Tag: Brian Epstein

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PHILIP NORMAN SHOUTS OUT ABOUT THE BEATLES, THE SOLO BEATLES, AND BRIAN EPSTEIN!!!

Author Philip Norman has written many books about the legendary band and/or the solo members of the group!

The first book entitled Shout has been in print continuously since the 1980s when it was first published. When the Beatles split in 1970, the unity of the collective admiration for the band of fans seemed to evolve and dissipate somewhat as fans of the group began to choose their individual favorite solo Beatle to follow and many fans became increasingly defensive when their chosen favorite Beatle was shown to have some human failings that they did not want to be given credibility or veracity by the press.

Philip Norman suffered the anger of many McCartney fans with the initial publication of Shout as the portrayal of Paul McCartney in the book was not what many McCartney fans had expected (or dare I say-wanted). Norman was accused of giving John Lennon preferential treatment in the Beatles perceived power hierarchy.

All I know is that Philip is an excellent writer and researcher and I have enjoyed all of his Beatle-related books. His post-Shout McCartney biography seems to have been his subtle and clever way to answer the criticisms about his McCartney portrayal in Shout bringing the immensely talented Paul into a more balanced and less critical portrait of the man. Journalism is not always based solely on fact. It is also based on the author’s perceptions and the language being used to describe events. Word choice creates emotional meanings to the reader and viewer. An author of any printed work has certain predispositions that for whatever reason will influence their final product. This blog will present some of Philip Norman’s literary works about the Beatles and some of the locations where you can obtain/purchase them.

Philip Norman – Shout!

The Folio Society has recently published a new hardcover slipcased edition of the book that started it all entitled Shout! What is an additional attraction of this new edition is that it features many photos of noted Beatles photographer, Terry O’Neill as part of this wonderful edition, through an apparent agreement with the late O’Neill’s estate.

Copies of the latest edition can be obtained/purchased at the Folio Society website:

https://www.foliosociety.com/usa/search/SHOUT

A photo of the book and the slipcase from the Folio Society website:

Philip Norman
Philip Norman

https://www.foliosociety.com/usa/shout

The hardcover book: I want to take this opportunity to thank a special individual for his help in being able to facilitate a signed and inscribed bookplate from author Philip Norman of the slipcased edition of the book. I am referring to Beatles book author and lifelong fan, David Stark, who occasionally sees Philip Norman in his neighborhood, and he took the time to ask Mr. Norman if he would consider sending me a signed bookplate for the new edition which I just purchased. The signed bookplate arrived in the mail in early November 2025.

I thank David Stark and Philip Norman for their kindness and consideration in this regard. David Stark is fully aware of my fascination as a collector for signed limited editions of books and I am genuinely appreciative and happy with this outcome.

For those of you who may not be aware, David Stark has an excellent book of his own recollections as an intense first-generation Beatles fan. It is one of my favorite books in my large Beatles book collection. You will enjoy the many fascinating stories in this title and here is the link to his website: (Check out David’s book-you will NOT be disappointed)

The link is provided below here:

It’s All Too Much – David Stark’s Musical Adventures – Adventures of a Teenage Beatles Fan in the ’60s & beyond

Here is the cover of the new edition of Shout!

Another photo from the Folio Society’website, describing the new hardcover edition of Shout!

The first of two signed bookplates that Philip Norman kindly sent to me:

Philip Norman was very kind in sending me two signed bookplates for this special edition of his book. Special thanks are extended to David Stark for facilitating Philip’s kind gesture!

Philip Norman’s SHOUT!

(From the Folio Society Website)

The True Story of The Beatles

Illustrated by Terry O’Neill

Introduced By the author

Packed with Terry O’Neill’s evocative photographs, this definitive Beatles biography gets the Folio treatment. Philip Norman’s forensic, funny and brilliantly written portrait captures the chaos and charisma of the Fab Four – a must-read for music lovers, Beatlemaniacs and anyone fascinated by the band that changed everything.

THE AUTHOR:

Philip Norman
Philip Norman

About the Author – THE DESCRIPTION IS FROM THE FOLIO SOCIETY WEBSITE

Philip Norman has an international reputation as a chronicler of pop music and culture. Shout! (Folio 2025), his groundbreaking biography of The Beatles, first published in 1981, has been continuously in print ever since. He went on to write definitive biographies of the Rolling Stones, Elton John, Buddy Holly, John Lennon, Mick Jagger, Sir Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix and George Harrison. Also an award-winning writer of fiction, he was one of the first Top 20 Young British Novelists. His latest non-music book is We Danced On Our Desks: Brilliance and Backstabbing at the Sixties’ Most Influential Magazine (2022).

AN EARLIER EDITION OF SHOUT!

AMAZON US:

Shout! The Beatles in Their Generation: Norman, Philip (re: John Lennon; Paul McCartney; George Harrison; Ringo Starr -: 9781416541172: Amazon.com: Books

AMAZON UK:
Shout!: The Beatles in Their Generation : Norman, Philip: Amazon.co.uk: Books

Coming in June of 2026 Philip Norman’s Brian Epstein biography: Mr. Moonlight: Brian Epstein and the Making of the Beatles Hardcover – June 16, 2026
by Philip Norman (Author)

AMAZON US:
Mr. Moonlight: Brian Epstein and the Making of the Beatles: Norman, Philip: 9780306837234: Amazon.com: Books

AMAZON UK:

Mr Moonlight: Brian Epstein and the Making of The Beatles: Amazon.co.uk: Norman, Philip: 9781398542266: Books

John Lennon: The Life Paperback – September 8, 2009

Philip’s John Lennon biography

by Philip Norman (Author)

Amazon US:

John Lennon: The Life: Norman, Philip: 9780060754020: Amazon.com: Books

AMAZON UK:
John Lennon: The Life: Amazon.co.uk: Norman, Philip: 9780007197422: Books

DAYS IN THE LIFE JOHN LENNON REMEMBERED Hardcover – Import, January 15, 1991
by Philip Norman (Author)

Prior to the release of his full-fledged Lennon bio:

Amazon US:

DAYS IN THE LIFE: Norman: 9780712639224: Amazon.com: Books

AMAZON UK:

Days in the Life: John Lennon Remembered: Amazon.co.uk: Norman, Philip: 9780712639224: Books

Paul McCartney: The Life Hardcover – May 3, 2016
by Philip Norman (Author)

This is the book that many of Philip Norman’s critics felt was his attempt to portray a more balanced viewpoint about Paul McCartney’s contributions to the Beatles than the McCartney portrayal in the Beatles bio of Shout where Norman was accused of taking an anti-McCartney focus!

I do not know for sure if that is the case but let the reader decide!!! LOL!

AMAZON US:
Paul McCartney: The Life: Norman, Philip: 9780316327961: Amazon.com: Books

AMAZON UK:
Paul McCartney: The Life: Amazon.co.uk: Norman, Philip: 9780316327961: Books

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George Harrison: The Reluctant Beatle Hardcover – October 24, 2023 by Philip Norman (Author)

Norman’s sensitive portrayal of George’s reluctance to bask in the non-ending glow of being a former Beatle and having to live up to the world’s expectations.

AMAZON US:

George Harrison: The Reluctant Beatle: Norman, Philip: 9781982195861: Amazon.com: Books

AMAZON UK:

George Harrison: The Reluctant Beatle: Amazon.co.uk: Norman, Philip: 9781398513402: Books

Well, we have Philip Norman books about the Beatles and about John, Paul, and George. We will soon even have a Brian Epstein biography coming from him. What are the odds that we will one day see the biography of Mr. Richard Starkey as a task assigned to PN? If it becomes a reality, one thing I am sure of, we will certainly learn something about the man from the Dingle in Liverpool that we did not know before!

Hope you have enjoyed this blog post about featured author, Philip Norman!

Best Wishes to all of you during this holiday season! Be Happy and Be Healthy!

Buzz

OUR FEATURED BOOK OF THE WEEK – IT’S ALL TOO MUCH

It's All Too Much
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ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE – THE LOVE YOU MAKE!!!

All You Need Is Love

Author Steven Gaines who co-wrote the book “The Love You Make” with Peter Brown, the longtime Beatles associate, has disclosed  that he has numerous hours of unreleased interviews from his research conducted for the original best-selling book from the 1980’s.  Steven has expressed the desire to be able to eventually leave the actual audio tapes to a research based institution like a university library or a museum.

This book seems to be a bonus release for Beatles historians to use as research source material. It also creates the unique opportunity for a book that deals with the creation of a best-seller which was also a biography that was tinged with controversy upon it’s release. Having the full transcribed interviews rather than an author’s editorial choice of what to print from the interviews can help to lend credibility to the conjectures presented by an author writing a biography. For researchers of the future having access to the actual audio interviews from these tapes would also be fascinating because one’s tone of voice often adds credibility to what one is saying, or often it strips that credibility away. History’s best-selling musical entertainers deserve the most accurate portrayal possible.

This is Steven’s partial list of the audio interviews that he has transcribed and will be publishing in the book. Perhaps the complete interviews with these individuals will help to shed some distinct credibility to those who criticized the authors for relying on controversy to sell the original book.

The tapes are approximately 80 hours of  interviews with Paul McCartney, Yoko Ono, George Harrison, and their families, friends and business associates.  The tapes were recorded in 1980-1981 during the preparation of the international bestseller, “The Love You Make.”

The full transcription of these interviews have never been seen by the public.   
Here is the partial list of the tape archive that the April 2024 release contains the transcribed interviews of the participants with:

Brian Epstein (from a tape discovered in the closet of Nat Weiss, it’s only one paragraph)

Paul McCartney

Alistair Taylor

Queenie Epstein

Nat Weiss

Alistair Taylor on Brian’s Death

Peter Brown on Brian’s Death

Allan Williams

Bob Wooler

Dick James

Geoffrey Ellis

Peter Brown on Manila

Vic Lewis

George Harrison

Alexis Mardas

Peter Brown on Maharishi

Pattie Boyd Harrison Clapton and Jenny Boyd Fleetwood

Neil Aspinall

David Puttnam  

Martin Polden

Peter Brown on Apple

Alistair Taylor on Apple

Derek Taylor

Peter Brown on “Hey Jude”

Robert Fraser

Ray Connolly

John Dunbar

Cynthia Lennon Twist

Ron Kass on Yoko Ono

Yoko Ono

May Pang

Peter Brown on Allen Klein

Dick James II

Ron Kass

John Eastman

Alistair Taylor on Allen Klein Having Him Fired

Allen Klein

Maureen Starkey 

Ringo Starr

US COVER TO THE APRIL 2024 RELEASE OF THE BOOK

All You Need Is Love: The Beatles in Their Own Words: Unpublished, Unvarnished, and Told by The Beatles and Their Inner Circle Hardcover – April 9, 2024
by Peter Brown (Author) Steven Gaines (Author) Published by St. Martin’s Press

All You Need Is Love
All You Need Is Love

UK COVER TO THE BOOK

All You Need Is Love: The End of the Beatles – An Oral History by Those Who Were There Hardcover – 11 April 2024

Published by Monoray

All You Need Is Love
All You Need Is Love

You can pre-order the book at Amazon now! Click the link below:

All You Need Is Love

Did you read “The Love You Make”? What did you make of it? Let me know in the comments below.

Buzz

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The Beatles and Me – I Need Your HELP to Find This Book!

The Beatles and Me

A BEATLES BOOK WITH A DIFFERENT COVER THAT HAS BEEN ELUSIVE TO ME

I love to be able to track down books concerning the Beatles that are very difficult to find. I am asking your help to assist me in finding a book that I am looking for in my collection. It is a Beatles book that was issued with 2 alternate covers. I have the more common cover, but I am looking for a copy of the cover that was withdrawn when the book was first issued. 

The book was compiled by musician, Dean Johnson and he has very interesting tale to tell about George Harrison.  Beatles biographer, Hunter Davies, had some unreleased George Harrison lyrics in his possession and apparently, he asked Dean to write the music to complete the song. Dean performed the song on the BBC and was planning to release it but apparently, the Harrison estate put a stop to the release. The song was titled “Silence Is Its Own Reply.” Here is a UK story about the song, played once on the Spencer Leigh radio program.

Wirral’s Dean finishes lost George Harrison song | Wirral Globe

I have heard the song and I wish more people had been able to hear it in order to register or to gauge their opinions.

Musician Dean Johnson had also released a book about fan encounters with the Beatles and though it is a small book it is very entertaining. Asking for your help or assistance in being able to find a copy of the book with the picture on the cover just below. The book was issued with two alternate covers. The book with the black and white cover photos is more difficult to find than the one I have in my possession.

However, I do know the cover exists as I know a couple of individuals who have a copy of the rare first cover of the book.

This is a picture of the cover that I am looking for in my collection. I hope you know someone who has a copy and is willing to let me purchase it.   Published in 2013 by Countyvise Ltd

The Beatles and Me by Dean Johnson
The Beatles and Me by Dean Johnson

This is the cover that I already have and this is the more common release with the color photographs:

The Beatles and Me
The Beatles and Me

Can you help me? Let me know in the comments below please.

John “Buzz” Bezzini

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The Beatles Lunchbox: A Nostalgic Icon of Pop Culture

The Beatles Lunchbox
The Beatles Lunchbox

Introduction

In the mid-1960s, a cultural phenomenon took hold of America as The Beatles rose to fame. Alongside their musical success, The Beatles became the first pop music group featured on a metal lunchbox. This iconic lunchbox, manufactured by Aladdin Industries, quickly became a symbol of self-expression for children and a marketing tool to capture the attention of young fans. In this article, we will delve into the history of the Beatles lunchbox, its design, significance, and value for collectors.

The Birth of a Cultural Icon

The Beatles Lunchbox

In 1965, Aladdin Industries introduced the first-ever Beatles lunchbox, forever changing the lunchtime routines of children across America. This metal lunchbox, measuring 8¼”x7½”x4″, was painted vibrant aqua blue and adorned with embossed images of the Fab Four. On one side, the lunchbox featured individual portraits of John, Paul, George, and Ringo, while the other showcased the band playing their instruments in iconic Shea Stadium suits. The bottom edge of the lunchbox displayed floating heads of the Beatles, and their signatures adorned the top.

Aladdin Industries: The Home of Beatles Lunchbox Production

Aladdin Industries (703 Murfreesboro Road in Nashville, Tennessee), the manufacturer of The Beatles lunchbox, was known for its innovative designs and quality products. The artistic director, Elmer Lehnhardt, collaborated with renowned photographer Dezo Hoffmann to create the striking portraits of The Beatles that adorned the lunchbox. Aladdin Industries also produced a matching blue thermos bottle to accompany the lunchbox, further solidifying the lunchtime experience for Beatles fans.

The Beatles Lunchbox: A Statement of Identity

The Beatles lunchbox quickly became more than just a container for sandwiches and snacks. It became a statement of identity for those who carried it. As Maria Godoy of National Public Radio aptly said, “A lunchbox was not merely a lunchbox, but a statement of who we were.” Children proudly flaunted their Beatles lunchboxes, showcasing their love for the band and their place within the pop culture movement.

The Blue Thermos Bottle: A Perfect Companion

The Beatles Thermos

Every Beatles lunchbox would be complete with the matching blue thermos bottle. Standing 7″ tall and 3¼” in diameter, the thermos bottle featured “The Beatles” and images of the band wrapping around both sides. It came with a light-blue screw cap, a cup cap, a name/address sticker, and instructions on how to care for the thermos. The Beatles lunchbox and thermos were the perfect duo for any fan looking to immerse themselves in the world of the Fab Four.

The Collectible Appeal of the Beatles Lunchbox

Decades after their initial release, Beatles lunchboxes have become highly sought-after collectibles. The combination of nostalgia, pop culture significance, and limited production years has propelled the value of these lunchboxes in the collector’s market. Jeff Augsburger, a collector and author, states, “The blue 1965 lunchbox was the first item I wanted to collect.” Finding a lunchbox in mint condition with the original thermos intact is the ultimate prize for many collectors.

The Rarity of the Blue Thermos Bottle

The Beatles Lunchbox

While the Beatles lunchbox itself is a coveted collectible, the blue thermos bottle is often the most challenging piece to find. Due to its fragility and frequent use, many thermos bottles were discarded or damaged over the years. As a result, finding an original blue thermos in excellent condition adds significant value to a collector’s ensemble. The scarcity of these thermos bottles contributes to their allure and drives up their market price.

Reproductions: A New Wave of Beatles Lunchboxes

In 2013, Factory Entertainment released reproductions of the iconic Beatles lunchbox for fans to enjoy. These replicas closely resemble the original design but can be distinguished by a modern barcode on the bottom. While these reproductions allow fans to own a piece of Beatles memorabilia, they lack the historical authenticity and value associated with the original Aladdin Industries lunchboxes.

Alternative Designs: The Beatles Brunch Bag and Air Flite Lunchbox

Alongside the classic metal lunchbox, alternative designs also emerged to cater to different preferences. One such design was the ‘Girl’s vinyl’ or ‘The Beatles Brunch Bag,’ a light blue soft vinyl box with an oval shape. This package, released in 1965 by Aladdin Industries, featured the Beatles group pictured on the front and included a blue thermos bottle with Beatles faces on one side and the band playing instruments on the other. Aladdin also issued a lunchbox after their official manufacturing license expired. In 1967 they made a Brunch Bag and Thermos called ‘Combo,’ with an image of two guitarists and one drummer combo on a similar aqua blue background. Additionally, Air Flite produced a lunchbox for the U.S. market featuring Beatles images and signatures, with “Air Flite” printed in the lower right-hand corner of the picture.

Conclusion

The Beatles lunchbox remains an enduring symbol of 1960s pop culture and a cherished piece of Beatles memorabilia. Its significance goes beyond its practical purpose, representing a statement of identity and a connection to a beloved band. Whether you’re a lunchbox collector or a Beatles enthusiast, the Beatles lunchbox and its accompanying blue thermos bottle hold a nostalgic charm that transports us to an era of music, fandom, and youthful exuberance.

Get a copy of Terry’s incredible book on Beatles Memorabilia now.

NEMS and the Business of Selling Beatles Merchandise in the U.S. 1964-1966 (2ND EDITION)

NEMS and the Business of Selling Beatles Merchandise in the U.S. 1964-1966 (2ND EDITION)

The book covers the approximately 150 licensed items that dotted store shelves and helped fuel the band-crazed fan during the time right after the band landed in America and performed on The Ed Sullivan Show. Toys, games, dolls, jewelry, clothing, wigs, and more!

Barnes and Noble site: httpss://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/nems-and-the-business-of-selling-beatles-merchandise-in-the-us-1964-1966-terry-crain/1137422952?ean=9783347096165#

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The Beatles Book that never was! Wishful Thinking!

The Beatles Collected
The Beatles Collected

The Beatles Book that never was!

Often, books can get listed on such booksellers as Amazon that never become a reality. I remember contacting the author of this book several years ago asking him when the book was going to be released. He wrote back to me saying that he had rejected doing the book and it was not going to be issued after all.

I remember being very disappointed as Pete Nash is an excellent Beatles collector and I am sure it would have been a wonderful and interesting release. Over the years I have bought several wonderful collectors items from Pete including a signed Pauline Lennon book about her husband, Freddie Lennon.

Pete notified Amazon according to his email that the book was not going to be published, yet the notification of the book remains on the Amazon UK site several years later. Hope they update the listing so fans will not be disappointed in attempting to order a copy.

 

Beatles Collected, The Hardcover – Illustrated, 10 Oct. 2019

by Pete Nash (Author) Red Planet Publishing-2019

Amazon UK Description

The Beatles Collected is the illustrated story of The Beatles told through the products we bought and collected. Beautifully photographed and designed The Beatles Collected includes record sleeves and labels, promotional material, concert and film artefacts and advertising and the whole gamut of Beatles merchandise from guitars, plastic models, clothes, wigs and even Beatles mothballs] The book covers everything from the rare and expensive to items produced in their millions. Of interest to both serious collectors and those baby boomers who remember owning Beatles bubblegum cards, original albums on Veejay or Swan or even a diecast yellow submarine]

Any books that you would like to see published that haven’t been yet? Let me know in the comments.

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The Beatles Hummer

The Beatles Hummer
The Beatles Hummer

Beatles Hummer?

Here’s an odd artifact from the Fab Four days…you could use it to hum all of your favorite Beatle’s tunes. Yes, you put it into your mouth, and then…hum!

Manufactured by the Louis F. Dow Company and licensed by NEMS, a ‘hummer’ was a musical instrument. The Hummer was an 11″ x ¾” cardboard tube, which sported a lithographed picture of The Beatles and facsimile signatures. Also printed on the tube was “original idea by Merrimaker, N. Y.”

Beatles Hummer
Beatles Hummer

Fab Four Colors

The mouthpiece that produced the musical tone had flared end pieces, which came in four colors: red (some say the rarest), blue, yellow, and white. The idea was that you hummed into it, and the perfect notes from the song would fill the air.

Merrimaker Corp. gave Dow the idea for the piece, which Dow proceeded to manufacture. In exchange for the concept, Dow conferred to Merrimaker Corp on June 5, 1964, rights to “sell for resale only and will not permit anyone else to sell in the USA the product “Hum-Along” Beatle horn or party favor instrument.”

Thanks for the Idea

Dow then added they would retain the rights to sell this item to “advertising specialty buyers & Beatles performance promoters or shows & to other resale outlets except for chain stores that Merrimaker will cover plus their regular jobbers throughout the USA.” From Dow to Merrimaker, this sublicense covered 1964 with “an option for one year’s renewal.” That was Dow’s ‘thanks for the idea’ concessions!

Promotion for The Beatles Hummer
Promotion for The Beatles Hummer

The poster that advertised the Hummer was 20″ x 11¼” and was also manufactured by Louis F. Dow. One poster came with each retail sales box of hummers. The upper section of the poster had The Beatles pictured in a doorway, and information about the Hummer printed on the lower part.

Also provided for retailers was an in-store white cardboard display box with a blueprint that measured 12″ x 9″ x 5″ and held about 80 hummers. The top of the display box was die-cut, so you could fold it out to stand it up at the back of the box. The box read: “Brand New! Exclusive! Get Your Official BEATLE HUMMER Great Fun! Start Your Own Beatle Combo! Picture Direct From London.”

The Beatles Hummer
The Beatles Hummer

The Merrimaker Corporation (DOS ID: 24082) was incorporated May 7, 1927, in New York. Their business is recorded as “DOMESTIC BUSINESS CORPORATION.”

Terry Crain

Find out more about The Beatles memorabilia in Terry’s great book:

NEMS and the Business of Selling Beatles Merchandise in the U.S. 1964-1966 (2ND EDITION)

NEMS and the Business of Selling Beatles Merchandise in the U.S. 1964-1966 (2ND EDITION)

The book covers the approximately 150 licensed items that dotted store shelves and helped fuel the band-crazed fan during the time right after the band landed in America and performed on The Ed Sullivan Show. Toys, games, dolls, jewelry, clothing, wigs, and more!

Barnes and Noble site: httpss://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/nems-and-the-business-of-selling-beatles-merchandise-in-the-us-1964-1966-terry-crain/1137422952?ean=9783347096165#

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