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BUZZ’S BEATLES SCRAPBOOK #1

INTRODUCTION TO THE BEATLES SCRAPBOOK

My curiosity was recently awoken to the more than 100 print-related Beatles scrapbooks that I kept over the years. As I came across the boxes in storage that contained them, I was intrigued by the print time capsules. Long ago, I had abandoned keeping and maintaining the scrapbooks when the digital internet revolution exploded! When I was compiling the scrapbooks I would preserve the newspaper articles about the Beatles by placing them in scrapbooks to help prevent their deterioration and yellowing of the poor print quality of newspapers in general. I also kept many of my picture sleeves in the scrapbooks encased in their own plastic sleeves, as well as ticket stubs and other Beatles-related print items.

I am planning to share with you the contents of many of the Beatles scrapbooks that I have compiled over the years.

Many friends and people that I knew very well also knew of my fascination with the band and they would save articles for me or send them to me through the mail so I could include them in the scrapbooks. I was able to compile more than 100 of them. The best scrapbooks that I chose to use were the ones that had no photo inserts aspects to the scrapbook, The articles were placed on pages of approximately 8X11 size with a single piece of plastic covering for each page, protecting the articles in question. I would cut the articles out of the newspapers in order that they would fit into the scrapbook even if it required multiple pages to preserve the full article.

Most of the articles saved were from the post-Beatles 1970s era onward as prior to that I could not afford the costs to purchase and maintain the scrapbooks. There was a local pharmacy employee who used to stack the newspapers on a daily basis and would inform me when a Beatles article would appear in the newspaper.

The scrapbooks served as excellent time capsules for those times.

My blog administrator, David Bedford, has encouraged me to share the scrapbooks with you, the members and visitors to the blog, and he told me it was Ok to do so as they are all items personally acquired for my personal Beatles print-related collection.

INSIDE THE BEATLES SCRAPBOOK

The various scrapbooks presented will not be in chronological order. You may see one from 1987 in one post and the next one may contain articles from 1992. They will be chosen randomly for display on the blog. Some will have subject matter that is consistent throughout the particular scrapbook. Others may not follow that trend! In that way those scrapbooks will mirror the Hodgepodge posts that have also been presented on this blog.

We will continue to present both old and new Beatles-related books, old and new Beatles magazines, and other print-related material on the blog! Since my original intention was to keep these articles for my own viewing, I put the articles in after cutting them from the newspaper. Some of them have attribution. Others do not. If anyone recognizes one of their articles that they have not received attribution for and would like to receive it, please let us know and I will amend the post if you provide the necessary updated info. If not, I will remove the article that you specify to avoid any problems.

Thank you and I hope you enjoy this new category on the blog!!!

BUZZ

In 1987, Yoko goes to Russia to advocate nuclear disarmament with a few other celebrities:

More about the Russian and the talks about disarmament:

Numerous articles of this time frame were devoted to the introduction of Beatles cds in the marketplace which came later than most other huge musical artists!

More cd info and a also a mention about analyzing the chins of celebrities

An article from the Hartford Courant about a release of the Help film!

More about celbrity chins! LOL. Hard to believe they treated this stuff as NEWS!

A Julian Lennon article from his early touring days!

Building anticipation from the Beatles cds

Beatles For Sale on CD

CD-planned obsolesence. Release the medium then years later introduce streaming and contribute to making hard copies of music take a lower rung on the ladder and eventually disappear if the music entrepeneurs have their way.

If you do not have to produce a physical product, there is much less overhead, cheaper for the music organizations to issue which translates into more $$$$. No matter how hard you try, you will not change my outlook on this subject!

A bit of discussion about Beatles video:

LOST BEATLES MOVIE SCRIPT

A discussion about a movie script the Beatles turned down that Todd Rundgren wrote a score for: Joe Orton’s script for Up Against It

A few interesting articles:

RIngo’s album was never issued from this new George and Ringo forthcoming LP discussion:

Beatles CD advertisement:

CD news, Ringo Chips Moman news and Yoko at Andy Warhol’s funeral:

The Yoko article was certainly a surprise to me when I saw it in the newspaper:

A great article authored by Allan Kozin in the New York Times about Beatles cds from 1987:

The picture sleeve to the Time Will Teach Us All picture sleeve. The song featured a duet with Julian Lennon and Stevie Wonder. The song was from the London stage musical of Time put together by Dave Clark!!! I went to see the stage presentation in London and had a great time!

One of the rarest and most costly Beatles picture sleeves to acquire: Notice that the record executives had not yet arrived at the point when they would later photoshop out the cigarette from Paul’s hand.

The back view of the picture sleeve:

John’s Toronto show:

An article from Rolling Stone discussing Let It Be:

A Ringo Wine Cooler ad which he may have regretted when he and Barbara were treated for their problem:

An essay that promotes a lot of thought:

More cd discussion and news about the Beatles suing Nike:

And the Beatles cd rampage continues:

A George Martin interview discussing the first 4 in mono controversy!

An article about Tim Leary former Harvard professor and one of his later attempts at “mind movies.”

Twiggy and Peter Max both had Beatles connection and a brief note about Paul recording with the late Phil Ramone:

Hope you enjoyed this first scrapbook blog! Tell your friends about it!

Be healthy and be happy!

Buzz

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Apple Records: Inside Number 3, Savile Row – is brought to life

Inside Number 3
Inside Number 3

Ever since author Nigel Pearce published his book, Inside Number 3: The Illustrated History of Apple Records, Beatles fans have had the best chance ever to relive those colourful days once again inside The Beatles’ Apple Headquarters at 3, Savile Row. Nigel’s book takes us inside Apple, and the only successful part of Apple: Apple Records. 

All this was done via a brand-new angle, with Nigel showing part of his incredible and unique collection of products and artefacts captured in the book. There will be artists and records, as well as documents that you will be discovering for the first time. 

However, in this multi-media age, he has now brought those photographs and images to life in a unique presentation that has already wowed the audience at the recent Felixstowe Beatles Festival in June 2025.

Nigel’s Record Collection of Apple Records
Nigel’s Record Collection of Apple Records

The whole presentation lasts for over two hours, though it doesn’t feel like at all! This is a trip, not via a history book, but via a superb collage of content, visuals, and stories told by Nigel. You are taken back to 1966 to understand Apple’s vague start, through those colourful years and brought back to the modern day, by that one immoveable force that was The Beatles.

Apple Boutique
Apple Boutique

March 1966 is the starting point and immediately you find yourself in the Revolver sessions with the Beatles’ promo videos of “Rain” and “Taxman”. Nigel illustrates the first public knowledge of Apple with some slides and then we move into the technicolour world of The Apple Boutique at 94 Bakers Street with colour film showing the insides and with Dame Maggie Smith and Bob Newhart – a unique and fantastic piece of film.

Number 3 Savile Row
Number 3 Savile Row

Onto 1968, and the whole “Hey Jude” broadcast, which caused so much stress and panic to ITV executives that night is re-constructed and is shown in full and you are back there again in 1968. From then on it is a rollercoaster of video and photo content, both rare and well-known, and it is so well put together that the whole book and Apple building is brought to life. We see perhaps the world’s first ever DVD/ Video presentation of “Our First Four”, which is a very rare production of the first artists to appear in a set by Apple as we travel through the archives of Apple Records. But it is a vibrant and colourful voyage of Beatles discovery through Apple Records.

Our First Four
Our First Four

Who is included in the presentation apart from The Beatles? We have The Radna Krisna Temple, The Iveys and Badfinger, Mary Hopkin, Jackie Lomax, James Taylor, and so much more. 

Badfinger
Badfinger

If that is not enough, then to give it all context, time pops are placed throughout the presentation that expertly frames these times and events and wraps you in the living history of the ‘60s.

When it is all over, you are not only brought back to today’s world having delved into the previously little-known history of Apple Records.

The angle in which Nigel has presented this is unique and fascinating and is only possible via his collection and illustration of the artefacts to which he has collated over the years. Yes, The Beatles story has been told many times, but The Story of Apple has never been revealed in this detail.

Book him for your event, school or simply a presentation to a group that you have put together, you will re-live those great times, and you will feel that you have glimpsed into the rarely told part of The Beatles’ story: Apple Records. 

It has to be seen!

David Bedford

Beatles Historian, Author, Filmmaker

Find out more about Nigel Pearce and Inside Number 3

Book website/ Booking website details www.insideandoutsideno3.com

GET NIGEL PEARCE’S BOOK INSIDE NUMBER THREE

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The Little-Known Story of the Re-opening of The Cavern on 23rd July 1966: An Eyewitness Account

The Cavern reopening
Debbie at the Cavern
Debbie at the Cavern

The Cavern Re-opens

View from the Cavern Stage
View from the Cavern Stage

The Cavern had failed to keep going in the wake of The Beatles’ success with owner Ray McFall being declared bankrupt. In stepped Debbie’s father Alf Geoghegan and friend Joe Davey: Debbie was asked by her father if he should buy it! Guess what she said? A grand re-opening was planned.

The Prime Minister Harold Wilson and VIP Guests

Prime Minister Harold Wilson

After months of working all the hours that God sent the day of the re-opening of the original Cavern Club finally arrived. The Prime Minister Harold Wilson, resident of No 10 Downing Street would metaphorically turn the key to another famous No 10.. My dad, (Alf Geoghegan)  and Joe Davey had bought the lease to the Cavern in March 1966 when the previous owner (Ray McFall) went bankrupt. 

Invitation List

Saturday 23rd July 1966

The day arrived and the world’s press was waiting. The red carpet was laid down on Mathew Street and a red ribbon hung across the entrance to the Cavern. Inside, champagne was on ice and canapes were prepared. At 12.15pm the resident of No. 10 Downing Street would metaphorically turn the key to another famous No. 10. Liverpool’s famous pop shrine was to be given a new lease of life.

Excitement and anticipation quickly overcame our exhaustion when the police opened the barriers for the Lord Mayor’s shiny black limousine which pulled to a gentle stop outside the club. Excited chatter burst into a crescendo of cheers and whistles as the chauffeur opened the door for Harold Wilson to alight, followed by his wife Mary and his son Giles with the Lord Mayor close behind. The police held the press back as they surrounded the car and converged towards the entrance of the Cavern, all vying for the best shots.

The World’s Press

Mathew Street was bursting at the seams with throngs of people eager to catch a glimpse of the V I P’s and celebrities that were arriving for the grand re-opening.  Harold Wilson, followed by distinguished guests made their way down to the Cavern stage for the speeches and the unveiling of the commemorative plaque. The World’s Press simultaneously switched on their light meters and the surge of electricity caused the lights to fuse.

Is There an Electrician in the House?

None of the microphones worked and my dad had to shout from the stage “Is there an electrician in the house.”  From somewhere in the darkness a voice answered, ‘I know where the electrics are, I’ll sort it.”  We never knew who this saviour was until fifteen years later: that is a whole story in itself!  

The ceremony resumed and the celebrations began.

The VIP Guest list

VIP Guest List 1

An eighteen-hour star studded marathon followed in three sessions. The Hideaways kicked off the entertainment, followed by numerous local bands and acts included Billy J Kramer, Marty Wilde, George Fame, Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky Mick and Titch, The Bachelors, The Searchers ,The Fourmost, The Merseys, Solomon Burke, Rufus Thomas, The Scaffold,  and The Pete Best Combo.  

Read The Whole Story in Debbie’s incredible book: Cavern: The Inside Story

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Where the Music Had to Go: How Bob Dylan and the Beatles Changed Each Other – And the World  Hardcover – 14 April 2026

by Jim Windolf  (Author)

From Scribner/Simon and Schuster

How Bob Dylan and the Beatles Changed Each Other
How Bob Dylan and the Beatles Changed Each Other

How Bob Dylan and the Beatles Changed Each Other

A bit of info about The Author from the publisher Simon and Schuster’s website:

Jim Windolf is a features editor at The New York Times. He has published articles, reviews, essays and humor pieces in Vanity FairThe New YorkerNew York magazine, Rolling Stone, and many other publications. Additionally, his short fiction has appeared in Ontario Review3:AM Magazine, and other literary journals. He lives in New York City.

Introduction:

Part of the goal of this Beatles book blog is to present the early notification of interesting Beatles-related titles that are expected in the near future so that you are able to receive advance notice of books that you may be interested in acquiring down the road. This forthcoming title by New York Times journalist Jim Windolf, is one of those book titles that I know will be of intense interest to me and hopefully to you as well!

I recently reached out to the author and he was so kind in sending me a very quick reply in regards to my book inquiry concerning his forthcoming April 2026 Dylan/Beatles book release:

Hi John

“I’m in the middle of writing the last chapter! I started four years ago and I’m actually kind of sad that the writing of it will be coming to an end soon. I hope you will like it once it’s out in the world.”

Yours Jim

When a writer stipulates that he is sad that the writing of his book is coming to an end, to me that is a very good sign. It indicates that he loves the subject matter and the topic he is intellectually exploring. What could be a better topic than examining the influence and effect that two of the cultural giants of the sixties had upon one another and ultimately to the world. Both artists embodied a unique sense of mystery (what would be their next musical or cultural statement).

Audiences awaited with eager anticipation each artist’s new release to see where their viewpoints and musical contributions would lead us. Though some say that we overly-glamorize the sixties because it was a tumultuous decade, it was also a decade that was filled with excitement, innovation, and a seemingly greater concern for human rights!

The Amazon links for those wishing to pre-order this April 2026 release:

AMAZON US: Published by SCRIBNER/SIMON & SCHUSTER
Where the Music Had to Go: How Bob Dylan and the Beatles Changed Each Other―and the World: Windolf, Jim: 9781668075562: Amazon.com: Books

AMAZON UK: Published by SCRIBNER/SIMON & SCHUSTER BOOK COMPANY

Where the Music Had to Go: How Bob Dylan and the Beatles Changed Each Other-And the World: Amazon.co.uk: Windolf, Jim: 9781668075562: Books

Amazon Detailed Description of the Jim Windolf book:

“Persuasive, captivating, and bursting with insight, this dual biography by acclaimed New York Times journalist Jim Windolf dives into the surprisingly supportive, occasionally rivalrous, and always fertile relationship between Bob Dylan and The Beatles, uncovering how they inspired and transformed each other as songwriters, recording artists, and cultural icons.


Few artists have shaped pop culture as profoundly as the Beatles and Bob Dylan. In Where the Music Had to Go, journalist Jim Windolf unveils the profound and often startling relationship between these era-defining musical acts. This must-read work explores how Dylan and the Beatles not only transformed the music scene but also each other, creating a legacy that continues to resonate.


From Dylan’s early dismissal of the Beatles as being for “teenyboppers” to his jaw-dropping realization of their talent, the book captures the pivotal moments that pushed Dylan to “go electric” and inspired the Beatles to deepen their lyrics. Packed with vivid anecdotes—imagine the Beatles rehearsing Dylan songs or Dylan spending hours at Lennon’s childhood home—the book paints a picture of a relationship full of camaraderie, rivalry, and mutual evolution.


Windolf’s meticulous research uncovers hidden gems, peeling back layers of history to reveal the stories fans didn’t even know they were missing. From Lennon’s and McCartney’s lyrical transformations to George Harrison’s growth as a songwriter, the book showcases the ripple effects of the Beatles-Dylan connection.


More than a music biography, this is a front-row seat to the forces that shaped the sound of a generation. With Windolf’s captivating storytelling and unrivaled insight, Where the Music Had to Go offers an unmissable experience for music lovers, history buffs, and anyone curious about the magic that happens when legends collide.”

I trust my instincts as whether I am going to enjoy a book title that I have yet to read. I have no doubts that my eager anticipation of this title will be thoroughly satisfied in April of 2026!

Question for discussion:

Which artist, Bob Dylan or the Beatles, had the greatest impact on the decade of the 60s, both cultural and musical?

Please defend your responses with clear evidence to support your positions! I look forward to reading your opinions in the Comments section!

Thank you!

Be healthy and be happy!

Buzz

OUR BOOK OF THE WEEK – THE FAB ONE HUNDRED AND FOUR

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WHEN WE WAS FAB: INSIDE THE BEATLES AUSTRALASIAN TOUR 1964

When We Was Fab by ANDY NEILL and GREG ARMSTRONG-SPECIAL LEATHERETTE 300 COPY EDITION
(Please Note: Leatherette is not a leather-bound book-it is made to look like a leather-bound book)

THE DETERMINATION OF THE SUPER COLLECTOR IN ACQUIRING THE SPECIAL 300 COPY EDITION:

Release Date: October 1, 2025

The problem evident in collecting is that collectors can often run into various obstacles in obtaining what they may want to purchase. For example, if you like to collect limited edition books, they are often very expensive or they may be sold-out even before you become aware of their existence. Before we further explore that issue, I want to discuss the distinction that Australia has in regards to the reception they gave to the Beatles when they arrived in the Land Down Under!!!

There are many younger Beatle fans that are not aware that the biggest Beatles fan reception that the band ever received in any country of the world was in Australia (Not the US, Not in the UK, nor any individual country in Europe). What I am about to tell you, may disappoint you, or you may have mixed feelings about, but if you are a super Beatles collector that does not live in Australia or New Zealand, it will test your skills and determination as a collector.

I am assuming that because of the large costs of postage to send the books to the US or Europe or Japan, sales of the books described in this post with the exception of the Amazon title are limited to purchasers that reside in either Australia or NZ. Perhaps, If you happen to know someone through your Beatle connections that lives in Australia that would be willing to purchase the book on your behalf, that would be a possible way to obtain and send to you either of the 2 titles described below that will be issued on Oct. 1, 2025.

THE 300 COPY LIMITED EDITION

When We Was Fab
When We Was Fab

Woodslane Press When the site opens up- type in Beatles in the search grid and it will bring up the two October 1, 2025 editions of the book:

Description of the book above: Provided by Woodlane Press

The Beatles’ historic – and hysterical – tour of Australasia was now over 60 years ago, but interest in the band and the visit never fades. The importance of the tour remains deeply significant, not only in the memories of baby boomers who lived through it, but also to today’s millennials who wish they had. The Beatles Australasian tour is continually celebrated as a major social landmark for both countries, a huge and lasting step in the advancing development of youth culture, and a major highlight of the Beatles’ remarkable career. 

When We Was Fab: Inside The Beatles Australasian Tour 1964 is the definitive and highly illustrated (with many previously unseen photographs) account of this extraordinary tour by the world’s most creative and influential musical force; the key moment in the coming of age of Australian and New Zealand youth as they embraced the cultural explosion of the 1960s. This leatherette hardcover collectors’ edition is limited to 300 copies.

THE AMAZON HARDBACK EDITION

The following book is the edition that started it all for me. I bought it on Amazon and I was very happy I did as I was not aware that the publication of the hardcover was a limited run. I have been told that now there is only a few copies left of the hardcover edition at select Amazon sites! It is a gorgeous book, many beautiful photos and stories

WHEN WE WAS FAB: INSIDE THE BEATLES AUSTRALASIAN TOUR 1964 by ANDY NEILL and GREG ARMSTRONG

Woodslane Pty Ltd Published: 21 October, 2024

When We Was Fab: Greg Armstrong: 9781922800688: Amazon.com: Books

When We Was Fab
When We Was Fab

FLEXI-BOUND EDITION DESCRIPTIONOCT. 1, 2025

WHEN WE WAS FAB: INSIDE THE BEATLES AUSTRALASIAN TOUR 1964 by ANDY NEILL and GREG ARMSTRONG

Description- Flexibound edition-to be issued on October 1, 2025WOODSLANE PRESS

The Beatles historic – and hysterical – tour of Australasia was now over 60 years ago, but interest in the band and the visit never fades. The importance of the tour remains deeply significant, not only in the memories of baby boomers who lived through it, but also to today’s millennials who wish they had. The Beatles Australasian tour is continually celebrated as a major social landmark for both countries, a huge and lasting step in the advancing development of youth culture, and a major highlight of the Beatles’ remarkable career.

When We Was Fab: Inside The Beatles Australasian Tour 1964 is the definitive and highly illustrated (with many previously unseen photographs) account of this extraordinary tour by the world’s most creative and influential musical force; the key moment in the coming of age of Australian and New Zealand youth as they embraced the cultural explosion of the 1960s. This new flexi-bound edition follows the sold-out limited edition hardback which was marketed on Amazon

Definition of a flexi-bound book from Imago What is a Flexibound Book? | A Visual Guide (Infographic)

In truth, flexi-bound books are closer in their binding style to a cased book (hardback book) than to a limp book (paperback book). The only difference being that flexi-bound book covers are made of flexible card stock, instead of a rigid binding board. Just like a cased book, the edges of the cover overhang the book block.

This means that whilst the two book styles are almost identical in their binding processes, a finished flexi-bound book remains lightweight with its flexible cover.

HAPPY HUNTING!!

BUZZ

OUR BOOK OF THE WEEK – THE CUTTING EDGE

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BEATLES BOOK SPECIALIZATION – BEATLES UK 45 RELEASES

With so much having been written about the Beatles over the years, one avenue being taken by authors in the present day is finding a specialized topic, or item to write about, especially by authors who produce independently produced books.

This book written about The Beatles UK 45 releases and label variations was published in 2008 by authors Reg Harwood and Janet Myers.

This type of book I love to collect as they are independent publications, fewer are made or printed making the book both difficult to find and more obscure. The smaller run of the book allows for the specialization of topics that can be explored. A fantastic element of this independently produced book  are the many LARGE photographs of the various label variations of the UK singles.

Do you have a topic that you would like to see covered that hasn’t been yet? Let me know below.

THE BEATLES “IT’S ALL TOO MUCH”- THE UK 45 RELEASES – BY REG HARWOOD AND JANET MYERS

The Beatles UK 45 Releases
The Beatles UK 45 Releases
The Beatles UK 45 Releases
The Beatles UK 45 Releases

Let me know in the comments.

Buzz