The blog is designed to feature old and new Beatles-related print material including books, magazines, posters & autographs of people that have a Beatles connection or association. The blog also features books from people that have worked with the solo members of the group after the breakup. Looking forward to seeing you as a subscribing member of the blog and I eagerly anticipate your participation and feedback on the blog!
John “Buzz” Bezzini has one of the world’s largest collections of Beatles books and Beatles-related print material and he will share his thoughts and opinions on some of the more obscure & rare and unusual Beatles titles in addition to the new and forthcoming titles as well!
John taught a course in 1984 called “The Beatles in Retrospect” marking the 20th anniversary of the Beatles’ arrival in America.
John also holds a Master’s Degree in Communication.
Enjoy Buzz’s Beatles Book Blog.
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Pattie Boyd, former wife of both George Harrison and Eric Clapton, has always been very kind in accommodating fans who would like her signature for their collections. I have made several requests regarding the print material I have purchased from her, and she has always been kind in honoring my autograph requests!
I have provided the link to her website below if you have decided you would like to order something from her. This lady has inspired a handful of songs that will live forever. That in itself is no small achievement and legacy assuring her of immortality!
Pattie has always diplomatically avoided the definitive response to one of the questions that I would love to be able to have the answer to. At the Magical Mystery Tour Party, John Lennon supposedly flirted with her angering very understandably his wife, Cynthia Lennon, Pattie’s husband George Harrison, and party guest Lulu who apparently was not hesitant to berate and chastise the drunken John at the event for his actions! I am wondering two things about this event. What did John say to Patti and what did Lulu say to John? I doubt we will ever hear the answers to those two questions! That is a distinct problem that some of us obsessive Beatles fans have as we often may want to know WAY TOO MUCH!!!
Something (Remastered 2015)George’s Beatles classic. Some revisionists have claimed that George did not write the song about Pattie. I do not accept that viewpoint...Possibly the greatest of all of the Beatles love songs!
George, Paul, and Ringo all jammed at Eric and Pattie’s 1979 wedding! This is one of Pattie’s photos at the event!
I love having this item for several reasons as Patti signs her name and Eric’s pseudonym for her (Layla). Plus, the lyrics and the album cover that featured the song are also presented!
There are only a handful of Beatles collectors that I have encountered over the years either in person or over the internet that have truly impressed me or bowled me over with the volume and the quality of their collections. Tom Fontaine is one of them. Viewing his items can literally leave most Beatles collectors both speechless and stunned. Most collectors are individually proud of the items they have acquired over a period of many years. However, after viewing Tom Fontane’s items in this book, I felt envious of his many wonderful acquisitions. Tom’s collecting specialty was acquiring Beatles autographs, but he was able to secure so much more in his collecting career. What a beautiful collection he built up during those years. Tom has now reached the stage of his life where he made the decision to share most of his collection with others by downsizing the # of artifacts that he once had. Luckily, prior to doing this, he has preserved photos of his former collection in this wonderful book. There is also a trade edition available at Amazon and the links are also provided in this post for that version. The focus of this post is the signed and numbered limited edition of 100 copies. This signed edition is a larger format than the trade edition. Furthermore, at the time of this writing, there are less than 20 copies still available to purchase of this great book. I am sure you collectors out there remember that great proverb of “He who hesitates, is lost!!!”
I want to express my deep appreciation to Tom Fontaine for allowing me to purchase copy #100 of the limited edition. I had informed Tom of my collecting obsession whenever I am interested in purchasing a limited-edition book that I ask about the availability of obtaining the last numbered book of the signed edition. Tom recognized that aspect of the collecting mentality and graciously made the last copy available to me to purchase!!
THE FOREWORDS OF THE BOOK FROM CHRIS O’DELL AND SIMON WEITZMAN:
A one-of-a-kind tribute to the world’s most influential band
“The Beatles: Looking Back – The Final Trip, curated by acclaimed memorabilia collector Tom Fontaine, isn’t simply a catalog of rare artifacts-it’s the culmination of a lifetime’s devotion, personal encounters, and a half-century journey tracing the continued legacy of John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
Fontaine invites fans, historians, and fellow collectors to voyage through his unparalleled archive-a treasure trove of original photographs, handwritten lyrics, concert memorabilia, autographs, rare documents, and behind-the-scenes artifacts spanning The Beatles’ collective and solo careers. This isn’t just memorabilia; it’s living history, carefully preserved and lovingly presented.
What sets this work apart is the author’s storytelling power. He interweaves his own coming-of-age alongside The Beatles-from card-collecting in his childhood in 1964 Indianapolis to befriending dozens of devotees and industry insiders. Readers witness the band’s rapid evolution, their artistry, their personalities, and their social impact through irreplaceable objects and firsthand accounts. Every item, from signed album covers and concert tickets to personal letters and documentary photos, tells a fragment of music history.
The collection also covers overlooked facets of their careers: artifacts from their earliest days as The Quarrymen, rare autographs of members and associates, and unique pieces such as the last concert baseball at Candlestick Park or the historic contract signed by all four. Fontaine’s documentation revives forgotten moments and amplifies how The Beatles shaped generations, crossed boundaries, and transformed music, fashion, and identity globally.
The Final Trip shows readers The Beatles as not just cultural icons, but vibrant, evolving individuals-reminding us that collecting is ultimately about preserving human connection, memory, and inspiration. Fontaine’s bittersweet farewell to this chapter in his life is an affirmation of the enduring magic The Beatles still conjure in fans worldwide.
For anyone who wants to know The Beatles in an intimate way, Fontaine provides this experience through rare interviews, unpublished artifacts, and the lens of a true insider. It is a moving, persuasive call to honor not only the band’s legacy but the hearts of those who keep their story alive.“
WHAT ARE THE VARIOUS FACTORS IN THE CHOICE OF A COVER?
I have been communicating recently with the author of this forthcoming book about the influence of Bob Dylan and the Beatles not only on pop, rock and folk culture, but also how the respective artists influenced one another in their musical and poetic development. In viewing the prospective book cover differences for the US and the UK editions of the book, which I look forward to with great anticipation, it made me wonder why the same book would have distinct and different covers in the two different countries?
I realize that each has a different publisher listed for the different countries but that raises other issues for inquiry. Are book covers exclusive to each company and is that part of the licensing agreement between author and publisher? I am ignorant of this subject and would like to know what goes into these issues when final covers are chosen for worldwide distribution. I would appreciate your input in the comment section about this element of the publishing industry. What factors are considered by publishers and authors when covers are chosen for a book? Do they use focus groups to make that determination or is it more common to have a single marketing executive making that decision? Is the primary or most salient factor the cost of obtaining the licensing rights for those specific photos to use as the cover?
Where the Music Had to Go: How Bob Dylan and the Beatles Changed Each Other―and the World Hardcover – April 14, 2026 by Jim Windolf (Author)
Persuasive, captivating, and bursting with insight, this dual biography by acclaimed New York Times journalist Jim Windolf dives into the surprisingly supportive, occasionally rivalrous, and always fertile relationship between Bob Dylan and The Beatles, uncovering how they inspired and transformed each other as songwriters, recording artists, and cultural icons.
Few artists have shaped pop culture as profoundly as the Beatles and Bob Dylan. In Where the Music Had to Go, journalist Jim Windolf unveils the profound and often startling relationship between these era-defining musical acts. This must-read work explores how Dylan and the Beatles not only transformed the music scene but also each other, creating a legacy that continues to resonate.
From Dylan’s early dismissal of the Beatles as being for “teenyboppers” to his jaw-dropping realization of their talent, the book captures the pivotal moments that pushed Dylan to “go electric” and inspired the Beatles to deepen their lyrics. Packed with vivid anecdotes—imagine the Beatles rehearsing Dylan songs or Dylan spending hours at Lennon’s childhood home—the book paints a picture of a relationship full of camaraderie, rivalry, and mutual evolution.
Windolf’s meticulous research uncovers hidden gems, peeling back layers of history to reveal the stories fans didn’t even know they were missing. From Lennon’s and McCartney’s lyrical transformations to George Harrison’s growth as a songwriter, the book showcases the ripple effects of the Beatles-Dylan connection.
More than a music biography, this is a front-row seat to the forces that shaped the sound of a generation. With Windolf’s captivating storytelling and unrivaled insight, Where the Music Had to Go offers an unmissable experience for music lovers, history buffs, and anyone curious about the magic that happens when legends collide.
