Anyone who has followed the Beatles for more than 30 years should be distinctly aware of two very prominent people named Bill who have made their mark in Beatle circles in so many ways during those years.

First, we have Bill Last. Bill is a fellow Connecticut native (a Nutmegger) who I can recall seeing at the earliest Beatle conventions. Overhearing many of his conversations with fellow-Beatle fans, I instantly knew this was a very well-informed and bright Beatles fan. He was good friends with fellow Connecticut Beatles fan and expert, Charles Rosenay. Bill would write columns for Charles’ excellent Beatles fanzine, Good Day Sunshine! Over the years I was so impressed that several items that I was looking for in my Beatles collection I was able to find through Bill. They include a beautiful copy of Ringo Starr’s Scouse the Mouse LP and a rare LP by a saxophone player named Raphael Ravenscroft featuring one of the first ever singing performances of a young Julian Lennon.

Bill also writes a great Beatles column for an excellent current Beatles fanzine/magazine run by Tom Aguiar in Massachusetts called Octopus’ Garden.

Bill has now entered the realm of being a Beatles book author and here is his book that was inspired ny his large collection of Beatles-related video performances over the years!

BILL LAST’S THE BEATLES COLLECTED VIDEOGRAPHY:

Back cover of the book:

TeaFlix Interview with Bill Last (Beatles Videos Historian)

by Bill Last 

Independently published (March 17, 2025)

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! 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.

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 the most 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 Hold Your 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.

SIGNED BOOK INFORMATION:

Readers can order Bill’s book signed directly from him using PayPal. International customers will have to contact Bill at his email address first for an exact postage quote. billlast@att.net

Regarding people domestically in the US- ordering his book directly from him. Current prices posted at the time of the writing of this post are

$25.00 shipped Media Mail

$28.00 shipped Ground Advantage

His PayPal account is his email address: billlast@att.net

Here is the US Amazon link for the title:

THE BEATLES COLLECTED VIDEOGRAPHY: Last, Bill: 9798314490709: Amazon.com: Books

Here is the UK link for the book:

THE BEATLES COLLECTED VIDEOGRAPHY: Amazon.co.uk: Last, Bill: 9798314490709: Books

Here are a few examples of the rare videos that Bill Last has informed me about

From WIKIPEDIA

“The short film “Who Goes There?” was directed by Ringo Starr and features Maurice Gibb, one of the Bee Gees. The film includes some comedy sketches and has been featured in Ringo’s 2024 promo video for the songs “Gonna Need Someone”. This collaboration highlights the playful and comedic side of Ringo Starr and Maurice Gibb, showcasing their ability to blend music with humor.”  Ringo lived close by to Lulu and Maurice when he lived in Surrey and they often partied at each other’s homes!

Maurice Gibb & Ringo Starr Fooling Around 1

Though not the Beatles this rare Bee Gees video called Cucumber Castle has many Beatles connections. It was aired at a time that Robin Gibb had quit the group after the Bee Gees’ Odessa album. Ringo Starr was buddying around with Maurice Gibb and singer Lulu, who Maurice was married to, and they (Ringo and Maurice) produced a short comedy film together called “Who Goes There?”

This is the rare Bee Gees film from the BBC that was posted on YouTube called Cucumber Castle. See how many Beatles connections to other people that you can find in this film….

Bee Gees – Cucumber Castle – An Original Musical (1970) [Better Quality]

Cucumber Castle – Nostalgia Central

WIKIPEDIA DESCRIPTION:

“This hour-long TV special was produced by the Robert Stigwood Organisation as a vehicle for The Bee Gees and aired on BBC2 at 1.30 pm on Boxing Day 1970.

On his death bed, The King (Frankie Howerd) orders his kingdom divided into two halves, the Kingdom of Jelly and the Kingdom of Cucumbers. Before the King even dies, his son Prince Frederick (Barry Gibb) declares himself King of Cucumbers and the other son Prince Marmaduke (Maurice Gibb) the King of Jelly.

The film intersperses (bad) comedy sketches with Bee Gees songs plus performances By Blind Faith and Lulu with cameo appearances from other music stars of the day.

