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The News
Today
June 3, 2019 50th Anniversary of John and Yoko's visit at the University of Ottawa
You Can Say I'm A Dreamer - by Allan Rock (edit version)
Those of us who came of age with the Beatles knew that the magic came from the Lennon-McCartney combination, with its sometimes odd mix of opposites. While McCartney generated the ingeniously durable tunes, it was Lennon who added the sharp counterpoint to lift the music beyond melody to message. Lennon was the Beatle with edge, and it showed not just in the studio, but in his politics.
To be sure, there was an element of naiveté to his childlike insistence that peace could exist if only we willed it. But while his philosophy may have been simplistic, we never doubted his good heart and his belief each of us could help bring an end to war.
His political power derived from his fame, and he lent it freely to the cause, opposing the war in Vietnam and drawing the world's media into hotel bedrooms in Europe and in Canada during his "Bed-In for Peace."
It was that effort that brought him to the Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal in June of 1969. That summer, I was president of the students' council at the University of Ottawa, looking for a way to fill the quiet months until September. We resolved to get John and Yoko to the campus and invented a "World Conference on Peace" as our pretext. I drove to Montreal, talked my way into Lennon's suite, and suggested that if he appeared, our New Age and progressive Prime Minister, Pierre Elliott Trudeau, might also participate. Lennon agreed to come, and the campus was pandemonium when he arrived for what turned into a noisy and extended press conference. (The Prime Minister had declined to take part.)
I spent the day with Lennon, watching as he managed the incessant demands of megafame, a starstruck 21-year-old making dinner plans with an almost mythical figure who for five years had held my generation transfixed. He was calm at the centre of a constant, frantic happening, ignoring the kooks and crazies drawn by his raucous road show, and polite and patient with those of us trying to plan some sense into his schedule. In early evening, he told me that he wanted to see something of the city. He and Yoko Ono sat in the rear of my Volkswagen fastback as I drove them around the capital, with John at one point singing along to the Beatles' Get Back on the radio ("Turn it up!" he yelled from the back). Disappointed that the Prime Minister had not joined us at the "Peace Conference," Lennon agreed when I suggested we visit 24 Sussex to see if Trudeau was home. In his absence, Lennon left a hand-written note, which led to a return visit in December of that year, when the two met on Parliament Hill.
Within six months of his June visit, the Beatles had broken up, and, for the remaining years of his life, John Lennon carried on his very public quest for self-discovery and for a better world. But he had left one young Canadian student with indelible memories of a remarkable episode, and warm feelings toward a superstar who was unfailingly courteous, refreshingly down to earth and who showed not a hint of the arrogance or willfulness that are sometimes associated with rock 'n' roll stardom. If anything, my deep impression was of a gentleness that hinted enough at vulnerability to make me feel a slight pang of guilt at the transparent ruse we had employed to persuade him to come to Ottawa. The Beatle with the edge was, after all, a believer and a gentle soul.
The summer of 1969, much like today, was a time of challenge and great promise. It honours the memory of John Lennon to remember his commitment and optimism, and to say, like him, "Imagine!" Allan Rock was the federal Minister of Health. Full Globe and Mail article: "You Can Say I'm A Dreamer." See also with photographs from the event: "The Ballad of John and Yoko in Ottawa."
John & Yoko's Montreal Bed-in for Peace: Royal Canadian Mint issues 50th anniversary coin!
To commemorate the anniversary, the Royal Canadian Mint has issued a 1 ounce silver coin with a mintage of 9,999. As of this writing 76% has been sold and will be shipped out on June 17 in Canada and the USA only.
Highlights: "Your coin features Ivor Sharp's famous 1969 photo of John Lennon and Yoko Ono during their 8-day Bed-in for Peace in Montréal's Queen Elizabeth Hotel," writes the Royal Canadian Mint. It went on to say that: "Sharp captured John and Yoko in an all-white setting surrounded by handwritten messages of peace ─ including one in French. The design portrays John and Yoko in black and white on an engraved coin. The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt."
I have ordered mine! Get yours soon before they're gone! - John Whelan, Ottawa Beatles Site
Link: The Royal Canadian Mint
May 27, 2019 Schnurmacher: Meeting John, Yoko (and Kyoko) and how it cost me a friend
A really interesting story about how Tommy Schnurmacher and his classmate Gail made their way into John Lennon and Yoko Ono's Bed-in at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal. Click here for the Montreal Gazette report by Tommy Schnurmacher.
May 25, 2019 The Montreal bed-in at 50: Peace, love and chance
The fascinating and thrilling historical accounting of John Lennon and Yoko Ono's famous bed at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal. "...one is struck by the array of fortuitous circumstances that led so many regular Montrealers into the orbit of John and Yoko, and led the happy hippie couple to set up camp in Room 1742 (and adjoining Rooms 1738, 1740 and 1744) of the Queen Elizabeth, from May 26 to June 2, 1969," writes T'Cha Dunlevy of the Montreal Gazette.
To read the entire Montreal Gazette article, please click: "The Montreal bed-in at 50: Peace, love and chance."
Photo credit: (AFP/Sebastien St-Jean)
50 years later, Montreal celebrates Lennon-Ono 'bed-in' for peace
"John Lennon and Yoko Ono spent a week in pajamas in 1969 at The Queen Elizabeth hotel in Montreal, welcoming journalists and recording "Give Peace a Chance" as the Vietnam War raged," writes Eric Thomas for Agence France-Presse (AFP).
"Fifty years later, the hotel is celebrating their fabled experiment in pacifism with a series of special events including guided tours of the couple's room," writes Thomas.
"'We're still talking about it 50 years later, but at the time we had no idea the impact that it would have,' Joanne Papineau, spokeswoman for the hotel, told AFP."
To continue reading the article, please click on this link.
May 20, 2019 Paul McCartney releases Egypt Station bonus tracks
Paul has been making the most from his Egypt Station project. Many variations have been presented which now include "Egypt Station - Traveler's Edition" which includes a suitcase filled with a map, postcards, passport, his hand-written lyrics and even a USB card with the songs from the album. The Traveler's edition has a limited run of 3,000 units and it is shipped in a large protective cardboard box.
The other is called "Egypt Station - Explorer's Edition" where you have all of the songs from the original vinyl release but you also get the bonus LP which includes two new compositions from Paul: "Frank Sinatra's Party" and "Sixty Second Street" (see video below.) The rest of the bonus LP contains studio and live performance versions that were not previously issued.
Here is the list of bonus songs for Egypt Station II: 1) Get Started 2) Nothing For Free 3) Frank Sinatra's Party 4) Sixty Second Street 5) Who Cares [Full Length] 6) Get Enough 7) Come On To Me [Live At Abbey Road Studios] 8) Fuh You [Live At The Cavern] 9) Confidant [Live At LIPA] 10) Who Cares [Live At Grand Central Station]
May 19, 2019 James Taylor: The first non-British act signed to Apple
American folk singer James Taylor moved to England in 1967. At the age of 20 years with the help of Peter Asher who was A&R head for Apple Records, landed a recording contract in 1968. On his official website, Taylor recalls: "When I went to London looking for opportunities, I landed an audition with them, or more precisely with McCartney and Harrison. I sang them my song "Something in the way she moves," which was inspired by their work, and they not only liked it, Harrison took those lines for the classic he composed later. I felt very honored by that." Paul McCartney's initial reaction was: "I just heard his voice and his guitar and I thought he was great...and he came and played live, so it was just like, 'Wow, he's great," writes Wikipedia.
