Imagine is top song for over-50s

John Lennon's Imagine has been voted the favourite pop song of the baby boomer generation in a radio poll. The anthem narrowly beat Chris De Burgh's Lady In Red, which took second place in the survey of 3,760 over-50s conducted by the Smooth Radio network. Crazy, a number one hit for US hip-hop duo Gnarls Barkley last year, also made the list - but nearly half of the top 50 came from the 1960s. The Beatles failed to make the top 10, but scored five entries in total. The Beatles failed to make the top 10, but scored five entries in total. Their first placing was at number 15, with Hey Jude, and Yesterday, A Day In The Life, I Want To Hold Your Hand and In My Life also made appearances....more...

Mills furious over McCartney's tardiness

British rock icon Paul McCartney and his estranged wife Heather Mills reportedly had a post-Christmas spat after McCartney took their daughter home late. The argument began after McCartney failed to take 4-year-old Beatrice home at the designated time last Wednesday, leaving family and friends waiting to see the girl, the Daily Mirror reported. "They arranged for him to have Bea between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., but he didn't arrive until 6 p.m. and didn't even ring to let her know he was running late," a source told the newspaper. Heather wasn't happy. She had people round to see Bea and it didn't leave much time until she had to be in bed. She made it patently clear she wasn't happy. She thought it was incredibly inconsiderate and rude."...more...

Follow In The Fab Fours Footsteps

We are at the start of Richard's In My Life walk, a way-above-average Beatles trail through London. He talks in a blizzard of rapid info-bites, torrents of facts scything through traffic noise as he leads us past the beautiful station entrance, crossing the road towards the pillared facade of the Marylebone Registry Office and Magistrate's Court. John and Yoko made an appearance here, on a drugs charge, in 1968 - a fact which, amid all the swirl of info, Richard omits. Instead he tells us that "Paul married Linda here in 1969 - on March 12. People said it wouldn't last. But how wrong they were." We pause to reflect on Linda's sad absence. "The fans had gathered here that day to cry their eyes out," Richard adds. Paul was the last unwed Beatle. "And such a commotion was raised that Paul slipped in unnoticed through the back." Richard extracts a black-and-white photo from his bag to prove the point. It's Paul looking cheery among the bins. ...more...

The Beatles: Love

When The Beatles - whose music has cast its spell over generation after generation - came together with Cirque du Soleil, few could have predicted the extraordinary adventure ahead. The aim was to attempt a visual interpretation of the magical landscape created by the Fab Four. Witness the process by which the Love stage show and album were created side-by-side. Including the long-protected Beatles catalogue, unreleased archive material and exclusive interviews with Sir Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Yoko Ono and Olivia Harrison. ...more...

MILLS TO SELL HOME TO PAY DEBTS

HEATHER MILLS fears she may be forced to sell her home to pay for her divorce from SIR PAUL McCARTNEY. The former glamour model is facing legal action from her former lawyers over $4 million (£2 million) in outstanding bills and now stands to be forced to put her English house on the market to cover the costs. McCartney bought the nine-bedroom home in East Sussex, England, for his estranged wife in August (07) as the $6.5 million (£3.25 million) house is close to his own property and would allow him easy access to his daughter Beatrice, four. But Mills insists her spiraling debts may leave her no choice but to sell up. A source tells British newspaper the Sunday Mirror, "Heather is telling friends that relations have broken down so badly between her and her lawyers she will have to sell her new house to pay the debt. "This Christmas she's been facing up to losing her home. It's a shame as she and Bea have just started to settle there." Source:

Heather Mills Has 'Borderline Personality Disorder'

TV star Judy Finnigan has claimed Heather Mills suffers from “borderline personality disorder” just like the late Princess Diana. Finnigan says Mills – currently locked in a bitter divorce battle with Sir Paul McCartney – should seek help to deal with her condition. She says in a new magazine interview, “I think Heather's a textbook case... it is quite a serious condition, characterised by paranoia, fantasy and delusions. "I'll tell you who else suffered from that - Princess Diana. When Heather compared herself to Diana, I think there was some truth in it, though not in the way she meant. I think she really needs help." ...more...

New Beatle Podcast for the Die-Hard, as well as “lay” Beatle Fan…

When you think “Beatles”, what leaps to mind first? Is it that they were the greatest band that ever existed, or ever will exist? That they changed the way we listen to music, live our life, and see the world? Or is it as simple as just loving how you feel when you listen to those sacrosanct tunes? Probably all of the above. “Just Four Guys” is an hour-long radio program (podcast) that addresses all facets of the emotional experience we go through when listening to the Fab Four (if this sounds like some sort of “musical therapy session”, it is. But NOT in the “self-analyzing, tell-me-how-you-feel-about-yourself, psychotropic drug sense…”). If you love The Beatles, you have a deeper connection to music in general than most people. Chances are you also have a healthy sense of humor, you look at life through rose-colored glasses, but aren’t blind to the realities of the world in which we live. It’s because of people like you that “Just Four Guys” came into existence.

The host of the show is Ray Whitaker, a guy who has worked more jobs than any normal human being should ever admit to. Serving his time in the radio industry for several years did absolutely nothing to further his self-esteem, so he purposely ostracized himself from those in “big-time radio” in Boston & Hartford, moved to Martha’s Vineyard with his wife and daughter, and began his journey toward creating a show that all Beatle fans could relate to. And while he knows a great deal about John, Paul George & Ringo, he’s the first to deny that he’s an authority on all things Beatle. Like most Beatle fans, Ray just wants to share knowledge, have fun, and play the greatest music ever recorded…and have a laugh in the process. “The thing that most people in radio seem to forget is that The Beatles had this great ‘Liverpool Scouse’ sense of humor. I’d sound like a complete tool trying to recreate that, so I just do my own thing and hope I encourage a little smirk”, says Ray.

“Just Four Guys” airs every Tuesday afternoon at 4:00 (EST) at http://www.mvyradio.com. Every show he’s done is archived (go to “archives”, “program archives”, then “Just Four Guys”). Also, if you are My Space-friendly, go to the Just Four Guys page at www.myspace/justfourguysradio and become a friend to the show.

Lastly, each Just Four Guys has a theme: Beatles music appeal to kids, Love, The Rutles, etc…The next one to air, on January 8th, focuses on the musical rivalry between Paul McCartney & Brian Wilson, and how we were the benefactors of that musical competitiveness.

A turning point for pop

RUBBER SOUL, in 1965, is the first great Beatles album, the first that hangs together perfectly thematically, structurally and in consistent quality. It's not just a collection of singles, it's a coherent collection in which individual tracks each serve a wider purpose, a sustained thought from Drive My Car to Run For Your Life. In a year when Bob Dylan went electric and the Beach Boys set in motion what would become Pet Sounds, the depth of songwriting on Rubber Soul shows the band clearly changed from boys with a talent to craftsmen. You won't get me arguing against Rubber Soul but I think the seeds of it were there one album earlier. For me, the soundtrack to the film Help! (as we learn in the DVD extras in this box, the exclamation mark was added because a film already existed with the name Help) is where the band made the turn. ...more...

STELLA MCCARTNEY NAMED PERSON OF THE YEAR BY PETA

Fashion designer STELLA MCCARTNEY has been named the Person of the Year by animal-rights campaigners. The daughter of Beatles legend Sir Paul was honoured by members of the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) for her fur-free and leather-free collections. PETA's U.S. Senior Vice President, Dan Mathews, says, "Stella MCCartney proves you can have a look that kills without killing." Source:

Ozzy and Paul - Pair to duet at the Brit awards

OZZY OSBOURNE is to fulfil a lifelong dream at the Brit Awards — by performing with his hero SIR PAUL McCARTNEY. Brits bosses are thrashing out the final details for The Prince Of Darkness to join Macca for an explosive finale. Aptly for Ozzy, after his well documented booze and drugs battles, they will perform Paul’s classic Bond theme Live And Let Die. And if it does come off it will all be down to Ozzy’s wife SHARON. The X Factor judge has used her influence — and the couple’s gig as awards hosts — to set up the once in a lifetime opportunity for her hubby. She said: “They go together really well. It will be amazing.” ...more...

Mucca Top of the Strops

CRAZED Heather Mills’s live telly rant was the Most Cringe-worthy Moment of 2007. Sir Paul McCartney’s estranged wife’s meltdown on GMTV took top slot in MSN’s Review of 2007 – a poll of 5,000 webheads. More than 31% named it as one of the year’s “most defining moments.” During the 19-minute onslaught, Lady Mucca, 39, claimed she is more hated than paedophiles and murderers. The self-pitying ex-model then stunned TV viewers by comparing herself to Kate McCann, 39, and Princess Diana. She blasted chat show hosts Kate Price, 29, Peter Andre, 35, and Jonathan Ross, 46, for making jokes about her. And she also raved on and on about how she often thinks of killing herself. ...more...

'Recalling Holidays That Brought The Greatest Gift'

And so it is Christmas, and what you have done? That’s an opening line from one of many fine songs that John Lennon wrote, with the above lyric being part of a song that would become a holiday classic. Lennon’s song is one of reflection in which the listener is asked to look back at the year nearly past and ask if it has been time well spent. Such is the holiday season that we all enjoy the present while recalling Christmas seasons of our times past. For many of us well into adulthoold it’s also a time to think back to holiday seasons of our youth - and the people who made it possible - chiefly, our parents. ...more...

