Year: 2026

It was a memorable and pleasurable experience to get the opportunity to meet Yoko Ono, Sean Lennon, and their artist friend Sam Havadtoy, in the month of December 1986 in New Haven, Connecticut. Noted Beatles fan, fellow Nutmegger, and the creator of the Beatles magazine named Good Day Sunshine, Charles Rosenay!!! was at the Exhibition. I recently asked him to share some memories that he had of the event which we both attended, and he shared the following information with me…

“I was the DJ/Music Director at a New Haven showcase venue at the time, and I also entertained regularly for the historic Shubert Theatre (located on the same street as the venue where I performed), so knowing my Beatles connection and history locally, it was only natural that they requested I be an ambassador for the event. I didn’t have much interaction with Yoko, but she knew who I was. For me I was happier keeping Sean occupied and entertained while the grown-ups did their thing. Hanging with Sean gave Sam Havadtoy more time to hob-nob and do the adult thing. I probably should have had Sean and Yoko sign that edition of Good Day Sunshine – the only GDS issue that featured Yoko on the cover – but Sean really enjoyed it, so I gave it to him. “

I also attended this wonderful event with my good friend and fellow Beatles enthusiast; the late William Maura and we had a great time at this exhibition. Looking at the photos, that Charles sent to me for this post, it was hard for me to accept that the 11-year-old Sean Lennon in the photographs is now 50 years old. Where does the time go?

This is an Online description of the 1986 Art Exhibition event…

“The John Lennon Art Exhibition held in New Haven, Connecticut in 1986 was held between December 31, 1986 and December 31st at Publishers Gallery at Shubert Square. It was a significant event that showcased the breadth and depth of John Lennon’s visual artistic talent. Yoko Ono, Lennon’s widow, played a pivotal role in organizing the exhibition, which included a selection of his original drawings and lithographs. The exhibition was part of Ono’s efforts to build Lennon’s reputation as a visual artist and to ensure that his work received the recognition it deserved. The event was a testament to Lennon’s enduring legacy as a provocateur and his commitment to exploring the boundaries of art and expression.“

Photos from the Charles F. Rosenay!!! Archives, Courtesy Liverpool Productions. Originally published in Good Day Sunshine

  Sam Havadtoy and 11-year-old Sean Lennon

Photos from the Charles F. Rosenay!!! Archives, Courtesy Liverpool Productions. Originally published in Good Day Sunshine. 

Sam Havadtoy and Sean Lennon perusing the issue of Good Day Sunshine with his mom on the cover:

Photos from the Charles F. Rosenay!!! Archives, Courtesy Liverpool Productions. Originally published in Good Day Sunshine. 

Sean reads the issue of Good Day Sunshine that Charles gifted to the little guy!

Sean Lennon and Charles Rosenay!!! both view the issue of Good Day Sunshine:

Photos from the Charles F. Rosenay!!! Archives, Courtesy Liverpool Productions. Originally published in Good Day Sunshine. 

Photos from the Charles F. Rosenay!!! Archives, Courtesy Liverpool Productions. Originally published in Good Day Sunshine. 

Another photo of Sean and Charles viewing the magazine:

This is a photo of my personal copy of the book Skywriting by Word of Mouth by John Lennon that both Yoko and 11-year-old Sean Lennon signed at the event. I approached Sean and Sam as they were looking over items of his dad’s artwork, and I asked if it was OK to get Sean’s signature in the book. Sean immediately agreed and after he was finished signing, Sam Havadtoy asked if I would like to have Yoko sign the book as well. I said that would be great and Sam immediately brought the book to Yoko to sign. Sam was very cordial and kind in my brief conversations with him as was the little guy. I remember when the trio arrived at the exhibition, and for a brief time while Yoko was answering questions for a few members of the press, I was standing right next to her, and I never realized how small in stature she actually was. It is amazing how our perceptions of the height of well-known individuals are often larger than they are in real life.

Photo of my personal copy of the book Skywriting by Word of Mouth by John Lennon that both Yoko and 11-year-old Sean Lennon signed at the event:

The inner dustjacket flap at the beginning of the book:

The back dustjacket flap at the beginning of the book:

My copy of the invitation to the event sent out by the people that were handling the marketing of John’s artwork at the exhibition: Kane Fine Art

The back of the envelope which indicates the firm handling the Lennon Artwork:

The cover of the invitation:

The Invite:

Hope you enjoyed this blast from the past. Special thanks for this post go out to well-known Beatles/Monkees fan & personality, Charles Rosenay!!!, who has always been very good to me especially in my Beatles collecting ventures and pursuits. His Beatles conventions were always first class. Loved his magazine and his many talents including as a DJ and a promoter. He knows how to market! For those who have never been to England and want to make that necessary Beatles pilgrimage, here is the link to Charles’ website for more detail: THE BEATLES TRIP OF A LIFETIME WITH LIVERPOOL PRODUCTIONS!!! – The Beatles Bookstore

I made the pilgrimage in 1988 and there is a book waiting to be written about that trip…

Be healthy and be happy!

