I was thrilled and excited to learn about the impending release in September of 2026 of a new book about the first professional photos heralding the return of John and Yoko to the recording studio in the summer of 1980, marking the end of a 5-year absence from recording activity! Photographer, Roger Farrington, and Beatles historian, Ken Womack tell the fabulous story surrounding this event in beautiful photos and wonderful text!
Truly, a book that you will not want to miss out on…
On August 7, 1980, John Lennon and Yoko Ono made their triumphant return to the recording studio after a self-imposed five-year absence. Roger Farrington, an up-and-coming photographer from Boston, was hired to get “the shot” that would announce their comeback. It would be Lennon’s most intense press scrutiny since the heady days of the Beatles’ maiden voyage to America in 1964, and for Farrington, it would be the assignment of a lifetime. Just four months later, Lennon’s assassination would plunge the world into mourning.
Reproducing, for the first time, the entire run of Farrington’s iconic photographs from that day, Starting Over transports readers back to 1980 and into Manhattan’s Hit Factory, where Lennon and Ono recorded their acclaimed LP Double Fantasy. With supporting photos and other ephemera, Farrington and renowned Beatles historian Kenneth Womack capture a poignant moment in music history and provide an insider’s look at celebrity photography in the pre-digital age.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
FROM AMAZON:
About the Author KENNETH WOMACK is a professor of English and popular music at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, New Jersey. Over the years, he has authored numerous books, including Solid State: The Story of Abbey Road and the End of the Beatles, John Lennon 1980: The Last Days in the Life, and Living the Beatles Legend: The Untold Story of Mal Evans.
ROGER FARRINGTON is a Boston-based publicity photographer. His images have appeared in publications world-wide including, Time, Newsweek, People, Parade, Vogue, Town & Country, New York Times, Washington Post, Paris Match, and The Boston Globe. Besides his iconic 1980 images of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, other celebrities Roger Farrington has photographed include; Andy Warhol, HRH Prince Charles, Matt Damon, Cher, Richard Prior, Elton John, Jay Leno, Alec Baldwin, Dionne Warwick, Cyndi Lauper, Luciano Pavarotti, Frank Sinatra, Michael Douglas, Danny DeVito, Charlton Heston, Liza Minnelli, Billy Joel, Vanna White and many others. His work has been exhibited in Boston, New York City, Liverpool and Tokyo, and is held in private and public collections.
Editorial Reviews Review “Photographer Roger Farrington, who took some of the last pictures of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, has collaborated with Beatles historian Kenneth Womack to produce a compelling account of the final recording session of this remarkable creative partnership, enriched by a striking collection of photographs from the period. The book offers much more, including insights into Lennon?s songwriting process at this late stage of his life. Readers gain an intimate view of the couple?s relationship and a revealing portrait of Lennon?s final days before his tragic death.”
— Kenneth L. Campbell ― author of The Beatles and the 1960s: Reception, Revolution, and Social Change
Farrington captured a cache of quiet, unguarded, and previously unreleased pictures capturing John and Yoko in their first tentative steps back into public life, at a time when few rock stars considered a comeback at forty. Rather than simply supplementing the Lennon story, this book expands it in unexpected ways.
— Tim Riley ― author of Lennon: The Man, the Myth, the Music—The Definitive Life Review “Farrington captured a cache of quiet, unguarded, and previously unreleased pictures capturing John and Yoko in their first tentative steps back into public life, at a time when few rock stars considered a comeback at forty. Rather than simply supplementing the Lennon story, this book expands it in unexpected ways.”
— Tim Riley ― author of Lennon: The Man, the Myth, the Music―The Definitive Life
CALL IT ADVOCACY OR CALL IT ACTIVISIM – BADFINGER/ IVEYS DESERVE TO BE IN THE ROCK ‘N” ROLL HALL OF FAME AND THE BAND DESERVES AN HONEST & EXCELLENT FEATURE FILM ABOUT THEIR HISTORY!!!
Many people who study musical history do not realize that things are not always what they seem. When bands attain a certain level of fame, their membership changes are often analyzed in regard to the members that may have missed out on some of the fame or monetary gain of what the band was to ultimately achieve. That is the easy way to analyze those events.
People sit back and say Pete Best missed out on huge amounts of money and fame because of the decision of his replacement by Ringo Starr. But one could also argue that he also retains a level of fame because of his former band association and with the release of the Anthology he was later in life to benefit financially. Also, he was also to benefit from avoiding some of the stress frequently associated with leading a celebrity lifestyle.
There are some philosopher’s that believe that when an individual attains something in life, somehow a tradeoff occurs. To get something, you often have to give something up. Fame and celebrity often mean relinquishing privacy and peace of mind. One could argue that John Lennon’s immense fame and legendary status eventually caused or contributed to his life ending early. Would he have traded that fame away to live a longer and happy life? I’ll wager the answer would have been in the affirmative.
RON GRIFFITHS & BADFINGER:
Ron Griffiths was asked to leave Badfinger because he was starting a family and the sound of his child crying was interfering with another band member’s concentration on his music. Those types of things happen in life and look at what happened ultimately in the Badfinger tragic story. The stability of Ron’s choices may have led to some disappointment in the realm of music, but he still will be remembered in musical history, and he avoided being a part of what happened to Badfinger after his departure from the band and the ultimate corrupt management got involved with the band and raised its ugly head. The ultimate result was that Badfinger’s financial success was going to other people rather than the band. This is a phenomenon that is repeated far too often in the music industry but in the case of Badfinger, it was to have far more tragic circumstances…
Yes, decisions can certainly have both positive and negative aftermaths. As time goes by something that may have initially appeared to be very negative may actually turn out to be a positive in the bigger scheme of life events.
How many times in your own lives did something happen which appeared to be negative steer your life into a greater place or a better set of life circumstances?
The bottom line is it seems that Ron Griffiths is happy with his role in musical history and with his life in general and that is quite the accomplishment for anyone!
THE IVEYS & BADFINGER:
An early photo of a young Ron Griffiths who was to play an important role in the creation of The Iveys and the band they were to later become when they joined Apple Records, known as Badfinger.
Ron Griffiths
A performing photo of Ron with Tom Evans in the background!
Ron Griffiths and Tom Evans
We are so pleased to be able to present this special interview with Ron Griffiths that he was so kind to be able to do for the blog. Special thanks are extended to Mark Strothmann for asking Ron the questions that I was able to present to him:
A RON GRIFFITHS SPECIAL 2026 INTERVIEW CONDUCTED BY MARK STROTHMANN QUESTIONS BY JOHN B. (BUZZ):
JB ) If you could go back in time, what would you have changed or have done differently?
RG) If I was able to do it over again; I would have stood my ground and not been forced to leave the band. Look where it got without me, maybe I would have been a steadying influence.