Capturing the 'Soul' of Beatles

When the Beatles were first starting out, they would pile into a van and travel the back roads of England, playing at small theaters. Now, Rubber Soul, a Twin Cities-based Beatles tribute band, is doing much the same thing, with a concert Saturday at the Paramount Theatre in Austin. "This is hands down our favorite venue," said Brian McGuire, who portrays Paul McCartney in Rubber Soul. "It looks exactly like the Beatles' tour of England in 1963." That kind of nostalgia permeates Rubber Soul's stage show, which includes music from the entire career of the Beatles, complete with authentic musical instruments and costumes. You have to do it very well and hit a home run every time," McGuire said. "There's no doing it half-way. Their fans hold the Beatles music so dearly."...more...

Boxing Match

It's all George Harrison's fault. When he added an extra "jam session" disc to his already double-length All Things Must Pass in 1970 (thus creating the world's first triple album), record companies became aware of the profits to be made from such additions. It took two more things in the 1980s — compact discs and nostalgia — for the trend to really take off. Suddenly, back catalogs were being repackaged as grand "boxed sets" with all sorts of extra features, ranging in pointlessness from bonus tracks to the box itself. For example, when The Beatles finally got around to releasing the U.S. versions of their early LPs on CD in 2004 (essentially the same as the previously released U.K. versions, but with the tracks in a slightly different order), they could have just issued each one on a single disc. Instead, they packaged the eight albums into a pair of grand collections portentously titled Capitol Albums Vols. 1 & 2, which were padded out with separate mono and stereo versions of each disc to justify the bloated price tag. Ka-ching! Of course, it didn't help that the band had already released every Beatles rarity worth listening to (and a lot more besides) on the three double-CD Anthology series. ...more...

Heather Mills most cringworthy

HEATHER Mills's 19-minute television rant has been voted Britain's "Most Cringeworthy Moment of 2007" by internet users. The estranged wife of former Beatle Paul McCartney was voted into first place in MSN's Review of 2007 poll, with 31 per cent naming her live outburst as one of the year's most defining moments. Reformed '90s boy band Take That was more successful, with 41 per cent of the 5000 voters choosing it above Led Zeppelin and the Spice Girls to the title of "Comeback Kings". The England rugby team's appearance in the Rugby World Cup Final was named ...more...

Dave Stewart Directs Ringo

Musical pioneer Dave Stewart has directed "Liverpool 8," the first video and single off Ringo Starr's forthcoming studio release, Liverpool 8. Stewart co-wrote the song and co-produced the album with Starr which will be out January 15, 2008 via Capitol/EMI. The new video is set to premiere exclusively at Amazon.com on January 4. Lively and upbeat, "Liverpool 8" reflects Starr's life, following him from childhood, to working at Butlins, to playing with the Beatles at the peak of their career. Utilizing a full orchestra and brass band, the song's melody manages to pay homage to The Beatles' musical innovation and creates a completely original sound at the same time. In the video, Starr and Stewart perform the song while a young child looks through a kaleidoscope revealing flashes of Starr's legendary past. ...more...

Stella McCartney gives Barneys a little more green

Stella McCartney, a designer who made vegan stilettos chic, has gone organic — creating an 18-piece clothing line exclusively for Barneys New York. No surprise here. McCartney was green before green was trendy, challenging her parent company Gucci Group to produce stylish shoes and bags without leather. And Barneys has done green collaborations in the past, not to mention its "Give Good Green" Christmas theme this year. Naturally, you won't find any bad hemp drawstrings in the Stella McCartney Organic Collection. Think cuffed shorts, fitted blazers and oversize cargo-style jackets in nubby but soft organic cotton and cotton canvas. The color palette is (surprise!) earthy browns, tans and ivory. Most of the fabrics are either untreated and remain the color they were when harvested or dyed using a low impact process....more...

Peace on Earth (maybe) and goodwill toward whom?

Is peace just a pipe dream for innocents, and is peace-making the time-wasting pursuit of fools? Not necessarily, Huxley - like the current pope - seemed to suggest. That's because, he argued, there are certain "empirical facts," as he called them, about people that just might equip them to make peace a reality. For starters, Huxley noted, sounding papal, "We are all capable of love for other human beings." His second "empirical fact": "We impose limitations on that love." His third: "We can transcend all these limitations - if we choose to." (Fast-forward to Christmas 1969, when John Lennon and Yoko Ono unveiled their "War is Over! If You Want It" billboards in major cities around the world. Their message about collective will having the power to shape reality was the same one.) ...more...

The Beatles -- Revolution -- History and Information from the Oldies Guide at About.com

Believe it or not, that slow, jazzy, groovy version of "Revolution" you hear on the "White Album" is the original, and the single was the afterthought -- for John to get his non-violent message across to student strikers all around the globe, he first had to engage in some old-fashioned sonic rabble-rousing. And good thing he did, for the result is one-half of what may be the greatest rock single of all time. By spring 1968, student demonstrations had reached a fever pitch all around the world, most notably in Paris, where a massive strike and resultant riots led to the collapse of the government led by Charles DeGaulle....more...

Happy X-Mas

This is my favorite day of the year. It's redolent with meaning and import, with letting family and friends know how much they mean to me. It's a time of giving and giving back. And, it's also a time of cooking, and eating, and cleaning, and cooking, and eating, and cleaning. While we cook, we will no doubt sing John Lennon's "Happy Christmas" song (the first stanza is below), one of my favorite holiday songs. I'm off for my first cup of coffee and I wish you a day--and days--filled with joy, love, and delicious food. ...more...

It's Only Rock and Roll-Why Leon Russell Still Matters

There's a moment in the film of the 1971 Concert for Bangladesh that shows how great rock music can be. Bob Dylan, George Harrison and Leon Russell are singing Dylan's “Just Like A Woman.” All three men join in the chorus, creating an unusual and unique set of harmonies that could probably only occur with those three voices. It's a transcendent moment that kept me in a theater in downtown Frankfurt am Main for most of a day in 1972 as I watched the film over and over again until the usher asked me to leave before the evening shows began. There's a performance of “That's the Way God Planned It” by Billy Preston that is probably the most rocking song in the original film and the version of the Beatles' tune “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” is typically emotive but it's that chorus that keeps me coming back to this film....more...

Site of Beatles' solace on long, winding road as school for poor

RISHIKESH, India - With their iconic long hair and necklaces of Indian marigolds, the Beatles journeyed to this city in the foothills of the Himalayas in the late 1960s. They were at the height of their fame, but they came to escape material wealth and the pressures of celebrity. Their destination: an ashram, where they would study with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the founder of Transcendental Meditation. Today, nearly 40 years later, the guru's former campus is still known as the Beatles' ashram, a once-whimsical 15-acre spread dotted with cozy huts and vegetarian food halls. It was here, along the cliffs overlooking the Ganges River, that the Fab Four hunkered down in spring 1968 to compose as many as 48 songs, including "Revolution," "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" and "Blackbird."...more...

Jacko to McCartney -- You're Dead to Me!

Maybe he's on Team Heather, maybe he's just jealous that Paul's still got a face, but Michael Jackson has a message for Paul McCartney on the 25th anniversary release of "Thriller" -- the song is mine! FOX News reports that the new mixes on the re-release of "Thriller" are out, and Paul is nowhere to be seen on the new version of "The Girl is Mine." Jacko and producer Will.I.Am have scrubbed Macca out of the song, which was originally, of course, a duet. He's a real nowhere man! Kanye West does a version of "Billie Jean," while Akon has his own rendition of "Wanna Be Starting Something." Source:

The Beatles: Anthems for a generation

Throughout history people have regarded music in its various forms as a source of entertainment. It has often reflected the social, emotional and political values of the times. To people of my generation a British rock and roll group called the Beatles -- John, Paul, George and Ringo -- represented music at its best. We grew with the music of the Beatles through those turbulent years of the 1960s and shared their fame, disillusions, loves and failed relationships. We felt the energy in those early Lennon/McCartney songs. They revived the roots of American rock and roll and rhythm and blues and then matured by decade's end. We lived for years vicariously through their music and lyrics. We became aware of their genius as artists both with the Beatles and then as solo artists, and to this day, find it remarkable how they captured the time, our time, in songs so relevant, so beautiful, so honest and so timeless. It's been more than 43 years since the Beatles first hit North America and six years since we lost George. It's hard to believe, but it has also been 27 years since that dreadful, cold, Dec. 8 New York night when we lost John. But still, their music lives on....more...

