David and Andrew have been friends for many years, having met at Beatles conventions, David as an author and Andrew as a fan and collector. When David was researching his first book, Liddypool: Birthplace of The Beatles, he was amazed at the number of coincidences and deal-breakers in the story of The Beatles. He started making a list of “What If?” moments.
A few years ago, at a Beatles convention, David and Andrew were discussing the topic of their favourite group, as ever, and the subject of one of these “What If?” events cropped up, which led to a long discussion listing as many as they could between them. By the end of the discussion, they had decided to write a book and began outlining some of the most significant ones they could think of.
They were spurred on when, in 2019, the film Yesterday came out, with the premise of the film being the biggest “What If?” ever: “What If The Beatles never existed?” This focused their thinking.
How different would the world have been without The Beatles?
This book explores the many times The Beatles story could have turned out so differently. What if it didn’t happen the way it did?
We have restricted the What if? scenarios to single issues/events, and not a combination of events, which would be too complex to consider.
Special Guest – Jay Bergen, author of Lennon, the Mobster & The Lawyer
Jay Bergen
Listen to the Interview here:
Don’t forget to register for 10 December John Lennon Focal Points Free webinar The Beatles Holiday Party Featuring Co-Host Joe Johnson of Beatle Brunch Radio Special Guests – Scott R. McKinley presentsThe Beatles 1964 Christmas Message!!
Upcoming guests on “Tell Me Why”David Bedford of The Beatles Bookstore, author of Liddypool, The Fab One Hundred and Four, The Country of Liverpool, and more… Bill King author of Large Time Editor of Beatlefan magazine Scott R. McKinley Narrator and Voice Actor for She Loves You, Vol. 3 in The John Lennon Series andJay Bergen’s Lennon, the Mobster & the Lawyer
Remember to visit the John Lennon Series to pre-order a signed, dated, numbered copy of Some Forever Shades of Life, Part Two(Aug. 1965 – March 1966) Book Release Party March 28-30, 2025 at The New York Metro Fest for Beatles Fans!
Discover Jude’s Books at The Beatles Bookstore
Shoulda Been There (Vol. 1) 1940 – Dec 1961
In Jude Kessler’s stunning debut narrative biography, you’ll learn the truths behind the Lennon legend. You’ll discover why the popular, rich, famous singer called himself a “Nowhere Man.” There are no hard copies left, but you can get it on Kindle by clicking here for $9.99
But for John Lennon, the hectic rise to glory failed to cure the constant Shivering Inside. He was still searching for something…or someone…to fill the hole in his heart. There are no hard copies left but you can get it on Kindle here for $9.99.
1964 in John’s life! “A Hard Day’s Night”, and created/recorded the accompanying, best-selling soundtrack; a World Tour, a Scottish sojourn, a lengthy North American Tour hitting cities all across the U.S. and Canada.
How do you become a Beatles author, blogger, filmmaker, podcaster and member of The Quarrymen?
You get ill with a chronic incurable, painful, condition, but find a very wise and understanding doctor.
David far left with The Quarrymen
This is the story of how David Bedford started work on his first book, Liddypool: Birthplace of The Beatles, and went on to write and co-write several other books too, as well as the documentary film “Looking for Lennon” and so many more Beatles projects.
This is the story, from an interview in 2014 and then updated in 2024.
I would like to take this opportunity to highlight many of the exciting, informative, and educational literary works of our blog administrator, David Bedford. I first met David at a Fest for Beatles Fans several years ago and was instantly impressed with his pleasant personality. It was a great way to meet David, sharing the atmosphere of a great Beatles-related gathering.
With my large Beatles book collection, very few authors can truly impress me either with new information or a different perspective about the Beatles story. David has fulfilled both of those tasks for me. Here is a brief summary of some of his excellent books and work….David’s Beatles knowledge is often understated as he helps to expand the horizons of the Beatles knowledge-base for all of us to enjoy and relish.
All of the Beatles history is certainly not available to all of us, but David has made a significant contribution in uncovering a lot of information about our favorite band not previously known! For that accomplishment, we should all be very grateful!!!
Liddypool
David’s Liddypool book helps us all to understand why the force that rocked the world had to come from Liverpool. From the unique Scouse sense of humor to the ability of the Liverpudlians to take American music and present it back to America and the rest of the world in a unique and fascinating form/way.
Liddypool by David Bedford
Finding The Fourth Beatle
One of my favorite Bedford/ Popper books where virtually all of the people who at one time played drums for the Beatles are explored: Finding the Fourth Beatle. Guaranteed that you probably will learn quite a few things that you never knew before about the multiple individuals who played drums for the band. I found this book to be extremely informative and details not previously known to the public are finally exposed in this great work!
Finding the Fourth Beatle
The Country of Liverpool: Nashville of The North
Another interesting book by David explores the influence of country music on Liverpool and how the Liverpool groups were able to synergistically mold country and pop music. The book also deals with the origins of skiffle and the Country roots of The Beatles. An excellent book by David!
The Country of Liverpool
The Beatles Fab Four Cities
David is one of the authors of this virtual travelogue of Beatles sites throughout 4 major world cities of Liverpool, Hamburg, London, and New York! The other authors of this wonderful book – The Beatles Fab Four Cities – are Susan Ryan and Richard Porter. Their expertise in the Beatles-related sites in the 4 cities mentioned is second to none!