JB) Were you a happy child growing up in post WWII Wales? What is your earliest memory of those times
RG) Yes. I had a very, very happy childhood, my parents were wonderful. I remember going to the Swansea Grand Theatre to see a Pantomime (which was Aladdin) and two of the performers were Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise, they eventually became legendary in the UK and they performed “Fernando’s Hideaway”. I must have been 6 years old. I also remember being wheeled around as a baby in a park near where Dylan Thomas lived, it is called Cwmdonkin Park.
JB) How did you begin your musical career and how did the Iveys form? Who were your first contacts in forming the band?
RG) Singing in the Junior School Choir was my first stage appearance. I used to receive guitar catalogues in the post. Always looking at basses. One Christmas my parents got me a Vox Clubman 2 bass. They must have watched me drooling over the more expensive instruments. I bless them for that wonderful surprise at Christmas 1960.My father was a friend of a gent named Jack Burrow, and they were chatting one day, and Jack mentioned his son Don was practicing guitars with his neighborhood pal Frank Bloomfield. My father mentioned that I was learning to play bass, Jack said my son was thinking of forming a band, so I met up with Don and Frank and we got on well. Then we recruited this guy, Terry Gleason.
We primarily played instrumentals by The Shadows, The Ventures and we also covered songs by a similar style band called The Eagles (not the Eagles from the US), and then we got a Sunday residency at a pub called The Fountain Inn and we called ourselves the Jaguars. That was my first band, those were the early days. As time went on, we were doing a hotel gig in Swansea at a wedding reception and afterwards I was approached by David Jenkins, his brother Alwynne and Pete Ham. They said they enjoyed my playing and they were looking for a bass player to replace the one they had. So, about a week later I went to jam with them near one of the schools Pete used to go to.
The first thing I ever heard Pete play was ‘Hey Baby’ by Bruce Channel, which was popular at the time, and I was totally enamored and I thought, well I have to join these guys. So, I had to put in my notice with The Jaguars. Terry Gleason came with me. I remember the first gig we actually did at the Rugby Club, which was a talent contest and we came third. By then the band was still called The Panthers. I remember we played “If I Loved You” (From the musical Carousel) it’s a three-part harmony and I think we did a bloody good job with it as well! The Panthers started with Roy Anderson on drums and a bass player named John Horrell, who I replaced. We did a lot of gigs with Terry in the band, but we had to turn down a lot of gigs because Terry had a job with unsocial shift patterns and so Terry said, ‘you guys need to find another drummer as you cannot keep turning down gigs’, so he quit. This meant we had to search for a replacement.
Once again by chance, my father used to drink at a place in Swansea called the Mexico Fountain. George Gibbins (Mikes dad) used to hang out there and play piano. One day, George said to my father, Mike’s looking for another band because he’s fed-up playing instrumentals in a band called The Club Four. So, my dad and I got the address of where Mike lived and arranged to come visit him on my dad’s scooter. I turned up wearing a university scarf, he must have thought I was a graduate or something. Mike started showing and playing a tuned kit which impressed me. I told him when the next rehearsal was and he agreed to come down and we liked him and he liked us, so he joined the band.
JB) What were your feelings about hearing The Iveys performing on BBC radio. That must have made you feel extremely proud of that achievement. Is there any possibility of ever having all of existing Iveys live material being released on vinyl or cd?
RG) The actual feeling of when we first heard “Maybe Tomorrow” over the airwaves was sheer delight. We were heading to Dunkirk, Belgium, coming back from Holland to board the return ship and you can probably imagine how we were feeling. Thanks to the late Dan Matovina and lately Mark, Kevin & Tom we should be able to get everything out that is remaining in the vaults.
JB) Looking back as a founding member of The Iveys who their primary vocalist was initially, how were your emotions dealing with the split. You seem to have handled the possible anger or any resentment quite well. To what do you attribute that to? There are many philosophers who say that everything achieved in life involves a corresponding trade-off, that you have to give up something. For example, John Lennon’s immense fame and notoriety contributed to his being murdered. What are your feelings about that sort of philosophy. Do you agree? Are you a happy person content with the way your life has turned out?
RG) Yeah, I am happy although at the time of the split I did think I was probably going to miss all the glory – following years of hard work. I’ve seen a lot of thing happen in the world that the poor lads never would have thought was possible. Tommy and Pete never got to see how big “Without You” became. I do regret not being a part of the court case to redistribute royalties, a mystery as I was told the invite was sent to me. I wish I could have been a part of the major success, but I’m happy with the way my life turned out.
JB) Looking back, what do you believe was your greatest contribution to the Iveys/ Badfinger legacy (your vocal abilities, your bass playing or your stable “that’s life” type of personality)?
RG) The only two members who ever sang my praises as a bass player were Peter and Mike. I thought I was a pretty good contributor vocally. A girl from Swansea named Maybelline and many others thought I had the best voice in the band. Before the record deal we were a covers band, and I did more of the lead singing than Pete and initially Dai Jenkins. When Tommy joined, we shared most of the lead vocals. In short, I was an equal contributor as a musician like the boys were.
JB) What is your story behind your Iveys/ Badfinger song “Dear Angie”. I’ll wager that you are very pleased that the song has been streamed more than 33 million times. That has got to bring a great smile to your face!
RG) If only I was getting a penny a play for that song! That came about after meeting a girl named Maureen Angela Atkinson. We were playing a private company’s gig and these two girls came up and started chatting with us during a break. I ended up exchanging letters with her; she lived about 30 miles away so she would have to catch a train to meet with me and until we were married, I would escort her to catch her train home. I had to shorten Angela to Angie for obvious reasons
JB) Ron – how would you like to be remembered?
RG) I never think about these sort of things.. Maybe as a caring music loving family man, with a love for life.
JB) Ron-give a one sentence description of each one of your co-Ivey members and of manager Bill Collins that describe their personality!
RG) Bill Collins was a mentor to start with, but subsequent events proved he was way out of his depth. Peter Ham was a fantastic musician, a prolific song writer with a macabre sense of humour. A lovely human being. Mike Gibbins, great drummer, fantastic sense of humour who proved to be a versatile musician beyond his drumming. Tommy Evans had an exceptional voice and was a useful guitarist, I think I mentored him on bass!
JB) When you learned of the tragedies of both Pete Ham and Tom Evans, what were your thoughts, feelings and memories?
RG) I got wind of that via Beverly when I was with Maureen, and I was in the garden planting things with my daughter. I was told “Ron… Bev is on the phone.”She asked me to sit down which I did. When she told me what had happened, I was devastated. How could he do this with Anne carrying his future son or daughter. What a waste of such a talent and more importantly a great human being. I was shocked when I was made aware of Tommy doing the same thing and disappointed, but I wasn’t surprised. When Tom was ‘up’ he was the life and soul of the party, but he often had depressive periods … which really dragged him down. Another waste of talent. I only wish they were all with us.
