So many quality books with a Beatles connection have appeared in March, and “Ringo Starr: I Play The Piano in C” is another great one. Truly indicative that March Madness also applies to the guy who sang “Drumming is My Madness.” This brand new book by Italian based author, Luca Perasi explores the musical career of a guy who like his former bandmate, Paul McCartney, continues to please the public by performing and to continue to record in their Golden Years. Ringo’s new country music-based LP, “Look Up” is not only doing well in the charts, but he is continuing to collaborate with many formidable musicians. He also continues with his All-Startours. Luca Perasi’s Ringo book, knowing his track record with his many McCartney book successes, will be another memorable addition to our Beatle-related book libraries. Perfect timing as I recently received my email from Amazon that my copy is on the way… and remember there is going to be a Vol. 2!!!
The back cover of the book:
Here are the various Amazon links to the book provided to me by one of my UK friends, Seamus Hayes!Seamus
also provided me with the notification of this book’s release. Thank you, SH!
When you wish upon a Starr you not only get one Ringo Discography, you get 2 volumes. Volume 1 is out now but keep a lookout for Vol 2 in the near future. Luca Perasi is a very busy guy!
David Bedford and Andrew Phillips have undertaken a unique perspective in their excellent new book “The Beatles: What If?” To present a basic background for their initial premise in writing the book, I need to ask all of you a few simple questions. How many of you have posed the question to yourselves sometime in your life of how different your life may have played out, if you made a different decision about a particular life event occurring at a crucial point?
Have you ever had a desire to become a teacher and then somehow life events changed your ability to realize that dream and you look back with possible regrets about that outcome? Followed by the ultimate question of how different your life may have been if you pursued the teaching profession. You can see where this is leading as you also would have met different people along the alternate path.
I was honored to have been asked by the authors to read an advance copy of this wonderful book but I have to be honest as well. Prior to reading it, I had always been skeptical of Beatles books that were not based solely in fact rather than fantasy or speculation. However that is why this book is so unique and special to me as it turns the tables to contemplate how different the timeline of events would/might have played out if different decisions had been made along the way in the Beatles history and careers.
The purpose and intention of the book is to stimulate and provoke discussion of many of the “what if” situations that we may have thought about when we look back on the fabulous Beatles story. David and Andrew developed a thoughtful formula for deciding upon the more than 70 Beatles-related decisions or choices that could have predicated a much different outcome than what actually happened. Their analysis of what may have happened if an alternate decision was made by one of the four or other prominent members of the people they interacted with during their lives is quite frankly, a fascinating study.
When people read this book and discuss the authors potential scenarios, you will agree with some and disagree with others. If that occurs, the book is a tremendous success. Pay close attention to the formula the authors chose in presenting their list of “What Ifs.” I will close with one example. What would have happened if Decca Records had signed the Beatles after their January 1, 1962 audition? How different might their careers have been since it would have been unlikely they would have worked with producer George Martin in that event.
Check this book out and you will not be disappointed. I can envision groups of Beatles fans doing their own roundtable speculation and discussions with this book being the motivation and jumping off point leading to spirited exchanges in the small groups.
The front cover of the book:
ORDER YOUR COPY NOW OF THE BEATLES WHAT IF?
Here is the site of the publisher and the link where the book can be ordered. This site is operated under the auspices of a kind and knowledgeable gentleman named Steven Wilson who recognizes the importance of nostalgia in all of our lives as is demonstrated at his website where you can order the book:
David Bedford, one of the “What If” book authors, proudly holding his new book at the site of the book’s premiere at the Fest for Beatles Fans in New Jersey. (March 2025)Thanks for the photos, Steven and David!!!
Authors Andrew Phillips and David Bedford sign my copy of the book at the Fest-Thanks Guys!!!
And here we go-the signatures of the 2 authors of the book:
The “What If” publisher, Steven Wilson, along with the Fest for Beatles founder, Mark Lapidos. Steven Wilson also published the limited edition book by Ruth and Angie McCartney entitled, “There are Faces I Remember.”
