COLLECTORS ALERT! THE BEATLES IN ITALY PART 3 (July 1965/July 1970)
THE BEATLES IN ITALY PART 3 (July 1965/July 1970) is the third and final chapter after the two acclaimed books on the Fab Four in Italy (1963/65 and 1965/67).
It’s scheduled for release on October 27, 2023. Another Fab collection of artifacts from the era, this time on a massive 540-page photographic book. Authors and fellow collectors Fulvio Fiore and Alex Franchi have privately published this as a limited, hand-numbered edition. If you enjoyed the 1st two chapters you’ll be delighted by this one! How the Italian press reported on the Beatles, from the psychedelic era, through Apple, until the breakup. A splendid time is guaranteed for all the readers, so don’t miss this one!
Please contact the author Alex Franchi for further information. Enjoy the sample pics and email him to reserve your copy, or send him an e-mail: soundlover30@hotmail.com
Sample Pages from the Book – The Beatles in Italy 3
What to think about the release of the final Beatles song Now and Then? Should we be excited or rather skeptical? I will welcome it with an open mind. Give it the benefit of the doubt. Personally, I find it interesting that the (remaining) Beatles have used Artificial Intelligence to create Now and Then.
Digital creativity to replace the analogue musical innovations, like tape loops, they introduced in the sixties. I will be looking for Beatlesque musical elements in Now and Then as described in The Secret of Their Music (The Beatles Era). Real musical innovations, I am afraid, are not to be expected.
Now what about the presentations of the song? The very last song of the Beatles Now and Then, combined with their first Love Me Do on one single underlines or maybe overestimates the importance of the moment. In addition to the single, Now and Then will be added to new expanded version of the Blue Double Album in different presentations. Is this marketing? Sure. Is this milking business? Possibly.
But here also I like to look at it in a more positive way. Projects like this are undoubtfully pursued for commercial reasons but have the additional benefit that the legacy of the Beatles is very well preserved. So let’s enjoy the moment on November second and let’s try to see it all in perspective.
The Beatles first engineer, Norman “Hurricane” Smith, who engineered their recordings up to and including Rubber Soul. Geoff Emerick was to take over the mantle from Norman. Not only was Norman an engineer, he was also a writer and performer who had a hit 45 with the single “Oh Babe, What Would You Say.” He also had a stint at producing.
The book pictured below with the signature, I purchased from Norman at the Fest For Beatles Fans in 2007. It truly was a pleasure meeting him. Norman passed away in 2008.
Norman Smith’s “Oh Babe What Would You Say”
Published specifically for the 2007 Fest for Beatles Fans Published by Opix Media London and Ireland:
John Lennon Called Normal
Norman Smith’s signature
Smith’s Autograph
Published by Lulu 2008 after Norman had passed, this is the more recent edition of Norman’s book.
Several Iveys/ Badfinger print Items that I have acquired over the years which I hope you will find interesting to peruse.
The first series of items are petty cash invoices signed by Pete Ham, Tom Evans, Joey Molland, and Mike Gibbins. One of the tragic elements of having Badfinger petty cash invoices is their tragic story of how their recording success did not translate into financial security. According to many sources, financial mismanagement by impresario, S. Polley, ultimately led to drive two members of the band to commit suicide. The drummer, Mike, is also now deceased and the only surviving member of Badfinger is Ron Griffiths, formerly of the Iveys, who was with Badfinger for only a short time, and Joey Molland, who replaced Griffiths in the band.
Pete Ham petty cash invoice:
Pete Ham Petty Cash Receipt
Tom Evans petty cash invoice:
Tom Evans Petty Cash Receipt
Mike Gibbins petty cash invoice:
Mike Gibbins Petty Cash receipt
Joey Molland petty cash invoice:
Joey Molland Petty Cash Receipt
Petty cash voucher signed by early Iveys/ Badfinger manager-Bill Collins:
Petty Cash Receipt for Bill Collins
A nice handwritten inscribed message to me from early Iveys/Badfinger member, Ron Griffiths. Ron wrote the Badfinger song “Dear Angie.”
Autograph of Ron Griffiths
For a recent cd release, Joey Molland did a fundraising event with Kickstarter whereby pledging a certain amount could secure a handwritten Badfinger song by Joey even if Joey did not write the song. I chose “Apple of My Eye” for several reasons. It was Pete Ham’s song of regret of having to leave Apple Records and it also referred directly and indirectly to the problems that artists have in dealing with record companies. This was unfortunately to get much worse for Badfinger when they moved on to their new record company. Sad to realize that the end of the both the Beatles and Badfinger were issues related to business and management. This song summarizes for me what business problems can lead to with a band.
Apple of My Eye by Pete Ham of Badfinger
If you would like to learn more about the tragic story of Badfinger, I highly recommend the following book by the late Dan Matovina which is superb. It is difficult to track down and commands high prices because of the great demand.
Without You – The Tragic Story of Badfinger
Without You – The Tragic Story of Badfinger
Buzz
Two Great Books about Badfinger at The Beatles Bookstore
Heavenly Encounters: Wish You Were Here Part 2 (Paperback)
Inspired by the group Badfinger.
Rock star Tomas Alvers finds that searching for his friend Paul isn’t as simple as he’d hoped. Still in Heaven, Tomas meets past souls from times gone by, such as Marc Bolan and Marylin Monroe. Along the way, Tomas discovers a strange and mysterious stone and stumbles upon an exact replica of a club where his Earthly band debuted.
Taupin and Lennon on stage – special thanks to David Morrell
Information about the Beatles is of course not just limited to books written solely about the Beatles.
One of the reasons it is difficult to keep up with the information onslaught in compiling a Beatles-related library is that there is a significant amount of little-known stories and information about the band and their solo careers found with friends and associates the Beatles made over the years. These individuals, who are often superstars themselves, manage to come out with stories of their own in their respective books!
A wonderful example of that is the new book by Elton John’s lyricist, Bernie Taupin with his terrific new book entitled “Scattershot.”
There is a chapter in this book that Bernie writes about his experiences with John Lennon entitled “John Lennon’s Not So Lost Weekend.” Not to detract from the other interesting parts of the book that have nothing to do with the Fab Four or John Lennon specifically, but the Lennon chapter I found to be especially riveting as Taupin deals with both Lennon’s insecurities and his own. For example, at the famous Elton Thanksgiving concert, when it was time for the encore and John’s return to the stage to play tambourine with Taupin, they literally had to encourage and push one another to return to the stage to end the show.
Both were reticent, but their mutual fright made it easier for both of them to encourage one another to make their appearance. Bernie also tells an amusing but very sad tale about Lennon and Taupin’s encounter with Beach Boy Brian Wilson at a party. Bernie also attended a Bob Marley show with John Lennon and that is detailed in the chapter about John. Needless to say, that story gives the line, “The grass is always greener,” a totally new meaning. Bernie obviously had a lot of respect for John Lennon as did Elton John.
Some say that Bernie’s lyrics to the Lennon tribute “Empty Garden” are perhaps the best lyrics attributable to any Lennon tribute song! The Lennon/ Taupin respect for one another was obviously mutual as many people do not realize that Lennon also contributed a collage he designed for the song “Bennie and the Jets” for the book.
This is the book that the collage appears in:
Bernie Taupin’s Book
Here is the book described at the beginning of this post!
Scattershot by Bernie Taupin
Published by Hachette Books-2023
I loved this book and was so happy that I purchased it!
Bernie Taupin Scattershock
This is a signed/autographed copy that was available at Premiere Collectibles.
Signed Copy of Bernie Taupin’s Book Scattershock
Here is a brief excerpt from the beginning of the Lennon chapter in the Taupin book:
Amid Beatlemania, a fascinating and collectible item emerged, allowing fans to get a closer look at their favorite band – The Beatles arcade cards. These cards, produced by the Exhibit Card Company in the 1960s, provided a unique opportunity for fans to gaze at the lads with greater focus. Let’s dive into the world of these beloved collectibles and explore what made them so special.
A Closer Look at the Beatles Arcade Cards:
The 1964 Beatles arcade cards were an instant hit among fans. Printed on heavy cardstock papers and measuring 3⅜” x 5⅜”, these postcard-sized jewels featured black and white images of the Beatles, both as a group and individually. The clarity of these cards allowed fans to study, analyze, and even memorize the profiles of their favorite band members.
