Ono: Lennon's art showed playful side

To Yoko Ono, John Lennon's art reveals a little-known side of the legendary Beatles musician. ''He's not really known for his artwork, but it shows the innocent side of him from his childhood,'' Lennon's wife, Ono, said from Manhattan. ''That's what he tried first -- he went to art school. He was very proud of that.'' In My Life: The Artwork of John Lennon, an exhibit presented by Ono and The Las Olas Company, will be on display in Fort Lauderdale Friday through Feb. 7 in a Las Olas Boulevard storefront. In the late 1950s, before he helped create The Beatles, Lennon attended the Liverpool Art Institute. He chronicled his family and his messages of peace through art his entire life, until his murder at age 40 in 1980. [read more]

Rare copy of Beatles' first LP found in Oxfam shop and sold to raise cash for Haiti

rare copy of The Beatles’ first album Please Please Me found in an Oxfam shop has raised more than £1,300 for the charity’s Haiti appeal. The record – one of only 300 original pressings – was discovered in a carrier bag of junk handed in by an anonymous donor in Liverpool. It was sold on eBay to a collector in Hampshire. Please Please Me hit the top of the UK album charts in May 1963 and remained there for 30 weeks. [read more]

Roy Orbison Gets His Hollywood Star

The great Roy Orbison finally got his star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame on Friday. It was about time! Thanks to the persistence of his widow, the intrepid and beautiful Barbara, Orbison has lived on well after his death at age 52 in 1989. The star was unveiled on Vine Street, right in front of the Capitol Records tower, and right next to Garth Brooks. Not bad. With “Pretty Woman” playing in the background, Barbara and sons Alex and Roy Jr., and Roy’s son Wesley, received the proclamation from the city of Hollywood. Dan Aykroyd (who was there with gorgeous wife Donna Dixon) and T Bone Burnett each spoke about their love of Roy — who didn’t love Roy Orbison, that’s the question! {read more}

'Nowhere Boy' revisits Lennon's adolescence

Before singer/songwriter John Lennon was making global headlines with his artistry, the Beatles, his politics and his untimely death, he was a Liverpool 15-year-old who had spirit with no direction; who stole rock records and brought them into the home of his prim, classical-music-loving aunt; who wondered what to do with his life and what to think of the free-spirited mother who left when he was 4. The new British film "Nowhere Boy," by Sam Taylor-Wood, reveals the story of the lonely teen who would find his voice and evolve into a music icon. Taylor-Wood said she identified with her subject. [read more]

Chameleon Comedian: David Bowie 1967-1970

Has any artist in the history of rock elicited such sustained critical scrutiny for so long as David Bowie has? For over six decades and counting, critics have been magnetically drawn to him, consistently fascinated by his multiple manifestations, cerebral complexity, and subversive gestures. Yet despite the library of analysis dedicated to him and his body of work, few critics have noted the humor that resides at the core of Bowie’s creative expression and impact. As innovative and eclectic as his music has been, Bowie’s means and methods of articulation also reveal an artist finely attuned to the subversive potential of humor. Within all facets of his musical artistry—lyrics, song-craft, instrumentation, image, and live performance—Bowie has variously drawn upon an array of comedic techniques: parody, satire, childlike whimsy, wordplay. [read more]

Bob Dylan & John Lennon Collectables To Go Under Hammer

Bob Dylan & John Lennon collectables to go under hammer at Cameo Auctioneers on 2nd February 2010. A very rare leather jacket worn by the legendary Bob Dylan in the 1978 film directed by Martin Scorsese celebrating 'The Band's' last ever live performance, and in which Dylan, along with other rock greats such as Van Morrision and Eric Clapton performed has come up for auction at Cameo. Lot 401 in the upcoming music sale, a leather jacket, labelled 'Jackson the Tailor' was donated by Bob Dylan to the Bloodstock Cooperative and comes with a signed letter of authenticity dated July 1994 by the late Rick Dando, vocalist in 'The Band'. Estimates on this lot range from £5-6000

Also in this exciting sale of over 600 lots is lot 470, a pre-release sleeve for the acclaimed 'Double Fantasy' album by John Lennon and Yoko Ono. There is a handwritten dedication on the rear sleeve to New York's WNEW Radio Station which reads, 'love John Lennon & Yoko Ono'. The signing took place at Studio One on the 21st November 1980. The sleeve is missing its disc as it was part of the stations collections, the sleeve was retained by Ken Dashow a DJ who later sold it via a New York Dealer. Estimates are £600-800. [more]

Charlie Watts Blasts Beatles and Elvis

What's up with the Rolling Stones? As they fast approach the anniversary of their half century of playing together, guitarist Keith Richards recently hopped on the wagon after decades of pummeling his body and now drummer Charlie Watts has told an Austrian newspaper that he's always hated the music of Elvis Presley and 60s rival the Beatles. The drummer, who is currently playing a series of concerts in Austria with blues-jazz ensemble The ABC&D of Boogie Woogie (named after the musicians in the band - pianists Axel Zwingenberger and Ben Waters, drummer Charlie Watts and bassist Dave Green), said, "I've never been a big Beatles fan. [read more]

A new spin on The Beatles

I wanted the name of the show to be a Beatles song title that was recognizable, and I thought this was appropriate because the show is a retrospective of John and Paul’s personal and working relationship. They accomplished so much together, and went down the road together, regardless of the bumps and the twists and turns it took. It was fascinating to research, the road they traveled together. We don’t want to be known as a Beatles tribute band – we’re not that. We stuck with the hits, pretty much, because we wanted songs that are recognizable. Also, we wanted to tell stories behind the songs, for example, for a few weeks, the working title of “Yesterday” was “Scrambled Eggs.” And a song that was easily identified as written by McCartney, but was slammed by Lennon is “Lady Madonna.” Lennon said “Good piano lick, but the song never really went anywhere.” [read more]

STRUMMER LOVIN'

George Harrison played one in the Beatles song Free as a Bird, American Idol contestant Jason Castro played one in front of Simon Cowell during a rendition of Over the Rainbow and members of local indie band Elliot Brood play them throughout their hit song The Valley Town. The instrument is a ukulele, and it's making a huge comeback. Tonight, at the Royal Theatre in Toronto, filmmakers Tony Coleman and Margaret Meagher will host the premiere of their latest documentary, Mighty Uke, as well as an interactive performance (BYOU) and a kick-off of their nationwide tour featuring renowned Canadian ukulele player James Hill. [read more]

Ringo Starr relishes new challenges, but he’s forever a Beatle

The 69-year-old visitor to the downtown Grammy Museum strolled with fascination through its new exhibit of Alfred Wertheimer’s celebrated 1956 photos of Elvis Presley at 21, just as the impossibly handsome young singer was on the threshold of stardom. Like most other visitors taking in the remarkably unguarded photos, this bearded gentleman exhibited affection and appreciation for the black-and-white portraits of Presley’s quiet moments — lunching at a diner; teasing, and being teased, by a female fan — some of the last such moments he would enjoy before exploding as the biggest star in the pop music universe. [read more]