Where the Music Had to Go: How Bob Dylan and The Beatles Changed Each Other – and the World Hardcover – 16 April 2026 by Jim Windolf (Author)
Amazon UK description of the book: FEATURING AN EXCLUSIVE NEW INTERVIEW WITH SIR PAUL McCARTNEY
Persuasive, captivating and bursting with insight, this dual biography by acclaimed journalist Jim Windolf dives into the surprisingly supportive, occasionally rivalrous, always fertile relationship between Bob Dylan and the Beatles.
Few artists have shaped pop culture as profoundly as the Beatles and Bob Dylan. In Where the Music Had to Go, Jim Windolf offers a new, persuasive interpretation of how two of the twentieth century’s greatest recording artists influenced one another – and reveals how their apprenticeships, accomplishments and legacies are uncannily intertwined.
From Dylan’s early dismissal of the Beatles as being for ‘teenyboppers’ to his rapid acknowledgment of their talent, the book captures the pivotal moments that pushed Dylan to ‘go electric’ and inspired the Beatles to deepen their lyrics. Packed with vivid anecdotes (the Beatles rehearsing Dylan songs; Dylan spending hours at Lennon’s childhood home), the book paints a picture of a relationship full of camaraderie, rivalry and mutual evolution.
Windolf’s meticulous research uncovers hidden gems, peeling back layers of history to reveal the stories fans didn’t even know they were missing. From Lennon’s and McCartney’s lyrical transformations to George Harrison’s growth as a songwriter, the book showcases the ripple effects of the Beatles-Dylan connection. More than a music biography, this is a front-row seat to the forces that shaped the sound of a generation.
Where The Music Had To Go – Beatles/ Bob Dylan
Mini Survey – We Need Your Help!
In the comments section I would like for you to express two things for a mini survey. Which cover do you prefer and why? Finally, what region of the world are you expressing your opinion from?
Thank you in advance for your opinions and insight!
In closing I will give you my personal opinion.
My preference is the UK cover for 2 two reasons. I prefer the black and red lettering which grabs my attention, and the UK cover is setup to imply that Dylan and the Beatles are looking at one another which is one of the main focal points of the book!
Though the ultimate judgement of the book will not rest with the cover, it will of course be the content and text that will be the determining factor in the importance of the book. My preliminary communication with the author portends well for the final result in 2026!
The18 Year Run of Cirque Du Soleil’s LOVE in Las Vegas:
This wonderful show had a long 18 year run in Las Vegas and was extremely successful and positively reviewed by both the critics and the public attendees!
Check out this Wikipedia link for some of the history and background of the show:
A sample page from the 10-year anniversary program:
My favorite track from the Love soundtrack featuring the masterful string arrangement of the late George Martin to George Harrison’s beautiful song, “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”, from the White Album. George Martin added strings to Harrison’s demo of the song, and it is a masterpiece!
It is 1954. Steve and Dave are looking for adventure. Their hometown of Liverpool is scarred by war. New York is the future and it will soon be the richest city in the world. They need to see it and feel the excitement. They need to be there. They need to become Cunard Yanks.
Despite the fractured attention that The Beatles gave to the Yellow Submarine film project, the time spent on the whole thing was quite considerable, and when you realise just how much was indeed going on, it is a wonder that any time at all was spent on it by The Beatles.
John Lennon would could always be handed the opportunity to serve up some humour did so again with this Yellow Submarine Conduct Agreement. This was purely from his own fertile mind, so please enjoy, and only sign it if you wish to be fully committed.
This first-hand account of Debbie’s teen years frequenting and eventually helping to run the original Cavern Club is the authentic inside story of the Beatles launch pad, full of triumphs and failures – and surprise celebrity encounters.
£17.25Original price was: £17.25.£13.50Current price is: £13.50.
John Lennon’s life can be compared with the fast-paced energy of a circus – ROCK ’n’ ROLL CIRCUS! When he was on a project, he seemingly wanted to get it finished quickly and to move on to the next search to provide additional inspiration. Though he only lived for 40 years, he packed so many events into that restless spirit. He always seemed to be searching for the answers, looking for the NEXT BIG THING that could provide the proper responses to the timeless questions and uncertainties of life.
