Posted on 19/03/202519/03/2025 by Buzz — Leave a comment

Some Fun Tonight – How The Beatles Rocked America

“SOME FUN TONIGHT” BY CHUCK GUNDERSON

ONE OF MY FAVORITE SET OF BEATLES BOOKS

This is one of the favorite set of Beatles books in my personal archive. “Some Fun Tonight!” is the ultimate set of books you want to own to understand the incredible detail of the band’s three North American tours (1964-1966). I am not being hyperbolic or exaggerating matters when I say that author Chuck Gunderson has produced the ultimate document of record with this 2 volume set. Beautiful photographs accompany the unique and wonderful but sometime very hectic and tumultuous stories of the Beatles invasion of North America during their Magical Mystery Tours between 1964-66.

The books deal with many of the stories of the negotiations to play certain cities, the hysteria of the fans exhibited at many of the airports and hotels, the details of the off-the-cuff quotes and remarks of the Beatles delivered at their often zany press conferences are highlights. Chuck also discusses and details the opening acts along with the unique elements of specific concerts. These books are so detailed they also deal with the stories behind the shows, whether it was individual Beatle perceptions of the events as they were occurring, but also how the promoters viewed the happenings and many of the emcees and fans as well. The depth that Chuck Gunderson covers these multitude of subjects is truly astounding. The books are not only very entertaining but they are so packed with interesting information they are also very educational.

Whether you are a first generation fan, yearning to wallow in the nostalgia of once again experiencing the excitement of living in the 60’s, or whether you are 2nd or third generation fans wondering what you may have missed out on, these are THE BOOKS FOR YOU!!!

Some Fun Tonight – Get Your Copy Now

A few sites where these great books are available:

If you would like to purchase a personally signed copy from the author, it’s only available at his website: www.somefuntonight.com

Other sites where the book is available:

Beatles Book | Some Fun Tonight

A total of 618 pages for the 2 volumes. Published by Backbeat Books in both Hardcover and Softcover editions

The books are also available on Amazon

Some Fun Tonight!: The Backstage Story of How the Beatles Rocked America: The Historic Tours 1964-1966 (Volumes 1 & 2): Gunderson, Chuck: 9781495065705: Amazon.com: Books

and at a wonderful new book site dedicated to the study of the 60’s

Some Fun Tonight – Golden Age 60’s

Volume 1 of this comprehensive study of the Beatles North American tours:

Volume 2 which takes us up to the last live performance of the Beatles in America, at San Francisco’s Candlestick Park in August of 1966:

A side view of the massive books in their slipcase:

Chuck’s dedication page of volume 1 and his signature:

Chuck’s dedication on volume 2 and his signature:

CHUCK GUNDERSON INTERVIEWS

Some excellent interviews with Chuck Gunderson from three wonderful posts on YouTube of the “Things We Said Today” programs

Things We Said Today #81 – Chuck Gunderson – YouTube

Things We Said Today #152 – Chuck Gunderson (“Some Fun Tonight!”) on the Beatles’ U.S. tours – YouTube

Things We Said Today #191: Author Chuck Gunderson on Beatles’ 66 tour; RIP Scotty Moore – YouTube

In closing this post, I would like to address these questions to those first generation Beatles fans that were fortunate enough to have seen them live in 1964, 1965, or 1966.

If you saw the Beatles live in North America between 64-66, what were your impressions then, and what are they now? How do you answer questions from others who may not be Beatles fans when they ask you about those times?

What is your favorite memory of seeing the Beatles performing live? Let me know in the comments.

Be healthy and be happy!!!

Buzz

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Cavern Club – The Inside Story

This first-hand account of Debbie’s teen years frequenting and eventually helping to run the original Cavern Club is the authentic inside story of the Beatles launch pad, full of triumphs and failures – and surprise celebrity encounters.

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Posted on 07/03/202507/03/2025 by Buzz — 1 Comment

BLAST FROM THE PAST – “BEATLES FAN NEXT GENERATION” MAGAZINE

RARE 6 ENGLISH LANGUAGE ISSUES OF BEATLES FAN NEXT GENERATION

I remember a few years ago purchasing these 6 English language magazines published by Azing Moltmaker who runs an excellent Beatles Museum in the Netherlands. I recently asked Azing why there were only 6 English language magazines issued and he gave me the following explanation: “This fan club magazine was initially only available in the Dutch language, only later did I start an English edition, but because I eventually stopped making magazines and started making books, I stopped making magazines.

More copies of the Dutch magazines were made because I had started with them earlier. What was unique was that these magazines were also for sale in bookstores in the Netherlands and Belgium. As you can see on the last pages, I had already started with the books. For me, making magazines was no longer interesting because I couldn’t fit enough into them. My books gave and still do a lot of creative freedom. I am currently working on my 89th book. I made these especially for the museum in the languages Dutch, English and German.”

I am planning to do a post about Azing’s many Beatles books in the future. Here are the 6 English language editions of the magazine that Azing created of this magazine:

Beatles Fan Next Generation Issue 1:

Back cover of Issue #1

Issue #2:

Back Cover of Issue #2:

Issue #3:

Back Cover of Issue #3:

Issue #4:

Back Cover of Issue #4: Advertising many of Azing’s books

Issue #5:

Back Cover of Issue #5:

Issue #6-the final English language issue that was available to purchase:

Back Cover of Issue #6:

As Azing indicated in his response to me shown at the beginning of this post, he did publish other issues of this magazine in the Dutch language and I am including a few samples of those issues for you to view:

Issue #6 of the Dutch edition of the magazine:

Issue #7 of the Dutch edition of the magazine:

Issue #8 of the Dutch edition of the magazine:

Hope you enjoyed this post of a magazine that has its origins in the Netherlands!

BUZZ

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Biography

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Posted on 03/03/202507/06/2025 by Buzz — Leave a comment

LUCA PERASI – MACCA AND THE BEATLES

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.

The back cover of the book:

Paul McCartney: Music Is Ideas. The Stories Behind the Songs (Vol. 2) 1990-2012 Published – November 18, 2024 by L.I.LY.

Back cover of the book:

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

Back cover of the book about Paul McCartney & Wings Classic LP:

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.

Back cover of Luca’s first McCartney book:

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 back cover of the book with appropiate content details:

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 back cover of the book and the description of how it differs from Vol. 1:

UPDATE FOR JUNE 2025-NEW BOOK RELEASE

Paul McCartney: Press to Play. That Unmistakable 80s Sound (Milestones) Hardcover – June 4, 2025

by Luca Perasi (Author) L.I.L.Y Publisher

Amazon link: Paul McCartney: Press to Play. That Unmistakable 80s Sound (Milestones): Perasi, Luca: 9791281758070: Amazon.com: Books

AMAZON Description of the new release:

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 Sound tells 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 sources and 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 acquisition of 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. They gave 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!!!

VIDEOCAST #113 – NEW McCARTNEY BOOK SNEAK PREVIEW with author LUCA PERASI – YouTube

Things We Said Today #96 – Author Luca Perasi on McCartney’s recording career – YouTube

Episode 205: “Music Is Ideas: The Stories Behind The Songs, 1970-1989” (With Author Luca Perasi) – YouTube

VIDEOCAST #119 – PAUL McCARTNEY IN THE 70’S – author LUCA PERASI (“PAUL McCARTNEY: MUSIC IS IDEAS”) – YouTube

Videocast #129 – LUCA PERASI (End Of Wings, McCartney- Martin Trilogy) – YouTube

Episode 248: Luca Perasi (“Band On The Run”) – YouTube

Episode 266: “Music Is Ideas (Volume 2) Live Press Launch with Luca Perasi! – YouTube

BUZZ

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Posted on 26/02/202526/02/2025 by Buzz — 1 Comment

THE BEATLES SENSE OF HUMOR (HUMOUR) WILL LIVE ON… ALONG WITH THEIR MUSIC!!!

Beatles books are so specialized now, they even have a couple of titles designed to explore the terrific BEATLES sense of humor (humour). Here are a few titles that examine the group’s Liverpool sense of fun, sarcasm, and wit.

Jem Roberts was the first author that attempted the thesis of exploring how the Beatles sense of humor will be forever linked to both their immense musical talent and contributing immensely to their popularity as well!

Fab Fools Last Ever Untold Beatles Story Paperback

by JEM ROBERTS(Author) Candy Jar Books-2021

This title is more of an academic analysis of the Beatles links of their humor to their overall popularity. Being an academic book, the cost may be out of reach for some. I love this type of academic analysis, I just wish the universities could find a less expensive way to distribute the book. Even if there is a cheaper softcover edition, I prefer the hardcover editions of most books!

The Beatles and Humour: Mockers, Funny Papers, and Other Play Hardcover – 7 Sept. 2023

by Katie Kapurch (Editor)
Bloomsbury Academic-2023

Back Cover of the book featuring reader comments about the book:

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

How much of a factor was the Beatles sense of humor in your decision to follow them or to be a fan? Who was the funniest Beatle in your personal opinion? Were you ever offended when the group used a darker side of humor in their comments? If so, give a few examples!

BUZZ

Autobiography

Autobiographies by those people associated with The Beatles story

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Posted on 25/02/202525/02/2025 by liddypool — 8 Comments

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

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.

For prices and dates please contact Nigel again via the website

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Posted on 21/02/202521/02/2025 by Buzz — Leave a comment

HUNTER DAVIES – A HUNTER OF COLLECTABLES

Written by the author of the official Beatles biography, Hunter Davies. Published in 2009 by Quercus. Not a very well-known book in the USA!

This book by Hunter Davies demonstrates his own collecting proclivities and tendencies including, stamps, football memorabilia, comics, postcards, books, autographs and of course, the Beatles!

Hunter deals with the obsession and the joys and the pitfalls of being a collector! A very enjoyable book, indeed!

The cover of the book that Hunter wrote about his own collecting interests:

Confessions of a Collector by Hunter Davies

Back Cover of the book:

A brief excerpt of this wonderful book:

A funny story at the British Museum

The story at the end of this page certainly rings true. When I first visited the British Museum in the 1980s, I remember entering the document room seeing a copy of the Magna Carta, the Gutenberg Bible and many other very historical documents. There was only a smattering of people around these documents, much to my amazement!

I saw a large collection of people at a table at the back of the room and my curiosity forced me to take a look. I embarrassed myself by letting out a loud chuckle as the large crowd gathered there was looking at hand-written Beatles lyrics donated to the museum by Hunter Davies! That funny occurrence made my day and confirmed my belief in the timeless status that the Beatles had attained in world culture!

BUZZ