Ringo Starr gets a drum lesson

The chance to hang with Ringo Starr and actually school him in the correct way to play the tabla hand drums (as seen in the video below) came about through their mutual friend, producer Dave Stewart. Needless to say, Sugandh jumped at the opportunity. "Going to his house was the most incredible experience," she said. "Ringo is so gracious and kind, charming and hysterical, and really is a star - no pun intended. But what I love most is his humility - and he said something I'll always remember: There was a half-full bottle of water left on the table that no one claimed, and it upset him. 'This much water could save a child's life in another country,' he said, and to hear that from a Beatle's mouth was so cool!" [more with video]

Cheap Trick's Rick Nielsen Still Waiting on Paul McCartney's Autograph

Cheap Trick have never shied away from their Beatles influences -- they're even known in Japan as the "American Beatles." Their brushes with the Fab Four are many: drummer Bun E. Carlos worked with John Lennon and the band collaborated with Beatles producer George Martin and recording engineer Geoff Emerick on several of their albums. With all these associations, it seemed logical that guitarist Rick Nielsen, who has amassed over 2,000 guitars, would think of parting with one of his prized possessions -- a Les Paul left-handed bass which he thought would be ideal for lefty Paul McCartney. [read more at spinner]

Kasabian Make Beatles Boast

Kasabian claim they are like The Beatles. Frontman Tom Meighan believes he and his bandmates - Serge Pizzorno, Chris Edwards and Ian Matthews - are like the Fab Four because they have obsessive fans who have different "favourites". He said: "I think I get the eccentric fans because we are like The Beatles. Everyone has a favourite. I'm the cocky, honest, Tasmanian Devil one." As well as being a fan of The Beatles, Tom is a huge admirer of Oasis and insists Liam Gallagher should release a solo album because he can still make "amazing" music without his brother Noel Gallagher. The 29-year-old singer - whose band joined Oasis on their last ever tour before they split in August - said in an interview with Q magazine: "I think Liam should go it alone. It's not Oasis without Noel, and I think they'd both agree with that. Did I see it coming? No I can't say I did. I was in Germany doing a terrible festival when someone texted me they'd split up and I was as shocked as anyone. "I texted Liam and Noel just to say, 'I am really sorry and best of luck,' to both of them. It's sad but the new music will be just amazing." [source]

Exclusive, Unpublished Photos of The Beatles in New Issue of Keep Rockin' Magazine!

Keep Rockin' Magazine celebrates its first year anniversary with a special Beatles issue which includes a 10 page layout with previously unseen pictures of The Beatles from 1963 and 1964. Keep Rockin', the premier 50's & 60's music magazine, was selected to publish these rare photos of The Beatles by photographer, Ian Wright, who was there in the early 60's before Beatlemania swept the world. Along with these exclusive photos, is the untold story BEATLEMANIA! On The Way Up which reveals early influences of The Fab Four and the origins of Beatlemania. [read more]

Sir Paul McCartney`s son James `to be best man at star`s wedding`

Beatles legend Sir Paul McCartney will make his son James the best man when he marries girlfriend Nancy Shevell, according to UK reports. The 67-year-old singer is reportedly set to marry the American heiress later this year in a ceremony in Shevell's native US. A source said: 'As far as Paul is concerned, James will be the only man for the job. All Paul's kids get on well with Nancy and it will obviously be fitting for James to be involved in this way.' McCartney has been married twice before. He was first married to Linda, who died from breast cancer in 1998. They had three children together. He later married Heather Mills in 2002. They had a daughter, Beatrice, before splitting in 2008. Source - Monsters and Critics

Yoko Ono: “A HOLE”

Needless to say, Ono’s husband, John Lennon was shot dead by his self-professed fan on December 8, 1980. The period of this exhibition in which Ono’s new creations are shown includes the anniversary of his death. It would come to be possible for Ono to suggest others see dreams and hopes from another perspective through the bullet hole only when the hole represents the fear having led to her husband’s “death”. Finding hopes on the other side of violence - Ono herself must realize the difficulty of this perceptional change. “You must have hope without giving way to unreasonable violence.” The exhibits make me feel they include the urgent and convincing message of the creator. This would be due to the fact that they were made by Yoko Ono herself. [read more]

Beatles IPhone App Released

A fully licensed Beatles iPhone app has been released onto the iPhone App Store. The program includes lyrics and chords to more than 160 Beatles songs. It constitutes the first official Beatles content to be featured on iTunes. The Little Black Songbook also features 30 recorded backing tracks and a variety of instructional videos. There is significant history between the computing giant Apple, which owns iTunes, and the record label Apple that the Beatles founded in 1968. A settlement that prevented Apple Inc. from dabbling in the music business was reached, but this had to be amended in 2007 to deal with Apple's iTunes business. Since then, the Beatles have failed to provide their music online, though there have been rumors in the past year that now that the remastered Beatles albums have been released, a digital release will come soon. by RTT Staff Writer [source]

Starr To Perform On 70Th Birthday

THE BEATLES legend RINGO STARR will celebrate his 70th birthday this summer (10) by performing live onstage. The drummer will hit the landmark age in July (10), but he's refusing to hold a big bash because he'll be too busy performing across the U.S. with his group the All Starr Band. Starr has decided to play Radio City Music Hall in New York on his big day - because playing music to his fans is what he "loves the most", according to Britain's Daily Express. A source tells the publication, "Ringo's decided to go on tour as he felt it was fitting he should be doing what he loves the most on the big day, which is performing. He's not holding a big lavish birthday party. It's not his style these days. For him, still being able to perform on stage for his fans after all these years is reward enough." Source - Contactmusic News

Dancing On Ice: Emily Atack Macca's Niece

Emily insists that life chez Macca is no different to any other family home. "Paul is just Uncle Paul to me. I have great memories of going round to Uncle Paul's with my brother and sister when we were little. We used to go out horse riding or we'd play in the land around the house. And every year he would hold a huge New Year's Eve party. There are no airs and graces. The house is large but it still feels very homely. When we were little we all loved going round because we got to pick our own room for the night. There were 10 bedrooms and Stella (Sir Paul's daughter) would tell us we could pick one each." [read more]

EMI release new McCartney single

He famously quit EMI after more than four decades, complaining he was being treated as “part of the furniture”. But now Paul McCartney has inadvertently found his latest single is being released through the music giant from whom he parted company in 2007. The track, '(I Want To) Come Home', was recorded for the soundtrack of the movie 'Everybody’s Fine' and is due to be released on March 1. Paul recorded the track after being asked by director Kirk Jones then seeing an early screening of the film starring Robert De Niro, Drew Barrymore and Kate Beckinsale. [read more]

Questlove: Use of Beatles' 'Lovely Rita' on Conan O'Brien's last 'Tonight Show' cost NBC $500k