Heather Mills 'ready to settle' with Paul

Heather Mills is now hoping to reach a "speedy" divorce settlement with her estranged husband Paul McCartney, according to a report. The former model is believed to be prepared to accept a £10 million portion of Macca's fortune, rather than fighting for £60 million as previously reported. Recent reports have claimed that Mills is facing a cash crisis, with her former legal firm Mishcon de Reya close to filing a lawsuit against her over an unpaid bill of £2 million. "Heather is really short of money. Her financial problems are mounting up fast," a source told The People. "She has realised she is no position to put up a strong legal fight against Sir Paul any more. Heather has decided to take the sensible option and try to gain a speedy settlement. Her only demand now is for the date to be brought forward." The insider added: "She is prepared to accept a lot less from Sir Paul than she once was, as long as he doesn't really try to short-change her." Source:

John Lennon, Christmas and the world as one

Several years ago about this time I bought The John Lennon Collection CD, mostly because I wanted a copy of "Happy Xmas (War is Over)," perhaps my favorite Christmas song of all. I broke it out Saturday afternoon, put the basketballs games on mute, and with most of my shopping done and the son transported home safely following his early flight to Birmingham and asleep in the "Buck Cave" after his band played until two in the morning in St. Pete, settled in for an afternoon of music. And as I am always reminded when I listen to this 19-song compilation, John Lennon made some great, great music post-Beatles. ...more...

BUY: The John Lennon Collection




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Legendary troubadour to perform

The legendary folk-rock-pop troubadour Donovan, will put on a solo acoustic show at the Lensic Performing Arts Center on Feb. 11, beginning at 7:30 pm. Donovan Leitch began his career as an itinerant folk musician, creating acoustic hits in 1965 with the gentle “Catch The Wind” and “Colours” and his version of Buffy Sainte Marie’s protest anthem “Universal Soldier” before transforming the pop music landscape with a series of enigmatic and wondrous pop masterpieces that continue to be played on radio and television. From 1966 through 1969, Donovan scored a string of 11 Top 40 hits in a row, including “Mellow Yellow,” “Sunshine Superman,” “Epistle To Dippy,” “There Is A Mountain,” “Wear Your Love Like Heaven,” “Hurdy Gurdy Man,” “Jennifer Juniper,” “Lalena,” “Atlantis,” and “Riki Tiki Tavi.” Donovan was one of the few artists to collaborate on songs with the Beatles, contributing lyrics to the song “Yellow Submarine”. He was also invited by the Beatles to join them at Abbey Road Studios for the final orchestral overdub session for the Lennon-McCartney collaboration “A Day in the Life,” the grand finale of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band....more...

Book Review: The White Book - The Beatles, the Bands, the Biz

Aside from their contributions to music and pop culture, The Beatles turned out to be pretty good for the publishing industry, too. A search for "Beatles" on Amazon.com turns up over 27,000 results in the Books section alone. Readers just can't seem to get enough material on this legendary band, and The White Book: The Beatles, the Bands, the Biz: An Insider's Look at an Era -- written by Ken Mansfield, a music-industry veteran who served as the U.S. Manager for Apple Records -- is the among the latest....more...

BUY: The White Book: The Beatles, the Bands, the Biz: An Insider's Look at an Era



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From Beatles to Kevin 'Bloody' Wilson, Christmas tunes pay

At the height of their career, the Beatles were not above cashing in on Christmas tunes at the end of the year, a formula that 40 years later still serves well for musical groups from Venezuela to Australia. The seven Christmas albums the Fab Four put out between 1963 and 1969 were condensed into a single, special album for their fans in Britain and the United States in 1970, when arguably the most famous pop group of all time split up. One year into his solo musical career John Lennon composed “Happy Christmas [War is Over],” a holiday-protest song against the Vietnam War. The album, which sold like hot cakes around the world, also featured his wife Yoko Ono and a Harlem children’s choir. Less political but extremely catchy, was the tune written by Paul McCartney in 1979, “Wonderful Christmas Time.” Over the years the song has grown in popularity to rival all-time favorites Irvin Berlin’s “White Christmas” (1942) and James Pierpoint’s “Jingle Bells” (1857). ...more...

Paul McCartney's hamster home

Sir Paul McCartney once built his children a hamster cage for Christmas. The Beatles legend - who has three children with his late wife Linda; Mary, Stella and James, and also adopted her daughter Heather, 44, as well as a four-year-old daughter Beatrice with his estranged wife Heather Mills - likes handmade Christmas presents. Paul, 65, said: "I once made the kids a hamster cage myself out of wood and wire. "My best ever Christmas when I was little was a fort with little soldiers that my Uncle Joe had made himself. He could turn his hand to anything could Joe." The 'Dance Tonight' singer confessed he still gets just as excited at Christmas now as he did when he was a child. He said: "I love Christmas I still get excited by it. I think socks, ties and novelty T-shirts make the best presents." Soutce:

Kylie's duet with former Beatle

FROM one legend to another: Kylie Minogue has joined Sir Paul McCartney for a duet. The Aussie pop star and the former Beatle recorded a rendition of Dance Tonight, taken from McCartney's recent solo album, Memory Almost Full. The performance, to be televised in Britain on New Year's Eve, also features Minogue sexily sprawled over a piano, singing a slow version of her hit, I Should Be So Lucky. A source said that, after Minogue's show-stopping gig, she sat at McCartney's table and watched the rest of the TV show being filmed. "Macca paid Kylie his full attention and they nattered away like old pals," the source said. It was a busy lead-in to Christmas for Minogue, who blitzed the European media this past month promoting her hit new album, X....more...

And nothing to get hung about....or how the Beatles understood childhood

NOW THEN, where would we be without children? My question is not as deep and meaningful as at first it might appear. I do not allude to the continuation of the human race or whatever. I have a small brain and big considerations like that can cause it to try to expand against the skull, leading to chafing. My question merely alludes to the joy that children bring, in their arguably daft innocence. They do not know yet that the world is a nuthouse. They think the adults know what they're doing. They trust us in ways that other adults never can, and that gives us a sense of warmth. If you are not interested in children, fear not. Today's seminar will be mainly about the Beatles. But it is prompted by the fact that the Beatles somehow stayed tuned in to the cheery creativity of childhood. I am about to use the word "symbiotic". I am not entirely sure what it means and am far too busy to look it up. But I think it means sort of "entwined". And the Beatles existed in symbiotic relationship to the Sixties, that most gloriously childlike decade....more...

The DVD Lounge: Help! - DVD Review

Before Richard Lester became known as the guy who ruined Superman II, he was the guy who directed the Beatles' films. First he made the fictional documentary style A Hard Day's Night, then worked together with the boys on this film. The mad cap, zany oddity that is Help! The plot of Help! is completely ridiculous. Ringo gets a ring with a giant red ruby on it in some fan mail, so he wears it. It turns out, however, that the ring is a vital part in some sort of ritual sacrifice. He who wears the ring shall be sacrificed. Thus the life of Ringo and his fellow Beatles is in danger as a band of crazy men run around trying to complete their holy rites. It must also be mentioned at this point that the ring is stuck on Ringo's finger; he can't just take it off. Later two scientists become obsessed with the ring and join in the chase. It is only with the help of the beautiful Ahme, who is part of the cult, but doesn't want to see the boys harmed, that they survive each attempt on their lives. ...more...


BUY: Help!



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Paul McCartney is back where he belongs

It's a shame Paul McCartney's early stage career wasn't documented as well as its recent years, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't enjoy one of our great pop music craftsmen still plying that craft now that he's 65. Credit McCartney, too, with continuing to move forward. He could have taken the easy route years ago and cleaned up by touring every few years with Beatles and Wings material. But he keeps producing new CDs, and with three Grammy nominations for his latest, "Memory Almost Full," he's obviously still striking some chords. That's harder than it looks, even if McCartney will probably never eclipse the towering music in his own past. This special, which includes several tunes from "Memory Almost Full," was recorded at the Olympia in Paris, where McCartney played with the Beatles in 1964. He doesn't duplicate any of the set list from that earlier show here, though he does play "Hey Jude" and "Michelle." His voice also isn't quite as supple as it was 43 years ago, as if anyone's would be. But it's still got power and some inflection, which he uses to good effect on new songs like "Dance Tonight" and "That Was Me." ...more...

Ringo's new album comes on digital wristband

The Beatle who earned his famous nickname by covering his fingers with rings is now making news with a bracelet. "Liverpool 8,'' the new Capitol/EMI album from Ringo Starr, is being released Jan. 15 as a CD, a digital download and also as a "pre-loaded USB wristband'' - basically a memory stick with enough plastic attached to wrap around a wrist - that includes all 12 tracks and a slew of extras, including "a personal video message, interview and track commentary from Ringo Starr, behind-the-scenes making-of footage from the recording sessions, ring tones, photos and more.'' There are more details at www.ringostarr.com, but this already opens a new world of albums-as-accessories. How soon can we buy "Blackout'' by Britney Spears in the ankle-monitor format? And how great would it be to work toward the weekend by wearing Loverboy's greatest hits in your headband?
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Win the chance to see Ringo in style

ONE lucky 08 Card holder is today being given the unique opportunity to win a once in a lifetime prize to celebrate the launch of 2008. A pair of tickets and VIP access is available for the Capital of Culture opening ceremony featuring Ringo Starr at the ECHO Arena Liverpool. And entering could not be more straightforward. All you have to do is log on to www.08card.co.uk and providing you have an activated 08 Card or apply for an 08 Card you will be entitled to enter this fabulous competition. As part of the prize on January 12, the winner and their guest will also be treated to a night’s accommodation and breakfast at the Radisson Hotel in the city centre....more...

