With a little bit of humor or (humour), if you prefer: Every time a Beatle or an ex-Beatle ever sneezed or passed gas, the press and hardcore fans lent their eyes and ears and (who nose what else?) to the event and paid attention! (The misspelling in red is intentional) Pun hell! The paparazzi were so adamant and persistent in their willingness to preserve the earth-shattering events which most of us would term inconsequential for posterity, because of the Beatles immense fan following and worldwide fame. Though that trend is not as fanatical anymore, I am still amazed at the stories that continue to appear in new Beatles books that shed further light on the magical story of those four men from Liverpool. Book collectors like me still yearn to learn new information about them in order to more fully understand and comprehend the elixir and special ingredients that made them so unique and distinct. In 500 or more years, I firmly believe the Beatles will still be studied by both academics and music fans alike. Not sure of how many present-day performers will live up to that gold standard of excellence!
With over three thousand books having been published about the Beatles over the years, have you ever given any thought to a subject matter about them that you would like to see explored or expanded upon in much greater detail in a book format?
With those three thousand books I know that I have come across some subjects of interest that I would love to see some enterprising and inquisitive young author explore and investigate in far greater detail in both words and photography from what we have been exposed to up to this point! Here are some of the subjects I would like to see handled in a complete book about the subject! At the end in the comment section, I would love to see your suggestions as to the Beatles book that has not adequately covered the subject in question! I also understand that some of the ideas presented below will never be published because of the sensitive nature of the material that would be required in a project of that type. You will see which ones fall under that category as the ideas that I personally would like to see as book projects are presented and described. One of the hangups for any prospective author of any of these projects would be the immense task of securing the permission from copyright owners to be able to use the photos that would be crucial ingredients necessary to the mix.
These book ideas are being presented randomly and are not by any means being displayed in order of my perceived importance of the idea:
The Beatles went to Greece in July 1967
A month after the release of Sgt. Pepper, the Beatles travelled to Greece to explore the possibility of purchasing a Greek Island to establish a communal environment to get away from the pressures and hassles of Beatlemania and fandom.
During this trip the Beatles did some sightseeing and were in many historical locations such as Delphi. Many beautiful photos have circulated on the internet over the years yet no book detailing the events of that excursion have ever appeared in book form. I personally would love to see a book of that nature appear.
Here is a collection of YouTube pieces about that excursion. The following month, their manager would no longer be alive to share in the group’s future successful ventures nor be there to prevent the final dissolution of the band that he loved so much!
The photos in a book of this sort would probably be worth the price of the book regardless of the supporting text.
From Fabulous – October 7, 1967
THE BEATLES SEEK TO BUY A GREEK ISLAND
Recap: what we’ve learned about the Beatles’ Greek island mystery
The Beatles’ Travels in Greece and the Dream of an Island Utopia – GreekReporter.com
When The Beatles Almost Bought a Greek Island Retreat – Greek City Times
On This Day July 23, 1967: When the Beatles Almost Bought a Greek Island – The Pappas Post
When The Beatles tried to buy an island
The Beatles go on holiday together to buy a Greek island
Beatles Trip to Greece Home Movies
1967 THE BEATLES WANT TO BUY GREEK ISLANDS – PLASTIC EP WITH JONATHAN KNOTT (FREELANCE JOURNALIST)
The Beatles Forgotten Greek Adventure (1967) Rare Photos
JOHN AND PAUL IN NY IN 1968 TO INTRODUCE APPLE
John and Paul came to New York in 1968 to announce the formation of Apple. They made many stops and appearances including, their press conference at the Americana, The Tonight Show, A surprise sojourn in Central Park, staying at Nat Weiss’ apartment, giving several interviews, and a business meeting on a Chinese Junk near the Statue of Liberty. There are many excellent photographs from these events and if the rights could be secured by the future author it would make a fabulous book. Even though Brian had passed on, he was fully aware of the Apple idea, unfortunately there was no one that could have taken Brian’s place that could have successfully managed those 4 complex personalities as well as Brian could. He made some big errors in merchandising Beatles product but usually his Beatles decisions were spot on. It probably would have broken his heart to learn that it was business decisions that was the primary factor in the band splitting up about three years after he passed on!