Buzz

The comedic genius, Jerry Lewis raised a tremendous amount of money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association through his annual telethon over the years. Seeing that this is a Beatles blog, you may be asking what has Jerry Lewis to do with the Beatles. In the 70s and 80s John Lennon, Paul McCarney, & Ringo Starr all made guest musical appearances on Jerry’s telethon. Jerry was keenly aware of the importance of the Beatles to popular culture. Recently I acquired this wonderful signed and inscribed photo collage of Jerry Lewis from a wonderful Beatles author who I have acquired quite a few signatures from for my collection.

Jerry Lewis passed away in 2017. Jerry Lewis and the Beatles had comedy as a common theme in their repertoire. They both had the ability to bring smiles and laughter to their audiences. They say that most great comedians become great in their vocation due to their comedy being a vaccine for the internal psychological hurt and depression that they may be feeling, witness the late Robin Williams as an example. It is rumored that Jerry Lewis could be moody and had a volatile personality. That personality type has also been ascribed to Beatles-founder, John Lennon. All I know is Jerry Lewis and the Beatles always made me laugh… and that is a precious gift to be able to offer to anyone!!!

Saw all of these wonderful links on YouTube that pertain to Jerry Lewis and John, Paul & Ringo on his telethon:

John Lennon & Yoko Ono Jerry Lewis Telethon

A negative review of the Lennon/Ono appearance on the telethon:

When John Lennon performed on the Jerry Lee Lewis Telethon

Paul performs Lucille on a video sent to MDA:

Rockestra with Paul McCartney and Pete Townshend – “Lucille” (1981) – MDA Telethon

Ringo Starr & Bill Wyman answering phones on the Jerry Lewis Telethon 1979

Ringo Starr – Boys | 1989 | MDA Telethon

Ringo Starr w/ Todd Rundgren, Bill Wyman & others – Jumpin’ Jack Flash | 1979 | MDA Telethon

Todd Rundgren, Bill Wyman, Ringo Starr & Others – “Money (That’s What I Want)” (1979) – MDA Telthon

Jerry Lewis’ son was also a musician. He and his band had quite a few hits during the time of the British invasion:

NEW * This Diamond Ring – Gary Lewis & The Playboys [Color] {Stereo} 1965

Father & son do the Beatles Help:

Jerry Lewis & Gary Lewis – Help (Lennon – McCartney) 1965

‘Method to the Madness of Jerry Lewis’ on Encore – Review – The New York Times

Listen to this this interview with Jerry Lewis’ son:

“My Dad was jealous of me”: Gary Lewis, “Gary Lewis and the Playboys”

The special relationship Jerry Lewis had with France:

‘LE TELETHON’-JERRY’S PITCH COMES TO FRANCE – The Washington Post

And to fittingly close this post is an article from our friend, Madeline Bocaro about John and Yoko’s appearance on the Jerry Lewis telethon in 1972:

When John Lennon and Yoko Ono Helped Jerry Lewis | Best Classic Bands

Hope you enjoyed this post and it brought a smile to your face!

Be healthy and be happy!

Buzz

Over the years, Goldmine magazine has produced many special issues highlighting either the Beatles career or an aspect of one of the solo Beatles careers. I was happy to recently learn of the following magazine which fits that bill.

The advertisement sent to me was certainly effective as I purchased a copy of the magazine!

Recently received this notification from a friend notifying me of a special limited-edition John and Yoko issue of Goldmine magazine:

Goldmine’s Winter print issue bundled with John Lennon and Yoko Ono postcards

Get Goldmine’s Winter issue with the John Lennon and Yoko Ono cover feature, bundled with special John & Yoko promotional postcards (only a select number were printed).

How many bundles are available?

Note: There are only 100 bundles available, and each bundle includes three postcards of John and Yoko (shown). Postcards are blank on the back.

In the Winter Issue, find out the full story behind Power to the People — an incredible nine CD/three Blu-ray box set that features a new mix of the songs from Some Time in New York City, as well as John & Yoko’s “One to One” charity concerts held in August 1972, along with demos, outtakes and live tracks.

This is all topped off with an exclusive Q&A with Sean Lennon on the making of the box set and the recordings/footage.

Goldmine’s Winter print issue bundled with John Lennon and Yoko Ono postcards

Hope you enjoyed the notification of this special magazine!

Be healthy and be happy!