Barry and Maurice Gibb display very little acting ability but Frankie Howerd is delightfully over the top as the hypochondriacal King whose death scene lasts the entire film.

Robin Gibb does not appear in the film as he quit the group earlier in the year following the release of their fourth album Odessa.“

See how many Beatles connections you can spot in this cast listing:

An uncredited Mike Mansfield (TV music guru) assisted Hugh Gladwish with the direction.

Prince Frederick, King of Cucumbers-Barry Gibb
Prince Marmaduke, King of Jelly -Maurice Gibb
The King-Frankie Howerd
Lady Margerie Pee-Eleanor Bron
Nurse Sarah Charles Bottom-Pat Coombs
Lord Chamberlain-Julian Orchard
Lulu the cook-Lulu
Court Jester-Spike Milligan
Wicked Count Voxville-Vincent Price
Narrator-Peter Blythe
Blind Faith-Themselves
Roger Daltrey-Himself
Donovan-Himself
Marianne Faithfull -Herself
Mick Jagger -Himself

The Beatles magazine by Tom Aguiar entitled Octopus’ Garden features a Collecting the Beatles column by Bill Last

Contact: For subscription Information:

Tom Aguiar

P.O. Box 3683, Peabody, MA 01961-3683, USA

Email: ogfanzine94@gmail.com

And now…Mr. Bill King!

The digital age is considered to be the INFORMATION AGE where information is conveyed immediately to the masses via the internet. However, Bill King has always done much better than that for the world in that he conveys much information but places it in the proper context so that you are not overwhelmed by it as we often are, in the world of the internet!

Bill King has always provided a wealth of information to his readers whether it was at his full-time job at a prominent Atlanta newspaper to his creation and role of being the founder & the publisher of Beatlefan magazine since the 1970s, Bill was always my own personal source of credible information about the Beatles. Despite now facing the challenges of continuing his print magazine in a digital age, Bill has weathered the storm through his high journalistic standards and his superb network of information contacts that he acquires much information from. To this day I prefer to read and collect print media as it relates to the Beatles. I thank Mr. Bill King for that great gift.

Recently, Bill King wrote a book about music in the Southern part of the US from the years 1976-1986. This book was largely inspired by many of the well-known and popular musicians that Bill was pleased to interview during those years! Though my own personal obsession remains the Beatles, I was captured by the information conveyed in his Large Time book and you will too! The interviews are always first-class and not based on fan worship. Bill always attempts to get to the heart of the matter with his questions and with this book he certainly succeeds!

BILL KING’S-LARGE TIME ON THE SOUTHERN MUSIC BEAT, 1976-1986:

Back cover of the book:

Bill King with the front and back dustjacket covers of his book:

HAVING A ‘LARGE TIME’ — The Making of a Book – Quick Cuts With Bill King

Book Store – Beatlefan

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Bill King covered the Southern and Georgia music scenes from 1976 to 1986, writing about a broad range of acts that included classic rock, new wave, country outlaws, mainstream Nashville, soul music, modern R&B and disco, and even a little gospel. “LARGE TIME: On the Southern Music Beat, 1976-1986” includes expanded versions of some of King’s favorite interviews with Southern acts from that era, along with previously unpublished stories behind the stories. You’ll find chats with The Allman Brothers, James Brown, R.E.M., Dolly Parton, Isaac Hayes, the B-52s, B.B. King, the Oak Ridge Boys, the Atlanta Rhythm Section, Roy Orbison, Randall Bramblett, Jimmy Buffett, Barbara Mandrell, The Brains, the Dregs, Tanya Tucker, Stillwater, the Swingin’ Medallions, the Tams, Chips Moman, Brenda Lee, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Amy Grant, Chet Atkins, Willie Nelson, Lionel Richie, Kenny Rogers, Millie Jackson, Tammy Wynette, Charlie Daniels, Phil Walden, Buddy Buie, Bill Lowery and more. It’s all Southern music!

