I recently got my notice that the new Paul McCartney Wings book – an oral history – was being mailed to me. I ordered the American edition with the bright blue cover. I have been looking forward to this book for quite some time and I am really looking forward to the great collection of photos and band stories included in the book! The book arrived on November 3, 2025.
Paul is to be given a lot of credit and accolades for continuing his superb musical legacy and workaholic work habits after the dissolution of the Beatles, which was certainly a tough if not impossible act to follow. Yet, Paul persisted, and the 70s virtually belonged to him and his new band as a result!!!
Let me know what you think in the comments below.
The Fest For Beatles Fans website if you are interested in acquiring a copy of this 550 page book:
The front information dustjacket flap to the new book:
The back information dustjacket flap:
The Table of Contents:
The balance of the Table of Contents:
WHICH COVER DO YOU PREFER THE BLUE US COVER SHOWN ABOVE OR THE ALTERNATE UK COVER SHOWN BELOW???
You know how obsessive collectors can be well this is a direct specific example of that compulsion.
Even though I already bought the US edition of the book and I am quite pleased with it, I have to say that I prefer the cover of the UK edition primarily because the cover has a photograph of the band. So as to not be too fussy, I also bought a copy of the UK edition so I would not feel like I missing out on something. Being a retiree on a fixed-income I may later have regrets about that decision, but right now-I DO NOT!!!
Looking forward to your comments and reactions about this new book!
Be Healthy and Be Happy!
Buzz
OUR BOOK OF THE WEEK –
Songs We Were Singing
Take A “Magical Mystery Tour” through the Beatles’ Deep Tracks. The Beatles’ music has become so ingrained in our culture that their songs have become an integral part of our everyday lives. Who doesn’t know the words to “Hey Jude” or “Let It Be”? Who hasn’t been moved by the poetry of “Eleanor Rigby” or energized by that opening chord of “A Hard Day’s Night”?
Songs We Were Singing uncovers the buried treasures that deserve a second listen.
Mark Lewisohn always has special Beatles projects he loves to work on and then eventually share with the public. One such special project was issued back in 2016, nearly ten years ago. It was a special book dealing with the Beatles first film, A Hard Day’s Night. Having access to many rare items from the estate of the late producer of the film, Walter Shenson, Lewisohn produced this wonderful hardback book celebrating what is now considered as a film classic both in film and music circles.
I once met Walter Shenson at a Fest for Beatles Fans held in NJ and he signed a Fest program for me. He was a cordial and friendly man.
Though the book is expensive, it is a quality release as are all of Mark Lewisohn’s books and in my personal opinion, it is certainly worth the cost!
If it is in your budget, I recommend you seek this book out for your collections. There were a limited number of copies that were also bookplate signed by Mark Lewisohn as well. The signed copies can occasionally be found on Abe Books and on eBay!
Happy hunting for this wonderful and exciting book!!!
AMAZON US:
The Beatles A Hard Day’s Night: A Private Archive Hardcover – September 5, 2016 by Mark Lewisohn (Author)-Phaidon Press
Including never-before-seen photographs and ephemera, a behind-the-scenes look into The Beatles’ acclaimed first film
“In March of 1964, director Richard Lester began shooting A Hard Day’s Night, a feature film starring The Beatles. With fast, sharp humour and a brilliant soundtrack, the movie depicts the excitement and chaos of thirty-six hours in the life of the Fab Four, and stars John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, with Wilfrid Brambell portraying McCartney’s grandfather. This collection of photographs and unique ephemera captures the infectious energy and anarchic spirit of this groundbreaking film.”
A Hard Day’s Night
Back cover of the book:
A Hard Day’s Night
My copy featured a bookplate signature from the author Mark Lewisohn:
The front and back dustjacket flaps of the book:
Reading the reviews of the book on Amazon I would like to highlight one in particular written by someone named Stardazer. Wish I knew his real name as I would give him the proper acknowledgement that the review deserves. I loved the review because it helps to accurately capture the magical quality of the contents of the book! I was very impressed as he captured many shared feelings about the title:
This is one of my favorite reviews of this wonderful book-It is located in the Amazon review section at the book location
Scroll down below the Mark Lewisohn bio info and you will find it:
An excellentAmazon review by Stardazer of the book:
Amazon review by Stardazer of the book:
“If you love the film A Hard Day’s Night, this is THE Coffee table book for you!! Drawn from the purchased collection of producer Walter Shenson’s personal archives on AHDN, this is a feast for the eyes of the ardent Beatles fan. The greatest number of images are film stills, most with outstanding clarity–far clearer than the ones you’ve seen in the Di Franco book (1977). For instance, page 62 shows that maniacal scene on the train with John pleading with Pattie Boyd about escaping, feigning invisible faux handcuffs. That image is clear enough to resolve that the magazine cover Pattie was browsing actually boasted a pic of the Dave Clark Five! Moreover, on page 120, the semi-clothed waiter holds another issue of Fabulous magazine where the name “Dave Clark” can be read on its cover, above the large image of Elvis! What delicious irony embedded so suavely in this movie! Admittedly, after seeing AHDN maybe a hundred times over the decades, I had never noticed that when John pantomimes in falsetto the line, “My name’s Betty” that the name Betty was displayed on the mirror he was standing in front of (see page 188)! Or how about that pic of Paul apparently mocking and mirroring Richard Lester’s body language in an unused scene on page 26? The snapshot of the continuity director logging details on a very old and heavy mechanical typewriter on her lap while seated on the train speaks volumes (page 65).
The film stills are ordered in the approximate sequence where they occurred in the movie as you page thoughtfully through the book. These are interspersed with many alternate or between the takes scenes as well as interesting memorabilia and lyric sheets of most of the songs featured in the movie. Many pics are full page or nearly so and some are in color! Reproductions of certain documents or news articles show you line item totals for the production budget, newspaper articles, magazine covers that will rekindle memories, letters from fans and that William F Buckley Jr op-ed that concluded, “The Beatles are not merely awful…they are godawful…unbelievably horrible, so appallingly unmusical…” well you get the gist! On the other hand, a reproduction of the actual AP teletype advance review of AHDN dated on July 30, 1964 and written by Bob Thomas gushed, “The surprise is that it is good…It shows that the quartet may be with us a long time, not as freaks but as unqualified entertainers.”
284 large sized pages showcased on thick glossy stock with superb attention to detail, informative introductions and occasional captions supplied by renowned Beatles historian, Mark Lewisohn, with glorious imagery of the Fab Four in their madcap heyday all beg for coveted ownership and a great, memorable gift to surprise and delight the Beatles fan in your life.”
Hope you enjoyed the details of this special book by Mark Lewisohn!!!
Be Healthy and Be Happy!
Buzz
OUR BOOK OF THE WEEK – CUNARD YANKS BY JOHN WINTER
It is 1954. Steve and Dave are looking for adventure. Their hometown of Liverpool is scarred by war. New York is the future and it will soon be the richest city in the world. They need to see it and feel the excitement. They need to be there. They need to become Cunard Yanks.
This Beatles Book Odds & Book Ends blog post is similar to many of the Hodgepodge posts that I have presented on the blog in the past. I would like to begin with another author that has written several books that have held strong interest for me and that I have purchased for my collection. Many of these books have a strong Beatles connection to them.
This post begins with a few books from author, Brian Southall:
BOOKS FROM FORMER EMI EXECUTIVE BRIAN SOUTHALL
Brian Southall is another writer who I have managed to acquire most of his book titles that he has written that have some type of Beatles connection or story within their pages!
Brian Southall began his writing career about the music industry back in the 1960s beginning at a local newspaper and then advancing to the likes of Melody Maker and Disc. Then he pursued a thirty year career in the record business. He started out at A&M, then moved on to EMI Records, where, he had a 15 year career, serving in press, promotion, marketing, artist development, and corporate communications.
From 1989 he was a consultant to Warner Music International, HMV Group and both the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) and the International Federation of the phonographic Industry (IFPI).
POP GOES TO COURT: ROCK ‘N’ POP’S GREATEST COURT BATTLES
Pop Goes to Court: Rock ‘n’ Pop’s Greatest Court Battles Southall, Brian
From a discussion of the suit brought to officially split the Beatles, to who really wrote A Whiter Shade of Pale,
many court cases involving many prominent rock ‘n’ roll figures or celebrities over the years are discussed in this unique Brian Southall book. You will find some of these cases truly fascinating!
SGT. PEPPER’S LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND : THE ALBUM, THE BEATLES, AND THE WORLD IN 1967
An excellent book by Brian that not only deals with the music but the times that inspired the music.
Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band : The Album, the Beatles, and the World In 1967
Southall, Brian
Published by Charlesbridge Publishing, Incorporated, 2017
A book written by Brian Southall to celbrate the 50th anniversay of the release of Sgt.. Pepper. Not only detailing the creation of the album, it delves into a study of the times that helped to inspire the LP.
ABBEY ROAD: THE STORY OF THE WORLD’S MOST FAMOUS RECORDING STUDIOS
A detailed history of the world’s most famous recording studio.
Abbey Road: The Story of the World’s Most Famous Recording Studios Brian Southall; Allan Rouse; Peter Vince
Published by Omnibus Pr & Schirmer Trade Books, 1997
A book co-authored by Brian Southall, Peter Vince, and Allan Rouse detailing a history of the what may possibly be the most famous studio in the world. The book does a great job to uncover the history of the famous building,the significant musical milestones, and a few previously untold stories of how and why the magic happened.
A signed copy:
THE BEATLES IN 100 OBJECTS: DISCOVER WHAT MADE THE FAB FOUR FAB
The Beatles in 100 Objects: Discover What Made the Fab Four Fab Southall, Brian
Published by Carlton Books, 2019
One hundred of the most famous or influential objects associated with the Fab Four are presented in this book by Mr. Southall. Obviously many of the object choices could be considered subjective by individual viewers and readers but the intent or premise of the book is seemingly to promote people to think about them and how they would weigh in on the particular object’s importance or possibly to suggest their own!!!
This book is both a happy one and a very sad one as well. A happy one because it features the collection of Julian Lennon of many of the Beatles items that he was able to purchase or acquire at auction over the years. The sad element is that he had to purchase them at all instead of receiving them as an inheritance after his father’s passing!
Beatles Memorabilia: The Julian Lennon Collection Southall, Brian; Lennon, Julian
NORTHERN SONGS: THE TRUE STORY OF THE BEATLES’ SONG PUBLISHING EMPIRE
I found this book to be fascinating and what gives credence to the expression Money is the Root of all Evil. It was business and money matters that were the greatest contributor to the demise of the the world’s greatest band. Sometimes the best of friendships and close families can break apart due to money or financial matters!
Check this book out!
Northern Songs: The True Story of the Beatles’ Song Publishing Empire Southall, Brian; Perry, Rupert
Published by Omnibus Pr & Schirmer Trade Books, 2007
THE WHITE ALBUM: REVOLUTION, POLITICS & RECORDING – THE BEATLES AND THE WORLD IN 1968
The White Album: Revolution, Politics & Recording – The Beatles and the World in 1968 Hardcover – Illustrated, 4 Oct. 2018 by Brian Southall (Author), Chris Thomas (Foreword)
AMAZON DESCRIPTION OF THE BOOK:
Packed full of musical and historical analysis centred on the Beatles at the peak of their popularity, The White Album: A-side/B-side takes a look at one of the greatest albums ever created, and the tumultuous time period it was born into. Dive into the revolution and turmoil that followed the ‘The Summer of Love’ and follow the disruption on streets through the ground-breaking music of The Beatles. The ultimate guide to the eclectic styles, techniques and stories behind the universally renowned “The White Album”. Including an indepth guide to the album and an exploration of the political and social influences, this captures revolutiony moment in musical history.
My signed Chris Thomas White Album. Chris Thomas produced a handful of White Album tracks alongside his engineering work on the album! He would also go on to produce Badfinger among many other artists.
A RARE BOOK FROM JOHN’s SISTER-JULIA(IN HIS OWN YOUTH IN MY OWN WORDS)
A nice early book from the mid 1980s from John’s half-sister Julia! Had a wonderful assortment of early photographs
Published by River Women Press Press, Cheshire England, 1985
Julia was later to release later works about her family and her brother. Those will be dealt with in a future post.
Here is an example of inflation as I originally bought my signed copy of the book (shown below) forr $35.00. I recently saw a signed copy on Abe Boks for $200.00!
Back in 2022, I contacted Andrew Fleming of Strawberry Fields , the organization that strives to preserve the historical significance of this great Liverpool site where the buliding and grounds that housed the place which inspired John to write the Beatles classic were situated, “Strawberry Fields Forever.” I asked Andrrew if I could purchase a signed copy of the special cd they were offering of John’s sister Julia, having a conversation with non other than Paul McCartney. .Andrew was so kind in asking Julia, who is a director at the site, to sign this great interview cd for me which is presented below. I am including the Strawberry Fields link, as purchases from the website help them to preserve and sustain this wonderful place for future generations!
An interesting book about Paul McCartney’s songwriting and appearance on other artists records by Rick Swan published by Wymer Publishers in Bedford England in 2020. As I have stated before, the one problem with books such as these is when new recordings are issued, the book becomes in need of an update or a revised edition. The book is entertaining but the author I personally believe is overly harsh and critical on his assessment of some of McCartney’s numbers.
“The Beatles: Literary Anthology recounts the group’s mercurial rise from the British Merseybeat scene; the “British invasion” that made them iconic figures in the USA; the experimentation with song structure and sound-recording technique that re-defined pop music forever; their embracing of psychedelic drugs, hippie utopianism and pacifism, amidst the social changes of the mid-to-late 1960s; the band’s acrimonious split, and the disparate, sometimes tragic post-Beatles paths followed by John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. The strange extremes of a career virtually unparalled in terms of mass-media fame are also examined in thought-provoking articles: the American Far Right’s conspiracy theory that marked the Beatles as agents of Communism; the “Paul is Dead” myth, and the cryptographic reading of Beatles trivia that inspired it; the attempts of Lennon, with all his human failings, to live with his absurdly messianic status; the insane “messages” that the Manson Family girls deciphered from the lyrics of The White Album; the obsessions of disturbed Beatles fan Mark Chapman, and his tragic attempt to steal a little of Lennon’s celebrity.”
Back cover of the book:
McCARTNEY ON THE COVER OF ESQUIRE UK MAGAZINE-AUGUST 2015
ESQUIRE UK MAGAZINE AUGUST 2015
As a US resident and collector, I love to acquire cover stories of UK magazines about the Beatles or the solo members.
Here is one from August 2015 featuring Paul!
A 1974 YOKO ONO JAPANESE TOUR PROGRAM:
During the Lost Weekend, Yoko did a tour of Japan featuring many New York session musicians. This was a program from that tour:
AMAZON US DESCRIPTION: “TITTENHURST PARK: A PICTORIAL HISTORY is a comprehensive collection of colorful images gathered to document the colorful history and development of one of the beautiful 19th century country home outside of London that is most famous as the home of musicians John Lennon & Ringo Starr. Most of the images that appear in the book have never been published before. Informative text provides readers with an understanding and appreciation for the accompanying images, and major events, of the amazing history of one of one of The Beatles’ most legendary landmarks.”
AMAZON’s description of the author:
“The Cardinals,” led by Investigative & Architectural Historian Scott Cardinal, are the creators of books that showcase the Dakota apartment building, Friar Park, Tittenhurst Park, the Ansonia, and other legendary 18th and 19th century buildings, homes and gardens. They are the creators and producers of Audible Adventures, an online educational platform that showcases the design psychology behind the homes and work spaces of the world’s most creative luminaries. Learn more at CampfireNetwork.com”
Back cover of the book:
Scott Cardinal’s inscription:
IMAGES OF THE BEATLES: PHOTOGRAPHS FROM THE DAILY MAIL
Images of The Beatles: Photographs From the Daily Mail Hardcover By Tim Hill Author/editor – 1 May 2007
Parragon Book Service Ltd
This book was put together by Tim Hill who has been involved in producing several Beatles photo books. This one features photos that appeared in the UK’s Daily Mail.
These type of specialized photo books represent and serve as excellent time capsules!
Though my favorite books about the FBI’s attempts by J. Edgar Hoover and the Nixon government to throw John Lennon out of the country because of his perceived power with the youth of the time, were written by author Jon Wiener (see: Come Together: John Lennon in His Time and Gimme Some Truth: The John Lennon FBI Files), I also purchased this book by Julien Kerry. It makes a great companion piece to the two Jon Wiener books!
JOHN LENNON – Wanted by the FBI by Julien Kern | Oct 15, 2014
“The ultimate and most comprehensive book on the John Lennon FBI files. For the first time, the complete FBI files on John Lennon are published, explained and illustrated. These documents, completed by CIA and INS archives, shine a new light on John Lennon’s post-Beatles life in New York City. He was investigated for pornography, harassed for several years by President Nixon’s administration that wanted to deport him because of his political and anti Vietnam War activism. The FBI also investigated when Lennon and his family were later threatened for money. The last file tackles issues relating to his murder in December 1980. This book is a must have for every Lennon fan and for anyone interested in his life, artistic achievements, political activism and peace campaigns.”
Back cover of the book:
AUCTION CATALOG:
Occasionally I will purchase an auction catalog if it features items of interest to me. Even if I can not afford the item, purchasing the catalog will at least allow me to have pictures of the items that intrigue me. For example, I could never afford what is on the cover of this Julien’s auction catalog, a signed set of baseballs by all 4 Beatles, but at least I have a photo of it to preserve in the print collection.
The back cover of the catalog:
UK MAGAZINE-CLASH WITH A PAUL McCARTNEY COVER STORY–JULY 2007
CLASH MAGAZINE WITH PAUL ON THE COVER
LENNON REVEALED-(Larry Kane is able to tell some great stories in this title)
Larry Kane has had a long, storied, and distinguished broadcast career and he holds the distinction of being the only broadcast journalist to travel to every stop on the Beatles’ 1964 and 1965 tours according ti Wikipedia. He has written this excellent book about his memories of John Lennon and the Beatles and his encounters with John following the Beatles breakup.
Lennon Revealed Hardcover – September 27, 2005 by Larry Kane (Author)
If you are looking to purchase this title, make sure you confirm if the copy you are purchasing has the dvd exclusive which was only available on earlier editions of the book!!!
Larry Kane’s signature:
Back cover of the book:
IN THEIR LIVES: GREAT WRITERS ON GREAT BEATLES SONGS
In Their Lives: Great Writers on Great Beatles Songs Hardcover – May 23, 2017 by Andrew Blauner (Author/EDITOR)
AMAZON DESCRIPTION “The perfect gift for any Beatles fan, In Their Lives is an anthology of essays from a chorus of twenty-nine luminaries singing the praises of their favorite Beatles songs.
Blue Rider Press Publication date May 23, 2017
The Beatles’ influence—on their contemporaries, on our cultural consciousness, and on the music industry ever after—is difficult to overstate. We all have a favorite song from the band that made us want to fall in love, tune in, and follow our dreams. Arranged chronologically by the date of the song’s release, these essays highlight both the Beatles’ evolution as well as the span of generations their music affected. Whether they are Beatlemaniacs who grew up listening to the iconic albums on vinyl or new fans who stream their favorite songs on their phones, all of the contributors explore that poignant intersection between Beatles history and personal history.
With contributions from twenty-nine authors and musicians—Roz Chast on “She Loves You,” Jane Smiley on “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” Rosanne Cash on “No Reply,” Gerald Early on “I’m a Loser,” Rick Moody on “The End,” Maria Popova on “Yellow Submarine,” David Duchovny on “Dear Prudence,” Chuck Klosterman on “Helter Skelter,” David Hajdu on “You Know My Name (Look Up the Number),” and more—the breadth of the band’s impact is clear. From musings on young love and family strife to explorations of racial boundaries and identity, these essays pay tribute to a band that ran the gamut of human experience in a way no musical group has done before or since.
Timed for the fiftieth anniversary of the release of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, this anthology captures the full spectrum of reasons fans still love the Fab Four after all these years.”
Need your help with determining who these signatures belong to…
The book is autographed but I can only speculate as to who the signatures belong to, perhaps, signatures of what Charles Murray and Roz Chast?
UP FRONT…(Autobiography) by Victor Spinetti
The actor comedian who was a close friend of the Beatles and was in the the films ,A Hard Day’s Night, Help and Magical Mystery Tour!
Here is his autobiography:
Up Front…(Autobiography) by Victor Spinetti (21-Jul-2008) Paperback Paperback by Victor Spinetti (Author)
“Described by Sir Paul McCartney as ‘the man who makes clouds disappear’, Victor Spinetti is one of Britain’s best-loved and most outrageous performers. He became known to the Sixties generation through his comedic roles in the landmark Beatles films and the classic Return of the Pink Panther, starring Peter Sellers. His remarkable wit and versatility have earned him fresh popularity with every generation since. A veteran stage actor, writer and director, Spinetti gives us an irresistible account of his own life, from his Welsh-Italian upbringing to his role as one of the few trusted friends of the Beatles through to his recent portrayal of Einstein on stage in London. Up Front contains startling new insights into life with the Beatles, and a selection of previously unpublished photos of the Fab Four. Spinetti’s charismatic personality and his fabulous ability to entertain combine to make this a book of exquisite charm, joy and irreverence.”
Alternate cover-the hardback issue of the book:
A signed copy of the book:
The back cover of the book with a little background about Mr. Spinetti:
The Lennon Play: in His Own Write [By] John Lennon, Adrienne Kennedy [And] Victor Spinetti Hardcover – 1 Jan. 1968
This is the copy of the book that Victor Spinetti signed for me when I met him at a Fest for Beatles Fans in New Jersey.
He was a kind and cordial individual who was very funny! You can see and understand why the Beatles liked him so much. This book was a theater application to John’s first book-In His Own Write!
Spinetti’s signature:
PAUL McCARTNEY AFTER THE BEATLES: A MUSICAL APPRECIATION VOLUME TWO
One of Adrian Allan’s many excellent McCartney books:
Paul McCartney After The Beatles: A Musical Appreciation Volume Two Hardcover – 27 Mar. 2020 by Adrian Allan (Author)
Adrian’s signed inscription to the book. It is nice to see his kind words about my former Facebook page but I simply could not tolerate the algorithims of social media any more and I am very happy on the blog!Already three years have passed. Upward and onward…
JOHN LENNON: IN MY LIFE (BY PETE SHOTTON AND NICHOLAS SCHAFFNER)
A great book about one of John Lennon’s closest friends growing up. Having met personally once at a NJ Fest for Beatles fans, I could see why John and Pete were such good friends. They seem to thrive on that keen sense of wit!
John Lennon: In My Life Paperback – January 1, 1983 by Pete Shotton (Author), Nicholas Schaffner (Author)
Henry Holt & Co Publication date January 1, 1987-hardcover
Both authors of this book, Pete Shotton and Nicholas Schaffner signed ny copy of the book at A Fest for Beatles fans near Secaucus, NJ back in the 80’s. Unfortunately so many great guests at the Fest have passed away since those wonderful early conventions!
Be Healthy and Be Happy!!!
Buzz
OUR BOOK OF THE WEEK AT THE BEATLES BOOKSTORE
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.
With the explosion of the internet and specifically of social media, conspiracy theories in the present day flourish and thrive. However, many of us of the older generation, remember in 1969 prior to the internet, when there was an unprecedented rumor that began to circulate that Paul McCartney had perished in a car accident in 1966. The people that promoted this rumor had spent significant time in uncovering both audio and visual clues that supported their contention. The Beatles and their entourage vigorously denied the validity of the clues yet news of the rumor ran rampant across the US on hundreds of radio stations. There even was a TV program featuring the renowned criminal attorney, F. Lee Bailey, presenting the so-called clues of Paul’s demise.
Though there are some Beatles collectors and fans that scoff at the rumor of the stories of Paul’s passing, I find the stories fascinating for both historical and academic purposes. The rumor did occur and it significantly increased Beatles record sales. For academics, it also helped to highlight how rumors are created, spread, and then eventually fade. For further information about rumor dissemination, seek out articles about selective attention, selective perception and selective recall, you will see how and why rumor and conspiracy theories can be started and spread and why they may be so popular in modern society.
I never personally believed the rumor but it was a lot of fun to find additional “clues” to support or substantiate it. It was a great conversation piece with peers and a goal for many was to be the person who could find the next clue.
It was a fascinating read for me to find the first printing of the book about the Paul is Dead Rumor by author Andru J. Reeve entitled, TURN ME ON, DEAD MAN: THE COMPLETE STORY OF THE PAUL McCARTNEY DEATH HOAX back in 1994. And Now…
A New Edition of the Book:TURN ME ON DEAD MAN
Andru’s work was excellent in documenting the history of the rumor and many of the highlights designated as the clues that the Beatles had supposedly put in place to describe the tragedy are discussed in detail in his book. You will be amazed at the volume of the “clues.” Some were certainly far more credible than others. The stories that branched out from the initial rumor were also consistent with theories of conspiracy theory creation and dissemination. (one rumor can spawn many more)
Andru demonstrates how symbolism can be a factor in substantiating rumor and his documentation of the various stories surrounding the rumor are often riveting. There was some wonderful news recently sent to me by the the publishers of Genius Books & Media who will be reissuing the book with the proposed publishing date of October 17, 2025.
In the fall of 1969, a strange rumor swept across college campuses, radio stations, and newspapers: Paul McCartney was dead. The story claimed he had died in a car crash three years earlier, and that the Beatles had quietly replaced him with a look-alike. To hide the truth—or to confess it—clues were said to be scattered across album covers and hidden in the grooves of their songs.
For six remarkable weeks, thousands of fans and students pored over Beatles records, playing tracks backwards and examining covers for secret messages. Radio DJs devoted hours of airtime to debating the evidence. Newspapers sent reporters overseas to track down the truth. Was McCartney alive? If so, why did the clues seem so deliberate?
Turn Me On, Dead Man explores this unique moment in pop culture history. Drawing from interviews, articles, radio transcripts, and first-hand accounts, Andru J. Reeve reconstructs how the “Paul-is-Dead” rumor spread so quickly and why it captured so many imaginations. More than a simple hoax or urban legend, it became a cultural event that blurred the line between entertainment, gossip, and conspiracy.
With careful research and a storyteller’s eye, this book revisits the late-1960s media landscape, when one mysterious phone call to a Detroit radio station could ignite a national obsession. The result is a fascinating study of rumor, belief, and the power of the Beatles at the height of their influence.
There will be a new Afterword according to the publisher.
Would personally like to add a few observations that I would like to share with you about my own teaching experience dealing with the concept of “Rumor.”
Here are a few images that I presented in a collegiate Communication course that I taught that dealt with the concept of selective perception and rumor and how that could be demonstrated using the so called visual and audio “clues” from the Paul McCartney is Dead scuttlebut. How rumors are started, spread, and then defended by the people who believe them was discussed!
The mysterious Magical Mystery Tour banquet scene in the MMT booklet accompanying the Magical Mystery Tour album is shown below: The picture on the left which does not appear in the movie appears to be a banquet scene. Turn it sideways and people maintain they can see a skull! Do you see it? Do you see it because I told you what to expect? Do you see it at all? Am I planting the seed for what I wish you to see? All of these are valid questions when discussing selective perception and rumor and the many conspiracy theories we face in the media world we have in place in today’s world!
Someone looking for information to support the rumor inexplicably came up with the idea of holding a straight-edged mirror to the Sgt Pepper drum on the cover of the album. By doing so they were able to look in the mirror and see the message I ONE I (X) HE DIE with an arrow pointing up to the blue-clad, Paul. The I- ONE- I was said to represent the total of the remaining three Beatles-3. and the X was said to represent X-ing out the 4th individual out of the picture. You can see how many see this as being outlandish and far-fetched.
However if you have your mind set on believing the theory, you seek out things such as this to support the theory and you ignore things that may dispute the theory. People that supported this rumor would seek out photos of Paul where he did not conform in some way with the other Beatles like the out-of-step Paul on the Abbey Road cover photo. However, photos of the other three Beatles non-conforming would be ignored or not addressed as they would not be applicable to the rumor in question nor help to justify the rumor that the believers were trying to promulgate.
Saw this photograph on the internet of the individual holding the straight-edged mirror halfway up the center to reveal the so-called hidden message!
I especially encourage younger viewers to seek out Andru J. Reeve’s new edition of his book. You will learn a little history about the power and the influence of the band in the sixties and you will learn why conspiracy theories may be so popular in our present day world. You will see many common threads!
Here is the link if you are interested in purchasing the book!
Just Like Starting Over: John Lennon and The Quarrymen
When John Lennon and his group The Quarrymen stepped onto the back of a wagon in Rosebery Street on 22nd June 1957, Charlie Roberts borrowed a camera and took a few photos of the event. It was just a group of friends having fun at a street party.
What Charlie didn’t know at the time was that he was capturing a piece of Beatles history. This was the first time that John Lennon had been photographed performing with his group. Skiffle was the new music and soon, John would meet Paul McCartney who would then introduce George Harrison to John.
Well the reaction to the first Beatles scrapbook post was very positive and therefore their presentation will continue but I had a change of heart about one element of the scrapbooks. I am not planning on avoiding the presentation of controversial topics or potential negative information about the band. I will be presenting articles that deal with the murder of John Lennon though not making that the focus of a particular Beatles scrapbook’s content.
Also some negative articles portrayed in some of the tabloid press as part of the scrapbook potpourri will be shown from the scrapbooks. This is not to give credibility or to lend credence to the gossip articles or to demonstrate the veracity of everything that is shown. By presenting the multitude of Beatles articles presented over the years, both good and bad, you will see many truthful well researched and substantiated articles, but also gossip media as well. We know that many people prefer to read rumor, and conspiracy theories because of the often explosive nature of those type of stories, not because of any basis in fact. Hopefully, with these scrapbooks you will be exposed to a healthy balance of what has appeared over the years in the various print media.
You may be pleased with some of the articles and others may anger you but I caution you not to shoot the messenger!!! If album reviews are presented that you disagree with, do not personalize your criticism to me as it does not mean that I personally agree with the negative review. My goal has always been to expose you to the various print material about the Beatles that have been issued or appeared over the years, both positive and negative…
So sit back, relax, and hopefully, enjoy!
A pot pourri from 1979/1980 or so:
Paul McCartney
Remember FAN is short for FANATIC:
Bits of info:
The Dakota
They’re gonna put him in the movies:Ringo
Caveman review:
Anyone in New England remember this?
Caveman review:
More bits and pieces:
Film ad for I Want to Hold Your Hand:
JAPAN OR BUST? BUST APPARENTLY!!!
Here is a McCartney novelty record that I don’t remember hearing about, has Howard Stern connections and the late Al Anderson of NRBQ as well!
A McCartney II review:
A review of London Town from 1978:
A story about the Lapidos Fest for Beatles Fans:
An early Charles Rosenay convention and an ad for one of my favorite Beatles books:
BEATLES RELATED RECORDS
Some of the picture sleeves stored in the scrapbook:One of those rare times that both John and Paul were on the same page politically as Paul released Give Ireland back to the Irish and John released The Luck of the Irish and Sunday Bloody Sunday dealing with the crisis In Ireland as it relates to the British involvement in the crisis!
A Beatles novelty record:
I love George’s B-side on this record:
If we ever get a Rubber Soul box set I want to hear John’s full original demo for What Goes On which has a radically different feel to the released version of the song!
A rare Lennon song that received virtually no airplay at all.
Mary Hopkin
Mary, Mary— Quite Contrary Mary Hopkin never seemed comfortable to me in much of the material Apple asked her to record. That is a subjective opinion, of course, but I believe she has stated as much in some select interviews she has done over the years!
My Sweet Lord
Yoko’s controversial cover for her Now or Never Apple 45. Featured a photo of the My Lai massacre in Vietnam:
“Walking in the Park with Eloise” is a jazz instrumental written by Jim McCartney, Paul’s dad, and later recorded by his son Paul McCartney, reflecting a heartfelt connection between father and son.This is the picture sleeve of the song. The flip side was Bridge on the River Suitewhich was an instrumental by Paul.
From RIngo’s Goodnight Vienna album:
A #1 Wings 45:
Despite some McCartney critics detesting the song, I love it. Great melody line and I believe McCartney did this number in order to sock it to some of his critics accusing him of being too saccharine!
Not quite boys, but I give you credit for trying!
The rare Girl picture sleeve:
Ending this scrapbook with a copy of my withdrawn picture sleeve of Leave My Kitten Alone which should have been released early in the Beatles career. Fantastic Lennon vocal on the Anthology recording where it eventually appeared!
The other side of the sleeve:
Be healthy and be happy!
Buzz
CHECK OUT THE GREAT BOOKS WE HAVE AT THE BEATLES BOOKSTORE
Luca Perasi is an excellent author from Italy who has a great interest in writing about Paul McCartney and the Beatles. He has produced 4 wonderful English language books about Paul McCartney and has also recently created 2 solo-Beatles titles for a grand total of 6 great books. His research is excellent and I have not been disappointed by any of the 6 titles that I have purchased of his work.
All of his titles are available through Amazon. You can also find his books at eBay and such book services like Abe books. Here is a brief summary of the books that he has authored that I have purchased for my collection. Paul McCartney being the workaholic that he is has certainly provided a lot of material over the years for Luca to mine and to write about.
Luca has handled that task with a great love of McCartney’s recorded output and you can see by these books his dedication and love for the artist that keeps on giving wonderful musical nuggets to an admiring public!
I have also included all the back covers of Luca’s books on this post to give you the details of the books contents and the extent and faith in Luca that MPL and the McCartney organization have in him. We must make note of the significant achievements and accomplishment of Luca being asked by MPL to be an official translator of The Lyrics books into Italian and his collaboration with MPL for The 7″ Singles Box.
It is quite the honor to have both of those distinctions in recognition of both his hard work and his excellent McCartney knowledge-base coming directly from McCartney’s own organization!
Paul McCartney: Music Is Ideas. The Stories Behind the Songs (Vol. 1) 1970-1989 – Published April 27, 2023 by L.I.L.Y.
Paul McCartney Music is Ideas
The back cover of the book:
Paul McCartney Music is Ideas
Paul McCartney: Music Is Ideas. The Stories Behind the Songs (Vol. 2) 1990-2012 Published – November 18, 2024 by L.I.LY.
Paul McCartney Music is Ideas Volume 2
Back cover of the book:
Paul McCartney Music is Ideas Volume 2
Paul McCartney & Wings: Band on the Run. The Story of a Classic Album (Milestones) Paperback Published on April 19, 2024 Published by L.I.L.Y
Band on the Run
Back cover of the book about Paul McCartney & Wings Classic LP:
Band on the Run
Paul McCartney: Recording Sessions (1969-2013). A Journey Through Paul McCartney’s Songs After The Beatles. Paperback – published in October 22, 2013, Published by L.I.L.Y.
Recording Sessions
Back cover of Luca’s first McCartney book:
Recording Sessions
The Beatles after The Beatles. The Solo Careers of John, Paul, George and Ringo (1967-1980) – Part One: The Narrative (The Solo Beatles) Published-September 30, 2024 by L.I.LY.
The Beatles After The Beatles
The back cover of the book with appropiate content details:
The Beatles After The Beatles
The Beatles after The Beatles. The Solo Careers of John, Paul, George and Ringo (1967-1980) – Part Two: The Discography (The Solo Beatles)Published September 30, 2024 by L.I.L.Y.
The Beatles After The Beatles Part 2
The back cover of the book and the description of how it differs from Vol. 1:
The Beatles After The Beatles Part 2
UPDATE FOR JUNE 2025-NEW BOOK RELEASE
Paul McCartney: Press to Play. That Unmistakable 80s Sound (Milestones) Hardcover – June 4, 2025
As divisive an album it might be within McCartney’s artistic journey, Press to Play touches the hearts of many fans — including a new, younger generation that was then shaping — and offers many points of interest for music historians and musicians. Released in the summer of 1986, the album was an interesting – although commercially unsuccessful – attempt to update McCartney’s vocabulary, with which he firmly planted both feet in the realm of the Eighties. With its wide range of sonic influences, from synth-pop and video game music to simple rock ‘n’ roll; its imagery and surrealism; its themes of romance and sexual fervour; and its mix of mellow and harder tracks, Press to Play is an album split in two. There is a certain penchant for glossy perfection, but also a sound research and experimentation that never becomes obvious. Enriched by coloured images, the volume Press to Play. That Unmistakable 80s Soundtells the story of one of McCartney’s most obscure records and misunderstood periods (1985–86). In its detailed analysis of the album’s sonic wonders, based on contemporary sourcesand in-depth interviews by the author with key figures such as Hugh Padgham, Jerry Marotta and Carlos Alomar, the book guides readers through the many fascinating aspects of the record (the new Hog Hill Mill Studio, the recording equipment and tricks, the instrumentation, the effects used, the coexistence between analogue and digital). The abundance of instrumentation – which combines modern sounds from the era (DX7 synthesisers, sequencers, emulator, LinnDrum) and vintage pieces such as Hammond organ, Moog,Fender Rhodes – makes it one of the most multilayered albums of Paul McCartney’s career. The volume covers the supposed “production misunderstanding” with Eric Stewart, the songwriting partnership with the ex-10CC leader, the timeline of the sessions, the stories behind the songs (including B-sides, unreleased material and the single “Spies Like Us”), their harmonic and rhythmic inventions, and lyrical analysis. The many factors that undermined McCartney’s confidence at the time are also explored, including the unfortunate Live Aid performance and Michael Jackson’s acquisitionof The Beatles’ song catalogue, leading to discovering what went wrong and why and there’s also a chapter devoted to the insecurity showed during the promotion of the album, offering a new psychological and human insight into Paul. Has Press to Play stood the test of time? An unprecedented and incredibly rich historical look at one of Paul McCartney’s most forgotten albums
For your listening enjoyment at the conclusion of this post, I asked Ken Michaels, Tom Hunyady, and Andy Nicholes if they would mind if I posted a few of their excellent podcasts where they discuss Luca Perasi’s work with him. Theygave me their OK and I know you will be impressed not only with Luca Perasi, the guest of honor at these programs, but also with the very knowledgeable hosts of the programs.
They continue to provide excellent YouTube programming about all of the Beatles. Here is a sampling of 7 of their excellent programs. Subscribe to their channels, you will not be disappointed and you will be kept WELL-INFORMED!!!