Give us $4.6m or we'll sue, warns Mills' lawyers

Heather Mills has been warned by her former lawyers to cough up the $4.6 million she owes them ... or risk being sued herself. Mishcon de Reya — the firm that saw her through her tumultuous split from ex-Beatle Sir Paul McCartney — are preparing to lodge a High Court writ to retrieve the money, the Daily Mail reports. The debt in legal fees reportedly grew over the 18 months following her split from McCartney. It is understood Mishcon had a deal with the 39-year-old that meant she would pay all her fees following her final divorce settlement. However, the firm became concerned about her ability to pay her dues after they parted company, the Mail reports. Mishcon fears if Mills is only awarded a nominal settlement she will be unable to pay the $4.6 million, leaving them out of pocket. ...more...

EMI under scrutiny as former artists offer harsh criticism

December has not been very kind to music company EMI Group PLC (OTC: EMIPY) and its new owners, the private equity group Terra Firma, led by Guy Hands. The company has come under fire from former artists like Paul McCartney and Radiohead, and it is now rumored that current artist Robbie Williams is looking to go elsewhere after the release of his next album. Paul McCartney, that famous Beatle, recorded with EMI for 45 years before ditching the label earlier this year to sign a one-album deal with Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ: SBUX) Hear Music label, then a new creation. McCartney came out last week and vented his dissatisfaction with EMI, though his comments were about the company before Terra Firma bought a majority holding. In an interview with The Times, the former Beatle "accused EMI of being unimaginative" in the demands that he market the album by speaking to multiple journalists and giving EMI at least six months to market the album. McCartney also bashed the excessive time for marketing by comparing his situation to former band mate John Lennon's success at releasing a song in 1970 within a week of recording it. Reportedly, Guy Hands agrees with these sentiments about EMI under former CEO Eric Nicoli, but that does not change the fact that artists since the takeover have voiced similar concerns.
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Meet the Beatles

What initially began as a passion for John Lennon's artwork grew into a career for Scott Segelbaum. As the curator for various rock art shows, Segelbaum compiles what he refers to as a visual history of rock 'n' roll, including limited edition and original pieces of artwork by the musicians themselves. His current show, the WDHA & WMTR Rock Art Show, has traveled nationwide since 2003 and had a three-day show at the Morris Museum this month. It features an array of photographs, paintings and shadowboxes spanning time from the heyday of the Rat Pack to the emergence of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. "It's not just the piece of art," Segelbaum said. "It's the story that goes behind it."...more...

The Tomorrow Show DVD Interview With John Lennon Releas (More)

Los Angeles, CA – On April 25, 1975, John Lennon gave what was to be his last televised interview on "The Tomorrow Show With Tom Snyder." No one knew then that Lennon would be taking an extended hiatus from public life, taking time to raise his son and live a less public life. Speaking openly on the subjects of drug use, the breakup of the Beatles, and his immigration problems while seeking permanent residency in the U.S., the interview Lennon gave Tom Snyder in 1975 revealed he had tremendous humility and an affecting sense of humor. Five years after that interview, Lennon was fatally shot while coming home from a recording session. The day after the shooting and Lennon's tragic death, "The Tomorrow Show" re-aired that last interview in tribute to him. Shout! Factory's "The Tomorrow Show With Tom Snyder: John, Paul, Tom And Ringo" contains the complete interview with Lennon as rebroadcast on December 9, 1980, along with interviews from that day with journalist Lisa Robinson and Lennon friend and producer Jack Douglas. The show is a poignant remembrance of the aftermath of his murder and the huge void his passing had on music, and indeed, the world....more...

Heather Mills has to pay £2 million in unpaid legal bills

Heather Mills has been warned to pay £2 million in unpaid legal bills or face a court battle. The former model, who is currently embroiled in a bitter divorce with Sir Paul McCartney, had arranged to hand over the huge fee once her divorce settlement was finalised. However, law firm Mishcon de Reya no longer represents Heather and the company is now concerned about her paying the bill. A source said: “Heather has been told she has to make steps to clear the debt. She has been told that a writ is as good as on its way. Mishcon de Reya worked tirelessly in difficult circumstances for Heather and it is now concerned it may not get its money. Mishcon is concerned Heather could get a nominal settlement of a few million pounds and because she has other debts to clear, Mishcon is worried they will be at the back of the queue.” The firm contacted Heather last week and asked her to clear the debt or face legal action. Paul’s lawyers are reportedly keeping track of the situation and are aware that if Heather was ever to be declared bankrupt it would weaken her position in the divorce settlement. Mishcon de Reya and Heather parted ways following her decision to appear on several UK and US TV shows last month where she verbally attacked Paul....more...

Do you want to know a secret? Beatles’ success offers lessons for businesses

The Beatles performed live concerts together for only five years. They hung together as a band for only 10. At the time they came to fame in the 1960s, there were more than 300 rock ’n’ roll bands vying for attention in their hometown of Liverpool alone. Yet 36 years after they broke up, they’re still revered for their effect on the music world. What does that have to do with a workplace column? Comedian, writer, motivational speaker and, oh yes, Beatles expert Bill Stainton shared those facts and answered those questions this month before the Employment Practices Network of Kansas City....more...

Heather Mills to write 'good sex' guide

Heather Mills is set to write a book of sex tips for women. The former model, who is currently embroiled in a bitter divorce battle with Sir Paul McCartney, sees herself as a female "sex guru" but plans to write under a pseudonym because she is worried about a public backlash. A source told Britain's Sunday Mirror newspaper: "I think Heather would like to set herself up as a female sex guru. But she is worried what people will think of her so she discussed the possibility of releasing the book under a false name. "Heather believes there is a gap in the market for a good sex guide for women, as manuals are normally written from a man's perspective....more...

Paul McCartney Urges World To Go Veggie For The Environment

While he stopped short of recommending rat’s milk as an alternative, musician Paul McCartney did follow in the footsteps of his former wife Heather Mills by advocating for increased diets of vegetables and less meat. The former Beatle drew attention to a United Nations report which found that the livestock sector generates more greenhouse gas emissions as measured in CO2 equivalent - 18% - than transport. In a letter to the UK Press Association, he outlined the dramatic effects eating meat has on the planet — including the facts that 70% of former forests in the Amazon have been turned over to grazing and that livestock now use 30% of the entire world’s land surface. From his letter, “That this message comes directly from an authoritative body such as the UN (whose member states, it should be remembered, are not generally considered vegetarian) rather than an organisation committed to vegetarianism is significant....more...

Huck compares Christmas ad analyses to Beatles’ “Paul is dead” hoax

“Actually I will confess this, if you play this spot backwards it says ‘Paul is Dead, Paul is Dead, Paul is Dead,’” the presidential candidate joked to reporters in Houston Tuesday. “So the next thing you know, someone will be playing it backwards to find out the subliminal messages that are really there.”…
The former Arkansas governor said the spot was last-minute and ad-libbed: “They had a bookshelf behind me, a bookshelf. So now I have these people saying, ‘ahhh there was a subtle message there,’” said Huckabee. “….I never cease to be amazed at the manner in which people will try to dissect the simplest messages, can’t even say ‘Merry Christmas’ anymore without somebody getting all upset about it.”...more...

BEATLES LABELLED 'TRAITORS' IN HOMETOWN

Former BEATLES drummer RINGO STARR was shocked when the band were called 'traitors' by people in their native city of Liverpool, England. The group provoked outrage in the 1960s when they decided to quit their hometown and move down south to London. Starr has defended the move, insisting they had to leave in order to find work, but the 67-year-old was upset by the reaction of his fellow Liverpudlians. He says, "We only left because we had to go where the jobs were, and in those days it was London. "Now you can live in Liverpool, Leicester... it doesn't matter but at the time people were shouting 'traitors, you left us'. But we never let Liverpool down and we're always still proud of our heritage." Source:

Beatles drummer can’t wait to return for Culture year

FORMER Beatle Ringo Starr believes Capital of Culture will show Liverpool “in an incredible light” to the rest of the world. The legendary drummer said he could not wait to return to his home city next month. He also gave a heartfelt defence to the accusations that the Beatles were traitors by leaving Liverpool. Ringo reveals that accusations the Beatles had abandoned Liverpool did hurt, but they simply did not have the choice of staying in their home city. He said: “I don’t think I have let Liverpool down. When we left they all called us traitors. We only left because we had to go where the jobs were and in those days it was London and everything you did was based out of there....more...

Paul McCartney brings Christmas cheer to sick children

Sir Paul McCartney made it a wonderful Christmas time for children from Great Ormond Street Hospital on Monday. The star made a surprise appearance at the London hospital's annual Christmas party. He chatted and joked with some of the 1500 children and their families in Coram's Fields, London, which was decked out with snow, elves and reindeer. And the former Beatle delighted onlookers by joining a couple of the youngsters in a festive karaoke session - belting out S Club 7 hit Don't Stop Movin'. "Sir Paul had everyone singing along. The children were thrilled but it was even more of a treat for the parents," one partygoer said....more...

American English to play after PrairieThunder game

American English, a group that patterns itself after the world-famous Beatles from the appearance of the band members to the group's popular music, returns to U.S, Cellular Coliseum in a post-game concert Saturday following the Bloomington PrairieThunder hockey game. "We are happy to bring American English back for another concert this year," said PrairieThunder general manager Jerry McBurney. "We definitely decided to bring them back based on popular demand. We had nearly 6,000 people attend last year's game and concert." The concert will start approximately 30 minutes after the PrairieThunder hockey game against Flint, which begins at 7:05 p.m....more...

Alternate Takes: The MP3 Challenge

I have nothing against mp3s — for one thing, it would be like arguing with the wind, and the convenience of sorting through the 11,345 songs on my iTunes is unbeatable. All I have to do is think of something to hear it. But there’s also no denying the compromise in fidelity caused by all that convenient compression. Wondering just what gets lost in the format change, I spent a week listening to music on vinyl, CD and iTunes (AAC files at a low bit rate, 128 — “kinda shitty,” says the office iPod jockey). I used a pair of  Thiel CS1.6 tower speakers — great bass — but the results were similar with the bookshelf speakers I use every day. I started with one of my favorite records of the year, LCD Soundsystem’s Sound of Silver....more...

Heather Mills-McCartney turns to M Law

Media boutique M Law has won Heather Mills-McCartney as a new client, advising her on the three libel actions that are running alongside the former model's bitter divorce proceedings from Sir Paul McCartney. The firm was instructed two weeks ago on claims against The Daily Mail, The Evening Standard and The Sun. Last month, Mills-McCartney split from her previous legal adviser, Mishcon de Reya. Mishcons partner Anthony Julius had been leading the firm's teams on both the matrimonial and...more...

The Beatles -- Hey Jude -- History and Information

One of the few Beatles compositions to be written directly about, and for, a personal associate, "Hey Jude" was composed by Paul McCartney to John's son, Julian, on the occasion of John's impending divorce from his first wife (and Julian's mother), Cynthia. Paul and Julian had always been close -- indeed, closer than Julian and his father had been -- and he knew that John's new relationship with Yoko Ono, along with John's desire to distance himself from his old life, had to be hitting the younger Lennon (then age 6) pretty hard. Paul composed the melody and basic lyrics for the song en route to Cynthia's home in Weybridge, where he often visited, during June of 1968. When he returned home that day, he recorded a demo version on his piano. It was originally titled "Hey Jules," but Paul thought "Jude" would be easier to sing. When he presented the song to the band, John immediately pronounced it the best thing he'd ever written, and fought to get it on the a-side of the group's next single, allowing his own "Revolution " to move to the b-side. Paul originally intended many of the lyrics, especially the line "the movement you need is on your shoulder," as mere placeholders, but John insisted they were perfect just as they were, and there they stayed. ...more...

Ringo Starr Returns to Capitol for Liverpool 8

Ringo Starr will release Liverpool 8, his first new album with Capitol/EMI since 1974's Goodnight Vienna. Liverpool 8 will be available worldwide on CD and digitally, and the album's title track debuted as a digital single on December 4. Starr will launch the album with a hometown performance on January 12 to commence Liverpool's 2008 Capital of Culture celebrations. Liverpool 8, also the title of the album's upbeat, vibrant lead track, "refers to the section of Liverpool where I used to live," explains Ringo. "The song was actually Dave Stewart's idea, as a mini autobiographical travelogue: 'I was a sailor firstS' and then, 'Liverpool I left you' - because I did. 'but I never let you down,' which is true." ...more...

Kylie Performs Duet With Paul McCartney

Kylie Minogue has performed a duet to air on UK TV screens this New Year's Eve with none other than Sir Paul McCartney. The former Beatle teamed up with Kylie to perform his song 'Dance Tonight'. According to a source, Kylie was wearing a flesh coloured dress. "After her performance, which also included a stripped-down version of 'I Should Be So Lucky'," the source said, "Kylie sat at Sir Paul's table and watched the rest of the programme being made. (McCartney) paid Kylie his full attention and they nattered away like old pals." The performance was filmed as part of an annual UK holiday special called 'Hootenanny', which is hosted by Jools Holland. Source:

I heart nostalgia

One of VH1's main specialties -- beyond trying to revive the mummified careers of Bret Michaels and Flavor Flav -- seems to be to turn heat-and-eat nostalgia into a pop-culture buffet for grazing boomers or Gen Xers. Make a list of songs from the past, throw in a bunch of has-beens and/or struggling comedians to riff on them and, bam, instant show. Such is the case this week with The 7 Ages of Rock (beginning 8 p.m. Monday and running through Dec. 23) and VH1's 100 Greatest Songs of the '90s (beginning 9 p.m. Monday and running through Friday). Despite their length, both feel more like snacks than fully satisfying meals. That's not such a problem with 100 Greatest Songs -- it doesn't really pretend to be anything other than junk food -- but The 7 Ages of Rock, which originally aired on the BBC and is narrated by Dennis Hopper, bears the weight of importance. So its sins are more glaring....more...

The final ballad of John and Yoko

In November 1980, on the eve of the release of "Double Fantasy," and the end of a near five-year seclusion, John Lennon and Yoko Ono allowed one photographer to share their life, their laughter, their conversations and their favorite New York places in a series of photographs that, for the most part, would remain out of sight for the next two decades. The photographer was Allan Tannenbaum, a photojournalist for the SoHo Weekly News and author. What began as a photo shoot at Ono's Studio One in the Dakota apartment building where the couple lived, blossomed into a friendship. Ten days later, Lennon was dead. "I actually first met John in 1975 when he was doing a television special tribute to Sir Lew Grade," Tannenbaum said. "It would turn out to be his last public performance. Those photos are in the public domain for the first time. Five years later, when I went to do a photo shoot of Yoko at Studio One at the Dakota, I asked if I could also photograph their son, Sean, and John for the piece, and she was adamant that Sean not be photographed. But without hesitation, she picked up the phone to call John. He came down to the studio." ...more...

BUY: John & Yoko: A New York Love Story


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Paul McCartney taped saying he hopes Heather Mills kills herself?

DISCLAIMER: [I'm really trying to stay away from this gossip "news" about Mills. 1. It's not reliable. 2. Since when is it OK to wire tap someone? Read with a grain of salt...] Paul McCartney has reportedly been recorded telling his daughter Stella McCartney that he hopes his estranged wife Heather Mills commits suicide to save money in their ongoing divorce case. According to the News of the World, Paul made the comment during a telephone conversation with the fashion designer when, unbeknownest to him, the calls were being recorded. A source close to Heather told the newspaper Paul said: “If we turn up the pressure on Heather, with a bit of luck she will top herself and then we won’t have to pay her a penny.” The source added: “When Heather found out what was said on the tape, she was very distressed. It was such a terrible thing to say, whether it was meant or not. “Heather was very shocked and hurt and has discussed the tape several times with her sister Fiona. She knows that she and Stella never saw eye to eye but she never expected anything like this.”...more...

STELLA UNAWARE OF MCCARTNEY FAME

SIR PAUL MCCARTNEY tried to keep his international fame from his daughter STELLA - but the clever youngster figured out his identity on her own. The fashion designer - who is the daughter of the ex-Beatle and his late wife Linda - was kept unaware of her father's career for years, but the star, now 36, eventually managed to solve the secret of his worldwide celebrity. He says, "There was this one moment where the children were riding their little ponies in Scotland, and Stella said to me, 'Dad, you're Paul MCCartney, aren't you?' and I said, 'Yes, darling, but I'm Daddy really.'" Source:

Yoko Ono‘s glasses go to holocaust show

YOKO Ono has donated a pair of her own glasses to a Liverpool exhibition to raise awareness of the Holocaust. The artist and widow of murdered Beatle John Lennon has also given a £10,000 gift towards the staging of a number of events surrounding National Holocaust Memorial Day next month. Liverpool is hosting the national commemoration in 2008, culminating in a major event at the Philharmonic Hall on January 27. Yoko Ono said: "It is an honour to be part of such a symbolic piece of artwork which will help people to learn how important it is never to forget the horrors of the Holocaust and to challenge hatred and prejudice wherever it arises....more...

10 Questions for Ringo Starr

Like each of his ex–Fab Four bandmates, the former drummer for the Beatles has become an accomplished solo artist. His new album, Liverpool 8, comes out on Jan. 15. Ringo Starr will now take your questions: The Beatles made you famous. What would your life have been like without them? —Ken Reed, Moncton, Canada I truly believe that I would have still been a musician, because it was such a love. I probably would have been drumming in some club somewhere, but who knows? What do you miss about John Lennon and George Harrison? —Curtis Baker, Sagerton, Texas Friendship. Hanging out. Working together. The love—I miss that. We were brothers. It was like losing brothers. What are the odds that you and Paul McCartney will appear together onstage again? —Martha Daniels, Corpus Christi, Texas
Eh, fifty-fifty. ...more...

Sir Paul McCartney puts his disillusion with EMI on record

Sir Paul McCartney has accused EMI, his former record company, of becoming boring and taking him for granted. The former Beatle, speaking to The Times, complained that the British record company had become too bureaucratic – and how he had “dreaded going to see them. Everybody at EMI had become part of the furniture. I’d be a couch; Coldplay are an armchair. And Robbie Williams, I dread to think what he was. But the most important thing was, I’d felt [the people at EMI] had become really very boring, you know?” Last summer, after 4½ decades, Sir Paul left EMI to join the start-up Starbucks-owned record label Hear Music, which released Memory Almost Full. The album, which attracted positive critical reviews, has sold more than a million copies worldwide since its release this summer....more...

Sir Paul in the Loser’s Lounge

The sweet and soulful sound of Paul McCartney was on display last weekend at Joe’s Pub, but the legendary tunesmith was nowhere to be seen. Rather, the tribute group The Loser’s Lounge had commandeered the icon’s songbook for the first time since 1998 and delivered their usual, respectfully uproarious homage. The Loser’s Lounge has tackled a great deal of the rock and roll cannon and beyond in their 14 years of covering their heroes and influences. McCartney’s occasionally saccharine songbook was the latest to get the treatment, and after performing a paltry two songs from his first band’s catalogue, they both honored and reinvented the legend’s work. Thursday night’s show certainly emphasized what a talented vocalist Paul has always been and it also highlighted his complex and dexterous bass lines. Drummer Ira Elliot (Nada Surf) and bassist Erik Paparazzi (Cat Power) had their work cut out for them all evening and with keyboardist and bandleader Joe McGinty, they made the complex rhythms seem effortless....more...

Paul McCartney - Joint Smoker?

Reports are circulating that ex-Beatle Paul McCartney was spotted toking a `spliff at the Led Zep reunion this week. Staff claim he downed his jazz fag with a couple of pints just prior to the gig, which he attended with his daughters and comedian Vic Reeves. It’s been a testing time for McCartney of late, with his estranged wife fighting him for a sizeable chunk of his fortune. And even though she doesn’t have a leg to stand on, Heather Mills is proving a tough cookie to deal with. The pair has a daughter together, born before the marriage went to pot. Source:

Lock of Lennon's hair sells for $48,000

A lock of John Lennon's hair sold for $48,000 Wednesday in an auction of Beatles' memorabilia collected by the band's hairdresser. The hair — inside an autographed copy of Lennon's book A Spaniard in the Works— sold to an unnamed telephone bidder. Gorringes auction house had estimated the hair would sell for $4,000 to $6,000. Lennon gave the book and the lock of hair to Betty Glasow, the Fab Four's hairdresser during their heyday. He wrote in the book, " 'To Betty, Lots of Love and Hair, John Lennon xx.' It is astonishing that there is still so much interest in the Beatles and the sale goes to prove that John Lennon is still an icon," said Francesca Collin, a spokeswoman for Gorringes....more...

The Beatles' Biggest Secrets

Shame, ABC, shame. This appalling doco has blighted the pay TV schedule for a while and it's sad to see it pop up here, even at this time of year. Warning bells should sound the second the background music kicks in - nondescript, generic early rock. OK, it obviously costs a lot to license Beatles' music but a Beatles documentary without their music is pointless. It's all downhill from there. We hear about the drugs, the sex, the supposed gay encounter between John Lennon and manager Brian Epstein, the rivalry, the fights. Ho-hum. The issue here is not disrespect or exploitation, it's tedium. Anyone with a passing interest in the Beatles knows the role drugs and sex played in their lives....more...

Led Zeppelin's Rocking Return

A Led Zeppelin reunion is as unlikely as a Beatles reunion: Much as the Beatles would be unthinkable without John Lennon and George Harrison alive and on hand, the death of John Bonham in 1980 left Led Zeppelin with a seemingly unbreachable void. And yet here were Zeppelin's Robert Plant, Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones on the stage at the 02 arena Monday night as the headliners in a London concert billed as a tribute to the late Ahmet Ertegun, the courtly, influential co-founder and head of Atlantic Records. On drums for the reconstituted Zeppelin was Jason Bonham, 41-year-old son of the band's original drummer. ...more...

Heather Mills disgusted by Macca's new ladylove's 'Crash' role

Washington, Dec 12 : Former Beatles' star Sir Paul McCartney's estranged wife Heather Mills is "disgusted" by the contentious role his new girlfriend Rosanna Arquette played in the 1997 movie 'Crash'. Arquette plays the role of a disabled woman who gets sexual enjoyment out of car accidents in the movie directed by David Cronenberg. According to a pal, former model Mills, who lost a leg in a 1993 motorcycle accident, is sickened by Arquette's portrayal. Mills' alleged attack follows the recent reports of a romance between the ex-Beatle and the Hollywood star. "When Heather saw Paul's new girlfriend appearing on screen with a similar injury to herself, she was disgusted. Rosanna's character gets turned on by accidents. Heather told pals she finds this reprehensible," Contactmusic quoted a pal as saying. Mills and MCCartney, who are currently embroiled in a bitter divorce battle, have a four-year-old daughter, Beatrice, together. Source:

Vaughan: 'Sir Paul kissed me'

Forget the new blondes in Sir Paul McCartney's life, Capital Radio breakfast host, Johnny Vaughan claims the ex-Beatle has his eye, or lips on him rather. 'I was drinking with Noel Gallagher back stage at the Led Zeppelin gig and out of nowhere Paul ran up to me and started kissing me. He actually calls me up and asks me if I can interview him', Vaughan revealed to Metro at the station's Help A London Child auction. Meanwhile, the DJ's hang over cure for early morning shift work is 'two Neurophine and a banana as soon as you open your eyes.' Source:

Paul McCartney Turns Down Heather's Christmas Offer

Sir Paul McCartney has turned down Heather Mills' bizarre request to spend Christmas together as a family. Heather wanted to share Christmas with her estranged husband and their daughter Beatrice, but - given their current bitter divorce battle - Sir Paul dismissed the idea out of hand. The ex-Beatle has brokered a deal with Mills however to celebrate Christmas Day with their four-year-old daughter in his Peasmarsh, Sussex home, whilst Heather looking after her for three days leading up to the 25th. A source tells the News Of The World, "Paul's thrilled he's got Bea on Christmas Day. He's keeping Heather away as he fears she'll make a scene. And he's adamant there'll be no bust-ups for their daughter's sake."...more...

Wonderful Tonight: George Harrison, Eric Clapton, and Me

When she wasn’t being treated like crap by her two famous husbands, Pattie Boyd really had a pretty good thing going. Although she had been a model before she met and married George Harrison, and later dabbled in photography and other hobbies, she never really had to work. As long as she was able to put up with Harrison ignoring her while he meditated for hours on end, or could tolerate Eric Clapton’s substance abuse and philandering ways, she could basically do what she wanted: travel on a whim, go on shopping sprees, hang with friends here, there and everywhere—all without worrying where the money was coming from....more...


BUY: Wonderful Tonight: George Harrison, Eric Clapton, and Me



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George Harrison

The late Beatle, George Harrison, is long remembered by those of us of a certain age for his contributions not only to music but also to the struggle of our people for independence. In 1971, at the behest of his friend, the great sitarist Ravi Sankar, Harrison organised the Concert for Bangladesh at Madison Square Garden in New York City. He invited his famous rock star friends to participate, including such legends as Bob Dylan and Eric Clapton, and the concert was a resounding success. Proceeds of the concert and the best-selling album that was subsequently released, and continues to sell, was for the people of Bangladesh and their struggle for liberation. All these years later, and despite the death of George Harrison himself, his legacy to this nation lives on. The George Harrison Fund for Unicef has announced a donation of 4.5 lakh dollars for the ravaged victims of cyclone Sidr.

At the time of his death, Bangladesh had still not formally recognised the contribution of this legendary musician to our nation's struggles. It seems to me that this recognition is long overdue, and that the government should posthumously honour George Harrison for what he has done for us and what is still being done in his name. Source: The Daily Star

On the Death of John Lennon

John Lennon was gunned down and killed 27 years ago today in New York City. Perhaps the gods take the Great Ones young so they don't end up playing Super Bowls and Bar Mitzvahs and political rallies when their immortal and timeless moment passes and the constellation dissipates. The anniversary of his death goes largely unnoticed in the press. I think this is probably good at the moment because we live in the hour of the weakling and the wolf; the wolf enabled by the weakling - all original spirits are sent into exile in times like this or leave at their own accord - much as the wave element of matter collapses when it is being watched. ...more...

McCartney won't detail divorce in songs

Sir Paul McCartney has vowed not to translate his bitter divorce battle with estranged wife Heather Mills into song - because he prefers to focus on the positives in life. The former Beatle split from his second wife in 2006 - but is refusing to let his failed love life dictate the tone of his music. He says, "Some people, when they are going through periods of angst, get anxious songs that come out of it. What I notice is that I tend to do hopeful songs. It's just my method. "So I don't know whether the divorce (from Mills) will ever translate literally into song. It might do but I'm not so good with angst-ridden songs. My natural optimism tends to take over. Even if I've got an anxious first verse, the next verse is, 'Well, but never mind because it's going to be alright.' Because I've got to live the sucker, I've got to get up each day and live the life."

Source: - Yahoo! News UK

McCARTNEY TO ACCEPT BRIT HONOUR SECOND TIME AROUND

SIR PAUL McCARTNEY is to be honoured with the Outstanding Contribution To Music at next year's (08) Brit Awards, after accepting organisers' second offer of the prize.
The ex-Beatle has previously turned down the gong after claiming his acceptance of it would indicate his music career was over - but after seeing younger rockers Oasis take the accolade at 2007's ceremony, the 65-year-old has changed his mind. McCartney - who already holds a Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution for his work with the Fab Four - will now be presented with the statuette at the London event in February. Another winner on the night will be pop newcomer Adele Adkins, who will be given the Critics' Choice prize - a new award created to encourage and launch new talent.