Conan O'Brien spared a few kind words for NBC during his last episode of the "Tonight Show" - but he spared no expense when it came to music. One of his final guests, Tom Hanks, entered the studio to the tune of The Beatles' "Lovely Rita," which may have cost the network half a million dollars. Questlove, drummer for the band The Roots, tuned in to the episode and tweeted "yo i hate spoiling but i will have you know that walk on song we just heard was half a milli. i know cause i got the list rate at nbc." [read more]

‘Everbody Hurts’ Haiti Charity Single To Feature Mariah Carey, Paul McCartney

The REM 1993 hit “Everybody Hurts” has been chosen for Simon Cowell’s upcoming charity single to benefit Haiti earthquake relief efforts. REM’s manager Bertis Downs told The Sun, “We are deeply touched the song has been chosen for this Haiti campaign. It means a lot that the song the guys wrote all those years ago will be used for such an important appeal.” The group is waving all the royalties for the song in order to maximize help for Haiti. All money raised will be split between Disasters Emergency Committee and The Sun’s Helping Haiti campaign which benefits Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders. So far, the single’s line-up includes Michael Bublé, Rod Stewart, Cheryl Cole, and Leona Lewis. Rumors indicate that stars such as Robbie Williams, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Coldplay, Take That, Mariah Carey, Susan Boyle, Elton John, and Paul McCartney will likely be involved in the recording. [source]

The Beatles Remastered and Remembered

Both the student demonstrations that marked the First Quarter Storm of 1970, and the final dissolution of the Beatles, marked historic turning points for the generation that came of age at the cusp of the new decade. Dark days lay ahead: the prospect of martial law and a world without new Beatles songs loomed on the horizon. The euphoria of the Sixties was finally over. In any case, now is as good a time as any to weigh in on the remastered Beatles catalog, which was released September last year to general acclaim and much media hype. [read more]

Starr at Grammy Museum

Former Beatles drummer Ringo Starr was interviewed by Grammy Museum Executive Director Robert Santelli yesterday. Starr appeared before a sold out audience of 200 at the museum’s Grammy Sound Stage on Jan. 19. Los Angeles Downtown News photographer Gary Leonard was there and speaks in his own words about the experience. “The program began with the interviews. First with Ringo and then joined on stage by Ben Harper who answered a few questions. “For the first time Ringo was the producer on his current CD. He talked about that process and later answered questions from the audience about his days in Liverpool. [read more]

Lennon tells it like it was

In the age of the single download, Jeff Harford rediscovers the album . . . Few of us would turn something as private as the dissection of our personal neuroses into a very public, very vocal purging of pain. But then, few of us have what John Lennon had. By the end of 1970, Lennon could count on a guaranteed audience, eager to hear what he had to say in the wash-up of the Beatles' demise. Whatever they were expecting, it was unlikely to be the off-the-leash therapy session he delivered. [read more]

Dad rocked with Paul McCartney

The son of rock guitarist Mick Green, who played with Paul McCartney and Van Morrison, has described his father, who died aged 65 last week, as his “best friend”. Mr Green, a member of Wanstead and Woodford Synagogue, died on January 11. His son and manager, Brad, 28, said: “He had a very large personality and was a real comedian. His death will leave a huge gap in my life.” Mr Green began his career playing with 1960s band Johnny Kidd and the Pirates. He later played in the band Shanghai, which supported Status Quo on tour in 1976. [read more]

Paul McCartney Releasing Song For New De Niro Film

This March sees EMI Records release Paul McCartney's Golden Globe nominated track '(I Want To) Come Home', taken from the forthcoming Miramax film 'Everybody's Fine' starring Robert De Niro, Drew Barrymore and Kate Beckinsale. Paul specially wrote and recorded the track after being asked to by director Kirk Jones and seeing an early screening. The film ends with '(I Want To) Come Home' starting up before the final credits and providing the perfect backdrop to a film that explores many different areas of family life and relationships. [read more]

John Lennon's school bans fans' photographs

Large signs showing a camera with a cross through it have been put up on the fence surrounding the playground of Dovedale Junior School on Barndale Road, just yards from Penny Lane. Lennon and his fellow former Beatle George Harrison both attended the Liverpool school in the late 1940s and early 1950s. Officials at the school insisted they did not wish to appear "unfriendly" and Beatles fans were welcome to take photographs at the front of the school building, away from the pupils. [read more]

Yellow Submarine to Resurface in 3-D in 2012

For a band that split up 40 years ago, The Beatles have been enjoying a pretty good past few months. This past fall, Electronic Arts launched an all-Beatles version of its wildly popular Rock Band video game, and a remastered compilation of their full recording catalog was issued, both to critical acclaim and strong sales. And to underscore that the legacy of one of rock 'n' roll's greatest and most influential bands isn't likely to lose its luster anytime soon, director Robert Zemeckis announces that the Yellow Submarine is slated to resurface in 2012. [click to read more]

53 years later, Beatles remain relevant

“They say it’s your birthday, happy birthday to you!” Put some candles on a guitar, because The Beatles turn 53 this year. It was July 6, 1957, when Paul McCartney first met John Lennon. From there, the Beatles went on to become one of the most popular bands in music history. After the band split up in 1969, each Beatle (John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and George Harrison) pursued his own individual career. Despite the untimely deaths of Lennon in 1980 and Harrison in 2001, McCartney and Starr still record music and tour around the world (Starr just released a new album titled “Y Not”). The Beatles haven’t stopped influencing music or entertainment as a whole in any means. Here are a few examples: In 2007, the movie “Across the Universe” came out in theaters. The musical brought characters from some of the Beatles’ most popular songs to life — such as Prudence, Lucy and Jude. [read more]

Sir Paul McCartney Happy to Devote Life to Daughter

Sir Paul McCartney has revealed that his six-year-old daughter is the highest priority in his life, with his career coming a distant second. McCartney, who recently admitted to turning down the bass player role in Dave Grohl's supergroup Them Crooked Vultures, had daughter Beatrice with ex-wife Heather Mills in 2003. Speaking to Live magazine, he said, "I'm a pretty hands-on dad and make the most of my custody. I take care of my little one whenever I can and she determines what I can do and where I can do it." [read more]

Zane Lowe's Comprehensive Interview with Paul McCartney Debuts on VH1 Classic Jan. 19 at 10 p.m.