The final justification for me of the high merits of this book in addition to the track record of the former books written by the authors, is the foreword of the book is written by prominent Beatles book author, Bruce Spizer. You can not receive a better endorsement than that! The book received the world premiere at the Fest For Beatles Fans beginning on March 28, 2025 and ending on Sunday, March 30, 2025 at the Hyatt Regency, Jersey City on the Hudson.
Ironically, George Harrison gave his own philosophical perspective to the “What If” issue in his posthumous LP/CD called Brainwashed in his song “Any Road,” where he says “If You Don’t Know Where You’re Going, Any Road will take you there.”
GET THE BEATLES WHAT IF HERE AT THE BEATLES BOOKSTORE
The Beatles What If? Limited Edition Hardback
How different would the world have been without The Beatles?
This book explores the many times The Beatles story could have turned out so differently. What if it didn’t happen the way it did?
A couple of years ago I acquired this great signed photo by the late photographer, David Gahr. For background on this photographer, you can read his biography on Wikipedia:
David was a very prominent photographer who took pictures of many New York musicians over the years.
The signed photo that I acquired on Ebay was shot by Gahr in 1974. Gahr did a session with John in NY’s famed “Hell’s Kitchen.” I loved these series of shots by this photographer as the entire series of photos shot by Gahr highlight how comfortable John felt in NY with both the city and it’s people.
Photo by David Gahr
John Lennon by David Gahr
Someone’s in the Kitchen with Johnny:
Another David Gahr Photo of John
The photographer who took these shots, David Gahr pictured with John Lennon. Unfortunately I do not know who took this photo. If you can help with the details, please let us know in order that the post can be properly amended for acknowledgement!
Would love to see a book published one day containing David Gahr’s wonderful photos of John Lennon. David’s preference seemed to be with black and white photography which is a far more timeless format!
Do you have a favourite John Lennon photo? What is it?
Buzz
OUR FEATURED BOOK ON JOHN LENNON AT THE BEATLES BOOKSTORE
Just Like Starting Over: John Lennon and The Quarrymen
When John Lennon and his group The Quarrymen stepped onto the back of a wagon in Rosebery Street on 22nd June 1957, Charlie Roberts borrowed a camera and took a few photos of the event. It was just a group of friends having fun at a street party.
What Charlie didn’t know at the time was that he was capturing a piece of Beatles history. This was the first time that John Lennon had been photographed performing with his group. Skiffle was the new music and soon, John would meet Paul McCartney who would then introduce George Harrison to John.
THREE NEW BEATLES BOOKS AND A FEW OLDER TITLES FROM THE PAST AS WELL FROM ED DIECKMANN!!!
Ed Dieckmann in 2014 along with 2 other colleagues, founded a company called Apcor based in the Netherlands which has provided many entertaining Beatles product to many eager fans. To explore some of that history and some of the products that Apcor has issued, here is their website:
In late 2024 Ed Dieckmann, released three new Beatles related titles. These are featured at the beginning of the post followed by some of Ed’s ealier work, some of which was done with the collaboration of his noted colleagues.
The Beatles Discography Sweden
Privately published, 2024
This book gathers all of the vinyl records by the Beatles issued in Sweden. This 96 page book (softback) shows all of the singles, EPs and albums in full colour (with both sides of each cover and disc shown), with all known label variations, the maddening number of single sleeve colour variations, promos, test pressings and other interesting editions. With approximately 1,000 full colour images! Please note color and colour have different acceptable spellings of the word in Europe vs. the US)
The Beatles Discography Sweden
Ed Dieckmann’s signature and inscription on the book:
John, Paul, George, Ringo & Apple + Related Discography Sweden
Privately published, 2024
This book is the logical successor to The Beatles Discography Sweden. It gathers all of the ex-Beatles’ solo releases on vinyl (45s and LPs) manufactured in Sweden. Also, the (non-Beatles) Apple singles produced in this country are shown (no Apple LPs were made in Sweden). Moreover, all known cover versions of Beatles’ songs released between 1963 and 1970 are pictured (on 45s, EPs and LPs), both covers as well as labels. And as an extra there are all known novelty records on vinyl plus records which feature collaborations by any of The Beatles. Also, there’s a page with additional Beatles records which were discovered after Volume 1 was issued. Softback, 124 pages in full colour with more than 1,900 colour images! All records are shown with the front and rear sleeves and the labels of both sides.
John Paul George Ringo and Apple Discography Sweden
George Harrison, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr On Vinyl Singles In The U.K.
Privately published, 2024
This book gathers all of the vinyl records by the solo Beatles issued in the U.K.. This 148 page book (softback) shows all of the singles (on 7” and 12”) in full colour, with all known label variations, promos, demos, Record Store Day editions and other interesting editions. Approximately 2,000 full colour scans!
For those that may be interested in these great titles by Ed Dieckmann, here is a link to his fabulous APCOR organization and you can find many of his excellent books here:
A few Ed Dieckmann books from the past: Self-published book from 2004-Occasionally can be found on Ebay and Abe books: These wonderful books and discographies go out of print very quickly….
1996 -Out of Print (have seen a few copies on Ebay) Made in Holland: The Beatles: The Dutch Beatles Discography Author; Ed Dieckmann Publisher-Leenheer Records, 1996
Compiled by: Ed Dieckmann. Published by Franck Leenheer Records, The Netherlands. 1997-79 pages
Out of Print!(have seen a few copies on Ebay)
The crown book jewels so far from Apcor books. These 4 books are superb and are 4 of my favorite titles in my entire Beatles book collection. They are expensive but worth every penny. An excellent documentation of the history of the Beatles Apple organization. Finding the out of print titles is extremely difficult because they were of a limited edition. I recommend you keep a lookout on Ebay or Abe books for the out-of-print titles. It is the celebrated “A is for Apple” book series- Volumes 1-4
Volume 1:Axel Korinth, Ed Dieckmann, and Antonio Caroselli
Volume 2:Axel Korinth, Ed Dieckmann, Antonio Caroselli, and Sara Schmidt
Volume 3:Axel Korinth, Ed Dieckmann, and Antonio Caroselli
Volume 4:Axel Korinth, Ed Dieckmann, Antonio Caroselli, with a special contribution by Jim Powell
Hope you have enjoyed this discussion of some of the great Beatles-related product that originates from Europe…
BUZZ
OUR FEATURED BOOK FROM THE BEATLES BOOKSTORE
Any Rhyme At All
Any Rhyme At All is a book of poems written by a first generation Beatles Fan who grew up listening to their music and becoming a huge fan
Don’t panic, fellow Beatles book collectors. It is certainly not the last Beatles book but it is a wonderful new book by longtime Beatles fan and collector, Bill Last!
Looking forward to receiving my copy of this book which has just been published. Over the years, as a fellow collector I purchased quite a few rare items from Bill Last. To me personally, that was the first indicator to me of Bill’s great Beatles knowledge-base.The fact that he not only knew of the very rare Beatles-related items that I was looking for, but he already had them in his personal collection spoke volumes to me as the Beatles items I was looking for would only be known to hardcore Beatles fans. I was so happy to learn that he has recently published a new book which I can’t wait to obtain a copy of and that I KNOW will be very good!!!
This is the description and background information concerning the book which also appears on the back cover photo…
The Beatles Collected Videography is a comprehensive guide to collecting The Beatles group and solo videos from 1962–2024.
“Part checklist, part critical assessment, and balancing the scholastic and the fun, this Videography will be a welcome addition to many a Beatles fan and collector’s reference desk. Notice I didn’t say ‘bookshelf’, it’s not one you’re gonna display, it’s gonna be one you refer to… constantly.” Tom Frangione The Beatles Channel SiriusXM Radio
“Six decades after The Beatles invaded America, we still love all the music, laughs, joy, and memories they provide us. Part of that gift to the world was their great films and videos. I can say, without hesitation, that Bill Last has put out themost complete and well-assembled work on the subject of Beatles video. It’s a must-read for any Beatles fan and a crucial addition to any Beatles library.” Charles F. Rosenay !!! Liverpool Productions
About the Author Bill Last is a first generation Beatles fan and collector. He is a singer-songwriter, musician, producer, arranger, educator, and author. He did script research for the 1978 Stephen Spielberg executive produced film “I Wanna HoldYour Hand”, and provided videos for the 2007 release “Photograph, the Very Best of Ringo”. His column “The Last Word on Collecting” appeared for years in the Beatles fanzine Good Day Sunshine and currently in the fanzine Octopus’ Garden.
The front cover of the softcover book:
The Beatles Collected Videography
Back cover of the book which features endorsements from two very prominent Beatles fans, Charles Rosenay!!! and Tom Frangione!
The Beatles Collected Videography
Well the book has arrived with a nice personal message from the author: Thanks Bill!
Bill has always produced quality work in any pursuit he has undertaken. This book will also fall under that category!!!
BUZZ
FEATURED BOOK AT THE BEATLES BOOKSTORE
30 Minutes in Memphis
This coming of age story set against the turbulent backdrop of the mid-sixties American South is also an accurate chronicle of the Beatles’ final, tumultuous tour, and the year that changed them – and their music – forever.
Though not a Beatles-specific book per se, this is the new 2nd volume book from Italy that traces the history of underground or what is more commonly called as bootleg recordings. Authored by Fulvio Fiore and Alex Franchi, this is their latest title in a long line of very interesting books. The photographs provided here were taken by one of the authors, Alex Franchi and the book contains quite a bit of Beatles content. Want to make it absolutely clear that posting this book is in no way an endorsement or promotion of underground records, but they do exist, and they appeal to many collectors. This is a collected history of them. Copyright laws are more liberal in several European countries.
There has always been a lot of discussion from critics about the merits or lack thereof of the bootleg industry since their sale is strictly illegal. The collector and fans often take a different perspective seeing the availability of rare material from their idols or favorite artists that is not available elsewhere. I believe that the record companies could make the bootleg industry virtually disappear by catering to the fans interests as to what they would like to see properly issued. Marketing people in the various companies could certainly find a suitable way to not only present the material in the best possible sound quality, but to effectively promote it as well. Bob Dylan with his legally released Bootleg series seems to have found a good way to present his rare material for example.
Here is the text of what was recently sent to me and several of the photos provided for the post by Alex Franchi…
BOOTLEG – THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY, PART 2
FROM THE DVD ERA TO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (1998/2024)
By Fulvio Fiore and Alex Franchi
704 Pages, Isla Publishing 2025 / Release Date March 28th, 2025
For ordering or additional information about the book: soundlover30@hotmail.com
Hi READERS! Here we are with the follow-up book of the “Illustrated History of Bootlegs”, 700 pages in addition to the 630 pages of the previous work, all worth reading!
The book traces the period 1998-2024, twenty-six years of history and technological innovations (CDs, DVDs, recordable Blurays and AI), with world market opening sales, traditional and online, of the good old “bootleg” in all its new formats. From 2000 to 2010, DVD reigns supreme, with thousands of titles and new subjects, including the Dutch “The WOW Corporation” (over 500 DVDs in their catalogue). After a decade, however, the new medium is replaced again by the revived vinyl and heroic CD labels, the Japanese Tarantura and the Swedish Crystal Cat, the latter with a catalogue, up to 2024, of 1300 titles!
2024 is the year of “AI” boots, with the everlasting Beatles, Stones, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and Springsteen reigning supreme and with the new idols of collectors Madonna, Adele and the latest acts like Taylor Swift.
And here the story ends, even if, 55 years later, bootlegs (despite everything) are still alive…
Here a few extracts on Beatles from the mammoth 700 pages.
Author Alex Franchi has informed me that this book is a limited edition of only 50 copies!