The Goody Press

Large Time: On the Southern Music Beat 1976-1986: Bill King: 9798218446543: Amazon.com: Books

ORDERING INFORMATION:

Publication date-August 16, 2024

It can be ordered directly from The Goody Press for $39.99 each postpaid in the U.S., $69.99 each postpaid outside the U.S. Add $10 to the cost if you’d like a numbered, signed copy!

Send a check, money order or credit card information to:

The Goody Press Books, 3009 Delcourt Drive, Decatur, GA 30033

Or, for an order form, go to beatlefan.com/book-store/

Credit card orders must include address, expiration date and CVV number. You also can pay via PayPal to goodypress@gmail.com, or via credit card at 404-713-6432. Address all inquiries to goodypress@gmail.com.

Havin’ A Large Time – Abbeville Institute

Capricorn Records – Quick Cuts With Bill King

BEATLE REFERENCES DEALT WITH IN THE “LARGE TIME” BOOK:

Much to my delight, Bill King’s book about Southern music also has many Beatles references demonstrating how the love of music has many overlaps and cross-references!

“And The Beatles make quite a few cameo appearances in the book, too! The Fab Four came up frequently in King’s conversations with Southern music stars. And it’s undeniable that quite a few Southern musicians were major influences on all four Beatles.

From his pre-Wilburys days, Roy Orbison talks about the role that touring with The Beatles played in his decision always to wear sunglasses onstage. You’ll read how George Harrison was thrilled that country guitar great Chet Atkins was one of the first major stars to record an album of Beatles covers. You learn why Jerry Lee Lewis said, “John Lennon was nobody’s fool.” You’ll find out about the blind Atlanta piano player from whose band The Beatles got the obscure song “Mister Moonlight.” Delbert McClinton talks about teaching Lennon harmonica licks. The Commodores explain how they patterned themselves after the Fabs. You’ll find out about Ringo Starr’s dispute with producer Chips Moman. And Paul McCartney and Harrison are major players in the chapter on Carl Perkins.“

BILL KING’S LONG-STANDING MAGAZINE MAINSTAY: BEATLEFAN MAGAZINE

One of the best if not THE BEST Beatles magazines in the marketplace. Published since the 70s. I always am thrilled at receiving the newest issues. It is one of the few Beatles fanzines/magazines that I have every issue of! It would drive me mad to be missing an issue!

AND MORE GOOD NEWS- A FORTHCOMING BEATLES BOOK PROJECT FROM BILL KING IN EARLY 2027!

Bill King has given me the permission to announce that he currently is at work on a collection of the best of his 50 years of writing about The Beatles! He hopes to have this exciting book out by early 2027.

We all anxiously await to add this book to our Beatles book collections!

Hope you get the opportunity to check out the 2 books written by the 2 Bills. You will enjoy their work and will ultimately be a better educated follower of music by doing so in my humble opinion!

Be healthy and be happy!

Buzz

Déjà vu

This issue of Mojo magazine is available May 12th, 2026 to promote the The Boys of Dungeon Lane Album

Thanks to blog subscriber, Jeff Smulyan, for this notification!

This title will be released on May 29, 2026.

THE BOYS OF DUNGEON LANE NEW LP BY PAUL McCARTNEY ON MAY 29TH, 2026

Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr – Home to Us (Lyric Video)

Amazon US:

Amazon.com: The Boys of Dungeon Lane: CDs & Vinyl

Amazon UK:

The Boys of Dungeon Lane by Paul McCartney: Amazon.co.uk: CDs & Vinyl

Paul McCartney (Artist) 

1 As You Lie There
2 Lost Horizon
3 Days We Left Behind
4 Ripples in a Pond
5 Mountain Top
6 Down South
7 We Two
8 Come Inside
9 Never Know
10 Home to Us
11 Life Can Be Hard
12 First Star of the Night
13 Sailsman Saint
14 Momma Gets By

NEW ROLLING STONES ALBUM “FOREIGN TONGUES”-PAUL McCARTNEY GUESTS ON ONE TRACK (July 10, 2026)

Amazon US:

Amazon.com: Foreign Tongues [180g Baby Pink 2 LP] [Amazon Exclusive]: CDs & Vinyl

Amazon UK:

Foreign Tongues (Amazon Exclusive Alt Sleeve CD) by The Rolling Stones: Amazon.co.uk: CDs & Vinyl

Foreign Tongues (Amazon Exclusive Alt Sleeve Pink Vinyl) [VINYL] by The Rolling Stones: Amazon.co.uk: CDs & Vinyl

This title will be released on July 10, 2026.

