This item appealed to me from a recent eBay offering, with a Rubber Soul & Revolver signed print! It is a 50-years Ago Today Tribute Beatles Rubber Soul & Revolver print 12”x16.” It was a print designed to promote the concert tour of several musical celebrities who not only performed their own individual material at the shows but also played song selections from both the Beatles Rubber Soul & Revolver albums.

The document below was signed by various artists and members of the performing group including Denny Laine, Todd Rundgren, Christopher Cross Jason Scheff and Joey Molland from Badfinger. Signatures from key figures in the music industry, held an attractive appeal to me and is now a treasured addition to my musical celebrity signature collection.

The icing on the cake for me in this regard was because of the disagreements that one of the signees of the document below had with a Beatle!!! That type of confrontation will certainly be a guaranteed factor in making the news!

From 2022: It Was 50 Years Ago Today: A Tribute to The Beatles’ Rubber Soul & Revolver – The Wellmont Theater

Bought this print at a recent eBay auction. Can you guess the signature that I was really yearning for the most on this print? Let’s just say the artist I am referring to, experienced a tug of war with Mr. John Lennon in the press!!!

Years later, Todd Rundgren was also part of Ringo’s All-Star band. A couple of others signing this poster also had Beatles-related associations. One was Denny Laine who was with Wings during the entire Wings years with Paul McCartney. He was also in the Moody Blues and was active up to the point where illness stepped in and he sadly passed away.

Then there was Joey Molland, one of the original members of Badfinger. He also played on John Lennon’s Imagine album and George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass LP. Sadly, diabetes took its toll on Joey, and he recently passed away too as a result of his illness. Two other prominent musicians, Christopher Cross and Jason Scheff also signed the print

Some links on the internet that offer background on the feud between John Lennon and Todd Rundgren:

John Lennon’s Hilarious (And Ruthless) Clapback to Todd Rundgren’s “Howl of Hate (Pain)” – American Songwriter

How John Lennon Ended His Fight With Todd Rundgren

Why John Lennon and Todd Rundgren Had a Bitter Feud – The Beatles

John Lennon’s hilariously bitchy letter to Todd Rundgren

Lennon in response to Todd Rundgren | Steve Hoffman Music Forums

Saw that someone also posted this link on YouTube:

TODD RUNDGREN, DENNY LAINE, JOEY MOLLAND, CHRISTOPHER CROSS Live, The Wellmont, Montclair, NJ 3/1/22

Hello It’s Me (2015 Remaster)

I Saw the Light (2015 Remaster)

LEO McKERN – THE ACTOR WHO PORTRAYED “CLANG” IN HELP!

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Some fascinating biographical information about Mr. McKern at Wikipedia:

Leo McKern – Wikipedia

Leo McKern was more well-known in his native Australia and in the UK, but I can recall many wonderful performances of the actor as a resident of the US. His role as a cardinal in the movie of The Shoes of the Fisherman, advising the Pope, played by Anthony Quinn, was simply brilliant.

In the UK, the role that made him a virtual household name as an actor was as Horace Rumpole, whom he played in the UK television series, Rumpole of the Bailey!

In the Beatles film, Help!, a frustrated “Clang”, played by Leo McKern, throws darts at the screen while watching The Beatles’ performance. What is not as commonly known is that the footage, minus “Clang”, was distributed by NEMS Enterprises to television companies to promote the ‘Help!’ single, released in July 1965.

What one would define as an autobiography, Leo McKern’s JUST RESTING, published in 1983 by Methuen. It appears that the book may be out of print but there are used copies available on both Amazon US and Amazon UK. The book is difficult to find but I have also seen copies listed at both eBay and at Abe Books.

AMAZON UK:

Just resting: McKern, Leo: 9780413521200: Amazon.com: Books

AMAZON US:

Just resting: McKern, Leo: 9780413521200: Amazon.com: Books

LEO McKERN’S LETTER TO A FAN:

Recently purchased on eBay this letter actor Leo McKern wrote to a fan about his performance in the play The Wolf.

BEATLES HELP ACTOR LEO McKERN AUTOGRAPH LETTER

Autographed letter signed written from the Apollo Theater in London.  McKern writes that he is delighted that the writer liked the play “The Wolf” which would probably date the letter to the Oct-Dec.1973-time frame.

I love obtaining items like this for the collection. Hope you enjoy this note to a fan by actor Leo McKern!

In closing, remember McKern’s Clang character will probably always be remembered for that command line he repeats in the move Help!, “GO TO THE WINDOW”!!! That line from Help! resonates in my mind every time I view the film. It will always stick in my consciousness. I don’t know why, but mysteriously, it still does!!!

Best Wishes!

Be Healthy and Be Happy!

Buzz

OUR FEATURED BOOK AT THE BEATLES BOOKSTORE

MACCAZINE’S NEW ISSUE IS OUT NOW: MACCAWARDS

My favorite Paul McCartney magazine/fanzine is based in the Netherlands, and it only needs one word to adequately describe it: FANTASTIC!!! Maccazine is published twice a year, but the issues are better described as being more like receiving softcover books rather than being attributed as being magazines. (The new issue is 160 pages long, for example) They are wonderful titles that are thematic and extremely informative giving detailed information about the illustrious career of James Paul McCartney! The latest issue of the magazine (written in English) deals with the truckload of awards that Paul has earned during his stellar career. I became a subscriber to this beautiful magazine (book) several years ago and I have never regretted my decision. If you get the opportunity to become a subscriber, I firmly believe that you will be very pleased and you will probably be excited and inspired to pass the word on to your friends that share your love of Paul McCartney!

The Cover of the New Issue:

RECENTLY RECEIVED THIS NOTIFICATION FROM THE MACCAZINE VIA EMAIL:

In a new lavishly illustrated Maccazine —merrily titled ‘MACCAWARDS’— we proudly present a comprehensive compilation of the awards and honours bestowed on our protagonist, exemplifying his reputation as a lauded composer and being the single most important living musical legend. Most probably not all awards and honours but —certainly— all relevant and importantones (and some minor ones too). Earning a plentitude of gold and platinum discs, more than a few Grammys, a knighthood and many more accolades throughout his career, we decided against just a chronological enumeration. To promote readability, there are several summarizing chapters (e.g., IVORS, GRAMMYS, BRITS), but at the conclusion of these 160 pages, there’s a long chronological list of all individual awards discussed.

Enjoy and be amazed!                                                                                                               

160 pages, 500+ illustrations

René Termeer, editor

This wonderful MACCAWARDS Maccazine is part of the 2025 membership.

If you’re a member the new Maccazine is on the way to you or reached you already

You can also order this Maccazine:  https://www.maccazine.com/order-page/

Do you want to become a member for 2026? Use this link: SUBSCRIBE TO MACCAZINE

THREE SAMPLE PAGES FROM THE NEW ISSUE:

This magazine/book is one of my favorite items that I anxiously wait to receive each and every year. I know in advance that I will be receiving QUALITY! Sounds like the man that the magazine is inspired by! Top of the line!!!

Be Healthy and Be Happy!

Buzz

THE DOWNTOWN SINGER, PETULA CLARK – HER AUTOBIOGRAPHY “IS THAT YOU, PETULA?”

The British Invasion has predominantly been associated with being an exclusively male domain! That was not the case! Petula Clark had numerous hits in the 60’s that mirrored the success and prominence of the many male rock groups of the 60s. With the release of this book which Petula Clark states will be her one and only book title, it gives her the opportunity to tell her story directly from the primary source. Growing up as a first-generation Beatles fan, I remember that Petula Clark released so many excellent songs during the British Invasion time frame that helped to define that wonderful era. I have many of her songs permanently etched in my memory as being important ingredients in the musical milieu of the time.

Now in her 90s, Petula has chosen this as the time to share her memories with us. We will all benefit from reading about her recollections…

You will even learn about her association with John Lennon and how she became a backing singer on one of John Lennon’s first solo songs!

ONE OF THE BACKING SINGERS ON GIVE PEACE A CHANCE

The story of how Petula Clark ended up singing on John Lennon’s ‘Give Peace a… – Gold Radio

NOT JUST MALE SINGERS IN THE BRITISH INVASION:

If you are interested in acquiring the new book here are a few links for your convenience:

AMAZON US:

Is That You, Petula?: An Autobiography: Clark, Petula: 9781529955095: Amazon.com: Books

AMAZON UK:

Is That You, Petula?: An Autobiography : Clark, Petula: Amazon.co.uk: Books

The cover of the new book:

Back cover of the book:

My copy of the book was signed by Petula Clark:

The front flap of the dustjacket of the book:

The back flap of the dustjacket of the book:

Some excellent examples of Petula’s career as a female pioneer during the British invasion, a few Beatles-related cover songs, and a few samples of some of her classic songs featured on YouTube:

Petula Clark: How John Lennon Inspired Novel & Turning Down Elvis | Loose Women

Petula Clark and John Lennon

Petula Clark “I Want To Hold Your Hand” (The Beatles Cover) on The Ed Sullivan Show

Petula Clark – Downtown (Official Audio)

I Know a Place —– Petula sings about the Cavern

A Sign of the Times

Petula Clark “The Fool On The Hill” (The Beatles Cover) on The Ed Sullivan Show

Petula Clark – We Can Work It Out

Rain

Petula Clark Come Together %28Medley%29

Petula Clark Meets The Beatles

Petula Clark “Colour My World” on The Ed Sullivan Show

Petula Clark sings the Beatles’, ‘Please Please Me’ (in French).

Imagine

Don’t Sleep in the Subway

Petula Clark – Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band

There is a quick glimpse of Petula Clark at the Bed-In in this video:

Plastic Ono Band – Give Peace A Chance (1969)

Hope you enjoyed this post of a wonderful UK singer who has given so much for so long!!!

Be Healthy and Be Happy!

Buzz

MORE BOOKS ABOUT JOHN LENNON

A SORTABIOGRAPHY BY GEORGE HARRISON’S GOOD FRIEND ERIC IDLE

THEY SAY “AN IDLE BRAIN IS THE DEVIL’S WORKSHOP” PART OF THE FULL MONTY (PYTHON) – ERIC IDLE’S GENESIS BOOK

As most of the members of this blog are aware, I not only collect Beatles books but I also collect titles that have a connection or an association to the band. In this case, Eric Idle, a former member of the Monty Python comedy troupe was a good friend of ex-Beatle George Harrison and he also was one of the primary creative minds that put together the Beatles spoof known as the Rutles, which spawned two excellent album releases of Rutles Beatles-satirizing music written by former Bonzo Dog member, the late Neil Innes!

The musical releases were a result of Eric Idle’s wonderful video script he wrote, created and directed the Rutles film known as All You Need is Cash.

Here is the slipcase of the Genesis title the “sort of biography” of comedian Eric Idle. The man who can break you up without a word. His facial expressions alone can leave you in need a surgeon to deal with the stitches…

Here is the special 500 copy signed edition offered by Genesis Publication Ltd., the same company that published the limited edition of I Me Mine by George Harrison. Within this book you will see what a close friendship that Eric Idle had with former Beatle, George Harrison. You will notice that most great comedians are also very sensitive people harboring a lot of sadness within their psyche which they express through their comedy. Eric Idle has always given me that impression and it is only pure conjecture on my part. The photos you see on this post are from my copy of the book:

The Slipcase that holds the book:

The cover of the book:

Copyright info:

My copy is #499 of 500 signed by Mr. Idle:

Notification of some of the contents within this special book:

My copy of The Order of the Rutland Goat Certificate:

Signed lyrics to Eric Idle’s The Meaning of Life:

Part of the Galaxy Song by Eric Idle-this page of the lyrics is signed by Eric Idle:

Part of Eric’s sterling resume in the Genesis version of his biography:

The Mass Market Edition:

Always Look on the Bright Side of Life: A Sortabiography Hardcover – 2 Oct. 2018
by Eric Idle (Author) Crown Archetype

Publication date-Oct.2, 2018

AMAZON US

Always Look on the Bright Side of Life: A Sortabiography: Idle, Eric: 9781984822581: Amazon.com: Books

Amazon’s Description of the book:

From the ingenious comic performer, founding member of Monty Python, and creator of Spamalot, comes an absurdly funny memoir of unparalleled wit and heartfelt candor.

We know him best for his unforgettable roles on Monty Python & from the Flying Circus to The Meaning of Life. Now, Eric Idle reflects on the meaning of his own life in this entertaining memoir that takes us on a remarkable journey from his childhood in an austere boarding school through his successful career in comedy, television, theater, and film. Coming of age as a writer and comedian during the Sixties and Seventies, Eric stumbled into the crossroads of the cultural revolution and found himself rubbing shoulders with the likes of George Harrison, David Bowie, and Robin Williams, all of whom became dear lifelong friends.

With anecdotes sprinkled throughout involving other close friends and luminaries such as Mike Nichols, Mick Jagger, Steve Martin, Paul Simon, Lorne Michaels, and many more, as well as John Cleese and the Pythons themselves, Eric captures a time of tremendous creative output with equal parts hilarity and heart. In Always Look on the Bright Side of Life, named for the song he wrote for Life of Brian and which has since become the number one song played at funerals in the UK, he shares the highlights of his life and career with the kind of offbeat humor that has delighted audiences for five decades. The year 2019 marks the fiftieth anniversary of The Pythons, and Eric is marking the occasion with this hilarious memoir chock full of behind-the-scenes stories from a high-flying life featuring everyone from Princess Leia to Queen Elizabeth.

AMAZON UK EDITION OF THE MASS MARKET EDITION OF THE BOOK:

Always Look on the Bright Side of Life: A Sortabiography: Amazon.co.uk: Idle, Eric: 9781474610292: Books

Publisher W&N Publication date May 2, 2019

The first Rutles cd:

AMAZON US:

The Rutles – The Rutles – Amazon.com Music

AMAZON UK:

The Rutles (Us Import): Amazon.co.uk: CDs & Vinyl

THE FIRST CD

Back Cover of the CD:

THE FOLLOW-UP CD ARCHAEOLOGY

AMAZON UK:

Archaeology: Amazon.co.uk: CDs & Vinyl

Track Listings

1	Major Happy’s Up And Coming Once Upon A Good Time Band
2	Rendezvous
3	Questionnaire
4	We’ve Arrived! (And To Prove It We’re Here)
5	Lonely – Phobia
6	Unfinished Words
7	Hey Mister!
8	Easy Listening
9	Now She’s Left You
10	The Knicker Elastic King
11	I Love You
12	Eine Kleine Middle Klasse Musik
13	Joe Public
14	Shangri – La
15	Don’t Know Why
16	Back In ’64

HANDMADE FILMS BOOKS

An amazing book about George Harrison’s Handmade Films and how he helped to finance Monty Python’s Life of Brian. Also learn how Handmade Films mismanagement by one of their executives helped to make the Beatles Anthology a possibility!

The book details many of the films produced by George’s film company. The story of George’s willingness to put up the money to film The Life of Brian which turned out to be a great success despite/because of the surrounding religious controversy! George’s willingness to help the Pythons finance the film by putting up his palatial home Friar Park as collateral, surely permanently endeared GH as a friend of Eric Idle for life!

AMAZON US:

Very Naughty Boys: The Amazing True Story of HandMade Films: Sellers, Robert: 9781781167083: Amazon.com: Books

AMAZON UK:

Very Naughty Boys: The Amazing True Story of Handmade Films eBook : Sellers, Robert: Amazon.co.uk: Books

HARDCOVER LIMITED EDITION BOOK–HANDMADE FILMS-BEHIND THE FILM MAKING

A special limited edition hardcover book about Handmade‘s collection of films. One thousand copies were issued of this limited-edition book: I have been told that the publication is still being offered at the following website:

https://www.handmadefilms.com/product/handmade-films-behind-the-film-making-limited-edition-book

Special thanks to Seamus Hayes in the UK for obtaining a copy for me!!!

The introduction to the hardcover book:

THE ALL YOU NEED IS CASH RUTLES DVD

The dvd of the Rutles movie

Amazon.com: The Rutles – All You Need is Cash : Aykroyd, Dan, Bayler, Terence, Belushi, John, Charles, Jeannette, Fataar, Ricky, Franken, Al, Halsey, John, Harrison, George, Idle, Eric, Innes, Neil, Jagger, Bianca, Michaels, Lorne, Murray, Bill, Palin, Michael, Radner, Gilda, Taylor, Gwen, Weis, Gary, West, Carinthia, Wood, Ron, Woolf, Henry, Idle, Eric, Weis, Gary: Movies & TV

The back cover of the Rutles dvd All You Need is Cash:

A BOOK WRITTEN BY THE WIFE OF RON NASTY

A Neil Innes biography written by his wife, Yvonne:

AMAZON US:
Dip My Brain in Joy: A Life with Neil Innes: The Official Biography: Innes, Yvonne: 9781785121692: Amazon.com: Books

AMAZON UK:

Dip My Brain in Joy: A Life With Neil Innes: The Official Biography: Amazon.co.uk: Innes, Yvonne: 9781785121661: Books

The back cover of the book:

Neil Innes’s wife Yvonne signed this copy of the biography she wrote about her husband:

A SPECIAL RUTLES PUBLICATION

They also issued a special Rutles book which I have lurking somewhere in the archives:

The More Than Compleat Rutles Forever Paperback – 30 Jun. 2019
by David Louis Rosenbaum (Author), Eric Idle (Author), Neil Innes (Author)

Available on AMAZON UK:

The More Than Compleat Rutles Forever : Rosenbaum, David Louis, Idle, Eric, Innes, Neil: Amazon.co.uk: Books

AMAZON US:
Amazon.com: The More Than Compleat Rutles Forever: 9798482435311: Rosenbaum, David Louis, Idle, Eric, Innes, Neil: Books

AMAZON DESCRIPTION:

Rutles Forever, The Official Rutles Fanzine featured exclusive interviews with Eric Idle, musician and songwriter Neil Innes, and of course Neil’s close friend Ron Nasty. Reprinted here, for the first time ever in a glorious facsimile edition. Extremely rare, with an original run of one hundred copies each. Presented as originally seen, four issues, 1978 to 1980. Making this collection more than complete is Archeology, selections from what would have been Rutles Forever Issue 5 and choice tidbits from the official RutleManiacs International fan archive. Digitally remastered for your enjoyment.

Back Cover:

Found some assorted videos on YouTube that give some proper context to this post: Thank you for all of the smiles over the years, Eric Idle . You, and your great circle of friends!!!

Eric Idle performs ‘Always Look on the Bright Side of Life’ – The Graham Norton Show – BBC

George Harrison – “The Pirate Song” on Rutland Weekend Television

The Beatles talk about the Rutles

Rutles All You Need is Cash Q&A Eric Idle 2001 Neil Innes Gary Weis Rikki Fataar

Neil Innes Talks About Eric Idle Singing The Rutles

Eric Idle and Terry Gilliam on George Harrison and Life Of Brian

THE RUTLES – Cheese And Onions (1969)

An excellent couple of interviews on YouTube from a great podcast series entitled Without The Beatles

What did Michael Palin think of The Beatles?

Monty Python without The Beatles!

The Beatles Are My Therapy

And a special treat from that wonderful YouTube site – an interview with our wonderful blog administrator, David Bedford: God Bless You, David! You are the best!!!

The Beatles are my therapy (w Dave Bedford)

Be Healthy and Be Happy!

Buzz

GET DAVID’S LATEST BOOK – THE BEATLES: WHAT IF?

So What have A Clockwork Orange and The Beatles got in common?

As you see this Blog you may well ask what is this doing here, well please read on and all will become so very clear, as clear as mud it seems in parts,…… but the question and story is so very real.

The original book of A Clockwork Orange was first published by Anthony Burgess in 1962 and immediately opened several lines of questioning as regards morality and scope of the book and its contents. Interest however was very rich and the film rights were sold by the author for a then good sum of $500 US Dollars almost immediately, (today that would be worth around $5,200 Dollars).

As strength and wind got behind the movie project, The Rolling Stones were first in line for the film, with Mick Jagger very keen to play the role of Alex, (finally  done with reverence by Malcolm Mcdowell). Ken Russell was to be the director of the said movie.

During the early 1970s records were made that The Beatles were also considered for roles within the film. The two bands were rotated in many peoples heads throughout the 1960s. All this occurred before Stanley Kubrick got involved with  the project.

Enter at an early stage, writer Terry Southern who had written a script with the Beatles as the main cast, apparently building on their acting success in A Hard Day’s Night. This seemed to be the agreed approach until, the film’s executive producer Si Litvinoff passed a letter to prospective director John Schlesinger in February 1968, and with it a petition signed and fully supported by The Beatles and Mick Jagger, that the role of Alex was to be played by Mick, and the other Stones to play his gang mates in the movie.

The Beatles were then slated to write the film’s soundtrack and the resultant album was to be issued on Apple Records, their new Record Company. This, however. was never to be done due to the pressure brought to bear by The British Board of Film Classification, who stated that they would not grant any viewing certificates for the film, so the rights for the movie reverted finally to Stanley Kubrick.

The project rumbled on without any strong movement until the film IF was released starring Malcolm Mc Dowell, who played his role superbly exuding his violent nature, but also expounded intelligence on the screen. Some time later, Terry Southern gave a copy of his plot (still wrapped around The Beatles), and script to Stanley Kubrick, who apparently, after completing another project, liked everything about the film project so took it on.

By the time filming had begun in September 1970 and finished in April 1971, The Beatles had split as a group, so the avenue to having them write and record the soundtrack was lost completely.

However, filming was slated to begin on several occasions during late 1968 and 1969, and it was also planned to use mainly London locations. Thamesmead and other nearby areas were earmarked, so could one could ask the question, That could it be that the studios used to start rehearsals for the Get Back Project, in January 1969, could they have originally been booked for A Clockwork Orange soundtrack sessions? It certainly does bear thinking about, does it not?

Yes, we can now speculate with a lot more concrete timings, but it still remains conjecture until further information is added to this pot. 

However strange this story must appear to many fans, I am 100% assured that it is not wishful thinking, or 100% conjecture, but a huge amount of fact that sadly never came to fruition. I add another caveat to this whole scenario in the fact that Lennon’s solo music really explored vastly different areas to mainstream music that The Beatles so richly dominated worldwide at the time. Some of the tracks on the White Album could have easily been used as background music to some of the explicit and disturbing scenes in the film. Along with Two Virgins as a candidate, the barriers and differences were at times not to far apart.

Finally, some of the film projects undertaken by John and Yoko via Apple films are so very surrealistic, avant garde in concept, that they indeed would have fitted very well in A Clockwork Orange. So although we did not get A Clockwork Apple, what we ended up with was a film that provoked at the time, and still does this very thing today.

Nigel Pearce

Author of Inside No 3 a picture History of Apple.

www.insideandoutsideno3.com

GET NIGEL PEARCE’S GREAT BOOK ON APPLE RECORD