What is a pre-condition for me as a Beatles book collector for buying non-English language Beatles-related books, like The Beatles in Holland?
Well, with the Beatles in Holland book shown below, written in Dutch, I decided to purchase the book as it deals with the 13 day time frame in 1964 where Ringo was not with the Beatles, dealing with his health problems. So like my Beatles in Australia book which features Jimmy Nicol on the cover and not Ringo, the Beatles in Holland also features Nicol on the cover. Those oddities and the photos in general of this rare occurrence in the Beatles history make the books very appealing to me despite the lack of knowledge of one of the languages one of the books is written in. The Australian Beatles book was written in English! Since Nicol backed the Beatles in both the Netherlands and Australia during those fateful 13 days, I wanted to collect as many photographs of that group configuration as possible.
There is also another form of collecting dependent on communicating with orders about Beatles-related print issues in order to be able to discover them. For example the issue of LID magazine #9 with Marilyn Monroe (shown below) on the cover gives no indication that anything Beatles-related is in the magazine but there is a 14 page article about Klaus Voormann’s, A Sideman’s Journey project in the magazine.
These type of in-depth articles with a Beatles connection are very appealing to me and I found out about it by someone telling me about the magazine. This emphasizes the concept of networking when collecting. Knowing more people that share a common interest in the Beatles increases the odds that items of this sort won’t pass you by! I have Klaus Voormann’s Sideman Journey collectors box set and the article in the Marilyn Monroe cover issue of LID was an excellent accompanying piece.
The Beatles in Holland
The Beatles in Holland
This is the English language book featuring Jimmie Nicol as part of the Beatles! Contains the beautiful photos from the Mark Hayward collection:
PUT A LID ON IT – LID MAGAZINE
Lid is a high end photo arts magazine, every issue had a low print run and back issues can be very expensive on the secondary market!
This is the magazine that contains the 14 page article about Klaus Voormann’s “A Sideman’s Journey” project. There is no indication on the Monroe cover, that the Klaus article is contained within. So, as a collector you have to depend on the communication from others who either are subscribers or stumble across the article and then pass the word on!
This magazine usually appears on Ebay. It is a high demand type of magazine because of the legendary status of Marilyn Monroe as a Hollywood legend!
LID Issue #9-Now isn’t that ironic
LID MAGAZINE #5 2007 JOHN LENNON BY KLAUS VOORMANN-January 1, 2007
JOHN LENNON BY KLAUS VOORMANN
Lid Magazine #13 George Harrison Cover Autumn/Winter 2011-BBC photographer Harry Goodwin.
LID Autumn/Winter 2011-An alternate cover. I was very fortunate to be able to track down both of the alternate George Harrison covers on Ebay! Needless to say, they were not cheap!
Hope you enjoyed today’s post with different subject matters!
BUZZ
OUR BOOK OF THE WEEK AT THE BEATLES BOOKSTORE
The Cutting Edge (Paperback)
The Beatles’ hair changed the world. As their increasingly wild, untamed manes grew, to the horror of parents everywhere, they set off a cultural revolution as the most tangible symbol of the Sixties’ psychedelic dream of peace, love and playful rebellion. In the midst of this epochal change was Leslie Cavendish, hairdresser to the Beatles and some of the greatest stars of the music and entertainment industry.
Many Baby boomers who grew up in the 50s & 60s were well aware of the hit US network TV show American Bandstand hosted by Dick Clark!
Prior to the British Invasion, teenage dance music from American acts were the focus of this popular program.
Bandstand host Dick Clark helped to make this music become very popular with the younger generation of the time. Older members of the population hated rock ‘n’ roll and Dick Clark contributed enormously to making it more acceptable and less threatening to the older generation. Clark was also responsible for breaking down some of the barriers that black artists had in being able to expose their music to the masses on his show. Born in 1929 and passing away in 2012, Dick Clark’s position in popular music history is certainly assured.
Dick Clark always insisted on being in complete control especially in his business interests. He is credited with opening up opportunities for black performers on his show yet ironically, in the early years, he was also accused of restricting black teens appearances on his shows (see the last Amazon book description in this blog piece).
Here is some Wikipedia bio information about Clark:
As far as the British Invasion and Clark are concerned, I personally believe that Clark felt initially threatened by the British acts invading the US. Witness that the Beatles and the Stones never made guest appearances on his show. I believe that Clark preferred formula popular music being the standard on which music should be judged. Keep in mind that Clark always appeared to be perpetually very young on camera but he was actually born in the 1920s.
If he was more conservative than he appeared, he hid it well on his programs! Despite those perceptions, he was keenly aware of what was immensely popular and did not want to be on the sidelines during the Beatles invasion of America! Nor could he afford to ignore the many tremendous acts that came to popularity in the mid-to-late 60s!
Dick Clark was a great businessman and he owned virtually all of the businesses he was personally involved with. He had a great talent for generating publicity and image creation.
A FEW DICK CLARK ITEMS FROM THE COLLECTION
Here is an item I acquired from a 1961 show where Dick Clark appeared along with many supporting musical acts. This was a program from the live 1961 show:
The lineup for the 1961 show:
A sample page from my copy of the program:
A signed photo of the Bandstand legend. I was so happy to recently receive this signature to add to my collection of signed items from many of the figures who were ancillary contributors and/or participants to the story of the Beatles influence on popular music!
A promotional package of Dick Clark’s 1979-produced Beatles movie entitled Birth of the Beatles, which I acquired on ebay. The movie however was critically panned!
Part of the promotional material from Birth of the Beatles:
My good friend, and author of the books Beatles Undercover, Beatles Deeper Undercover & Beatles Fully Uncovered, Kris Engelhardt, knew that I collect the signatures of many of the individuals that played a role in the story of the Beatles and popular music. Kris asked me if I was interested in acquiring a hand-signed letter he had received from Dick Clark back in 2004 when Kris was exploring Clark’s potential interest to have a book written about him. Kris was so gracious to allow me to print the personal reply from Dick Clark on this post. I sincerely thank him for his kindness and consideration!
The signed letter from Dick Clark follows the photos of Kris’s excellent trilogy of Beatles books:
Dick Clark’s letter to Kris Engelhardt which I acquired from KE recently:
Someone has posted the link to The Birth of the Beatles on YouTube, a 70s film that Clark cooperated with Pete Best to help create which dealt with the early years of the band. In later years Clark admitted that he had to reach a settlement with the Beatles – apparently the result of a lawsuit concerning the film – though details have not been revealed.
Dick Clark’s production company was involved in many popular culture projects over the years, including films about Elvis and a film about the early years of the Beatles.
A few samples that appear on YouTube with Clark interacting with his audience members discussing the Beatles!
You will find many of the audience members’ perceptions to be very amusing. Some of the audience observations seem to have both merit and foresight. Others seem to be impulsive and emotional and incredibly naive, however it does help to serve as a mirror of the times!
FINAL WORDS BELONG TO BEATLEFAN EDITOR – BILL KING
A piece from Beatlefan editor Bill King about Dick Clark after he passed away, including the revelation that Dick Clark settled with the Beatles as a result of his production of the Birth of The Beatles in which he apparently was sued by the band.
My last personal memory of Dick Clark is when he hosted the New Year’s Eve celebration to the New Year a few years before his passing where a tradition began of using John Lennon’s song Imagine to introduce the New Year!!!
A FEW BOOKS ABOUT DICK CLARK
Dick Clark’s American Bandstand (Souvenir Collectors’ Edition) Hardcover – January 1, 1997 Harper Collins
authors Dick Clark & Fred Bronson
Rock, Roll & Remember Hardcover – January 1, 1976
by Richard Clark, Dick Robinson (Author)
Publisher : Crowell
Publication date : January 1, 1976
The co-author of this book Dick Robinson, was a prominent disc jockey at my local radio station in Hartford, Connecticut called WDRC. WDRC and another local station with the call letters of WPOP used to have a heated rivalry to see who could acquire the new Beatles recordings firs. They termed this as being exclusives when they obtained them! BIG D…EXCLUSIVELY!!! I can still hear that chant ringing in my ears when a brand new Beatles record was being premiered all those years ago!
American Bandstand: Dick Clark and the Making of a Rock ‘n’ Roll Empire Hardcover – October 9, 1997
by John Jackson (Author) Oxford University Press
Bandstandland: How Dancing Teenagers Took Over America and Dick Clark Took Over Rock & Roll Paperback – April 19, 2019by Larry Lehmer (Author) Publisher: Sunbury Press, Inc.
The book description of the above book on Amazon seems to reveal a much more calculating DIck Clark than people viewed on their TV sets or the accepted national image that people think of when they recollect memories of him:
Amazon description of Bandstandland:
How Dancing Teenagers Took Over America and Dick Clark Took Over Rock & Roll:
“American Bandstand, one of the longest-running shows in television history, spotlighted well-scrubbed, properly dressed dancing teenagers on every show. They mirrored the show’s perpetually youthful host, Dick Clark, who spun the music Clark often described as the “soundtrack to our lives.”
These are the memories Clark carefully nurtured as he crafted the alternate teen universe of Bandstandland during the formative years of American Bandstand, from 1952 to 1964. Bandstandland was a mythical creation by Clark, who saw the show as a springboard to immense wealth rather than a tribute to teen culture.
Clark was a relentless businessman who once had ownership stakes in 33 corporations, most created by him. He created rules to keep black teens off the show, promoted the teens that danced on the show when it served his purposes and banned them when it didn’t and effectively turned American Bandstand into his own personal infomercial.
Bandstandland sheds light on the little-known backstory of the TV program that was America’s top-rated daytime television show in its heyday and enjoyed a 37-year run from 1952 to 1989.”
AND IN THE END…
Question: Was myth-making in popular culture more prominent in the pop-culture of yesteryear or is it more prominent today? What are your reasons for believing the way you do?
Looking forward to your comments and opinions!
Like most public figures and/or celebrities, one’s public image may not always coincide with their real life personalities or personal beliefs. One thing that can not be disputed though is that Dick Clark will always be remembered for his significant contributions to popular culture and music!
BUZZ
OUR BOOK OF THE WEEK AT THE BEATLES BOOKSTORE
The Cutting Edge (Paperback)
The Beatles’ hair changed the world. As their increasingly wild, untamed manes grew, to the horror of parents everywhere, they set off a cultural revolution as the most tangible symbol of the Sixties’ psychedelic dream of peace, love and playful rebellion. In the midst of this epochal change was Leslie Cavendish, hairdresser to the Beatles and some of the greatest stars of the music and entertainment industry.
DEFINING THE MUSICAL AND CULTURAL LANDSCAPE OF THE BEATLES
BEATLES SCHOLARS SCOTT FREIMAN & KENNETH WOMACK MAKE LEARNING ABOUT THE BEATLES AN ENTERTAINING, EDUCATIONAL, AND INFORMATIVEEXPERIENCE WITH DECONSTRUCTING THE BEATLES!!!
There are two Beatles scholars that instantly grab my attention when I hear their names spoken in Beatles-related circles and conversations. They both have the distinction and status of being academic specialists in their respective fields and they also possess the uncanny ability to present their material in a highly entertaining, engaging, and informative manner. They have the talent for reinforcing the notion that learning about the Beatles can be rewarding, challenging and fun, for EVERYONE. These two gentlemen are named Scott Freiman and Ken Womack!
SCOTT FREIMAN AND KEN WOMACK
Both of these individuals have extensive lists of accomplishments in their respective portfolios. I will provide a few links for you to explore at your leisure and a portion of the significant amount of their musical and literary contributions as it relates to the Beatles. You will be impressed!
Now that you have familiarized yourselves with Scott and Ken’s illustrious backgrounds, we will present some of the products that I have purchased from their stellar catalogs. I have all of Scott’s Deconstructing the Beatles dvds and I have all of Ken Womack’s numerous scholarly Beatles books. Not merely to just have them as a collector, but as a result of them being quality-laden pieces which I return to time and time again!
SCOTT FREIMAN-DECONSTRUCTING THE BEATLES STORY:
Several years ago a very close friend of mine (the best man at my wedding who was also an avid Beatles devotee) invited me to a local theater to view one of Scott Freiman’s Deconstructing the Beatles programs. To be frank and honest, I was initially resistant to going, thinking “what else could I learn that would be different from what I already know”? It was the subtle arrogance often exhibited by first generation fans who believe they no longer can be surprised, startled or impressed by new Beatles-related information. Luckily, my smarter instincts prevailed and I went to see the filmed presentation of Scott at the theater.
After that first presentation, I never missed another one of his Deconstructing the Beatles film series when it appeared locally. The mark of a good teacher is when the learning of new information is NOT a task, but becomes the welcome assimilation, absorbing and pondering of that information, motivating you to think about what you have just seen or heard. Scott has those skills. He has a mastery of his material and a two hour presentation by him feels like you have only been there for fifteen minutes, leaving you consistently yearning for more… I loved the trivia question section of his presentations that ranged from simple questions to those that might be quite difficult for some. To demonstrate how good of an instructor Scott Freiman is, I have no doubts that even non-Beatle fans who may have attended his lectures, left the theater wanting to know more about the band that contines to fascinate us all.
Here is an example of Scott’s talent as he discusses the connection between Beethoven and the Beatles.
Here are photos and descriptions of the fabulous Deconstructing the Beatles dvd series as exhibited at the CultureSonar website. As stated before, they are all truly excellent!!!
Unfortunately for those who live outside the United States and Canada it is my understanding that the DECONSTRUCTING THE BEATLES dvd series is currently onlyavailable in the USA and Canada.
The photos of the front and back of the dvds are from the CultureSonar website as well as the description of the dvd contents!
“Deconstructing The Beatles” is a multimedia lecture series conceived and delivered by Scott Freiman
The Beatles “Deconstructing Abbey Road” 2-Film Set
Abbey Road: Side One. This album is so great, we needed two films to cover it. Begin with the so-called “song side” of Abbey Road, with deep dives into “Come Together,” “Something,” “I Want You (She’s So Heavy),” and the rest of Side One, including an analysis of “The Ballad of John and Yoko” and “Old Brown Shoe.”
Abbey Road: Side Two. Learn about the Eastern rhythms on “Here Comes the Sun,” the influence of Beethoven on “Because,” and the reason why “Her Majesty” ended up as the album’s hidden track. Then explore the entire Side Two medley. Also includes deconstructions of “Give Peace a Chance” and “Come and Get It.”
Deconstructing the Beatles: “The Early Years” Exclusive 2-Film Set
The Birth of the Beatles. From a garden party meeting in 1957 to the “toppermost of the poppermost” by the end of 1962, explore the band’s remarkable Origin Story.
1963: Yeah, Yeah, Yeah: This was the year that defined the “mania.” It began with their early sessions with George Martin and ended with worldwide acclaim. Follow each frenzied step.
Deconstructing The Beatles’ “White Album” – Feature Film
The White Album. After the studio wizardry of Sgt. Pepper, the band wanted to get back to basics. The approach may have been simpler, but the breadth of styles — from music hall to metal — is dazzling.
In “Chords and Progressions,”acclaimed “Beatleologist” Scott Freiman explores the Beatles’ chordal songwriting secrets and the music theory behind those progressions. He “deconstructs” more than fifty of their hit songs including Hey Jude, Day Tripper, In My Life, She Loves You and more.
Those of you familiar with Scott’s “Deconstructing The Beatles” films will get an extra kick out of this video. He goes even deeper here, diving into the musicology behind these immortal songs. While you don’t need to know any music theory to understand what Scott’s discussing, it’ll be even more rewarding if you do.
“Chords and Progressions”will help you master the techniques behind many Beatles hits. Then you can apply these songwriting secrets to your to your songs and you, too, can share some of the Lennon & McCartney magic.
Only 200 copies were issued of this special collectors item that I purchased. Scott had 200 special super collectors editions of the Abbey Road Super Collector 2-dvd set made. Those that purchased this edition had their names placed on the cover of the dvd, and also on a special poster (shown below). The purchasers of this edition also had their names in the credits at the closing of the film. There was a very large frameable canvas-like print of the Abbey Road album cover which would be wonderful to view in anyone’s music room which was provided to the super deluxe purchasers as well.
Abbey Road Super Collectors Edition–ONLY 200 MADE
Here is a description of the package this is on YouTube:
Ken Womack has several qualities as a Beatles-book author that I distinctly admire. He is an expert researcher. He does not know how to write a bad uninteresting book. He is patient until he gets the answers to the questins he is pondering. He has an insatiable appetite and resolve to find out MORE about the Beatles story, even when critics declare we have heard it all before. When I learned that Ken Womack was chosen to write the biography of Mal Evans, I was ecstatic as I knew the story would be told properly with the sensitivity necessary to fully understand the GENTLE GIANT and his devotion to the greatest band ever. He did an excellent job and he has us all eagerly awaiting the 2nd volume of his Mal book, expected in 2026.
He is an academic and an intellectual but he truly understands the information that the typical Beatles fan yearns for and treasures! He has tremendous Beatles instincts and I am proud to consider him a wonderful Online friend!
LIST OF KEN WOMACK’S BEATLES-RELATED BOOK TITLES
Here are some of the Kenneth Womack book titles that I own. Detailed descriptions of the book contents can be viewed by clicking the respective links provided with each title!
I have given the the links for Amazon US, Amazon UK and the link for The Fest For Beatles Fans. Not all of the titles may be available at all 3 of the sites but the links are provided for your convenience!
Living the Beatles Legend: The Untold Story of Mal Evans―The Untold Story of the Beatles’ Roadie Hardcover – November 14, 2023
Maximum Volume: The Life of Beatles Producer George Martin, The Early Years, 1926–1966 Paperback – September 3, 2019by Kenneth Womack (Author)Chicago Review Press
Sound Pictures: The Life of Beatles Producer George Martin, The Later Years, 1966–2016 Paperback – September 3, 2019by Kenneth Womack (Author)Chicago Review Press
The Beatles, Sgt. Pepper, and the Summer of Love (For the Record: Studies in Rock and Popular Music) Hardcover – July 3, 2017Lexington Books
by Kenneth Womack (Editor), Kathryn B. Cox (Editor), Kenneth L. Campbell (Contributor), Jacqueline Edmondson (Contributor), Michael Frontani (Contributor), Katie Kapurch (Contributor), Mark Osteen (Contributor), Kit O’Toole (Contributor), Joe Rapolla (Contributor), Robert Rodriguez (Contributor), Bruce Spizer (Contributor), Jerry Zolten (Contributor)
New Critical Perspectives on the Beatles: Things We Said Today (Pop Music, Culture and Identity) Hardcover – June 23, 2016by Kenneth Womack (Editor), Katie Kapurch (Editor) Published by Palgrave Macmillan
SCOTT FREIMAN AND KEN WOMACK COLLABORATE AND CONDUCT:THE FAB FOUR MASTER CLASS
You take two bright minds who foster, stimulate and encourage intellectual growth and development, and put them together to teach an Online Beatles Master Class, and you have a clear recipe for success. This fee-based course which you can choose the episodes you wish to purchase, view, and “participate in” are valuable resources to expand your Beatles knowledge. They also have a flat rate where you can decide to pay a single discounted reduced rate to enjoy viewing all of the presentations being offered in that particular Master Class. Details are provided in the links below.
Did I forget to mention that Professor Womack also teaches a Beatles class at Monmouth University in New Jersey? So little time…so much to know! JHB (Yellow Submarine)!
Just want to conclude by saying I enjoy the work of both of these highly-skilled educators. I hope they will continue to release more wonderful and powerful works that will make us smile and “think.”
Closing motto:“The Day You Stop Learning, is the Day You Stop Living!”
BUZZ
OUR BOOK OF THE WEEK – RECIPE RECORDS
Recipe Records – A Culinary Tribute to The Beatles
Invite your friends to “jam” with recipes such as “Stuffed Sgt. Peppers,” “Strawberry Pie Forever,” “Savoy Truffles,” “You Say Goodbye, I Say Jell-O,” and more! The cookbook contains recipes which “pair well” with song selections, trivia, stories, quips, and quotes about the Fabs. 50 recipes to celebrate 50 years of the Fabs are cleverly set out, and feature recipes from Beatles Book Store friends, Jude Southerland Kessler and David Bedford! This book makes a terrific gift for anyone who likes to eat….and dig The Beatles!
Thorsten Knublauch is the person that I turn to for information about the Beatles in Germany. I also depend upon his expertise when learning about some of the prominent Germans who played a significant role in the Beatles history. Through Thorsten’s efforts, he was able to secure a German Klaus Voormann rarity for me which I thought I would never see and I am extremely grateful for his kindness.
Richard Forrest has stated on his website Klaus Voormann’s Early Record Covers. | recordart that the record cover that I obtained from Thorsten (shown above) is one of the rarest Klaus cover designs, it is not a jazz album like many other Klaus album covers of the time, it is a kind of radio air play. released in Germany. Richard has implied that the album described below by Thorsten may be the Golden Fleece for a Klaus Voormann designed LP cover collector to be able to find for their collections
Only a handful were made and Thorsten assumes that it was an in-house product for the Deutsche Grammophon record company in Germany.
Klaus and many of his existential German colleagues were big fans of jazz music prior to the explosion of beat music which was spearheaded by the Beatles after they had served their training period in Hamburg!
According to Thorsten, Klaus Voormann got a commission from Reinhart Wolf in 1960/1 to illustrate the covers for a series of jazz re-issue EPs called Pioneers of Jazz. These archival recordings were released on the German Coral label, another Deutsche Grammophon imprint at the time. Klaus illustrated all twenty covers. This photograph is from Richard Forrest’s excellent website at the link provided above:
MORE OF THE STORY:
According to Thorsten Knublauch,in late 1961, probably as a Christmas gift for employees at Deutsche Grammophon, Klaus was commissioned to design the cover for the LP album entitled: Wer nie im Bett Programm gemacht. The LP is a a kind of radio air play which distinguishes it from the 20 LP Pioneers ofJazz series that Klaus designed around the same time (see above).
The title of the LP translates thanks to a translation by Thorsten Knublauch: “Who never made (a, or the) program in bed…“
The front cover of the LP where you can see where Klaus acknowledges himself midway up the post that resides at the right hand side- near the foot of the bedit states: VOORMANN
The back cover of the LP:
Apparently the guy on the back cover is replying to what is being said on the front cover (translation provided by Thorsten Knublauch):
It seems this is the listener who writes a letter to the radio station:
“and when I turned off your lame broadcast in disgust, I threw the radio down, which is why I have to charge you the replacement value of the same type….”
Thorsten’s Description
Thorsten’s description to me of what he believes the release was and why? I trust this man’s judgement completely regarding anything that has to do with German based recordings. He is clearly the best!!!
Thorsten Knublauch’s analysis and conjecture regarding the origin of the LP:
“Ok – as far as I found out and theorized – according to the content of the album – I assume this was an in-house product for the Deutsche Grammophon record company in Germany that was located in Hamburg. There were quite a few jokes that relate to other music business companies, radio stations or papers or records mainly in North Germany.
The album itself has no catalogue number – perhaps the stamped number 004169 was it. What is more important is the M1 stamp. As you might know, this is a system on records from the company that means M=12th letter of the alphabet = December (they counted I and J as one as it looks the same in large letters.) 1 means first year of the decade. So the record was pressed December 1961. And guess what – this is the same stamp that you find on the second My Bonnie pressing with the English intro – this had been pressed in December 1961, too, but was released late January early February 62.
So my fair guess is: this was a Christmas gift for staff or customers of the company in 1961…”
ThorstenKnublauch
It is the cover that is interesting for the collector, states Thorsten, as the content was not very impressive!
These images were kindly provided to me by Thorsten Knublauch: The description that Thorsten provided above has the following illustrative images for support:
Here is the indicator that Klaus was involved in the album cover design. As well as his notable artistic style reflected on the cover, his surname also appears on the cover as indicated here:
Here is a different view of the location where the surname of Voormann appears on the cover:
A parting commentary from Thorsten Knublauchand a few comments from me:
“You might know. Klaus worked as a graphic artist for various companies – no idea if freelance or as a staff member. The record sleeves he did at the time – the Jazz EP series or the Walk Don’t Run sleeve were also from the Deutsche Grammophon group in the years 1960-1961. He got the jobs through Reinhart Wolf – the photographer where Astrid, Klaus and Jürgen worked around 1960 as assistants.“
Thorsten has said that collectors should be careful when purchasing the Walk Don’t Run picture sleeve which is historical as this sleeve was presented by Klaus to John Lennon when Klaus introduced himself to the band in Hamburg. Thorsten has informed me that the sleeve has been frequently bootlegged. Be careful not to buy a photocopy or a reprint with colour logo or bands‘ name on the sleeve – as shown here. The original is also shown below the bootleg cover.
A sample of the bootleg cover:
What an original Klaus Voorman “Walk Don’t Run” picture sleeve looks like: (photo sent to me courtesy of Thorsten Knublauch)
In closing this blog post I want to mention the masterwork of Thorsten Knublauch. You should see the incredible prices that this book is currently commanding on Ebay! THE BEATLES MACH SCHAU IN HAMBURG
Published by Apcor Publishing in April of 2021
Back cover of this great book:
Completely sold out!! All 500 copies of the book have been sold and it will not be reprinted! That is one of the reasons it commands high prices if you are fortunate enough to be able to locate one…
Quality-the best term I can use to sum up the book!!!
A few years ago, I was introduced to Martin Orkin, who was writing a book entitled Rivals of the Beatles. This described various groups that were not only contemporaries of the Beatles, but also their fierce competitors who were vying for the bragging rights of record sales. Martin’s book was excellent and he defended his thesis with nobility at virtually every turn. When the first volume sold out, we all became the beneficiaries of the exciting Volume 2 of the Rivals book.
We are fortunate that Martin has now undertaken the task of writing two more books which I am sure will be a very welcome addition to our Beatle book libraries. I recently received a press release from Martin detailing the content of his next, two-part, Beatles title. Here we go with Martin’s Press Release for ‘The Beatles’ Hit Singles’
‘The Beatles’ Hit Singles’ Parts 1 & 2: Coming soon! Part 1 due c November 2025. Part 2 due c November 2026.
An exciting forthcoming attraction for all Beatles fans!! Two new publications that NO Beatles devotee can afford tomiss!
This is the 2 volume book series about the Fab Four that you really need to own and read. A pair of fantastic newbooks which re-examine all of The Beatles’ brilliant UK and US hit singles– IN DEPTH!
Fans of the Fabs have a treat in store! There has never been a pair of Beatles-related books quite like this! An exhaustive portrayal and analysis of every UK hit single released by The Beatles during their time together. Significant American releases on 45 of tracks not issued as singles at the time in Britain, are also included. Some Beatles fans may not recall that The Beatles never actually released ‘Yesterday’ or ‘Do You Want To Know A Secret’ as UK singles at the time – which they maybe should have done. Instead, these and more great songs were given away to friends, or left to others to chart with.
The Beatles’ Hit Singles Parts 1 & 2 explains everything that happened – and why!
The front covers* of the two new books:
The Beatles Hit Singles
Due c November 2025 Due c November 2026
The rear covers* of the two new books:
The Beatles Hit Singles
The covers shown above are still being finalised. There may be minor variations to the text and colours in the final books.
The Beatles’ Hit Singles will be in two parts as follows: Part 1: Beatlemania, 1962-1965. Part 2: Magical Mystery Tour, 1966-1970.
Part 1 covers everything from the very first Beatles-related single ‘My Bonnie’, first issued in Britain in January 1962, up to possibly their most inventive release yet: ‘Day Tripper’/‘We Can Work It Out’, which came out in December 1965.
Part 2 then takes over the story, starting with the non-UK ‘Nowhere Man’, a US single in early 1966, and then encompasses the brilliant ‘Paperback Writer’ and ‘Yellow Submarine’/‘Eleanor Rigby’ through to The Beatles’ last single as a functioning group: ‘Let It Be’, and a final US 45: ‘The Long And Winding Road’ in 1970.
What is unique and special about The Beatles’ Hit Singles?
Each chapter of these books will include impressive detail about the single itself and its journey in the music world after it was released. Iconic colour images of picture sleeves are planned. Areas covered in The Beatles’ Hit Singles will include:
Who wrote the songs.
Who sang, and who played what instruments.
When were the tracks recorded, and the singles released.
Chart statistics.
How many copies were sold.
Reviews from the time.
Plus Martin’s own loving and penetrating analysis of each single in turn, explaining how each one of them formed a special part of the Beatles’ expedition from lovable moptops to superstars and musical spokesmen for their generation.
It will all be here in these great new forthcoming books! Unlike many Beatles authors who came on the scene later, sometimes much later, Martin was around at the time when ‘Please Please Me’ really put The Beatles on the musical map in Britain in January 1963. He then followed their story in fascination as Beatlemania arrived, and then all the twists and turns which came after. These titles come from a music lover who watched the whole drama unfold step by step at the time. With The Beatles’ Hit Singles Parts 1 & 2, Beatles fans truly have a treat in store!
A reminder that anyone with any queries or a possible interest in buying a copy, to contact Martin at: enquiries@rivalsofthebeatles.com
Expected Publication Dates for The Beatles’ Hit Singles:
Part 1: Beatlemania, 1962-1965 due November 2025.
Part 2: Magical Mystery Tour, 1966-1970 is likely to become available c November 2026 – if possible!
More information and how to order:
MARTIN’S WEBSITE:
The Beatles’ Hit Singles Part 1 will initially only be availabledirect from Martin or via his dedicated websiteHome
htpps//www.rivalsofthebeatles.com, and possibly Amazon.
Martin plans a generous Special Introductory Price offer!
For more information and to order a copy of The Beatles’ Hit Singles Part 1 when it becomes available, please go to Martin’s dedicated website at the link above. To register your interest email Martin at enquiries@rivalsofthebeatles.com
With these fab new Beatles’ singles books, a splendid time is guaranteed for all!
Enjoy the opportunity to hear Martin Orkin talk about his successful first Rivals of The Beatles book:
Recipe Records – A Culinary Tribute to The Beatles
Invite your friends to “jam” with recipes such as “Stuffed Sgt. Peppers,” “Strawberry Pie Forever,” “Savoy Truffles,” “You Say Goodbye, I Say Jell-O,” and more! The cookbook contains recipes which “pair well” with song selections, trivia, stories, quips, and quotes about the Fabs. 50 recipes to celebrate 50 years of the Fabs are cleverly set out, and feature recipes from Beatles Book Store friends, Jude Southerland Kessler and David Bedford! This book makes a terrific gift for anyone who likes to eat….and dig The Beatles!
When We Was Fab by ANDY NEILL and GREG ARMSTRONG-SPECIAL LEATHERETTE 300 COPY EDITION (Please Note: Leatherette is not a leather-bound book-it is made to look like a leather-bound book)
THE DETERMINATION OF THE SUPER COLLECTOR IN ACQUIRING THE SPECIAL 300 COPY EDITION:
Release Date: October 1, 2025
The problem evident in collecting is that collectors can often run into various obstacles in obtaining what they may want to purchase. For example, if you like to collect limited edition books, they are often very expensive or they may be sold-out even before you become aware of their existence. Before we further explore that issue, I want to discuss the distinction that Australia has in regards to the reception they gave to the Beatles when they arrived in the Land Down Under!!!
There are many younger Beatle fans that are not aware that the biggest Beatles fan reception that the band ever received in any country of the world was in Australia (Not the US, Not in the UK, nor any individual country in Europe). What I am about to tell you, may disappoint you, or you may have mixed feelings about, but if you are a super Beatles collector that does not live in Australia or New Zealand, it will test your skills and determination as a collector.
I am assuming that because of the large costs of postage to send the books to the US or Europe or Japan, sales of the books described in this post with the exception of the Amazon title are limited to purchasers that reside in either Australia or NZ. Perhaps, If you happen to know someone through your Beatle connections that lives in Australia that would be willing to purchase the book on your behalf, that would be a possible way to obtain and send to you either of the 2 titles described below that will be issued on Oct. 1, 2025.
THE 300 COPY LIMITED EDITION
When We Was Fab
Woodslane PressWhen the site opens up- type in Beatles in the search grid and it will bring up the two October 1, 2025 editions of the book:
Description of the book above:Provided by Woodlane Press
The Beatles’ historic – and hysterical – tour of Australasia was now over 60 years ago, but interest in the band and the visit never fades. The importance of the tour remains deeply significant, not only in the memories of baby boomers who lived through it, but also to today’s millennials who wish they had. The Beatles Australasian tour is continually celebrated as a major social landmark for both countries, a huge and lasting step in the advancing development of youth culture, and a major highlight of the Beatles’ remarkable career.
When We Was Fab: Inside The Beatles Australasian Tour 1964 is the definitive and highly illustrated (with many previously unseen photographs) account of this extraordinary tour by the world’s most creative and influential musical force; the key moment in the coming of age of Australian and New Zealand youth as they embraced the cultural explosion of the 1960s. This leatherette hardcover collectors’ edition is limited to 300 copies.
THE AMAZON HARDBACK EDITION
The following book is the edition that started it all for me. I bought it on Amazon and I was very happy I did as I was not aware that the publication of the hardcover was a limited run. I have been told that now there is only a few copies left of the hardcover edition at select Amazon sites! It is a gorgeous book, many beautiful photos and stories
WHEN WE WAS FAB: INSIDE THE BEATLES AUSTRALASIAN TOUR 1964 by ANDY NEILL and GREG ARMSTRONG
WHEN WE WAS FAB: INSIDE THE BEATLES AUSTRALASIAN TOUR 1964 by ANDY NEILL and GREG ARMSTRONG
Description- Flexibound edition-to be issued on October 1, 2025–WOODSLANE PRESS
The Beatles historic – and hysterical – tour of Australasia was now over 60 years ago, but interest in the band and the visit never fades. The importance of the tour remains deeply significant, not only in the memories of baby boomers who lived through it, but also to today’s millennials who wish they had. The Beatles Australasian tour is continually celebrated as a major social landmark for both countries, a huge and lasting step in the advancing development of youth culture, and a major highlight of the Beatles’ remarkable career.
When We Was Fab: Inside The Beatles Australasian Tour 1964 is the definitive and highly illustrated (with many previously unseen photographs) account of this extraordinary tour by the world’s most creative and influential musical force; the key moment in the coming of age of Australian and New Zealand youth as they embraced the cultural explosion of the 1960s. This new flexi-bound edition follows the sold-out limited edition hardback which was marketed on Amazon
In truth, flexi-bound books are closer in their binding style to a cased book (hardback book) than to a limp book (paperback book). The only difference being that flexi-bound book covers are made of flexible card stock, instead of a rigid binding board. Just like a cased book, the edges of the cover overhang the book block.
This means that whilst the two book styles are almost identical in their binding processes, a finished flexi-bound book remains lightweight with its flexible cover.
HAPPY HUNTING!!
BUZZ
OUR BOOK OF THE WEEK – THE CUTTING EDGE
The Cutting Edge (Hardback Limited Edition)
The Beatles’ hair changed the world. As their increasingly wild, untamed manes grew, to the horror of parents everywhere, they set off a cultural revolution as the most tangible symbol of the Sixties’ psychedelic dream of peace, love and playful rebellion. In the midst of this epochal change was Leslie Cavendish, hairdresser to the Beatles and some of the greatest stars of the music and entertainment industry.