Though Paul McCartney was the true workaholic in the Beatles, constantly pushing them to continue recording new material, I personally believe it was John’s restless spirit in never accepting what he had done as having any consequence that helped the Beatles push the boundaries and why they are still relevant even today! That is why John and Paul’s chemistry was so important they complemented each other in a superb fashion.
In 1968, John began to get involved in projects not having a direct involvement with the other Beatles. One such project was the Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus in December of 1968 where John performed with a supergroup known as The Dirty Mac featuring John Lennon on rhythm guitar, Eric Clapton on lead guitar, Keith Richards on bass guitar and featuring Mitch Mitchell of the Jimi Hendrix Experience on drums. The group performed John’s song “Yer Blues” from the Beatles White Album. The groups 2nd song which was a jam number featured the Dirty Mac instrumentally backing Yoko Ono on vocals and also featured noted violinist Ivry Gitlis who recently passed away in November 2025 at the age of 98.
THE DIRTY MAC
The composition of the group the Dirty Mac has been open to some historical speculation. For example, I have read in an interview, that Stones bassist, Bill Wyman actually resented the fact that his bandmate Keith Richards ended up playing bass in the supergroup, insinuating that Keith pulled rank in order to secure the gig. After all bass was Bill’s natural and primary instrument! (Group politics, perhaps?)
Why this historical project languished unreleased and unseen for more than 20 years is unknown! Some people have speculated that the Stones were resentful of the Who’s dynamic performance on the show and that they feared they were being shown up. The Stones performance on the show would certainly serve to help dispute that theory, though the Stones did appear at the end of a very long night of performances! Perhaps it was legal entanglements that was the ultimate reason!
Thankfully, the owners of the film (ABKCO) eventually decided to issue this wonderful historical musical document!
Rolling Stones Rock n Roll Circus
One of my favorite books in my book collection is about the Rolling Stones Rock n Roll Circus that I purchased directly from one of the authors, Paul Skellett! The book featured the exquisite photos of renowned photographer, Michael Randolph.
This description from the Wellpoint website best describes the book:
DESCRIPTION Paul Skellett, Keith Badman, Michael Randolph – The Rolling Stones Rock n’ Roll Circus – Signed DELUXE Edition of 300 copies-PUBLISHER-Archivum, UK, 2017.This edition of the book will not be released in stores, so it will be another true collectible. It also comes in a presentation slipcase. In keeping with our policy of producing uniquely collectable books, none of our fan editions feature an ISBN number. One of 300 limited edition copies numbered D1-300 and signed by the authors, number unknown as still in shrink wrap This edition features 5 completely restored and remastered 11×11 inch photographic prints, created using a revolutionary and state of the art high definition printing process.
SYNOPSIS Archivum: Rock ‘n’ Roll Circus The Rolling Stones’ Rock ‘n’ Roll Circus- December 11, 1968: As seen through the lens of Michael Randolph…- An Archivum Production-The legendary portrait photographer, Michael Randolph had known The Rolling Stones since the early 1960s and on 11 December 1968, following an invitation by the group’s founding member, Brian Jones, he was able to visit the set of their latest venture, a big-top-themed concert which went by the name of The Rolling Stones’ Rock ‘n’ Roll Circus. The black & white images he took that day, over 200 in total, would become totally iconic.
Known for his excellent images of leading ladies such as Sophia Loren, Vanessa Redgrave, Dame Edith Evans and for his superb, behind-the-scenes photographs taken during the making of James Bond’s You Only Live Twice, Michael Caine’s Deadfall, and Simon Ward’s Young Winston, Randolph was the only recognized photographer at the event which, unbeknown to everyone at the time, would become the last time that some of the decade’s most famous and celebrated musical stars would gather to play together under one UK roof.
Legendary performers of the day, including Beatle John Lennon, Cream guitarist, Eric Clapton, The Who, Marianne Faithfull, Jethro Tull (featuring Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi on guitar) as well as The Rolling Stones themselves were all captured by Randolph in pin-sharp quality. He managed to eavesdrop on them relaxing, rehearsing, and philosophising and witnessed first-hand, and up-close the performances, highlights of which included the “super group”, Dirty Mac, which comprised of Lennon, Clapton, Jimi Hendrix Experience’s drummer, Mitch Mitchell and The Stones’ Keith Richards.