Foreign Tongues, the vibrant 14-track album from the Rolling Stones, arrives less than three years after the Grammy-winning Hackney Diamonds. Led by the infectious single “In The Stars,” it was recorded in under a month at Metropolis Studios with producer Andrew Watt. Blending their signature sound with fresh sonic territory, the album features Charlie Watts on one of his final sessions, plus contributions from Darryl Jones, Steve Jordan, Paul McCartney, Robert Smith and more. Limited edition Amazon exclusive 2-LP set on heavyweight 180g baby pink vinyl with an alternative yellow cover in a gatefold jacket.

(Full Track listing, as of this writing not yet available)

After all of these years baby Boomers and subsequent generations are soon to have albums by both the Rolling Stones and Paul McCartney.

It is good to be alive!

Be healthy and be happy!

Richard Hewson the arranger of “The Long and Winding Road” on the The Beatles Let It Be album has long been given bad press for his lush production of that number. However, in the United States the public disagreed as the song made it to #1 on the Billboard charts. Maybe let “Bygones be Bygones”?

WHICH VERSION OF ‘THE LONG AND WINDING ROAD” DO YOU PREFER? Read on!

Would such a large audience have bought the record if they were disgusted with the song’s production?

The one factor in the controversy that I see as valid criticism is that Paul McCartney should have had more direct involvement in the song’s final production as presented to the world because it was “his” song.

However, there is more to this story than I believe that we are all aware of…

For example, it is apparently not the strings that Paul was really upset with but with the female vocal chorale that was upsetting to him according to others. Perhaps we will never know the full story!

THE “LET IT BE” RECORDING WITH THE RICHARD HEWSON ARRANGEMENT:

The Long And Winding Road (Remastered 2009)

The Long and Winding Road – Wikipedia

The isolated string arrangement from YouTube:

The Beatles – The Long And Winding Road – Isolated Orchestra

“On 2 April, Spector sent each of the Beatles an acetate of the completed album with a note saying: “If there is anything you’d like done to the album, let me know and I’ll be glad to help … If you wish, please call me about anything regarding the album tonight,”, along with a lengthy letter justifying his changes. All four Beatles, including McCartney, sent Spector a telegram giving their approval.”

This is why we must be careful in judging some of the history shared with us as FACT concerning certain events that we take as being the gospel truth. Everyone emphasizes their own predispositions as to what actually happened especially when there are conflicting views as to the events that may have occurred. In my opinion, if the Beatles really did not want the album to come out as it did, it WOULD NOT have been released. They wiped their hands, tired of all of the business hassles, and it ultimately came out despite their personal disappointments at the time.

APPLES AND ORANGES:

“The Long and Winding Road” reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks in June 1970.

 “The Long and Winding Road” was never officially released as a standalone 45 single in the UK.

THE LET IT BE “NAKED” VERSION OF THE SONG:

In order to satisfy Paul’s original vision for his number, this LP was released featuring the stripped-down version of the song:

The Long And Winding Road (Naked Version / Remastered 2013)

Much controversy surrounded Richard Hewson’s involvement with the Beatles story. When Phil Spector arrived on the scene to remedy the displeasure the band had with the original Get Back/ Let It Be session tapes, he had Richard Hewson, Brian Rogers, and John Barham handle the new string, orchestral, and choral backings on several of the songs. Many Beatles fans to this day say that that was not what the Beatles had wanted in their original concept of the LP which was slated to be a return to their rock ‘n’ roll basics. (The raw Beatles without overdubs).

Obviously, there was a big conflict here as Paul in particular objected to the production values on “The Long and Winding Road” which irritated and angered him as it was done without his permission. He thought the string and the vocal background choir were unwarranted and went against his vision of the song. Ringo has claimed in interviews that all four of the Beatles did sign off on the album’s release, however. In the ultimate irony, years later Paul when performing the Long and Winding Road live it had a very lush arrangement of the song somewhat similar to the Beatles album version. My supposition was that it probably was a “control” based issue in the power politics of the group!

