9. Faron & The Flamingos
10. The Four Jays
11. Ian and the Zodiacs
12. The Undertakers
13. Earl Preston & The TTs
14. Mark Peters and the Cyclones
15. Karl Terry and the Cruisers
16. Derry and the Seniors
17. Steve and the Syndicate
18. Dee Fenton and the Silhouettes
19. Billy Kramer and the Coasters
20. Dale Roberts and the Jaywalkers

The Beatles at the Beeb in Manchester

On Monday 11 June 1962 the Beatles went to The Playhouse Theatre in Manchester. Between 8.00-9.00pm the recorded the BBC's `Here We Go' (Teenager's Turn)

On the set list were `Ask Me Why'; `Besame Mucho'; `A Picture Of You'.
This would turn out to be the last released recording Pete Best on drums.
It also appears to be the first available take of `Ask Me Why' and the only time the BBC recorded `Besame Mucho'.
Even more interestingly, it remains until today the only known recording of `A Picture Of You', sung by George Harrison.

Saturday June 9, 1962

The Beatles play a "Welcome Home" session in the Cavern Club to celebrate coming back after their fourth German adventure in Hamburg. Some people when reading the ad "straight from the Star Club in Hamburg" assume The Beatles are a German band. In total 900 (!) people showed up. For those of you who have been to The Cavern, you can imagine how hot it must have been in there!

Other bands on the bill that night are The Red River Jazzmen, Ken Dallas and the Silhouettes and The Four Jays.

Interesting to know is that The Four Jays were a band that was also under contract with Brian Epstein, and this was the last time they would play under the name The Four Jays. Soon they would become The Fourmost and would have some minor hits with songs that John Lennon and Paul McCartney couldn't use. "Hello Little Girl" and "I'm in Love" did quite well in the charts. Their biggest is was "A little Loving" and a remake of "Here, There and Everywhere".

Incidentally, the Red River Jazzmen were a quite popular jazz band in the fifties and sixties and even played support act for people like Stevie Wonder & Spencer Davies.

The Silhouettes were a classic doo-wop vocal group that were popular in the fifties.


Copyright info for the poster:

1. It's a low resolution copy of an advertising poster.
2. It doesn't limit the copyright owner's rights to sell the poster in any way.
3. Because of the low resolution, copies could not be used to make illegal copies of the poster.
4. The image is itself a subject of discussion in the article or used in the infobox.
5. The image is significant because it was used to promote a performance that has not been well documented.

Beatles "Butcher cover" makes it in the top 50

The LOLs. The OMGs. TheFW. That is the tag line of theFW, a humouristic website that likes to comment on popular cultural.
Recently they published a top 50 of the worst albums. I don't know what criteria they used, because I found in my parents' music collection at least 50 other albums that are much worse.

But they even managed to fit in a Beatles album at nr. 47. #9 would have been better, but I guess they don't have THAT much imagination :)

Anyway, the Beatles album concerned is called "The Beatles Yesterday and Today" which features the Fab Four in butcher's clothes and with dismembered dolls and meat on their lap. The cover was soon replaced by a much cleaner one (that should have made it in the top 50 as well) with the four Beatles wearing suits and sitting in a trunk.

For Sale: Limited Edition Paul McCartney 1964 Texan

On August 14, 1965 the Beatles appeared for a fourth (and final) time on the Ed Sullivan show, and Paul McCartney played 'Yesterday' on an Epiphone Texan FT-79N (N for natural finish). He bought it in New York in December 1964. He probably paid $175 for it, but if you find one on the internet you should be prepared to pay $3500 for it. 

Or you could settle for the Limited Edition Paul McCartney Texan, of which 1,964 were replicated. Expect to pay around $300 on eBay.

Beatlemania Museum Hamburg will close

Yesterday Folkert Koopmanns, the manager of the Beatlemania Museum in Hamburg announced that the Beatles Museum will close at the end of June 2012.

Since the museum opened 3 years ago, there have only been 150,000 visitors. Not enough to cover the cost of renting the building and paying the licences.

Hamburg has always had a strong Beatles connection, since they were 5 times 'in residence' at various clubs on the famous Reeperbahn. The Indra, Kaiserkeller, Star-Club and Top Ten are well known to Beatlesfans all over the world and still attract pilgrims to Northern Germany.

So if you still want to visit the museum and its 1,000+ exhibits, you should hurry. That's the end, little girl!

Yellow Submarine available on Blu-Ray

On 28 May 2012 the Beatles' classic 1968 animated feature film, Yellow Submarine,has been released on Blu-Ray for the first time.
The movie has been digitally restored for DVD and Blu-ray release,  restored in 4K digital resolution for the first time - all done by hand, frame by frame.

The Beatles' animated personas were based on their appearance in the promotional film for the song "Strawberry Fields Forever", with the exception of Paul being without his moustache. The film also includes several references to songs not included in the soundtrack, including "A Day in the Life" where the lyrics are referenced in the "Sea of Holes" scene, as well as the orchestral breaks earlier in the film, also from "A Day in the Life".

Wednesday 6 June 1962

The First Abbey Road Recording Session

Today is the big day, one of the most important days in Beatles history.

At 7pm they had a recording session booked in Studio 2 of the Abbey Road Studios (3 Abbey Road, St John's Wood, London).

The session, which acted as both a real recording session as well as an audition, took place between 7pm and 10pm in the presence of Ron Richards and Norman Smith. According to legend, George Martin was not supposed to be in the studio, but he was brought in by Norman Smith because he was baffled by the quality and potential of their songs, especially Love me Do.

Most of the material and documentation of this memorable day was destroyed, but we know for sure that Pete Best was on drums. George Martin was not impressed with his drumming (neither was he with Ringo Starr's work during their second recording session) and rumor has it The Beatles and Brian Epstein used that remark as a reason to sack Pete Best.

During the evening session they played four songs: Besame Much, Love Me Do, PS I Love You and Ask Me Why. All the songs were thought to have been destroyed, but in 1980 Besame Mucho turned up and in 1994 Love Me Do was rediscovered. If you want to hear what they sound like, you should get The Anthology 1 CD.

Ringo Starr's Birth House is saved!

Good news for all Beatles fans (and especially those who like Ringo Starr) because on 30 May 2012 Liverpool council leader Richard Kemp confirmed that 117 houses in the 11 so-called "Welsh" streets in Dingle will be saved and restored.

Richard "Ringo" Starkey was born on 7 July 1940 in Madryn Street nr. 9. Madryn is Welsh for "fox" and 10 other adjacent streets all have a Welsh name (i.e. Rhiwlas, Gwydir or Pengwern).
When Ringo was 3 they moved to the other side of the street at Admiral Grove 10.

The houses in the Welsh streets have been in bad condition for some time now, and even older pictures on Google Street Maps show that this was not a recent problem.
For more than 8 years Liverpudlians have been debating about what to do with the Victorian terraces. Messages on the walls from Beatles fans clearly favoured a restoration of the area.

The government has now offered a £2 million grant and locals hope Ringo's house will be bought by the National Trust (who have already acquired Paul McCartney and John Lennon's house).

Paul McCartney will play at the Olympics

Sir Paul McCartney announced today that he will peform at the Olympics Opening Ceremony in London on 27 July 2012. The ceremony promises to be quite spectacular because also Snow Patrol will appear and Danny "Slumdog Millionaire" Boyle is directing. The theme will allegedly be called "Isles of Wonder".

Other musical news from the Olympics comes from Blur and New Order who will play a concert in Hyde Park to mark the end of the Games.

Paul McCartney's concert for the Queen

Yesterday Paul McCartney had the honour of closing the festivities for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. He started the show with The Magical Mystery Tour and all the Royals stood up to acknowledge this all-time favourite song. After that came All My Loving and Let it Be on piano.

Fireworks were preceded by James Bond's Live and Let Die and the festivities ended with Obla-Di-Obla-Da.

The Beatles are UK's top selling singles act

Today on 4 June 2012, The Beatles have been announced during HM The Queen's diamond jubilee celebrations as the biggest selling singles act.