Buzz

In 1988 I was privileged to visit the Casbah in Liverpool and meet one of the first female rock ‘n’ roll promoters, Mona Best. While I visited that legendary site, I lacked the foresight to ask Mona for her autograph. Mona was one of the first female rock ‘n’ roll promoters and she also served in a surrogate managerial role for the early Beatles giving them the opportunity to hone their skills in her coffee club named the Casbah. Her son, Pete Best, of course was the first Beatles drummer. The Casbah was truly the first important stepping-stone in the Beatles early career. Mona’s business acumen and good promotional instincts knowing what would be popular were important ingredients in the Casbah’s success.

Many years later I was fortunate to be able to find this website Home – Pete Best and they were offering an item for sale which I could not resist. They were offering Mona Best’s signed postcards in a beautifully framed presentation featuring an early Mona Best photograph along with one of her signed postcards from her personal postcard collection.

I was so happy to be able to purchase this wonderful memento from the Best family as I had foolishly and neglectfully had not asked Mona for her autograph on the 1988 tour of her historical coffee club where the Beatles began!

ONE OF THE FAVORITE ITEMS IN MY COLLECTION:

This is the item that caught my eye at the Best website: It came in a nice frame: The item sold-out very quickly!

This is a closeup of the Mona Best signature that I acquired for my collection on my framed Mona Best memento:

Drummer Pete Best signed the certificate of authenticity on the back of the framed Mona Best item. (shown below) The Best family made 97 of these. Look at that wonderful list of talent that Mona Best was to promote. She was certainly ahead of her time and a true pioneer!

This item is one of the primary items in my collection due to the contributions that Mona and her family made to the legendary Beatles story!

A link to purchase The Beatles: The True Beginnings book:

Bundle! True Beginnings and a signed Pete Best photo – Pete Best

THE BEATLES MUSEUM–ONE OF THE WORLD’S BEST

The Best family, under the auspices and guidance of Roag Best, run the fabulous Beatles Museum on Mathew Street in Liverpool. I sincerely hope that I may one day be able to travel back to Liverpool to visit this wonderful museum which is preserving so many fabulous items of musical and historical importance. I have heard so many positive comments about this wonderful 3 floor Beatles Museum!

Here is the Beatles Museum website:

Liverpool Beatles Museum | The Liverpool Beatles Museum houses one of the largest Beatles collections in the world, featuring over 1000 never before seen authentic items across three floors.

Hope you enjoyed the discussion of this wonderful collectable that I purchased from the Best family. It is one of the best items in my collection and was happy that the family was able to share it with people for their personal collections. The 97 Mona Best framed photograph and postcards sold-out in a flash, confirming my instincts!

Be happy and be healthy!
Buzz

A book to raise funds for BBC Children in Need:

Remember the book “The Curious Tale of Fi-Rex” from Oct. of 2015 that Paul McCartney, One Direction and many other celebrity authors contributed to?

The cover of the book which lists the contributors:

The back cover of the book:

A small excerpt of Paul’s contribution. You will need to get the book to read the rest of his story and the other contributors….

The Curious Tale of Fi-Rex by One Direction & Sir Paul McCartney & Take That & Jamie And Jools Oliver & Andy Murray & Kate Moss & Kylie Minogue & Bear… (9781910884003)

From the Allbookstores.com website:

The Curious Tale of Fi-Rex
“One Direction’s collaboration with Sir Paul McCartney resulted in the creation of The Curious Tale of Fi-Rex, a children’s book aimed at raising awareness for the Children in Need charity. The book features One Direction as frogs and includes contributions from various celebrities, including Kate Moss, Kylie Minogue, and Rod Stewart. The proceeds from the book’s sale go directly to support the Children in Need charity.”

AMAZON DESCRIPTION OF THE BOOK:

“For the first time ever some of the most famous names in music, sport and show business have got together for a game of consequences to raise money for the BBC Children in Need Appeal. Each participating celebrity has written a section armed only with the information of the main character a half-girl, half-dinosaur called Fi-Rex and with only the final line of the previous part. This unique idea has resulted in a hilarious tale which twists and turns like no other from which we will raise thousands of pounds for BBC Children in Need.“

An additional internet description of the book:

“An incredible tale written as a game of consequences where each section has been written by different celebrity authors. As a result this fantastic story is hilarious, unique and thrilling all at the same time – and the celebrity guest authors show their true brilliant colours within each of their sections.“

Fat Fox Books Ltd

Sir Paul McCartney turns One Direction into frogs for Children In Need book | Contactmusic.com

AMAZON US:

The Curious Tale of Fi-Rex: 9780992872885: Amazon.com: Books

AMAZON UK:

The Curious Tale of Fi-Rex: Amazon.co.uk: One Direction, Sir Paul McCartney, Take That, Jamie and Jools Oliver, Andy Murray, Kate Moss, Kylie Minogue, Bear Grylls, Wayne and Colleen Rooney, Amanda Holden, Denise Van Outen, Rod Stewart, Penny Lancaster, Ronan Keating, Leigh Francis plus many more, Julia Patton: 9780992872885: Books

Paul McCartney contributes to “The Curious Tale of Fi-Rex” children book • The Paul McCartney Project

PAUL McCARTNEY AND NICKY HOPKINS & CHILDREN IN NEED-AN EARLIER FUNDRAISING VENTURE!