Paul McCartney has led a legendary life. As both a member of the biggest band of all time, and as a solo artist, McCartney’s musical legacy, impact and influence can be felt across generations and has left an indelible imprint on the world of pop culture forever. On Jan. 19 at 10 p.m., VH1 Classic will present,“Zane Meets Paul McCartney,” an in-depth interview with Paul himself, hosted by BBC Radio personality and former MTV UK VJ Zane Lowe. The hour-long interview covers all facets of McCartney's fascinating career, from his days with The Beatles to his most recent solo release, Good Evening New York City. This live album was recorded at New York's Citi Field, which sits on the site of the iconic Shea Stadium, where The Beatles played to what was, at the time, the largest crowd to attend a rock and roll concert. read more at MCV

Mccartney's Daughter Determines Career

SIR PAUL MCCARTNEY makes sure he's a "hands-on dad" - the singer arranges his work schedule so he can spend as much time as possible with his daughter BEATRICE. The Beatles legend shares custody of his six year old with his ex-wife Heather Mills, who he separated from in 2006. MCCartney deliberately works to fit his career around his time with Beatrice - and admits he likes having a "haphazard" schedule. He says, "I look a lot busier than I am, as I'm actually a rather sporadic, random person and I'll play a few gigs and then disappear for a while. I'm a pretty hands-on dad and make the most of my custody. I take care of my little one whenever I can, and she determines what I can do and where I can do it. "I could play the O2 every week for the rest of my life but I'd rather do things as the fancy takes me. Honestly, there is no master plan. My so-called career is a haphazard thing. I'm just having fun and relieved and happy that other people are still interested." [source]

Paul McCartney: An Almost Member of Them Crooked Vultures

Their self-titled debut album was a big hit with new fans as well, but here’s something to wrap your brain around. What if a former member of the Beatles were part of this super group right now? Now, that would be a super group! Perhaps you had never even considered Macca to be a potential member in that lineup, but according to The Daily Mail (via Consequence of Sound), Paul McCartney was almost the bass player for Them Crooked Vultures! In a very lengthy and detailed profile of Sir McCartney, the former Beatle gave us the juiciest bit of information right toward the end. To summarize it: After joining each other on stage during the Grammys in 2009, McCartney and Grohl went out for dinner. During dinner, Grohl mentioned how he was getting ready to put together a super group band. McCartney offered to play bass for the group, but unfortunately Grohl had to turn him down because he had already approached his friend Jones from Led Zeppelin. [read more]

Paul Mccartney 'At Home' In A Band

Sir Paul McCartney prefers being in a band. The Beatles legend - who has also launched a successful solo career - says he likes being part of a group as it helps him feel "at home". He said: "I've got a good band who've been together for nine years. "I suppose that's the real reason I'm enjoying myself right now. Because I'm very much at home with my band. You know, I quite like a band." The Liverpool-born singer also revealed that people tried to put him off performing on UK TV talent show 'The X Factor' last year. He told Live: "Lots of my friends told me not to do it. It's a pop show. But what turned me around - apart from the huge audience - was the fact that it's a family show, and so many kids I know are obsessed by it. "Also, Beyonce was on it, and if it's good enough for her then it should be good enough for me. Plus, it threw up Leona Lewis and she's no slouch." [source]

Mccartney Loved Gervais' Heather Mills Joke

RICKY GERVAIS was scared he'd offended SIR PAUL MCCARTNEY when he mocked his divorce from HEATHER MILLS onstage at the Golden Globe Awards, until the former BEATLE sought him out backstage and told him he loved it. The audience at the starstudded Hollywood bash gasped when Gervais referenced the break-up during his risque monologue. The funnyman said, “We were on the same plane to get here. I was in first and he was behind me in coach... Well, he spent a lot of money last year." TV cameras cut away before MCCartney's reaction could be seen, prompting speculation the joke upset him. But Gervais insists the pop legend has a great sense of humour. The comedian writes on his blog, "I was worried about the Paul MCCartney line but then he came backstage and hugged me and said he loved it, so that was OK." [source]

Ricky Gervais Mocks Macca Over Money

Ricky Gervais has teased Sir Paul McCartney for having no money since his divorce from Heather Mills. The British comic star presented the Golden Globe awards last night (17.01.10) and used the star-studded occasion to poke fun at the former Beatle's split from the ex-model. Referring to Paul, Ricky told the celebrity crowd gathered at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills: "We actually came over on the same flight. I didn't get to speak to him because I was up the front in first class. He was behind me in coach - saving money. He spent an awful lot last year." Ricky continued: "I don't think we have to feel too sorry for him. He's doing alright!" [read more]

Mccartney Left Out Of Them Crooked Vultures

SIR PAUL MCCARTNEY wanted a place in DAVE GROHL's supergroup THEM CROOKED VULTURES, but was turned down in favour of LED ZEPPELIN legend JOHN PAUL JONES. The Beatles star teamed up with the Foo Fighters frontman onstage for a performance at the 200 Grammy Awards, and when the pair went out for dinner afterwards Grohl revealed his plans for a new band with Queens of the Stone Age singer Josh Homme. The veteran musician offered his services, but was disappointed when Grohl turned him down - because the rocker had already asked Jones to play bass. MCCartney says, "We went out for a bite to eat afterwards and Dave told me he was starting this band with Josh. I asked him who was playing bass and he rather sheepishly told me he'd approached John. So you read it here first - Paul MCCartney was nearly the bass player in Them Crooked Vultures." [source]

Beatles Brought Down The Wall, USSR Revisited

The documentary now airing on PBS - How the Beatles Rocked the Kremlin tells the real story of Russa's old-regime collapse: "This is the unknown story of how the Beatles inspired a revolution that helped to destroy the communist system. Leslie Woodhead first met the Beatles in 1962 when he worked on a film in the Liverpool Cavern Club before the world had heard of the Fab Four. Twenty-five years later, when Woodhead began to make films in the Soviet Union, he became aware of how the Beatles legend had soaked into the lives of a generation of Soviet kids - even though they were barred from playing "Back in the USSR." Now he has been on a journey to meet the Soviet Beatles generation and to discover how the Fab Four changed their lives. Featuring a bizarre collection of Beatles tribute bands, the film tracks down the stories of how the Cold War was won with music as much as with nuclear missiles." [read more]

Mccartney Offers Hard-Hitting Meat Industry Dvd As Golden Globe Gift

SIR PAUL MCCARTNEY is hoping to convert celebrities attending this weekend's (17Jan10) Golden Globe Awards in Los Angeles into vegetarians by placing his hard-hitting new PETA DVD, GLASS WALLS, in presenters and nominees' gift bags. The former Beatle, who will be among the presenters, agreed to endorse the hard-hitting film, which takes viewers inside the meat industry. The longtime veggie, who narrates and appears in the film, says, "I've often said, 'If slaughterhouses had glass walls, everyone would be vegetarian.' "Animals raised on modern factory farms and killed in slaughterhouses endure almost unimaginable suffering. I hope that once you see the routine cruelty involved in raising, transporting, and killing animals for food, you'll join the millions of people who have decided to leave meat off their plates - for good." [source]

Sir Paul McCartney up close and personal: A day in the life of a legend

If you were a cynical person, you might think that this is a question Paul McCartney asks himself on a regular basis. Come on, seriously. What could possibly top having five records in the American Top Ten? What could top playing Shea Stadium to the loudest crowd in history? Or making Sgt Pepper? Or Hey Jude? Or Let It Be? What on earth could possibly top being revered by an entire generation? Or two. What could top being - along with David Bailey, the Rolling Stones and Michael Caine - pretty much responsible for the Sixties? What could top being a Beatle? [read more]

Beatle John Lennon recreated in miniature for microscopic art exhibition in Liverpool