Press Release

McCartney: 'Divorce taught me patience'

Paul McCartney has found one positive amid the turmoil of his divorce with estranged wife Heather Mills - he has learned the gift of "patience". The 65-year-old has been embroiled in bitter divorce negotiations with the ex-model, who launched a string of scathing attacks on the former Beatle last month, and is now facing a custody battle over daughter Beatrice. When asked what 2007 has taught him, he said: 'Algebra? B Minor? Patience, perhaps? Obviously the low point was the whole divorce thing. That situation isn't madly great. But there you go. Patience is required. It's happening and I'm working through the process."...more...

Paul McCartney's new ladylove Rosanna Arquette meets his little girl

(ANI): Sir Paul McCartney has introduced the new woman in his life, actress Rosanna Arquette, to his four-year-old daughter Beatrice. Pulp Fiction star Arquett met the little girl on a visit to the former Beatle’s huge East Sussex estate. The news comes just ten days after Macca was spotted having a cosy lunch with the 48-year-old actress in London. The move is now being seen as a sign of the growing seriousness of the relationship. “For Rosanna to be welcomed into Paul’s inner sanctuary means he thinks a great deal of her,” The Sun quoted a source, as saying. Meanwhile, Macca is taking suggestions from one of his closest female pals on how he can sensitively declare that he has a new girl in his life. The friend herself confirmed that the couple have been secretly dating since August. On asking if the 65-year-old rocker and Rosanna were dating, the friend said: “Of course! It’s on! Why would he take her to his country estate to meet his little girl? He’s checking her out. They’ve both told me.” (ANI)

Dear John

This is the second edition of 'Dear John: Letters from a Fan in New York City, AN INTERACTIVE BOOK, and a prototype for an upcoming book that will include sumbissions form many more friends and fans.' Judith Furedi's book is the only interactive book about John Lennon. ' It is a devotional tribute,'with forty letters in the form of verse wirtten 'directly to him, and placed alongside artistic photos and sketches that reflect all phases of his life. She openly invites readers to complete the creative process that she has started within the pages of this book Readers may participate by placing their own thoughts, writings, poems, illustrations and memorabilia about John Lennon alongside hers on the blank pages provided. The intent for these books is to all be one-of-a-kind stand alone works. There is also an intent in sharing these personalized volumes with others, either directly (person to person) or in a cyber forum (dearjohnlennon.com). (Web site under construction). However, while the book encourages writing, and additions, it can stand alone on its own, as is. It is a collectible, table- top book, and a work of art.

'The author's fascination for John Lennon as a young fan who loved the Beatles transforms into a deeper devotion as she scales the wall of his youth and grasps the sadness of his separation from mother Julia in "The Blank Page." After following John through the exciting days of Beatlemania, she expresses concern at his new relationship with Yoko and the sadness of the break-up of the Beatles, then openly questions his initial dive into 'Seclusion' in New York City. After giving the nod to his new role as family man, twelve painful poems openly confront the horror of John's assassination and the mind of his killer. Her afterlife eulogies deal with John's whereabouts in the cosmos.'

"Judith Furedi not only captured the spirit of us all in her open and honest style, she reahched out and touched upon a life force that John Lennon exuded and which can still be felt now....(27) years later....(oneworldlennontask.com).

Sid Bernstein, in his introduction to the next book (in development) writes: "Such a beautiful book. It allows you to to remember John Lennon more."

Linda Keen, author of 'Across the Universe with John Lennon'writes: '"Beautiful...Brilliant...Unique...It Made Me Cry." .....Dear John has to be one of the most sensitive books I have ever seen about New York City and it's lost minstrel, John Lennon. Each time I open its pages, my heart sighs again with nostalgic joy because I feel not only pain, but innocent love. It is a book to keep next to your bedside for inspiration when your soul has lost track of its wistful dreams."

Jill Spiegel, of 'The Jill Spiegel Show!!! Featuring Beatle insights and music, FM107.FM writes: "Makes you feel like John's spirit is with you. This is such a beautiful, intimate book. It moves with grace and makes John's life and presence so vivid. You can read the book over and over to give you a sense of healing and closeness to John. I love the interactive part that brings out your inner artist. That's sooo John!'

Beatles Unlimited Magazine: "Miss Furedi's work...is like no other."

The new book will have a modified library edition and also feature a CD and/or DVD. You may contact the publisher, Lucky & Me Prodctions, by writing Judith Furedi at WriterMyst@aol.com for full details and guideliness. (The submission process is open till February 1st, 2008.)

Retail price (for signed, limited edition, 1-100: $19.99 (plus tax where applicable) and shipping. First come, first serve basis, while supplies last.

For orders other than the signed, numbered edition, and for bulk orders over 100 contact WriterMyst@aol.com about the discount rates.

John Lennon, Then And Now

How did you get your news 27 years ago, on Dec. 8, 1980, the date John Lennon was gunned down in New York City? I've been pondering that question this morning, the culmination of my week-long quest to somehow tie that infamous event into the world of computers, electronics and IT, about which I'm supposed to blog. So here goes. The most salient difference between that Monday evening and today is the manner in which news is disseminated. During the evening of Dec. 8, 1980, news of the shooting trickled out via an information funnel, keying off of an initial one-line wire-service report ("Man said to be John Lennon shot in front of Dakota hotel"). WNEW-FM, then the leading progressive rock radio station in New York City, aired early, tentative reports. For a good half hour, if my faulty memory serves me correctly, it wasn't exactly clear what had happened. However, as news crews from around the city swarmed to Roosevelt Hospital, word came back that Lennon was dead....more...

Letter from Yoko to John - 12/8/2007

Tomorrow is the 27th anniversary of the death of John Lennon. Yoko has written a letter to him on her website, Imagine Peace. miss you, John. 27 years later, I still wish I could turn back the clock to the Summer of 1980. I remember everything - sharing our morning coffee, walking in the park together on a beautiful day, and seeing your hand stretched to mine - holding it, reassuring me that I shouldn't worry about anything because our life was good. I had no idea that life was about to teach me the toughest lesson of all. I learned the intense pain of losing a loved one suddenly, without warning, and without having the time for a final hug and the chance to say, "I love you," for the last time. The pain and shock of that sudden loss is with me every moment of every day. When I touched John's side of our bed on the night of December 8th, 1980, I realized that it was still warm. That moment has haunted me for the past 27 years - and will stay with me forever....more...

Salute to John Lennon

Paul McCartney's instantly-notorious first public comment on John Lennon's murder in December 1980 - "it's a drag" - was at the time held up as an example of gross insensitivity by an estranged friend. In reality it was the understatement of devastation. There's a telling line in Sidney Lumet's 1983 film "Daniel" - a fictionalized account of the struggles of the two children of executed "spies" Julius and Ethel Rosenberg. "Why don't you console her?" asks someone about the suicidally-distraught daughter at one point. The answer is chilling in its intensity. "Did it ever occur to you that she might be inconsolable?" The world has had to come to terms with the senseless murder of John Lennon nearly three decades ago. But for the millions around the world who were deeply enthralled and touched by Lennon's gifts - the ache remains. ...more...

In pictures: John Lennon 'unseen'

An exhibition celebrating the life of John Lennon has opened in London's Proud Gallery. This image of Lennon as a boy was given to photographer Tom Hanley by Lennon's Aunt Mimi. The exhibition at the Proud Galleries coincides with the 27th anniversary of Lennon's death. COME SEE THE 'UNSEEN' PICTURES: ...click...

BEATLESTOCK ROCKS THE TRIAD THEATER ON NEW YEARS EVE!!!

Larry Russell's Beatlestock is an audience participating show that encourages everyone to be part of the band and sing along to The Beatles classics...The result is an uplifting experience that will keep you from therapy for a long time--it really really works. Larry Russell's Beatlestock is also a family show and urges parents to bring their children to partake and educate them to the music of The Beatles and sing along. Bandleader Larry Russell is a rock bass veteran who formerly launched Billy Joel's career, and subsequently performed with Bryan Adams, Mary Wilson (The Supremes), Denny Laine (Wings), The Mamas and The Papas and many many others. Glen Burtnick (of Broadway's Beatlemania, 'Liverpool' and Stix fame) will be the 'special guest' in this seven piece NYC band that is officially endorsed by the legendary Sid Bernstein, who promoted The Beatles at Carnegie Hall and Shea Stadium. In the past two years, Bernstein has 'Presented' Larry Russell's Beatlestock four times.

'The Cast of Beatlemania' band member Jim Filgate will guest appear on lead guitar and lead vocals.

Beatlestock will be providing TWO BIG SETS to knock you back to the sixties, as you enter the year 2008.

So if you like to drink, eat and sing, then this will be the very best night for you.

ADVANCE VIP Tickets will go on sale this week at SMARTTIX.COM

Just type in 'TRIAD' in the SMARTTIX.COM search engine.

VIP Tickets are $100 which includes: an Open Bar---an Italian
Buffet---and Beatlestock!

So come sing and rock with us for an uplifting evening of fun and song.

It's the only BEATLES SING ALONG PARTY IN TOWN on NEW YEARS EVE.

YOU KNOW YOU KNOW THE WORDS!!!

www.beatlestock.com

Yoko Ono marks John Lennon's passing

Yoko Ono is set to mark the 27th anniversary of John Lennon's death by urging fans to display 'War Is Over!' artwork. The message War Is Over If You Want It - Happy Christmas from John And Yoko is available to download from ImaginePeace.com and is to coincide with his passing on December 8. A special message and video will be available on that day. In a statement, Ono says : "Please print & display in your window, workplace, school, street, car, computer & elsewhere over the holiday season. "On December 8th, 11.15pm (your local time) please remember John by taking a moment of quiet reflection." It suggests that you should sing or play 'Imagine' and asks that you send stories and photos to stories@imaginepeace.com....more...

John Lennon Remembered

On December 8, 1980, a deranged man named Mark David Chapman shot John Lennon multiple times, causing him to collapse and lie helplessly in his own blood to his death. John had spent an otherwise uneventful day leading up to meeting his fate. Earlier in the day, John and Yoko Ono were interviewed for over 4 hours by a programmer of a radio network. One of John’s quotes within the interview sounded quite simple, however in retrospect is quite chilling. John indicated how it was great that we all survived the sixties, and that we should all stop worrying whether the Apocolypse is going to come will not do us any good. He also was hopeful that as the eighties went onward, people would see the positive side of life again. His most poignant quote was “While there is life, there’s hope”, unbeknownst to him that in just a few short hours he would meet his fate many years too early. These quotes as well as many other fascinating details of John’s life can be found in a book I am currently reading entitled Lennon Revealed written by Larry Kane, a former NY and Philadelphia news reporter who traveled with the Beatles in the early years and became good friends with John....more...

Remember John Lennon Today

IT is 27 years today since legend JOHN LENNON was tragically gunned down outside his New York apartment by pure selfish evil. YOKO ONO has now requested that we remember her late husband’s passing at 11.15am with a moment of reflection. She also suggests listening to BEATLES hit Imagine and reading her message at imaginepeace.com. I’ll be doing it. Lennon was a lord. Add your thoughts.

Hendrix film a buffet of fun

Shot on video, on the cheap and on the run, with bad wigs and semi-reasonable facsimiles of Hendrix, The Beatles, Frank Zappa and Jim Morrison, My Dinner With Jimi could never be confused with great cinema. It is, however, great fun, an old hippie's anecdote brought to life. It resembles nothing so much as a colour-washed movie from the era it depicts, playing on the Drive-In Channel. Originally a short film about the title scenario -- the occasion of Howard Kaylan (Justin Henry) of The Turtles having a drunken, stoned sitdown with Mr. Purple Haze in a London restaurant -- it's been expanded into three acts that could be called How The Turtles Happened, How Flo & Eddie Escaped The Draft And, Finally, My Dinner With Jimi. ...more...

John Lennon's death, Dec. 8, 1980, hit hardest

Of all the public deaths that haunt our world, the one that hit me hardest was the murder of John Lennon. Youth was over. Idealism lay slain. His memory always comes to mind this time of year, even without the help of media visuals, such as “Across the Universe,” maybe the best movie ever made about “hippies,” and one that features more than two dozen songs by Lennon / McCartney. I watched much of the film with a lump in my throat. Go see it if you ever rode a magic bus, fought in Vietnam, fell in love, protested a war, aspired to create art, or quarreled across the Generation Gap–that earlier front in our so-called Culture Wars. John Lennon, of course, was a player in that cultural divide and his memory remains a lightning rod. Just last night I watched a TV repeat of the 1994 film, “Backbeat,” about the Beatles’ early years working German nightclubs. They mostly wore leather jackets and slicked-back hair. The idealism and seminal anger that fueled Lennon’s art, music and fame are well portrayed....more...

MCCARTNEY STUNNED BY DAUGHTER'S BEATLES RECOGNITION

SIR PAUL MCCARTNEY was stunned when his daughter BEATRICE recognised him from his BEATLES days. The 65-year-old admits he was shocked when the four-year-old - his child with estranged wife Heather Mills - spotted him in a photo of the band. He says, "It's kind of spooky. She sees old pictures of me, lets say in the Beatles, and she'll say, 'That's Daddy when he was different.' "I love that. It's a great way of looking at it. And I suppose it's how I feel." MCCartney and Mills are currently embroiled in a bitter divorce battle. Source:

The McCartney Years DVD

Like McCartney's career, his output runs the gamut from inspired ("Band on the Run") to insipid ("Ebony and Ivory," anyone?), which makes for rocky going when they are lumped together, along with live concert footage, on this triple DVD package. Nearly 50 clips find the ex-Beatle predominantly lip-synching to solo material that rather erratically covers his 1970-2005 run. Hardcore fans are justifiably infuriated by the dozens of omissions and the way these videos have been visually compromised to expand the image to wide-screen, chopping off the top and bottom of the original picture. The exclusion of the entire Wings Rock Show and MTV Unplugged performances, represented here by a handful of selections, is also frustrating. On the plus side, audio commentaries from Sir Paul provide fascinating info on many tunes, the remixed DTS surround makes the sound sparkle, and some of the material is impossibly rare. It's a sprawling yet mixed bag with enough great music to overcome the shortcomings. 3 stars.

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McCartney introduces Rosanna Arquette to his daughter

The Beatles legend, who was spotted enjoying a romantic walk in London with Rosanna last week, invited the actress to his East Sussex mansion to meet four-year-old Beatrice. A friend of Paul's told Britain's The Sun newspaper, "For Rosanna to be welcomed into Paul's inner sanctuary means he thinks a great deal of her. "They are an item. They have been together since August. Why else would he take her to his country estate to meet his little girl? He is checking her out." The 65-year-old musician is said to be so smitten with the 'Desperately Seeking Susan' star he has asked his female friends for advice on how to make the romance last. Heather Mills, who is currently embroiled in a bitter divorce battle with Paul, is said to be furious about Rosanna, 48, meeting the couple's daughter. Earlier this week, Rosanna's transsexual sibling Alexis Arquette confirmed she is dating Paul and revealed the pair have been friends for years....more...

NATALIE PORTMAN PRAISES 'MIRACLE' MCCARTNEY

Hollywood beauty NATALIE PORTMAN has lavished praise on SIR PAUL MCCARTNEY - branding him a "miracle person". The 26-year-old admits she thinks very highly of the Beatle, and insists he is unique. She says, "He's by far the finest human being. He's a miracle of a person." Source:

Monopoly board gets Beatlemania

A Beatles-themed hotel features on a new Liverpool Monopoly board - despite the development still being built. The Hard Days Night Hotel on St Johns Street, which is in the latter stages of construction, will be included in the game's orange set of properties. The edition, which goes on sale on Friday, has been produced to celebrate Liverpool as Capital of Culture 2008. The board also features the Cavern Club and childhood homes of John Lennon and Sir Paul McCartney. ...more...

Timeless Lennon Albums

On December 10, 2007 – almost 27 years to the day since his untimely death – 10 classic John Lennon albums will be released on CD as miniature versions of the original vinyl albums. These beautifully presented, limited edition Japanese packages are exact mini-replicas of the original albums. Each original feature – right down to the record label, which of course appears in the centre of the black CD discs, created to look like 5” LP’s! is preserved. Also, miniature versions of all original inserts have been replicated, including the poster and postcard from ‘Imagine’, the calendar from ‘Live Peace In Toronto’ and the unique, multiple-image, front cover design of ‘Walls & Bridges’. A must for Lennon collectors, and very credible Christmas gifts! The 10 classic John Lennon albums will be released on CD on 10 December. ...more...

DALTREY SHOCKED BY BEATLES SANITY

THE WHO rocker ROGER DALTREY is shocked the BEATLES didn't "go mad" at the height of their fame in the 1960s. The star concedes although his band's level of fame never matched that of the infamous four-piece, he sympathises with the incessant attention bestowed upon the group. He says, "I can't imagine what their life must have been like. It must have been a nightmare. "I can see why people go completely mad in this business. They couldn't go out. We had a few years of screaming girls, but that was it." Source:

John Lennon: Ringo's Right, We Can't Tour Again

Originally published in NME, 7 June 1969: John Lennon, over here in Canada with his wife Yoko, revealed for the first time that there had been considerable disagreement between him and Paul McCartney over the couple's nude Two Virgins album cover and that up until recently John had wanted to do concert tours again but had failed to talk round the other Beatles. These disclosures were made to me when I went with John and Yoko from their Toronto hotel to the airport where they were to fly to Montreal for a seven day bed-in. Beatlemania is still just as big here and on more than one occasion we'd been engulfed by swarms of half-crazy teenagers who descended on John like starving Asians at a Rome banquet. Sitting in the back of the taxi John looked tired. Yoko was nonchalant....more...

MCCARTNEY SLAMS THE BRITISH PRESS

SIR PAUL MCCARTNEY has launched a scathing attack on the British press - insisting U.K. newspapers "lack integrity". The Beatle insists his relationship with the media has changed drastically since the beginning of his career in the 1960s, and believes U.S. journalists are more likeable than their British counterparts. In an interview with The Chicago Tribune, he says, "In the 60s, I used to have a pretty good relationship with most of the guys in the media. But I used to call them loveable rogues. I'm now not quite so sure about the word 'loveable'. "You guys don't have it as bad over there (in America). You have your trashy little celebrity magazines at the supermarket checkout, but your newspapers still have some integrity." Source: