Top Row: Will Chase (left), Julia Murney, Chuck Cooper, Mandy Gonzalez, Yoko Ono, Marcy Harriell, Chad Kimball, Julie Danao; Bottom Row: Terrence Mann (left), Don Scardino and Michael Potts

Log on to the official Lennon the Broadway musical website for weekly features, downloads, news and events!

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March 7
The story of "Matchbox"

“I said I’m sitting here watching matchbox hole in my clothes.” – Opening verse of Beatles’ “Matchbox”

“In 1964 the Beatles took America by storm on the basis of some catchy original songs and a scattering of ‘50s rock ’n roll retreads like “Matchbox.” In quick succession they were followed by bands like the Rolling Stones, the Who, the Animals, Them, the Yardbirds, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd.  What would become known as the “British Invasion” changed the face of American – and world – pop music forever.

“What got lost between the lines was that the white British Invasion was fueled by black American blues," writes Don Santina in his article entitled: Reparations for the Blues.

March 3
New publication: "France and the Beatles" Volume One : The original discography (1962-1970)"
by Jean-Claude Hocquet and Eric Krasker

An unprecedented wealth of information. During the sixties, France was among the very few countries to establish odd but also privileged relations with the Beatles. And, until today, no comprehensive work had ever tried to study such a mixed relation, made of mutual admiration and paradoxes, which, nevertheless, remains unrivalled between the Liverpool boys and Molière’s fatherland. So, the present book, entirely dealing with this original subject, definitely fills this gap while offering, both the casual fan and the hardcore collector, a highly detailed research work based on first-class and unpublished documentation.

This first volume (from a series of two) concentrates exclusively on the original french discographical output between 1962 and 1970. Because of the beauty of the various and colourful covers, not mentioning the historical value of some pressings, this discography really constitutes a unique collection theme. France was, for instance, the only country in the world to produce so many EPs: some of them, such as the Mister Twist EP, the Eiffel Tower cover or the famous “sandwiches cover” are among the most sought after collector items. But what were the reasons which led the french record companies to manufacture more EPs than their foreign counterparts? How many variations from each pressing can we find? And what do we know about those mysterious export records “made in France”?

This book, written by Jean-Claude Hocquet and Eric Krasker, not only intends to answer such questions, but it also presents the french records (LPs, EPs, singles and juke-box singles) in a real profusion of details. All covers are reproduced, front and back, in colour, as well as most A and B sides of the records themselves. The book also brings to the public the different known variations for each reference number, true dates of issue and a lot of new historical and technical information. But most of all, and thanks to Polydor, Odeon and Pathé-Marconi archives, you will be able to discover, for the very first time, exclusive documents : genuine ads, official news sent to record retailers and, last but not least, those precious production sheets offering invaluable information about the manufacturing process of several records.

Preceding a second historical volume, the first part of this ambitious study devoted to France and the Beatles has been expected for a long time by all Fab Four fans. We are sure it will undoubtedly show why so many beatlemaniacs around the world do envy us this extraordinary original french discography.

286 pages, more than 1000 illustrations mostly in colour, softback. The book, written in French, will be published in April by Séguier Atlantica. An English version of this new book is expected sometime in 2006.

Eric Krasker writes:

Jean-Claude and I will be present at the Utrecht Fair in Holland on 26 March 2005 to introduce the book.

Those who can read french language will find more information (and everybody will find some pictures!) on the Yellow-sub.net website: http://yellow-sub.net/rubrique.php3?id_rubrique=973

More news to come at the beginning of March.

Warmest Regards,

Eric Krasker

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February 28
Sir George Martin donates "Sgt. Pepper" jacket for Tsunami Disaster

The following from Lady Sara Apsley:

We are running an international online Celebrity Charity Auction in aid of Rebuilding Sri-Lanka - and we have a Beatles item on offer that is so unique and special, I am telling as many people as I can!

Sir George Martin has personally donated a jacket that was made for him and then presented to him when he finished his work on the Sgt Pepper movie.

It has belonged to him for nearly 40 years and he has given it to us for our auction.

The auction itself is taking place at the following link and you can find all the details there of the jacket:

http://www.clothesagency.com/celebrity/default.asp

ALL the proceeds are going to an amazing charity - helping the people of Sri-Lanka rebuild their lives after the Tsunami Disaster.

It is an opportunity to own an extraordinary piece of rock and music history and it comes with a signed letter and photograph of authentication from Sir George, (who is also a dear personal friend of mine.)

With warm and sincere wishes,

Sara Apsley

http://www.clothesagency.com

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February 27
Across the Universe enters Billboard's Top 100

A cover version of the Beatle song Across the Universe that was sung by a variety of pop at this years Grammy Awards has entered at No. 22 position in Billboard's Top 100. The song has been made available as digital download in an effort to raise money for the tsunami victims. It is the first time the song has charted in the Top 100 as a hit contender.

"With Universe on the Hot 100," writes Billboard pop writer Fred Bronson, "the chart span of Lennon and McCartney as songwriters expands to 41 years, eight months and one week, counting back to the debut of Del Shannon's cover of From Me to You the week of June 29, 1963."

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February 24
The Beatles Future Threatened by Stardust

The would have remained a struggling Liverpool, England, band if producer George Martin had taken pop veteran Alvin Stardusts's advice that the Fab Four were not worth signing.

Martin played Stardust a demo of Love Me Do in 1962 and expressed his urge to sign the now-legendary band to record label Parlophone, but the singer was unimpressed with what he heard - and urged him to look elsewhere for next big thing.

But much to the relief of Stardust, Martin dismissed the singer's cutting remarks - and offered the hit-makers the deal that launched them to international superstardom.

Stardust says, "The Beatles and I worked the same clubs in the early days, and I was signed by George Martin and Ron Richards at Parlophone, just before they signed The Beatles.

"I was in Ron's office when George brought in a demo of Love Me Do and said he was thinking of signing the band. I told him, 'There's a better band than them - The Big Three.' Luckily, George ignored my advice."

(the above article was written on this date by Contactmusic.com)

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February 23
Live Peace In Toronto 1969

The Ottawa Beatles Site proudly presents "Live Peace In Toronto 1969," an oral history.  The article is about the concert that John and Yoko did culled from a variety of books, magazines and newspaper publications quoting from the artists themselves and their associates.  To view the article with special color photographs from the event, please click here.

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February 22
Yoko: Ageism - worse than racism or sexism

Yoko Ono, who turned 72 last week, claims ageism is one of society's biggest curses.

John Lennon`s widow recently appeared in New York magazine wearing a mini-skirt under the headline Surprisingly Sexy Septuagenarian and has no intention of slowing down.

"Honestly, I think age-ism is much worse in this culture than either sexism or racism," she told the New York Post.

"The power of older people in this world means quite a lot, and it is being totally ignored at a time when there are so many of us. I want to stop this negative attitude toward people over 40."

The artist is currently helping with a new musical, Lennon, based on the former Beatle`s songs.

It features 10 actors portraying Lennon at various stages in his life, backed by a 10-piece band.

(this article published on this date by utvlive.com)

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February 20-21, 8 pm
Rain playing Ottawa

Billed as the World's Best Beatles Tribute Act, Rain appeared at the National Arts Centre here in Ottawa on these nights.

The Ottawa Beatle Site and friends were there, met with the band backstage, and reviewed it.

- Tony Copple

Beatles first manger, Allan Williams, turns 75!

Happy birthday to Allan Williams who has celebrated his 75th birthday on this day. Allan, may you have many more of them to celebrate in the future!  The Liverpool Echo has covered a story about his 75th birthday entitled: He's Got A Ticket...To Celebrate In Style.

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February 18
Interview with Bill Harry

Founding editor and publisher of Mersey Beat, Bill Harry, provides Beatle Folks web site with an exclusive interview about the Beatles early years prior to Beatlemania. For the excellent interview, please click here.

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Feb 17 - April 21
Beatlemania course at Algonquin College in Ottawa 

On Feb. 9, 1964, the Beatles officially introduced themselves to America, and America was never the same again. With their different sound, matching suits and distinctive haircuts, they revolutionized popular culture. This course will focus on the impact the Beatles have had on music & culture up to the present time.
Course: MSC0064 (Section 541) *Beatlemania*     Course leader: Darrell O'Dea.

Feb 17 - Apr 21 (7 - 10 PM) $250 WOODROFFE Campus
Music-related courses coming up at Algonquin

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February 14
Concert For George video wins a Grammy Award

The "Concert For George" won a Grammy Award yesterday in the category of "Best Long Form Music Video." The recipients of the award are: David Leland, video director; Ray Cooper, Olivia Harrison and John Kamen, video producers.

"The Concert For George was all I hoped it would be. I don't think I've ever heard a band play with so much emotion and respect," said Olivia Harrison in a press release today through Market Wire.com.

The performance of "Something" from that concert by Paul McCartney and Eric Clapton were nominated for "Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals" but unfortunately did not win in that category.

Olivia Harrison was present for the ceremony along with producer Jon Kamen who accepted the award.

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February 12
University of Ottawa's "A Platform for Peace" - John and Yoko

Available is an on-line version of the Tabaret magazine's November  report on John and Yoko's 1969 visit to the University of Ottawa entitled: "A Platform for Peace."  The article was written by Shari Graydon. To view the article, please click here.

Expect a new Ringo Starr album this coming June

At Ringo Starr's official web site, his February 9 on-line video update has revealed that he plans to release a new album this June entitled "Choose Love."  Please visit http://www.ringostarr.com/ for this and other past on-line videos.

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February 11
Hot Chocolate: 'John Lennon helped us hit the big time'

Photo credit: From the private record collection of John Whelan

"Many people have helped us break the barriers but John was instrumental," said former Apple recording artist Errol Brown whose band went under the name Hot Chocolate. "His support was fabulous. We recorded our version of his song Give Peace a Chance - not thinking he would ever get to hear it."

There have been many cover versions of "Give Peace A Chance" -- Mitch Miller & The Gang released it on Atlantic records on December, 1970. Yoko Ono did an excellent re-recording of the version in 2002 marking the first anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy. Then in 2004, to help raise their profile, Amnesty International recorded what might possibly be the best cover version yet of the song. But the first group to ever do a cover version of the Plastic Ono Band peace anthem, were Apple recording stars "Hot Chocolate."  They did a nifty reggae recording of the song which was released on November, 1969, only 6 months after the Plastic Ono Band turned it into a hit song from the Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montréal.

 Errol Brown recalls his association with John Lennon and Yoko Ono and brings us up-to-date with what he's been doing lately in the field of pop music.  For the excellent report written by Peter Grant of the Liverpool Echo, please click here.

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February 10
Sgt. Pepper's artwork goes on show

The BBC reports that Sir Peter Blake, "the artist who designed the album cover for Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles has given the only copy signed by him to Leeds University.  The print signed by Sir Peter Blake appears in a new permanent exhibition at the university's school of music."

For the complete report, please click here.

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February 8
Residents vote in favor to demolish Ringo's childhood home

According to the Daily Post, a consultation exercise has revealed that "72% of residents now approve the Deputy Prime Minister's pathfinder scheme to bulldoze thousands of Victorian terraced houses across the Merseyside." The approval came from the majority of residents living in Dingle where Ringo Starr's childhood home is located on Madryn Street. The Daily Post cites it is a "wide scale demolition" plan backed up with a "15-year regeneration plan."

For the full report, please click here.

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February 7
Rocker McCartney "Wows" fans at the Super Bowl!

"I want to hear everybody in the world sing!" - Paul McCartney

Reuters photograph by Shaun Best

Leave it to Sir Paul McCartney to open the half-time Super Bowl show with two rousing Beatle numbers, "Drive My Car" and "Get Back."  The first one, "Drive My  Car" sounded very much like the original Beatle version while "Get Back" featured the guitar solo and keyboard playing that his band nailed down just like the original hit recording.

The 62-year-old McCartney followed up next with a backdrop of fireworks and performed the classic "Live and Let Die" title theme song he wrote for the James Bond movie. As usual, McCartney demonstrates his vocals are still in fine form for this number. 

In his last number, "Hey Jude," Paul announced: "I want to hear everybody in the world sing!" How does this guy do it after all these years? This song is now over 30-years old and he's still able to hit all the right notes to this song and still gets all the fans up on their feet to join in the "na-na-na, na-na-na na, hey jude" chorus! In fact, when you come to think of it, all of his songs that he performed at the Super Bowl are now over 30-years old and that says something about the timelessness of Paul's music that he made with the Beatles.

Certainly Paul's performances last night restored the integrity of the NFL's Super Bowl from last year's "wardrobe malfunction" exposing Janet Jackson's breast and nipple which was viewed by 120 million people, including children. Let's be clear about this: Janet Jackson's antics from last year had no place in people's homes nor what she did help the rock industry any or her personal image. In fact, more than 500,000 people called up to complain about the incident. In the end, the television station which transmitted that broadcast was fined $550,000 (American) for Janet's shameful stupidity.

About Paul McCartney's wardrobe at the event: "We expect he'll keep his clothes on," said Charles Coplin before the show who happens to be the NFL's vice-president of programming. He needed had worried -- about the only thing Paul took off that night was his jacket so as to sit down at his piano. Again, Paul proved to the Super Bowl fans and North American television viewing audiences that great music and fun is basically where it's at!

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February 6
Billy Preston to be featured in the 47th Annual Grammy Awards

The worlds wildest, hottest, organ player who played on the Beatles "Let It Be" sessions and who appeared in Robert Stigwood's film production of "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band", is slated to be featured in a performance segment honoring the late great Ray Charles. Billy's appearance was announced by the Recording Academy on January 27 along with pop star Bonnie Raitt who will also pay tribute to Charles.

For the complete report, please click here.

Strawberry Field home to close within weeks

"The Strawberry Field children's home made famous by the Beatles song of the same name is to close," writes the Liverpool Daily Post. "News of its closure is expected to upset thousands of Beatles fans who make the pilgrimage to the Woolton area to take photographs and scrawl messages on the perimeter walls there."

For complete details, click here for the report.

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January 11
Death At Phil Spector's Mansion

Phil Spector, legendary record producer who worked on the Beatles Let It Be recording sessions and then later produced the early solo albums of George Harrison and John Lennon, was indicted in September for the murder of actress Lana Clarkson. Recent secret court proceedings before the Los Angeles County Grand Jury resulted in a 1,018-page transcript. The Los Angeles Times examines the transcript which became public and the events leading up to the murder. Please read: "Death At Phil Spector's Mansion."

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January 7
Beatles Shrine Planned for Penny Lane

"Councillors will today agree to hand over part of Grove Mount playing fields to the Penny Lane Development Trust which has drawn up £3m [$6,925,861.00 Canadian] plans to create a Beatles visitor centre," writes the Liverpool Daily Post. "Plans include a recording studio, bar, restaurant, shop and meeting rooms for community groups."

It is estimated 50,000 Beatle fans each year make the pilgrimage to Penny Lane but currently do not have any tourist attractions for them. The proposed Beatles visitor centre has also been approved by local residents and Dovedale primary school.

See: Fan photographs of Penny Lane and area.

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I have started a petition to implore Westminster Council to reverse their policy and save a tradition. You can sign it at http://www.petitiononline.com/abbeyrd/petition.html

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November 19
John Lennon voted No. 1 music icon of all time

Based on a list of 100 pop music stars, the readers of the Q magazine have chosen John Lennon as the No. 1 music icon of all time. Placing second was American rock legend Elvis Presley while Lennon's musical partner, Paul McCartney, placed 12th overall. Said Yoko Ono about Lennon: "He was a driven man....He changed people's awareness in an incredible way, both with words and music. He was not afraid to tell the truth and thus give a clearer picture of what was really going on." Yoko's comments appear in a special tribute published by Q magazine.

Poll results for the top-ten music icons are: 1. John Lennon 2. Elvis Presley 3. David Bowie 4. Keith Richards 5. Kurt Cobain 6. Madonna 7. Bono 8. Bob Marley 9. Joe Strummer 10. Bob Dylan

Ringo Starr has surgery to play drums

A painful bone growth has resulted in Ringo Starr getting his third and final surgical operation of the year to correct the problem. The procedure took place last week on November 12 while his two previous operations were done sometime in January and August of this year. Said Ringo: "It isn't as good yet, but the doctors promise me it will be." We wish Ringo a speedy recovery!

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November 16
Sir George Martin's Coat of Arms Revealed!

Granted 15 March 2004

Arms: Azure on a Fess nebuly Argent between three Stag Beetles Or five Barrulets Sable.

Crest: On a wreath Argent and Azure A House Martin proper holding under the sinister wing a Recorder in bend sinister mouthpiece downwards Or.

Motto: AMORE SOLUM OPUS EST.

Badge: A Zebra statant proper supporting with the dexter foreleg over the shoulder an Abbot's Crozier Or.

Among many other achievements, Sir George Martin was producer to the Beatles. The shield, crest and badge make various more or less explicit references to the group as well as to music and the recording industry in general.

Source:  College of Arms (for a larger picture)

The following was posted on rec.music.beatles by Nurktwn:

Looks like this could be among the all-time winners for tongue-in-cheek arms designs.

The bird, a Martin, has a recorder in bend sinister, the old sign of illegitimacy, which is to say that Martin seems to consider himself a recording bastard. Or that he recorded with a bunch of bastards, because the mouthpiece is at the bottom and it's coming through the martin.

The fess nebuly (the white thing in the middle) probably is intended to be less comedic: it likely indicates clouds, or heaven, between the three gold ("or") beetles. The barrulets, the five little dark lines on the fess, probably signify equality of five people. You make the call on that one.

The badge shows a zebra, walking with a gold abbot's crozier: a zebra crossing, as on Abbey Road.

And yes, the motto may literally be "love is only work" -- but it is indeed "All You Need is Love." Opus also is "need."

[OBS editorial: or "Love Is All You Need" as others have suggested since Latin has no real word order.]

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November 12
New "Acoustic" Lennon CD off to a good start!

Brisk sales of Lennon's new Acoustic has been reported from Billboard: "Lennon's Acoustic (Capitol) opened at No. 31 with sales of almost 28,000 copies. It's his highest-debuting set since Double Fantasy bowed at No. 25 the week of Dec. 6, 1980 and his highest charting in more than 20 years, since Milk and Honey peaked at No. 11 the week of March 10, 1984.

"Acoustic is Lennon's first chart album in the 21st century. He last appeared on the album survey with John Lennon Anthology, which debuted and peaked at No. 99 the week of Nov. 21, 1998."

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November 11
Ringo Starr to introduce Beatles film clip on the American Music Awards

The following from Rollingstone.com: "Starr will introduce rare performance clips on the American Music Awards, Sunday, November 14th, on ABC. The footage was originally aired on the network November 15th, 1964, as part of the Around the Beatles special."  The tape which runs 2 1/2 minutes, features two Beatle performances. "We've got a wonderful old...tape that's been lost for 40 years that nobody's seen since it was first aired featuring the Beatles singing She Loves You and I Want To Hold Your Hand," said producer Dick Clark to the Associated Press. "It was an English show that aired here that for some reason or another went into a trunk somewhere." But a source from the AbbeyRd Beatles pages indicates that the clip is not so rare after all and that it has been circulated in the marketplace in a video called Beatles Live.

Paul McCartney ready to reactivate When I'm 64

A hint from Paul McCartney on America's National Public Radio that in a few years he might consider doing a live performance of When I'm 64: "It's getting dangerously close I must say. If I still have the urge and the energy and the desire to be on tour then, I think that might be the year that I reactivate that song," said the former Beatle.

To read the charming report with more comments from Paul about the song, click here.

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November 4
Canadian Publisher's Celebrate "Give Peace A Chance...One More Time!"

By way of special tribute to John and Yoko's bed-in visit to Canada in 1969,  Beatlology's Sept/Oct edition contains a featured report on Amnesty International's recent get-together and new recording of Give Peace A Chance at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal. It also contains interviews from some of the participants. Meanwhile, the University of Ottawa has now published their fall Tabaret edition with a feature article celebrating John and Yoko's June 3, 1969 visit to their campus. This report provides candid interviews from then student association leaders Allan Rock and Hugh Segal entitled: A Platform for Peace.

Linda Scales, editor for the Tabaret magazine revealed that "109,000 copies were printed and most of them are sent to the University’s alumni, which number over 100,000. Others are sent to friends, leaders in the community, etc.” John and Yoko photographs identified from the Ottawa Beatles Site were used in the publication. The black and white photo that you see on the cover of the Tabaret captures a moment when Beatlemania explodes at a Beatles' concert in Toronto, probably taken in 1964.

Quarry Men disc now worth $183,882.00

"When we got the record, the agreement was that we would have it for a week each," said Paul McCartney referring to the Quarry Men shellac which was made at Phillips Sound Recording Service, Liverpool, in 1958. "I had it for a week and passed it on to George, who had it for a week. Then Colin had it for a week and passed it on to Duff Lowe -- who kept it for twenty-three years. Later, when we were famous, he said, 'Hey, I've got that first record.' I ended up buying it back for a very inflated price."  The record had two songs on it:  In Spite of All the Danger (a McCartney/Harrison composition) along with a Buddy Holly cover version of That'll Be The Day which became the bands' first single. While John "Duff" Lowe has always maintained his silence with regards to the amount paid to him in a private sale through McCartney's lawyers, today the shellac is believed to be worth $183,882.00 (or £100,000). This is quite a handsome sum when you consider back then the Quarry Men only paid $1.38 (90 pence) for it.

According to a October 31, 2004 report filed by Anthony Barnes, arts and media correspondent for Independent news in England makes claim that "the 1958 10-inch acetate disc tops a list of the UK's 100 most valuable records compiled by the magazine Record Collector to mark its 25th anniversary, which confirms the Fab Four - in their many guises - as the most collectable name in rock and pop."

As matter of record here, the Quarry Men line-up for this first recording featured John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, (all three on guitars), Colin Hanton (drums), and John "Duff" Lowe (on piano).

Each One Believing: On Stage Off Stage And Backstage

This is Paul McCartney's world tour book by Caroline Grimshaw and Bill Bernstein. It's a 208-page photographic journey covering Paul's Concert for New York, his North American tour dates, Japan, the Coliseum in Rome and Moscow's Red Square. The publication is released through Chronicle Books, November 1 in the USA and November 4 in the U.K.

Two on-line articles of interest worth reading about the world tour book are: Bill Bernstein -- an exclusive interview with Jorie B. Gracen + On the road with Sir Paul by the Liverpool Echo.

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October 30
The Beatles: 10 Years That Shook The World

The Beatles: 10 Years That Shook The World is a new book that is put together by the good folks at Mojo magazine. This 456 page tomb of Beatle lore makes for an excellent bookend to the Beatles Anthology book with write-ups from some of the most renowned Beatle experts: Keith Badman, Johnny Black, Hunter Davies, Paul du Noyer, Spencer Leigh, Larry Kane, Ian MacDonald, Paul McGrath, Barry Miles, Bill Harry and Mark Lewisohn to name but a few.

The book contains many rare photographs of the band and some new historical tid-bits not known before. For example, one amazing revelation came through a report filed by Mark Lewisohn who tells us the real reason for releasing George Harrison's Something as the A-side to the Beatles single in 1969. Apparently Allen Klein, the Beatles former manager, wrote to Lewisohn in 1990 to dispel any idea that the single was released back then as a money maker. "It was done on purpose, not to make money," said Klein, "but to help the guy. Lennon wanted to help him. He knew that for all intents and purposes for a period of time they weren't going to be working together anymore. Something was a great song. But to make money? Not a chance. It was really to point out George as a writer, and give him courage to go in and do his own LP. Which he did."

This is just but one example. The book is just loaded with great information and interviews.

On a more personal note about this book, both Tony Copple and myself were very surprised to discover that some of the information and at least one image from this web site appears in this new book. An excerpt from our Beat Brother Roy Young interview appears in Johnny Black's write-up on page 26 while a cropped-up-image of the Dick James Demo Disc of Day Tripper appears with Mark Lewisohn's Going for a Song on pages 384 and 385.  For us, this is nice to see as both Tony and myself have never made money off of our research and to receive this kind of back-handed compliment makes us realize our work is being appreciated out there. So, thank you Mojo!

A Hard Chord's Night

Recent media claims (October 13/04) touted that Professor Jason Brown of Dalhousie University in Halifax was the first to discover what instruments were used on the opening chord to A Hard Day's Night are bogus. For in 2001, Walter Everett, professor of music for Michigan University, published on page 236 from his book - The Beatles As Musicians: The Quarry Men through Rubber Soul - the following: "The striking ametrical opening chord, with Martin's piano doubling Harrison's twelve-string above McCartney's bass, is given as example 3.10a." Professor Everett then notated the guitar, piano, and bass parts in Example 3.10a on the next page of his book.

Professor Everett's research over the years has been directed primarily into the expressive relationships between pitch function and poetic texts in vocal music. I suspect Everett used this as his methodology in analyzing the opening chord and naturally figured it out. Brown, on the other hand, used mathematics as his methodology which led to his recent announcement in the media.

By way of an e-mail from this writer, Brown was informed of Everett's earlier research. Brown basically agreed with the professor’s findings about guitar, piano and bass parts but added that Everett had “missed the extra guitar” that was used on the chord. That caveat was not mentioned in the initial report so I suppose one should at least give Brown a bonus point – but only for embellishing Everett’s work.

Brown's announcement originated from CanWest News Service and was then splashed in The Ottawa Citizen, The Edmonton Journal, Scotland's Daily Record and on two different CBC radio programs, As It Happens and Information Halifax all of whom have since been notified concerning Everett's earlier findings.

- J. Whelan