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THE BEATLES IN NEW ZEALAND – A CONVERSATION

As stated numerous times on this blog, one of my favorite items to collect are the more obscure Beatles-related books, like this one about The Beatles in New Zealand..

This one published in 2015 features a previously unpublished interview with John Lennon done in New Zealand, in 1964. Tony Taylor conducted the interview. The Amazon description is provided below for your convenience. I bought this title a few years ago on Amazon and was thoroughly happy that I was able to add it to the collection. Though small in the number of pages, it represents yet another piece to the jigsaw puzzle that makes up part of the Beatles story!

The Beatles Tour in New Zealand
The Beatles Tour in New Zealand

JL CONVERSATION – YouTube Tony Taylor reflects in a piece on YouTube

John Lennon speaks in rare NZ interview | RNZ

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Earl of Seacliff Art Workshop (28 April 2015)

John Lennon in Conversation: An interview with Professor Tony Taylor Paperback – 28 April 2015

by Michael O’leary (Author), Tony Taylor (Author)

Amazon UK description of the book and link to order it if you so desire:

A unique interview with John Lennon which was recorded when The Beatles were in New Zealand in 1964. It was recorded by Psychology Professor Dr Tony Taylor who was at the time doing a study into Beatlemania. It gives a remarkable insight into Lennon’s thoughts regarding fame, music and life generally at a time when the group was still new to all the world-wide adulation they were receiving. I have included an attachment of both the covers and the text for you to enjoy and to quote from if you think it will help the posting for your blog.

I think this is something of a coup for a New Zealand publisher as it must be one of the last unpublished interviews with John Lennon and it has been an honour to work with Dr Taylor on the project. You will note that my poem ‘The Flipside of the Ballad of John and Yoko’ appears at the end of the book as an antidote to the effects of fame.

John Lennon in Conversation: An interview with Professor Tony Taylor: O’leary, Michael, Taylor, Tony: 9781869421533: Amazon.com: Books

Also an Abe Books link:

John Lennon in Conversation: An interview with Professor Tony Taylor – O’leary, Michael; Taylor, Tony: 9781869421533 – AbeBooks

A conversation with John Lennon | Stuff

The book is small in size but it is also relatively inexpensive. Being an academic, the interview is superior to most Beatles-related interviews from that time period!

BUZZ

OUR FEATURED BOOK OF THE WEEK

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The Beatles Covers – But Not Music!

When The Beatles were carrying the whole world in their wake, it seemed to be the case that every manufacturer that could, would make something, or anything that could be attached to them in order that they would increase their turnover and their income.

However one thing or item that largely went unnoticed was the special or first day issue cover or envelope. These nowadays are an accepted form of high quality marketing. It was this condition of High Quality that stopped many companies receiving permission or an endorsement from The Beatles Management Structure, or more importantly Brian Epstein himself.

The Beatles First Day Covers

This did ensure that many large sums of money from products did not benefit the group in any way, but the First Day or Special Event Cover seemed to pass by largely unnoticed. Over the years I have been able to obtain quite a few of these and I thought that again this part of my collection from my personal archive would be engaging for many fans.

Now these items are one off examples that I was fortunate enough to obtain. Some of them were promotional ideas and thoughts largely from EMI and other loosely linked organisations. They now make a very interesting and rare part of Beatles History.

The listing is as follows, with a brief pen picture description.

1). A standard Parlophone Stationery Envelope used at times for promotional purposes.

2). A Gibraltar Special Issue First Day Cover showing a 1967 John Lennon Photograph to commentate the Marriage of John and Yoko.

3). A Hard Days Night Special Envelope from 1964 to commemorate the release of The Beatles First Film complete with stamp and date stamp.

4). Apple 1968 Our First Four and a mint set of the individual Stamps. This is part of my Our First Four set. This set has been shown here before.

5). Isle of Man First Day Cover signed personally by Ringo Starr.

6). A one off envelope idea not preceded with.

7). A War Is Over Envelope from that period. This was obtained from EMI Records . Apparently only a very few were issued.

8). A Dark Horse Records Special Stationery Envelope used for Press Releases. This one was for the duo Splinter on the occasion of their first album. The Place I love.

9). The Special Envelope used by Capitol Records to enclose the re-call letters for the Butcher Covers for the Yesterday and Today Covers.

10). A general shot of the letter; one finished in Red and one in Blue Emblazoned Inks. Both of these and the envelope came via EMI  in London England. These had been sent to EMI as courtesy copies from Capitol Records in the USA.

11). A single close up shot of the Red Sample letter. Note the emblazoned word SAMPLE placed on the letter.

This completes the description of the illustrated items, and I add that there are more to be shown at a later date. These are priceless artefacts from my archives, and are kept in the dark and out of contact with direct sunlight. This is the first viewing undertaken for over two years.

Nigel Pearce

GET NIGEL’S EXCELLENT BOOK ON APPLE RECORDS HERE

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The Beatles Take a LOOK at LIFE!!

There was a time when both Look and Life magazine were the large format magazines that allowed photography and photo-journalism to take hold in the magazine marketplace. However, the digital age has greatly reduced this type of magazine.

The Beatles (or a Beatle) or a mention of the group on the cover of Look or Life Magazine – not in chronological order.

There are many issues of Life and Look that have articles on the Beatles in addition to those mentioned here. This post only deals with those issues where a photo appears or a mention of a group member appears on the cover. If you are aware of a Life/Look magazine that may have been missed in this series whereby the Beatles or a Beatle appears on the cover or where a Beatles name appears on the cover, please bring the issue to the attention of administrator David Bedford and he will add it to the post! Thank you!

LOOK MAGAZINE MARCH 18, 1969-written by Yoko’s former classmate at Sarah Lawrence, Betty Rollin. John gave some sarcastic remarks about the author of this piece intended to introduce the new couple to the world. The sarcastic remarks appeared on John and Yoko’s first appearance on the Dick Cavett show. John was disappointed in Betty because he expected a more positive portrayal of Yoko by her former college associate.

Look magazine with John and Yoko
Look magazine with John and Yoko

Look Magazine December 29, 1964-an early piece about the Beatles impact on hair styles:

Look
Look

A piece about the Yellow Submarine movie was featured in this issue

Look Magazine July 23 1968

A feature on Ringo- Look MagazineFeb 10, 1970 

LOOK Magazine-Jan. 9, 1968- the Richard Avedon photos:

Look Magazine-Dec. 1966-John’s acting break from the Beatles in “How I Won the War.”:

SPECIAL EDITION DECEMBER 1969

A special issue of the magazine intending to summarize the tumultuous decade of the sixties:

Part 2:

There are many issues of Life and Look that have articles on the Beatles in addition to the magazines mentioned here. This post only deals with those issues where a photo appears or a mention of a group member appears on the cover.

If you are aware of a Life and/ or Look magazine that may have been missed in this series whereby the Beatles or a Beatle appears on the cover or where a Beatles name appears on the cover, please bring the issue to the attention of administrator David Bedford, and he will add it to the post!

Thank you! Please also be aware that these magazines are not appearing chronologically:

LIFE MAGAZINE July 24, 1967

Only appeared as the cover in Australia, New Zealand and as this magazine indicates, Asia. One has to wonder why this cover did not appear in the USA or the UK. This cover is very costly to obtain/find now in collector’s circles. The late Henry Grossman took the wonderful Sgt. Pepper era cover photo.

Life- September 13, 1968-cover photo from the Mad Day Out:

LIFE Magazine 2011 – Remembering George Harrison 10 Years Later. An issue celebrating the life of George Harrison:

Life Magazine – April 16, 1971-Paul tells his story about the Beatles breakup:

Life magazine presents: With The Beatles-inside Beatlemania by their official photographer Robert Whitaker

2012

LIFE Magazine THE BEATLES From Yesterday to Today- 2001 Collector’s Edition:

Life Magazine – November 7, 1969-Ironically, about the Paul is Dead rumor and the Beatles as a group were soon to be no more:

LIFE Magazine Paul McCartney At 75 – 2017

Published 2022 Paul at 80

Life Magazine The Beatles- Then Now Forever- Oct 2021:

Life Reunion Special: The Beatles from Yesterday to Today- 12/11/95:

Life Magazine, Aug. 28, 1964:

LIFE Magazine- Remembering John Lennon 25 Years Later 2005:

LIFE- Feb 1984:

Life Magazine February 1981-Photos of John at home at the Dakota. This issue appeared in the year following his tragic death.

2 Special issues of Life dealing with the 60s:

A special double issue of Life dealing with the 60s:

Life Magazine-October 28, 1968:

Notice the reference to Yoko on the cover. I am sure this did not go over well with the parties concerned:

Life Atlantic Magazine 16 Sept 1968

June 1981 Issue of Life Magazine: Ringo Gets Married

QUESTION:

Do you have any of the Look or Life magazines featuring the Beatles or a solo Beatle on the cover? If so, which ones are your favorites? Let me know in the comments below.

BUZZ

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JPGR HODGEPODGE #10 – ED SULLIVAN AND SO MUCH MORE

As we celebrate the Ed Sullivan show appearance by The Beatles, I dig into my collection for some great pieces from my collection.

I obtained this signed McCartney band member photo on eBay a few years ago for 2 major reasons. This is my favorite configuration of a group of musicians that has backed Paul since the Beatles disbanded. Secondly, it was for the historical significance of this band playing a concert above The Ed Sullivan Theater marquee in New York, the site which propelled the Beatles to a worldwide audience, firmly establishing and entrenching their journey into the history books….

ED SULLIVAN

Band member signatures appearing on this photo taken in 2009:

Paul (Wix) Wickens on keyboard, backing vocals

Rusty Anderson-on lead guitar and backing vocals

Brian Ray – also on lead guitar, sometimes rhythm or bass guitar when Paul is playing lead, and backing vocals

Abe Laboriel – on drums, also on backing vocals

Paul McCartney and his band at the Ed Sullivan Theater
Paul McCartney and his band at the Ed Sullivan Theater

A wonderful signed paperback book about Ed Sullivan’s Sunday Variety show which so many baby boomers grew up watching:

Ed Sullivan
Ed Sullivan

Ed Sullivan’s signature in the book:

Ed Sullivan Autograph
Ed Sullivan Autograph

Four Complete Ed Sullivan Shows on DVD including the commercials which helped to capture the spirit of the times (When this was officially released, I could not wait to receive my copy)

The Beatles on Ed Sullivan
The Beatles on Ed Sullivan

JOHN LENNON – GERMAN MAGAZINE

Love collecting foreign magazines whereby the foreign country, in this case Germany which I have a rudimentary knowledge of the language, put a solo Beatle on the cover that did not appear in the States. The article about John appearing in this German Rolling Stone translates into: John Lennon: Between Man and Myth!

This book may be controversial to some but it was a fascinating read. This is the author, Robert Rosen, who was going to collaborate with John Lennon’s PA, Fred Seaman, on a book dealing with John Lennon’s diaries, which were taken by the PA from the Lennon’s apartment without the Estate’s permission. Numerous lawsuits were brought by the Estate against the PA for the accused larceny. This book by the author who was going to collaborate with the PA was allowed to be published and it presents Mr. Rosen’s story as to how he saw the actual events unfold. In numerous Facebook communication exchanges with Mr. Rosen, I expressed a hope to be able to read the diaries one day but ONLY with the condition that it had the permission and the approval of the Lennon Estate, as these were private sentiments expresed by John when he was alive. He understood my sentiments and that explains his comments when he signed a copy of the book for me. Book published in 2000 by Soft Skull Press, Inc.

Final Days of John Lennon
Final Days of John Lennon
Final Days of John Lennon
Final Days of John Lennon

The back cover of the book:

Final Days of John Lennon
Final Days of John Lennon

DECONSTRUCTING THE BEATLES

When Scott Freiman, the noted lecturer, academician, and creator of the stellar Deconstructing the Beatles series of DVDs released the Abbey Road DVD issue, it held a special significance for me. It was an excellent 2 dvd presentation of the history of the creation of The Beatles Abbey Road LP with all of the hidden treats contained between the record grooves. Scott dealt with such issues as the extent of the Beethoven influence on the creation of the Beatles song entitled “Because” on the LP’s B-side.