RICHARD HEWSON’S FIRST LOVE IS “JAZZ”

The RAH band is an acronym for Richard Anthony Hewson’s initials. Despite his numerous forays in the pop music field over the years, his first love was always JAZZ. I recently acquired a live album of the RAH band, but I must admit I had a very selfish motivation to do so. As many people on this blog are aware, as a collector I always make the attempt to acquire the signatures of people that have somehow contributed to the Beatles musical legacy. I wrote to someone who assists Richard Hewson with promotion and publicity, and he said that signed copies of the RAH band album were available to purchase and that signed postcards from Richard Hewson were available in the album. Sure, enough I received my copy of the album shown below and they were signed by Richard Hewson but indirectly by indicating Peace! The RAH (RICHARD ANTHONY HEWSON) Band!

I have to be honest I would have enjoyed it more if he had signed the postcard with his signature but the publicist that had told me about the album did say that the signing was indeed from Richard himself which made me feel so much better!

Richard Anthony Hewson – Wikipedia

A few musical samples of the RAH band:

Messages from the Stars

Perfumed Garden (Original 12″ Mix)

THE RAH BAND: (THE RICHARD ANTHONY BAND):

About — The RAH Band

The Crunch – The RAH Band’s debut ’77 hit and the story behind that Top of The Pops appearance!

The Crunch

Richard Anthony Hewson – Wikipedia

Richard’s signature though stealthily presented as THE RAH BAND!

The back cover of the LP:

Richard Anthony Hewson – Wikipedia

The contents of the LP as pictured on one side of the vinyl:

Richard Anthony Hewson – Wikipedia

TOO OFTEN THE PRESS CAN BE THE MAIN CULPRIT IN PERPETUATING THE “CONFLICTS” OR “AGITATIONS” OF CELEBRITIES:

Whatever your opinions of the production of “The Long and Winding Road” may be, it does a disservice to the song by making it a contest. We have the full production, and we have the bare version so we all should be happy! My personal preference is the Richard Hewson full production. From the first time I heard the song on an acetate of the then named Get Back album I personally saw the song as being a majestic number with lush overtones. I may be in the minority in that song vision but apparently, I am not alone as the Richard Hewson production became #1 in the United States Billboard charts in 1970. Oh, and by the way, when Paul first began to perform the song live when he decided to once again perform Beatles songs, his version onstage was closer to a full lush presentation than his Let It Be Naked version!

Nuff said!

Meaning and Usage
The phrase “let bygones be bygones” is commonly used to encourage individuals to forget about past conflicts or unpleasant events. It suggests that one should not dwell on past mistakes or grievances but instead focus on the present and future. This idiom promotes the idea of forgiveness and reconciliation, allowing relationships to heal and grow.

Cambridge University Press & Assessment

In a relatively short time after The Long and Winding Road production fiasco, Paul asked Richard Hewson to do the string arrangements for his Thrillington album which were his revisitations of songs from his RAM album! The project was completed rather smoothly yet there was a very long inexplicable delay between the album’s recording and its eventual release!

THRILLINGTON:

Richard is credited at the bottom of the sleeve in the smaller print:

‘Too Many People’ – PaulMcCartney.com Track of the Week

Richard Hewson’s Apple Records Involvement: A Few Samples:

MARY HOPKIN’S POSTCARD LP:

Listen to the wonderful nostalgic feel that Hewson gave to the arrangement to this Gene Raskin number for Mary Hopkin:

Those Were The Days (Remastered)

And his lovely treatment to the McCartney penned track for Mary called Goodbye: While McCartney wrote the song and produced the recording, Richard Hewson was the arranger responsible for the full orchestral and backing track.