JB) As a Beatles/ Iveys/ Badfinger/ UK 60s and 70s music fan, I want to see the Iveys/ Badfinger inducted to the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame. You deserve to be there, and I would love to see a huge lobbying effort to secure that honor. What would an induction to the Hall of fame mean to you and your family?
RG) I think its de-valued now because there are so many groups and artists that shouldn’t be in it. Of course it would mean a lot, but it used to seem to mean a lot more than it does today.
JB) Would you love to see a Hollywood story about the Iveys/ Badfinger story be created or does that prospect scare or frighten you? To give your personal OK to a project of that sort, what would you be looking for?
RG) As long as they get the facts straight and highlight the happier times I think it be a good thing.
JB) What are your thoughts about the recent collection of Iveys/ Badfinger live recordings and demos?
RG) I’m amazed at the whole thing. Thankfully, Tom, Mark and Kevin are carrying on Dan’s research (Dan Matovina) into the archives. I find it difficult to single out one song I was performing on, but I do love “Carry On Till Tomorrow.”I just love all the Anthology series and the individual ones.
JB) What are your memories of the “Come And Get It” sessions, both the good memories and any unpleasant ones that you may recall?
RG) it was just a big thrill to be produced by a legend, for crying out loud! My best memory of this session was going against the grain, after several takes I was aware that Paul’s demo just stopped at the end of the song and I added theHendrix style bass fill although I was told to play it exactly as the demo as McCartney yelled down over the studio Tannoy, “Hey Ron, that was GOOD, we’ll keep that, son.”
JB) As a follow-up question, do you feel that the “Maybe Tomorrow” track deserved a better sales record than it achieved when officially released?
RG) Of course it was underplayed, it wasn’t promoted as well as it should have. One theory is that established bands and solo artists had new records being plugged, and we were way down in the pecking order and were overlooked for airplay. Such a shame as it is a lovely song and a great performance from Tom. Perhaps a re-release…..
JB) Is it possible with the new MAL technology to sonically cleanup all of the BBC Ivey recordings and issue it as an official recording?
RG) I’m all for that.
JB) What is your happiest memory of your involvement with the Iveys and Badfinger?
RG) The initial visit of Paul McCartney to 7 Park Avenue to gift us “Come and Get It”. It was like all our Christmases had come at once.
JB) What are your memories about Beatles associate, the late Mal Evans, who was instrumental in signing you to Apple?
RG) Everyone calls Mal Evans a gentle giant. He was a very personable likeable guy. He was like a child with a toy at Christmas with us. Given that the Beatles had stopped touring he must have felt that he was a spare part until he got involved with us. He was always great to be around. I went down to have dinner with him, with his wife Lily, and my wife Maureen, and he gave us a highchair for my son, Jason!
A SPECIAL THANKS IS EXTENDED TO RON GRIFFITHS FOR THE KINDNESS OF ANSWERING THE ABOVE QUESTIONS.
The entire group of people that help carry on the legacy of that late Badfinger historian, Dan Matovina, in ensuring that the Iveys/ Badfinger story is properly recognized, preserved and remembered for their wonderful contributions to music are also to be thanked for helping out the families of the late band members as well. Such individuals as Tom Brennan, Mark Strothmann, Rich Ulloa and Kevin McElligott are to be recognized and thanked. Kevin McElligot is the group’s restoration and mastering engineer. They all deserve our thanks and gratitude for their unending and continuing efforts!
RON GRIFFITHS PROUDLY HOLDS THE GOLD RECORD THAT HE & HIS FELLOW BAND MEMBERS FAMILIES WERE AWARDED FOR THE BADFINGER VERSION OF COME AND GET IT!!!
Until recently,Apple Record had never officially awarded a gold record to the smash hit of the “Come and Get It” track by Badfinger. At Ron Griffiths insistence he had asked the record company to verify the sales figures to see if it indeed had reached the gold record status in sales figures and if it had officially passed the threshold. Justice prevailed and members of the early Badfinger were finally given their well-earned memento as Apple had to correct a glaring mistake!
Here is a magazine cover from a school that Ron attended where their former pupil was being honored for the great band achievement!
Justice prevails thanks to Ron Griffiths efforts – read the story from The Dy’vorian:
OVER 33 MILLION STREAMS FOR DEAR ANGIE:
It must be very pleasing and gratifying for Ron Griffiths to know that his song entitled “Dear Angie” has passed MORE THAN 33 million streams. The song appeared on the APPLE Maybe Tomorrow Iveys LP, and the APPLE Badfinger Magic Christian Music LP!
MORE THAN 33 MILLION STREAMS FOR DEAR ANGIE – Congratulations Ron Griffiths
A Dear Angie Written-By – Ron* B No Escaping Your Love Written-By – Tom*
Prominent producer Tony Visconti produced this track. Tony was married to Mary Hopkin and later to May Pang. His music production credits are impressive, including David Bowie!
Saw this wonderful advert promo for THE IVEYS 1968 vintage UK ADVERT MAYBE TOMORROW
atIzzy’s Poster Boutique on eBay!
GWENT GARDENS-A COLLECTION OF PETE HAM DEMOS
GWENT GARDENS TRACKLISTING:
1 The Day Begins 2 Let The Sun Shine Through 3 Love Will Be 4 I’m Only Human 5 Happy Song Bass Guitar – Ron Griffiths 6 I Miss You (Original Demo) 7 Pete’s Boogie 8 Little Mary 9 Take It All (Original Demo) 10 Think It Over 11 Scarlett Willow 12 Blodwyn (Original Demo) 13 Stick A Line In 14 Something On My Mind 15 I Can Be 16 Walk Out In The Rain (Original Demo) 17 Stop Waiting For The Sun To Shine 18 Tulip Published By – Kobalt Music Publishing America Inc. Compiled By, Edited By, Engineer – Tom Brennan Cover – Tom Brennan Remastered By, Restoration – Kevin McElligott (2) Restoration, Engineer, Mastered By – Dan Matovina Songwriter [All Songs Written By], Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Keyboards, Drums, Percussion – Pete Ham
Label: Y&T Music – YT-27 Released: Mar 8, 2024
THE IVEYS ANTHOLOGY VOL. 1 Live at The Empire Neath, S. Wales – June 7, 1966
Badfinger
THE IVEYS ANTHOLOGY VOL. 2 Live at Thingamajig Club Reading, U.K. – Sept. 6, 1968
Track list:
The Iveys Golden Delicious Demos (1966-69) The Iveys Anthology Vol. 3 album by The Iveys UK compiled by Tom Brennan last update: November 28, 2024
Track list:
The Iveys How Much Is The Sky (1967-69) The Iveys Anthology Vol. 4 album by The Iveys compiled by Tom Brennan
The Iveys Miniskirts And Rainbows (1966-69) The Iveys Anthology Vol. 5 album by The Iveys compiled by Tom Brennan
Track list:
A RARE IVEYS RECORDING USING A PSEUDONYM “THE PLEASURE GARDEN” – PERMISSIVE PARADISE FEATURED A RON GRIFFITHS LEAD VOCAL:
The Iveys (as The Pleasure Garden) The lost recording of Permissive Paradise compiled by Tom Brennan research by Simon Cox, Paul Nyman, and Bryan Waller; with special thanks to Ron Griffiths for the scans of the picture sleeve and flexidisc labels. The Pleasure Garden A.K.A. The Iveys – Permissive Paradise
Most likely recorded in April or May of 1969 following their album sessions for “Maybe Tomorrow,” The Iveys recorded a song under a pseudonym for a flexdisc promoting a photo book documenting Swinging London in the 60’s. This dating seems the most likely after consulting with Dan Matovina, as Bill Collins’s diary seems to missing the entries for those two months and no mention of this project is mentioned elsewhere. Collins was allegedly paid £50 for The Iveys to record this song. Because of this pseudonym (The Pleasure Garden) and the obscurity of the disc, as well as it not appearing on an Apple Records release, the recording would never be associated with The Iveys (or Badfinger) and go undocumented in all Badfinger reference material for 33 years until being rediscovered in 2002 by Badfinger fans Simon Cox, Paul Nyman, and Bryan Waller.