Much is known about Nicky Hopkins marvelous session work with both John Lennon and George Harrison following the breakup of the Beatles. Not as much is known, especially in the United States about a charity single written by keyboard player Nicky Hopkins and Craig Mathieson in the late 80’s. Paul McCartney not only produced the track but played bass on it as well. It was recorded at Paul’s Sussex studio.

The proceeds of the single were to go to the BBC sponsored “Children in Need” project. The charity is for disadvantaged children and young people in the UK and the BBC has helped with this charity since 1980 and they have raised nearly a billion pounds in those years according to this Wikipedia source:

Children in Need – Wikipedia

The drummer on the track was Woody Woodmansey who was the drummer for many early Bowie albums. With the death of David Bowie in January of 2016, Woodmansey became the last surviving member of the Spiders from Mars group ensemble.

I was able to locate and purchase a copy of this charity single at the Discogs music search service. This is the front cover of the 45:

Hope you enjoyed this blog piece about the BBC’s wonderful attempts through many significant musical personalities to raise funds for Children in Need!

Be healthy and be happy!

Buzz

HOW MANY OF YOU THINK YOU COULD ANSWER ALL 1500 QUESTIONS IN THESE 3 LIVERPOOL BEATLES BOOKS WITHOUT LOOKING FOR THE ANSWERS???

Prior to 2022, I had a Facebook Beatles Print page which had more than 5200 subscribers. I remember writing a piece about this trilogy of fine Beatles trivia books compiled by Pam Blanchfield with technical advice and design work by John Blanchfield.

When I acquired this set of three small books, I distinctly remember that one of the three books was extremely difficult to find. Being a completist collector, that caused me great anxiety because when I make the decision to acquire all the books in a set, I hate the thought of missing a part of the set. Finally, through Instant Messaging the author on Facebook, I was able to find the rarity to be able to complete the set. As I recall the toughest and most difficult to find of these Beatles Trivia books was the first one that appears on this post with the yellow/orange cover. The trivia questions in these three books are well-balanced for difficulty, but I would venture to say that even the most ardent and knowledgeable Beatles fan will not be able to instantly know all 1500 answers to the 3 books trivia questions from memory! If you can, you probably possess a photographic memory and I extend my congratulations!

As we age, trivia is a great exercise to help keep the mind sharp. Do any of you have the Beatles Trivia Pursuit Board games in your collections?

Liverpool “Beatles” Pop Culture Quiz: 500 Questions and Answers Paperback

Conceived, designed & researched by Pam Blanchfield

Database design & technical advice by John Blanchfield

Published by Keyprints 2008

As I recall this book was the most difficult to find in the set of 3 Beatles Trivia books:

No longer available at Amazon:

Liverpool “Beatles” Pop Culture Quiz: 500 Questions and Answers: Blanchfield, Pam: 9780955898808: Amazon.com: Books

Back cover of the book:

Liverpool “Beatles” Scene Culture Quiz Paperback
Conceived, designed & researched by Pam Blanchfield

Database design & technical advice by John Blanchfield

Published by Keyprints 2008

I currently see only 1 remaining copy at Amazon:

Liverpool “Beatles” Scene Culture Quiz: Blanchfield, Pam: 9780955898815: Amazon.com: Books

Back cover of the book:

Liverpool “Beatles” Scouse Culture Quiz Paperback – January 1, 2008
by Pam Blanchfield (Designer), John Blanchfield (Designer)

Conceived, designed & researched by Pam Blanchfield

Database design & technical advice by John Blanchfield

Published by Keyprints 2008

No copies currently available on Amazon:

Liverpool “Beatles” Scouse Culture Quiz: Blanchfield, Pam: 9780955898822: Amazon.com: Books

Back cover of the book:

The author was so kind in being able to sign and inscribe a copy of this book for me when I had my Facebook page:

In concluding this post, I would like to pose a few questions concerning Beatles trivia.

What is the most difficult Beatles trivia question you have ever come across? Were you able to instantly answer it?

Have you ever read a Beatles trivia book or participated in a Beatles Trivia board game book where you feel that the answer provided was inaccurate or wrong?

Be healthy and be happy!

Buzz

OUR FEATURED BOOK – INSPECTOR ROCKE – BEATLES FACTION