License Juniors Vintage Beatles Album Cover Tee - Black Overdye

Sizing and Fit: Junior Sizing with a Casual Fit Material: 52 % Cotton, 48 % Polyester Care and Cleaning: Machine Wash Cold, Tumble Dry Low Sheerness: Slightly Sheer Garment Length: At Waist Neckline Style: Scoop Neckline Sleeve Style: Short with a Finished Cuff(s) Closure Style: Pullover Closure(s) Hem Style: Finished Hem(s) Screen Print List Price: Varies based on product options Today's Sale Price: Varies based on product options

Beatles logo Black t-shirt

Black t-shirt is printed with 'The Beatles' in white on the front; NO BACK DESIGN 100% Pre-shrunk cotton short-sleeve unisex adult t-shirt Note: The shirt offered by RockWaresUSA is printed on the front only; other Amazon sellers may be offering the incorrect shirt with a back design, please check seller's feedback if ordering from another Amazon seller Officially licensed by Apple Corps, Ltd.; excellent gift for any Beatles fan Available in Big Mens and Plus Sizes to 2XL List Price: $29.95 Today's Sale Price: $29.95

The Beatles - Stride T-Shirt
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The Beatles - Lonely Hearts Seal Soft T-Shirt
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The Beatles - Revolver T-Shirt
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The Beatles Beatnatures Cover Print Juniors' T-shirt
	Color: Black Made of: 100% Cotton Fit: Women's, Juniors' Fitted Tee Condition: Brand new without tags List Price: Varies based on product options Today's Sale Price: Varies based on product options

The Beatles - Lonely Hearts T-Shirt
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The Beatles - Psychedelic Four T-Shirt
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The Beatles - Autographs T-Shirt
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Signatures Network Men's The Beatles Short Sleeve T-Shirt
	100% Cotton Machine washable Imported List Price: Varies based on product options Today's Sale Price: Varies based on product options

A is for Apple, B is for Beatles Toddler T-Shirt
	Toddler sizes: T2, T3, T4 100% cotton; imported List Price: Varies based on product options Today's Sale Price: Varies based on product options

Signatures Network Young Men's Beatles Revolution T-Shirt
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The Beatles - Vintage T-Shirt
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Beatles Logo WHITE T-shirt / black logo

Front of white t-shirt features the Beatles classic 'dropped T' logo in black If you've been looking for a clean and simple design to show your love for the Beatles, this is your shirt! Genuine licensed Apple Corps apparel, a great gift for the Beatles or classic rock fan 100% preshrunk cotton, medium weight, high-quality silkscreen won't crack or fade List Price: $24.95 Today's Sale Price: $24.95

The Beatles 'Abbey Road Brick Wall' white t-shirt
	The Beatles white t-shirt features their 'Abbey Road Brick Wall' artwork Heavyweight 100% pre-shrunk cotton High quality silkscreen won't crack or fade Great gift for the The Beatles or classic rock fan Officially licensed product List Price: Varies based on product options Today's Sale Price: Varies based on product options

The Beatles - Hard Day'S Night Uk T-Shirt
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Top 20 Beatles TShirts

The Beatles Remastered Box Set

The Beatles Anthology DVD

Beatles Logo Black T Shirt

Sgt Pepper Beatles T Shirt

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Shea Stadium Beatles T-Shirt

1st Question – Game Platform

The first and most obvious question is which game platform Nintendo Wii , PlayStation 3, or Xbox 360? Obviously if you own one of these, that will make your decision easy. If you don’t already own a game system, get the Nintendo Wii . It’s the most popular choice for Beatle RockBand users, and you’ll love the other games available for it.

Each Beatles RockBand Product you buy has a Wii PS3 and XBox version. So make sure you select the right link for your game platform.

2nd Question – Game Edition

Next question, which package… Software Only, Special Value Bundle or Limited Edition Premium Bundle?

You can buy the Software Only then choose which guitar controller you want to add. Your choices are John Lennon’s Black Rickenbacker 325 Guitar or George Harrison’s Gretsch Duo Jet Guitar.

But, if you want Ringo’s Drum Set and Paul’s Hoffner Bass, you have to order the Limited Edition Premium Bundle. That version includes the software, Ringo’s Drum Set (Beatles logo on the front), Paul McCartney’s Violin-Shaped Hoffner Bass Guitar, a Microphone, and a Mic Stand. WARNING: This product is available for a limited time only!

If you want the Full Beatles Band, you have to order the Limited Edition Premium Bundle, and add John’s Rickenbacker Guitar and George’s Gretsch Guitar.

If you don’t care about the Beatles Replica instruments, you can get the Special Value Edition which includes the software along with a standard RockBand guitar and standard RockBand Drums instead of the controllers that look like the Beatles instruments. You can save a few dollars, but I’d rather go with the Beatles instruments. They may even be worth money someday to a collector.

* QUICK BUYER’S GUIDE *

LIMITED EDITION PREMIUM BUNDLE

For Nintendo Wii with Ringo’s Drums, Paul’s Bass, and Microphone…
Get the Wii Limited Edition Premium Bundle

For Playstation 3 with Ringo’s Drums, Paul’s Bass, and Microphone…
Get the Playstation 3 Limited Edition Premium Bundle

For XBox 360 with Ringo’s Drums, Paul’s Bass, and Microphone…
Get the XBox Limited Edition Premium Bundle

JOHN’S GUITAR PACKAGE

For Nintendo Wii with just John’s Guitar…
Get the Wii Software Only and John’s Wii Guitar

For Playstation 3 with just John’s Guitar…
Get the Playstation 3 Software Only and John’s Playstation 3 Guitar

For XBox 360 with just John’s Guitar…
Get the XBox Software Only and John’s XBox Guitar

GEORGE’S GUITAR PACKAGE

For Nintendo Wii with just George’s Guitar…

Get the Wii Software Only and George’s Wii Guitar

For Playstation 3 with just George’s Guitar…
Get the Playstation 3 Software Only and Georges Playstion 3 Guitar

For XBox 360 with just George’s Guitar…
Get the XBox Software Only and George’s XBox Guitar

FULL BAND SYSTEM

For Nintendo Wii with the Full Band of Instruments…
Get the Wii Limited Edition Premium Bundle add John’s Wii Guitar and George’s Wii Guitar

For Playstation 3 with the Full Band of Instruments…
Get the Playstation 3 Limited Edition Premium Bundle add John’s Playstation Guitar and George’s Playstion Guitar

For XBox 360 with the Full Band of Instruments…
Get the XBox Limited Edition Premium Bundle, add John’s XBox Guitar and George’s XBox Guitar

CHEAPER OPTION

For Nintendo Wii with Standard RockBand Drums, Guitar, and Microphone (Not Beatles Replicas)
Get the Wii Special Value Edition

For Playstation 3 with Standard Rock Band Drums, Guitar, and Microphone (Not Beatles Replicas)
Get the Playstation Special Value Edition

For XBox 360 with Standard Rock Band Drums, Guitar, and Microphone (Not Beatles Replicas)
Get the XBox Special Value Edition

GAME SYSTEM

If you don’t already own a game system, I’d recommend the Nintendo Wii . Or you can get the PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360.

OTHER OPTIONAL ITEMS

Rock Band Official Microphone (PS3, Wii, Xbox360)

Universal Microphone Stand

Drum Stool

Rock Band Drum Silencers

Rock Band Triple Tree Guitar Stand

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The Beatles Rock Band Game Buyers Guide

Beatles White Album CD

Beatles Abbey Road Album

Beatles Magical Mystery Tour CD

Paul McCartney was named “songwriter of the year” at 29th annual awards put on by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers.

The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) awarded Paul McCartney the songwriter of the year honor at a gala dinner at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on Wednesday 14 October 2009. McCarntey was given this prestigious award in recognition for the songs “All You Need Is Love”, “Hello Goodbye” and “Come Together” (Hey, I though John wrote Come Together!).

The Awards recognized the most performed works for last year by writer and publisher members of the U.K collecting society ‘Performing Rights Society’.

Other winners included Coldplay for Song of the Year with Viva La Vida and AC/DC’s Brian Johnson for “Back in Black” and “You Shook Me All Night Long”. Also awarded were Def Leppard and Mutt Lange (”Pour Some Sugar On Me”), Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters (”Money”), The Rolling Stones’ Mick Jagger & Keith Richards (”Start Me Up”)

Champagne for the nights winners, tissues for the losers.

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Paul McCartney Named Songwriter of the Year

At first, Brian got the Beatles to wear sweaters on stage and eventually mohair suits. Having always loved the theater, Brian knew a thing or two about presentation. Epstein was from an upper middle-class background and he wanted us to appeal to the producers of radio, television and record companies.

Brian Epstein told the Beatles that if they wear suits they’ll get more money. John Lennon’s response was, ‘Yeah man, all right, I’ll wear a suit – I’ll wear a bloody balloon if somebody’s going to pay me. I’m not in love with leather that much’. George agreed saying, “We gladly switched into suits to get some more money and some more gigs.” And it worked, the Beatles were soon playing shorter sets for more money.

The Beatles walked onto the stage of the Manchester’s Playhouse Theater in early 1962 for their radio debut wearing their new gray mohair suits with thin lapels, button-down shirts and ties. The new Beatles clothing came from Beno Dorm, “The Master Tailor For Impeccable Hand-Made Clothes,” located in the a Liverpool suburb. This became the sharp early ’60s style for young men. From this point forward, The Beatles would be fashion leaders and not fashion followers.

Ringo says Brian Epstein changed the group’s image by making them look smarter. But adds, the Beatles made him change his image as soon as he joined the group. Ringo used to wear his hair slicked back like Tony Curtis and he had sideburns. The other three Beatles had him shave and comb his hair down.

There was talk that it was Paul who had betrayed the group’s leather image but, as Paul recalled, “I didn’t actually have to drag anyone to the tailors. We all went quite happily over the water to Beno Dorn, a little tailor who made mohair suits.” People were saying that their black leather look was too hard and they feared that booking agents would agree. So that was an end to the Hamburg era and a new look look in Beatles clothing.

- Beatles Geek Pete
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Beatles Clothing – Out of T Shirt & Leather… Into Suits

The negative limelight cast a dark shadow over the start of the tour. An anonymous telephone caller during the summer of 66 warned that members of the band would be shot at either of their two performances in Texas later that day. When fireworks later went off during the nighttime concert, The group immediately looked at the other three to see which of them had been hit.

But the next night the Beatles were equally on edge when they were about to step onto the open-air stage on Cincinnati’s Crosley Field during a thunder storm. While over thirty thousand audience members sat inside Corsley Field waiting to see the show, the Beatles were fearful of getting an electric shock if they were to touch their mics. McCartney vomited before the show. Luckily, just before the show was set to start the performance was called off and postponed for the next day.

The day after, was the Beatles Last Performance. The Beatles appeared at Candlestick Park on August 29th, 1966. The band was at 2nd second base far away from the audience of 25,000. The stage was raised up five feet above the field and inside a six foot high fence. The stage was guarded by 200 police officers. Songs played at the concert were ‘Rock And Roll Music’, ‘She’s A Woman’, ‘If I needed Someone’, ‘Day Tripper’, ‘Baby’s In Black’, ‘I Feel Fine’, ‘Yesterday’, ‘I Wanna Be Your Man’, ‘Nowhere Man’, ‘Paperback Writer’, and ‘Long Tall Sally’.

When the show was over, the four Beatles drove away from candlestick park in an armored car. All four Beatles knew that this was the end of their touring. John Lennon had taken a camera on stage with him and snapped pictures of himself and the other Beatles in between numbers. Paul McCartney had requested Press official Tony Barrow to tape record the Beatles last performance on a small hand held recorder.

As The group’s airplane departed California, George Harrison proclaimed, ‘Well, that is it, I’m not a Beatle any more.’

The only known film footage of the Beatles last performance was captured by a fifteen year old audience member and appears in a documentary called The Unseen Beatles.

You can see footage of the Beatles Last Concert from the ‘Unseen Beatles’ on Amazon (scroll down a bit to see the video player)….

See Film Footage of The Beatles Last Performance

- Beatles Geek Pete

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The Beatles Last Performance

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Helter Skelter Vocal-Only Mix (Video)

NEW YORK, Oct. 10 /PRNewswire/ — Julian Lennon was in NYC recently recording with James Scott Cook, a new artist partner of Julian Lennon’s new company ‘theRevolution’.

Initially, Julian was scheduled to sing a few background vocals on one of James’ songs titled ‘LUCY’, but during the recording, and with the news of Lucy Vodden’s passing fresh on everyone’s minds, Julian suggested that the track be released as a digital charity single, in honor of the memory of Lucy, with proceeds being donated to charities that support research for a cure for Lupus, in Lucy Vodden’s name. (Lucy Vodden, is a childhood friend of Julian who inspired Julian to draw a picture of her, that later inspired his father John Lennon, to pen the song ‘Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds’.)

Once agreed upon, the producer, Todd Meagher, suggested that the song become more of a duet, which seemed more fitting under the circumstances.

Both Julian and James Scott Cook have records scheduled for release early next year.

James Scott Cook stated “I am honored to be a part of a song that might help people remember Lucy Vodden, bring some attention to Lupus and hopefully add a chapter to the unique story of inspiration that Lucy came to represent. Not to mention working with Julian Lennon was awesome.”

Julian’s new company ‘theRevolution’ is a partnership with Michael Birch, founder and former CEO of Bebo, that “is focusing on turning the MUSIC business into the MUSICIANS’ business.” The company assists artists in setting up their own music companies and then invests in those companies.

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Julian Lennon Honors Lucy in the Sky

Sgt Pepper Beatles Costume

First, you could go with the Sgt Pepper era Beatles Costume.

OK, wait till you see how pathetic these look in the Amazon product images. I just had to have some fun and make the image above. These actually look great without Amazon’s goofy poses and odd faces (nice leg kick George)…

These Sgt Pepper costumes are available on Amazon in four colors…

Don’t be frightened off by the goofy pictures on Amazon! (I warned you.)…

Green – John Lennon
Pink – Ringo Starr
Blue – Paul McCartney
Red – George Harrison

Other suggestions include the Early Beatles Costume, or a Cheaper Sgt Pepper Costume Jacket. Here’s the…

Sgt Pepper Costume Jacket

As a slightly cheaper alternative, you can go with just the jackets made from another company. But, unfortunately they only come in Blue and Red, and you’re on your own for pants. They are also less authentic looking compared to the real Beatles versions…

Sgt Pepper Costume Jacket Blue
Sgt Pepper Costume Jacket Red

Early Beatles Suits

The next alternative is to go with Early Beatles Costumes. Here, everyone would obviously wear the same suit. The Beatles suit fits chest sizes up to 42”. (I’m 6′3″ and 220lbs with a 42 inch chest, so I guess I’d be the maximum size that would fit).

Early Beatles Suits

Deluxe Early Beatles Costume

Want to go all out? Check out this Super Deluxe Beatles Costume suit. This is something that could be worn by a Beatles Cover band. Four of these would have a great shot at first place in a costume contest.

Deluxe Beatles Costume (head not included)

Beatles Wig

Of course every Beatles costume deserves a Beatles Wig. Unless of course you have enough hair to comb forward.

Here’s a Deluxe Beatles Wig…

Here’s a darker shorter Beatles Wig… (Save $10 Off on this Beatles Wig)

Beatles Costume Accessories

And, here’s a good thin black Beatles Neck Tie to finish off the early Beatles Costume…

Beatles Tie

John Lennon Eyeglasses

These are great John Lennon Eyeglasses for the Sgt Pepper costume. (John Lennon didn’t wear them in the early Beatles.) These John Lennon eyeglasses are clear so they will look like the real thing but they won’t have you bumping into walls and bridges…

John Lennon Eyeglasses

Beatles Costume Mustaches

For the Beatles Sgt Pepper Costume, you’ll need costume mustaches for all four members and maybe some sideburns.

For some odd reason, costume mustaches are sold by the dozen. (Today’s weird fact of the day.)

Costume Mustaches 12 pack

Check out these Fake Sideburns too.

If you do go out on Halloween as a Beatle or a group of Beatles, PLEASE post my a comment. If you have a photo, let me know. I’ll post it to my blog. Happy Halloween, Have fun!

-Beatles Geek Pete
For more Beatles Merchandise and Beatles News, check out my blog.

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Beatles Costume for Halloween

Who would take such a course? The university says it’s good for people working in the fields of popular music studies, cultural studies, social anthropology, politics and musicology. Personally, I think it’s good for people looking to meet chicks. But, maybe that’s just me. Wonder if I can get a job as a Beatles-ologist. That would be gear!

Canadian Music Teacher, Mary Lu Zahalan, signed up for the course and believes she is the first coming from Canada (Sorry, Mary you may be the first and only Canadian in class.) George Burton, who plays in a 60s band says and academic look into the Beatles is probably long overdue. Other students told the Associated Press that they think the degree in Beatles will be a great experience.

Berklee college for music in Boston has two Beatles classes. “The Music of The Beatles” studies technical aspects of the Beatles songs such as lyrics, melody, harmony, and rhythm. But, it also takes a look at the history of each Beatle to better understand the groups music. Also the social environment will be addressed to better understand the group’s musical development.

Berklee also has a course on the Guitar Styles of the Beatles. This course obviously studys the guitar riffs, leads and grooves of the Beatles. But also looks at a concept they call “Mini-Orchestration” in the Beatles guitar layering.

Tuition for Berklee is $14,600 for the quarter. Liverpool Hope University’s Beatles Course lasts 12 weeks and costs around $6000. So far 20 people have signed up at Hope U. Hmm, quick math that’s $120,000 for the University. Maybe I should start charging for my Beatles blog posts. Volunteers?

-Beatles Geek Pete
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Earn a Degree in Beatles School?

Yoko now admits, “I used to hide my jaws with my long hair” and “I kept to myself”.

John Lennon would reassure his wife Yoko of her beauty continuously. He would move the hair from her face and tell her to show her face because it’s beautiful. He questioned why she would hide behind her hair. But, John Lennon’s mean streak would come out now and then, and he’d tease her by calling her…

a “martian” because of what she calls an unusually large head for her body.

John & Yoko spent a week in bed following their wedding and invited the press into their honeymoon suite in Amsterdam and later Montreal. The protest was to get the press to write about the idea of moving towards Peace. Their room was decorated with handwritten signs saying “Hair Peace” and “Bed Peace”. Unfortunately, the signs were thrown out after the hotel maids cleaned out the room.

During their campaign to protest for peace, John told the press that people should grow their hair for peace and let it grow until peace comes. Lennon didn’t wait that long. In January of 1970, John and Yoko cut their hair very short declaring 1970 would be “Year One” for peace. Ah, if only it were true. Almost 3 years later to the day, the Paris Peace Accords were signed by the U.S., North Vietnam, South Vietnam and the Viet Cong. But, it would be another 2 years after that before the US left Vietnam. And sadly, total world peace is still just a dream.

Apparently John got his pacifist inspiration from his Aunt Mimi. As a boy Lennon would refuse to eat his vegetables. One day his Aunt Mimi scolded the boy Lennon yelling, “Give Peas a Chance!”. OK, I made that part up.

A Hotel Maid Eagerly Waits to Wash Sheets and Throw Out Signs

- Beatle Geek Pete

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Yoko Ono Admits She Hid Behind Hair Because…

The Backbeat Beatles movie was directed by Ian Softley in 1994. Director Softley will be adapting the film for the stage. He says that he was visualizing a theater production when he directed the film. He saw the dramatic paintings of the original Beatles Bass player, Stewart Sutcliffe and stunning photography of his girlfriend and Beatles photographer Astrid Kirchherr woven into a narrative with the energy and excitement of great live music. He notes that the early day Beatles had the rawness and energy like a punk band. He hopes to recreate that rawness and energy in the stage production.

Stewart Sutcliffe stayed behind in Germany with his girlfriend Astrid when the rest of the lads returned to their native Liverpool. Stewart Sutcliffe tragically died in 1962 at only 21 years old. He never saw the meteoric rise of his pals in the band.

The story of Backbeat Beatles is basically a love triangle between best friends John Lennon and Stewart Sutcliffe, and Stewart’s girlfriend Astrid Kirchherr. The love story is set to a backdrop of the Beatles playing raucous all night sets in the Beatles Hamburg Club.

Stewart Sutcliffe was the original Beatles bass player (Paul was on guitar at the time) and Stewart was Johns best friend. Stu’s girlfriend Astrid Kirchherr will also be involved in the development of the play.

The play is not what you would call a “musical”. It is a play with songs. The music will include 22 early rock standards that the Beatles performed in their early Beatles Hamburg club days. Paul McCartney was not impressed though. He felt the Rock-n-Roll-ness (is that a word Paul?) was taken off of him especially when they showed Lennon singing Long Tall Sally, which was a song Paul sung live.

The play starts it’s journey in Scotland at the Citizens Theatre. Softley wanted the play to open on it’s own merit as a piece of theater and worried that opening in a place like Liverpool would have rested too much on Beatles Nostalgia. The Citizens Theater has a reputation for new writings and new plays. He wanted to start somewhere that had a great history for artistic and creative interpretation. (Or, maybe he just wanted to work the bugs out before opening somewhere with a higher profile.)

The stage production of Backbeat Beatles has hopes of next playing in London and eventually making an international tour. Stay tuned to this blog for future updates.

You can read more about Backbeat Beatles, Stewart Sutcliffe & Astrid Kirchherr and the Early Beatles Hamburg Club days here…

The Beatles’ Shadow: Stuart Sutcliffe & His Lonely Hearts Club

- Beatles Geek Pete
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Backbeat Beatles Movie Becomes a Play

Yoko said, “I was prepared that Sean might become an archaeologist or something. John didn’t even want to tell him that he was a Beatle.” According to Yoko, the famous musical couple were also so desperate to keep their son from being a musician that they didn’t talk about music at home.

Yoko adds, “Sean found out from someone else. One day, he asked John, ‘Were you a Beatle’?” “When Sean was in his 20s, I found out that he knew all of the Beatle’s songs, all John’s songs, and all my songs – every lyric.”

From the perspective of Sean Lenon, his parent’s didn’t have to worry, he enjoys being a musician now. Sean said he feels no pressure being a musician in his famous father’s shadow. He realizes no on can compete with the Beatles. Sean says, “But honestly, I don’t play music in terms of trying to compete with my dad because I don’t think I could play if I did that. But I take comfort in knowing I’m not the only one who will never be as successful as the Beatles”.

Sean Lenon told the View, “I know when people look at me they see my father, I can’t help it I look like him, I look like my Mom too.”

Sean Co-produced a new album “Between my Head and the Sky” with his Mom and the newly christened, “Yoko Ono Plastic Ono Band”. Sean told the View as the Album’s Producer, “Working with your parent is kind of awkward because you’re used to you’re parent telling you what to do.” The subject matter was difficult because the subject matter was very personal and touching for his family. In the end, he’s very proud of the album and sees his mother as being vindicated by the album’s positive reviews.

Whoopi Goldberg asked Yoko what broke the Beatles up. Yoko gave a convincing argument, “All four of them are very complex, strong powerful people. I couldn’t break it up with just my little hand. There were so many complex reasons.” When Barbara asked if she wanted the Beatles to break up, she replied “No I didn’t particularly, no”. Sean made a very valid point that the women of the view wouldn’t all throw the show out the window because they didn’t like one of their husbands. The idea seems ridiculous now in hindsight.

Yoko and Sean’s new album on Amazon here… Between My Head and the Sky – Yoko Ono Plastic Ono Band

-Beatles Geek Pete
For more Beatles News and Cool Beatles Merchandise, visit my blog.

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Beatles Son Didn’t Know Dad was a Beatle

Olivia Harrison

Despite objections from neighbors around George Harrison’s 38 acre Oxfordshire estate, widow Olivia Harrison plans to replace a razor-wire fence. Permission was granted by South Oxfordshire District Council to replace the eight foot high fence to maintain security.

The fence had been installed in 1999 after a 33 year old schizophrenic man broke into the home and stabbed George seven times. Olivia hit the attacker in the head with a fire poker and table lamp. George died of cancer just two years later. Olivia Harrison put in an application to the town asking to replace the 10 year old rotting fence. The town was worried the fence was un-neighborly and detrimental to the town’s character. Letters to the town authorities said the fence made it look like the perimeter to a German prisoner of war camp. Neighbors also argued that the fence is “unnecessary and inappropriate”.

One neighbor, actor Rodney Bewes, told the press that the fence injured his cat named Maurice. (Hmm maybe it was a cat burglar on the prowl). The 70 year old actor, who starred in the sixties comedy “The Likely Lads”, says the fence is responsible for almost killing his cat and cost him thousands at the vet. Bewes told the BBC, “Is the razor wire necessary? Our cat has been caught three times, once severing an artery, and we know of three other cats which have been injured.” He argues the fence is ineffective for human intruders since they could easily more the razor wire from the wooden fence and enter under the razor wire. He says his biggest sadness is coming home and seeing razor wire and all it stands for in the world. His wife added, “Lots of people have nice houses around here and none of us wants to be burgled, but we don’t all go and put razor wire up. I think it’s wrong, it looks like a war zone.”

Despite losing the fencing duel, civic leaders hope to get Mrs. Harrison to scale down the fence. (I think they mean make it smaller, and they aren’t suggesting she scale down the side of a razor fence.)

Beatles Geek pete
For cool Beatles Merchandise and more Beatles News, visit my blog.

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Olivia Harrison Wins Razor Fencing Duel

Paul McCartney was a winner even at an early age. His essay placed first in the under age 11 category and won him a gift certificate for books. McCartney wrote favorably about the Queen in his essay saying that the “present day royalty rules with affection rather than force”. All you need is love indeed. He also refers to her as “our lovely young queen”. Eventually, the Queen would return the favor by knighting Sir Paul McCartney. (When you graduate, you get a graduation cap. When you’re knighted do they give you a knight cap?)

The essay was discovered by author Kevin Roach in therecords at Liverpool’s Central Library where he works. He was researching his book on the McCartney family at the time. Roach commented how advanced the young McCartney’s handwriting was for a ten year old. Perhaps he really did have aspirations to wanna be a Paperback Writer. Roach told the Sun Newspaper that it looks more like the hand writing of a fourteen or fifteen year old. He comments that, “I’m not surprised that it was pro-royalist, bearing in mind attitudes of the time and because his father, James, was a royalist”

The 300 word essay, which was probably unseen by the public in over 50 years, are sure to be one of the earliest pieces of evidence of McCartney’s creative mind. Paul’s brother Mike recalls how nervous his brother was when receiving his book certificate from the mayor.

McCartney has a little spelling error when he writes “souveniers for any tourists who come to see this marvelous spectacle.” His comment is ironic considering the amount of Beatles souvenirs that would be available a decade later. And his teacher corrected his overuse of the word “But” to start two sentences. But hey, no creative piece is without it’s flaws. Especially one created by a ten year old. I’m lucky I could finger paint at that age.

Yet-to-be-Sir Paul finishes off his essay about the Queens Coronation nicely by saying “After all this bother, many people will agree with me that it was well worth it.” Yes Paul, I agree, after all the bother it was well worth it.

- Beatles Geek Pete
Read more Beatles News and find cool Beatles Merchandise at my blog.

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Beatles Her Majesty Foreshadowed in 1953

Ever wonder about the Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds meaning?

Lucy Vodden was the childhood inspiration for the Beatles Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds. She has passed away at the age of 46. She had been treated for Lupus for five years at St. Thomas Hospital in London.

The story began when John Lennon’s son Julian brought home a painting from school. Lennon asked his son what the drawing was, and Julian announced to his Dad, “It’s Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds”. The drawing was of Jullian’s 4 year old classmate Lucy O’Donnell. (She later married and changed her name to Lucy Vodden.)

After the release of the song the Beatles landmark Sgt. Pepper album, the press accused Lennon of slipping a subliminal message to listeners with the song title’s initials, “L.S.D.”. Lennon insisted the song title was simply inspired by his son’s drawing of Lucy and had nothing to do with drugs. He joked that he later would look at the intials of all the songs he wrote after that to be sure they didn’t spell out anything.

British Psychedelia was at the time was often about returning to a more simple innocent state of mind such as when you were a child. Hence Beatles songs about childhood times like Strawberry Fields and Penny Lane. Lucy in the Sky seems to be another example of childlike dreamy lyrics.

Lucy Vodden and Julian Lennon lost touch after John and Julian’s Mother Cynthia divorced. But Jullian reached out to his childhood friend in recent years after hearing of her illness. Julian had sent flowers and gardening supply gift certificates to help lighten her spirits. Jullian told the Associated Press that he wasn’t sure how to approach her at first. But, after hearing that they shared a love for gardening, he felt gardening supplies would be just the thing to send to put a smile on her face.

Ironically, Lucy Vodden didn’t particularly like the Beatles classic that she inspired. She told the Associated Press that she doesn’t relate to that type of song. She recalled as a teenager telling some school friends about her association. They didn’t believe her and instead believed the rumors that the song was about the drug L.S.D. So, she later kept her association with the song private.

Jullian is reportedly “Shocked and saddened” to learn of his old friends death.

To learn more about Lupus, visit the organization that was treating Lucy at… www.lupus.org.uk (Donations excepted)

Rest in Peace Girl with the Kaleidoscope Eyes…

Beatles Geek Pete
For more Beatles News visit my blog.

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“Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” Dead at 46

1st Question – Game Platform

The first and most obvious question is which game platform Nintendo Wii , PlayStation 3, or Xbox 360? Obviously if you own one of these, that will make your decision easy. If you don’t already own a game system, get the Nintendo Wii . It’s the most popular choice for Beatle RockBand users, and you’ll love the other games available for it.

Each Beatles RockBand Product you buy has a Wii PS3 and XBox version. So make sure you select the right link for your game platform.

2nd Question – Game Edition

Next question, which package… Software Only, Special Value Bundle or Limited Edition Premium Bundle?

You can buy the Software Only then choose which guitar controller you want to add. Your choices are John Lennon’s Black Rickenbacker 325 Guitar or George Harrison’s Gretsch Duo Jet Guitar.

But, if you want Ringo’s Drum Set and Paul’s Hoffner Bass, you have to order the Limited Edition Premium Bundle. That version includes the software, Ringo’s Drum Set (Beatles logo on the front), Paul McCartney’s Violin-Shaped Hoffner Bass Guitar, a Microphone, and a Mic Stand. WARNING: This product is available for a limited time only!

If you want the Full Beatles Band, you have to order the Limited Edition Premium Bundle, and add John’s Rickenbacker Guitar and George’s Gretsch Guitar.

If you don’t care about the Beatles Replica instruments, you can get the Special Value Edition which includes the software along with a standard RockBand guitar and standard RockBand Drums instead of the controllers that look like the Beatles instruments. You can save a few dollars, but I’d rather go with the Beatles instruments. They may even be worth money someday to a collector.

* QUICK BUYER’S GUIDE *

LIMITED EDITION PREMIUM BUNDLE

For Nintendo Wii with Ringo’s Drums, Paul’s Bass, and Microphone…
Get the Wii Limited Edition Premium Bundle

For Playstation 3 with Ringo’s Drums, Paul’s Bass, and Microphone…
Get the Playstation 3 Limited Edition Premium Bundle

For XBox 360 with Ringo’s Drums, Paul’s Bass, and Microphone…
Get the XBox Limited Edition Premium Bundle

JOHN’S GUITAR PACKAGE

For Nintendo Wii with just John’s Guitar…
Get the Wii Software Only and John’s Wii Guitar

For Playstation 3 with just John’s Guitar…
Get the Playstation 3 Software Only and John’s Playstation 3 Guitar

For XBox 360 with just John’s Guitar…
Get the XBox Software Only and John’s XBox Guitar

GEORGE’S GUITAR PACKAGE

For Nintendo Wii with just George’s Guitar…

Get the Wii Software Only and George’s Wii Guitar

For Playstation 3 with just George’s Guitar…
Get the Playstation 3 Software Only and Georges Playstion 3 Guitar

For XBox 360 with just George’s Guitar…
Get the XBox Software Only and George’s XBox Guitar

FULL BAND SYSTEM

For Nintendo Wii with the Full Band of Instruments…
Get the Wii Limited Edition Premium Bundle add John’s Wii Guitar and George’s Wii Guitar

For Playstation 3 with the Full Band of Instruments…
Get the Playstation 3 Limited Edition Premium Bundle add John’s Playstation Guitar and George’s Playstion Guitar

For XBox 360 with the Full Band of Instruments…
Get the XBox Limited Edition Premium Bundle, add John’s XBox Guitar and George’s XBox Guitar

CHEAPER OPTION

For Nintendo Wii with Standard RockBand Drums, Guitar, and Microphone (Not Beatles Replicas)
Get the Wii Special Value Edition

For Playstation 3 with Standard Rock Band Drums, Guitar, and Microphone (Not Beatles Replicas)
Get the Playstation Special Value Edition

For XBox 360 with Standard Rock Band Drums, Guitar, and Microphone (Not Beatles Replicas)
Get the XBox Special Value Edition

GAME SYSTEM

If you don’t already own a game system, I’d recommend the Nintendo Wii . Or you can get the PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360.

OTHER OPTIONAL ITEMS

Rock Band Official Microphone (PS3, Wii, Xbox360)

Universal Microphone Stand

Drum Stool

Rock Band Drum Silencers

Rock Band Triple Tree Guitar Stand

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The Beatles Rock Band Buyers Guide – Which to Buy?

Variety reports that there is going to be a film made about Brian Epstein’s life. It’s going to be called “A Life in A Day”. Hmm, that title sounds familiar-ish but backwards. Producer David Permut is currently attempting to secure the rights to the Beatles music for the film. The film is said to concentrate on the early years of the Beatles forming. The film hasn’t begun shooting yet.

- Beatles Geek Pete

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New Brian Epstein Movie Coming

Director Robert Zemeckis and Disney are in negotiations to remake Yellow Submarine, the 1968 psychedelic animated film based on the music of The Beatles. The potential deal would combine cutting-edge 3-D feature technology with the latest reinterest in The Beatles.

A report in Variety states that Disney is working on a complicated rights deal that would clear sixteen Beatles tunes for use in the film. The report doesn’t say how close Zemeckis would  like to stick to the original, but song availability could have a lot to do with it. He won’t need the voices of Paul or Ringo, however, as even in the original the Fab Four were primarily played by voice actors.

Zemeckis plans to make the new “Yellow Submarine” in the same cutting-edge 3-D process he has used for other films like “The Polar Express,” “Beowulf,” and his upcoming version of “A Christmas Carol.”

The original psychedelic cartoon told the tale of Pepperland, a musical paradise under the sea that’s protected by Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. It’s a happy place until it’s attacked by the music-hating Blue Meanies.

It could be great like the movie Across the Universe, or it could be another Sgt. Pepper with the Bee-Gees disaster. The original was a phenomenal bit of cartooning contrasts which included rotoscoping incorporated into free form visions of a dying Victorian landscape, unusual Nazi-like villains whose horrors seem slightly surreal and almost laughable. It would be interesting to see what they can do with the story with today’s technology. It may all come down to a better script and not more bells and whistles.

The deal would reportedly include rights for Disney to turn the film into a Broadway musical, like the company has already done with “The Lion King,” as well as a Cirque du Solil. To be honest, I expected the Beatles Love Cirque show to more Yellow Submarine-like. So, hopefully they’ll pull off that magical world in a second Beatles Cirque collaboration.

The goal is to have the Yellow Submarine remake ready for the July 2012 Olympics in London. That is if the new Yellow Sub can make it off the ground.

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New Yellow Submarine Disney Remake?

The ex-Beatle sat down with Rolling Stone publisher Jann Wenner shortly after the Fab Four broke up and revealed a few home truths about the real reasons behind the split – something the four former Beatles have rarely spoken about. Wenner released the tapes for celebrated rock journalist Mikal Gilmore’s study on what tore the band apart, which appears in the upcoming issue of the publication.

In the interview, John comments on feeling “sick” over selling out as a band as well as being “fed up” playing sidekick to Paul, a feeling that Lennon says was mutual for Ringo and George.

The musician also spoke about the band’s disrespect towards his wife Yoko Ono, saying that the other Beatles despised her and that It seemed he had to be happily married to them or Yoko and he chose Yoko. He added that George insulted her right to her face and he didn’t hit him, he wonders why. Lennon says that Ringo was alright but the other two really gave it to John and Yoko. He said he’d never forgive them.

But ultimately, Lennon suggests the Beatles break-up was a long time coming. By the time they made it big in the early 1960s, Lennon said that the music died and that they never improved from that point forward.

Lennon is definitely at his most bitter in the Rolling Stone interview tapes. I believe his feelings changed as a little time was put between the bitter breakup. I also believe Lennon was trying to distance himself from the huge shadow of the Beatles in an effort to forge a new solo career.

The Why The Beatles Broke Up article appears in the upcoming issue of Rolling Stone.

- Beatles Geek Pete

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Lost John Lennon Rolling Stone Interview Tapes Again?

Billboard Magazine reports that Paul McCartney may get back some of his Beatles songs in the next decade. A U.S. Copyright Act lets songwriters regain copyrights after 56 years. So, Paul McCartney could begin regaining control over songs he wrote in 1962 in the year 2018. Then, over the next 8 years, additional McCartney-penned songs may go back under his control. Nice retirement money!

The copyright act has different rules if the songwriter dies. Some of John Lennon’s song rights were up for grabs as early as 1990. It’s been reported that Lennon’s heir, Yoko Ono, struck a deal with publisher Sony/ATV so they would retain Lennon’s portion of the song publishing. That would have been ironic if Yoko had gained control over the Lennon and McCartney copyrights before Paul.

The Beatles original publishing company, Northern Songs, was set up by Brian Epstein and publisher Dick James along with the Beatles. Epstein, James, Lennon, McCartney, Harrison and Starr each had some shares in the publishing company. McCartney said that the four Beatles signed all the contracts Epstein presented to them without reading them first. John says they had complete faith in him when he was running us. To them, Epstein was the expert.

After Epstein’s death in 1967, John and Paul failed at renegotiating their publishing deal with Dick James. Early in 1969, Dick James abruptly sold his majority shares in Northern Songs to Britain’s Associated TeleVision (ATV). He gave the Beatles no notice, and no opportunity to buy the shares.

Unfortunately, Lennon and McCartney were still legally bound by their Northern Songs publishing agreement to continue writing songs until 1973. Unhappy with their deal, they wanted out of their songwriting obligation, and out of the Beatles. The simplest way out was to give in and sell their song shares to ATV. Lennon and McCartney sold their Northern Songs stock in October 1969 for £3.5 million.

So, Lennon and McCartney lost control over the Beatles/Northern Songs copyrights to ATV Music. ATV was later sold to billionaire Robert Holmes a Court. Then in 1985, Michael Jackson outbid Paul McCartney and bought ATV and the Beatles publishing rights for $47.5 million. In the need for some cash, Micheal Jackson later sold half the rights to Sony and formed Sony/ATV.

It was rumored early this year that Jackson had put McCartney in his will and was giving his old friend back the Beatles songs. No one could imagine when that story was reported in the British press that Jackson would be dead within the year. Unfortunately the story proved to be false. Jackson did not include Paul McCartney in his will.

Micheal Jackson reportedly had debts totaling $500 million when he died, so it’s unclear if his half-ownership of the Beatles song catalog will go to pay off some of his debtors. Stay tuned!

- Beatles Geek Pete
Visit my blog for more Beatles News and cool Beatles Gifts

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In 9 Years Paul McCartney Gets Beatles Songs Back Despite Michael Jackson?

Abbey Road Ward Councilor Lindsey hall says that since the year 2000, there were 22 accidents at the Abbey Road Crossing. She adds, “Maybe it’s time to end this once and for all and move the zebra crossing.” Another government official, Judith Warner stated, “I have asked our transport department if the crossing is in the most appropriate place.” A spokesman for Westminster City Council debated, “There is nothing to indicate any more cause for concern than any other road.”

(continued below)

Well here’s a silly suggestions, how about a traffic light? Break out your calculators and figure out how much money the Beatles bring in tourism. Now subtract the cost of a traffic light that would give fans half a minute to snap a photo. Still a big number.

And, do you think that fans aren’t going to still cross the road if the stripes aren’t painted there? It’s not like they are the same stripes as the original album cover anyway. The tourist attraction is the spot in the road, not the paint on the pavement.

This all just after the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the photographing of the Abbey Road album cover. Thousands of fans visited the spot on the anniversary. The Beatles tribute band “Sgt Peppers Only Dartboard Band” dressed in replica clothing and crossed the road to recreate the famous pose.

Photographer Iain Macmillan took the original photograph. He was chosen because of work he had done for Yoko. The photographer only had about fifteen minutes to take the album cover photograph. He stood on a ladder in the middle of the road and snapped only about 8 photos of the John, Ringo, Paul and George crossing in front of Abbey Road Studio while a policemen held traffic.

There was no writing on the album cover. Not even the band’s name. Creative director at Apple records, Josh Kosh, insisted the Beatles were the most famous group on earth and they did not need their name on the cover. The record company said they’d never sell albums unless they said who the band was. I suppose it all worked out all right in the end.

- Beatles Geek Pete

For more Beatles News and cool Beatles Gifts visit my blog!

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Government Moving Beatles Abbey Road Crossing?

Shea Stadium Beatles T Shirt

This Beatles T shirt has a poster advertising the Beatles second appearance in Shea Stadium on August 23rd 1966. The Beatles first appearance at Shea was a year earlier when they opened their 1965 North American tour to a record audience of over 55,000 screaming fans. It was the first concert in a major stadium and set records for attendance and earnings. The Beatles at Shea Stadium opened the doors for today’s huge arena concerts.

Get your Shea Stadium Beatles T Shirt

Beatles Logo T Shirt

Classic understated black Beatles T Shirt with the Beatles “drop T” logo. Let everyone know the name of you’re favorite band. The Beatles iconic drop-T logo made its first appearance in 1963. It was designed by Ivor Arbiter and was first used on the front drum head of Ringo’s bass drum. This Beatles T Shirt is officially licensed from the Beatles and has screen printed lettering on a black preshrunk 6oz cotton T Shirt.

Buy your Beatles Logo T Shirt

Hard Days Night Beatles Baby Tee

Cute black Beatles Baby T with a colorful red white and blue union jack flag. The flag has high contrast black and white photos of the Beatles from cover of A Hard Day’s Night. The photos were also used in the photo booth scene from the film A Hard Day’s Night. Also bands name, “The Beatles” is used as the flagpole for the Beatles flag. Classic black cotton T with a splash of color on the front. This shirt is designed for someone who likes to wear form fitted style of a babydoll T shirt.

Get your Hard Days Night Beatles T Shirt

Love Me Do Beatles T Shirt

Love Me Do because all you need is love! This is an officially licensed Beatles Baby Tee. This girls shirt (or emo dude’s shirt) has been screen printed with a Beatles “Love Me Do” design on the front of this cotton junior fitted babydoll tee shirt. These Beatles Baby Tee shirts are usually made from a softer 5oz. stretchy cotton baby doll tee shirts. These Beatles Baby Tees are designed to be fitted babydoll style shirts for someone who likes to wear form fitted style of a shirt.

Love Me Do Beatles T Shirt

Beatles Sgt Pepper T Shirt

A modern interpretation of the Beatles posing as their alter-ego Sgt Pepper Lonely Hearts Club band. The Beatles decided they were tired of being the Beatles in 1967 so they became a ficticious band. This freed them up to explore other musical styles and instrumentation that their Yeah Yeah Yeah counterparts could never pull off. For trippy psychedelic period Beatles fans.

Buy your Beatles Sgt Pepper T Shirt

- Beatles Geek Pete
For more Beatles Clothing and Beatles News visit my blog!

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Top 5 Beatles T Shirt List

The four Beatles walked across the road outside the Abbey Road Studios, at 11.35am on August 8 1969, for the album cover photo of their last recorded album.

While brainstorming for a title and cover concept for their final album, the Beatles thought it should be something grand. They came up with “Everest” after looking a the packet of Everest cigarettes that belonged to their recording engineer Geoff Emerik. The world-famous Beatles planned to end big and and take a trip to Mount Everest to photograph themselves in front of the world-famous mountain.

Outakes of the Beatles Abbey Road Photo Shoot Below…

Abbey Road Album Cover Outtakes

But, the recording process dragged on for longer than the soon-to-be-spit Beatles patience. So John Lennon sarcastically quipped, instead of calling it Everest and flying to bloody Mount Everest, why don’t we just call it Abbey Road and take the picture in front of Abbey Road. Paul McCartney, the planner, sketched the Beatles road crossing image in stick figures and the plan was set.

Photographer Iain Macmillan was chosen because of work he had done for Yoko. He was only given about 15 minutes to get the shot. Standing on a ladder in the road, He took only about eight pictures of the Beatles crossing in front of Abbey Road Studio while a policemen held traffic.

The Volkswagen Beetle that was coincidentally parked in front of the studio belong to someone who lived on the street. The car was sold in 1986 auction for only $23,000 and is currently on display at the Volkswagen museum in Germany.

The man standing on the sidewalk learing at the Beatles is Paul Cole, an American tourist who was waiting for his wife who was lingering in a museum. Cole remembers, “I just happened to look up, and I saw those guys walking across the street like a line of ducks. A bunch of kooks, I called them, because they were rather radical-looking at that time. You didn’t walk around in London barefoot.”

The man who stepped into history didn’t know he was in the shot until a year later when his wife was learning “Something” on the organ. Trying to convince his children that it was him on the Beatles new album cover, he told them to get out the magnifying glass. Paul Cole died just last year at 96 years old.

Unusual for an album cover, there is no writing. Not even the name of the band. Josh Kosh, creative director at Apple records, insisted the Beatles were the most popular band in the world and didn’t need their name on the cover. EMI said they would never sell albums if they didn’t say who the band was. I guess it worked out selling OK in the end anyway.

- Beatles Geek Pete
For more Beatles News and cool Beatles Merchandise, visit my blog!

Album Cover for the Beatles Abbey Road

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The Beatles Abbey Road Album Cover Photo 40 Years Old

The Beatles clothing line will include fashion elements like a 60s inspired paisley print with a modern edge, the Beatles iconic font, and silhouettes of the Beatles from Help. The navy-colored Harrington jacket will have an interior with the Beatles faces in pop art colors. (Trivia alert: The Harrington Jacket was named after Rodney Harrington which was Ryan O’Neal’s character on the 1960s TV show Peyton Place.)

Ben Sherman’s creative director Mark Maidment says, “This is an ideal time for us to bring a new Beatles clothing collection to market, our own evolution into a complete lifestyle brand has meant that we can more strongly emphasize quality fabrics and authentic style. The classic Beatles imagery resonates with all consumers at all levels.”

The Benn Sherman company was founded in 1963 by Arthur Bernard Sugarman. He was the owner of a shirt factory who had realized that early 1960s London jazz fans were eagerly buying the American button-down shirts worn by visiting American jazz artists like Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, and Oscar Peterson. At the time, the English could only buy the shirts from official importers who had cornered this growing fashion market.

Sugarman, a one time American citizen, decided to produce a version of these shirts in England. The 60s English mods responded immediately, particularly because Sugarman was using better fabric than the imported shirts. He created the Ben Sherman Originals label. Today, The Ben Sherman brand is one of the most popular men’s casual wear brands in England.

Caroline Mickler, who is the official Beatles licensing representative, believes, “Ben Sherman and The Beatles are a perfect match, combining a genuine British heritage with powerful, worldwide brand recognition. She adds, “With The Beatles Clothing Collection Ben Sherman has brought together its real feel for The Beatles and their iconic status with a highly individual, highly sophisticated approach to these classic clothing styles. The market is very excited about this collaboration – and so are we.”

- Beatles Geek Pete
Shop for Beatles Clothing and read more Beatles News on my blog.
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New Beatles Clothing Line by Ben Sherman

McCartney’s Buddha-like drummer Abe Laboriel Jr. told the Boston Globe that Sir Paul somehow manages to play as if he were still that teenager with the mop top haircut back in Liverpool. McCartney’s Drummer adds that Sir Paul does not need to tour but he is playing live because he wants to. According to Laboriel, Paul loves to tour and it keeps him young, every time he sits down he’s reborn, he’s like a seventeen year old who is thrilled to be there in the moment.

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Get Paul McCartney Tour Tickets!
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A few songs into the Fenway Park set McCartney removed his Beatle-ish jacket to reveal Larry-King-ish red suspenders. Later in the show he joked about having a weak heart and not being able to continue with the stadium-shaking Live and Let Die firework explosions. All kidding aside the ex-Beatle still goes out on tour with the enthusiasm of a much younger man. Few aging rock stars show this much freshness in their performances. McCartney obviously loves his chosen profession.

In addition to “Live and Let Die”, McCartney rocked out his Les Paul to the Wings classic “Let Me Roll It”. He ended the hard rocker with a bit of Jimi Hendrix’s “Foxy Lady”. After the song Paul retold the story of how the Sgt. Pepper album had come out on a Friday and by Sunday he had seen Hendrix play in a club. Hendrix surprised the Beatle with his own Hendrix rendition of the Sgt. Pepper Reprise.

The Paul McCartney Fenway Park show also had quieter moments when the band left McCartney to do his solo acoustic guitar finger picking. McCartney introduced the White Album classic “Blackbird” as a tribute he had written in the sixties to the American Civil Rights Movement. He also performed the touching “Here Today” which he described as an imaginary conversation with his late friend John Lennon. George Harrison also had his moment when McCartney performed George’s “Something” on a Ukelele that the late Beatle had given Paul. I guess Ringo will have to wait until he passes for McCartney to dedicate a song to him in concert.

- Beatles Geek Pete
Read more Beatles News and Find cool Beatles Merchandise on my blog.

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Paul McCartney Hits Home Run at Fenway Park

The rumor seemed to have been started after the British Newspaper The Sun reported McCartney was planning one last big world tour before heading for retirement. The rumor was that McCartney wanted to retire before turning 70 because it was more and more difficult for his aging body to go on the road. I can tell you first hand after seeing McCartney perform in CitiField, his voice is stronger than ever, and he has the same spring in his step that he had as a young Beatle.

Paul McCartney Tour

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Get Paul McCartney Tour Tickets!
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The rumor took legs as it spread across the universe via the internet. McCartney joked with the Boston Herald that it’s so easy start a rumor. He jokingly suggested starting a rumor that Stevie Wonder was moving to Alaska (it’s not true, don’t spread it).

McCartney remembers the same retirement rumor circulated five years ago. But he says as long as people come out to see him play, he’ll continue touring.

When asked if he’s ever get’s tired of playing hits that were 50 years old McCartney replied that he only plays what he likes to play. He added that there are songs he never plays simply because he doesn’t want to play them. It’s good to be the boss! He gives and example of Hey Jude which McCartney says is a nice song that get’s a great reaction. Na Na Na Na Na Na Naaaaa

Paul McCartney is currently on a short tour of US Baseball stadiums. He told the Herald that he became a Yankees fan after Saturday Night Live Producer Lorne Michaels brought the ex-Beatle to a game. Hmm, don’t tell the Mets that! McCartney was just invited to be the first to play the new Mets Stadium after the Beatles were the first to play the original home of the Mets, Shea Stadium.

McCartney related the American game of Baseball to a game he played in England as a child called Rounders. He recalls once accidentally breaking a girl’s nose with his back swing. He recalled her name was Shirley Prytherch. Maybe she’ll get a rematch one day after McCartney retires.

Beatles Geek Pete
Visit my blog for more Beatles News and cool Beatles Clothing

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Paul McCartney Denies Tour Retirement Rumor but Admits Breaking a Girl’s Nose

The rare Beatles pictures show the band in a relaxed mood. The black & white snapshots include the hotel owner standing with the band, John Lennon playing with a camera and the Beatles in a car. The hotel owner later gave the photos to her friend. The friend’s daughter is now putting the previously unseen Beatles pics up for auction. The hotel owner’s daughter, who wants to remain anonymous, remembers her mother being particularly thrilled one day. Her friend who was a hotel owner arrived to tell her Mother that the Beatles were going to be guests at the hotel. Although it was to be kept quite, she recalls her mother coming home with the pictures. At the time of the band’s hotel stay, the seller was a young girl and a huge fan of the Beatles .

Rare Beatles Photo from the Telegraph.co.uk

Amy Brenan, from Duke’s auctioneers in Dorchester, notes that the rare Beatles photos are candid shots and not posed like so many that you see. The Liverpool Lads are wearing suits and they seem at ease posing with the hotel owner. The auctioneer estimates the pictures were snapped in the mid sixties, possibly in ‘66 because that’s the time when the band performed in Bournemouth England along the coast and went down into Devon. All six photos, two of which are copied, capture the the band in the spirit of the moment. She adds that the hotel owner is passed on so we can’t ask her exactly when the pictures were taken. Beatles memorabilia is more popular now than ever, and although the auctioneer put an estimate of 30 to 60 English pounds on rare Beatles photos, they’re sure they’ll go for even more.

Other Beatles Memorabilia already sold by Duke’s Grove Auction House include a complete set of signatures on the back of a birth certificate autographed by the lads during the filming of Help!.

The Beatles unseen photos auction will be held at Duke’s Grove Auctions on August 11th in Dorchester England.

- Beatles Geek Pete
Visit my blog for more Beatles News and cool Beatles Gifts
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Beatles Rare Photos To Be Auctioned Off

McCartney sung the romantic love ballad to the First Lady in front of 60,000 fans at Washington’s FedEX Field. Unfortunately there weren’t 60,001 in the audience. The First Lady had left the concert early to go on vacation at Camp David.

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http://www.StubHub.com/McCartney

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Last year, during an MTV Europe award show where McCartney was presented with the Ultimate Legend Award, Paul thanked everyone in America for voting for Mr. Obama. McCartney later told reporters that he would love to sing for President Obama and his Wife. He hinted that he had a song ready to sing for Michelle Obama.

I was fortunate enough to have gone to McCartney’s CitiField concert and remember he used images of President Obama projected behind the band at one point. During his introduction to the White Album classic “Black Bird” McCartney told the audience the song was written about the Black struggle in the 1960s. It felt good that things have progressed since the writing of “Black Bird”.

The Beatles classic “Michelle” wasn’t written about a particular Michelle. “Michelle, ma belle” was suggested to McCartney by a French Teacher who was a friend. She also translated McCartney’s lyric, “These are words that go together well” into the french “Sont des mots qui vont tres bien ensemble” which was also used in the song. Although his friend didn’t receive writing credit, McCartney did mail her a nice check. Not a bad payday for writing two words of a Beatles song.

In the Paul McCartney Autobiography, he remembers how the now classic Michelle was easy to mix since it was only four tracks. He recalled how there were no decisions to make during mixing since they’d made them all in the writing and in the recording. He added that it took only about a half an hour to mix. With minimum effort and expense, the simple song racked up over four million broadcast performances over the years. The song even won a Grammy in 1966 for Song of the Year.

McCartney goes on to recollect in the Paul McCartney Autobiography how, not long after Michelle came out, photographer David Bailey told McCartney he thought it was a tongue in cheek joke. He thought “Michelle” was a parody of a French song. At the time McCartney literally told him to F-Off. But, now he understands what he meant and agrees it was in a way a parody of a French song.

- Beatles Geek Pete
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Paul McCartney Dedicates Beatles Michelle to Michelle Obama

Now almost 30 years after his father’s death, Julian Lennon is considering co-writing with his father again. This time father John Lennon will be providing the lyrics and son Julian the tune. Julian had purchased John’s handwritten lyrics from an auction at Sotheby’s a decade ago.

Statue of the Beatles John Lennon

Recently Julian said, “I don’t believe the lyrics have been used anywhere,” he explained. “If the time was right, if it felt right, then I would consider looking at the lyrics and maybe trying to work with them and write something. But obviously only in honour of Dad. I guess in some respect it would be like coming home.”

John Lennon’s handwritten lyrics read, “Little girl I’ve come to stay/And this time I just have to say/ I love you/If she turns you down and you’re rejected/Try again the best you can/Call to see her when you’re least expected/Tell her now she’ll understand.”

John Lennon’s handwritten lyrics are on display in Liverpool’s Beatles Story Museum as part of an exhibition put on by Julian and his mother Cynthia who was Lennon’s first wife. The exhibition tells the emotional and intimate personal story of the life of the Lennon family. It gives a unique and emotive insight into life with John Lennon that only Cynthia and Julian can give.

Throughout the exhibition Julian and Cynthia recollect their memories, experiences and emotions of their lives with John. The story is brought to you through personal interviews, family photos and the Lennon’s’ unseen collection of memorabilia.

The exhibition is called “White Feather: The Spirit of Lennon Exhibit”. Julian explains the origin of the name, “One thing Dad said to me should he pass away, if there was any way of letting me know he was going to be ok the message would come to me in the form of a white feather. Then something happened to me about ten years ago when I was on tour in Australia. I was presented with a white feather by an Aboriginal tribal elder, which definitely took my breath away. One thing for sure is that the white feather always represented peace to me.”

White Feather: The Spirit of Lennon Exhibit will be on display at Liverpool’s Pier Head in the Beatles Story Museum until December 31st 2009.

- Beatle Geek Pete
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Will John Lennon Collaborate Again with Son Julian?

For those who don’t know, the Beatles were the first band to play in a huge sports arena. It was in the Summer of 1965 at the New York Mets Shea Stadium. Of course these days huge concerts in sports arenas are common. But, back then the pioneering Beatles actually sung through the stadium’s PA announcement system (Now up at bat… The Beatles… ECHO Echo echo). The original Beatles set list was only 12 songs long and could barely be heard by the 55,000 screaming girls in the audience (OK, there were some screaming dudes too.)

I was actually married at the old 1960s World’s Fair building right where the Beatles Helicopter landed after their Shea Stadium concert. We had our buffet on the same roof where the Beatles made their quick escape decades before. The building had a heliport on the roof which is now a big patio with a beautful view of Manhattan. I’m sure nobody who celebrates their wedding there has any clue of the history.
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For some reason that escapes me, they tore down Shea Stadium last year and built a new baseball stadium right next to it. As a Beatles Tribute, Paul McCartney was asked to be the first to play the new Mets Ballpark.

McCartney had made a guest appearance when Billy Joel played the last show of Shea Stadium last year. I happened to be driving home from the airport just as McCartney’s Limo exited Shea and I drove along side for while as McCartney headed home with a large police escort to the Hamptons. McCartney returned the favor to Billy Joel by having him as a guest on the first night of the new stadium.

McCartney’s voice was the stongest I’ve heard it in the three times I’ve seen him. At sixty seven, his voice is still as strong as it was in his twentys (even if he had a bad hair day in the misty New York weather). You can see in these video hightlights how much fun McCartney was having…

My highlight of the show was when Paul paid tribute to his recently deceased friend George Harrison. Paul played Harrison’s song “Something” on a ukulele that George had given him. As in the Concert for George Harrison DVD performance, the whole band comes in and they morph into the recorded version with photos of George behind the band. It was a very touching moment when Paul turned around at the end of the tribute and raised two peace signs to the large image of George Harrison being projected behind him. Here’s Paul singing Something…

- Beatle Geek Pete
Visit my blog for Beatles Merchandise & News

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Video Highlights of Paul McCartney Historic Citi Field Concert

Michael Jackson is Not Giving Beatles Songs Back to Paul

From CNN… First the rumor went around that Michael Jackson was leaving the Beatles catalog to Paul McCartney in his will. Then the rumor was that McCartney was upset that Jackson didn’t leave the Beatles catalog to the Beatle in his will.

Neither is true, said McCartney in a posting on his Web site.

“Some time ago, the media came up with the idea that Michael Jackson was going to leave his share in the Beatles songs to me in his will which was completely made up and something I didn’t believe for a second,” McCartney said.

“Now the report is that I am devastated to find that he didn’t leave the songs to me. This is completely untrue,” he added…

http://whtq.com/blogs/rock_news/2009/07/mccartney-michael-jackson-was.html

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Paul McCartney Returned to the Ed Sullivan Theatre to Rock Letterman

The big news last night wasn’t that former Beatle, Sir Paul McCartney was on the David Letterman show.
It wasn’t that it was a return for Paul to the Ed Sullivan Theater where the Beatles rocked America and where Letterman’s show is now taped. It wasn’t that he did a performance on top of the marquee of the Ed Sullivan Theater, for an impromptu late afternoon concert for summer tourists and New Yorkers….

http://whtq.com/blogs/rock_news/2009/07/mccartney-michael-jackson-was.html

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Michael Jackson’s Death Will Not Effect Beatles Rock Band Set List

Is there any cause for concern that the final set list for Beatles Rock Band will be compromised by Michael Jackson’s death? How did MJ get into the Rock Band title for The Beatles, in the first place? If in case you still weren’t aware, the King of Pop only happened to own the song catalog of The Beatles via ATV, at least until his untimely demise…

http://www.qj.net/Jackson-s-death-won-t-affect-The-Beatles-Rock-Band-set-list/pg/49/aid/132943

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New York Rock Station WNEW looks back on The Beatles Free As a Bird

If you like the Beatles, then you’ll love this video. Of course, if you like the Beatles, then you’ve almost certainly already seen it. See how many references to Beatles songs you can find … there are reportedly 80 to 100 for the discerning eye …

http://www.wnew.com/2009/06/video-classics-free-as-a-bird-the-beatles.html

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New York Rock Startion WNEW looks back on the Golden Slumbers Medley

The other three members of the group accepted Paul McCartney’s suggestion that they record an album ‘the way they used to’, free of all the strife. Knowing that it would likely be their last, John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr committed fully to the project, wanting the band to ‘go out on a high note’. Thus it came to pass that their album, Abbey Road, was born…

http://www.wnew.com/2009/07/video-classics-golden-slumbers-medley-the-beatles.html

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- Beatle Geek Pete
Visit my blog for Beatles Merchandise & News

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Beatles & Michael Jackson, Beatles Rock Band, McCartney Rocks Letterman, More Beatles News …

A Beatles Children’s Song to Sell Alcohol?

OK, OK, I admit it. I like it. At first I thought I was going to call for a ban on Budweiser over their use of the Beatles All Together Now in a beer commercial. But, after watching the ad, I actually like the new version and accompanying video.

Maybe it’s a good thing to keep the Beatles music in front of the masses so it will live forever. Or, does it cheapen the music to use what McCartney says was written as a children’s song to push alcohol? Leave your comments below!

Budweiser had the commercial filmed over 5 days from a regularly scheduled Chicago  train. The opening shot of the Chicago skyline looks conspicuously like the opening shot of Liverpool in the Yellow Submarine movie. The beer ad shows a marching band, a bee on a trampoline, football players, cheerleaders, a bride and groom and other characters all over the city, on rooftops and streets spelling out the lyrics to the song.

Budweiser doesn’t have the rights to the recording of the Beatles version of All Together Now, so they enlisted a group called The Hours to record an extremely similar cover version. Their version of All Together Now is similar all the way to the party sounds and ending toy bicycle horn. I guess the song wouldn’t end properly without the little honk honk. The major difference is the lead vocal is a female, but with very Beatle sounding voices singing backup.

Supposedly the group recorded their song in a hotel room using a fire extinguisher banging a radiator for percussion. Sounds very influenced by  Lennon’s Give Peace a Chance Bed-In recording session. I have my doubts if it really was recorded in a hotel room. But supposedly there is footage of them recording it. So, I’ll be proved wrong.

The members of The Hours have played with Joe Strummer, Robbie Williams, Pulp, Elastica, Black Grape. They are currently opening for U2 on tour.

The advertising agency behind the creative commercial say they spent 50 hours over 5 days filming the 300 actors from the train attempting to keep everything in sync with the song lyrics. Looks like they did a lot of editing to make it work in the end. Definitely not one long continuous shot, which would have been impressive but near impossible.

The ad took a crew of 125 people and an additional 35 sets along with the natural Chicago backdrop and commuter train.

The ad will appear in the UK on July 4th. I guess as payback for our declaring independence from England, we don’t get to see the ad in the US.

Leave a comment and let everyone know what you think of the Beatles Budweiser commercial…

- Pete the Beatle Geek

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Beatles Song in New Budweiser Beer Commercial Ad… All Together Now

Listen to George Harrison’s Greatest Hits on Amazon

“Let It Roll: Songs by George Harrison is a gathering of material that takes us far into the territory that was ultimately a place unique to George Harrison,” writes Warren Zanes in his liner notes essay for the new collection.

This collection is the first to span Harrison’s entire solo recording career, including the #1 Billboard Pop singles “My Sweet Lord,” “Isn’t It A Pity,” “Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth),” and “Got My Mind Set On You.” Let It Roll also features live recordings of three timeless Harrison-penned Beatles songs, “Something,” “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” and “Here Comes The Sun,” from his 1971 all-star Concert For Bangladesh benefit at Madison Square Garden.

“The keyhole into the world of George Harrison is the music itself. Yet his songs and the accomplishments for which he’s remembered are inextricably bound-and those accomplishments are, without question, eclectic in scope,” Zanes writes.

George Harrison is a twice-inducted member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, as a solo artist and as a member of The Beatles, and an 11-time Grammy Award winner for his recordings with The Beatles, Traveling Wilburys, and as a solo artist. On April 14, Harrison was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles.

Let it Roll is an excellent catalog of songs which show just how talented an artist George was. It skillfully shows just how much he grew as a songwriter over the years and what an inventive, musically rich musician he was. The tracks were personally picked by George’s widow Oliva. The hits collection was painstakingly remixed by Giles Martin (George Martin’s Son).

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- Pete the Beatle Geek

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George Harrison Releases Remixed Greatest Hits Collection

The video game will be released on 9 9 9 (September 2009). Beatles Rock Band will definitely be the must-have Beatles Christmas Gift of 2009. It may be hard to find around Christmas, so think ahead and preorder one today. The Limited Edition Guitar Controllers will probably be particularly hard to find around Christmas. You can preorder Rock Band here…

Preorder Beatles Rock Band

At the video game convention, Paul McCartney joked, “Whoever thought we’d end up as androids?” Ringo said “The Game is good, the graphics are very good, and we look great.” McCartney and Starr robotically mocked how their video game characters walked to no laughter in the video game industry audience. I guess they take their video games very seriously.

Paul and Ringo Mock Their Robotic Video Game Charactors

The Beatle wives Yoko Ono and Olivia and Dhani Harrison, and George Martin’s son Giles also made brief appearances on the colorful Yellow Submarine-inspired stage.

The Bealtes Rock Band video game will allow players to step into the shoes of the Beatles and play such classics as I Saw Her Standing There, I Wanna Hold Your Hand, I Feel Fine, Day Tripper, Taxman, I am the Walrus, Back in the USSR, Octopus’ Garden, Here Comes the Sun, and Get Back. You will be able to hold controllers shaped like the Beatle’s instruments including an optional limited edition Rickenbacker and Gretsch guitars.

With downloadable remixed songs, the game will be the Beatles first leap into releasing their music digitally having refused to release their music as MP3s to iTunes and other online sites.

On the same day as the video game release, the Beatles will re-release their CDs as new remixed and remastered versions. Judging from the previously reissues of remastered Yellow Submarine and Let it Be Naked, we’re all in for a sonic treat. George Martin’s son Giles Martin worked on the remixing and announced the remixed Beatles CD Catalog  release at the E3 Game Convention.

Star and McCartney performed at a New York benefit last April, but appearances together have been rare since the breakup. My fingers are crossed that Ringo will make an appearance at McCartney’s Citi Field show (Yeah, I have tickets!). It will be the first concert in the NY Met’s new Stadium. In a historic concert, The Beatles were the first to play the Beatles old Shea Stadium.

Don’t forget to preorder your Beatles Rock Band for Christmas 2009!

- Pete the Beatle Geek
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Paul McCartney and Ringo Introduce The Beatles Rock Band at Video Game Conference

Today, Paul McCartney’s homepage simply says…

“It’s so sad and shocking. I feel privileged to have hung out and worked with Michael. He was a massively talented boy man with a gentle soul. His music will be remembered forever and my memories of our time together will be happy ones. I send my deepest sympathy to his mother and the whole family and to his countless fans all around the world.”

Very diplomatic of Sir Paul considering how his one-time friend and musical collaborator later stabbed him in his Back-in-the-USSR. McCartney often told the story of how he gave Jackson some older-brotherly advice telling the gloved-one he should invest in something he loves like Music Publishing. McCartney was certain his friend and collaborator was joking when Jackson said, “One day I’m going to buy your songs Paul”.

Only Jackson wasn’t joking. In 1985, Michael Jackson outbid Paul McCartney and paid 47.5 Million for the Beatles Publishing Catalog.

But now, the Beatles Publishing future is uncertain after Jackson’s death.

Last January, The U.K.’s Daily Mirror reported that a Jackson insider had stated, “Michael told his lawyers he was sad he no longer talks to Sir Paul and said he wanted to make things right.” Is it possible Jackson foresaw his early death later the same year and wanted to correct his earlier wrong doing?

But who really owns the catalog now? Was Jackson able to hold onto his investment despite his recent financial downfall? Jackson sold 50% to Sony but held onto the other half of the publishing catalog.

However, according to a 2002 lawsuit filed by a creditor, Michael later used his music shares to secure a 270 Million Dollar loan. By 2005, The Wall Street Journal reported Jackson racked up 500 Million in debt.

It is possible the shares in Beatle’s publishing will go to some creditor. Or, perhaps back to his onetime friend and mentor Paul McCartney. Keep those fingers crossed.

McCartney and Jackson’s collaboration started after Paul wrote “Girlfriend” from his London Town album with Jackson in mind. Jackson’s producer Quincy Jones suggested to Michael that he record the song for his first album “Off the Wall”. Jackson didn’t use the song, but thought of Paul for his next album “Thriller”.

So, McCartney and Jackson worked together in 1982 on Jackson’s “This Girl is Mine” for the Thriller album. Then they worked together again in 1983, this time for McCartney’s “Say Say Say” from the Pipes of Peace Album.

After they had their bidding war over the Beatle’s Publishing Catalog, they reportedly never spoke again.

Even after death, Michael continues to dish up the strangest  stories.

Pete the Beatle Geek
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Paul McCartney Gives his Friend a Brotherly Pat on the Back While Michael Jackson Prepares to Sucker Punch Paul.

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Did Michael Jackson Will Paul McCartney back his Beatles Songs?