The best part of the cards was the profiles of the lads! The flip side of one card read: “Left to Right: Paul (The Bouncy Beatle) McCartney; Ringo (The Quiet Beatle) Starr; George (Just a Beatle-Beatle) Harrison; and John (The Sexy Beatle) Lennon. Never in the musical history of England has there been such a mania over a group of singers such as The Beatles.”. Another read: “The ‘Beatlemania’ of the Beatles took this country by storm as well as the other countries they had visited.”
Beatles Arcade Cards Display
The Sexy Beatle
John’s card read: “NICKNAME: “The Sexy Beatle.” BIRTHDAY: Born October 9, 1940, in Liverpool. INSTRUMENT PLAYED: Rhythm guitar. GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS: 5’11” tall with brown eyes and brown hair. EDUCATION: Attended Liverpool High School and Liverpool College of Art. GENERAL INFORMATION: John plays the drums, piano, guitar, and banjo. Since he organized and gave the group its name, he was adopted as their leader. John is the only member of the Beatles who’s married and has a small son. Also, included in his many musical talents is composing.”
The Bouncy Beatle
Paul’s card read: “NICKNAME: “The Bouncy Beatle.” BIRTHDAY: Born June 18, 1942. INSTRUMENT PLAYED: Bass guitar. GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS: 5′ 11″ tall with hazel eyes and dark brown hair. EDUCATION: received a diploma in art. GENERAL INFORMATION: Paul writes all of the music for the group and has written over 100 tunes since the group started. He is fond of art and enjoys go-karting. His home then is Allerton, a suburban area of Liverpool.”
The Beatle Beatle
George’s card read: “NICKNAME: “Just a Beatle-Beatle.” BIRTHDAY: Born February 25, 1943, in Liverpool. INSTRUMENT PLAYED: Lead guitar. GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS: 6′ tall with brown eyes and brown hair. EDUCATION: He left school to become an apprentice electrician, but as he had said, “I had to stop trying to be an electrician because I kept blowing everything up.” GENERAL INFORMATION: Being interested in songwriting, he had once written a tune that the group had liked and used for a short time. Also, he enjoys parties as well as a moment of relaxation.”
The Quiet Beatle
Ringo’s card read: “NICKNAME: “The Quiet Beatle.” BIRTHDAY: Born July 7, 1940. INSTRUMENT PLAYED: Drums. GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS: 5′ 8″ tall with blue eyes and brown hair. GENERAL INFORMATION: Ringo is considered as the quiet one of the group. His name, Ringo, was given to him due to his passion for wearing many rings at one time. Since he enjoys working with his hands, he has always loved basketwork and pottery.”
Step Back in Time:
These arcade cards were not easily accessible in traditional stores. Instead, they were typically found in machines at amusement parks, arcades, tourist locations, and even alongside movie star cards. Imagine stumbling upon one of these machines, filled with anticipation as you turned the crank, waiting for a card to drop into your hands, revealing another glimpse of your idols. It must have been a fascinating experience.
Advertisement for The Beatles Arcade Cards
Collecting and Cherishing:
The popularity of these arcade cards led to a vibrant collecting culture. Fans would trade cards with friends and peers, trying to complete sets or acquire specific Beatles cards. The cards became cherished possessions, providing a tangible connection to the beloved band. The biographies on the back added an extra layer of fascination, allowing fans to become more intimately acquainted with the Fab Four.
Legacy and Reproductions:
As with any valuable and sought-after collectibles, reproductions of these arcade cards surfaced over time. However, it is essential to note that these reproductions often lacked the printed information on the back and may have lower-quality images than the originals. The passage of time has also affected the originals, giving them a classic yellow tint that adds to their nostalgic charm.
Conclusion:
The Beatles arcade cards hold a special place in the hearts of fans who grew up in the 1960s. These cherished collectibles allowed fans to gaze at the Fab Four in greater detail and provided glimpses into each band member’s personal life and musical talents. As we look back on Beatlemania, let us appreciate these arcade cards’ role in fostering a deeper connection between fans and one of the greatest bands in history.
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!