BEATLE legend John Lennon was recreated in miniature for a new exhibition of art small enough to fit in the eye of a needle. Microscopic sculptor Willard Wigan launched his latest show at Liverpool’s Hard Days Night Hotel gallery yesterday. The sculpture of Lennon pictures him as he was in the late 1960s, complete with his trademark round glasses. The 52-year-old artist said: “It is a bust of Lennon in the eye of a needle and it is perfectly proportioned. [read more]

Devoted Dad Paul Mccartney

Sir Paul McCartney says he will always put his young daughter with ex-wife Heather Mills before his career. The Beatles legend wants to make the most of his time with Beatrice - his six-year-old girl from his marriage to Heather Mills - and will fit his work around her. He said: "I look a lot busier than I am, as I'm actually a rather sporadic, random person and I'll play a few gigs and then disappear for a while. I'm a pretty hands-on dad and make the most of my custody. I take care of my little one whenever I can, and she determines what I can do and where I can do it." The 67-year-old rocker has insisted he has no plans to go on a long world tour, despite his December concert at London's O2 Arena selling out within four seconds, because he likes to be spontaneous. He told Live magazine: "That must mean something. It probably means I could play the O2 every week for the rest of my life but I'd rather do things as the fancy takes me. Honestly, there is no master plan. My so-called career is a haphazard thing. I'm just having fun and relieved and happy that other people are still interested." [source]

Mccartney Followed Beyonce's X Factor Footsteps

SIR PAUL MCCARTNEY's friends warned him not to appear on SIMON COWELL's THE X FACTOR - but he decided to go ahead after superstar BEYONCE performed on the U.K. talent show. The Beatles legend played two tracks on the live reality competition last month (Dec10) but admits he had to carefully consider Cowell's offer after his pals urged him to turn it down. MCCartney insists it was the Crazy In Love singer, as well as former X Factor winner Leona Lewis, who inspired him to perform on the show. He explains, "Actually, when the offer came through it polarised a lot of people. Lots of my friends told me not to do it. It's a pop show. [read more]

Veg out in style - Go meat free like Sir Paul McCartney

Vegetarian. A word that, until a few years back, used to fill me with rage and despair. As a card-carrying carnivore, I took childish offence at the meat-avoiders, seeing them as a threat to virility and good taste. Sure, there were those who couldn't indulge for reasons of religion or health. But the rest? They were the Enemy, to be teased, taunted and abused. How I howled with laughter when I heard the tale of a famous chef sneaking chicken stock into a vegetarian risotto. I'd sneer in restaurants as denizens of the adjacent table would politely enquire after the 'vegetarian option'. [read more]

Sean Lennon's holidays with his father

I don’t belong to that group of people who keep their childhoods neatly folded and tucked away, seldom seen, in a dresser drawer. My memories are scattered about the room like dust mites floating in sunlight. I’m unable to climb aboard even the tiniest steam train of thought without running over old origami animals in the Wild West of my youth. I never gasp in surprise on seeing myself through the flicker of old film, my pale plumpness negotiating clumsy limbs in a sandbox vast as the Sahara. I never wonder while looking through faded photos, who it is standing on tiny bow legs between my mother and father, not yet knowing how to smile for a camera, blissfully unaware of troubles to come. [read more]

He's nicknamed her 'the wife', she's gone veggie and Stella's stopped making trouble. Is this Lady Macca the third?

Macca - who is 67 to her 48 - blushingly calls her his 'new girlfriend' as if they were a couple of teenagers. The romance is 'very nice, thank you', he says. Meanwhile, Nancy says with a sweet smile that it is 'a very normal and wonderful relationship'. They are the sort of couple who are forever cuddling up to each other - whether she is stroking his arm or he is taking her hand. She was even spotted carefully feeding him ice cream from a spoon this summer. Wherever in the world you find them - backstage at the O2, behind phalanxes of security men in Israel or on a beach in the Caribbean - they look wonderfully happy. This week, the couple returned from their winter sunshine break in Barbados, where Paul was pictured looking rather youthful, bare-chested and full-haired in a fetching pair of navy shorts. [read more]

Beatles to Video Gamers: You Never Give Us Your Money

Here’s some news the Beatles aren’t used to hearing: they aren’t selling very well. According to a new report released by a market research company that tracks the video game industry, the heavily promoted (and widely lauded) game The Beatles: Rock Band has not performed as well as other popular music games, and the genre as a whole appears to be on the decline. The report, released Thursday by NPD Group, said that overall the gaming industry had its best month ever in December, racking up more than $5.5 billion in sales of software, consoles and other hardware, and that the popular first-person shooter Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 has become the fourth best-selling game of all time. [read more]

Ringo Starr on LP33.tv

Throughout recorded history, great artists across the universe have dared to ask “Why?” On January 12, 2010, one brave man named Ringo finally boldly declares the ultimate answer -- Y Not. For the first time in one of popular music’s most enduring and illustrious careers, Ringo Starr has decided to take charge and produce himself. The result is perhaps the most personal and impressive album of this rock legend’s entire solo career. How on earth did Starr finally locate the absolutely perfect producer to work with him? “Well, I looked in the mirror,” Ringo says with a smile. “And I was looking real groovy that day.” [read more/video]

Win A Pair of Drumsticks Autographed by Ringo Starr

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RINGO STARR WANTS 'PEACEFUL' 70TH BIRTHDAY

Former BEATLES drummer RINGO STARR has invited millions of fans to take part in his 70th birthday celebration this summer (10) - by displaying his signature 'peace' hand gesture at noon. Starr is kicking off his septuagenarian years with a planned concert at New York's radio City Music Hall on 7 July (10) - and he wants fans to join him before the show by spreading "peace and love". [read more]

Starr Won't Write Memoirs

BEATLES legend RINGO STARR refuses to write an autobiography, insisting publishers would only be interested in the book if it included stories about the late JOHN LENNON. The Fab Four's drummer - real name Richard Starkey - turns 70 this summer (Jul10) but he won't be marking the landmark age by recalling his life's events for his memoirs. He says, "I have no intention of ever writing a book. People will offer you money as long as you tell them what John Lennon was really like. I could do 12 volumes about my life before I ever got into the band. I have more life than that but they only want to know about that one." But Starr insists fans can gain insight into his life by listening to his music, adding, "(Songwriting is) better for me than doing it in a book. In two lines I can say what would take five pages." Source - Contactmusic News

Why the Beatles Broke Up: The Rolling Stone

I came of age in the time that was also the age of the Beatles, and I've always been grateful for that simultaneity. Along with the Beatles, and no doubt because them, many of us grew into an awareness that shared tastes in music might also amount to shared community, and that community could amount to new ideals, new oppositions, new fun, art, fear and political power. Now, these years later, I think of the Beatles as one of the most romantic and dramatic exemplars of democracy that helped move youth culture in the 1960s: They were themselves a democratic unit — all for one, one for all, and in times of disagreement, they nonetheless enjoyed a fraternal sense of accord that made consensus a functional part of their shared dreams. [read more]

Also Read Beatles Number 9's Story of the Beatles' Break Up

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Ringo Starr Discusses New Album, Jams With Ben Harper

On Tuesday, Ringo Starr held a press conference on the set of 'Late Night With Jimmy Fallon' at the NBC Studios in New York to talk about his new album 'Y Not.' This summer, the former Beatles drummer will be hitting the road with his All-Starr Band starting on June 23. The lineup will include keyboardists Edgar Winter and Gary Wright, bassist Richard Page, guitarists Rick Derringer and Wally Palmer and drummer Gregg Bissonette. Introduced by Fallon, Starr walked to the stage followed by Ben Harper and his band, Relentless7. Together they performed three songs, including 'Walk With You' and 'The Other Side of Liverpool' from the new album. The other song was the Beatles oldie 'I Wanna Be Your Man,' which featured Starr on both drums and vocals. read more at Spinner

BEATLES Autographs Featured in Pop Culture Auction Jan. 23 in NY

The Beatles are extremely popular with 3 generations of fans. And some items have proven to be great investments. There were some very lucky fans who got to meet the Beatles in the early days when they were accessible. Some of those fans were smart enough, or brave enough, to ask for their signatures. The authenticity of Beatles autographs has come into question often, but these signatures were gotten in person in the UK in 1963 at a Beatles concert. Beatles Autographs received in person at a concert on March 3, 1963 at the Gaumont Theatre in Wolfhampton England, includes "Beatles" written by Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, John Lennon and George Harrison, includes letter from original owner/consignor with story of show and encounter with the Beatles and Brian Epstein, on 4" x 4.5" page from autograph book. [read more]

Ringo Starr: `I`m really bad at The Beatles: Rock Band`

Ringo Starr has admitted he isn't that good at The Beatles: Rock Band videogame. “I am absolutely c**p at it,” the drummer told Late Night host Jimmy Fallon. Starr – who turns 70 in July – confessed he’s tried his hand at the popular computer game but fears he’s too old to get it right. read more at Monsters and Critics

Liverpool's yellow submarine plaque replaced

A plaque of the Beatles' iconic yellow submarine, stolen six months ago from Liverpool's Albert Dock, is to be replaced by a new creation. The 5ft (1.5m) design features the faces of the Fab Four, John Lennon, Sir Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and George Harrison peering through its portholes. The new submarine will hang outside the museum dedicated to the band, The Beatles Story. [read more]

Ringo Starr 'doesn't practise the drums'

Ringo Starr has revealed that he never plays the drum kit unless other musicians are in the room with him. The former Beatles drummer said he does not practise the instrument because he does not believe there is any fun in playing the drum kit on his own. Speaking to USA Today, he said: "I need melody. I need to bounce off a bass player, a guitarist, the piano player." [read more]

thenewno2 Offer a Fresh Look at Electronica on 'You Are Here'

When the first song of You are Here starts playing, the listener spends most of the song wondering where he or she has heard that voice before. However, after settling into the rest of the songs, the feeling is forgotten because the listener is left to concentrate on how good the album is. The reason the voice is so familiar is because the lead singer is Dhani Harrison, son of late Beatle George Harrison, and he sounds like a younger version of his father, without the Liverpool accent. [read more]

Ringo Starr turning 70: Fab drummer talks about life, music

Sixty-four was yesterday. The age bearing down on Beatledom this year is 70. Boomers may wince, but Ringo the eldest hits that milestone on July 7, and plans to mark it by flashing a two-fingered peace sign at noon and playing an evening gig at Radio City Music Hall as part of a summer tour with his latest All-Starr band. Take heart, though: He's not missing a beat as he embarks this week on a three-week promotional tour for his just-released Y Not album, his 15th solo outing. Starr is a wisp of a man yet far from a relic. The longtime vegetarian looks to be in his late 50s, dresses sharp (in all-black on a recent Sunday morning, save for the pink-orange trim of his sneakers) and still doles out quips that are only slightly less cheeky than the classics from John Lennon, who would have followed him to 70 this October. [read more]

Secret wedding for Beatle?

Sir Paul McCartney is planning to wed his girlfriend in a secret ceremony. The 67-year-old former Beatles star flew his friends and family to the Caribbean earlier this month to inform them of his plans to marry American businesswoman Nancy Shevell (48). He has been dating the beauty for nearly two years and the couple are now planning a "low-key" ceremony in the US next year. [read more]

Actors, Tribute Band Cast as Beatles in Zemeckis’ “Yellow Submarine” Remake

Director Robert Zemeckis’ 3-D update of the Beatles’ animated Yellow Submarine has found its crew of actors to voice the Fab Four, with The Princess Bride star Cary Elwes leading the cast as the voice behind George Harrison. According to The Hollywood Reporter’s Heat Vision blog, Dean Lennox Kelly will voice the John Lennon character, Peter Serafinowicz will play Paul McCartney and Adam Campbell will portray Ringo Starr, and all four actors are reportedly negotiating their deals to appear in the Disney film. [read more]

Are You Ready For Some Hendrix?

Valleys Of Neptune features the last studio recordings by the original Jimi Hendrix Experience as well as the first sessions the guitar maestro recorded with Band of Gypsys bassist Billy Cox. The tracks were recorded at New York City’s Record Plant and London’s Olympic studios. Scheduled for release by Experience Hendrix LLC and Sony Music Entertainment’s Legacy Recordings March 9, Valleys of Neptune marks the first release from the 2010 Jimi Hendrix Catalog Project. Called the “opening wave” of the project, March 9 will also see the release of new deluxe CD/DVD editions of the classic Hendrix albums Are You Experienced?, Axis: Bold As Love, Electric Ladyland and First Rays Of The New Rising Sun. The discs will also be available in vinyl. [read more]

The Franklin Institute Presents 'Larry Kane's Ticket to Ride' Beginning March 5

The Franklin Institute will present "Larry Kane's Ticket to Ride," an extraordinary lecture and multi-media presentation featuring best-selling Beatles author and Philadelphia journalist Larry Kane's experiences with the Beatles, beginning Friday, March 5 @ 8 PM. Presented in the Institute's Franklin Theater, the shows will be hosted by rock historian and radio impresario Denny Somach and presented on consecutive Fridays at 8 PM, and Saturdays at both 5 and 8 PM for a total of 12 shows. KYW Newsradio 1060 and WOGL are Media Partners. Tickets go on sale Friday, January 15 for $33.50, with each purchase including a Larry Kane highlight CD of his audio interviews of the Beatles. Advance ticket purchase is recommended by calling 215.448.1254 or visiting www.fi.edu. Due to the mature nature of some of the content, parental guidance for children under 13 is suggested for the evening performances. [read more]

IBFD and Beatles-A-Rama Come Together for 2010

International Beatles Freak Day (I-BFD) is thrilled to announce it will once again team-up with web-based Beatles radio show Beatles-A-Rama!!! for the 3rd annual International Beatles Freak Day (I-BFD) celebration on January 14, 2010 - the day when Beatles fans and freaks from all around the world share in a celebration for the greatest band the world has even known. The online radio celebration will be filled with Beatles music and a long list of prizes that will be given away throughout the 36 hour celebration.

“When we were in the planning stages last year, we realized that a 24 hour celebration just wouldn’t do”, says Jennifer Vanderslice, founder of International Beatles Freak Day. “During those 36 hours, it will be January 14th somewhere in the world. We want to make sure the whole world joins us this year when we once again partner with the #1 Beatles radio station in the world – Beatles-A-Rama!!!”

Beatles-A-Rama!!! owner and producer - Pat Matthews says of the anticipation leading up to International Beatles Freak day, “Once again Beatles-A-Rama!!! is excited to be teaming up with I–BFD.com in celebrating the greatest day honoring the greatest band ever! International Beatles Freak Day has become a tradition already and all of us here at Beatles-A-Rama!!!: Ray, Laurel, Bob, Gillian & Scott can’t wait to share the day with all the fans of the world!”

Prizes will be given away by email entries at random times through the 36 hour. Prizes include: CDs of The Smithereens, MoOt, the Beatles, Ringo Starr and Michael Kropp. Other prizes include Jude Kessler’s book ‘Shoulda Been There’, a Beatles logo hat, totes, t-shirts, and the Beatles Trivial Pursuit game.

Beginning at 9 pm EST on January 13th (6 pm PST and 2 am January 13th (GMT)), lovers of the Beatles’ music from all over the globe will be able to hear the celebration and find a list of the prizes being given away at: http://www.I-BFD.com or http://www.Beatlesarama.com.

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Starr: Paul is a 'genius'

Ringo Starr has praised Paul McCartney as a “genius” for improving his forthcoming solo album. The former Beatles drummer was delighted when his old bandmate agreed to appear on two tracks, ‘Peace Dream’, and ‘Walk With You’, on his new LP ‘Y Not’ and is amazed at the ideas the singer-and-bassist came up with. Ringo explained: “Paul was doing the Grammys, so he came over to the house and was playing bass on ‘Peace Dream’. [read more]

Ringo Starr Says 'Y Not' For New Album, Tour

Ringo Starr says that "a lot of luck went into" his new album, "Y Not," particularly in assembling the all-star cast that co-wrote songs with him and play on the album."People just came out and supported me 'cause I was doing it," Starr tells Billboard.com about a guest list that includes Beatles mate Paul McCartney, brother-in-law Joe Walsh, Joss Stone, Ben Harper, Van Dyke Parks, Don Was and All Starr Band alumni Edgar Winter, Billy Squier, Gary Wright and Richard Marx. "A lot of it was just people hanging out and thinking, 'Let's try this.' " [read more]

Lennon Vs McCartney – BNN Radio Special

Yesterday we broadcast live a panel discussion on the relative merits of John Lennon and Paul McCartney. For decades people have asked the question of who was the better musician? But is this actually a valid question to ask? In sheer sales of Cd’s and tickets statistically Paul McCartney is the clear winner, yet many people, members of the panel included come up with the defense that we may be measuring quantity over quality. About the only thing that everyone agrees with is that their solo careers were not as stunning as their career together in The Beatles. Another bone of contention was the effect their women had on their solo efforts. While there may have been sparks of genius introduced by incorporating Yoko Ono into Lennon’s work most feel that she was not that conclusive to his success. That was reflected in Album sales where he committed a large portion of the tracks to her endeavors. [read more/listen to radio program]

Ringo's CD delights; but why wouldn't it?

Please restrain yourself from grumbling "why bother?" before you listen to the new release from Beatles drummer Ringo Starr, "Y Not" (*** out of four stars, out Tuesday on Hip-O). Yeah, yeah, yeah, Ringo's contributions to the Fab Four paled in comparison to those of John, Paul and George, and his solo career hasn't been much to shout about since, oh, 1974 or so. But on this effort he sounds newly refreshed and quite inspired. Starr collaborates with a number of notables on "Y Not," starting with Paul McCartney on bass ("Peace Dream") and vocals ("Walk with You"). Ben Harper, Joss Stone, Don Was, Heartbreaker Benmont Tench and Joe Walsh also put in guest appearances. [read more]

Harrison's Son Denies Beatles Boys Group Rumours

GEORGE HARRISON's son has dismissed rumours THE BEATLES' musical offspring are planning to launch their own group to follow in the footsteps of their famous dads. Harrison's songwriter son Dhani, 31, is rumoured to be in talks with John Lennon's sons, Julian and Sean, Sir Paul MCCartney's boy James and Ringo Starr's son Zak Starkey to form a band. Dhani, who fronts his own rock group Thenewno2, insists he is on good terms with all of the musicians, but he has brushed off claims they will team up to record songs. He says, "We just keep to ourselves. Everyone's constantly trying to suggest that there might be something there but it's not what we want to do at all." Source - Contactmusic News

Yoko Ono interview

She's been referred to as a witch, a dragon lady and, perhaps most famously (and inaccurately, it should be noted), as the woman who single-handedly broke up The Beatles. While Yoko Ono first made her name in the early '60s through her provocative conceptual and performance art as part of the Fluxus movement, and then later (through John's encouragement) in the world of music, she will undoubtedly be best remembered as not only the wife of John Lennon, but, collectively as John & Yoko; one of most renowned and polarizing couples of the last century. [read more]

Lennon’s Wall – A place of controversy

The first time I saw the Lennon’s Wall was when the picture of it was printed as a postcard and sold in one of the bookstores downtown. It could be a regular wall with graffiti on it (most not even that well done), but what I like about this place is the controversy, which the paintings and writings of complaints evoked during communism and also the location itself. After the death of John Lennon, this wall became a symbolic monument to him. Obviously, the communist government didn’t appreciate it quite as much as the people were painting and writing symbols of love and peace. [read more by "Veronika Bila" on "Spotted by Locals Prague"

Beatles sang of idealism world needs

In "Revolution," the Beatles sing of how "we all want to change the world." Sure it's a vague goal, but who's to say we can't? According to the Beatles, you can be a paperback writer, a fool on a hill, or even a nowhere man. Some of these songs are completely ridiculous, yet we still listen. The Beatles continue to inspire new generations with their music. As we start another new year, the lessons the Beatles taught us 40 years ago still ring true. There's nothing wrong with being idealistic, hoping for the best out of people and hoping for the best out of the world. It might not always be practical or logical but the Beatles tell us to keep on dreaming. All these years later, the world is a very different place. [read more]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELVIS; 75 TODAY

Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll would have been 75 years old today. A gyrating young truck driver, who blended “Hillbilly” and “Blues” turned the world of music upside down when he burst onto the national scene in 1956. Music would never be the same. America would never be the same. The world would never be the same. Elvis begat the Beatles; John Lennon: “When I first heard ‘Heartbreak Hotel,’ I could hardly make out what was being said. It was just the experience of hearing it and having my hair stand on end. We'd never heard American voices singing like that.” [read more]

Why did the Beatles break up? Yoko Ono is ready to explain

It is being reported that Yoko's book will focus "on [Yoko and John's] intense relationship, the myths surrounding her role in the Beatles' break-up, the bed-in for peace, Lennon's infamous 'Lost Weekend' and more." Five years may seem a long time to wait. Yet today, nearly 30 years after the death of Lennon, there is no let-up in the wave of interest in all things Beatles. Just the last few years have brought us "Across the Universe," Cirque du Soliel's "The Beatles: Love," [read more]

2009, The Year Of The Beatles

What about those new kids called The Beatles hey. Didn`t they have a good year last year. The Beatles broke up 40 years ago. In 2009, they were the third biggest selling act in America, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The Beatles sold 3,282,000 albums last year putting them third overall behind Michael Jackson and Taylor Swift. The Beatles also had the biggest selling album on vinyl in 2009. 34,800 copies of the 1969 release on vinyl went to new homes. [read more]

New material on Hendrix album

THE BEATLES got a new lease of life last year when all their albums were remastered and re-released. Now it's the turn of guitar god JIMI HENDRIX. To mark the 40th anniversary of his death in September there are loads of exciting projects planned. First off, all the psychedelic lord's major albums will be polished up ready to hit the shelves. A whole new generation will now be blown away by classics such as Voodoo Chile. And incredibly, I've heard there is a new album in the works made up of unreleased studio material. It's going to be a long nine months waiting to hear it. source

Rare Beatles Album with Controversial “Butcher Cover“ Being Auctioned

Controversy surrounded Capital Records and the Beatles in the summer of 1966 when they released an album titled "The Beatles: Yesterday and Today". What was meant to be a parody was almost immediately recalled by Capital. The reason for the recall was that Paul, John, George and Ringo of The Beatles had dressed in white butcher outfits and covered their bodies in chunks of raw meat and decapitated baby dolls - and it was this image that made it to the album cover. [read more]

Yoko Ono to pen memoirs

Yoko Ono is to release a book about her life with John Lennon. The 76-year-old widow of the late former Beatle has revealed she will put pen to paper over the next few years and write an autobiography about her eventful life with John. She said: "I would love to do it. I just have to find the time. It will be my next book, which will be written in the next five years." Yoko - who was blamed by many Beatles' fans for causing the legendary band to split - previously claimed she wouldn't release a book for fear of hurting the families of people close to the group, including John's ex-wife Cynthia Lennon. [read more]

Paul Mccartney Gets Back To Bass

Fran Healy became a vegetarian as a thank you to Sir Paul McCartney agreeing to play bass on his upcoming debut solo album. Sir Paul McCartney plays bass on Fran Healy's new album. The former Beatle has recorded instrumental parts on one track on the Travis frontman's debut solo LP, tentatively titled 'Wreckorder'. Fran was so thrilled to have his idol - who is a strict vegetarian - appear on the song he agreed to became a vegetarian as a thank you. Writing on his blog on website FranHealy.com, the 'Turn' singer said: "My wife Nora and I were sitting and thinking of a thank you present and I suggested going vegetarian. Our son is already one, so it would mean we would all be on the same boat. I met Paul at his show in Berlin and told him what we wanted to do. He was visibly flabbergasted. Three days later the FedEx man delivered three Linda McCartney cook books. I haven't had any longing for meat or fish yet." [read more]

It's The Beatles' World (We Just Live In It)

The Beatles--with two members of the group deceased--were, by the end of 2009, projected to make over $1.6 billion from the release of their 13 remastered albums, as well as the video game, Beatles Rock Band. As one commentator notes, "In one master stroke, the Beatles address falling sales of CDs as well as grab a new generation of Beatlemaniacs." Writing for Guitar Legend magazine, Alan di Perna explained, "The products are big sellers with people who were born long after the group's breakup or, for that matter, Lennon's death." It's as if the Beatles never left us. But that's the point--they haven't. In fact, they seem to be everywhere. [read more]

Beatles' impact on USSR

Hmmm ... Beatles or Brezhnev? ... Beatles or Brezhnev? ... which seems more fun? Apparently, Back in the USSR had a real impact back in the USSR. At least, that's the theory in the documentary How the Beatles Rocked the Kremlin. It airs tonight across Canada on CBC News Network (formerly CBC Newsworld). How the Beatles Rocked the Kremlin, which is a BBC project, was directed by British documentary filmmaker Leslie Woodhead. If you're a Beatles fan, you'll be interested to know that Woodhead filmed the Beatles at the Cavern back in August 1962, producing lasting images that you probably have seen a million times. Anyway, in How the Beatles Rocked the Kremlin, Woodhead investigates the impact the Beatles and their music had on the former Soviet Union, from the 1960s through to the fall of the communist regime. [read more]

Three biographies offer a fresh look at a few legends of rock ’n’ roll

What could possibly be left to write about Paul McCartney, David Bowie and Led Zeppelin? Isn’t enough, enough already? As it turns out, no. Every rock writer worth his or her salt wants to tackle the big subjects. And if big subjects are your interest, well, let’s face it –McCartney, Bowie, and Plant&Page are more likely to whet your journalistic appetite than, say, Fall Out Boy or Lady Gaga. So the final weeks of 2009 and the first days of the new decade find major critical/biographical works on these rock critic war horses hitting the shelves. [read more]

Elvis, the performer and the punch line

First, he was once beautiful, astonishingly beautiful, and that fact contributed so much both to the rapidity of his rise and the awfulness of his decline. Beauty was almost as important to his success as race was. Same voice, same talent, same songs sung by a white Fats Domino? The impact would have been nothing like what it was. Music created and drove the phenomenon that was Elvis, but it was only part of what made that phenomenon so overwhelming. Of course he did end up looking like a white Fats Domino (worse, actually - Fats has never looked swollen or appeared glum), and that’s the second fact: He became - he remains in some measure - a joke. [read more]

It was not an easy task to name 'A Hard Day's Night'

At first our picture was called 'Beatles Number One' because we didn't yet have a title, and it was their first movie. Meanwhile, I was getting these phone calls from United Artists' publicity people in New York asking what we were going to call this film. They were putting together the advertising and needed a title. I said I didn't know, but assured them we'd come up with something. Then John Lennon and I were just chatting on the set, and he asked if I'd ever heard Ringo misuse the English language. I asked him to give me an example. He said if they were working hard at a recording session all night, the next day Ringo would say something about us really having a hard day's night. When you think about it, it really is a very interesting statement. Right then I told John 'A Hard Day's Night' would be a good title for our movie. Fortunately, he agreed. So we went over and asked the director (Richard Lester) how he felt about it, and then the other three Beatles, and they all said it was fine and would be a great title. I think they were just relieved to not to have to think any longer about a title. [read more]

The Band of the Decade: The Beatles?!

What does it say that the biggest musical group of the first decade of this new millennium recorded its last album 40 years ago? That's what sales figures show, that the best-selling album of the decade is the Beatles' 1, a collection of their number one hits. And that, when counting the individual albums in their massive (and very expensive) box sets of remastered recordings released just this past September as individual albums rather than one "unit," the erstwhile lads from Liverpool have sold more CDs than Eminem, the leading solo act of the decade, or any group, for that matter. That's what the figures show, but what do they mean? [read more/video]