A Mosaic of Beatle memories in Canada is beautifully written by Piers Hemmingsen

It is really an honour and privilege to have met Beatles historian Piers Hemmingsen at Perfect Bookstore in Ottawa, Ontario on October 24, 2026. Piers was in Ottawa promoting his new book  "The Beatles In Canada 1964 - 1970" (Blue Edition.) When speaking to Piers it becomes apparent that he lived in Ottawa for a period of time: he earned a degree from Carleton University (he actually holds two degrees, the other is from the Toronto University.) Wikipedia writes that "The Beatles in Canada: The Evolution 1964-1970, was published in 2025. He has written articles, given lectures, conducted tours, and curated museum exhibits on the subject of the Beatles in Canada." Wikipedia also noted that Piers "Having established himself as a Beatles expert, he conducted archival research for EMI Canada in the 1990s, as well as for Universal Music Canada."

In my opinion, Piers ranks right up there with Beatles scholars in the same ilk as Bruce Spizer and Mark Lewisohn. His new book "The Beatles In Canada 1964-1970" is a treasure trove of Beatles information, of newspaper articles, promo sheets and much much more.  Two distinct publications of this book offers two different price points for Beatles collectors: The $150 book offers the "Author's Signature Edition" which is limited to 850 books world wide and the "Signature Nameplate Edition" is limited to 200 books worldwide. The Signature Nameplate Edition has authentic autographs of Rock and Roll Revival promoter "John Brower"; Ottawa Journal reporter "Sandy Gardiner" who was quoted on the "Beatlemania - With the Beatles" Capitol Canada album; Beatle historian "Mark Lewisohn signature on a special "Book "Mark!" (punn intended); Beatle historian "Bruce Spizer" authentic signature is found on a four-page "Of Beatles and Mounties" booklet. And of course Piers Hemingsen's own autograph is included along with a companion 50-track CD of interviews. A glossy poster providing the key historical events of the Beatles in Canada is also included.

I bought the "Signature Nameplate Edition" and I've only begun reading this book. I am very impressed with the forwards written Sandy Gardiner. John Brower and Ritchie York. The tome is 638 pages of the important happenings of the Beatles in Canada - a very worthy inclusion to my Beatles library.

And Piers...I know you have the new Rubber Soul Super Deluxe box set that you are saving to open on Christmas day, but I personally guarantee you will love the album when you hear the new re-mastering. Enjoy Rubber Soul, my friend! And once again, it was a real pleasure to finally have met you in person. :)

John Whelan
October 26, 2026

Piers Hemmingsen and John Whelan

Left to right: Piers Hemmingsen, Alan Chrisman (Ottawa Beatles Convention presenter x 2) and Boris Rebinczak

To order the book, please click on this active link: "The Beatles...In Canada The Evolution 1964-1970."

Piers also wrote his first tome: "The Beatles in Canada: The Origins of Beatlemania!" (Red Edition.) It's 476 pages long and was published in 2016." While the book is no longer in print, Beatle fans should browse ebay every so often to see if a copy pops up. Also, you might find a used copy at Beatle or record conventions.