The new book by David Bedford and Andrew Phillips, The Beatles What If? has Beatles fans talking around the world! Find out why in this interview on Robert Miller’s “Follow Your Dreams” podcast.
We discuss different scenarios in Beatles history where everything COULD have worked out differently. DO you agree or disagree? Let us know in the comments.
Special Guest – Jay Bergen, author of Lennon, the Mobster & The Lawyer
Jay Bergen
Listen to the Interview here:
Don’t forget to register for 10 December John Lennon Focal Points Free webinar The Beatles Holiday Party Featuring Co-Host Joe Johnson of Beatle Brunch Radio Special Guests – Scott R. McKinley presentsThe Beatles 1964 Christmas Message!!
Upcoming guests on “Tell Me Why”David Bedford of The Beatles Bookstore, author of Liddypool, The Fab One Hundred and Four, The Country of Liverpool, and more… Bill King author of Large Time Editor of Beatlefan magazine Scott R. McKinley Narrator and Voice Actor for She Loves You, Vol. 3 in The John Lennon Series andJay Bergen’s Lennon, the Mobster & the Lawyer
Remember to visit the John Lennon Series to pre-order a signed, dated, numbered copy of Some Forever Shades of Life, Part Two(Aug. 1965 – March 1966) Book Release Party March 28-30, 2025 at The New York Metro Fest for Beatles Fans!
Discover Jude’s Books at The Beatles Bookstore
Shoulda Been There (Vol. 1) 1940 – Dec 1961
In Jude Kessler’s stunning debut narrative biography, you’ll learn the truths behind the Lennon legend. You’ll discover why the popular, rich, famous singer called himself a “Nowhere Man.” There are no hard copies left, but you can get it on Kindle by clicking here for $9.99
But for John Lennon, the hectic rise to glory failed to cure the constant Shivering Inside. He was still searching for something…or someone…to fill the hole in his heart. There are no hard copies left but you can get it on Kindle here for $9.99.
1964 in John’s life! “A Hard Day’s Night”, and created/recorded the accompanying, best-selling soundtrack; a World Tour, a Scottish sojourn, a lengthy North American Tour hitting cities all across the U.S. and Canada.
Join Jude and Roag Best as they discuss the opening of the Casbah Coffee Club Suites Air BnB, home of the Casbah where The Quarrymen played opening night on 29 August 1959.
Roag Best
In addition, Roag tells us about his amazing Liverpool Beatles Museum and shares Mona Best’s favorite quote.
Watch “Tell Me Why” with Roag Best here: Roag Best
Roag Best on Tell Me Why Podcast
Check out Jude’s Books
Should Have Known Better (Vol. 4) – 1964
1964 in John’s life! “A Hard Day’s Night”, and created/recorded the accompanying, best-selling soundtrack; a World Tour, a Scottish sojourn, a lengthy North American Tour hitting cities all across the U.S. and Canada.
On Sunday 13th October on Future Radio 107.8FM – Norwich Groove Britain presents a very special programme remembering John Lennon after his 84th birthday. This programme contains much great music from The Beatles and his solo career, which encases his vision, effect, and ability to understand the art of music to the fullest degree. So join Nigel Pearce on GROOVE BRITAIN at 3 pm UK Time for a really wonderful exploration of the man’s music that enlightens us all after those 54 years of The Beatles split !! go to www.futureradio.co.uk and click listen live !! then enjoy.
Inside Number Three – The Illustrated History of Apple Records
Inside No3 takes you through that famous door, deep into the minds of all who worked there at Apple Records. This is done also in a very different way. This is not a kiss-and-tell diary, it is through fan adulation and understanding via a personal collection of artifacts and memorabilia that author Nigel Pearce has built up over the last 50 years.
John Lennon’s blunt nature often displayed truth in the observation that he could be his own worst enemy at times, especially with his “More Popular Than Jesus” comments! Public relations were certainly not his area of expertise. That was more of Paul’s realm! Though some would argue that John’s airing of his viewpoints was one of their favorite Lennon qualities as they made people “think” about social problems rather than just blindly accepting them as normal aspects of everyday life. Some subjects are certainly more controversial than others and discussing them can often lead to spirited conflict. Well, the Beatles were not immune to controversial subjects during their tenure at the top of the musical hierarchy…
John Lennon, in the mid-sixties made a comment to journalist Maureen Cleave that many believed was taken out of context that the influence of religion on the youth was declining whereas the mass following the Beatles were receiving was having more of an impact on the youth culture at that particular point in time.
Though his religious comments did not have a significant impact in Europe when they were made to journalist Maureen Cleave, when the comments appeared in the States, quite the controversy ensued as there was burnings of Beatles records and threats made on the Beatles lives. No doubt that this contributed to the 1966 decision for the Beatles to stop their touring careers!
Here are a few items from my collection dealing with this controversy
The September and October issues of Datebook magazine
September 1966 issue – the Cleave interview appears in this issue:
John’s More Popular Than Jesus Comments Appeared Here
The October 1966 issue where the publisher defends Lennon’s comments:
An excerpt of the Datebook publishers letter surrounding the controversy:
Finally, the “I Apologize” LP put together to market the controversy. It contained a news conference surrounding the matter and interviews with individual band members. It was not a big seller!However, I did add a copy to the collection primarily because of all the heated conversations about the incident.
In your opinion, what was the most controversial aspect of the career of the Beatles? What event seemed to bother you the most?
Buzz
Discover More about John Lennon at The Beatles Bookstore
“A short, sharp podcast for busy Beatles People in-the-know!”
Bruce Spizer
He has “music in his bones.” Actually, he has music everywhere – in records, in notes, in notes about records, and in books from the notes about the records…Bruce Spizer is The Beatles Music Man!
Enjoy this conversation about his latest release, The Beatles A Hard Day’s Night and More!