The Rock ‘n’ Roll Circus was also the last time that Brian Jones was seen strumming his guitar in public. The years had not treated him well and he could hardly play anymore… and it showed. The images Randolph captured that day, in jaw-dropping quality, show him weary and lethargic. Thought lost for many years, 1991 saw the last publication of a selection of some of Randolph’s snaps.
Disgruntled by the inferior effort, “Badly designed, poorly reproduced” he thought, Randolph elected to place his original, priceless, highly-treasured negatives of that historic day into safe-keeping, deeming they will never see the light-of-day again. However, that changed in the Fall of 2014 when music historian, archivist and author, Keith Badman approached him with an idea to dust-down his most prized snaps and allow, for the first-ever, interested publishers to digitally restore them for a definitive publication of the event. After much deliberating, Randolph assented. His only caveats in agreeing to participate in such a project was that it will be of the highest possible quality and forever serve as the final, most definitive visual account of The Stones’ legendary event… and these releases are just that. Randolph’s images have never looked so good.An informative, behind-the-scenes account of the Circus film will accompany the images. As with any great show, the main event is supported by a wealth of talent that were in attendance.
The limited edition and signed book. I purchased my copy through Archivum and I have the last numbered and signed copyin my collection.
Rock ’n’ Roll Circus Photography
A few other products that were eventually released from this project…
The deluxe edition!
DELUXE EDITION FATURING MANY EXTRAS 2 DVDS AND 2 CDS-In my personal opinion this is the one you should have n your collection: This link is to the Rolling Stones website!
The description of the deluxe box set from the Rolling Stones website:
The Limited Deluxe Edition of The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus includes a Blu-ray and DVD release with stunning 4K restoration and Dolby Atmos Sound. This edition features a 2CD expanded soundtrack with bonus tracks, including newly discovered audio. The bonus material includes recordings by the late concert pianist Julius Katchen, three additional songs by Taj Mahal, and never-before-heard recordings of The Dirty Mac performing “Revolution” and “Warmup Jam.” The book accompanying the release contains David Dalton’s original 1969 Rolling Stone essay and on-set photographs by Mike Randolph. This edition is a must-have for fans and collectors of classic rock box sets
This print collection was from the UK company named TRACKS:
I purchased this smaller collection of photos from the UK company that specializes in Beatles-related memorabilia called Tracks! It featured many of the photographs of Michael Randolph this title!
One sample photo of Michael Randolph’s photography from my copy of the TRACKS photo book:
The Dirty Mac Drummer: Mitch Mitchell!!! Are You Experienced?
An item that I displayed before on another post. This is a drumhead signed by the Dirty Mac drummer, Mitch Mitchell who is now unfortunately deceased.
Noticed a few samples on YouTube featuring performances from the show and a rehearsal of Revolution
The certificate that accompanied my copy of the TRACKS Rock n Roll Circus collection of photos:
Que Pasa, New York?
The circus analogy that I attempted to draw at the beginning of this post involving the lives of John and Yoko did not disappear or wane upon their arrival in NYC in 1971. they had left England due in part to the constant attacks by the British press on Yoko Ono. John in his endless search for new inspiration, left his homeland, unfortunately never to return. John’s life to take many dramatic circus-like turns as he got heavily into the politics of the time and also faced the prospect of deportation due to his marijuana conviction in the UK. He also had marital problems with Yoko during the 18 month Lost Weekend!
Brian Hamill is one of my favorite people. I corresponded with him several times in 2022 when I learned he had a forthcoming book of photographs of John Lennon and Yoko Ono from the early to mid 70s coming out. I thank Brian for chronicling a segment of the Lennon’s experiences during that time.
Just prior to coming to America John recorded his classic album entitled Imagine. He was to do the string arrangements when he arrived in NY!This project began his professional involvement with Jack Douglas who he was later to have as a co-producer on Double fantasy in 1980!
The Very Sad Day…
A beautiful track that appeared on YouTube featuring Julian Lennon singing in a track written by Tomi Swick. The feeling of the song captures the essence of that fateful evening in NYC in December of 1980.
There have been many disputed discussions of John’s last 5 years of life when he withdrew from the music business and whether they were actually as peaceful as they have been portrayed. We will have to leave that up to the historians, it appears!
And in the End…
A play written by author James McLure that helps to capture the essence of that very complicated man who helped to change so many lives!
To close the circus-like analogy in describing John Lennon’s life, this song would be most appropriate:
