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

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
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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

This Post from: Beatles Gifts where you can find the perfect Beatles Gifts for the Beatle Fan in your life!

The Beatles Rock Band Buyers Guide – Which to Buy?

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 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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Find Paul McCartney Concert Tickets on Ebay’s StubHub!

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
Visit my blog for more Beatles News & cool Beatles Gifts
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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
Visit my blog for more Beatles News and Beatles Merchandise

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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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Boston, Atlanta, Oklahoma, Texas & Maryland!

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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

Beatles Gifts .com

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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?