With the multitude of biographical books written about the Beatles and the solo members of the band over the years, the one solo Beatle who has not been given his just due has been the man behind the kit, Richard Starkey, known more commonly as the one and only Ringo Starr!

Well, UK writer Tom Doyle has issued a brand-new Ringo Starr biography to try and correct that situation. I recently was able to acquire a signed bookplate edition of the book through Abe Books. The book has not yet arrived, but I am eager to see if I can spot news information about the Beatles drummer.

For those who are not obsessed with signed book editions like me, the book is currently available at Amazon, Abe Books and several other book search service sites including eBay. I am looking forward to reading this title and to see what Mr. Doyle has to say in the book, and if it truly reveals the true importance of the eldest Beatle to the world’s greatest rock and pop band!

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ New Modern
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 23, 2025

AMAZON UK:

Ringo: A Fab Life : Doyle, Tom: Amazon.co.uk: Books

AMAZON US:
Ringo: Unknown Author: 9781917923132: Amazon.com: Books

The Amazon photo source for the following photograph of the author of this book:

(photo source- Ringo: Unknown Author: 9781917923132: Amazon.com: Books )

Tom Doyle (bio-from the link provided above the photograph)

Tom Doyle is the author of four highly-acclaimed books – The Glamour Chase – The Maverick Life Of Billy MacKenzie (1998), Man On The Run – Paul McCartney In the 1970s (2013), Captain Fantastic – Elton John’s Stellar Trip Through The ‘70s (2017) and Running Up That Hill: 50 Visions Of Kate Bush (2022). He was also the co-author of the early years memoir by Madness, Before We Was We (2019). As a journalist and interviewer, his work has appeared in MOJO, Billboard, Q (RIP), Sound On Sound, The Guardian and The Times. Over the years, he has profiled Paul McCartney, Neil Young, Elton John, U2, Madonna, Keith Richards, Yoko Ono and Kate Bush, among many others.

A summary of the book from the following link:

Ringo: A Fab Life – with SIGNED bookplate* | Fox Lane Books

Ringo: A Fab Life – Hardcover – by Tom Doyle

Ringo Starr’s eventful and remarkable life laid bare in a first-of-its-kind mosaic biography of one of the greatest musicians of all time.

Often overshadowed by his former bandmates, Starr’s remarkable story is no less compelling. ‘Ringo: A Fab Life’ highlights a life so jaw-droppingly eventful that one is left wondering how he also had time to become one of the best musicians on the planet.

Through an episodic, mosaic format critically acclaimed author Tom Doyle takes readers through the ride of a lifetime, from Starr’s brushes with death as a child bought up in poverty, through to dizzying heights of fame and success with The Beatles and beyond. By examining pivotal moments, anecdotes and cautionary tales, we see Starr soar as part of the biggest band in the world – and then try and cope with life outside of it: a film career, misadventures with friends, children’s TV narrator, furniture designer, marriage to a Bond girl, before eventually finding peace and sobriety as one of the elder statesmen of rock.

So much more than another Beatles related biography, we follow Starr’s career far beyond the rose-tinted sixties, through the various addictions and career left turns in the seventies and eighties, before reaching the 1990’s, his legacy and reputation intact.

The life of Richard Starkey is long overdue a proper inspection and this book – with exclusive new interviews conducted by Doyle with, amongst others, Starr himself – provides a never-before-seen level of detail that will delight hardcore fans and curious readers alike.

Ringo: A Fab Life – hilarious, moving, insightful and constantly surprising – is the definitive account of one of the greatest living musicians and the uncontested best drummer in The Beatles.

*With bookplate signed by the author, Tom Doyle

Ringo: A Fab Life – with SIGNED bookplate* | Fox Lane Books

Please note-the site currently says that signed copies are not in stock-I do not know if that means if the signed bookplate edition is sold-out and no longer available.

Here is my copy of the signed bookplate edition of the book:

I am looking forward to reading this title about Ringo and I expect it in the mail soon!

Best Wishes to all of you!

Buzz

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT RINGO STARR

Paul McCartney’s Electric Arguments, the limited-edition FIREMAN metal box set

First of all, I have to be honest with you. Though I am fully aware of Paul’s experimental nature and his occasional willingness to go out of the box in departing from his mastery of the pop tunes and wonderful melodies to record material of possible lesser interest to a mass market audience with more non-conventional experimental music.

Good tunes with great melodies will always be my main interest. Despite being initially hesitant to buy the special box set released in 2009, I was pleasantly surprised in doing so as I thoroughly enjoyed acquiring this special recording of Paul’s third Fireman release entitled Electric Arguments done in collaboration with the well-known producer named Youth.

McCartney does not abandon his commercial tendencies with this release and allows himself to be less restrictive in where he attempts to go with the tunes. Using the pseudonym the FIREMAN, this recording made in collaboration with Youth provided many sonic surprises and many mood-changing soundscapes. The special boxed deluxe edition of the Electric Arguments album was produced in an edition of only 2,000 copies. My copy is visible to you in the photos provided in this post. Hope you enjoy!

Discogs Description of the set:
The Electric Arguments box set, released in 2009, is a limited-edition release by Paul McCartney, also known as The Fireman. This box set includes a steel box, a large booklet, four CDs, two LPs, and a DVD featuring hi-definition audio recordings and videos. The set is highly sought after due to its rarity and the unique content it offers, including bonus tracks, alternate versions, and studio footage.

The Fireman – Electric Arguments – Box Set (Deluxe Edition, Limited Edition): 2 x CD, 2 x DVD, 2 x Vinyl, 2009 [r2333695] | Discogs

Electric Arguments – YouTube

My copy of the bag containing the metal box:

The metal box containing the many contents:

One of the 2 special prints in my copy of the box:

The other special print by Paul:

The LP-front cover:

The track listing on the back of the LP:

The cover of the booklet provided in the box. The booklet contains many photos of Paul working on his art projects:

The back cover of the booklet:

The container for the cds and the dvds:

The 2 cds and the 2 dvds:

The contents and track listing of the dvds and cds:

The excellent Discogs site may be able to help or assist you if you are searching for a copy of this special edition of this McCartney/Youth recording:

The Fireman – Electric Arguments – Box Set (Deluxe Edition, Limited Edition): 2 x CD, 2 x DVD, 2 x Vinyl, 2009 [r2333695] | Discogs

The description below will help you to see the contents in a more visible and readable type:

 

The Fireman– Electric Arguments Boxed Set

From the Discogs link provided above:

TRACK LISTING AND CREDITS:

CD1-1 Nothing Too Much Just Out Of Sight 4:55
CD1-2 Two Magpies 2:12
CD1-3 Sing The Changes 3:44
CD1-4 Travelling Light 5:06
CD1-5 Highway 4:17
CD1-6 Light From Your Lighthouse 2:31
CD1-7 Sun Is Shining 5:12
CD1-8 Dance ‘Til We’re High 3:37
CD1-9 Lifelong Passion 4:49
CD1-10 Is This Love? 5:52
CD1-11 Lovers In A Dream 5:22
CD1-12 Universal Here, Everlasting Now 5:05
CD1-13.1 Don’t Stop Running 5:59
CD1-13.2 (silence) 1:53
CD1-13.3 Road Trip 2:38
Bonus Tracks CD
CD2-1 Solstice Ambient Acapella 15:11
CD2-2 Travelling Light Instrumental 8:16
CD2-3 Wickerman Ambient Dub 12:41
CD2-4 Morning Mist Instrumental Dub 5:40
CD2-5 Equinox Instrumental 8:22
CD2-6 Sawain Ambient Acapella 4:51
CD2-7 Sawain Instrumental Dub 4:51
Hi-resolution Stereo Audio And Bonus Video DVD
DVD1-1.1 Nothing Much Out Of Sight 4:54
DVD1-1.2 Two Magpies 2:10
DVD1-1.3 Sing The Changes 3:42
DVD1-1.4 Travelling Light 5:05
DVD1-1.5 Highway 4:15
DVD1-1.6 Light From Your Lighthouse 2:31
DVD1-1.7 Sun Is Shining 5:12
DVD1-1.8 Dance ‘Til We’re High 3:37
DVD1-1.9 Lifelong Passion 4:47
DVD1-1.10 Is This Love? 5:50
DVD1-1.11 Lovers In A Dream 5:21
DVD1-1.12 Universal Here, Everlasting Now 5:05
DVD1-1.13.1 Don’t Stop Running 5:59
DVD1-1.13.2 (silence) 1:53
DVD1-1.13.3 Road Trip 2:38
DVD1-1.14 Highway (Electro Dynamo Lemon Sherbet Sunrise Dubstep Remix)
Keyboards [Additional] – Tim Bran
Mixed By – Clive Goddard
Remix – MyNewFleshRobot
5:42
DVD1-2 Sing The Changes
Film Director – Marco Sandeman
3:52
DVD1-3 Dance ‘Til We’re High
Film Director – Marco Sandeman
3:40
DVD1-4 In The Studio
Cameraman [Filmed By] – John Hammel
Video Editor – Dan Ruttley
17:08
Multi Track Audio Files Data DVD
Dance ‘Til We’re High (5:01)
DVD2-1a Bass Stem
DVD2-1b Drum Stem
DVD2-1c Guitar Stem
DVD2-1d Keyboards Stem
DVD2-1e Vocals Stem
Highway (5:41)
DVD2-2a Bass Stem
DVD2-2b Drum Stem
DVD2-2c Guitar Stem
DVD2-2d Keyboard Stem
DVD2-2e Vocals Stem
Light From Your Lighthouse (2:54)
DVD2-3a Backing Vocals Stem
DVD2-3b Bass Stem
DVD2-3c Drum Stem
DVD2-3d Guitar Stem
DVD2-3e Keyboards Stem
DVD2-3f Vocals Stem
Sing The Changes (3:55)
DVD2-4a Acoustic Guitar & Mandolin Stem
DVD2-4b Backing Vocals Stem
DVD2-4c Bass Stem
DVD2-4d Drum Stem
DVD2-4e Electric Guitar Stem
DVD2-4f Lead Vocal Stem
DVD2-4g Vibes Stem
Sun Is Shining (4:27)
DVD2-5a Bass Stem
DVD2-5b Drum Stem
DVD2-5c Guitar Stem

