Author's Beatles Blog - Page 58 of 122

Posted on 07/08/202407/08/2024 by Buzz — Leave a comment

BARRY MILES – THE SIXTIES AND THE BEATLES

Barry Miles has a long history of dealing with prominent figures of the ’60s. From his interactions with Jon (John) Dunbar, and Robert Fraser at the famous Indica Gallery where John met Yoko, to the involvement of Miles with the International Times, to his interactions with Paul McCartney and John Lennon, Miles represents much of the ’60s countercultural movement to a public that may have followed his work over the years. His backlog of books of figures from that age includes titles about Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac, William Burroughs, and Charles Bukowski.

Here is a limited signed edition of one of Barry Miles’s books. This title features his recollections of what he deems to be the most significant moments and issues of the ’60s. The slipcase that this book came in is not pictured in the photos provided below.

The back cover of the book:

The signature of Barry Miles on the copy that I was able to acquire:

Many Years From Now

The universally liked book that Barry Miles authored was about his good friend, Paul McCartney, called Many Years From Now. The book was well received by the public and sold many copies. It demonstrated that Paul was indeed at the forefront of examining subjects and artists that were considered avant-garde or experimental.

In a matter of historical irony, Paul was instrumental in Yoko Ono meeting John Lennon, when she was seeking famous people to contribute one of their musical transcripts or compositions as a celebratory gift to her artist friend, John Cage. She approached Paul first, and he was initially resistant to the request, and he suggested she go ask John Lennon first. This of course helped to set the wheels in motion and time and other events (like business) resulted in the songwriting partners drifting apart and helped to contribute to the eventual dissolution of the group.

This is further evidence that it is never a single factor that results in a major cultural decision or event, but it serves as a reminder that it is indeed a tangled web we weave by the things that are said and done!!! Fans speculate about such matters all of the time. It does not change what occured but people seem to have the NEED to know! The sad thing is that fans have a tendency to want to take sides and want to blame one party over the other. What we should be sad about is how lifelong friendships can deteriorate and fragment…. for whatever the reasons turn out to be!

The very rare book that was organized in part by Barry Miles (see the reference to him on the cover) was a collection of fan photos of the Beatles taken over the years. It was only on sale for about a week when either because of administrative hassles or copyright issues, the book was quickly withdrawn. Fortunately, I was able to acquire a copy from another collector, but I truly empathize with others who are frantically searching for a copy of the book and are unable to find it. I have had numerous requests from people asking me where they can acquire a copy of this book and I feel bad that I can only give them the information to keep their eyes open on eBay for someone who may be getting rid of their own personal copy.

The People’s Beatles

The Beatles – A Diary

While I was preparing this post, noted book publisher Steven Wilson reminded me of this book, which he was involved with publishing. Sometimes, keeping track of all of the Beatles-related books by a particular author and keeping them properly sorted is a difficult task. Here is a day-by-day Beatles diary authored by Miles…Thanks for the update and reminder Steven!

Finding my copy of the Beatles Diary in the collection thanks to Mr. Steven Wilson, reminded me of another Barry Miles limited edition book that I have that came in a slipcase – A special Limited Edition issued in 2012 – The Beatles Phenomenon. Published in 2012 by Omnibus and authored by Barry Miles, is described by Amazon in their promotion of the book as being; “The Beatles Phenomenon is a unique new Beatles chronicle that brings their astonishing legend to vivid life using sheet music, rare photographs and a detailed chronology of their gigs, venues, public quotes and most memorable moments.”

The Beatles Phenomenon

Of course we need to mention “The Zapple Diaries” by Barry Miles which was the first book to document the special label set up by the Beatles to deal with more non-conventional matters whether in musical expression or matters of literary concern. Zapple was a short-lived Beatles project.

Leading literary and cultural figures of the time, including Allen Ginsberg, Charles Bukowski, Richard Brautigan, William Burroughs, and Frank Zappa are discussed in the book and projects that Zapple was considering regarding these individuals are mentioned. The Zapple Diaries details and summarizes the ill-fated venture and presents a revealing account of a little-known segment of Beatles’ history.

Publisher: Abrams Image

Publication Date: 2016

The Zapple Diaries

Earlier UK cover of the book

Title: The Zapple Diaries : The Rise and Fall of the last Beatles label

Publisher: Peter Owen Limited

Publication Date: 2015

Barry Miles was such an influential part of the ’60s scene and his eyewitness accounts are essential reading.

Buzz

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Posted on 06/08/202406/08/2024 by liddypool — 3 Comments

A BRILLIANT BEATLES WEEKEND FOR 2025!!

Yes, that’s right and it will be a Beatles weekend with something totally different to celebrate the fabulous Beatles!!

So please book the dates and stand by for action of the Beatles kind.

Saturday June 21st and Sunday June 22^nd are the dates

the Venue is The Spa Pavilion in Felixstowe

And it will be Felixstowe’s first-ever Beatles weekend. In fact it is not just a weekend, it will be a festival!! and one to remember forever.

The Quarrymen and Friends

Already so far, The Quarrymen and Friends have been booked and are confirmed to play. There will also be a Question-and-Answer session, along with a discussion and presentation by David Bedford along with Nigel Pearce, the author of Inside Number Three.

Inside Number Three

Also already appearing is Nigel Pearce who will be offering the Video Inside Number Three Presentation. This will consist of a talking introduction, along with photographs, videos, and part of his invaluable Apple Records memorabilia collection. This will be a unique opportunity to see many of the fabulous items from this colourful late period of The Beatles group career. He will again answer questions and explain fully the significance of this cultural collection and movement. Quite simply a chance not to be missed!!

Nicky Horne

Even at this early stage, there is more!! The promoter has been able to obtain the appearance of EX Capital Radio DJ and Host Nicky Horne. Nicky flew to New York in 1971 and interviewed John and Yoko, then later George Harrison and these interviews will be discussed and presented for the very first time!

So, you can already see that this unique event will be the very first we believe to cover the entire career of our favourite group from 1957 up to the mid-1970s, and all in one event!! Truly groundbreaking indeed, and as said more is to be added, so keep tuned in and stay close!! There will be weekend packages, part or day tickets, along with stalls, records, and memorabilia, and we may be able to have some Beatle authors there as well It will only get bigger !!

There will also be a special website where all this information and ticket booking guides will be collated in one place, along with accommodation information, so again stay tuned, and tell your friends the date – you won’t want to miss this!!

Finally – Phew!! The Beatles Bookstore will be an integral link in this whole process, so, as usual, this is the place to be, and there are plenty of places to stay within the Felixstowe area, again information will be made available on the event website!!

Nigel Pearce

Inside No 3

Inside Number Three – The Illustrated History of Apple Records

Inside No3 takes you through that famous door, deep into the minds of all who worked there at Apple Records. This is done also in a very different way. This is not a kiss-and-tell diary, it is through fan adulation and understanding via a personal collection of artifacts and memorabilia that author Nigel Pearce has built up over the last 50 years.

For prices and dates please contact Nigel again via the website

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Posted on 05/08/202405/08/2024 by Buzz — 2 Comments

PRODUCER TONY VISCONTI – A SPECIAL 4 CD RETROSPECTIVE

Just acquired this special and wonderful 4 CD set on eBay compiling some of the best production work done by Tony Visconti. There is also a 6 LP limited edition version available of this set. The LP and CDs were released in 2023!

Tony has produced many well-known musical luminaries over the years, including David Bowie, Marc Bolan and Joe Cocker. As a special bonus to this retrospective, they also provided a signed print of Tony with the package.

Beatles Connections

For the purposes of this Beatles connections relevant to this blog, Tony has numerous Beatles connections and associations over the years as he has produced the Iveys, the precursor to the band, Badfinger. He was also to produce and later to marry Apple singer Mary Hopkin. They had two children. Following their divorce he was later to marry, May Pang, John Lennon’s former girlfriend when John was having problems with his relationship with Yoko in the 70s! Tony and May also had 2 children together before their eventual divorce.

Another prominent Beatles-related connection: Tony Visconti scored the arrangements for orchestra for the Wings Album “Band on the Run.” He is a man with certainly a stellar resume of achievements over the years! It must be stressed that his production credits reach far beyond his association with Apple and the Beatles!

The cover of the special limited edition Tony Visconti Boxset:

The track listing for the Tony Visconti 4 cd set:

Tony Visconti’s signature on the print provided with my special limited edition:

As a personal observation it is always appreciated by a collector when the person who signs an item, signs it with a clearly readable signature. Thanks to you Tony!

This is the part of the package that houses the special booklet contained within the set:

The excellent booklet provided in the set which gives great detail to all of the tracks presented:

This is the front cover of the booklet!

This is the back cover of the extensive booklet:

What is your favourite Tony Visconti song?

Buzz

Posted on 02/08/202402/08/2024 by Buzz — 3 Comments

GET BACK BY THE BEATLES – LEATHER-BOUND BOOK

Though books bound in leather are controversial, especially to vegetarians, the quality of these books is superb in their durability and their lasting power. Apologies are sent to those who may be offended by leather-bound books but that consideration and criticism would then also extend to such special publishers like Genesis who pride themselves in their leather-bound books’ workmanship and high quality. When the Get Back Beatles book by Calloway Publishers was published I was wondering if there would ever be a special edition of the book.

