Paul McCartney’s release of “Days We Left Behind” took the world by surprise, but as he is such a prolific musical artist that often some of his better songs can get lost in the shuffle. Here are two rare Paul McCartney Promo CDs. One such number was the song I Want to Come Home that he wrote for the Robert DeNiro film entitled, Everybody’s Fine!

To the best of my knowledge, it has not been officially issued on a McCartney album nor was it released on the official film soundtrack. Its original and demo versions were released on the McCartney 7″ Singles Box on December 2, 2022.

It is a beautiful melody and has an emotionally effective lyric by Paul and deserves to be heard by far more people as it is one of his many GEMS!

(I Want To) Come Home by Paul McCartney

(I Want to) Come Home – Wikipedia

Paul McCartney – (I Want To) Come Home Lyrics | Genius Lyrics

A cover by the singer, Tom Jones:

Tom Jones – (I Want To) Come Home (Paul McCartney cover) (Official Audio)

The Paul McCartney demo of the song which appeared on the McCartney 7″ Singles Box

(I Want To) Come Home (Demo)

The rare promo cd of the song issued with a photo sleeve issued by Hollywood Records:

CD 1- (I Want To) Come Home: With the picture sleeve

The back cover of the special promo cd:

I purchased my copy long ago at the Discogs website.

Discogs – Music Database and Marketplace Promo CDs because of the limited numbers that are pressed, do not stay around for long and in that event, you need to find a fellow collector that is willing to sell or trade their copy to you or seek one out on such sources as eBay!

PAUL MCCARTNEY [I Want To] Come Home (Official 2009 US Hollywood Records/Miramax label 3-track promotional only CD-R acetate which repeats the same song three times.

Written, produced and performed by Paul for use in the ‘track listing Fine’ movie and was available on the 8th of December 2009 as a download only single during the week before the film’s theatrical release and is not included on the soundtrack. Custom printed disc complete with a custom picture sleeve and track listing back insert along with the movie advert).

Paul McCartney – The Making Of “I Want To Come Home”

1 (I Want To) Come Home 3:34
2 (I Want To) Come Home 3:34
3 (I Want To) Come Home 3:34
Manufactured By – Hollywood Records
Marketed By – Hollywood Records
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – MPL Communications Ltd.
Copyright © – MPL Communications Ltd.
Copyright © – Miramax Film Corp.
Published By – MPL Communications Ltd.
Published By – MPL Communications Inc.
Recorded At – Hog Hill Mill
Recorded At – Air Studios
Mixed At – Hog Hill Mill
Mastered At – Metropolis Mastering

Arranged By [Orchestral Arrangement] – Dario Marianelli, Paul McCartney
Conductor [Orchestra] – Dario Marianelli
Mastered By – Tim Young
Mixed By – Geoff Emerick
Mixed By [Assistant Engineer] – Adam Noble
Recorded By – Eddie Klein, Jamie Kirkham, Keith Smith (2)
Recorded By [Orchestra – Assisted By] – Chris Barrett, Olga Fitzroy
Recorded By [Orchestra] – Nick Wollage
Written By, Producer, Performer – Paul McCartney
Taken from the film ‘Everybody’s Fine’
Release date – December 4, 2009

Recorded at Hog Hill Mill
Orchestra recorded at Air Studios, London
Mixed at Hog Hill Mill
Mastered at Metropolis

Published by MPL Communications Ltd/Inc

© 2009 Miramax Film Corp.
© ℗ 2009 MPL Communications Ltd.
For promotional use only.
Manufactured and marketed by Hollywood Records

Featured in the movie “Everybody’s Fine”, but not on the official soundtrack.

The one-track promo of the song:

So, we have 2 promo cd’s issued one with the same song repeated three times with a picture sleeve, and a one song promo shown below:

Back cover of the single song promo:

A view of the front cover and the cd:

(I Want To) Come Home 3:34
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – MPL Communications Ltd.
Licensed To – EMI Records Ltd.
Copyright © – MPL Communications Ltd.
Copyright © – Disney
Copyright © – Hollywood Records
Published By – MPL Communications Ltd.
Published By – MPL Communications Inc.
Written-By, Producer, Performer – Paul McCartney
(P) 2009 The copyright in this sound recording is owned by MPL Communications Ltd under exclusive licence to EMI Recordings Ltd.
(C) 2009 MPL Communications Ltd.
(C) 2009 Disney/Hollywood.
Published by MPL Communications Ltd/Inc.

Taken From the Miramax film ‘Everybody’s Fine

CD 2 – A Room with A View, from the Songs of Noel Coward:

In 1998, EMI issued a special promo cd of 20th Century Blues, The Songs of Noel Coward. I recently acquired a copy of this cd for my collection.

A Room With a View – Paul McCartney

This is the UK promo cd of the album:

The track that Paul sings, A Room with a View is perfectly suited to his incredible versatility as a vocalist and interpreter of various musical styles!

A photo of the promo cd:

An image of the back cover of the promo cd issued by EMI:

TRACK LISTING:

Various – 20th Century Blues

Label:
EMI United Kingdom – CDPP 053
CD, Album, Promo
UK
Released:
1998

1 Elton John– Introduction (To Twentieth Century Blues) 1:06
2 Texas– Parisian Pierrot 3:39
3 The Divine Comedy– I’ve Been To A Marvellous Party 3:41
4 Paul McCartney– A Room With A View 2:05
5 Pet Shop Boys– Sail Away 4:31
6 Shola Ama & Craig Armstrong– Someday I’ll Find You 3:39
7 Robbie Williams– There Are Bad Times Just Around The Corner 4:36
8 Bryan Ferry– I’ll See You Again 2:40
9 Marianne Faithfull– Mad About The Boy 5:18
10 Space (4)– Mad Dogs And Englishmen 3:10
11 Suede Featuring Raissa*– Poor Little Rich Girl 7:12
12 Sting– I’ll Follow My Secret Heart 2:33
13 Damon Albarn And Michael Nyman– London Pride 4:41
14 Vic Reeves– Mrs Worthington 4:57
15 Elton John– Twentieth Century Blues 5:31

THE US CD WITH A ROOM WITH A VIEW:

This is the US cd of the release:

Record Label: KALA
1999
Twentieth-Century Blues: The Songs Of Noël Coward

Rear cover of the cd:

AND THE LATEST McCARTNEY GEM: DAYS WE LEFT BEHIND

As I was writing the piece about Paul’s fabulous 2009, (I Want To) Come Home song, I nearly dropped my upper teeth when I heard Paul’s new song Days, We Left Behind being premiered on the BBC. What a fabulous track!!! When Paul combines emotional depth through his lyrics along with his beautiful melodies, he is unstoppable!

This song joins the ranks of many of his classic songs! Not bad for someone who is in his 80s!

Paul McCartney – Days We Left Behind (Lyric Video)

Paul had already mentioned “The Boys Dungeon Lane” in an acoustic performance filmed in LIPA, issued as an extra on the DVD “Liverpool Oratorio” back in 2005, though the song has never been released. “Days We Left Behind” will be on the new album being released at the end of May 2026.

And already a beautiful cover version has been posted to YouTube (There are many already on YouTube)

Fernando Perdomo feat. Jim Camacho “Days We Left Behind” (Paul McCartney Cover)

The Official Paul McCarney Store where various versions of the album can be found!

Paul McCartney Official Store – Paul McCartney Official Store

Hope you enjoyed the presentation of these McCartney sung numbers and his brand-new classic song on today’s post!

Be healthy and be happy!

Buzz

COVERING THE BEATLES – A RARE BEATLES BOOK BY ALAN LORD

Second Hand Beatles: A Covers Story
Author
Alan Lord
Publisher
House of Lords Publishing

Publication Year

2022

I normally do not like to repeat books that I have previously posted before on the blog, but with books like this I make an exception!

One of the lessons a Beatles collector learns after sometimes being disappointed in the search for a desired item is the ability to make quick purchase decisions. I remember seeing this book being offered on eBay and noticed that the book was only being issued in a 30-copy edition. I quickly acted upon my impulse and purchased a copy of the book from the author. They are, to the best of my knowledge all sold-out now!

The book represents a collection of many of the more notable Beatles cover versions done by other artists over the years! I feel compelled to once again present this book on the blog because it is not widely known but I consider it to be worthwhile having. It is an impossibility to have a book containing a comprehensive and complete listing of all of the cover versions of Beatles songs as that book would be several thousand pages long and it continues to grow exponentially as time goes by!

The author published this book independently and has been seeking a mass market publisher to print the book for a much larger audience. I sincerely hope that becomes a reality for him. The author is based in the UK. I am repeating an edited version of the old post for those who may have missed out on viewing the original posting.

SECOND HAND BEATLES – A COVERS STORY

My copy of the book #7 of 30 copies:

Back cover of the book:

The author’s signature on my copy of the book:

Recently saw copy #30 being offered on eBay for 250 pounds!

Copy number 30 was being offered by someone at 250 pounds on eBay, which is a substantial amount of money

Beatles collectibles appreciate in value very quickly. It is granted that just because someone asks a tremendous amount for a collectable does not always translate in getting the asking price, but it demonstrates that the true value of any collectable is determined by what the prospective buyer is willing to pay for it and whether an agreement can be reached between the buyer and seller!

Second Hand Beatles: A Covers Story, Alan Lord, 2022, limited ed., copy 30 of 30

GBP 250.00 – this photograph is from the eBay description/ portrayal of the book!

The eBay description of the book:

Second Hand Beatles: A Covers Story, by Alan Lord (House of Lords Publishing, [Macclesfield,] 2022)

A wide-ranging introduction to the people and groups who have covered the songs of Lennon and McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. Alan Lord’s annotated survey considers CDs, albums and singles from virtually every corner of the world, and is illustrated mainly in colour with record covers. Number 30 in a limited edition of 30 copies. Signed and numbered by Alan Lord

It truly is a shame that this very interesting book is not available to a wider mass audience as it deserves to be there in the marketplace. I am hoping for an entrepreneurial publisher to contact Mr. Lord to explore that possibility!

Even though I could look at things from a selfish perspective and say I am happy that there are only 30 copies and I have one of them, though I have to be honest, I sometimes do feel that way. I would prefer that all quality Beatles books be made available on a mass audience level and at a reasonable price so that we all can share in the joy of being able to read the book!

As a collector, acquiring limited-edition books like this has taught me one major lesson. If the book is a limited- edition and you want it and can afford it, act quickly or you may miss out on it! Remember the old saying, “he who hesitates is lost?”

“This proverb emphasizes the importance of making quick decisions to avoid missed opportunities and negative consequences. While the exact origin is not definitively linked to a single figure, it has been widely recognized in English literature since the 1700s.”

He who hesitates is lost

Would love to see a publisher acquire the rights to this title so everyone can share the information provided within.

Be healthy and be happy!

Buzz

DISCOVER MORE GREAT BOOKS AT THE BEATLES BOOKSTORE

As well as loving Beatles recordings, I have another collecting passion. I also attempt to acquire the musical contributions of Julian Lennon, John’s first son. He has a wonderful voice, and I only wish he had more confidence in his musical prowess as he is extremely talented. I personally believe he chose photography as his primary life focus because he wanted to avoid comparisons with his legendary father. The world is missing out on a lot of magical music as a result. As a collector I love to find the lesser-known recorded works of an artist. (Being the obsessive detective) Julian Lennon has made numerous guest appearances on other’s recordings and is both exhilarating and rewarding finding them and adding them to the collection!

This work published in 2017 was composed by the musician, Brian Byrne, and was a very challenging but intriguing idea on his part to take the words of famous author James Joyce and to write compositions inspired by those words as the lyrics to the musical pieces.

Goldenhair by Brian Byrne | Node Records

Golden Globe-nominated and IFTA award-winning composer Brian Byrne released Goldenhair on June 16th, 2017. The release date coincided with Bloomsday, the holiday celebrated worldwide in commemoration of Irish author James Joyce, whose poems inspired Byrne’s album.

I loved this recording when it came to my attention and I purchased an autographed copy by the musical composer, Brian Byrne who is a very talented man!

The blog post contained here today is my copy of the cd that I purchased!

The song that Julian Lennon appears on is called Sleep Now and he performs it with singer, Kristina Train:

The song has a beautiful melody, and the singers perform the composition superbly! It serves somewhat as a peaceful lullaby for an older adult audience!

THE SONG SLEEP NOW SUNG BY KRISTINA TRAIN & JULIAN LENNON:

Sleep Now (feat. Kristina Train & Julian Lennon)

James Joyce – Wikipedia

The composer’s inscription to me on the cd:

The cd:

The track listing and credits:

Hope you enjoyed today’s post!

Do you have a favorite Julian Lennon vocal recording that you believe deserved greater recognition and exposure to a larger audience? Please let us know what it is in the comments section!

Thank you!

Be healthy and be happy!

Buzz

Broadcaster Nigel Pearce brought the story of Apple Records to life at Carrow House in Norwich during a special fundraiser for Future Radio and Future Projects. With rare footage, memorabilia and shared memories from the Beatles era, the evening transported the audience back to the famous Savile Row years.

by Norfuknews

Nigel Pearce during his Inside No.3 presentation exploring the story of Apple Records and the Beatles’ Savile Row years at Carrow House in Norwich. 

It was lovely spending the evening with Nigel Pearce at Carrow House, fundraising for Future Radio and celebrating Apple Records music and memories.

Arriving at Carrow House on foot from Norwich station left me slightly puffing but pleased. The air that night had a real bite to it, and I felt sure even before getting there that the evening would be enjoyable.

Not long into my stroll, lights from Carrow House caught my eye through the glass panels of the elegant Orangery. As I approached, people were arriving and being greeted by members of the Future Radio team already inside.

The talk ‘Inside No.3: The Story of Apple Records’ was being presented by broadcaster and musicologist Nigel Pearce. The atmosphere inside was warm. There was chat from around the room, glasses clinking together and excitement building from guests eager to hear Nigel tell the tale of the Beatles’ iconic record label.

Beforehand, guests were invited to take a look at Nigel’s incredible collection. Items from the Apple era sat upon tables around the room. Vinyl covers, unique pieces and memorabilia allowed visitors to get even closer to the story Nigel was about to tell us.

Thankfully, Nigel permitted me to snap a few pictures of these treasures before his presentation began, and the Future Radio volunteers were absolutely brilliant throughout.

It set the tone immediately. This was not simply a lecture. It felt more like stepping into a living archive.

The Story Behind Apple Records

Nigel Pearce took to the stage, and within seconds the chatter in the room had subsided. He transported the audience back to the late 1960s when The Beatles formed Apple Records under the umbrella of Apple Corps.

The concept of Apple was revolutionary. Instead of artists being controlled by record company bosses, Apple would be different. It would allow creative minds to do what they do best with less interference from corporates. It was a true test of freedom of expression.

As Nigel spoke, vintage footage from the era was played on screen. He told the story behind 3 Savile Row, London. Home of Apple Corps Ltd. The address that would become world famous.

In conversation after his talk, Nigel mentioned how the audience reacted.

“It’s an immersive evening looking at what went on at Number 3 Savile Row and the record label side of the Beatles’ Apple story,” he said.

“The audience reaction would suggest that people enjoyed the evening. It’s great that we have raised money for Norwich’s Future Projects charity.”

I thought there was a good balance of history and personal memories. Nigel obviously knows his stuff inside out, but he also knows how to keep his audience interested. We were enthralled as rare film clips, photos and stories were mixed into his presentation.

Many times during the night, I found myself leaning forward in my seat, amazed at some little-known fact or remembered story from that fantastic period of music.

Music, Memories and Cultural Icons

Founded by the Beatles, Apple Records became something bigger and attracted other artists to the label.

Throughout the lecture, Nigel touched on various personalities associated with Apple, from Mary Hopkin and Badfinger to the Radha Krishna Temple recordings produced by George Harrison.

There were brief insights into the fashion subculture of Apple and Savile Row, too. The era was rich with creativity and collaboration, and Nigel’s presentation captured that atmosphere beautifully.

One moment might feature a rare photograph from the period. The next might move to a piece of music or a film clip that transported the room back to the late sixties.

It was personal for many in the audience.

Nigel threaded the talk together with snippets that members of the audience could relate to from their own memories. Many of those there will have lived through those times, and there were smiles and nods of recognition aplenty.

There were audible chuckles of appreciation as familiar scenes popped up on screen.

It wasn’t simply nostalgia.

At moments, it felt closer to stepping back into the era itself.

A Room Full of History

Part of the charm of the evening came from the remarkable collection Nigel had brought with him.

Vinyl copies of Apple Records artists’ albums were featured too, including Badfinger. Beatles releases were also present, along with various memorabilia from the Beatles’ time on Savile Row.

Nearby were two guitars mounted on stands, and one violin-shaped bass guitar. They served as a quiet reminder that the Apple story was not only about business or record labels. At its heart, it was about music, instruments and the creativity that shaped an entire generation.

Copies of Nigel’s book Inside No.3, telling the story of the iconic Savile Row building and the wider Apple world, were also available for purchase.

Items in the collection transported visitors from the past to the present. Stopping to look at a record sleeve or exhibition artefact allowed guests to place themselves in that iconic cultural moment.

It added a tactile quality to the evening that made the history feel wonderfully close.

The Community Behind the Event

While celebrating musical history, the night also had a job to do.

It was organised as a fundraiser for Future Projects, the charity which runs Future Radio, one of Norwich’s cherished community radio stations.

Future Radio has provided an invaluable service for many years, allowing volunteers and would-be presenters the chance to gain broadcasting and media skills, often their first taste of radio.

Speaking during the evening, Dean Tucker, station manager at Future Radio, explained the wider work carried out by the charity.

“Future Radio is part of the wider Future Projects charity,” he said.

“We work across the community helping people who need support, whether that’s financial help, homelessness support or education.”

Future Projects operates several initiatives, including Future Support, which helps individuals facing hardship, and Future Education, an independent school supporting young people who need additional help in their learning.

Future Radio itself remains at the heart of the organisation’s community outreach.

“We have around ninety volunteers supporting the station,” Dean explained.

“We’re more than just a radio station. We work closely with the wider charity to help people across Norwich.”

That community spirit was tangible throughout the evening. From volunteers greeting guests as they arrived and serving drinks throughout, there was a real team effort to make sure everything went well.

You could tell that many hands had made light work.

Bringing People Together

As Nigel concluded his presentation, there was warm applause from the room. Chat started up again as folks talked about their own impressions and memories of the night.

There was also a raffle prize, which helped raise a little more cash for the charity, too.

Events like this have a knack for bottling up something rather unique about nights hosted by community organisations. You go along to listen to a presentation or watch a show, but usually end up walking away with much more than you expected.

For some of those present that night, it was about reconnecting with more than just The Beatles or Apple Records. They had rediscovered a collective memory.

For others, it was an insight into the work of a great local charity doing good work right on their doorstep with Future Radio and the wider Future Projects charity.

Some music lovers also made the journey to revel in stories about a wildly creative era in music.

History That Lives On

More than fifty years after Apple Records was founded, the fascination with the Beatles’ creative experiment shows no sign of fading.

The Beatles were innovators in pioneering not just with their music but also in how artists should be handled by the industry.

Yes, it may have all unravelled at one point. Yet amidst the whirlwind, they were reinventing the rules.

Nigel Pearce has taken years of research and turned it into a wonderfully told story about the successes of Apple Records.

And on the night itself, within the orangery at Carrow House and surrounded by friends, family and Future Radio volunteers, that story was told to another audience.

Guests milled around outside as they filtered into the refreshing night air, and you got the feeling that everyone had been part of something special.

They’d come back in time together.

Not just to hear the music but to experience again what it must’ve felt like to be at the centre of something special, something that would alter pop culture forever.

Apple Records and 3 Savile Row

Founded in 1968, Apple Records began as part of Apple Corps, created by The Beatles. At 3 Savile Row in London stood the headquarters of this recording company. Though best known for The Beatles’ work, its catalogue included artists like Mary Hopkin, Badfinger, and James Taylor. On that same street, atop their building, The Beatles gave what became their final live performance in January 1969.

COPYRIGHT NORFUKNEWS https://norfuknews.com/nigel-pearce-brings-apple-records-story-to-norwich/

GET YOUR COPY OF NIGEL’S BOOK ON APPLE RECORDS

HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE- ONE OF THE BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE?

Ringo’s drumhead for the Beatles first appearance on the Ed Sullivan show:

Auction catalogs have always held a strong fascination for me especially as it relates to Beatles-related items.

I recently learned from one of my blog subscribers about the Jim Irsay collection, the late owner of the Indianapolis Colts was going to have many of his pop-culture artifacts auctioned off by Christie’s auction house in March of 2026.

Some biographical information about James (Jim) Irsay from Wikipedia

Jim Irsay – Wikipedia

“James Irsay (June 13, 1959 – May 21, 2025) was an American billionaire businessman who was the principal owner, chairman, and CEO of the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL) from 1997 until his death in 2025.”

The news of the auction:

I became instantly intrigued. Not because I could afford any of the wonderful high-ticket Beatles items that Mr. Irsay had acquired in his extensive collection over the years but I was now getting the opportunity to view the items in my own copy of the photographs of the magnificent items going up for auction by purchasing the Christie’s auction catalog which I was able to find before the auction. A viewer of this blog post was disappointed after the original link that was used to purchase my copy of the auction catalog was apparently no longer offering it once the auction had ended!

Not being able to personally afford any of these high-priced items, I was able to do the next best thing as I was able to have the photographs of the items being auctioned by purchasing the 439-page massive catalog of Mr. Irsay’s fabulous collection directly from the Christie’s auction website provided above.

Not only did the catalog contain many Beatles collectibles but it featured many superb items from virtually all of the major characters prominent in pop-culture over the years. Mr. Irsay had good taste as the many great items in the catalog would attest to!

The front cover of my copy of the catalog:

A side view of the thick catalog of auction items:

The back cover of the mammoth auction catalog!

A few sample pages from my copy of the Christie’s catalog of the Jim Irsay Collection: Here are the main categories of the Table of Contents of the auction catalog

AUCTION INFORMATION FROM THE CATALOG:

INFORMATION ABOUT JIM IRSAY: A GREAT MUSIC FAN!

A FEW SAMPLE PHOTOS FROM MY COPY OF THE CATALOG:

Though I love viewing all of the items in this auction catalog, it is the Beatles collectibles that primarily attract my interest. Mr. Irsay had tremendous taste in the items he chose to acquire for his tremendous collection. I am including a few sample photographs from my copy of the auction catalog so you can get a flavor for what is being offered at the auction. One can only imagine what some of these items will end up fetching!

According to the auction catalog, this is Ringo Starr’s first Ludwing drum kit used with the Beatles from May 1963 to February 1964!

THIS LENNON RICKENBACKER SOLD FOR ONE MILLION DOLLARS AT THE CHRISTIE’S AUCTION:

John Lennon’s Rose-Morris Rickenbacker Guitar: This guitar was used the Beatles’ Christmas Shows December 1964-January 1965!

beatles news – YouTube

Beatles Auction Breaks the Internet!!

John Lennon’s BROADWOOD UPRIGHT PIANO-used to compose three songs for the Sgt. Pepper album!

Beatles Auction Breaks the Internet!!

Handwritten lyrics and notation by Paul McCartney for Hey Jude! You can see what this went for on one of the links provided in the post!

Beatles Auction Breaks the Internet!!

The Beatles: An affidavit filed by Paul McCartney to dissolve the Beatles with John Lennon’s handwritten annotations!

Beatles Collectibles Up For Sale at Christie’s Auction

The Jim Irsay Beatles Collection Tour with Mikey Arugula #beatlesmuseum #jimirsay #beatlemania #fab4

SOME OF THE RESULTS:

See some of the results of the auction here:

Beatles Auction Breaks the Internet!!

Hope you enjoyed this brief view of my recently acquired Christie’s catalog and some of the items contained within. Though I could never own any of the items personally, it is nice to have a photographic record of some of the pop-culture history, artifacts and the treasures compiled by Jim Irsay when he was around. He collected these items to preserve them for posterity and future generations.

Be healthy and be happy!

Buzz

AMAZON DESCRIPTION:

A Beatles book rarity is always great to see re-published. “The ups and downs of being in and out of the limelight. Showbiz from the wings. Dancing with Sinatra, singing with Robert Mitchum, chatting with the Beatles, dining with Buzz Aldrin, making cake for David Bowie, taking the Duchess of Gloucester shopping, and having strange meetings with Anthony Hopkins have added to a life well-lived, rich with good friends, family, and memories.”

Singer Mary Hopkin of Those Were the Days fame has a sister named Carole who is an artist. Several years ago, she wrote a book that was her memoir of recollections of encounters she had with many fascinating celebrities. The book was independently published and after a very short time it was impossible find a copy as it went out-of-print rather quickly. Good news though, as it has apparently been re-published as new listings for the book have appeared in March of 2026 on Amazon.

When I posted my original find of this book through a friend on Facebook, I remember receiving several requests from people searching for this book and they simply could not locate a copy. It appears that problem has now been solved!

Hear the story of how George’s brother invited Carole to Friar Park to do some sketches for his brother, George! Some of the sketches are included in the book. For more stories, you can find the book at these 2 links:

AMAZON US:

BEATLES BEFORE & BEYOND: Hopkin, Carole M., Hopkin, Carole M.: 9798248377626: Amazon.com: Books

AMAZON UK:

BEATLES BEFORE & BEYOND: Amazon.co.uk: Hopkin, Carole M., Hopkin, Carole M.: 9798248377626: BooksMARY HOPKIN’S SISTER, CAROLE M. HOPKIN-AN ARTIST IN HER OWN WRITE!

Carole M. Hopkin: The back cover of her book!

AMAZON DESCRIPTION OF THE BOOK:

“The ups and downs of being in and out of the limelight. Showbiz from the wings. Dancing with Sinatra, singing with Robert Mitchum, chatting with the Beatles, dining with Buzz Aldrin, making cake for David Bowie, taking the Duchess of Gloucester shopping, and having strange meetings with Anthony Hopkins have added to a life well-lived, rich with good friends, family, and memories.
As the author graduates from Art School her career path is waylaid by her sister’s sudden rise to world fame, and the two girls are whisked from recordings at Apple Records and Abbey Road to first class travel several times around the world. Through this the author manages to sustain her writing and painting, adding singing, dancing and acting to her C.V. along the way. She stars in The Mousetrap, and Dr. Who, chats to Richard Burton in New York, and Maxime de la Falaise as she makes Andy Warhol’s birthday cake. She’s on-board H.M.S. Hermes, entertaining the troops after the Falklands war and gets to paint in George Harrison’s garden when she lives in Henley. In Monte Carlo she meets Anthony Burgess and Rex Harrison and parties away with the best of them.
The book sums up the best and the worst of being in and out of the limelight!”

Glad to see this book rarity reappear for Beatles book collectors. I had searched originally for months in trying to obtain an original copy when it was out-of-print and ultimately found one. Now that problem is solved! Though this is not a Beatles book per-se, you will enjoy many of the stories and illustrations!

Be healthy and be happy!

Buzz