According to a poll conducted by BBC Radio 2, the Beatles top the chart as most popular artists since the singles chart began in 1952, the year the Queen acceded to the throne.

The top 10 looks like this:
 

1. The Beatles
2. Elvis Presley
3. Cliff Richard
4. Madonna
5. Michael Jackson
6. Elton John
7. Queen
8. Abba
9. David Bowie
10. Rihanna   
11. Paul McCartney
    
    In total the Beatles had 17 number one hits between 1963 and 1970
    
    1."From Me to You" (1963, 7 weeks),
    2. "She Loves You" (1963, 6 weeks),
    3. "I Want to Hold Your Hand" (1963, 5 weeks),
    4. "Can't Buy Me Love" (1964, 3 weeks),
    5. "A Hard Day's Night" (1964, 3 weeks),
    6. "I Feel Fine" (1964, 5 weeks),
    7. "Ticket to Ride" (1965, 3 weeks),
    8. "Help!" (1965, 3 weeks),
    9. "We Can Work It Out"/"Day Tripper" (1965, 5 weeks),
    10. "Paperback Writer" (1966, 2 weeks),
    11."Yellow Submarine"/"Eleanor Rigby" (1966, 4 weeks),
    12. "All You Need Is Love" (1967, 3 weeks),
    13. "Hello, Goodbye" (1967, 7 weeks),
    14. "Lady Madonna" (1968, 2 weeks),
    15. "Hey Jude" (1968, 2 weeks),
    16. "Get Back" (1969, 6 weeks),
    17. "The Ballad of John and Yoko" (1969, 2 weeks). 
    
    

Tuesday 5 June 1962

Tomorrow is the big day: not only will the Beatles record their first songs for EMI (and will they meet George Martin for the first time) but they will also do an audition.

They are taking no chances so Brian Epstein decided that they should travel already to London on the 5th of June, even though the audition only starts at 7pm on the next day.

So today they drive down from Liverpool to London, where their career will take off very soon.

Monday June 4, 1962

Today the Beatles (including Pete Best) rehearsed for a second consecutive day in the Cavern Club, 10 Mathew Street, Liverpool as a warm-up to their first EMI audition later on Wednesday, June 6.

Is is very likely that the rehearsed some of the same songs they played at the failed Decca audition, including Besame Mucho, Hello Little Girl and Like Dreamers Do.

There are a number of bootleg albums on the market that contain material from Cavern Club rehearsals recorded between August and December 1962. These include I Saw Her Standing There, One After 909 and Catswalk.

The Cavern Club

It is hard to imagine the Beatles without the Cavern Club. Together with the concerts they played in Hamburg, Germany, the sessions in the Cavern Club turned them into the biggest rockgroup ever. It was there they acquired a huge following, strong live reputation and of course it was there that Brian Epstein first saw the Beatles perform on November 9, 1961.

The Cavern Club opened on 16 January 1957 as a jazz club (similar to Le Caveau in Paris) but it became a hangout for skiffle groups, including John Lennon's Quarrymen. Their first appearance was on 7 August 1957. Later Paul McCartney joined them and performed there on 24 January 1958. George Harrison played his first gig at the Cavern Club on 9 February 1961.

After jazz and skiffle came the Beat movement (and blues) with the first Beat Night held on 25 May 1960. Incidentally, one of the groups performing on that night was Rory Storm and the Hurricanes (with Ringo Starr).

From 1961 till 1963 the Beatles made 292 performances (lunch and evening sessions) and it was at one of these sessions that Brian Epstein saw them for the first time. He was immediately infatuated with the Beatles and saw their potential. He is quoted as having said: "I was immediately struck by their music, their beat, and their sense of humour on stage—and, even afterwards, when I met them, I was struck again by their personal charm. And it was there that, really, it all started"

Other famous rockgroups that performed the Cavern Club are The Rolling Stones, The Yardbirds, Elton John, The Kinks, The Who, John Lee Hooker, Queen and Paul McCartney at his last concert of the 20th century.

Nowadays about 40 groups a week perform in a replica of the original Cavern Club (demolished in 1973) and it is still a major attraction site.