I stumbled across an internet site called Send a Frame, which was offering leather-bound editions of the Get Back Book. A photo of the book appears below as well as the link to the Send A Frame site. I will not spend time arguing about the validity or merit of higher-priced books like this as opinions vary from person to person. I can only speak for myself saying that as a collector, I was happy to acquire the special edition. I do have issues with the final price of the book but I am also aware of the much higher cost of manufacturing and producing these titles primarily due to their quality and durability!

BOUND BY HAND IN LUXE BONDED LEATHER
PERSONALIZATION IS AVAILABLE IN GOLD
300 PAGES
SIZE: 11.25″ W X 1.25″ D X 10.25″

GRAPHIC IMAGE™ HAND-CRAFTS GENUINE LEATHER BOOKS AND GIFTS THAT HAVE SET THE MODERN-DAY STANDARD FOR QUALITY AND DESIGN.

THE BEATLES: GET BACK In Hand-Tooled Luxe Leather – Picture Frames, Photo Albums, Personalized and Engraved Digital Photo Gifts – SendAFrame

This is a picture of the mass-market edition of the Get Back book published by Callaway in 2021. This followed the Disney presentation of the Peter Jackson documentary. As well as containing photographs by photographer Ethan Russell, it also contained photos taken by Linda Eastman (McCartney).

To bring this post to a conclusion the book at the bottom of this post was the book that accompanied a limited-run boxed-set release when the Beatles Let It Be album was released in 1970. It was only issued in a couple of countries. Photographs were taken by Ethan A. Russell. The text was written by Jonathan Cott and David Dalton. This book is/was highly sought after by collectors. One drawback was that it was issued in a softback format where the binding was not secure and many people that purchased the book in the box set had some of the pages come loose as a result of the bad binding.

Many years later on eBay, I discovered a copy that someone had custom-made as a hardback copy by taking the contents of the original softcover, reproducing the cover in hardback format and binding the contents as a hardback copy of the book. I was thrilled to buy that copy for my collection as now my fears of losing pages were greatly reduced. Collectors were hoping that all of the photos available in the original Get Back book would also be available in the book above but that was not to be the case. That type of situation always causes dissatisfaction with collectors who call themselves completists.

Photographs by Ethan A. Russell. Text by Jonathan Cott and David Dalton

BUZZ

Posted on 01/08/202401/08/2024 by Buzz — 4 Comments

ON THE WANTED BEATLES POSTER

Wikipedia’s definition of a WANTED POSTER

A wanted poster (or wanted sign) is a poster distributed to let the public know of a person whom authorities wish to apprehend. They generally include a picture of the person, either a photograph when one is available or of a facial composite image produced by the police.

My definition is slightly different – To me as a collector the definition is more accurately reflected by- is it a poster that I WANTED FOR THE COLLECTION!!!

A collector friend of mine in France who specializes in collecting signed Beatles-related photos got me into the additional obsession of collecting signed posters of the Beatles by the photographers who took the photos of either the group or of the solo Beatles and members of their families.

A couple of years ago acting on the great advice of my friend in France, I was able to acquire this signed print by the late photographer, Richard Avedon on eBay!

A close-up of Avedon’s signature

A signed photo by the late French photographer Henri Pessar. This photo was obtained through my friend in France who is also a member of this blog. Pessar is the photographer who shot some of the photos of John and Yoko socializing with artist Salvador Dali.

A Henry Pessar Poster that my friend in France sent me:

Kieron “Spud” Patrick Murphy

A signed and numbered Imagine session photo I also acquired from my French collector friend. The photograph was taken by the late photographer Spud Murphy who passed away in 2020 and was taken at the Imagine sessions at Tittenhurst Park in Ascot. From the content of the photo it was apparent that John knew the Imagine album would be a roaring success:

A son of John Lennon and a son of Paul McCartney signed posters

A signed poster from Sean Lennon and Charlotte Kemp Muhl of the Ghost of a Saber-Tooth Tiger:

A signed tour poster from 2013 of James McCartney

I was able to attend the New Haven show by James McCartney on May 21st, 2013:

One of my favorite signed posters in my collection is a signed photo of John Lennon and the early Beatles in the Top Ten Club in Germany taken by noted German photographer, Peter Brüchmann. I bought this photo on Ebay several years ago!

The Beatles in Hamburg by Peter Bruchmann

Through the recommendation of noted German collector, Thorsten Knublauch I was able to obtain one copy of a limited edition poster that was issued in honor of the Kaiserkeller club where the Beatles played some gigs at. The poster was signed by Kaiserkeller owner, Bruno Koschmider aka Bruno Kochschmider, Tony Sheridan who the Beatles backed and with whom they recorded the “My Bonnie” single with, Pete Best, the drummer who was soon to be replaced by Ringo Starr, and E. Ross who was the designer of the poster. According to Thorsten there may be less than 100 of these signed posters in circulation.

Buzz

Posted on 30/07/202430/07/2024 by Buzz — 6 Comments

LOST LENNON TAPES – A LENNON FAN’S WISH LIST

IF NOTHING IS REAL – THEN THE LOST LENNON TAPES CERTAINLY SHOULD BE…

What is being suggested here is certainly a potentially controversial idea as many would oppose it being implemented at all. Yet, many others would accept it and welcome it with open arms and would be excited by the potential possibilities. Here is the idea being presented for discussion… Hopefully, it will be considered by the Lennon Estate as a potential priority item as a future project!

Now and Then

The Lennon Estate’s admirable Lennon boxed-set collections of recent years have helped to preserve and shed new light of this musical icon to both old and new generations. However, many hardcore Lennon fans also have visions of what would they would consider to be a very special project for the Lennon Estate to consider. With the technology now available through the Peter Jackson company that helped to produce “Now and Then,” many knowledgeable Lennon fans who have heard the old Lost Lennon Tapes radio series hosted by Elliot Mintz, are fully aware that there are many more surviving John Lennon demos that exist.

The attraction to fans of course would be that like “Now and Then”, this is new and original Lennon material that has not been heard by a mass audience. Wouldn’t it be a fantastic project for the estate to review the best material in their demo vaults and consider a project whereby the family would choose the proper person or persons to produce a studio LP of finished studio quality Lennon demos that are heard as finished songs using the Peter Jackson technology?

Lost Lennon Radio Series

I have listed below a partial list of demos that have already been heard on underground (bootleg) recordings or on the Lost Lennon radio series or tracks that are speculated to exist that might make for a super LP of new John Lennon material for a mass audience. The key to a project like this is having the right people involved and the right decisions being made about the material in question.

For example, who would be the producer of such a project? Sean Lennon, Giles Martin, Paul McCartney? What musicians would provide the additional instrumentation to complete a studio recording? What songs would be chosen for release, and which ones would need additional contributions to bring the song to completion, if the song lacked a middle 8 for example? If additional lyrics were needed for a song, who would complete it? There is a lot of controversy surrounding such questions as some believe that the demos should remain (only) as John initially recorded them.

However the production, completion, and subsequent release of “Now and Then” seems to belie that notion or intention. It all depends on the decisions being made and who is making them that will create that truth as the end result and which will also define the project’s success! To those who would argue that this idea is scraping the bottom of the barrel, many people used that same argument concerning the release of “Now and Then” and YouTube hits to the video of the song have recently surpassed 55 million views in an 8-month time frame. “A beautiful barrel INDEED”!!!

A small sample of some of the recordings that are either known to exist or speculated to exist:

“Tennessee” – John Lennon’s tribute to playwright Tennessee Williams – There is also a variation of this song/tune called “Memories” which features a superb middle section entitled “Howling at the Moon.”

“Whatever Happened To” – Would love to see a completed John Lennon version of this number completed in the studio using Peter Jackson’s magic. Great guitar work by John on this demo

“She is A Friend of Dorothy’s” is a clever piano-based ditty by John with interesting lyrics that reference gay culture.

“Popcorn” – a tune mentioned in the May Pang book that John had written. May states this was a very catchy tune but unfortunately, it is not known if a tape of this actually exists

“Happy Rishikesh Song” – many speculate John is being satirical towards George and his fascination with Indian culture with this song-catchy chorus

“Life Begins at 40” – a song that John supposedly gave to Ringo in November of 1980 as a demo to record-would fit in nicely as a country and western-themed song for Ringo. Los Escarabajos the Spanish group mentioned before did something clever to their cover of this song. They took the “Howling at the Moon” sequence from John’s unreleased song “Memories” and used it as the middle of “Life Begins at 40” and it worked perfectly to complete the song. Perhaps the producer could produce a John/Ringo duet on this song. Would need a middle section like Los Escarabajos’ version to complete the song-at least in my opinion for whatever that is worth.

“One of the Boys” – a possible John reference to being one of the Beatles. A song that has catchy parts but would need additions to fill out and complete. IMHO

“Not for Love Nor Money” aka “Illusions” – love this tune. With a little development and a few additions would make an excellent song.

“You Saved My Soul” – The Spanish group, Los Escarabajos has recorded a calypso Latin-styled cover version of this song which is great. I believe their version has been posted on YouTube by someone

“You Know How Hard It Is” – A while back on YouTube someone produced a blistering rock ‘n’ roll version of this tune, which was subsequently taken down probably for copyright reasons. With a few additions this would make for a great Lennon rocker.

“Mirror Mirror-” one of John’s songs of self-reflection and self-analysis.

“India India” – one of my favorites of John’s unreleased material and would love to see this tune receive the full studio treatment bringing it to completion. It truly deserves that and MANY who have heard this track have echoed a similar sentiment.

“Mucho Mungo” – there are existing demos of John performing the song in full with an unreleased section that he later decided to abandon. Would love to see the song completed in the studio with the right musicians, the right instruments, and backing vocals.

“Across the River” – another unreleased Lennon tune which might be a good candidate to complete another one of his unfinished songs.

“Many Rivers to Cross” (a Jimmy Cliff Cover-Jimmy wrote the song in 1969) – John does a cover version of this song that his buddy Harry Nilsson also did for the Pussy Cats album. Perhaps, John’s version could be finished in the studio using Mr. Jackson’s magic?

“Be My Baby”– A Phil Spector outtake (One of the Spector session tapes that remains unreleased). Sean did a superb version of remixing “Angel Baby” for the JOHN LENNON. GIMME SOME TRUTH. THE ULTIMATE MIXES release. Perhaps, the same exercise and result can be achieved with this number.

“Bad To Me” – possibly complete John’s existing demo-Finish the demo using John’s original vocal with studio musicians.

“I’m In Love” – the same suggestion applied to John’s demo of “Bad To Me.”

“Serve Yourself” – Have Bob Dylan possibly cover John’s sarcastic answer to his “Gotta Serve Somebody” with a great band or use studio wizardry to create a Lennon/Dylan duet—It will never happen of course, but would love to see it. Would fit in superbly with John’s great sense of humor, especially with Bob possibly answering some of John’s vocal phrases.

“Street of Dreams” – finish it if an actual tape of the songs exists- supposedly co-written with Jack Douglas who claims that a cassette tape of a crude demo of the song exists from Double Fantasy time. John claims he had written a piece during the Beatles years for this song and was going to complete it in 1980. Jack Douglas has discussed this song in several interviews over the years.

“Sally and Billy” – with the right production would make a very good-sounding tune.

“Don’t Be Afraid (Mr. Hyde’s Gone Away)” – another song would love to see as a full studio production.

“John’s demo of What Goes On” The existing demo has different lyrics and a noticeably different part that was excised from the finished song – the existing demo differs radically from the released song. Would love to see what they could come up with as a finished studio production using the demo as the basis for that task. Do not even know if the Estate has a copy of this recording. The person auctioning the demo played an excerpt of the song on YouTube. The demo was offered at auction several years ago.

“Say It Again” – Another possible Lennon tune that could be completed

“My Life” – nice tune that apparently developed into “Starting Over”, but this tune stands on its own separate from Starting Over and could be presented as a studio recording.

“Gone From This Place” – a song in which John sings about dying which was a subject matter that seemingly occupied a lot of his time in 1980-witness “Living On Borrowed Time” as another example.

“Dear John” – autobiographical song. A song where John is telling himself that his life and legacy is certainly assured. Would have loved to see this finished with a middle and an instrumental break.

“Help Me To Help Myself” – another song that deserves the full studio treatment. a song about self-reliance.

This list does not claim to be all-encompassing or comprehensive, just a sampling of what has appeared on the Lost Lennon radio series or has appeared in magazine articles or books over the years discussing unissued Lennon material.

When Westwood One Radio originally announced back in the 1980s they were going to air unreleased Lennon material on a radio series, Musician Magazine did a cover story about it:

A couple of Beatles fans put together this book together in 2009. It is listed on Amazon and details the contents of all of the 218+ episodes of the “Lost Lennon Tapes” radio series:

The man who narrated “The Lost Lennon Tapes” radio series is coming out with his own book in 2024. Perhaps Elliot Mintz will discuss the development of the radio show in his book:

Hoping the Lennon Estate strongly considers this as project on their “TO DO” list. If done correctly (an acknowledged subjective term used in this case), it could be a wonderful addition to the Lennon catalog.

It is known by many Lennon fans that the Spanish group named Los Escarabajos in 2001 released this CD in Spain of their interpretations of apparently many of the songs that they had heard on the Lost Lennon tape series.