John Lennon and Paul McCartney Press Conference Americana Hotel, New York City May 14, 1
John Lennon, Paul McCartney on The Tonight Show, May 14, 1968, Complete Audio
The Beatles (John & Paul) Interview with Mitchelle Krause – 14th May 1968
Paul McCartney & John Lennon 1968 Full Interview
Beatles place: New York, Central Park, Andersen statue – Beatlestracks
Lot Detail – John Lennon & Paul McCartney Vintage 1968 Photograph
♫ John Lennon and Paul McCartney on boat cruising the New York Harbor, 1968
A magazine from my magazine collection featuring John in NY to promote Apple:
Above photo: Beatles in New York: John Lennon and Paul McCartney, with Mal Evans, Arrive in New York. Photo by Fred W McDarragh Magic Alex is featured to the left of John Lennon.
JAPANESE JAILBIRD-THE STORY OF PAUL’S MARIJUANA BUST IN JAPAN
In 1980 Paul McCartney was busted in Japan for marijuana possession when he was about to do a Wings tour. He was kept in prison for 9 or 10 days. While he was in prison, he took the time to write a journal of those days and events. He said it wasn’t a big book, but he kept those memories for his children and gave the copies of the journal so they would know their father’s stories and emotions about the time. Some say that a few close friends also got copies from Paul.
One never knows if the content is of such a personal nature that a book would ever result from those notes, but a fan can always hope that the decision will one day be made to allow it!
Paul McCartney writes his “Japanese Jailbird” memories • The Paul McCartney Project
Paul McCartney arrested in Japan 1980 Full rare video
Paul McCartney Drug Bust Jailed |Japan Bust Jan. 16, 1980
Faul McCartney, talks about his 10 days in japanese jail (1980)._
The cancelled tour program for Japan prepared for 1980’s tour of the country:
EPSTEIN (EASTMAN) VS. KLEIN AND THE REST OF THE STORY
(If you are an attorney, please realize that I am posing these questions as an interested fan in order to fully understand motivations, and issues of fairness and justification for a legal action being warranted) I understand that many of my interests are based on legal ignorance behind these matters but I am just expressing the desire to see this information made public one day in some manner!
Here is one book that we will probably definitely never see and for a multiplicity of reasons. I would love to see the FULL legal wranglings of the Eastman family and of Allen Klein in their catalog of legal actions either done on the Beatles behalf or to secure their breakup against one another. Would like to read the full depositions in all of the cases and what each Beatle was being sued for along the way. Would also like to read the full decisions made in the cases. The book would also include the cases where the Beatles would take action collectively against Capitol and/or EMI and how the courts reached their decisions in those cases. How did the Beatles secure a multi-million-dollar settlement with the Apple corporation of Steve Jobs. In doing so I do believe the Beatles did lose their exclusive rights to use the Apple moniker in cases other than music delivery. (I could be wrong about this) That is not a legal description as I am not a lawyer, but the Beatles did lose the exclusive ownership naming rights for products using the Apple heading for items other than musical records issued by the Beatles company, Apple. I would love to learn more of the details of that case and how inaccurate my comments or perceptions from above actually are?
Ironic that the Beatles started out with Brian Epstein as their manager whose goal was to keep them as working band, and then 3 of them chose Allen Klein, one of them chose the Eastmans who had changed their name from Epstein to Eastman and then they are seeking all of the reasons that they should NOT remain as a working band! How could a story have become so bizarre and strategically, non-cyclical and tragic? I don’t want the press to make the judgements for me about the correctness of the business dealings or of one individual vs. another as I would love to see the documents myself to see if the public might see things a different way if they were allowed to read the various legal documents. Obviously, the attorney’s intention and obligation are to present their client’s viewpoints and interests on a particular demand and defend it legally and they have the right of privacy if stated as part of the settlement or resolution of the case until the matters are presented in court where they become part of the public record. I won’t bore you anymore with my lack of legal knowledge but there are issues that I would love to see answers to one day! Highly doubtful, though! My comments are not intended to criticize or devalue the right of the lawyer to defend their client’s interests. That does not prevent the public from having the right of seeing the resolution of any case as being unfair or morally unjustifiable.