Goodbye (Remastered 2010 / Bonus Track)

Those Were The Days (Remastered) – YouTube

JAMES TAYLOR IN HIS APPLE LP HAD SEVERAL ARRANGEMENTS DONE BY RICHARD HEWSON:

Credit listing for the James Taylor Apple album provided at the DISCOGS website:

A1a Don’t Talk Now
Handclaps [Clapping], Percussion – James Taylor (2), Peter Asher
Organ – Don Schinn*
2:36
A1b Link Greensleeves
Arranged By, Performer [Played By] – James Taylor (2)
A2a Something’s Wrong
Arranged By [Bassoon, Oboe, And The Aeolian String Quartet], Conductor [Bassoon, Oboe, And The Aeolian String Quartet Conducted By] – Richard Hewson
Performer – Aeolian String Quartet
3:00
A2b Link
Arranged By – Richard Hewson
Performer [Played By] – Aeolian String Quartet
A3 Knocking ‘Round The Zoo
Arranged By [Screams And Brass], Conductor [Screams And Brass Conducted By] – Richard Hewson
3:26
A4a Sunshine Sunshine
Accompanied By, Harp – Skaila Kanga
Arranged By [Amici String Quartet], Conductor [Amici String Quartet] – Richard Hewson
Performer – Amici String Quartet
3:30
A4b Link
Arranged By – Richard Hewson
Performer [Played By], Harp – Skaila Kanga
A5a Taking It In 3:01
A5b Link
Arranged By, Performer [Played By] – Don Schinn*
A6 Something In The Way She Moves 2:26
B1 Carolina In My Mind
Arranged By [Strings], Conductor [Strings Conducted By] – Richard Hewson
Backing Vocals [Uncredited] – George Harrison
Bass – Paul McCartney
Guitar [2nd Guitar] – Mick Wayne
Organ – Freddie Redd
Tambourine – Peter Asher
3:36
B2a Brighten Your Night With My Day
Arranged By [Brass], Conductor [Brass Conducted By] – Richard Hewson
Electric Piano – Don Schinn*
3:05
B2b Link
Arranged By, Conductor [Conducted By] – Richard Hewson
B3a Night Owl
Arranged By [Brass], Conductor [Brass Conducted By] – Richard Hewson
Electric Guitar – James Taylor (2)
3:38
B3b Link
Arranged By [Percussion], Percussion [Percussion Played By] – Bishop O’Brien, James Taylor (2), Peter Asher
B4 Rainy Day Man 3:00
B5a Circle Round The Sun
Arranged By [Orchestra], Conductor [Orchestra Conducted By] – Richard Hewson
3:24
B5b Link
Arranged By, Conductor [Conducted By] – Richard Hewson
B6 The Blues Is Just A Bad Dream
Arranged By [Orchestra], Conductor [Orchestra Conducted By] – Richard Hewson

Don’t Talk Now (Remastered)

More info to add to the credit confusion:

1 April 1970: Phil Spector adds orchestra and choir to Let It Be songs | The Beatles Bible

CONCLUDING REMARKS:

In Beatles lore Richard will probably be most remembered for the controversy regarding the arrangement surrounding The Long and Winding Road. The reason behind that is the public loves the talking points around controversy. Ultimately, it is wonderful that we have both versions, the lush version and the bare bones version. I personally prefer Richard’s version, but we have the stripped-down track if you prefer that one.

Regardless. Richard has demonstrated over the years that he is a very talented and versatile arranger and composer which is evidenced across many stylistic mediums. His contributions to music have been great and will continue to be remembered well into the future!

RAH RAH RAH!!! LOL!!!

Be healthy and be happy!

Buzz

In this latest episode of the Liverpool Beatles podcast Liddypod, with Beatles banter from hosts David Bedford and Paul Beesley, they discuss, over a breakfast of course, the latest McCartney documentary, new Ringo album, and pay tribute to Len Garry and Joe Ankrah.

Why not catch up on all the previous episodes at www.liddypod.com

In this digital and information age that we live in, it becomes increasingly more important that we have strong networking connections that keep us continually informed of matters that greatly interest us, including new books from Spencer Leigh. Recently I was listening to one of Steve Marinucci’s Beatles News Briefs and I came across this one where Steve interviewed longtime Liverpool broadcaster and author, Spencer Leigh.

During this program Spencer and Steve discussed Spencer’s autobiography that was published in early 2025 to celebrate Spencer’s 80th birthday. Well, it is 2026 and Spencer is 81 now and I finally have discovered this book thanks to Steve Marinucci’s YouTube program, and I have made plans to acquire this book for my book collection. As many of you know, I not only collect Beatles books but books that somehow contribute to their fabulous magical story and drama.

A SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:

A special thanks goes out to Steve Marinucci for making me aware of this title. Steve’s YouTube program also provided the knowledge of an impending book by Spencer Leigh intended for a 2027 release called Pepper People which will offer a detailed analysis of all of the figures that appear on the Beatles Sergeant Pepper cover. Another fascinating book by Spencer Leigh. Thanks for helping to keep the Beatles book fever alive, Spencer and Steve!

Networking is indeed alive and thriving!

Here is the referenced Steve Marinucci YouTube program:

(Video) Beatles News Briefs #118! – Spencer Leigh on Liverpool landmarks, Paul LP listening, MORE!!

Ordering information for the Spencer Leigh autobiography:

AMAZON US LINK:

80@80: A Liverpool life in 80 chapters: Leigh, Spencer: 9798345734247: Amazon.com: Books

AMAZON UK LINK:

80@80: A Liverpool life in 80 chapters: Amazon.co.uk: Leigh, Spencer: 9798345734247: Books

Back cover of the book:

As luck would have it, the signed and inscribed book from Spencer arrived in the mail the day the book was posted on the blog which is-a very good omen!

AMAZON BOOK DESCRIPTION:

“On the 1st of February 2025, writer and broadcaster Spencer Leigh celebrated his 80th birthday and the publication of the most personal of the 40 books he has authored. For his memoir, 80@80, Spencer has raided the archives and diaries to create 80 chapters that reflect a life dedicated to writing and talking about pop music.
The anecdotes and stories in 80@80, from decades spent on BBC Radio Merseyside and column writing for the Liverpool Echo, feature hundreds of household names he has interviewed – ranging from local legend Ken Dodd to movie stars like Billy Bob Thornton. But it is the tales of the Beatles and the fascinating singers, songwriters, and the rest of music’s movers and shakers, that dominate his action-packed biography.

His friend Colin Hall, former custodian of John Lennon’s childhood home, says: “Spencer is a Lancastrian treasure trove of words and insights and has been on the radio for over 50 years. He’s a walking encyclopaedia of the development of pop and rock music culture in the UK and USA.” And his career is remembered fondly by fellow BBC broadcaster Bob Harris: “I think it began with a series on the Liverpool poets and then he did that series, Let’s Go Down the Cavern, which was put out as a book too. That was the first history of Merseybeat.”

Whether he’s talking to Willie Nelson or Wee Willie Harris, Spencer Leigh has an unerring ability to recall the small fascinating details of the conversations he has been privileged to have with decades of artists who have shaped popular music history.”

THE WONDROUS STORY CONTINUES: A NEW PEPPER BOOK FROM SPENCER IN 2027

For those of you who may have been as surprised as me to learn of this book, it is such a happy feeling and experience for this aging Beatlemaniac and music lover to learn that my musical horizons will be expanded even more by being exposed to a book which I only recently learned of its existence. You will be kept informed as we get closer to the release of Spencer’s “Pepper People” book coming in 2027! This book will be an analysis of all of the people that appeared on the Sgt. Pepper cover!

Pass the word-Be healthy and be happy!

Buzz

Join historian, author (and administrator of the blog) in conversation with Dale Morgan on his podcast. In part 1, David is asked about how he became an author and how his first book, Liddypool: Birthplace of The Beatles, came about, as well as the follow-up, The Fab One Hundred and Four: The Evolution of The Beatles.

They discuss the history of Liverpool and discover why, as per Liddypool, “To understand The Beatles, You Have To Understand Liverpool”. They talk about Liverpool in World War II, when The Beatles were born, the rise of Beatles tourism and important Beatles venues, like The Cavern and the Jacaranda.

This is Part 1 of 3

Get your copies of David’s books: