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It’s The Beatles by Belmo – “Great Scott!”

The Beatles Discovered by Belmo

Beatles by Belmo? When one uses the term “Great Scott” in the United States, it is often an expression of surprise and amazement. That term also applies to the Beatles books written by Scott Belmer! 

Scott Belmer also known as “Belmo” has produced an excellent catalog of Beatles-related books. His primary expertise lies in the discovery, description, and examination of unauthorized Beatles recordings (Bootlegs).

Beatlegs

However, he certainly is not limited to discussing the rare and unissued Beatles recordings, as is indicated by the various titles presented below.  One of the sets of books pictured below is the excellent two-book Anthology of Scott’s Beatle fanzine/ magazine entitled Belmo’s Beatleg News.

Beatles Novelty Records

Another book deals with Beatles novelty records and cover versions of their songs over the years. One book details the Beatles’ two concert appearances in Cincinnati back in the sixties. Another title deals with the making of the Sgt Pepper album. My experiences with Scott have always been fascinating and rewarding as I continue to learn from him new tidbits of the fascinating Beatles story. With Scott’s books, I have never been disappointed!

We are about to highlight some of his work below. Hope you enjoy!

The Beatles Discovered Paperback – January 1, 2005

by Belmo(Author) Published  Beatlology, Inc. 

A listing of Beatles songs performed by other artists,  More than 500 tribute albums with complete recording information; reviews of notable tribute albums by artists such as the Billy Preston, Chipmunks, and the Hollyridge Strings. Also, a listing of 600 tribute bands worldwide is included.

In addition, a history of nearly one thousand comedy, novelty, and cash-in records is provided. There are more than 300 parodies of Beatles’ jacket sleeves by other artists,  and other Beatle parodies found in print and on television, and hundreds of illustrations of rare album cover art. You will truly be entertained by this great collection! Most of the titles can be found on Amazon, at Abe Books or at Ebay!

Belmo’s Beatleg News: The Complete Anthology Volumes 1 & 2 Paperback – October 8, 2019

Independently published (October 8, 2019)

From 1987 through 2001 “Belmo’s Beatleg News” was an underground fanzine/magazine that focused on the Beatles bootleg releases on vinyl, compact disc, and VHS tapes. Belmo has compiled all of the original issues into a 2 volume book collection! Serves a great function for the completist collector who wants or needs to have “all” of the issues!

The Beatles Invade Cincinnati Paperback – February 13, 2016

by Scott (Belmo) Belmer(Author)

Publisher ‏ : ‎ CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

 The Beatles performed in Cincinnati in 1964 and 1966 and both events are extensively covered in this book:

Beatles Not for Sale: The Beatles Musical Legacy As Archived on Unauthorized Recordings Paperback – BelmoCollectors Guide Pub

A wonderful listing and description of unauthorized Beatles recordings that have appeared in the underground marketplace over the years!

The Beatles Artifacts – Belmo-Book description is provided on the back cover shown below- Self published in 2004 (Only 300 copies were issued)

Black Market “Beatles” by Jim Berkenstadt and Belmo

A wonderful Book put together by two excellent writers and researchers, Jim Berkenstadt and Scott Belmer (Belmo)
Collector’s Guide Publishing; First Edition edition (1995-10-01). The subject matter of course is an exploration of theBeatles underground recordings that have circulated in the marketplace.

George Harrison: His Words, Wit & Wisdom

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Belmo Publishing; First Edition (January 1, 2002)

One of the more difficult titles written by Belmo to find (out of print)

  • The Beatles Christmas BookEverywhere it’s Christmas Paperback – January 1, 2008 by Belmo (Author) and Garry Marsh (Author)
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published 2008- Number 9 Books

Everything you want to know that is associated with the Beatles and Christmas:

  • The Beatles: Christmas Time Is Here Again Hardcover – July 20, 2022by Belmo and Garry Marsh (Author), Independently published (July 20, 2022)
  • Scott produced an initial edition of 50 hardcover copies of which he hand numbered the first 25 copies. The hardcover edition had significantly more material than the original softcover edition. Hardcover copies are still available on Amazon.

The Making of Sgt Pepper by Belmo-Collector’s Guide Publishing-1997

Scott’s book about the making of the Sgt Pepper album-cd sized book filled with very interesting material about the creation of the famous LP.

The wonderful world of “Belmo”! What an incredible bounty of Beatles Books.

Buzz

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THE BEATLES EPs IN THE UK

The Beatles EPs

APCOR Books has once again delighted Beatles book collectors with a superb reference work concerning the Beatles EPs (Extended Play) records released over the years in the UK. Authored by Richard Noller with contributions from Ed Dieckmann, this limited edition 500 copy work is the book you need for information about the extended play format that was very prominent in the UK marketplace, yet comparatively lacking in prominence in the U.S.

Apcor is a wonderful independent book publisher that specializes in superb reference works that Beatles collectors strive to have as catalogs when they seek out their own personal treasures. For further information about Apcor and their published work, here is their website:

Apcor Books and Records

The new book features 500 pages of fabulous color photos with informative and detailed text descriptions in a large format, allowing you to fully enjoy and understand the rich EP output of the Beatles!

Here are the front and back covers of the new book:

Extended Play in the UK by The Beatles
Extended Play in the UK by The Beatles

Back Cover

Extended Play in the UK by The Beatles
Extended Play in the UK by The Beatles

This is a photograph of an earlier Apcor book release dealing with the Beatles 45 output in the UK. This work was also authored by Richard Noller with contributions from Ed Dieckmann:

Made in the UK - The Beatles Singles
Made in the UK – The Beatles Singles

There are only a few authors and/or book publishers that I have virtually complete faith in their research and published output. Such people who fall under this category are Mark Lewisohn, Bruce Spizer, Chip Madinger, Kenneth Womack, Jude Southerland Kessler, and David Bedford. My apologies are extended to the worthy others that I have neglected to mention.

One of the best research-based publishers of the Beatles is Apcor Publishing. All of their published work is without peer in finding details even hardcore Beatles collectors may have not been aware of. You need to be kept aware of their book releases in an early fashion as the titles usually are only available in a limited edition format and many of the books sell-out very quickly. To quote an old cliche, “He Who Hesitates Is Lost.” You can’t go wrong with acquiring any Apcor book releases in my opinion!

TRIVIA QUESTION:

What was the first Beatles EP released in the UK? Answer in the comments below.

Buzz

More Great Books About The Beatles and Music

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Beatles Socks: Adding Warmth and Beatlemania to Cold Mornings

Beatles Socks

As the cold 1964 mornings of winter encroached upon us, the quest to stay warm became a top priority. Amidst the chill, the timeless Beatles Socks were the perfect solution to keep your feet snug and stylish! Slip into these warm and cozy socks, and you’ll be greeted with that familiar, FAB-fuzzy feeling all day long.

The Beatles Socks: A Nostalgia Icon

The Beatles Advert
The Beatles Advert

Beatles Socks
Advert for the Socks

Unveiling the Details

Delving further into their allure, the socks boasted additional details that added to their appeal. The sole/foot of the sock proudly displays the inscription in red ink, featuring the band’s name and the composition of the socks – “The Beatles—Cushion Crew—Top: 100% Premium Cotton Foot: 75% Cotton—25% Stretch Nylon.” These details enhanced the socks’ aesthetic and ensured their premium quality and comfort.

The Beatles Socks in Stores

These coveted socks were packaged in clear plastic wrapping, accompanied by a cardboard insert card embellished with captivating black and white photos of each Beatle. Priced at a mere $1 per pair, these socks were an affordable and cherished commodity among fans of all ages.

Beatles Socks
The Socks

The Versatile Sock Appeal

Not bound by gender stereotypes, the Beatles Socks were available as both boys’ and girls’ socks, catering to a wide range of sizes – from 8-11 to 10-13. This inclusivity ensured that everyone could revel in the warmth and charm of these iconic socks.

The Manufacturing Legacy

The manufacturing of the Beatles Socks was entrusted to Maro Industries Inc., New York, a hosiery mill under the umbrella of Spartans Industries Incorporated. Licensed from NEMS via Seltaeb, these socks encapsulated a piece of history within their fibers.

Legal “Foot”notes

The journey of the Beatles Sock wasn’t without its legal entanglements. Mentioned in a lawsuit filed in the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York in 1965, the intricacies of their production and licensing added a layer of intrigue to their legacy.

Embrace the Warmth

So, when you ponder how to stay warm for the day, let the socks be your cheerful companions on those cold, wintry mornings. With their cozy embrace and nostalgic charm, they were not just socks but a testament to your admiration of The Beatles.

In conclusion, slip into your Beatles Socks and embrace the warmth for a day filled with FAB-fuzzy feelings awaited!

Get Terry’s Fascinating Book on Beatles Memorabilia

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JULIAN LENNON AND THE GOOD OLD “HAPPY DAYS”

Julian Lennon with the cast of Happy Days

When Julian Lennon met the Fonz!

Every generation seemingly has the need of portraying the time in which they grew up as the “best time” and their generation as being the best and the most exciting. We all have the tendency as we get older to enhance the good times and to minimize the bad ones in which we came of age. Even the music we listened to while growing up holds special memories and has special associations with momentous events in our lives. I want to share with you an item that I actually purchased twice in my years of collecting.

Julian and the Fonz

The photo below without Julian’s signature was given as a gift to Julian Lennon as a gift by me at a book signing at Barnes and Noble in New York City. The original photo was signed by Henry Winkler, the actor who played “The Fonz” in the TV show “Happy Days.” Julian stared at the photo when I handed it to him, broke a wonderful smile, and mentioned to his personal assistant and  said, “Look, it’s me and the Fonz.” He thanked me for the gift and gave it to his PA for safekeeping.

Years later, I had the opportunity to purchase another signed photo. This time the photo was also signed by Julian, along with Ron Howard, the award winning director and actor, Henry Winkler, Anson Williams and Don Most. Ron Howard was to go on to direct the special film that dealt with the Beatles touring years entitled “Eight Days a Week.”

Happy Days

The photo below was taken the first year of “Happy Days” production. John Lennon, May Pang and Julian visited the cast members on the set when this photo was taken. Could not resist getting this one as a permanent part of the collection because of all of the signatures. 

Having Julian’s signature on this photos is of special importance to me, knowing that he was having a great time with his father during this time frame!

Will have this professionally framed.

Photo Signed by: Henry Winkler, Ron Howard, Don Most, Anson Williams & Julian Lennon

Julian Lennon with The Fonz and cast of Happy Days
Julian Lennon with The Fonz and cast of Happy Days

The Beatles film directed by Ron Howard: Eight Days a Week

Eight Days a Week
Eight Days a Week

A SONG OF NOSTALGIA THAT JULIAN PARTICIPATED IN: “TO THE GOOD OLD DAYS”

Julian Lennon singing lead vocal on a nostalgic song written by Styx lead singer Dennis DeYoung. The two singers do a great job on this song of “looking back.”

To The Good Old Days by Julian Lennon

Julian Lennon + Dennis DeYoung – “To The Good Old Days” (Art Track) – YouTube

The best way for me to conclude this post is to say growing up in the 50’s and 60’s in particular WAS the most exciting time to be around and to come of age. There was so much change occurring in the culture and so many things going on challenging previously held beliefs that it made you wonder, “What Was Coming Next?” I will argue this point with all subsequent generations!!! Be prepared for a peaceful battle if you disagree with my assessment! LOL! in either case, be healthy and happy!

Finally, this is the song that really tugs on the heartstrings as it features Julian Lennon singing a rare song about his dad. Someone posted this radio performance of Julian singing this obscure number on YouTube! Julian at the time of this performance was touring (in the 90’s) What a heartfelt beautiful song this is!

Julian Lennon – Loving Is Easy When You Don’t Count The Costs – YouTube

Trivia Question:

What was Julian’s full name given at birth? Answer below in the comments.

Buzz