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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I first met the producer and director of this film, Simon Weitzman, several years ago at a New Jersey Fest for Beatles Fans. The first thing that impressed me was his down-to-earth personality and professional bearing. The second element that made an impression was his dedication to producing a wonderful film about the followers (or fans) of the Beatles whose love for the band has become a cross–generational phenomenon. I had first learned about Simon through his production of a few excellent quality Beatles books that he had collaborated with artist, Paul Skellett. The superb quality of those projects had me hooked. When I was on Facebook, I spent a lot of time communicating with Simon and I can truly say that he exhibits the sensitivity and the perceptions that are important ingredients to any successful artistic endeavor regarding the Beatles. He has also produced a documentary about Beatles associate Chris O’Dell who George Harrison once wrote a song about and an upcoming documentary about Mark Lewisohn’s Evolver lecture tour is also about to hit the market.
Simon is one of those people that I have met over the years in Beatles-related circles that I have much respect and admiration for. I recently received my copy of his latest film that he has worked so hard to complete and to bring to the marketplace. I enjoyed this film very much and I know you will too!
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
Product Description from Amazon:
“This fan-funded documentary celebrates The Beatles’ enduring legacy through the eyes of their global fanbase. It traces their journey from The Quarrymen to global icons, showing how their music unites generations and offers profound meaning. A heartfelt testament to the universal love for the music that changed the world.“
Hope you enjoyed this blog report about this new Beatles-related documentary. If you would like to hear and view Simon Weitzman discussing this work, please check out the following 4 excellent YouTube links:
Blog member Seamus Hayes knows of my interest in books that even have a peripheral connection with the Beatles or when the subject of the book has some form of an association or relationship with a member of the band. When the books are available that are signed by the author, that usually has a greater appeal to me. This is a forthcoming book about the work of Yoko Ono that certainly may fit the bill of type of book described above. He recently sent me the information about this upcoming title by Paul Morley.The interest in knowing about the existence of these books are important to me as I also enjoy sharing the knowledge of these new titles with fellow members of the blog!
Bestselling author Paul Morley’s cultural history of the twentieth century Avant-Garde movement, told through the life and work of one of its most influential and acclaimed stalwarts.
“The story of the twentieth-century avant-garde is a story of resistance, of the outsider, of strangeness, of individual freedom, of rejecting the ordinary and overcoming marginalisation through self-invention. It is also a story that can be told through the prism of one of its most renowned figureheads: Yoko Ono.
From her early life escaping aristocratic Japanese society and the horrors of World War II to adventurous and productive exile in New York, Ono’s work built upon the histories of Dada, surrealism, Zen Buddhism, and experimental music. A significant influence on the elusive Fluxus artistic network, she was connected to all its major personalities. Pursuing dreams of revolutionary liberation and aiming to recreate shattered post-war reality through performance, art and text, she established a legacy – despite her tumultuous personal life – as one of the most visionary artists and activists of her generation.
Marking the intersection of biography, cultural history and artistic meditation, Love Magic Power Danger Bliss explores the deep history and vitality of the 20th century avant-garde movement and the inspiring, provocative figure who became its most celebrated, most misunderstood icon.”
About the author (2026) “Writer, broadcaster, and cultural critic Paul Morley has written about music, art, and entertainment since the 1970s. He wrote for the New Musical Express from 1976 to 1983 and formed the Zang Tumb Tuum record label with record producer Trevor Horn. A founding member of the Art of Noise and a member of staff at the Royal Academy of Music, he collaborated with Grace Jones on her memoirs and is the author of a number of books about music including The Age of Bowie (a Sunday Times bestseller), his history of classical music A Sound Mind (a Sunday Times Music Book of the Year) and a biography of Bob Dylan, You Lose Yourself, You Reappear.” Bibliographic information Title Love Magic Power Danger Bliss: Yoko Ono and the Avant-Garde Diaspora Author Paul Morley Publisher Faber & Faber, Limited, 2026 ISBN 0571379249, 9780571379248 Length 400 pages
Hope we are keeping up with your expectations with presenting new and upcoming titles that you may be interested in. Let me know what type of books that have a connection with the Beatles that you want to see more of!
It was a memorable and pleasurable experience to get the opportunity to meet Yoko Ono, Sean Lennon, and their artist friend Sam Havadtoy, in the month of December 1986 in New Haven, Connecticut. Noted Beatles fan, fellow Nutmegger, and the creator of the Beatles magazine named Good Day Sunshine, Charles Rosenay!!! was at the Exhibition. I recently asked him to share some memories that he had of the event which we both attended, and he shared the following information with me…
“I was the DJ/Music Director at a New Haven showcase venue at the time, and I also entertained regularly for the historic Shubert Theatre (located on the same street as the venue where I performed), so knowing my Beatles connection and history locally, it was only natural that they requested I be an ambassador for the event. I didn’t have much interaction with Yoko, but she knew who I was. For me I was happier keeping Sean occupied and entertained while the grown-ups did their thing. Hanging with Sean gave Sam Havadtoy more time to hob-nob and do the adult thing. I probably should have had Sean and Yoko sign that edition of Good Day Sunshine – the only GDS issue that featured Yoko on the cover – but Sean really enjoyed it, so I gave it to him. “
I also attended this wonderful event with my good friend and fellow Beatles enthusiast; the late William Maura and we had a great time at this exhibition. Looking at the photos, that Charles sent to me for this post, it was hard for me to accept that the 11-year-old Sean Lennon in the photographs is now 50 years old. Where does the time go?
This is an Online description of the 1986 Art Exhibition event…
“The John Lennon Art Exhibition held in New Haven, Connecticut in 1986 was held between December 31, 1986 and December 31st at Publishers Gallery at Shubert Square. It was a significant event that showcased the breadth and depth of John Lennon’s visual artistic talent. Yoko Ono, Lennon’s widow, played a pivotal role in organizing the exhibition, which included a selection of his original drawings and lithographs. The exhibition was part of Ono’s efforts to build Lennon’s reputation as a visual artist and to ensure that his work received the recognition it deserved. The event was a testament to Lennon’s enduring legacy as a provocateur and his commitment to exploring the boundaries of art and expression.“
Photos from the Charles F. Rosenay!!! Archives, Courtesy Liverpool Productions. Originally published in Good Day Sunshine
Sam Havadtoy and 11-year-old Sean Lennon
Photos from the Charles F. Rosenay!!! Archives, Courtesy Liverpool Productions. Originally published in Good Day Sunshine.
Sam Havadtoy and Sean Lennon perusing the issue of Good Day Sunshine with his mom on the cover:
Photos from the Charles F. Rosenay!!! Archives, Courtesy Liverpool Productions. Originally published in Good Day Sunshine.
Sean reads the issue of Good Day Sunshine that Charles gifted to the little guy!
Sean Lennon and Charles Rosenay!!! both view the issue of Good Day Sunshine:
Photos from the Charles F. Rosenay!!! Archives, Courtesy Liverpool Productions. Originally published in Good Day Sunshine.
Photos from the Charles F. Rosenay!!! Archives, Courtesy Liverpool Productions. Originally published in Good Day Sunshine.
Another photo of Sean and Charles viewing the magazine:
This is a photo of my personal copy of the book Skywriting by Word of Mouth by John Lennon that both Yoko and 11-year-old Sean Lennon signed at the event. I approached Sean and Sam as they were looking over items of his dad’s artwork, and I asked if it was OK to get Sean’s signature in the book. Sean immediately agreed and after he was finished signing, Sam Havadtoy asked if I would like to have Yoko sign the book as well. I said that would be great and Sam immediately brought the book to Yoko to sign. Sam was very cordial and kind in my brief conversations with him as was the little guy. I remember when the trio arrived at the exhibition, and for a brief time while Yoko was answering questions for a few members of the press, I was standing right next to her, and I never realized how small in stature she actually was. It is amazing how our perceptions of the height of well-known individuals are often larger than they are in real life.
Photo of my personal copy of the book Skywriting by Word of Mouth by John Lennon that both Yoko and 11-year-old Sean Lennon signed at the event:
The inner dustjacket flap at the beginning of the book:
The back dustjacket flap at the beginning of the book:
My copy of the invitation to the event sent out by the people that were handling the marketing of John’s artwork at the exhibition: Kane Fine Art
The back of the envelope which indicates the firm handling the Lennon Artwork:
The cover of the invitation:
The Invite:
Hope you enjoyed this blast from the past. Special thanks for this post go out to well-known Beatles/Monkees fan & personality, Charles Rosenay!!!, who has always been very good to me especially in my Beatles collecting ventures and pursuits. His Beatles conventions were always first class. Loved his magazine and his many talents including as a DJ and a promoter. He knows how to market! For those who have never been to England and want to make that necessary Beatles pilgrimage, here is the link to Charles’ website for more detail:THE BEATLES TRIP OF A LIFETIME WITH LIVERPOOL PRODUCTIONS!!! – The Beatles Bookstore
I made the pilgrimage in 1988 and there is a book waiting to be written about that trip…
The comedic genius, Jerry Lewis raised a tremendous amount of money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association through his annual telethon over the years. Seeing that this is a Beatles blog, you may be asking what hasJerry Lewis to do with the Beatles. In the 70s and 80s John Lennon, Paul McCarney, & Ringo Starr all made guest musical appearances on Jerry’s telethon. Jerry was keenly aware of the importance of the Beatles to popular culture. Recently I acquired this wonderful signed and inscribed photo collage of Jerry Lewis from a wonderful Beatles author who I have acquired quite a few signatures from for my collection.
Jerry Lewis passed away in 2017.Jerry Lewis and the Beatles had comedy as a common theme in their repertoire. They both had the ability to bring smiles and laughter to their audiences.They say that most great comedians become great in their vocation due to their comedy being a vaccine for the internal psychological hurt and depression that they may be feeling, witness the late Robin Williams as an example.It is rumored that Jerry Lewis could be moody and had a volatile personality.That personality type has also been ascribed to Beatles-founder, John Lennon. All I know is Jerry Lewis and the Beatles always made me laugh… and that is a precious gift to be able to offer to anyone!!!
Saw all of these wonderful links on YouTube that pertain to Jerry Lewis and John, Paul & Ringo on his telethon:
Over the years, Goldmine magazine has produced many special issues highlighting either the Beatles career or an aspect of one of the solo Beatles careers. I was happy to recently learn of the following magazine which fits that bill.
The advertisement sent to me was certainly effective as I purchased a copy of the magazine!
Recently received this notification from a friend notifying me of a special limited-edition John and Yoko issue of Goldmine magazine:
Get Goldmine’s Winter issue with theJohn Lennon and Yoko Ono cover feature, bundled with special John & Yoko promotional postcards (only a select number were printed).
THEJOHN LENNON X GOLDMINE BUNDLE – GOLDMINE WINTER ISSUE W/ LIMITED EDITION POSTCARDS
How many bundles are available?
Note: There are only 100 bundles available, and each bundle includes three postcards of John and Yoko (shown). Postcards are blank on the back.
In the Winter Issue, find out the full story behind Power to the People — an incredible nine CD/three Blu-ray box set that features a new mix of the songs from Some Time in New York City, as well as John & Yoko’s “One to One” charity concerts held in August 1972, along with demos, outtakes and live tracks.
This is all topped off with an exclusive Q&A with Sean Lennon on the making of the box set and the recordings/footage.
In 1988 I was privileged to visit the Casbah in Liverpool and meet one of the first female rock ‘n’ roll promoters, Mona Best. While I visited that legendary site, I lacked the foresight to ask Mona for her autograph. Mona was one of the first female rock ‘n’ roll promoters and she also served in a surrogate managerial role for the early Beatles giving them the opportunity to hone their skills in her coffee club named the Casbah. Her son, Pete Best, of course was the first Beatles drummer. The Casbah was truly the first important stepping-stone in the Beatles early career. Mona’s business acumen and good promotional instincts knowing what would be popular were important ingredients in the Casbah’s success.
Many years later I was fortunate to be able to find this website Home – Pete Best and they were offering an item for sale which I could not resist. They were offering Mona Best’s signed postcards in a beautifully framed presentation featuring an early Mona Best photograph along with one of her signed postcards from her personal postcard collection.
I was so happy to be able to purchase this wonderful memento from the Best family as I had foolishly and neglectfully had not asked Mona for her autograph on the 1988 tour of her historical coffee club where the Beatles began!
ONE OF THE FAVORITE ITEMS IN MY COLLECTION:
This is the item that caught my eye at the Best website: It came in a nice frame: The item sold-out very quickly!
This is a closeup of the Mona Best signature that I acquired for my collection on my framed Mona Best memento:
Drummer Pete Best signed the certificate of authenticity on the back of the framed Mona Best item. (shown below) The Best family made 97 of these. Look at that wonderful list of talent that Mona Best was to promote. She was certainly ahead of her time and a true pioneer!
This item is one of the primary items in my collection due to the contributions that Mona and her family made to the legendary Beatles story!
A link to purchase The Beatles: The True Beginnings book:
The Best family, under the auspices and guidance of Roag Best, run the fabulous Beatles Museum on Mathew Street in Liverpool. I sincerely hope that I may one day be able to travel back to Liverpool to visit this wonderful museum which is preserving so many fabulous items of musical and historical importance. I have heard so many positive comments about this wonderful 3 floor Beatles Museum!
Hope you enjoyed the discussion of this wonderful collectable that I purchased from the Best family. It is one of the best items in my collection and was happy that the family was able to share it with people for their personal collections. The 97 Mona Best framed photograph and postcards sold-out in a flash, confirming my instincts!