DVD2-5d Vocals Stem

A1 Nothing Too Much Just Out Of Sight 4:54
A2 Two Magpies 2:10
A3 Sing The Changes 3:42
A4 Travelling Light 5:05
B1 Highway 4:15
B2 Light From Your Lighthouse 2:31
B3 Sun Is Shining 5:12
B4 Dance ‘Til We’re High 3:37
C1 Lifelong Passion 4:47
C2 Is This Love? 5:50
C3 Lovers In A Dream 5:21
D1 Universal Here, Everlasting Now 5:05
D2.1 Don’t Stop Running 5:59
D2.2 (silence) 1:53
D2.3 Road Trip 2:38
Recorded At – Hog Hill Mill
Mixed At – Hog Hill Mill
Mastered At – Abbey Road Studios
Designed At – Metropolis Digital Media
Published By – MPL Communications Ltd.
Published By – MPL Communications Inc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – MPL Communications Ltd.
Copyright © – MPL Communications Ltd.
Manufactured By – One Little Indian Ltd.
Distributed By – One Little Indian Ltd.
Design – Norman Hathaway (2)
Mastered By – Alex Wharton, Steve Rooke
Photography By – Ruth Ward (2)
Producer – Paul McCartney, Youth
Programmed By – Tim Bran
Programmed By [Additional Programming] – David Nock
Recorded By, Mixed By – Clive Goddard
Technician [Sound Assistance] – Eddie Klein, Jamie Kirkham, John Hammel, Keith Smith (2)

Deluxe limited edition. Steel box contained in a paper satchel.
Includes the 200 gram vinyl release in its original gatefold sleeve (without the bag, sticker and cardsleeve CD), two exclusive art prints, a large-sized copy of the original CD’s booklet, and a cloth-bound folder containing:
· CD copy of the album
· 7 track CD containing bonus mixes and alternate versions
· DVD-Video featuring hi-definition 24bit 96Khz version of the album with an exclusive bonus track, plus a couple music videos and studio footage
· DVD-Data featuring multi-track session files for five of the songs (in VBR MP3 and 24bit 44.1Khz WAV formats)

“Road Trip” is a hidden track.

Recorded and mixed at Hog Hill Mill
Mastered at Abbey Road studios
Disc C DVD designed and authored by Metropolis Digital Media

Published by MPL Communications Ltd./Inc.
℗ & © 2009 MPL Communications Ltd.
Manufactured and distributed by One Little Indian Ltd.

I feel it is appropriate to conclude this post with Paul’s Fireman collaborator:

Youth (artist) • The Paul McCartney Project

Be Healthy and Be Happy!

Buzz

This item appealed to me from a recent eBay offering, with a Rubber Soul & Revolver signed print! It is a 50-years Ago Today Tribute Beatles Rubber Soul & Revolver print 12”x16.” It was a print designed to promote the concert tour of several musical celebrities who not only performed their own individual material at the shows but also played song selections from both the Beatles Rubber Soul & Revolver albums.

The document below was signed by various artists and members of the performing group including Denny Laine, Todd Rundgren, Christopher Cross Jason Scheff and Joey Molland from Badfinger. Signatures from key figures in the music industry, held an attractive appeal to me and is now a treasured addition to my musical celebrity signature collection.

The icing on the cake for me in this regard was because of the disagreements that one of the signees of the document below had with a Beatle!!! That type of confrontation will certainly be a guaranteed factor in making the news!

From 2022: It Was 50 Years Ago Today: A Tribute to The Beatles’ Rubber Soul & Revolver – The Wellmont Theater

Bought this print at a recent eBay auction. Can you guess the signature that I was really yearning for the most on this print? Let’s just say the artist I am referring to, experienced a tug of war with Mr. John Lennon in the press!!!

Years later, Todd Rundgren was also part of Ringo’s All-Star band. A couple of others signing this poster also had Beatles-related associations. One was Denny Laine who was with Wings during the entire Wings years with Paul McCartney. He was also in the Moody Blues and was active up to the point where illness stepped in and he sadly passed away.

Then there was Joey Molland, one of the original members of Badfinger. He also played on John Lennon’s Imagine album and George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass LP. Sadly, diabetes took its toll on Joey, and he recently passed away too as a result of his illness. Two other prominent musicians, Christopher Cross and Jason Scheff also signed the print

Some links on the internet that offer background on the feud between John Lennon and Todd Rundgren:

John Lennon’s Hilarious (And Ruthless) Clapback to Todd Rundgren’s “Howl of Hate (Pain)” – American Songwriter

How John Lennon Ended His Fight With Todd Rundgren

Why John Lennon and Todd Rundgren Had a Bitter Feud – The Beatles

John Lennon’s hilariously bitchy letter to Todd Rundgren

Lennon in response to Todd Rundgren | Steve Hoffman Music Forums

Saw that someone also posted this link on YouTube:

TODD RUNDGREN, DENNY LAINE, JOEY MOLLAND, CHRISTOPHER CROSS Live, The Wellmont, Montclair, NJ 3/1/22

Hello It’s Me (2015 Remaster)

I Saw the Light (2015 Remaster)

LEO McKERN – THE ACTOR WHO PORTRAYED “CLANG” IN HELP!

---

Some fascinating biographical information about Mr. McKern at Wikipedia:

Leo McKern – Wikipedia

Leo McKern was more well-known in his native Australia and in the UK, but I can recall many wonderful performances of the actor as a resident of the US. His role as a cardinal in the movie of The Shoes of the Fisherman, advising the Pope, played by Anthony Quinn, was simply brilliant.

In the UK, the role that made him a virtual household name as an actor was as Horace Rumpole, whom he played in the UK television series, Rumpole of the Bailey!

In the Beatles film, Help!, a frustrated “Clang”, played by Leo McKern, throws darts at the screen while watching The Beatles’ performance. What is not as commonly known is that the footage, minus “Clang”, was distributed by NEMS Enterprises to television companies to promote the ‘Help!’ single, released in July 1965.

What one would define as an autobiography, Leo McKern’s JUST RESTING, published in 1983 by Methuen. It appears that the book may be out of print but there are used copies available on both Amazon US and Amazon UK. The book is difficult to find but I have also seen copies listed at both eBay and at Abe Books.

AMAZON UK:

Just resting: McKern, Leo: 9780413521200: Amazon.com: Books

AMAZON US:

Just resting: McKern, Leo: 9780413521200: Amazon.com: Books

LEO McKERN’S LETTER TO A FAN:

Recently purchased on eBay this letter actor Leo McKern wrote to a fan about his performance in the play The Wolf.

BEATLES HELP ACTOR LEO McKERN AUTOGRAPH LETTER

Autographed letter signed written from the Apollo Theater in London.  McKern writes that he is delighted that the writer liked the play “The Wolf” which would probably date the letter to the Oct-Dec.1973-time frame.

I love obtaining items like this for the collection. Hope you enjoy this note to a fan by actor Leo McKern!

In closing, remember McKern’s Clang character will probably always be remembered for that command line he repeats in the move Help!, “GO TO THE WINDOW”!!! That line from Help! resonates in my mind every time I view the film. It will always stick in my consciousness. I don’t know why, but mysteriously, it still does!!!

Best Wishes!

Be Healthy and Be Happy!

Buzz

OUR FEATURED BOOK AT THE BEATLES BOOKSTORE

MACCAZINE’S NEW ISSUE IS OUT NOW: MACCAWARDS

My favorite Paul McCartney magazine/fanzine is based in the Netherlands, and it only needs one word to adequately describe it: FANTASTIC!!! Maccazine is published twice a year, but the issues are better described as being more like receiving softcover books rather than being attributed as being magazines. (The new issue is 160 pages long, for example) They are wonderful titles that are thematic and extremely informative giving detailed information about the illustrious career of James Paul McCartney! The latest issue of the magazine (written in English) deals with the truckload of awards that Paul has earned during his stellar career. I became a subscriber to this beautiful magazine (book) several years ago and I have never regretted my decision. If you get the opportunity to become a subscriber, I firmly believe that you will be very pleased and you will probably be excited and inspired to pass the word on to your friends that share your love of Paul McCartney!

The Cover of the New Issue:

RECENTLY RECEIVED THIS NOTIFICATION FROM THE MACCAZINE VIA EMAIL:

In a new lavishly illustrated Maccazine —merrily titled ‘MACCAWARDS’— we proudly present a comprehensive compilation of the awards and honours bestowed on our protagonist, exemplifying his reputation as a lauded composer and being the single most important living musical legend. Most probably not all awards and honours but —certainly— all relevant and importantones (and some minor ones too). Earning a plentitude of gold and platinum discs, more than a few Grammys, a knighthood and many more accolades throughout his career, we decided against just a chronological enumeration. To promote readability, there are several summarizing chapters (e.g., IVORS, GRAMMYS, BRITS), but at the conclusion of these 160 pages, there’s a long chronological list of all individual awards discussed.

Enjoy and be amazed!                                                                                                               

160 pages, 500+ illustrations

René Termeer, editor

This wonderful MACCAWARDS Maccazine is part of the 2025 membership.

If you’re a member the new Maccazine is on the way to you or reached you already

You can also order this Maccazine:  https://www.maccazine.com/order-page/

Do you want to become a member for 2026? Use this link: SUBSCRIBE TO MACCAZINE

THREE SAMPLE PAGES FROM THE NEW ISSUE:

This magazine/book is one of my favorite items that I anxiously wait to receive each and every year. I know in advance that I will be receiving QUALITY! Sounds like the man that the magazine is inspired by! Top of the line!!!

Be Healthy and Be Happy!

Buzz

THE DOWNTOWN SINGER, PETULA CLARK – HER AUTOBIOGRAPHY “IS THAT YOU, PETULA?”

The British Invasion has predominantly been associated with being an exclusively male domain! That was not the case! Petula Clark had numerous hits in the 60’s that mirrored the success and prominence of the many male rock groups of the 60s. With the release of this book which Petula Clark states will be her one and only book title, it gives her the opportunity to tell her story directly from the primary source. Growing up as a first-generation Beatles fan, I remember that Petula Clark released so many excellent songs during the British Invasion time frame that helped to define that wonderful era. I have many of her songs permanently etched in my memory as being important ingredients in the musical milieu of the time.

Now in her 90s, Petula has chosen this as the time to share her memories with us. We will all benefit from reading about her recollections…

You will even learn about her association with John Lennon and how she became a backing singer on one of John Lennon’s first solo songs!

ONE OF THE BACKING SINGERS ON GIVE PEACE A CHANCE

The story of how Petula Clark ended up singing on John Lennon’s ‘Give Peace a… – Gold Radio

NOT JUST MALE SINGERS IN THE BRITISH INVASION:

If you are interested in acquiring the new book here are a few links for your convenience:

AMAZON US:

Is That You, Petula?: An Autobiography: Clark, Petula: 9781529955095: Amazon.com: Books

AMAZON UK:

Is That You, Petula?: An Autobiography : Clark, Petula: Amazon.co.uk: Books

The cover of the new book:

Back cover of the book:

My copy of the book was signed by Petula Clark:

The front flap of the dustjacket of the book:

The back flap of the dustjacket of the book:

Some excellent examples of Petula’s career as a female pioneer during the British invasion, a few Beatles-related cover songs, and a few samples of some of her classic songs featured on YouTube:

Petula Clark: How John Lennon Inspired Novel & Turning Down Elvis | Loose Women

Petula Clark and John Lennon

Petula Clark “I Want To Hold Your Hand” (The Beatles Cover) on The Ed Sullivan Show

Petula Clark – Downtown (Official Audio)

I Know a Place —– Petula sings about the Cavern

A Sign of the Times

Petula Clark “The Fool On The Hill” (The Beatles Cover) on The Ed Sullivan Show

Petula Clark – We Can Work It Out

Rain

Petula Clark Come Together %28Medley%29

Petula Clark Meets The Beatles

Petula Clark “Colour My World” on The Ed Sullivan Show

Petula Clark sings the Beatles’, ‘Please Please Me’ (in French).

Imagine

Don’t Sleep in the Subway

Petula Clark – Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band

There is a quick glimpse of Petula Clark at the Bed-In in this video:

Plastic Ono Band – Give Peace A Chance (1969)

Hope you enjoyed this post of a wonderful UK singer who has given so much for so long!!!

Be Healthy and Be Happy!

Buzz

MORE BOOKS ABOUT JOHN LENNON