promotional statement: “The Pleasure Garden: This London band’s “Permissive Paradise,” was originally issued as a flexidisc to help promote a book called ‘Young London’, which was a pictorial account of Carnaby Street era London by photographer Frank Habicht. It really is rather good, with quite a catchy guitar riff and an appealing vocal arrangement.”
Ron Griffiths – bass/lead vocals Tommy Evans – rhythm guitar/harmony & background vocals Pete Ham – electric piano and lead guitar/background vocals Mike Gibbins – drums
Thanks to an interview of Ron Griffiths conducted on YouTube I was made aware of the Permissive Paradise track and was able to find a copy of the release for my collection at the Discogs website!Thank you Ron!
APPLE IVEYS PUBLISHING RARITIES:
A total of 5 RARE CDs were issued of Apple published music and the Iveys appeared on three of the five sets that were issued. Here they are pictured with the rare Iveys tracks that appear on the respective albums: These are very difficult to track down
IVEYS: 11. I’m Too Shy [demo] 12. Maybe Tomorrow [demo version] 13. Tube Train [demo] 14. She Came Out Of The Cold [demo, long version] 15. I’ve Been There Once Before [demo]
Pete Ham – vocals and 6-string acoustic guitars (except 12-string on “I Need Your Love” and “Give Out To Me”)
Compilation, editing and engineering – Tom Brennan Mastering and restoration – Kevin McElligott
Photos courtesy of the Ham Estate and Mary Karlzen Artwork: Mary Karlzen, Tom Brennan and Mark Strothmann This release is dedicated to Morten Vindberg Special thanks to Anne Herriot, Tony Herriot, Petera Ham, Kent Gray and Mark Strothmann.
Tom Evans – I Am Myself (Demos: 1967-1970) Y&T Music – YT-30 Released: Jun 7, 2024
Compiled By, Edited By – Tom Brennan Mastered By, Restoration – Kevin McElligott (2) Transferred By – Dan Matovina Collection of home demos. Limited to 1000 copies.
1 Hello 2 I Am Myself 3 Our First Night Together 4 Water Lily 5 Goldfish 6 How Does It Feel (Original Demo) 7 Honey Lovin’ Ways 8 Uncle C 9 I Should Have Loved You (Original Demo) 10 Fisherman (Original Demo) 11 Dancing Girl 12 I Don’t Want the Bother 13 Handsome Malcolm 14 In My World of Yesterday 15 No Escaping Your Love (Original Demo) 16 Good Time Together 17 The Leaves 18 Stay By Me, Baby 19 A Simple Song 20 Wine, Women and Song 21 I Am Myself (Reprise)
AND ON JUNE 19, 2026- A BRAND NEW PETE HAM TRIBUTE CD JUST LOOK INSIDE THE COVER– SONGS OF PETE HAM–THE PRESS RELEASEFROM Y&T MUSIC:
Release Date – June 19, 2026
“JUST LOOK INSIDE THE COVER – SONGS OF PETE HAM”
Y&T Music is proud to announce the release of a special tribute album, “Just Look inside The Cover – Songs of Pete Ham,” featuring 22 new recordings of songs written by Pete Ham. This very unique tribute album features songs that were only previously released as home demos and never recorded by Badfinger.
Pete Ham was one of the 20th century’s greatest overlooked artists. Certainly, the Swansea, Wales-born musician received some recognition: three of his songs – “No Matter What,” “Day After Day” and “Baby Blue,” all recorded by his group Badfinger – were hit singles, and the popularity of those songs endures to this day. And “Without You” – co-written with band mate Tom Evans – would become a standard when covered by American singer-songwriter Harry Nilsson. With Badfinger, Ham made seven albums, all of which are today recognized as classics of melodic rock.
While the total output of Pete Ham penned songs released during his short lifetime would be less than 40 songs, he proved to be a startlingly prolific songwriter. Thanks to the diligent archival work of people working in close cooperation with The Pete Ham estate, demo recordings of many of these and previously unknown songs have come to light in recent years and are the focus of this tribute.
Many of those songs, compiled on several posthumous Pete Ham albums, demonstrate that Ham’s songwriting prowess yielded a bounty, the like of which would be astounding even if created by an artist who lived much longer than his brief 27 years. They also underscore the fact that Ham could – and quite often did – write excellent songs that were well outside the musical scope of The Iveys or Badfinger. Moreover, Pete Ham exerted great influence upon countless artists who came after him, many of whom weren’t yet born when he tragically took his life in 1975. His gifts with words and melody continue to inspire musicians and listeners alike.
This tribute features some of today’s most renowned artists in the field of melodic and indie rock, each providing their take on a gem from the largely overlooked portion of Ham’s creative output. Given complete creative control, some take the approach of arranging the song in a way that suggests how Badfinger might have done it; others use Ham’s words and music as a canvas upon which to paint a picture all their own. Just Look Inside The Cover also includes new recordings by Ron Griffiths, and Bob Jackson, both who have recorded and toured with Pete Ham, as members of The Iveys and Badfinger.