The Beatles Fab Four Cities
The Fab One Hundred and Four: The Evolution of The Beatles
This book happens to be one of my favorites not only for the photographs of rare and some unknown Beatles-related personalities but of the numerous previously unknown stories that are revealed within this book. Can’t miss with this title: The Fab One Hundred and Four: The Evolution of The Beatles
The Fab One Hundred and Four
Inspector Rocke
David has even toyed with murder fiction that is set in Liverpool, of course! Inspector Rocke. An excellent read and fiction of this type is very difficult to write. Kudos to you David!
Inspector Rocke
Bill Zygmant: Where Did You Get That Shirt?
David Bedford and Paul Skellett used their respective talents and helped to organize this fabulous limited edition book by noted photographer, Bill Zygmant. Bill took some of the last photos of John and Yoko before they moved permanently to the United States. The fabulous photos of the Beatles and Jimi Hendrix contained within this book are other major highlights.
Bill Zygmant
Looking for Lennon
One other David Bedford item I would like to mention is the documentary that David acted as the historian on and that is the fabulous DVD of “Looking for Lennon.”
I loved this examination of the early days about the founder of the world’s greatest pop band!
Additional details of the people that were involved with the creation of this project are provided at this link
Most of the book titles mentioned above are available at The Beatles bookstore with the link at the top of this page, or by clicking on the links and covers of the books.
The Beatles Bookstore will be at The Fest for Beatles Fans in New York this coming weekend – 9th to 11th February 24. Come and find them in the Marketplace and talk to them and buy some books too! And if you can’t make it, you can order their books below.
Authors At The Fest:
David Bedford
Jude Kessler
Terry Crain
Madeline Bocaro
Kit O’Toole
Bill Zygmant – Where Did You Get That Shirt? (Signed Limited Edition)
Get your copy of Bill Zygmant’s portfolio book of unique photographs covering his career from the late 1960s to the 1980s.
This will be a signed, numbered edition – maximum of 250 numbered editions.
It comes with one of Bill’s signed photographs, which usually sells for £50!
NEMS and the Business of Selling Beatles Merchandise in the U.S. 1964-1966 (2ND EDITION)
The book covers the approximately 150 licensed items that dotted store shelves and helped fuel the band-crazed fan during the time right after the band landed in America and performed on The Ed Sullivan Show. Toys, games, dolls, jewelry, clothing, wigs, and more!
In Your Mind – The Infinite Universe of Yoko Ono (Signed Hardback)
Now in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Library & Archives
Acclaimed by MOJO & Goldmine
Recommended by Olivia Harrison
Spotlighted on The Beatles Channel, Sirius XM Radio
The true story of the woman John Lennon loved. Includes the work and music they made together, the love story of John & Yoko, and her relationship with the Beatles.
Ono’s incredible story goes way beyond what most people know.
There are astounding details about Yoko’s life (thirty-three years before meeting Lennon, twelve years with him, and over forty years of creativity since his death).
The author has followed Ono’s career since the mid-1960s, assembling a vast media archive on the artist. Yoko’s own voice, along with Lennon’s and others (in cited, published interviews) tell her undeniably true and complete story, disproving many myths. Bocaro has spent valuable time with Ono, gaining incredible insight.
Here is the ultimate exploration of Yoko’s childhood, her relationship with Lennon, her art, films, music and activism for peace and women’s rights.
Take A “Magical Mystery Tour” through the Beatles’ Deep Tracks. The Beatles’ music has become so ingrained in our culture that their songs have become an integral part of our everyday lives. Who doesn’t know the words to “Hey Jude” or “Let It Be”? Who hasn’t been moved by the poetry of “Eleanor Rigby” or energized by that opening chord of “A Hard Day’s Night”?
Songs We Were Singing uncovers the buried treasures that deserve a second listen.
The Quarrymen on Doug Chadwick’s Lorry – Copyright Rod Davis/ James Davis
Doug Chadwick – Driver of The Lorry
Doug Chadwick was the driver of the lorry that famously carried John Lennon and the Quarrymen on the day that John met Paul.
Photo by Chris Chadwick of his dad Doug Chadwick, the lorry driver on July 6, 1957. The photo was taken at the Beatles Story in Liverpool!
Doug Chadwick by the display in The Beatles Story
Doug Chadwick’s kind note to me that accompanied the photo.
Letter from Doug Chadwick
It is my understanding that Quarrymen Rod Davis’s dad, James Davis, took the famous photos from July 6, 1957, of the Quarrymen on their way to the Woolton Village Fete! It is amazing that not only are there photos from that day, but a reel-to-reel recording of two of the songs that the Quarrymen played that day also survives!
The Quarrymen on Doug Chadwick’s Lorry – copyright Rod Davis/ James Davis
My signed photo by the photographer that took the original photo, Geoff Rhind. Geoff’s signature is on the border surrounding the photo. Three Quarrymen also signed this photo! This photo was acquired through the kindness of Quarrymen member, Rod Davis!
Quarrymen photo signed by photographer Geoff Rhind, plus Colin Hanton, Rod Davis and Len Garry
Buzz
Discover More About The Quarrymen with Those Famous Photos
The Fab One Hundred and Four: The Evolution of The Beatles
The Fab one hundred and Four: The Evolution of The Beatles tells how the four Quarrymen became the Fab Four of John, Paul, George and Ringo.
£49.00Original price was: £49.00.£20.00Current price is: £20.00.