For example, we all know that Paul McCartney wanted the Beatles to remain together as a working band. probably more so than the other three Beatles. I would love to know what the business issue was that prevented him from attending the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame Induction ceremonies for the Beatles? It had to be something of a very serious nature in order to do something of that nature. I know these legal matters have privacy issues that need to be respected. All I am expressing is my personal desire to know the answer to so many questions I have about some of those legal matters. I honestly do not want to pit one Beatle vs. another Beatle as many Beatles fans end up doing because of their loyalty to a specific favorite individual in the group. I look for answers to questions about fairness and being reasonable in order to assist me in determine my own sense of right and wrong as it involves those lawsuits.
I just have a desire to see more of the complexities of the business issues that were the primary factors in the group’s final dissolution. When it comes to business and $$$$ dealings, I am always skeptical of official explanations from the parties directly involved as they have the vested interests in the court settlements and outcomes and will always put their own best foot forward!
THE BOOKS DURING THEIR SOLO CAREERS THAT WERE STOPPED BY ATTORNEYS AND WHY?
I would love to see a book exploring all of the books that the solo Beatles or their executors tried to put a stop to or halt publication of. I know of at least three books that were intended for publication by various authors and the attorneys quickly halted publication by stating that legal action might be forthcoming if the book was published. The authors and the publishers fearing lengthy court battles and heavily incurred expenses as a result would make the attempt to publish the books fruitless. I do not want to seem mean spirited with that description as the attorneys certainly must have had some powerful legal grounds that would justify their challenge to the publication. As a fan I would love to see the books, but I also realize there are other person’s rights as a main part of this argument. The Stones were right when they said, “You Can’t Always get What You Want.”
However, you still can express your interest in the idea!
LOOKING FOR THE GOLD MAN!!!
I may be dreaming about this book idea, but I have always wanted to see a respected Beatles book author do a book turning the tables on Albert Goldman. I do not know how much of Albert Goldman’s book is the absolute truth. However, if I believed the tone and the entire text of that volume I would think that John was one of the worst human beings ever with absolutely no moral compass. That is the tone that Goldman uses in his books to bring down pop culture icons and heroes. John’s musical talents become secondary in the story as if that did not matter to the narrative. I would love to see research done using the book researchers notes to ascertain what Goldman’s motives were in writing his scathing Lennon character assassination. An unusual task indeed, one author investigating the motives and intentions of another author and how that impacts the accuracy and conclusions drawn of the final resulting product. The turning of the tables sometimes can result in their own shocking findings about the writer of the original controversial piece!
Sounds like a damn good idea to me! Hope someone tackles it one day!
John Lennon & Albert Goldman: The making of a bestseller (Channel 4 1988)
A look at Albert Goldman’s Book about John Lennon, – YouTube
Liverpool Vs Albert Goldman !!
John Lennon and Albert Goldman: The Making of A Bestseller part 2/10
John Lennon and Albert Goldman: The Making of A Bestseller Part 3/10
John Lennon and Albert Goldman: The Making of A Bestseller part 4/10
John Lennon and Albert Goldman: The Making of A Bestseller part 6/10
John Lennon and Albert Goldman: The Making of A Bestseller part 7/10
John Lennon and Albert Goldman: The Making of A Bestseller part 8/10
John Lennon and Albert Goldman: The Making of A Bestseller part 9/10
John Lennon and Albert Goldman: The Making of A Bestseller part 10/10
Albert Goldman & Dakota memories with Caitlin Hair (from Glass Onion: On John Lennon Episode 56)
BUSINESS OFFERS THE INDIVIDUAL SOLO EX-BEATLES RECEIVED FOLLOWING THE BREAKUP-DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS OF THE OFFERS RECEIVED AND WHY THEY MAY HAVE TURNED THEM DOWN!
Hidden in the files of probably all four Beatles are attempts by many individuals from various business interests who have attempted to solicit the participation of an ex-Beatles in a project for them which for one reason or another was declined. I would love to know what those projects were and the reasons they were declined:
Here are a few examples: I believe Francis Ford Coppola during John’s retirement years was subtly fishing around to see if John would consider to ever write music for a Coppola film. John wrote a reply to Francis declining his kind offer but one cannot help but think what that collaboration would have been like? Another abandoned project was a full movie version of Scouse the Mouse featuring the voice of Ringo which never happened. Paul had written at least 10 songs for a stage presentation musical of It’s a Wonderful Life. Apparently, there were differences of opinion between the writer of the music and the producer as to how the music would be featured in the musical and those differences of opinion led to the project being abandoned. Furthermore, the producer passed away soon after the disagreement had doomed the project!
WHAT FOOLS THEY HAVE BEEN?- A DETAILED HISTORY OF THE FOOL AND THEIR BEATLES-RELATED ACTIVITIES
I would love to see a detailed book about the Fool’s activities with the Beatles and Apple both in their artistic and painting ventures and their clothes design talents. They even made an attempt at composing music, and the album was produced by none other than Graham Nash!
A BOOK OF “ALL” OF THE MICHAEL COOOPER OUTTAKE PHOTOS AND ALL OF THE PREPARATORY PHOTOS FROM THE SGT. PEPPER SESSIONS
I would love to see all of the late Michael’s Cooper photos of the Beatles and photos he had about the creation of the album cover issued as a book. His son Adam Cooper has the rights to his dad’s photos I believe and boy that would make for a fascinating and interesting book. Many of the people involved in the creation of the cover are still alive and could contribute valuable stories. Another book idea would be to feature all of the rejected album cover ideas that the Beatles decided NOT to use. That would make for another interesting book.
A potential book of controversy: Magic Alex
Photo is from Sara Schmidt’s wonderful website:
Meet the Beatles for Real: Remembering Magic Alex
A BOOK ABOUT THE STORY OF “NOT SO” MAGIC ALEX:
I personally would love to read a book that deals with the persuasive abilities of Magic “Alexis Madras” and how the Beatles held on to being loyal towards a man who received much criticism from the Beatles inner circle. Producer George Martin for example was very cynical and critical about what Alex brought to the group. Did he stay on because the other Beatles realized if they spoke out against him that would incur John Lennon’s wrath? Being in deference to John’s wishes is not strong enough of an argument for me and I would like to learn more. There had to be more to this mystery. One has to wonder when most of his gadgets failed, why did the Beatles continue to finance these ideas? I would love to see his biography which would explore his life to explain what about him that made him so persuasive in the Beatles circle! Magic Alex passed away in Greece in 2017.
Does the answer to my question involve how naive the Beatles in general and John specifically could be at lengthy spurts of their career?
Samples of the criticism levelled at Alexis Madras:
The inventor who divided George Martin and The Beatles
Magic Alex : How a weird inventor almost broke the Beatles
Magic Alex – Walls Of Jericho [Bus, United Kingdom]
Magic Alex: The Con Man who fooled The Beatles
THE ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF THIS BOOK FROM KLAUS VOORMANN WHICH THE BBC IS USING FOR THEIR 6-PART BEATLES IN HAMBURG TV SERIES
The BBC is doing a 6-part TV series inspired by Klaus Voormann’s printed work from his German biography (shown below) and from his books, Beatles in Hamburg (with Astrid) and the book It Started in Hamburg.
I want so badly to have an English translation of this book. I can understand a bit of German and can translate some of it, but I believe so many fans would delight in being able to read about Klaus’s memories in an English language version of this book. A rudimentary knowledge of German to me is insufficient to fully appreciate this title. Come on Klaus, you can have this done! What a gift to both your fans and your legacy!
Rough translation of the title: “Why don’t you play Imagine on the white piano, John?”
In the comments section, don’t forget to tell me what book ideas that you have that you would love to one day see published?
I should run a contest with this question to see who comes up with the best idea and on what grounds that they base their choices?
Be healthy and be happy everyone, and thanks for reading the post!
Buzz