THE SONGS
1. Mike Delevante – A Lonely Day
2. Pezband – Tulip
3. Sharp Pins – Just How Lucky We Are
4. Eric Dover – Leaving on a Midnight Train
5. Arlan Feiles – You’re Such a Good Woman
6. Bill Lloyd – Our Song
7. Rob Bonfiglio – Hand in Hand
8. Mary Karlzen – Dawn
9. The Fraternals – Catherine Cares
10. Fernando Perdomo – Time is Mine
11. Mic Harrison And The High Score – A Little Bit of Rock and Roll
12. Tobin Sprout – Keep Your Country Tidy
13. Humbert – Little Mary
14. Steve Barton – Ringside
15. The Parlophonics – Makes Me Feel Good
16. Richard Barone (featuring The Midnight Callers) – I’m Only Human
17. Darren Hayman and Robert Rotifer – Love Will Be
18. Mark Healey – It Doesn’t Really Matter
19. Jeff Alan Ross – The Day Begins
20. Ron Griffiths – Take Good Care of My Baby
21. Bob Jackson – Just Look Inside The Cover
22. Tobin Sprout – Keep Your Country Tidy (Reprise)
Y&T Music is proud to announce the release of a special tribute album, “Just Look inside The Cover – Songs of Pete Ham,” featuring 22 new recordings of songs written by Pete Ham. This very unique tribute album features songs that were only previously released as home demos and never recorded by Badfinger.
It’s been 3 years since the release of “Shine On – A Tribute to Pete Ham” and the response from the Badfinger community of family, fans and journalists was extremely heartwarming to say the least. In fact, the album directly led to Y&T to working closely with representatives of the Ham, Evans & Gibbins Estates ever since. It has truly been a whirlwind these past couple years with Y&T being a part of historic releases by Badfinger, The Iveys, Pete Ham and Tom Evans.
For the past year, Y&T has been working on this second Pete Ham tribute. We got the inspiration from the 2 songs on “Shine On” that were only previously released as demos, “No More” by Mary Lee Kortes and “Dear Father” by Tobin Sprout. Those two wonderful recordings showed how many of Pete’s unreleased songs could be brought to life with new studio interpretations.
The result is a 22 track album called “Just Look Inside The Cover – Songs Of Pete Ham” and we can’t wait for everyone to hear it. Like “Shine On,” the album features some great artists who had creative license to produce their tracks in any manner they wanted. Thanks to everyone who was a part of the process in bringing this project to life and it will be available for pre-order with a release date of June 19th.
Mike Delevante – A Lonely Day – This lead track features Eddie Perez of the Mavericks on guitar, Garry Tallent on bass and Bryan Owings on drums. Mike’s beautiful vocal and the lovely pop production made it a no brainer for the opener!
Pezband – Tulip – Long time Chicago based power pop band brought this Pete Ham song to another level. Pure pop perfection! The vocal by Mimi Betines is quite powerful.
Sharp Pins – Just How Lucky We Are – Thrilled to have Kai “Sharp Pins” Slater on our tribute. Kai played all the instruments on this beautiful ballad. Keep your eyes out for this fabulous new band as they tour the country!
Eric Dover – Leaving on a Midnight Train – Former member of Jellyfish and Imperial Drag, Eric kills it on this fabulous rocker!
Arlan Feiles – You’re Such a Good Woman – When I knew this beautiful song needed to be on the album, the only person who I wanted to record it was Arlan and my faith was more than justified! Stunning!
Bill Lloyd – Our Song – Power pop icon, Bill Lloyd delivers a masterful interpretation of this Pete Ham gem!
Rob Bonfiglio – Hand in Hand – Once again, Rob contributes a track to a Pete Ham tribute and wait till you hear this one. Truly fabulous as is Rob’s new solo album, “The Over Under!”
Mary Karlzen – Dawn – When I sent this gorgeous song to Mary, I was thrilled that she loved it and her poignant arrangement and vocal is truly special.
The Fraternals – Catherine Cares – Based in Orlando, The Fraternals are an indie rock band led by fraternal twins, Cian and Cole McDemott. Adam Gibbins (son of Mike Gibbins) produced this Iveys era song and it sounds spectacular!
Fernando Perdomo – Time is Mine – This gorgeous instrumental track showcases the multi-talented Fernando Perdomo at his best.
Mic Harrison And The High Score – A Little Bit of Rock and Roll – I felt that this very short Pete Ham demo needed to recorded for the tribute and I knew the perfect band to pull it off was Mic and company….and man does it rock!
Tobin Sprout – Keep Your Country Tidy – When Tobin asked to record this song, I knew it was the perfect track for him as his beautiful vocal makes this poignant recording truly special. Thanks to Jansen Press for the help on this!
Humbert – Little Mary – I loved “Little Mary” from the first time I heard it off “Gwent Gardens,” and I had the perfect band in mind to record it, South Florida indie icons, Humbert! Their arrangement is truly special with wonderful harmonies and I will tell you, there is a surprise in the song…See if you catch it!
Steve Barton – Ringside – As a long time fan of Steve’s band Translator, I was thrilled when Steve agreed to be a part of the tribute. He immediately asked to record this somber song written in 1975. Steve’s emotional arrangement and vocal gave me goosebumps the first time I heard it. wow just wow.
The Parlophonics – Makes Me Feel Good – Another band that has contributed to both tributes and their pure pop magic sound truly brings this gem to life. Fernando Perdomo’s lead guitar part is exquisite!
Richard Barone (featuring the Midnight Callers) – I’m Only Human. I’ve been a long time fan of Richard’s early power pop band, The Bongos, and he does not disappoint with his rocking version of this great early track.
Darren Hayman and Robert Rotifer – Love Will Be. Darren is a truly special artist, whose late 90’s band Hefner, happens to be my favorite UK band of the last 30 years. I got to meet Darren in London in 2024 and was thrilled to know that he was a Pete Ham fan. So I asked him if he would consider recording a song for our tribute and he chose Love Will Be (and recorded it with guitarist Robert Rotifer.) I LOVE this very cool “low-fi” recording!
Mark Healey – It Doesn’t Really Matter – Mark was a long time member of Joey Molland’s Badfinger starting in 1986 and does a wonderful interpretation of one of Pete’s most beautiful ballads.
Jeff Alan Ross – The Day Begins – Jeff was also a member of Joey Molland’s Badfinger (with Mike Gibbins) and now tours with the Lovin’ Spoonful. I felt Jeff was the only artist who could bring Pete’s lovely song off “Gwent Gardens” to life. He hit it out of the park with a powerful arrangement and production!
Ron Griffiths – Take Good Care of My Baby – To have a founding member of The Iveys and Badfinger be a part of our tribute is truly an honor and I am eternally grateful for his support. Ron and Fernando Perdomo collaborated on this early Iveys demo.
Bob Jackson – Just Look Inside The Cover – It was Bob Jackson who had to be the one to record the title track for our tribute and his version with Andy Nixon shows that this could have been a Badfinger classic! It has been a career highlight to work with Bob on “Head First”and now our new tribute!
Tobin Sprout – Keep Your Country Tidy (Reprise) – I “borrowed” the idea for a reprise from the Wings album, Venus & Mars, where it ends with a short instrumental, “Crossroads.”
THE FIRST PETE HAM COVERS LP-SHINE ON:
Track listing:
THE BEST SOURCE FOR BADFINGER INFORMATION & THEIR RELEASES-TOM BRENNAN’S WEBSITE:
BOOKS SIGNED BY RINGO: THIS BOOK WAS GIVEN TO RINGO’S LATE MANAGER HILARY GERRARD ON HIS 74TH BIRTHDAY BY RINGO AND WIFE BARBARA – FITTINGLY IT WAS BOOK ABOUT THE SIXTIES:
Author Robert Stone wrote this book about the sixties and Ringo Starr’s manager; Hilary Gerrard was gifted a signed copy of the book for his 74th birthday. Ringo and his wife, actress Barbara Bach signed the book for their trustworthy friend and managerial representative at the time!
Sadly, Hilary Gerrard was to pass away in 2023!
The signatures of Ringo Starr and Barbara Bach:
The front and back dustjacket flaps to the book: Published by Ecco Press in 2007
The Amazon description of the title:
Prime Green: Remembering the Sixties Hardcover – 1 Jan. 2007 by Robert Stone (Author) A memoir of America’s most turbulent, whimsical decade, in the words of the man who experienced it all…
From the New York City of Kline and De Kooning to the jazz era of New Orleans’s French Quarter to Ken Kesey’s psychedelic California, Prime Green explores the 1960s in all its weird, innocent, fascinating glory. An account framed by two wars, it begins with Robert Stone’s last year in the Navy, when he took part in an Antarctic expedition navigating the globe, and ends in Vietnam, where he was a correspondent in the days following the invasion of Laos. Told in scintillating detail, Prime Green zips from coast to coast, from days spent in the raucous offices of Manhattan tabloids to the breathtaking beaches of Mexico, and merry times aboard the bus with Kesey and the Pranksters.
Building on personal vignettes from Stone’s travels across America, this powerful memoir offers the legendary novelist’s inside perspective on a time many understand only peripherally. These accounts of the 1960s are riveting not only because Stone is a master storyteller but because he was there, in the thick of it, through all the wild times. From these incredible experiences, Prime Green forges a moving and adventurous portrait of a unique moment in American history.
Hilary, Ringo, and Barbara:
The source of where I was to purchase this wonderful, signed book:
Biography of Hilary Gerrard
(This biography of Hilary was found on an internet search of background info concerning Hilary!
Hilary Lester Gerrard (17 January 1933 – 11 January 2023) was a British producer, business manager, and close friend of Ringo Starr, best known for his long association with the former Beatles drummerIMDb.
Early Life and Career
Born in London, England, Gerrard began his career in the film industry as a producer, working on projects such as Adventure (1987), Ring of Fire: An Indonesian Odyssey (1988), and Ringo (1978) IMDb. His work in film was notable, but he became more widely recognized in the music world.
Role with Ringo Starr
From the early 1970s, Gerrard served as Ringo Starr’s business manager and financial advisor, a role he held until at least the early 2010s Shapero Rare Books+1. He was also a director of Apple Corps Limited during this time www.aeric.nl. Known for his discretion, Gerrard was one of the few close friends who remained loyal to Ringo and his wife, Barbara Bach, even during periods of personal difficulty Meet the Beatles for Real. He was the best man at their 1981 wedding, and both Ringo and Harry Nilsson were listed as best men in some accounts Meet the Beatles for Real.
Personal Traits and Reputation
Described as a “wild man of the woods” with a distinctive look and manner, Gerrard was witty, quirky, and often seen in the background of Ringo’s public appearances www.aeric.nl. He was known for his eccentric habits, such as drinking brandy with milk due to an ulcer, and for his love of collecting rare books and ephemera from the 1960s counterculture www.aeric.nl. His personal collection, the Hilary Gerrard Collection of Burroughs & the Long 60s, includes rare posters, festival tickets, and other cultural artifacts from that era Shapero Rare Books.
Legacy
Gerrard’s influence extended beyond business management; he was a trusted confidant and friend to Ringo, respected by other Beatles figures such as John Lennon and George Harrison The Beatles Bookstore. His passing in Monaco in January 2023, just before his 90th birthday, was mourned by those who knew him, and his legacy is remembered for his loyalty, discretion, and deep connection to Ringo Starr’s life and career Meet the Beatles for Real+1.
In short, Hilary Gerrard was both a creative producer in film and a pivotal figure in the personal and professional life of Ringo Starr, leaving behind a legacy of friendship, loyalty, and cultural preservation.
THIS 1968 HUNTER DAVIES BEATLES BIOGRAPHY WAS SIGNED BY BEATLE RINGO STARR AND A 5-YEAR-OLD JULIAN LENNON (JOHN AND RINGO LIVED CLOSE-BY TO ONE ANOTHER IN SURREY) THE BOOK WAS INSCRIBED TO A MRS. READ:
THE SIGNATURES:
Ringo lived in Surrey and John lived in Weybridge, Surrey. The homes were close -by, and Zak and Julian would often play together when their fathers met.
THE MYSTERIOUS MRS. READ:
I have another document in my collection addressed to George Harrison’ brother’s wife named Pauline, also written to the same Mrs. Read. I suspect she was a super-fan or collector, or she possibly could have been a teacher of Julian as he was now of school age.
Also, from my collection is an invitation from a very young Julian Lennon for his 4th birthday party. Obviously, this was the age Julian was beginning to learn how to write as he accidentally forgot the letter(A) in his first name!
The front and back dustjacket flaps to the signed book:
AND HUNTER DAVIES IN HIS 90s CONTINUES TO WRITE ABOUT THE BEATLES AS A NEW BOOK IS ON THE WAY:
Still active in his 90s Hunter has a forthcoming book listed for release in September of 2026 in the UK. Hopefully a US release will also be forthcoming (no cover yet available for this new title)
Get Back: The boys who became The Beatles- Hardcover – 17 Sept. 2026 Published by Ebury by Hunter Davies (Author)
The Beatles’ only authorised biographer now, for the first time, tells the story of the boys before they were famous ‘They did not seem arrogant or entitled. I didn’t see them bossing around their staff or being horrid to studio assistants. But they did worry if this was all there was. All this fame and fortune, was it really all that great? The world saw them as an overnight success, who had come from nowhere. But they knew from whence they had come.
Perhaps that’s what kept them grounded.’ Hunter Davies, the only authorised biographer of The Beatles, revisits his treasured 39 notebooks filled with remarkable interviews to explore the lives of John, Paul, George and Ringo as they were growing up and coming of age. Drawing on a wealth of never-before-revealed, intimate material, and his own experience as a boy of similar age from a working-class Northern background, Hunter now tells the story of where they came from, what it was like, how it shaped their hopes and aspirations. Hunter spent three years with The Beatles, visiting all their homes, and each of them visiting his. He also spent time with their parents, school friends, teachers, girlfriends, members of the Quarry Men and many others from their inner circle.
Their conversations often harked back to the War, with memories of air-raid shelters and rationing, to the NHS coming in, the eleven plus and grammar schools, and council house life in the 1950s. We all know what they became famous for, but here Hunter takes us into the much more private world of their formative years, for this colourful, richly detailed, personal portrait of the young boys who were destined to come together and revolutionise music and pop culture.
WILL THE RESPECTIVE ESTATES EVER CONSIDER RELEASING A PHOTO BOOK OF THIS JOHN AND YOKO PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION FROM FEBRUARY 16, 1977 IN STOCKBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS?
John and Yoko drove to Massachusetts to visit Yoko’s Fluxus friend, George Maciunas in 1977. While they were in the State, they stopped by the photography studio of Sanford Kreger who conveniently had multiple costume changes in his building offering an excellent opportunity for John to have special photos taken for Yoko’s February birthday that year!
A few internet articles that deal with Sanford Kreger and some background information of the photo session!
I was very fortunate to be able to purchase two signed prints of the photographer’s work on eBay in recent years and I am presenting those two framed pieces here for you to see and enjoy!
My hope as both a fan and collector that the respective powers that be that can make these decisions, should consider releasing a book of the full photo session to the public
TWO SIGNED SANFORD KREGER PRINTS FROM MY COLLECTION:
John and Yoko’s quirky sense of humor took over in this role reversal photo where Yoko is portrayed as the military commander and John is featured as the Southern belle! They both knew instinctively that some would laugh whereas others would criticize and become hot under the collar viewing the photos. As artists, they both sought to elicit a reaction or response from their audience.
This 1977 photo session from Massachusetts is one of my personal favorites. I was very fortunate to be able to acquire two signed Kreger prints from this session several years ago. At one time many of the photos from this session were being offered on a Kreger website, then inexplicably one day, the site disappeared. Kreger passed away in 2018. The photo session was precipitated by John, Yoko, and Sean visiting Yoko’s friend George Maciunas who was ill with cancer at the time. Maciunas is also featured on one of the photos that I purchased shown at the bottom of this post! He is the third figure, the one with the beard!
I sincerely hope that the Lennon estate in conjunction with the Kreger estate will strongly consider issuing a book of photos from this session. They will bring smiles and happiness to many people!
A 2-year-old Sean Lennon also appears in several of the Kreger prints from this photo session!
Hope you enjoyed viewing these prints from my personal collection!
What are your viewpoints of this photo session? Would you like to see a complete collection of the session to be released as a book if the powers that be would make the determination to do so?
THE SPINETTI’S-ANOTHER TALENTED FAMILY! VICTOR & HENRY!
Recently acquired this signed drumhead of Henry Spinetti on eBay! Henry is the younger brother of the late film actor Victor Spinetti who played character roles in The Beatles films of A Hard Day’s Night, Help, & Magical Mystery Tour. He also co-wrote the stage play version of In His Own Write with John Lennon and Adrienne Kennedy!
This signed drumhead by the excellent drummer who has recorded and backed such musicians as Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and many more!!!
HenrySpinetti is the younger brother of actor Victor Spinetti (1929–2012). Henry was born on 1951 so quite a few years separated the brothers. Henry Spinetti married Susan Styles in Coventry, Warwickshire, England in 2004.
Enrico Antonio Giorgio Spinetti (born 31 March 1951) is a Welsh session drummer whose playing has featured on many prominent rock and pop albums.
Career Spinetti was born in Cwm, near Ebbw Vale, Monmouthshire, Wales.) His first band, aged about 12 1/2 or 13, was The Toby Four (named after Toby beer), which rehearsed in the Ambray Hotel and played songs by The Shadows, amongst others. He then joined another group called The Choice from Tredegar, with a guitarist influenced by Jimi Hendrix. After this he got into a group in Cardiff called The Clockwork Motion, which played as far afield as Newcastle and Birmingham, with Spinetti playing a Premier Black Pearl drum kit. He then secured an audition for a London band Floribunda Rose. He travelled to London, with his drums, on the train, and went to the band’s flat in Earls Court; he played four or five numbers and got the job. The band became Scrugg and went to the Top 10 Club in Hamburg.
Spinetti began his recording career with Scrugg, which recorded on the Pye label. Band members included fellow Welshman Jack Russell, Christos Demetriou and the South African singer-songwriter, John Kongos. In the early 1970s, Spinetti appeared with Kongos on BBC Television’s Top of the Pops performing Kongos’ chart hit single, “He’s Gonna Step on You Again”. After leaving Scrugg, Spinetti’s early work included spells with The Herd and Judas Jump, who were the opening act at the Isle of Wight Festival 1970. The line-up of The Herd and Judas Jump included Andy Bown, who later joined Status Quo. He was a member of the UK band Hustler which released two albums—High Street (1974) and Play Loud (1975), the latter of which was produced by Roy Thomas Baker.
Spinetti played on eight of the ten tracks on Gerry Rafferty’s album City to City (including the hit “Baker Street”) and also played in the 2002 memorial concert for George Harrison, “The Concert for George”. In 2011 Spinetti recorded with Andy Bown again, playing drums on Bown’s solo album, Unfinished Business. Spinetti was a member of Eric Clapton’s touring band in the 1980s and the 2010s.
Victor Spinetti mentions his younger brother Henry, in this Beatles documentary:
Recording credits from Wikipedia-though incomplete
This list is incomplete; (please be aware) Spinetti’s recording credits include the following:
With Joan Armatrading
Whatever’s for Us (Cube Records, 1972) Show Some Emotion (A&M Records, 1977) To the Limit (A&M Records, 1978) With Vicki Brown
Lady of Time (RCA Victor, 1989) With Chanter Sisters
Shoulder to Shoulder (Safari, 1978) With Eric Clapton
Another Ticket (RSO Records, 1981) August (Warner Bros. Records, 1986) Old Sock (Surfdog Records, 2013) I Still Do (Surfdog Records, 2016) With Roger Daltrey
Ride a Rock Horse (Track Records, 1975) With Bob Dylan
Down in the Groove (Columbia Records, 1988) With Roger Chapman
Chappo (Arista Records, 1979) Hybrid and Lowdown (Polydor Records, 1990) With George Harrison
Gone Troppo (Dark Horse Records, 1982) With Paul McCartney
CHOBA B CCCP (Melodiya, 1988) With Katie Melua
Call Off the Search (Dramatico, 2003) Piece by Piece (Dramatico, 2005) Pictures (Dramatico, 2007) The House (Dramatico, 2010) Secret Symphony (Dramatico, 2012) Ketevan (Dramatico, 2013) With Gerry Rafferty
Can I Have My Money Back? (Line Records, 1972) City to City (United Artists Records, 1978) With Cliff Richard
Stronger (EMI, 1989) With Leo Sayer
Silverbird (Chrysalis Records, 1973) With Pete Townshend and Ronnie Lane
Rough Mix (MCA, 1977) With Bonnie Tyler
Diamond Cut (RCA Records, 1978) With Gary Brooker
Echoes in the Night (Line Music Gmbh – Phonogram, 1985) With Procol Harum
The Prodigal Stranger (Zoo Entertainment, 1991) With Bill Wyman
Groovin’ (Roadrunner Records, 2000)
Gone Troppo (1982) – Spinetti played drums on this George Harrison album!
A1 Wake Up My Love Bass, Guitar, Lead Vocals – George Harrison Drums – Henry Spinetti Keyboards, Synthesizer – Mike Moran Percussion – Ray Cooper 3:33 A2 That’s The Way It Goes Bass – Herbie Flowers Drums – Henry Spinetti Keyboards, Synthesizer – Mike Moran Lead Vocals, Guitar, Synthesizer – George Harrison Voice [Bass] – Willie Greene* 3:32 A3 I Really Love You Bass – Herbie Flowers Drums – Henry Spinetti Effects [Feet], Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes], Glockenspiel – Ray Cooper Keyboards – Mike Moran Vocals, Backing Vocals – Bobby King, George Harrison, Pico Pena, Willie Greene* Written-By – Swearingen* 2:53 A4 Greece Bass – Herbie Flowers Drums – Henry Spinetti Guitar, Voice – George Harrison Keyboards, Synthesizer – Billy Preston, Mike Moran 3:57 A5 Gone Troppo Bass – Herbie Flowers Drums – Henry Spinetti Keyboards – Mike Moran Lead Vocals, Guitar, Marimba, Effects [Jal-tarang], Backing Vocals – George Harrison 4:27 B1 Mystical One Bass – Herbie Flowers Drums – Henry Spinetti Keyboards – Mike Moran Lead Vocals, Guitar, Mandolin, Synthesizer – George Harrison Mandolin – Joe Brown Synthesizer, Percussion – Ray Cooper 3:43 B2 Unknown Delight Backing Vocals – Bobby King, Pico Pena, Willie Greene* Bass – Willie Weeks Drums – Jim Keltner Lead Vocals, Guitar, Synthesizer – George Harrison Percussion – Ray Cooper Piano – Neil Larson* Synthesizer – Gary Brooker 4:14 B3 Baby Don’t Run Away Backing Vocals – Billy Preston, Rodina Sloan Drums – Jim Keltner Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals, Synthesizer – George Harrison Percussion – Ray Cooper Synthesizer [Bass], Keyboards, Synthesizer – Mike Moran 3:57 B4 Dream Away Backing Vocals – Billy Preston, Sarah Ricor, Syreeta* Bass – Alan Jones (4) Drums – Dave Mattacks Guitar, Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals – George Harrison Percussion – Ray Cooper Piano, Synthesizer – Mike Moran 4:27 B5 Circles Bass, Synthesizer, Lead Vocals, Guitar – George Harrison Drums – Henry Spinetti Organ, Piano – Billy Preston Percussion – Ray Cooper Synthesizer – Jon Lord, Mike Moran
Henry Spinetti also backed Paul on his Russian Album:
All tracks recorded 20 July 1987 except “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore”, “Ain’t That a Shame” and “Crackin’ Up”, recorded on 21 July.
20 July Paul McCartney – bass guitar, vocals Mick Green – guitar Mick Gallagher – piano Chris Whitten – drums 21 July Paul McCartney – guitar, vocals Nick Garvey – bass guitar, backing vocals Henry Spinetti – drums Mick Gallagher – keyboards
Henry Spinetti was also one of the drummers at the Concert for George:
The Concert for George (2002) – Spinetti participated in this memorial tribute to George Harrison, which featured many Beatles-associated artists and was a major event in the Beatles’ legacy
DETAILS OF BROTHER VICTOR”S INVOLVEMENT IN THE LENNON STAGE PLAY: In His Own Write — John Lennon, Adrienne Kennedy, and Victor Spinetti
In His Own Write – Wikipedia “In His Own Write is a 1964 nonsense poetry and short story collection by John Lennon, first published by Jonathan Cape Wikipedia. It consists of whimsical, surreal, and often irreverent pieces influenced by Lewis Carroll, Spike Milligan, and James Thurber, with illustrations in the style of Thurber’s cartoons. The work blends wordplay, satire, and personal in-jokes, and became a commercial success, selling around 300,000 copies in the UK.
In 1968, Lennon’s two books — In His Own Write and A Spaniard in the Works — were adapted into a one-act stage play titled The Lennon Play: In His Own Write. The adaptation was co-written and directed by Victor Spinetti, with the idea and co-authorship credited to playwright Adrienne Kennedy The Beatles Bookstore+1. The National Theatre, under Sir Laurence Olivier, produced it at the Old Vic Theatre in London on 18 June 1968 as part of a triple bill Theatricalia.
The play dramatized the themes and characters from Lennon’s books, featuring a central “Me” character (played by Ronald Pickup) whose thoughts and fantasies explored growing up, family, and escapism. It incorporated Lennon’s eccentric language, satire, and visual style, and was performed alongside A Covent Garden Tragedy and An Unwarranted Intrusion Theatricalia. Lennon, Yoko Ono, George and Pattie Harrison, and Ringo Starr and Maureen were present for the opening Theatricalia.
The stage version was both a creative and personal milestone for Lennon, who later recalled feeling emotional upon seeing the rehearsals, as if he had written the adaptation himself The Beatles Bible. The play has since been reissued in book form by Simon & Schuster, with Spinetti’s and Kennedy’s names listed as co-authors
In summary: In His Own Write began as Lennon’s 1964 literary nonsense work, was adapted in 1968 into a stage play by Victor Spinetti and Adrienne Kennedy, and became a notable cultural moment in the Beatles’ public life.“
A copy of the stage play book adaptation:
My signed copy of the book obtained at a Fest for Beatles fans convention!
Another signature and a self-portrait sketch done by Victor in my collection:
Ome of the other participants in the stage play adaptation of John’s book also wrote a book with her son, Adam, about her brief but eventful encounter with a Beatle-Adrienne Kennedy!
Published by Samuel French Ltd, GB, 2010
Hope you enjoyed this post about the multi-talented, Spinetti family!
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!
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 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!
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….
“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 Beatlescolumn 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:
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!
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
Credit card orders must include address, expiration date and CVV number. You also can pay via PayPal togoodypress@gmail.com, or via credit card at 404-713-6432. Address all inquiries togoodypress@gmail.com.
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!
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.