One of the songs that Taylor wrote was "Carolina In My Mind" where Paul McCartney played bass. Taylor feels the lyrics in his song makes a connection back to the Beatles. He told the Telegraph: "[My] song Carolina in My Mind says, "With a holy host of others standing round me," and that's how I thought of the Beatles. Everybody did, and for them to actually say, "Sure, we'll record you," and then to go on to Trident Studios, where they were making the White Album, and be a fly on the wall listening back to all of those songs - it was just an amazing thing."
Taylor has claimed that George Harrison provided backing vocals on the track but one Beatle historian, Kristofer Englehardt, doubts that it ever happened. In his book, "Beatles Undercover" which has been meticulously researched, writes the following: "Taylor has stated in interviews that George Harrison sings backing vocals on the song. Asher, who produced and sings backing vocals on Carolina In My Mind, stated, "No, I have read that too, but it's not true. I'm certain." Richard Hewson, who was string arranger and conductor for the song, also does not remember Harrison being present."
The self-titled album "James Taylor" (produced by Peter Asher) was released on Apple records on December 6, 1968. It would be his only album released by the record company since the company itself and the Beatles were slowly going into disarray. By 1970 he released "Sweet Baby James" album (again, produced by Peter Asher) was released on Warner Brothers Records. His single from the album, "Fire and Rain", charted at #3 on the Billboard hit parade. "Taylor wrote this in 1968 at three different times," writes Songfacts. "He started it in London, where he auditioned for The Beatles' Apple Records. He later worked on it in a Manhattan Hospital, and finished it in drug rehab at The Austin Riggs Center in Massachusetts. In a 1972 Rolling Stone interview, Taylor explained: "The first verse is about my reactions to the death of a friend. The second verse is about my arrival in this country with a monkey on my back, and there Jesus is an expression of my desperation in trying to get through the time when my body was aching and the time was at hand when I had to do it. And the third verse of that song refers to my recuperation in Austin Riggs which lasted five months."
James Taylor's music career continued with great success when he recorded Carole King's "You've Got A Friend" and Jimmy Jones/Otis Blackwell's "Handy Man" (Both songs won in the Grammy Award category of "Best Pop Vocal Performance," circa 1971 and 1977 respectively.) In total, Taylor has won 5 Grammy Awards in his lifetime and has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
May 15, 2019 George Harrison's Mercedes-Benz 500SEL AMG went up for auction
Mercedes-Benz 500SEL AMG once owned by George Harrison and used in The Beatles "Real Love" video went up for auction. For the complete story, click here.
May 12, 2019 Canadian Rocker Randy Bachman does new George Harrison covers
"By George - By Bachman" is Randy Bachman's new release that provides an edgy sound to classic George Harrison compositions. Fused with a rock, blues and jazz makes for a truly enjoyable listening experience. Randy does something else to the songs: he starts them off in different riffs, or slightly altering the melodic structure to make them fit into the style of Randy Bachman that only Randy can do.
Randy's experience with top Canadian bands, The Guess Who and B.T.O. (Bachman-Turner Overdrive) along with a highly successful solo career has improved his skills as a masterful guitar player and composer. He is recognized as one of Canada's top legendary rockers and was decorated with the Order of Canada by the Governor General for his contribution to music. He is also a Juno Award Winner with Bachman-Turner Overdrive II that was released on Mercury Records in 1973.
There is anThere is an interesting review about the new album from Aaron Badgley for Spill Magazine. To read the review, click on the following: Randy Bachman - By George By Bachman.
You can also listen to the album on Spotify.
May 1, 2019 George Harrison with Delaney & Bonnie and Friends
In the above video, George Harrison performs "Comin' Home" with Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett at Falkoner Teatret, Copenhagen, Denmark on December 10th, 1969. It is a Danish TV recording. "He appeared in Bristol, Birmingham, Sheffield, Liverpool and Croydon. He didn't perform at the Newcastle shows on 5 December, instead briefly leaving the tour to visit his unwell mother," writes Glide Magazine. Musicologist reporter Todd Totale for Glorious Noise best described the couple as "Memphis blue-eyed soul with a tinge of gospel harmonics."
Eric Clapton, who performed on stage with Delaney and Bonnie, recalled in his autobiography: "Their band was made up of all these great Southern musicians, who had such a strong sound and performed with absolute confidence ... Needless to say it wasn't long before I dropped all my responsibilities as being part of Blind Faith and started to hang out with them."
Eric also added: "There is something infectious about their approach to music. They would have their guitars on the bus and would play songs all day. I took to travelling and playing with them. The truth is I was the man in the hallway, who has come out one door, only to find it has closed behind him while another one is opening. Through that door were Delaney and Bonnie, and I was irresistibly drawn towards it."
Daleney's own style of guitar playing "influenced Harrison to learn slide guitar, significantly influencing his later music," writes Brian Goode for WebDJ.co website. It was at the Copenhagen concert that Harrison began writing "My Sweet Lord" with the gospel like chorus of "halleujah."
Glide magazine states: "Harrison had met the pair in Los Angeles in 1968. Delaney & Bonnie had recorded an album with a host of other musicians including Leon Russell, Bobby Keys, Jim Price, Bobby Whitlock and Rita Coolidge called The Original Delaney & Bonnie - Accept No Substitute. Impressed, Harrison tried to release the album on Apple early 1969, but the deal fell through." Delaney & Bonnie were already on contract with Elecktra Records when Harrison made the offer.
Russ Gibb, promoter who gave MC5, Nugent, Iggy their start, dies
In the article, Russ Gibb is remembered by Professor M.L. Liebler of Wayne State University. Russ Gibb who in October 1969 advanced the idea that Paul McCartney was really dead on WKNR radio.
April 28, 2019 White Trash: pop music wannabes from Glasgow, Scotland
Apple liaison officer and "House Hippie" Richard DiLello named the group "White Trash." After their first single release, their name was shortened to "Trash." This is due to the fact that in Britain the phrase "White Trash" was deemed offensive (the negative push likely came from radio and retailers.) Another reason why the name was shortened is because the name "White Trash" was already being used in the U.S.A. by Edgar Winter and Johnny Winter.
In 1969, the musical lineup for "White Trash" were ex-members of The Pathfinders and The Poets. Here then is the list of "White Trash" musicians and what they played when they signed onto Apple records:
Ian Crawford Clews, vocalist Fraser Watson, lead guitar Timi Donald, percussion Ronnie Leahy, organ Colin Hunter-Morrison, bass guitar
White Trash had recorded together in 1969 and only released two singles that were produced by Tony Meehan on the Apple label. Their first one, "Road To Nowhere," was written by Gerry Goffin & Carole King. The release had modest success but "something was amiss as no chart placing was forthcoming. It did, however, break into the top twenty in Holland, and the group appeared on the Dutch Top Of The Pops equivalent 'Doobi-Doo,'" writes Poetsadmin. White Trash's second single was "Golden Slumbers/Carry That Weight." That particular recording had mixed reactions from the Beatles. When Paul McCartney heard the cover version, he was furious! "I asked for a demo and I'm handed a finished master of a full production with strings on it and the lot!" Everyone thought the record was dead, but press officer Derek Taylor grabbed the record and took it to John. When it was over Lennon pointed to one of the speakers and declared, "That's a good imitation of us! It's going out!" writes Richard DiLello in his book "The Longest Cocktail Party." It should be noted that Paul even resisted the idea of having to spend any more money on the band but nonetheless it was released as a 45 r.p.m. Interestingly, White Trash's cover was issued before The Beatles iconic "Abbey Road" album.
There is another interesting angle to the story: Music producer Tony Meehan (who sneaked into Apple records) was the same person who worked as music producer for Decca Records. He, along with Dick Rowe and Mike Smith are the ones who famously turned down the Beatles. But a more recent idea has emerged from Mark Lewisohn ─ apparently Decca Records was going to charge Epstein for the vinyl pressings of The Beatles. Epstein didn't like the idea so he went to EMI records who signed the group.
In any event, for Tony Meehan this was surely a "full-circle moment" in his music career. At Apple records he was music producer for all White Trash music and also on "Give Peace A Chance" by The Hot Chocolate Band. John Lennon was flattered by the cover version of his song done in the style of Jamaican reggae. It too was released as a single.
"Golden Slumbers/Carry That Weight" was issued with prefix number 1811 on Apple. The flip side of the single is called "Trash Can" written by Trash-Tennent. It was released on September 26, 1969 in the UK and October 15, 1969 in the U.S.A.
Derek Taylor's official press release appeared in the May 1970 "Hit Parader" who wrote this about the band:
WHITE TRASH Maybe Not So White
In the days when there were four Beatles and no apples, Lennon and McCartney wrote songs for other people: Billy J. Kramer and Cilla Black. Once in a while they'd record these same songs themselves. And then, as the Beatles became *the* pop group, artists would rush to the recording studios with freshly opened copies of the latest Beatles' album. They'd get a cover version of a Beatle song out so fast it'd make you wonder.
With White Trash, who were just called Trash for a while in Apple press releases, the process seems to have combined. Here is an Apple/Beatles act who are covering a Beatles song from a Beatles album, "Carry That Weight." And again, the question arises, what is it all for, why Apple? And like the Iveys, what are Fraser Watson, Ronald Leahy, Timi Donald, Ian Clews thinking about when they answer questions about their music. Their first Apple single, "Road To Nowhere," had world wide sales of twenty thousand but failed to make the charts anywhere. But a flop here and a setback there doesn't break a rock and roll band like White Trash. They just keep burning through the splendour of three hundred watt amplification as only they can.
In 1971 the group disbanded with having only recorded a total of four songs to their credit on Apple Records. Much later "Golden Slumbers/Carry That Weight" appeared on a CD deluxe box set called: "Fresh From Apple Records" in Europe on October 25, 2010. It featured all of the artists that signed up with Apple.
April 26, 2019, 2019 Johnny Hutchinson: Merseybeat drummer who turned down The Beatles has died
Reported yesterday by the Independent, John Howard Hutchinson, drummer, singer and builder, born 18 July 1939, died 12 April 2019. For the historical analysis of his music career, please click here.
Drummer Johnny Hutchinson filling for the Beatles
April 25, 2019 "Gonna Get My Baby Back" - by Apple artist Doris Troy
Not many people know this but "Gonna Get My Baby Back" was composed by George Harrison, Richard Starkey, Doris Troy and Stephen Stills. The list of musicians who recorded on it are Doris Troy: lead vocals; Billy Preston: keyboards; Klaus Voormann: bass; Carl Radle: bass; Jim Price: horns; Bobby Keys: saxophone; Ringo Starr: drums; George Harrison: guitar; Peter Frampton: guitar; Stephen Stills: guitar. The song was issued September 11, 1970 in the U.S.A. on an Apple album simply entitled "Doris Troy."
Well respected in the music industry as an American R&B singer, she had a major hit song "Just One Look" in May of 1963 on Atlantic records which was later covered by The Hollies and Linda Ronstadt.
She moved to London in 1969 and during that summer and American soul singer Madeline Bell recruited her to attend "the overdub sessions for Billy Preston's first album on Apple Records, That's The Way God Planned It," writes Wikipedia. It went on to say that "On meeting Preston's producer, George Harrison, Troy was surprised to learn that he was a fan of her work, and following the sessions, Harrison offered her a recording contract with Apple."
Doris Troy's unique backing vocals can be heard on the Rolling Stones "You Can't Always Get What You Want" and is one of four female singers on the Pink Floyds "Dark Side Of The Moon." She also can be heard on Carly Simon's "Your So Vain" and many other noteworthy recording artists. In 1974 Doris Troy moved back to the U.S.A. where she performed at night clubs and casinos.
The female gospel singer was born Doris Elaine Higginsen on January 6, 1937. After watching the movie "Helen of Troy" she decided her stage name would be "Doris Troy." At the age of 67, Doris Troy passed away from emphysema at her home in Las Vegas, Nevada on February 16, 2004.
April 20, 2019 Sir Paul McCartney has revealed that he 'pinches' himself over Beatles success
Click here to read the entire article with comments from Sir Paul McCartney.
Jim Irsay buys piano John Lennon used to compose 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band' songs
Colts owner Jim Irsay states: "I'm elated to now be the steward of John's "Sgt. Pepper" upright piano. It's a responsibility I take seriously, with future generations in mind." Click here to read the report.
April 19, 2019 Ex-Beatles release four solo single records in the U.K. during the week of April 11 - 17, 1971
The following songs were released that week: John Lennon's "Power To The People;" Paul McCartney's "Another Day;" George Harrison's "My Sweet Lord" (which became the biggest selling single in the U.K. that year) and Ringo Starr's "It Don't Come Easy."
April 18, 2019 Co-Author of Controversial Beatles Book Wants Unheard Interview Tapes Released
60 to 80 hours of interview tapes that were utilized to write the 1983 book "The Love You Make" by Peter Brown and Steven Gaines might make its way into the public domain. The interviews comprised of Ringo Starr, George Harrison, Paul McCartney, Yoko Ono, Maureen Starkey, Pattie Boyd, Derek Taylor, Neil Aspinall and many more. Billboard musicologist contributor Steve Marinucci writes: "Gaines says he really like something to happen with the tapes. "I'm going to be 73," he says. "What's going to happen to these things?"
April 17, 2019 Busker who appeared in the Beatles "Hey Jude" video with flowers around his forehead is Bill Davis
1968: The Beatles in the Old Compton Street, Soho with street busker Bill Davis. Left is George Harrison with Paul McCartney sitting next to Ringo Starr and John Lennon.
 April 15, 2019 The Beatles' final live performance remembered with blue plaque in London
April 14, 2019 That's The Way God Planned It: Billy Preston and his mother Robbie Lee Williams sing live (see video below)
Born as William Everett Preston on September 2, 1946 in Houston Texas, one year later his parents divorced. His mother Robbie Lee Williams moved to south central Los Angeles where she started working as a funeral home secretary.
Both Billy and his mother attended 'Victory Baptist Church' where she would play the organ. The family had a piano and on his mothers lap by the age of three, Billy started to learn to play the keyboard. He also had further tutoring away from the home environment. Billy recalls: "I had a teacher once who taught me classical pieces, but I didn't study very long, because my ear was so good. He would play the exercise for me once and I could memorize it without practicing" he told Keyboard. Because of this unique talent Billy Preston was deemed to be a child prodigy. By the age of ten he started performing "onstage playing piano for many gospel vocalist like Andraé Crouch, James Cleveland and Mahalia Jackson," writes The Famous People website.
Billy Preston starred in two major motion pictures: "St. Louis Blues" in 1958 and "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club" in 1978 (the latter was a Robert Stigwood production which had Billy Preston as "Sgt. Pepper" who performed "Get Back".) In "St. Louis Blues" he was only ten years of age. His name is credited in the IMBb database with legendary greats Nat "King" Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, Eartha Kitt, Barney Bigard and gospel singer Mahalia Jackson and actress Ruby Dee. "St. Louis Blues" was more like a documentary movie based on the life of W.C. Hardy. Billy Preston played the part of Will Handy as a boy.
His musical success continued in spades: "He became an organist of the band of Little Richard in 1962 and the following year he contributed as pianist on 'Night Beat', an album by Sam Cooke. That year saw the release of his first album, '16 Yr Old Soul'", states The Famous People. He recalled that specific period with fondness: "When I did a tour in 1962 with Little Richard ─ we kicked off in England doing shows with Sam Cooke ─ that was the first time I'd played rock 'n' roll. Up to then, I'd been playing only gospel music, and Richard thought it was to be a gospel tour. But everyone wanted the old rock 'n' roll bit and so we played it."
And as fate would have it, while touring with Little Richard in 1962 he first met the Beatles at a club in Hamburg. Both Little Richard and the Beatles appeared on some bills together. The Beatles were still an unknown act at the time. "Harrison, the youngest of the Beatles and only 18 at the time, bonded with the 15-year-old Preston, and they remained life-long friends," wrote the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
In 1967 "he joined Ray Charles's band, gaining exposure that heightened demand for Preston as a studio musician," writes Biography. During touring concerts Ray Charles would introduce Billy Preston as being "The young man that anytime I leave this business I want him to take over what I started." He utilized Billy Preston's skills on singles like "Let's Go Get Stoned," "In the Heat of the Night," and on the LP "Cryin Time." When Billy Preston was asked who his greatest influence was he replied: "Probably Ray Charles. I was really a fanatic for him. His style was more gospel—I could related to it, since I was in church all the time," he told to Bob Doerschuk in an interview for Keyboard.
With the Beatles White album and circa 1968 now behind them, the band was in free fall from boredom, despair, anger and being fed-up with each other. Ringo Starr was the first to walk out but came back in time for the recording of "Yer Blues." Next it was George Harrison's turn: on January 10, 1969, George Harrison walked out. He was eventually coaxed back but George had a few conditions to make that happen: one involved the band moving out of the dreary Twickenham Film Studios and record at the Apple studios on 3 Savile Row. The other was to invite Billy Preston to help work on the sessions. And so on January 22, 1969, Billy Preston "was literally grabbed by George Harrison and cajoled into joining the Beatles basement sessions," writes Mark Lewisohn. This likely occurred when George Harrison went to see "a Ray Charles show in London, where Preston was playing as a sideman." And so he worked on the remainder of the "Get Back" project. Recalled George Harrison: "He got on the electric piano. And straight away there was 100 percent improvement in the vibe in the room. Having a fifth person was just enough to cut through the ice that we'd created among ourselves [...] Everybody was happier to have somebody else playing, and it made what we were doing more enjoyable," writes Dave Lifton for UCR.
When the Beatles released "Get Back" as a single, Billy Preston received special mention on the label as contributing musician to the hit song. He later performed on two other Beatle tracks: "Something" and "I Want You (She's So Heavy.)" George Harrison would produce Billy Preston's first Apple album "That's The Way God Planned It" released in 1969. "The title track of the album when released as a single became a hit in Britian," writes The Famous People.
Billy Preston was once asked: "Do you play rock mainly for commercial reasons?" (as opposed to gospel music which was for free.)
His answer was: "Yeah. But I also enjoy playing rock. I don't think it makes me a sinner. Some people don't like you to mix it up, but it doesn't bother me, because I find God in all music."
April 10, 2019 Badfinger remembered: The hottest selling Apple artist after the Beatles
Excerpts from Russell Hall's report from Classic Bands:
Sessions for Straight Up got underway in January 1971 at Abbey Road Studios, with Beatles engineer Geoff Emerick assisting Ham and Evans with production. Under pressure to work quickly—a two-month spring tour in America loomed—the group completed 12 tracks by March. Powers-that-be at Apple rejected the recordings as “too crude,” however, and George Harrison was brought in to oversee a new round of sessions beginning in late May.
Harrison, an avid Badfinger fan, had already worked extensively with the group, enlisting all four members a year earlier as part of his ensemble on the 1970 opus, All Things Must Pass. “[Of all the Beatles], he was definitely closest to the band,” Molland later told Vintage Rock. Harrison’s overarching plan for Straight Up was to come up with something “more sophisticated.”
“George wanted to smooth things out,” Molland recalled. “He wanted to make more of an Abbey Road-style album. He took our original version of Straight Up, went through the songs and lyrics, and arranged them very much as he did his own music. And then he had us play those arrangements. It turned out great, although to this day I think some of the original versions are closer to what the band was about.”
All told, Badfinger completed five songs with Harrison—“I’d Die Babe,” “Sweet Tuesday Morning,” “Suitcase,” “Name of the Game” and “Day After Day.” Other personnel involved in the Harrison sessions included Leon Russell, whose piano work figures prominently in “Day After Day,” and Klaus Voormann, who contributed electric piano to “Suitcase.” Russell added guitar parts to the latter song as well.
April 9, 2019 Those Were The Days: Apple protégés Jackie Lomax and Mary Hopkin sung on the Beatles "Hey Jude"
Piecing it all together from 1968 and 1969, two of Apple's brightest recording stars provided background harmonies on various Beatle songs that were released. Both Jackie Lomax and Mary Hopkin sung on "Hey Jude." "Lomax, who knew the Beatles from their days at Liverpool's Cavern Club, sang backup on "Hey Jude" [the "na-na-na" part of the song Lomax once said in an audio interview that I heard] and "Dear Prudence," writes Psychedelic Sight. For Hopkin "she contributed backing vocals to "Hey Jude" and "Let It Be," writes Peter Robinson for the Express.
Both Lomax and Hopkin would launch their first singles on the Apple label. "Sour Milk Sea", a George Harrison composition that was first intended for The Beatles "White Album", featured Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney and Lomax's recording of the song. The song would be eclipsed by Hopkin's brilliant version of "Those Were The Days." That song along with the Beatles "Hey Jude" would the first two international hits on the Apple label.
An interesting side story to "Those Were The Days" was that: "McCartney produced her debut single...which had to compete with Sandie Shaw's version of the same song," wrote Peter Robinson. Hopkin in that same report recalled: "Apparently there'd been a copy lying around Apple, where people wandered in and out all day and someone took a copy to Sandie and told her they wanted it to be out on the same day as mine. I said 'That's the end of my career!' But it backfired on Sandie because people thought it was a horrible thing to do."
Peter Robinson noted that: "Shaw's version failed to chart and Mary got a global No1." Hopkin stated that "Many years later, for a Top Of The Pops anniversary show, I met Sandie. She gave me a big hug and said: 'All's fair in love and war.'"
─ Researched by John Whelan, Ottawa Beatles Site
April 5, 2019 George Harrison Sent Nixon an Angry Telegram After 1973 Immigration Troubles
New documents released under the "Freedom of Information Act" talks about how President Richard Nixon denied an extension on George Harrison's American VISA in 1973. George was irate that when he left by the end of June and after arriving in England, he sent a nasty telegram to Richard Nixon.
To read the full report by musicologist Steve Marinucci for Billboard, click here.
April 1, 2019 This Week in Billboard Chart History: In 1964, The Beatles Held the Entire Top Five on the Hot 100 (Article retrieved from Billboard. Writer: Gary Trust)
"April 4, 1964 55 years ago: The Fab Four's fab five: songs by The Beatles infused the Billboard Hot 100's entire top five, the only week that an act has monopolized the chart's top five positions. "Can't Buy Me Love" zoomed 27-1, followed by "Twist and Shout" (3-2), "She Loves You" (1-3), "I Want to Hold Your Hand" (2-4) and "Please Please Me" (4-5). The headline on page 1 of Billboard that week: "Chart Crawls With Beatles."
The closest anyone has come to matching the feat? Ariana Grande became the only act other than The Beatles to claim the top three in a week, when "7 Rings," "Break Up With Your Girlfriend, I'm Bored" and "Thank U, Next" ranked at Nos. 1, 2 and 3, respectively, on the Hot 100 dated Feb. 23."
March 28, 2019 Joe Flannery, the 'Secret Beatle,' Dies
"Joe Flannery, who served as the booking manager for the Beatles from 1962-3, has died in his home in the Liverpool suburb of Aigburth. The man known as the "Secret Beatle" was 87," writes Dave Lifton for UCR. Full report, click here.
March 26, 2019 Photo Journalism: "Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band at Harrah's Resort SoCal"
A collection of splendid photographs taken recently at a Ringo Starr concert by Alex Matthews for NBC in San Diego. Click here to see concert photos.
March 25, 2019 John Lennon and Yoko Ono's 'Bed-In' remembered at 50
Toby Sterling from Reuters news on John and Yoko's Amsterdam Bed-In for peace. Click here for the report.
The Beatles & Muhammad Ali: The Story Behind the Iconic Photos of Their 1964 Meeting
Brad Writter for A&E's "Biography" does a historical
write-up with photographs of the Beatles February 14,
1964 meeting with boxer Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali).
Click here for the report.
March 24, 2019 Happy 70th birthday to the 7-inch vinyl
Alan Cross for Global News in Canada writes a very interesting historical accounting about 7-inch vinyl and why it stood the test of time. Click here for the report.
March 22, 2019 Legendary folk singer Shawn Phillips gave George Harrison his first two sitar lessons
Being a fan of Shawn Phillips music, I came across an interesting video where he is playing and discussing his music career. A couple of facts were revealed from Shawn: He played the sitar and bowed guitar on Donovan's song "Sunshine Superman." It became "the quintessential bright summer sing along" of 1966.
In the same video, Shawn talks about how the sitar is played and the fact that he gave George Harrison his first two sitar lessons. The reveal of this conversation starts at the 6:50 mark of the video. Just click on the video and it will start to play from that point.
March 16, 2019 How John Lennon's Rolls-Royce Phantom V became a controversial custom classic A Rolls-Royce fit for a Beatle, if not for the Sixties establishment
An entertaining article by Chris Rowlands with photographs of the car for GQ magazine.
March 15, 2019 Encouraging to see a whole new generation of youth embracing the Beatles Music
March 13, 2019 Rare Beatles demo worth £15,000 ($20,000) given to charity shop for free (retrieved from Vinyl Factory Limited)
A super rare 7″ of The Beatles’ ‘Love Me Do’ was unwittingly handed to a charity shop in West Sussex, who have now put the record up for auction on eBay.
One of around 25 records donated to the British Heart Foundation in the small town of Midhurst by the mystery individual, the record is thought to be one of just 250 copies that were pressed by Parlophone and sent to the BBC for radio play in 1962.
It carries the words ‘Demonstration Record’ and ‘Not For Sale’ on the centre label, where Paul McCartney’s name is also famously misspelled, credited on the track as ‘Lennon–McArtney’.
Having been unable to locate the owner, the British Heart Foundation have put the record up for sale on eBay, where, at time of writing, it is going for £5,500. A mint edition of the sought after 45 sold for close to £15,000 in 2017.
March 6, 2019 How Harry Nilsson Made the Beatles' Catalog Into His Own Russian Doll, Creating Rock's First Great Mashup
"Exquisitely arranged by virtue of Nilsson's melodic and vocal brilliance, his 1967 recording of "You Can't Do That" isn't the straight cover song that the title suggests, but rather squeezes somewhere between 15 and 20 already-classic Beatles songs into a single, melodic consumable whole, while somehow clocking in at less than two and half minutes. More than a medley and well beyond a megamix, this customized counterpoint homage must be considered the first great original mashup," writes Mitch Meyers for Variety. For the full article, click here.
March 2, 2019 New Beatles book "And In The End: The Last Days Of The Beatles" by Ken McNab
"Lennon's heroin habit. A hare-brain plan to play on an ocean liner. And a road trip from hell with Yoko. A new book about The Beatles' final days reveals the REAL reasons they split up."
"And In The End: The Last Days Of The Beatles" is published by Polygon on March 20, 2019. Click here for excerpts from the book.
March 1, 2019
Pop reporter Kit O'Toole carefully examines how John Lennon recorded one of the most introspective songs from the Beatles canon: "Yer Blues" from The White Album. Click here for her excellent write-up.
Decca to re-open lost recording studio in London for 90th Anniversary (the following article is from South Wales Argus)
Record label Decca will celebrate its 90th anniversary by re-opening its lost London recording studio and releasing a series of rare David Bowie videos.
The label, which has been home to musicians including Dame Vera Lynn, Bing Crosby, The Rolling Stones and Bowie, was founded in 1929.
It will mark its landmark birthday by opening its old West Hampstead studio, the site where The Beatles unsuccessfully auditioned for the label, in July for one-off performances and exhibitions.
The space is now a rehearsal location for the English National Opera.
Clips of Bowie will also be restored to mark the anniversary while the first Friday of every month for the rest of the year will see the label reissue physical and digital releases that are seen to embrace its spirit.
It has already been announced that Ron Howard will direct a feature length documentary about Decca star Luciano Pavarotti and there will also be a lavishly illustrated book detailing the label’s history, entitled The Supreme Record Company: The Story Of Decca Records 1929-2019.
The anniversary will also be marked with two programmes on BBC Radio 2 that chart 20 of the label’s most famous recordings and a one-day event at London’s V&A museum on May 5.
Rebecca Allen, president of the label, said: “Decca Records has been the soundtrack to many historical and cultural moments, a truly unique brand with a truly unique identity.
“Even now, as we celebrate our 90th anniversary, we continue to push the boundaries; to seek out artists who are distinctive, who stand out from the crowd, artists that will continue to define our label for the next nine decades.”
"A Season of Song and Celebration will take place Aug. 15-18 at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, which is located at the site of the original festival....Bethel Woods has announced that its event will be headline by Ringo Starr and Santana. Other acts scheduled to perform so far include the Doobie Brothers and Edgar Winter Band," writes Kate Streit for simplemost. February 24, 2019 Beat Brother Roy Young plays his Beatles tribute in a beautiful pop song Although Roy Young is no longer with us, Roy recorded some original material for his album called "Now and Then." The album is like a diamond in the rough that also showcased some old rock and roll standards that featured his remarkable boogie-woogie piano playing. With a copy of "Now and Then" given to Ottawa Beatles Site proprietor Tony Copple, it became part of the centerpiece for an exclusive interview we did with Roy. During that interview it becomes apparent his true affection for the Beatles. He paid a special tribute to John Lennon in a ballad called "Beautiful Man" and he put his Beatle memories together in a song called "Now and Then." We hope you will enjoy his doo-wop approach to "Now and Then." February 21, 2019 Beatles 'White Album' Certified 24x Platinum "More than 50 years after its 1968 release, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has announced that The BEATLES has now been certified 24x Platinum, earning the spot as the fourth top-certified album of all time....The White Album now trails only Eagles - Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975 (38 million), Michael Jackson's Thriller (33 million) and Eagles Hotel California (26 million). It's just ahead of other classic rock albums: Billy Joel's Greatest Hits Volume I and Volume II (23 million), Led Zeppelin IV (23 million), Pink Floyd's The Wall (23 million) and AC/DC's Back in Black (22 million)." - Source: Best Classic Bands February 11, 2019 Meet Brian Epstein, the Man Who Discovered The Beatles "Brian Epstein took The Beatles from underground Liverpool clubs to being the biggest musical act in the world," writes Colin Bertram for A&E Television Networks "Biography." February 8, 2019 Great video interview with Ringo Starr Click here for "The First Time: Ringo Starr" by RollingStone reporter Angie Martoccio. February 7, 2019 How Peter Jackson's new version of 'Let It Be' will shatter your view of The Beatles An article from New Music Express that hints of the unseen material from the Let It Be movie sessions that might be used for the new documentary movie to be completed in about a years time. Click on this active link to read the report. February 6, 2019 Ouch!!! That's gotta hurt Paul! Paul McCartney bumps his Hofner bass into the ceiling - backstage 2009 January 28, 2019 What Makes Ringo a Great Drummer - Tribute by Sina January 25, 2019 Paul McCartney to rock in Vancouver this coming summer! What will be the only Canadian concert this year by Sir Paul McCartney, the legendary rocker will perform at BC Place in Vancouver as part of his Freshen Up tour. Here are the quick details from the media announcement: When: July 6, 2019 Time: 8 pm Where: BC Place January 13, 2019 Flashback to John and Yoko on Tuesday, December 23, 1969 A photo discovery from the internet reveals John Lennon and Yoko Ono chatting it up with John Munro, Minister of Health and Welfare and who introduced the study on the "Le Dain Commission of Inquiry Into the Non-Medical Use of Drugs."  January 11, 2019 Inside John Lennon's 'Imagine' with Klaus Voorman, Jim Keltner and Joey Molland A very interesting reveal here from the key musicians who recorded on John Lennon's '"Imagine" album. The article is written by pop reporter Ken Sharp for Rock Classic. Click here for the interview. January 10, 2019 Paul McCartney's "Bruce McMouse Show" Film Heading To Theaters "Never-before-seen project blends Wings concert footage with story of animated mouse family" writes Jon Blistein for RollingStone.com. You can read the full article by clicking on this link. November 28, 2018 50 years ago Cornwall brought the Beatles White Album to Canada A report by Todd Hambleton of the Cornwall Standard Freeholder explains how 200,000 copies of the White Album were distributed across Canada in just six months. Hambleton report is based on expert testimony from Piers Hemmingsen at the Care Centre in Cornwall. Click on this link to read the article. See also: "Yesterday...Cornwall learned more about the Beatles" by Shawna O'Neill of the Seaway News. November 27, 2018 Beatle expert Piers Hemmingsen to discuss on how the White Album was distributed in Canada through RCA and Compo Records Venue Date: November 27, 2018 Location: Cornwall, Ontario Venue: Care Centre, 510 Second St. East Time: 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. For further information: "Beatles expert visiting Cornwall, speaking at Care Centre" by Todd Hambleton for the Standard-Freeholder. November 24, 2018 John Lennon's "Revolution 9" proves to be the most experimental song from the entire Beatles canon! From Billboard: "In Defence of 'Revolution 9' at 50: Why the Beatles' Most Daring Track Is Still Underrated" November 22, 2018 Dissecting John Lennon's "Yer Blues" A fascinating report on "Yer Blues" that would become the template for "John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band" that was released in 1970. The write-up is done by Colin Fleming of the Daily Beast: "The Beatles's 'Yer Blues': How John Lennon's Trolling of Eric Clapton Birthed a Rock-and-Roll Classic." November 18, 2018 OBS Quick News Picks From Forbes: "Untold Beatle Stories Emerge as White Album climbs charts" by Mark Beech From Ultimate Classic Rock: "Ringo Starr Glad To Be Heard Better On Beatles's White Album Re-issue" by Martin Kielty From Best Classic Bands: "The Beatles’ ‘White Album’ 50th Reissue is #1-Seller" - "That didn’t take long. One day after the November 9 release of the eagerly awaited 50th Anniversary expanded editions of The BEATLES (White Album), via Apple Corps Ltd./Capitol/UMe, the 7-disc Super Deluxe edition vaulted to the #1 spot on Amazon in the U.S. In addition, the modestly priced 3-CD edition was at #1 in the U.K. and #3 in the U.S. A 4-LP edition was at #11 in the U.S." From Best Classic Bands: "Ringo Starr Announces 2019 Tour, New Book" (Ringo's tour dates are included in the article) ● Running Time: 2:16 ● Record Date: March 1990 ● Record Location: Rumbo Recorders, Canoga Park, California, USA ● Written By: John Lennon & Paul McCartney ● Produced By: Jeff Lynne ● Engineered By: Unknown ● Performed By: Ringo Starr (vocals, drums), Jeff Lynne (electric guitar, backing vocals), Tom Petty (bass, backing vocals), Jim Keltner (woodblock) and Joe Walsh (lead guitar), other artists and instruments unknown November 12, 2018 The Beatles White Album Media Reviews courtesy of "The Beatles" on Facebook  November 9, 2018 The Beatles White Album Super Deluxe Has It All In Spades Beatle fans will have the opportunity to hear the best treasure trove of the Beatles White Album and Esher Demos which is available in music stores. Please read Ultimate Classic Rock review of the White Album Super Deluxe release. October 31, 2018 OBS Quick News Picks From Billboard: "Paul McCartney Advocates for 'Sensible Gun Control Laws' Ahead of Midterm Elections" From Japan Today: "Paul McCartney arrives in Japan for four concerts" From CGTN: "Don't let me down: Japan superfans lose fight for Beatles footage" From Public Radio International (with audio): "Klaus Voormann's long history with The Beatles" October 29, 2018 Ringo Starr's limited deluxe edition photo book "Another Day In The Life" sells out quickly!  "Another Day In The Life" is Ringo Starr's third book and is published by Genesis Publications. The first 350 copies of the Deluxe edtion (see above photo) is signed by Ringo. The Collector edition is also signed by Ringo and is specially numbered from 351 to 2,000. "I love taking photos of random things, and seeing how they all fit together," said Ringo. "Whether it is at home or on the road, certain things catch my eye ─ and when I see something that interests me, that's the emotion of it, and I want to capture it. I am a photographer as well as a musician. I love working with Genesis and had so much fun putting together this collection of images: photos taken by me and a few picked up along the way. I hope you enjoy it too." For more information, click here. The Studio Version of "Revolution 9" done classical by "Alarm Will Sound" Have a listen Beatle fans...could you ever imagine a classical cover version of Revolution 9? Well here it is! October 26, 2018 New Pinball Game May Be Most Expensive Ever News article from Hypebot.com An limited edition of an official Beatles pinball machine is for sale on the Beatles Store and it may be the most expensive pinball machines of all time. Pinball manufacturer Stern was at the Pinball Expo 2018 in Chicago this past weekend, but didn't unveil a new machine, according to geek-tastic gamer website ArcadeHeroes.com. What the company did do, however, was quietly drop the Beatles pinball machine online a few days later. "As you can see from the video below, this game has been designed with a classic look and feel to it, following a similar pattern used in games before they had ramps, toys and other fancy things," ArcadeHeroes writes. "Thanks to Sean M. for pointing out that this is a re-skin & update of Stern's 1980 release Seawitch. It features four flippers, a playfield spinning disc with a magnet, eleven drop targets, the full color LCD screen and a classic bell sound for a vertical spinner. Stern is apparently only making 1964 units, using musical terminology like the Gold, Platinum and Diamonds Editions. Pricing is unknown but "I received a couple of messages from different people 'in the know' suggesting that the Diamond Edition could be the most expensive pinball machine of all time, with the Gold Edition falling into a pricing category similar to Batman 66. CelebrityAccess super-sleuths did some in-depth research and a premium Stern Batman 66 pinball machine (with shaker motor) goes on eBay for about $7,000. The Beatles White Album overview with Giles Martin Here is a fantastic article about the upcoming release of The Beatles White album by Simon Cosyns for the Sun. It has excellent commentary and insight from Giles Martin Click here for the report. October 21, 2018 The MonaLisa Twins release their cover version of the Beatles classic "I'll Following the Sun" October 17, 2018 Cannabis is now legal in Canada - Could the legalization of Cannabis in Canada (2nd to Uruguay) have been influenced by the late John Lennon?  John Lennon provided his experience and insight to the "Le Dain Commission of Inquiry Into the Non-Medical Use of Drugs," December 22, 1969, on a Rapido train in Montréal. John Lennon's testimony was important to the Commission and he is listed as a consultant in the Final Report of that study. The late Ian Campbell, one of the commissioners from that study once stated to the Ottawa Beatles Site: "We met in his private railway car in the CNR Station in Montréal. We held a great many private hearings. In some cases, such as the meeting with Mr. Lennon, a tape recording was made of the conversation and this was later transcribed. But many of the meetings were not recorded. For instance, I met with The Grateful Dead, The Led Zeppelin, Grace Slick and no tape was made. We met with all manner of people who wanted to tell about their experiences or offer their opinions. Often during the four year life of the Commission I would have two or three evenings a week filled with meetings with individuals or small groups. We seemed to gain the trust of a very large number of people. For instance, some drug dealers spoke to us very frankly about their operations. It was all a fascinating exercise." In spite of good intentions, a government study of this magnitude can sometimes end up on a shelf and never goes anywhere with its recommended reforms. Luckily the Ottawa Citizen and the Toronto Star put the report back into the spotlight. As Commissioner Marie-Andrée Bertrand noted: "Well, it's not so very much, is it? I would have thought that, after all this time, at least for marijuana, the measures would have been much more liberal," i.e. the decriminalization of the drug. Her comments comes from a report that Norman Provencher wrote for the Ottawa Citizen, May 17, 2003 entitled: "Lennon On Drugs Revealed: The Beatle's secret testimony on marijuana in Canada." Then the Toronto Star did their report on December 1, 2013 by Kate Allen entitled "Why Canada banned pot (science had nothing to do with it.)" Canada had some of the toughest laws on the books regarding cannabis. She notes: "Suddenly, there were lots more pot smokers to prosecute and a whole lot of law to do it with: penalties had crept up, until in 1961 trafficking marijuana became punishable with life imprisonment....These harsh penalties had no discernible deterrent effect. In 1967, there were 431 convictions for cannabis possession across Canada. In 1971, there were 8,389." John Lennon was not an advocate of hard drugs even though he had used LSD. He was in fact in favour of legalizing soft drugs like marijuana. Kate Allen quoted from John Lennon's testimony: "'We are one example of people who have experienced marijuana,' Lennon said, 'Are we sitting in the mud? Are we sitting at home just smoking pot in a den of iniquity?' He told them he quit LSD because 'it did burn my head off,' but that marijuana was a catalyst for peace." Today, Canadians now have that choice whether to use or pass on the idea with regards to marijuana. It means no fear of legal prosecution for smoking or growing the soft drug. This step forward now frees up police resources where they can go after the more harder drugs like Cocaine, LSD, Peyote, Meth, etc.
October 12, 2018 How the Beatles got their famous logo "The path to the iconic Beatles logo was a long and winding road in which everything came together, with a little help from some friends" by Jesus Diaz for Fast Company. University of California to teach a course called "The Reel Beatles" Beginning in January, a new UCLA course will tell the story of the Beatles through the prism of film. To read the report by Adrian Bicho, UCLA, please click: "New course on Beatles comes together." October 10, 2018 Everything you wanted to know about the Beatles through Billy J. Kramer, Beatles fan club president Freda Kelly, Peter Asher and Vince Calandra associate producer of the Ed Sullivan Show from 1964, hosted by Beatle historian Martin Lewis October 9, 2018 "Imagine John Yoko" - a book review by Allan Kozinn From the Washington Post, "Revisiting 'Imagine,' in John Lennon's own words and pictures" Yoko Ono does her own cover version of "Imagine" October 8, 2018 Special vinyl picture disc to be released for George Harrison's "Traveling Wilburys's 'Vol. 1'" From Rolling Stone: Traveling Wilburys' 'Vol. 1' Prepped for Picture Disc Vinyle Reissue - Limited edition disc marks 30th anniversary of debut LP from supergroup featuring George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne, Roy Orbinson October 5, 2018 In concert Paul McCartney pays tribute to Geoff Emerick On this date, Paul McCartney performed at the Austin City Music Festival in Austin, Texas. During the concert he gave special acknowledgement about the passing of the Beatles recording engineer Geoff Emerick. The announcement was made just before he was about to play "Being For The Benefit of Mr. Kite." Said Paul: "So, the next song here is off of our album Sgt. Pepper. Yeah. I like to take the chance here to dedicate this to one of our fallen heroes, the great engineer - a buddy of mine: the great Geoff Emerick. God bless you Geoff." The Austin City Music Festival was broadcasted live through Paul McCartney's official Youtube channel with thousands of viewers watching the event on-line.
October 3, 2018 It is with profound sadness to announce that Geoff Emerick has died from a heart attack From the Guardian: "Beatles recording engineer Geoff Emerick dies at age 72 - Grammy-winning engineer worked on records such as Revolver, Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Abbey Road and various Paul McCartney solo albums" From Rolling Stone: "How Geoff Emerick Helped the Beatles Reinvent Music" Paul McCartney's official commentary on Geoff Emerick: "Paul pays tribute to Geoff Emerick"
And this news report on the 50th anniversary of the
White Album from New Music Express
"The Beatles's 50th anniversary remix of 'The White Album' - what we learned from Giles Martin's revelatory playback session" October 1, 2018 Here are two excellent reviews of Paul McCartney's concert performance in Edmonton The first report is by Mike Ross of the "Gigcity.ca," please click: "Paul McCartney marathon enters second millennium" The second report is by Fish Griwkowsky of the "Kingston Whig-Standard," please click: "Paul McCartney pulls off A Hard Day's Night in Edmonton"
On this date "Peggy Sue" dies at the age of 78 - Classic Buddy Holly song became a personal favorite of John Lennon which he covered on his sixth studio album called "Rock 'n' Roll" circa 1975 on Apple Records
August 31, 2018 "The Hottest Gong In Town" by George Harrison Another gem from George Harrison that was released on 22 June 1992. The song would have suited well on the Beatles White Album given the musical style that George created. August 26, 2018 50th Anniversary of "Hey Jude" Hard to believe but it is now 50 years since the Beatles released "Hey Jude" on this day. I played this over and over and over, that song along with John Lennon's "Revolution"...the ultimate protest song that the band would ever present. RollingStone.com explains how Paul McCartney weaved "Hey Jude" into a classic pop masterpiece. Even today, Paul shows no signs of slowing down when performing the song at live concerts. You can read the RollingStone article by clicking here. - John Whelan August 23, 2018 John Lennon - Imagine: the Ultimate Collection out on October 5, 2018 You can read the review and track listing courtesy of RollingStone.com by clicking on this active link. August 22, 2018 On this day the Beatles play their first Canadian concert in Vancouver at the Empire Stadium  10 August 2018 New book explores George Martin's musical and business success that made him one of the hottest musical producers of all time!
9 August 2018 Paul McCartney's 'Egypt Station' station will be in stores on September 7, 2018 From RollingStone: 'Paul McCartney's Producer Greg Kurstin Breaks Down Egypt Station' "He's pushing the boundaries in his songwriting," Kustin says of McCartney's upcoming LP. 25 July 2018 Paul McCartney in Conversation with Jarvis Cocker of the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts On this date Paul McCartney is interviewed by Jarvis Cocker of the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts. One of the questions that was asked was what cover versions of Beatles songs done by other artists does he admire the best. Listen to the audio to find out Paul's interesting response.
23 July 2018 Real Love: A cartoonist draws on her teenage obsession with the Beatles
Carol Tyler found her Beatles-centric diaries from the '60s and was inspired to create new illustrations of those days. Click here for the full report.
19 July 2018 Ottawa Beatles Site spotlight on George Harrison
July 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 50th Anniversary of Yellow Submarine movie now at Cineplex Odeon South Keys Cinemas in Ottawa
"An exuberant fusion of music, film and art, YELLOW SUBMARINE is a landmark cinematic experience that is as fun and vibrant as it was in 1968." Movie goers will enjoy the "glorious surround sound with the groundbreaking animation presented in stunningly-remastered 4k." YELLOW SUBMARINE is "the technicolour adventure of a lifetime." - Various excerpts from Apple Records promo press release.
Cineplex Odeon movie dates and times July 8 - 4:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. July 9 - 11:20 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. July 10 - 1:00 p.m. July 11 - 4:30 p.m. July 12 - 1:00 p.m.
27 April 2018 Roy Young died today By Tony Copple
20 July 2017
Tue 18 July 2017, 7 pm
Tue 4 June 2017, 7 pm
  
Fri 2 June 2017
Wed 26 Oct 2016, 8 pm
Fri 16 Sep 2016 - General release in Canada
Click pic for trailer. Ron Howard's authorized and highly-anticipated documentary feature film is based on the first part of The Beatles’ career (1962-1966) – the period in which they toured and captured the world’s acclaim. The film explores the band’s inner workings – how they made decisions, created their music and built their collective career together – all the while, exploring The Beatles’ extraordinary and unique musical gifts and their remarkable, complementary personalities. It will focus on the time period from the early Beatles’ journey in the days of The Cavern Club in Liverpool to their last concert at Candlestick Park in San Francisco in 1966. Released: September 16, 2016 - select theatres Director: Ron Howard Producers: Brian Grazer, Nigel Sinclair, Olivia Harrison, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Ron Howard, Scott Pascucci, Yoko Ono Studio: Elevation Pictures Cast: Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, John Lennon, George Harrison Length: 138 minutes Read Alan Chrisman's excellent: review
16 Nov 2015 - Kelly Egan in the Ottawa Citizen
1 April 2015
Sat 7 Feb 2015, 4 and 8 pm
11 Oct 2014
4 Sept 2014
26 May - 2 June 2014
Thurs, 8 May 2014, 9:00 pm
Sat, 3 May 2014, 9:30 pm
Thurs, 20 February, 8:30
Feb 9, 2014
Jan 26, 2014
July 2003 - December 2003 January 2004 - October 2004 October 2004 - May 2005 May 2005 - June 2005 July 2005 - November 2005 December 2005 - March 2006 April 2006 - June 2006 June 2006 - July 2006 August 2006 - September 2006 October 2006 November 2006 - December 2006 January 2007 - June 2007 June 2007 - March 2008< March 2008 - July 2008 August 2008 - September 2008 October 2008 - July 2009 August 2009 - November 2009 December 2009 - August 2010 September 2010 - December 2010 January 2011 - December 2013
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From
May 26 to June 2, 1969, John and Yoko held their famous
bed-in for Peace. It was a very significant event for
the couple here in Canada and internationally. Fifty
years later the "Give Peace A Chance" that was recorded
on June 1, 1969 at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel, still
remains today a popular anti-war anthem.