He deals with the exploding growth of the musical maturity and creativity of George Harrison and deals extensively with Paul’s great contributions to the fantastic Side 2 medley which was being strongly encouraged by Beatles producer, George Martin. Scott Freiman’s marketing people promoted a special release for the unique superfan 2 disk edition of Abbey Road Deconstructed. I have since forgotten the number of copies that were actually issued, but it was a much higher cost than the standard edition to the purchaser. One could get their name included on the cover of the dvd and it would also appear on a poster celebrating the special edition. In addition, they were also to issue a very large beautiful photo reproduction of the Abbey Road cover which would certainly be an ideal feature in anyone’s music room! In the future I hope to do a blog post on all of Scott Freiman’s Beatles-related DVDs.

This is the deluxe edition poster signed by Scott Freiman:

Deconstructing The Beatles
Deconstructing The Beatles

This is a photo of the dvd:

Deconstructing The Beatles
Deconstructing The Beatles

Scott’s dedication to the fans who supported his great lectures which was included in the Superfan collection:

Deconstructing The Beatles
Deconstructing The Beatles

A special book and the kind that I personally treasure that deal with specific UK Beatles gigs that are not so well-known outside the UK. This book written by Pete Chambers is one of those titles. It is a small book published in 2006 by Tencton Planet. This book deals with the Beales encounters with and at Coventry during their careers!

You can find this title occasionally featured on eBay and at many book search services such as Abe Books.

THE BEATLES – SENT TO COVENTRY

The Beatles in Coventry
The Beatles in Coventry

Mr. Chambers kindly signed my copy of his book:

The Beatles in Coventry
The Beatles in Coventry

The back cover of the book:

The Beatles in Coventry
The Beatles in Coventry

DAVID SPINDEL

Though this is by no means a Beatles book, I am spotlighting it here because it is by a dear friend and one of the last photographers ever to take pictures of John Lennon, David Spindel. David has photographed many celebrities in his lifetime and many of the stories that accompany these interactions are included in this special book. There are a few Lennon photos in this book as well. Here is a link where you can explore David’s work. David M Spindel

David Spindel
David Spindel

David’s note to me in his “A Kid in the Candy Store” book:

David Spindel
David Spindel

David Spindel’s limited edition Lennon book of photos that he took in Nov. of 1980. This is the book that I purchased from David that began our great friendship. If you are interested in acquiring or learning more about this fantastic book for your collections, you can contact him at Contact us – David M Spindel

David Spindel
David Spindel

One of David’s signed Lennon photos that he sent me:

David Spindel Photo of John Lennon
David Spindel Photo of John Lennon

A wonderful signed shot of Yoko and John from David:

David Spindel Photo of John Lennon
David Spindel Photo of John Lennon

The Back Cover of “The Kid in the Candy Store” book:

David Spindel
David Spindel

JUNE HARRIS INTERVIEWS THE BEATLES

An excellent early interview with the Beatles from September 12, 1964, Music Business Magazine conducted by June Harris:

June Harris interviews The Beatles
June Harris interviews The Beatles

This magazine from January of 2000, was for some unknown reason, very expensive and difficult to obtain. I don’t even recall a Lennon feature within the magazine if memory serves me correctly. I just liked the photo and it represented an early photo of the growing relationship of John and Yoko.

JULIAN LENNON – PHOTOGRAPH

I may have posted this before but I love this signed Julian Lennon Photograph Smile poster not only for the great shot of Julian as a youth but I loved the music on this album. To me it is a disgusting shame that the music industry has treated this guy in such a terrible way. He has produced some masterful LP’s with disappointing sales figures. For example Julian has mentioned in a couple of podcasts about his new Life’s Fragile Moments photogrpahy book that when he released his latest “Jude” LP he rehearsed a band in or around LA to perhaps do some television appearances to promote the LP, and none of those prospective programs offered him the chance to appear on the shows. That is thoroughly disgusting and undeserved in my opinion. He deserves a lot better as I believe his talents in both music and photography are exemplary…

Julian Lennon
Julian Lennon

TIME GOES BY SO QUICKLY:

PIcked up this Julian cover story in the summer of 2024. It is hard to believe that a Beatle offspring will be celebrating his 62nd birthday in April of 2025.

Julian Lennon
Julian Lennon

THE BEATLES AND CHRISTMAS

One of my favorite all-time Beatles Christmas items. This book created by well-known Beatles author, Scott Belmer and his co-writing cohort, Garry Marsh, was introduced/released in 2022 and was published by Belmo Publishing and Number 9 Books in the UK. Illustrator- Bill Stout. It is a thorough treatise of the Beatles strong associations with the Christmas season and the special releases they were involved with over the years to celebrate the holiday!

The Beatles and Christmas
The Beatles and Christmas

The back cover of the hardcover edition of the book which was limited or restricted as to the number of signed and numbered copies:

The Beatles and Christmas
The Beatles and Christmas

I was able to acquire copy #25 of the limited signed and numbered edition and I was quite pleased with Scott’s message to me!

The Beatles and Christmas
The Beatles and Christmas

Scott accepted a submission I had sent in for the book about a fan Beatles/Christmas recollections (me) and I was quite frustrated with the piece after it went to publication as I discovered a glaring error that I made as it relates to when Ringo’s Christmas album was released. I said 2017, which was the cd, but the vinyl release was actually in 1999.. Oh the shame…. Anyhow here was my submission!

The Beatles and Christmas
The Beatles and Christmas

RINGO STARR – I WANNA BE SANTA CLAUS

In the holiday frame of mind thought I would share with you this framed poster of the Ringo Christmas album, “I Wanna Be Santa Claus.” I loved this album and was greatly disappointed hearing that it did not sell as well as expected when it was released. Having this promo poster is special to me because the album deserved a far better sales figure than it secured.

RINGO STARR - I WANNA BE SANTA CLAUS
RINGO STARR – I WANNA BE SANTA CLAUS

JOHN LENNON AND THE SUPERNATURAL?

A magazine combining science fiction and the supernatural. Bought it primarily because it was so unusual and also because I personally believe that John Lennon did indeed feel internally that his life was going to end prematurely and soon according to people like Jack Douglas who sensed a spirit of uneasiness with John at the end.

This from the April 1981 issue of Beyond Reality Magazine appearing about 5 months following his murder.

JOHN LENNON AND THE SUPERNATURAL?
JOHN LENNON AND THE SUPERNATURAL?

INTERVIEW WITH PAUL MCCARTNEY

An issue of the UK Observer that I always see commanding high prices on eBay. I purchased a copy of this November 26, 1967 issue of the magazine and I discovered why it was in such a high demand. The interview with Paul contained in the magazine was conducted by Alan Aldridge, the author and artist who did the series of books entitled “The Beatles Illustrated Lyrics.” He designed the cover of the magazine and a few other illustrations within. Glad I got one!

INTERVIEW WITH PAUL MCCARTNEY
INTERVIEW WITH PAUL MCCARTNEY

ASTRID KIRCHHERR

You Magazine a UK newspaper supplement from March 1994 which features Hunter Davies discussing the importance of Astrid Kirchherr’s early Beatles photographs in the formulation of the Beatles image.

ASTRID KIRCHHERR
ASTRID KIRCHHERR

PAUL MCCARTNEY AND ALLEN KLEIN

Issue #240 of Private Eye from Friday Feb, 26, 1971. Features an article about Paul’s disdain of Allen Klein and the business troubles the band was going through at this time…

PAUL MCCARTNEY AND ALLEN KLEIN
PAUL MCCARTNEY AND ALLEN KLEIN

JOHN AND PAUL AND APPLE

An issue of the August 1968 Teen Screen Magazine which features several Beatles-related articles including one about the journey that John and Paul made to NY in 68 to promote Apple. I keep lobbying and challenging some ambitious author as it being an interesting book idea to explore the activities of John and Paul during their sojourn to NY to discuss their new company. There are tons of available photographs from that trip and numerous activities to report on. I sincerely hope someone picks up that challenge one day. I would attempt it except I am quite frankly too old to adequately pursue the idea…

JOHN AND PAUL AND APPLE
JOHN AND PAUL AND APPLE

JOHN LENNON AND ME

The program and dialog to a 1996 play by author Cherie Bennett that deals with a Beatles fan afflicted with a life threatening disease (cystic fibrosis) and her ability to cope with the curveballs that life sometines throws at us. I know I am in the minority but I love books like this that explore the effects the Beatles had or have on our respective lives. To me this type of book solidifies their cultural impact on the world.

JOHN LENNON AND ME
JOHN LENNON AND ME

Back Cover of the book:

JOHN LENNON AND ME
JOHN LENNON AND ME

JULIAN LENNON AND PAUL MCCARTNEY

A French magazine featuring John’s son Julian on the cover and Paul McCartney around the time of Broad Street hence the terms/references below their surnames on the bottom of the cover- (les fils-the son) and (le film, the film).

JULIAN LENNON AND PAUL MCCARTNEY
JULIAN LENNON AND PAUL MCCARTNEY

RICHARD LESTER

A hard to find Richard Lester interview from the UK magazine Movie, Winter 68-69 issue #16:

RICHARD LESTER
RICHARD LESTER

Here is a nice item recently acquired a sketch that Klaus Voormann sent to a fan:

Klaus Voormann Drawing
Klaus Voormann Drawing

Another recent acquisition is a charity album from 1987 to benefit the Boy Scouts of America whereby George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Klaus Voormann and Lon and Derrek Van Eaton make appearances. (see the back cover for the details)

The back cover of the charity LP:

BERNIE TAUPIN

Some of you may be asking why a Bernie Taupin book about his lyrics appears in a Beatles-related print blog. Well, it has to do with John Lennon’s friendship with both Elton John and Bernie Taupin. We all know about the famous 1974 Thanksgiving concert of Elton’s where John performed three songs and played tambourine in the encore, but not as much is known about John’s contribution to Bernie’s book of his illustrated lyrics. many artists like Alan Aldridge were asked to contribute something to illustrate the fine lyrics of Taupin. John Lennon volunteered to contribute one of his many collages that he had done over the years to illustrate the song “Bennie and the Jets.” The collage appears in this book but I won’t surprise you by including it here, you will need to discover the collage on your own. The book is available on Amazon, Ebay and many other book sources. This book was published by Alfred A. Knopf in 1976

BERNIE TAUPIN
BERNIE TAUPIN

I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!!

Looking for more feedback folks. I hear from a lot of people via email saying that they enjoy the blog a lot but I see very few comments or perceptions directly on the site.

Please demonstrate your viewpoints and opinions via the Comments section. Constructive feedback is always welcome. Trolls please stay away. With gratitude!

JOHN “BUZZ” BEZZINI

EXPLORE THE BEATLES BOOKSTORE FOR GREAT BOOKS ABOUT THE BEATLES

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BOB GRUEN – ALL I’VE GOT IS A PHOTOGRAPH

Say the words JOHN LENNON, NEW YORK and PHOTOGRAPHER and the name of Bob Gruen immediately comes to center stage.

One of the most well-known and prominent New York-based photographers with a specialty and knack for taking superb rock photos. Meeting John and Yoko in the early 70’s, he became one of their favorite photographers to help document their decision to move to the Big Apple and create a new chapter in their often complex lives! Bob took some of the most memorable photos of the couple and also of them as individuals. I can cite the photo of John in front of the Statue of Liberty and the New York City Tee shirt photo on the roof as clear examples. Bob’s honored place in the pantheon of rock photographers is certainly assured…

Bob’s autobiography:

Bob Gruen Autobiography
Bob Gruen Autobiography

Publisher-Harry N. Abrams

Publication date October 20, 2020

Bob’s books can be purchased at Amazon, Ebay, Abe Books, and most book search services. I purchased this signed edition from the Fest for Beatles Fans!

Publisher-Abrams Books

Publication date-October 13, 2015

Published to coincide with the 35th anniversary of John Lennon’s death and the 75th anniversary of his birth! Many fascinating photos of John Lennon in New York!

John Lennon The New York Years by Bob Gruen
John Lennon The New York Years

Publisher-Harper

Publication date-February 17, 2015

This book of photos was put together to help Yoko celebrate an important birthday as she entered her 80s!

Listen to These Pictures- January 1, 1985 Published by Morrow. Another beautiful collection of Bob’s Lennon photos:

Publisher-Genesis Publications

Publication date-January 1, 1995

This book signed by both Bob Gruen and Yoko Ono collects some of the best photos taken of the couple during their New York City years. Genesis titles always use the best quality paper and their books are bound in Northern Italy with exquisite care and craftmanship!

Other titles by Bob Gruen:

“Rock Seen” – Bob Gruen (Harry Abrams, Inc, Fall 2011)

“New York Dolls – Photographs by Bob Gruen” (Harry Abrams Inc, 2008)

“ROCKERS” (Cosac Naify, 2007)

“The Clash, Photographs by Bob Gruen” (Music Sales, 2004)

Do you have a favorite photo of the Lennon’s taken by Bob Gruen? If so, which photograph is it? Why is it your favorite?

Be healthy and be happy!!!

Buzz

Other Books About John Lennon

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ROY CICALA & JOHN LENNON – ENGINEERING POP MUSICAL HISTORY

Roy Cicala was the engineer that John Lennon predominantly worked with when he came to NY permanently from the UK in the early 1970’s. Cicala was involved in engineering Walls and Bridges, the Rock ‘n’ Roll LP, Mind Games, Sometime in NYC, and some of the tracks on Menlove Ave. It was pointed out by the excellent author Kris Englehardt in one of his Beatles Undercover books that John Lennon actually co-wrote some of the lyrics to a Roy Cicala song entitled “Incantation” which was recorded by a group called Dog Soldier and sung by Patrick Jude.  

Someone has posted that number on YouTube. The only official release of the number was on a bonus cd put together for one of Kris Englehardt’s fantastic books, the first one of his Beatles Undercover trilogy.

Dog Soldier – Incantation – YouTube

Roy Cicala’s former wife, the late Lori Burton, who sang backing vocals on John Lennon’s “Walls and Bridges” album also recorded a version of “Incantation” that remains unreleased! 

The lyrics were inspired from a Native American that John Lennon had supposedly met.

The only other John Lennon co-written song that I am aware of by a member of his production engineering coterie or staff was Phil Spector who was given a co-writing credit for the song “Here We Go Again.”

A signed photo of the late Roy Cicala which I acquired in the last couple of years, along with the signature of engineer, John Hanti who has a wonderful book scheduled for release in the future written with Steve Acker!

Roy Cicala & John Hanti
Roy Cicala & John Hanti

John Hanti

Engineer John Hanti had much interaction with engineer Roy Cicala but he was never directly involved with recording John Lennon or having personal interactions with him.


In what will surely be a fascinating forthcoming book, John Hanti has many exciting stories to tell about his involvement in storing some Lennon tapes for Roy Cicala and unfortunately, what happened to some of them. He also has many tales about such Beatles associates as Nat Weiss! He also has a story to relay about the attempted bootlegging of the Beatles Christmas LP. Though not a Beatles book per se’, there are many intriguing musical stories about other giants of the business and music industry and the rigors of being a good engineer. The book has been delayed because of an unexpected illness but I eagerly anticipate what I am sure will be an information-laden and exciting book for all music fans. The promotion of the book will also possibly involve a detailed lecture series that is in the planning stages. The title of the book is tentatively slated to be “Escaping Gravity” by John Hanti with Steven Acker.

John Hanti’s website where his forthcoming book with Steven Acker is discussed

Backline Report | SST Studios and Rentals | United States (sstrentals.com)

DISCUSSION POINT

Today’s discussion question: I am always fascinated with books that have additional information about the Beatles or solo Beatles that come to light many years later from people who may have had a friendship or even a brief but notable interaction with one of the four of them. Their true personalities seem to emerge from books like that as the four are less guarded in many of those circumstances. Based on that description, what book or books that you may have come across that may not be very well known fits my description above the best? Any unusual stories that were revealed in those books that were not written about one of the four, but revealed something about one or all of them that you were not aware of? Thanks in advance for your input on these questions!

BUZZ

MORE GREAT BOOKS AT THE BEATLES BOOKSTORE