John Lennon's 'Imagine' Jacket Up For Sale

The brown jacket worn by former Beatle John Lennon in the video for ‘Imagine’ has been given an estimated value of $50,000-$60,000. The jacket will go under the hammer next month along with nearly 850 other music and film related items. The wedding dress worn by Madonna in her music video for ‘Like A Virgin’ is also amongst the collection which has a collective value of more than $5m. All the items in the auction, which also includes Superman’s cape, are owned by US property developer Anthony Pugliese. The entire collection will go up for auction at the Palms Resort and Casino from March 15th-16th. [...more...]

Across the Universe: Beatles movie

Rockhall.com claims that Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, John Lennon and George Harrison revolutionized the music industry. Time.com calls them the most astonishing rock 'n roll band in the world. They might have landed in America in the 1960s, but thanks to a recent DVD release, the Beatles may gain a new audience forty years later. Directed by Julie Taymor, Across the Universe showcases classic Beatles songs in a contemporary dramatic musical. Jim Sturgess stars as Jude, a young British man who travels to America in the 1960s to meet his estranged father. Jude makes new friends, tries some drugs and falls for Lucy, played by Evan Rachel Wood. The film takes the audience through Jude and Lucy's relationship and a change in the country. According to IMDB.com, actual events are reenacted in the film such as a riot at Columbia University and a rooftop performance in which police stop the Beatles from playing their music.[...more...]

BUY: Across the Universe (Two-Disc Special Edition)


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John Lennon Is An Ice-Cream

John Lennon has inspired a new ice-cream flavour at Ben & Jerry's. 'Imagine Whirled Peace is a toffee, cookies and fudge flavour and has peace signs whirled through it. At the Ben & Jerry's site, they say "When Ben & Jerry's wanted to talk about peace, we couldn't think of a better person to exemplify the message than John Lennon. Through his art and lyrics he imagined a world without war and asked us all to 'Give Peace a Chance'. We hope this whirly mixture of toffee cookies and fudge peace signs enlightens your bellies and souls and makes you ask what you can do to promote peace in your lives".[...more/video...]

What the BBC really thought about some of the biggest names in entertainment

Early in 1962 the Beatles had an audition in Manchester for BBC radio. The producer Peter Pilbeam made comments: "Paul McCartney – no, John Lennon – yes. An unusual group, not as rocky as most. More country and western with a tendency to play music. Overall – yes." Pilbeam invited the Beatles to appear on Here We Go, an audience show on the Light Programme in March 1962 and, within a year, a studio manager, Vernon Lawrence, thought they should star in their own radio series, perhaps called Beatle Time.A manager replied: "I'm not sure about the title but I like almost everything else about this. Young Lawrence certainly has good judgment of contemporary values." Young Lawrence certainly did and the series was the highly successful Pop Go The Beatles.[...more...]

Rockin' Blue Cheer still loud and proud

While the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band and Stax Records, among others, have gotten their due in recent months, the world little marked another momentous musical anniversary a few weeks back. Forty years ago in January, the San Francisco trio Blue Cheer released its debut album, Vincebus Eruptum. Though no one knew it then, the album, and especially its single and Blue Cheer's only hit, a blistering, fuzzed-out cover of Eddie Cochran's "Summertime Blues," were the beginning of a new kind of rock and roll -- bolder, more aggressive, even angry -- that would in quick measure become known as heavy metal. Today "Summertime Blues" is widely considered the first heavy-metal record, an assertion made authoritatively in the 2005 documentary "Metal: A Headbanger's Journey." (There are other contenders, of course, mostly from across the Atlantic in the form of singles from the Who and Cream.)[...more...]

Beatle fans 'Come Together'

Meetup groups online use the connection power of the Internet and turn it into in-the-flesh meetings. Found online at www.meetup.com, meetup groups bring together people with similar interests or hobbies. Meetup groups in Clarksville include Travel, New in Town, Coffee and More, Scrapbooking and Recreation. Joe Kraeske, who leads the 23-member Clarksville Travel Meetup group, is also a member, along with several other locals, of the Nashville Beatles Fans Meetup Group.[...more...]

Lead Singer Of Beatles' Rival Dave Clark 5 Dies In England Days Before Rock Hall Induction

You probably don't know his name. And chances are you wouldn't recognize his picture. But if you're a baby boomer or a fan of the British Invasion years of the mid-1960's, one listen will tell you all you need to know about Mike Smith. The gravelly-voiced lead singer of the Dave Clark 5 has died. Smith succumbed to pneumonia on Thursday, complications from a 2003 spinal cord accident that left him paralyzed. His sad end does nothing to obscure the historic part the British icon played in rock and roll. The DC5, as they were sometimes known, were considered by many musicologists to be the only real U.K. challengers to the Beatles, even though they repeatedly emphasized their very different influences.[...more...]

Half-marathon to have Beatles theme

THOUSANDS of runners will take to Liverpool’s long and winding road in a Beatle-themed race this weekend. Organisers of the annual Liverpool Half Marathon have given the 2008 event a Fab Four theme to pay tribute to the city’s musical heritage. Each of the mile markers in the 13.1 mile event has been named after a Beatles song following a competition among this year’s race entrants. Sunday’s start in Sefton Park is titled Come Together, and runners will pass through the miles from Don’t Pass Me By to It Won’t Be Long. And the lure of the city has also attracted race entries from as far afield as the United States. Race director Alan Rothwell, of Run Liverpool, said: “We’re expecting 5,000 people and it’s clear Liverpool really is in the limelight this year.[...more...]

Elton John steals scene at ‘No Country’ Oscar party

If it takes a movie like “Across the Universe” for my daughter Ella to appreciate even more the greatness of the Beatles’ music, let’s have more films like it. Ella, who was 16 when she saw the movie late last year, totally flipped for director Julie Taymor’s use of about 33 Beatles songs to tell the love story of two teenagers amid the 1960s backdrop of the Vietnam War, hippiedom, the peace movement and activism. Ella plays the guitar, flute and keyboard; she sings and composes, and has better taste than her dad in music. She has taken to the Beatles songs as if they were her musical discoveries. After seeing Julie’s love-struck couple and an assorted cast of characters—including Bono, Joe Cocker and Eddie Izzard—sing tunes from “Girl” to “All You Need Is Love,” our young composer-director-in-the-making was totally hooked on the Fab Four. It helped that the lead guy is Jim Sturgess, a handsome Brit who can really sing. We earned Daddy points when Ella met Jim at Spago’s after a screening of the movie.[...more...]

Gimme Shelter

Initial media reports called it a drug-fueled riot. Cultural commentators deemed it the anti-Woodstock and said it ended the ’60s. VH1 ranked it the third most shocking moment in rock and roll history, behind only Michael Jackson’s first child molestation arrest and John Lennon’s murder. At the December 1969 Altamont Speedway Free Festival, captured in the 1970 documentary Gimme Shelter and screening today at the River Oaks Theatre, the Rolling Stones headlined, the Hell’s Angels provided some degree of security and four people died. One of them, 18-year-old Meredith Hunter, was stabbed to death by the Angels. Cameras caught it all, even Hunter’s death. Questions, of course, linger about the event. Was the poor planning the result of the Stones’ quick and somewhat entrepreneurial attempt to gain some of the momentum other bands gained at Woodstock? What exactly were the Angels hired to do, stagehand stuff or full-on security? What exactly was Hunter doing to attract the motorcycle club’s attention as the Stones played “Under My Thumb?”[...more...]

PURCHASE: The Rolling Stones - Gimme Shelter - Criterion Collection



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The Maharishi Years – The Untold Story: Recollections of a Former Disciple

August 1, 1991 saw the publication of my book, Perfect Health, a popular guide to Ayurveda that came at the height of my involvement with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Although I had been meditating less than a decade in comparison with TM meditators who went back to the Sixties, my association with Maharishi quickly became personal. He felt comfortable around other Indians and had a special regard for trained scientists and physicians. In return I had a deep fascination with enlightenment and the almost supernatural status of gurus. A few days before the book’s publication, I was in Fairfield, Iowa to participate in a meditation course. Maharishi was supposed to address the assembly on speaker phone from India, but the phone call didn’t come through at the appointed time. We all dispersed. A couple of hours later when I was in meditation I had a vision of Maharishi lying in a hospital bed with intravenous tubes in his body breathing on a respirator. I quickly got out of the meditation and phoned my parents in New Delhi. My mother picked up the phone and told me that Maharishi was very sick. “They think he’s been poisoned. Come quickly,” she said. I asked to speak to my father, who was a cardiologist. She said, “Your father isn’t here. He’s taking care of Maharishi.” This began a journey that took me to the very heart of who the guru is and who he is expected to be. The two can be in jarring opposition.[...more...]

DALTREY SUPPORTS BEATLES BAN

THE WHO frontman ROGER DALTREY has spoken out in support of a British radio station's ban on THE BEATLES' music. Virgin Radio morning programme The Christian O'Connell Breakfast Show hit the headlines in the U.K. earlier this week (26Feb08) after its listeners voted to ban the Fab Four's music from the station's rotation playlists. And the 63-year-old rocker - whose band was one of the Beatles' contemporaries in the 1960s music charts - is pleased with the decision. He says, "I didn't like all their music. I understand that everything has its sell-by (expiration) date."

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Celebrate Fab Four

THE official unveiling of Liverpool's Hard Days Night hotel will fuel further debate about how we should market the Fab Four. Liverpool gave The Beatles to the world and, it could be argued, they remain our greatest export – an export which continues to bring millions of pounds – and tourists – into the city. Last night's launch of the new North John Street venue, already a hit with tourists after welcoming its first guests earlier this month, follows news that a second Beatles Story museum is to open on Liverpool’s waterfront. Are we spending too much time and devoting too much space to The Beatles?[...more...]

Yoko Ono on Lennon's art: 'He would not have minded'

As the keeper of John Lennon’s flame, Yoko Ono is the motivator behind “A Day in the Life,” a touring exhibition of her late husband’s artwork. Lennon was a compulsive doodler, filling one sketchbook after another with quirky, whimsical drawings. After his death in 1980, Ono started pulling them out of drawers and file cabinets; “A Day in the Life” includes more than 100 pieces spanning the years 1968 to ’80. They aren’t original works, but limited edition copies, many of which have had color added. In this interview, Ono, who just turned 75, explains how and why she overcame the thought of “sacrilege.”[...more...]

Size of Paul's settlement with Heather may be made public

The divorce settlement dispute between Paul McCartney and his estranged wife Heather Mills took a surprise twist this week as it emerged that details of the case - which so far has been conducted in private - could be made public. The judge who presided over the five-day High Court hearing to decide how much of Paul's fortune Heather is entitled to will deliver his decision in private on March 17. However, he has taken the unusual step of indicating he may release details of the the amount, which could be the biggest in British legal history. "He will… decide, having heard submissions from the parties, whether or not to make the judgement public in whole or part," said a spokesman. "It is not unknown in high profile cases, or where the judges think the case has legal significance, for some or all of the case to be made public."[...more...]

McCartney Divorce Ruling Due March 17

A British judge will give the financial terms of Paul McCartney and Heather Mills' divorce settlement on March 17. The Judicial Communications Office said Judge Hugh Bennett would deliver his ruling to McCartney, Mills and their lawyers during a private court hearing. He will then decide, after hearing from their lawyers, whether to make any of the ruling public. In Britain, divorce cases are heard behind closed doors, but the secrecy has only spurred speculation about the possible size of a financial settlement. Mills, 40, and McCartney, 65, separated in 2006 after four years of marriage. They spent six days in court earlier this month trying — and failing — to decide on Mills' share of the former Beatle's fortune, estimated at up to $1.6 billion. Media reports have suggested McCartney offered Mills about $50 million and that she was seeking at least double that amount.

Mills is a former model whose left leg was amputated below the knee after a motorcycle accident in 1993. She became active in campaigning against land mines and in favor of animal welfare. The couple have a 4-year-old daughter, Beatrice.

Associated Press

Rain: The Beatles Experience

You've heard the songs all your life, and you can sing along with most of them when they pop up on your radio station. Chances are you're either a Beatles fan, or you at least like a handful of their songs. But unless you're of a certain age and were very, very lucky sometime back in 1965-1966, you've never seen the Beatles live. That'll only happen now in your dreams, friend-o, but the lads in Rain are offering you the next best thing: a full recreation of the magic of the Fab Four performed live with state-of-the-art sound and visuals. "We've kind of introduced a new generation to the Beatles," said founding member Mark Lewis, who manages Rain, plays keyboards and contributes vocals and other instrumentation to the often dense arrangements. "The funny thing is that the younger kids know the words to the songs because their parents played the music. We see kids in the first few rows of our concerts, and they're mouthing all the words, even to songs like ‘When I'm Sixy-Four.' The show is great for Beatles fans but it's also a great way to introduce young kids to the Beatles who kind of know the material, but maybe didn't think they were that cool."[...more...]

Idol Gets Beatlemania

It's been a hard day's night for American Idol, but the show finally has a ticket to ride. The music publisher that controls the Beatles' John Lennon-Paul McCartney composed hits has given Idol the go-ahead to let its contestants have their way with the likes of "Yesterday," "Let It Be" and, should someone be so brave, "I Am the Walrus." The scoop was served up Wednesday on Idol host Ryan Seacrest's morning radio show in Los Angeles. "It's something we've waited for for seven seasons now," Idol executive producer Nigel Lythgoe told Seacrest. "Sony has agreed to release the Lennon and McCartney songbook to us."[...more...]

Liverpool travellers greeted by local artwork

People jetting off on their holidays from Liverpool John Lennon airport (JLA) will be able to explore an exhibition of local art before their departure. The airport, which offers flights to destinations including Faro and Tenerife, announced the launch of its community art project on February 27th. Local artists will have the opportunity to display their work throughout 2008, which is Liverpool's year as the European Capital of Culture. A number of groups have been invited to take part, including schools, community groups, photographers, weavers and embroiderers. Neil Pakey, managing director of JLA, said: "John Lennon Airport is an emerging north-west public arts venue and therefore we are delighted to be giving local artists the chance to display their work to our thousands of passengers and visitors, especially during this Capital of Culture year.[...more...]

Michael Jackson Loses Neverland

Michael Jackson's Neverland estate is being foreclosed and if you're in the market for a 2800 acre property with a zoo and amusement park, then you might just be in luck! Jackson received word Monday, from his title company, that unless he pays off $24,525,906.61 by March 19, his house will be on the auction block on that day! All personal effects inside the estate will be included in the sale. But Jacko hasn't been there since June 30, 2005, according to FoxNews.com so maybe he'll just let it go! A word of warning to Brit ... mismanage your finances (or allow someone to mismanage them for you) and you could end up like Jackson! His song publishing interests (his own music and the Beatles catalogue) are leveraged into the next millennium and now no home?! Tough break, Jacko![...more...]

McCartney-Mills divorce deal could be made public

Details of the settlement in the long-running divorce case between former Beatle Paul McCartney and his estranged wife Heather Mills could be made public, media reports suggested Wednesday. Divorce hearings in this country are held behind closed doors, unless one side challenges the settlement, in which case the appeal is open to the public. Terms are also generally kept private, unless the parties agree otherwise. But the Press Association quoted unnamed sources as saying that the judge in the case, Hugh Bennett, was considering approaching McCartney and Mills to ask if parts of his ruling can be released. London's Evening Standard, which carried a similar report, also quoting unnamed sources, said the likely approach was due to the "overwhelming interest" in the case and speculation about how much Mills could receive.[...more...]

Date set for McCartney divorce judgment

Former Beatle Paul McCartney is due to learn on March 17 how many of his millions he must hand over to Heather Mills as part of their divorce settlement. Mr Justice Hugh Bennett will deliver his judgment after the pair failed to reach a deal during five days of hearing behind closed doors at the High Court. McCartney, whose fortune is generally estimated at 825 million pounds, married Mills, a former model, in 2002. The marriage between the 65-year-old and Mills, 40, lasted less than four years but the couple had a daughter, Beatrice. Legal experts believe Mills is asking for 50 million pounds but that McCartney is offering less than half that sum.[...more...]

A maverick spins records, gets to roots of rock 'n' roll

Like his friends, Lee listened to the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. But his ears picked up earlier echoes that few of them heard. "Whose music were the Beatles and Stones listening to?" he wanted to know. "Who were their musical heroes?" Lee's search led him back to blues singer Muddy Waters, Tin Pan Alley and beyond. As he explored the connections among them, he came to know the twisting tributaries of the river of American popular music. In an era when other disc jockeys click computer-generated play lists, Lee helps listeners solve the riddle of musical roots. Putting "Bop Street" together, he says, is like trying to "create a musical crossword puzzle."[...more...]

Pattie Boyd joins Fest

Pattie Boyd, who wrote about her two famous ex-husbands in her 2007 book, "Wonderful Tonight: George Harrison, Eric Clapton, and Me," will make an appearance at the 34th annual Fest for Beatles Fans (formerly known as Beatlefest), taking place at Crowne Plaza Meadowlands Hotel, 2 Harmon Plaza, Secaucus, from 5 p.m. to midnight on March 28, noon to midnight March 29, and noon to 10:30 p.m. March 30. Other guests will include three former members of Paul McCartney's Wings (Denny Laine, Denny Seiwell and Laurence Juber), four cast members of the Beatles-inspired movie[...more...]

Chanel Teams Up with Yoko Ono, Zaha Hadid for Roving Art Show

Luxury fashion brand Chanel unveiled an art exhibition Tuesday in an unlikely place—a mobile gallery atop a parking garage in Hong Kong, Agence France-Presse reports. The show features commissioned installations, sculpture, and video inspired by Chanel handbags, from artists including Yoko Ono and the Japanese photographer Nobuyoshi Araki. As part of the commission process, the artists took a trip to Coco Chanel's apartment in Paris, and they also were shown how the bags were made. The 180-ton mobile art gallery housing the works was designed by the star architect Zaha Hadid. It will make stops in Tokyo, New York, London, and Paris as part of a two-year tour. (Artinfo, February 26)

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YOUTH FOR MCCARTNEY?

SIR PAUL MCCARTNEY is getting heavy after reportedly recording new material with KILLING JOKE co-founder YOUTH. Youth is the producer behind British rockers The Verve's 1997 release Urban Hymns and the much-anticipated new Guns N' Roses album Chinese Democracy. MCCartney's spokesperson refuses to confirm the Youth connection, but states, "Paul started recording last week, but he has been writing for a while. It should be ready by the summer."

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Fans pay tribute to youngest Beatle

BEATLES fans have been paying tribute to the late George Harrison on the day he would have turned 65 years of age. John James Chambers, founder of the Beatles Appreciation Society, met fans inside Liverpool’s Cavern Walks to remember the youngest Beatle. Speaking at the Beatles statue yesterday, Mr Chambers said February 25 would have been an important milestone in Harrison’s life as he would have become a pensioner. Mr Chambers said: “We usually remember George and John on the major anniversaries of their death, but in this year of culture it seemed right to mark such a milestone birthday.[...more...]

Paul McCartney - Ecce Cor Meum

Paul McCartney does not know how to read or write formal music notation, which seems incomprehensible considering the song catalog accredited to his name. Even more unfathomable, though, is that on top of the hundreds of pop songs he’s written, he’s also composed three orchestral works without understanding the rules and methods of classical composition. McCartney issued his most recent classical piece, a choral work entitled Ecce Cor Meum, on compact disc in September 2006. The work’s concert premiere, recorded in November of the same year at London’s Royal Albert Hall, now sees its release on digital videodisc.[...moore...]

"George Harrison - The Spiritual Beatle"

George Harrison would have turned sixty five Feb 24th, but as much as he and his music are missed within our world, I can't say I ever mourned George or felt badly about his death. This may seem strange to all of you Beatle fans, and there are a lot of us still out there, but because George was such a spiritual person it just never seemed fitting to feel badly for him. He is with his "Sweet Lord". When you know that someone has the spiritual base that George had, you can only be happy for him. We thank him for the wonderful ways he brought spirituality into the lives of millions of young people at a time when violence and strife rocked their young worlds[...more...]

MARTIN APOLOGISES TO REPLACED BEATLES DRUMMER

Legendary producer SIR GEORGE MARTIN has made a public apology to replaced BEATLES drummer PETE BEST. The 66-year-old musician was part of the fab four from 1960 to 1962, before Ringo Starr was drafted into the band to take his place - and the music mogul now insists he feels "guilty" over the dismissal. Martin authorised the change just before the Beatles shot to fame, with Best going on to work as a civil servant for 20 years before establishing his own band years later. Martin says, "I felt guilty. Maybe I was the catalyst that changed his life."

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Pirate Beatles website operator jailed by Brazilian court

The owner of a website in Brazil that sold pirate copies of music from The Beatles has been sentenced to more than 18 months in prison this week. The result is a success for IFPI's Brazilian Anti-Piracy Unit which spent five months investigating the illegal operations of the site. The counterfeit compilations of music from The Beatles were compacted into .mp3 format without authorisation from the copyright holders and sold for an average price of R$15 (approximately US$7). Buyers could complete the transaction through a direct bank deposit, after which the counterfeit compilations were mailed to the buyers anywhere within Brazil.[...more...]

The look that became an iconic image

Emma Pinch examines the influences in fashion and music that made a whole generation dress differently to their parents. WHEN an up and coming Liverpool band shrugged off their leathers in 1962 they would have little imagined their new look would become the iconic image of an era. But when Brian Epstein hurried into Eric’s tailors on Commutation Row that year, with a fixed idea of how he wanted his band to look, fortunes were yet to be made, and it was keeping costs down that was foremost in his mind. Bernard Easterway had just left school and was an assistant at Eric Levy’s shop, which was famed throughout the city for running up one of the new Italian style suits in three days.[...more...]

From the pool to the ‘Pool - John Lennon mosaic on show

A MOSAIC designed by John Lennon for his swimming pool goes on show at the Beatles Story early next month. The Magic Eye artwork, a feature at the Beatles legend’s Kenwood estate he shared with first wife Cynthia in Surrey, will move to the visitor attraction at the Albert Dock. Weighing more than two tons and made up of 17,000 ceramic pieces, the 16ft by 6ft mosaic dates from the mid-1960s.[...more...]

The family courts and why Paul McCartney should reveal all

Family courts in the UK are shrouded in secrecy, with many decisions taken behind closed doors. The rationale behind such decisions is rarely made public. But given that transparency breeds accountability, organisations resistant to transparency effectively place themselves in the firing line. In light of this, tentative proposals are being considered to make family courts more open. But would this really be a positive move?There have been two judicial reviews of the family court system in the past two years. The first concluded in May 2006, with the then constitutional affairs minister Harriet Harman declaring: "In this day and age, it is hard for people to value what they cannot see. It is hard for people to have confidence in something that is closed. It is impossible to defend a system from accusations of bias and discrimination [...more...]

Paul McCartney's new court battle

Sir Paul McCartney and estranged wife Heather Mills are set for a new court battle over their daughter Beatrice's trust fund. The pair - who failed to reach an agreement over their divorce settlement at London's High Court and are now waiting for the judge's verdict - are reportedly locked in another bitter argument over Paul's decision to ask Beatrice's half-sister Stella to sit on the board of trustees who will look after four-year-old's future. Heather, who is sworn enemies with fashion designer Stella, Paul's 36-year-old daughter with his beloved late wife Linda, was allegedly livid when she heard of the plans, screaming: "Keep that woman away from my daughter and my life." A source told Britain's News of the World newspaper: "Heather wants none of it and has told Paul in no uncertain terms that she will fight any role Stella has in Bea's life to the bitter end, even if that means taking it to court." Meanwhile, Heather is allegedly set to star in her own TV cookery show.[...more...]

Heather Mills to fight over Stella McCartney trustee appointment

Paul McCartney and Heather Mills‘ legal tussles may not be over even when the High Court judge overseeing their case makes his decision on their divorce settlement early next month. According to the News of the World, Paul is keen to appoint daughter Stella onto the board of trustees taking care of Paul and Heather’s four year old daughter’s financial assets - but Heather has made it clear she’s oppposed to the idea. Heather and Stella are said to have fought frequently during the former model’s four year marriage to Paul and their relationship was strained even further when Heather claimed Paul abused Stella’s mum, Linda McCartney[...more...]

Sir Paul McCartney and Heather Mills arrive at court after he snubbed her plea

Macca has snubbed Heather Mills's last-ditch attempt to clinch a divorce deal and the pair arrived separately at court today for the start of their private hearing. Heather turned up in a black Mercedes with blacked-out windows wearing a black top and skirt with a pink blouse and ankle boots. Sir Paul arrived a few minutes later looking smart in a pin-striped suit and black and white scarf round his neck. He said good morning to the hordes of journalists and photographers waiting outside the London court before entering the building.[...more...]

Joe Cocker to bring soulful blues to city

Cocker has always had a special affinity with The Beatles, having covered several of their songs, and last year appeared in Across the Universe, Julie Taymor’s musical film using the songs of the Fab Four. He says he finds it difficult to put his own stamp on John Lennon’s writing. Nonetheless, he is likely to sing his new version of Come Together, as well as Lennon/McCartney’s She Came In Through the Bathroom Window and a “10-minute odyssey” of With a Little Help From My Friends during his South African concerts. These, he says, should be “quite interesting”, adding that he was expecting to see more black people at his shows than during his previous South African visit, in 1994. Once renowned as the epitome of the wild rock ’n’ roll lifestyle, Cocker seems to have settled down. He lives in Colorado with his wife Pam, in a manor house on the Mad Dog Ranch, named after his 1970 album Mad Dogs and Englishmen.[...more...]

Mucca fury at Macca plan for daughter

WARRING Sir Paul McCartney and Heather Mills are on collision course for a new court battle over a trust fund for daughter Beatrice. Mucca is incensed that Macca wants Bea's step-sister Stella on a board of trustees being set up to look after the four-year-old's financial future. Heather, 40, has vowed to challenge the move—taking the matter to court if neccessary. She has long been an sworn enemy of 35-year-old fashion designer Stella and blasted: "Keep that woman away from my daughter and my life." [...more...]

Odd notes on a few albums

During a wide-ranging interview, record collector Nick Arietano touched on some facts that make his hobby so interesting. -- The original John Lennon and Yoko Ono album cover for "Two Virgins" featured the pair nude. "At the time," Arietano says, "you could be arrested for possession of pornography." -- The Beatles were originally turned down by Capitol Records, which considered them a "flash-in-the-pan" band. The boys recorded "Please, Please Me" on VJ Records. When the record took off, Capitol changed its tune. -- Arietano considers "Rain" the best Beatles song. It's on the flip side of the single "Paperback Rider." It was also the first time the band used a piece of music played backward. It came about by accident when Lennon threaded the tape the wrong way through the recording machine.[...more...]

Paul McCartney Starts Work On New Album

Sir Paul McCartney may have got a Lifetime Achievement Brit Award but he’s not finished yet – he’s working on a new album. Fresh from his headlining appearance at the Brits on Wednesday and last year’s well received ‘Memory almost Full’, the former Beatle has just started recording material for a new release this year. His spokesperson says, “Paul started recording last week, but he has been writing for a while. It should be ready by the summer."[...more...]

VANDALS ATTACK STARR TRIBUTE

Angry vandals have attacked a tribute to RINGO STARR in his hometown after the BEATLES legend made disparaging remarks about the city of Liverpool, England, in a TV interview. The drummer appeared on a British chat show last month (jan08) and told host Jonathan Ross there was "nothing" he missed about the area since leaving to pursue his music career. And his comments have angered people in the city, who are fiercely proud of the area's link to the Beatles, with vandals defacing a tribute to Starr at his former school. A sign at a playground, named Starr Fields in his honour, was daubed with spray paint - with the 67-year-old's face blanked out and the word "traitor" scrawled next to it.

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Sons discover the Beatles, and so do I

One of the memories I have of childhood is taking trips with my family, often in the family station wagon. We were fortunate enough to be able to visit my grandmother, uncle and aunts in west Tennessee, travel to various cities for hardware shows (my grandfather owned a hardware and lumber business) and head to the beach and other vacation spots. One thing I recall is a battle for control of the AM/FM radio. My parents favored easy-listening music while I wanted to listen to rock 'n' roll. This was before the days of portable music players, so the only option was the radio.[...more...]

Scholars speak on influence of Beatles

A crowd of spectators packed Kresge Auditorium yesterday evening to relive the 1960’s through conversation about a band that created “the best music ever.” McGill University Psychology Prof. Daniel Levitin, UMass-Amherst English Prof. Nick Bromell and moderator Stanford Associate Music Prof. Jonathan Berger — all three Stanford-educated scholars who have dedicated time to researching the Beatles — spoke about the influence of the band. “Beyond just the quality of voice and production, there is something inherently unique in everything they sing,” said Berger, co-director of the Stanford Initiative on Creativity and the Arts.[...more...]

Beatles enthusiasts turned out in force to get their hands on a piece of the band's history

Beatles enthusiasts turned out in force to get their hands on a piece of the band's history. As reported in the Echo, Unique Auction House, in Doddington, near Lincoln, had a number of lots up for sale in an auction - including a signed, framed 1963 print of the Beatles which went for £620 and a Beatlemania poster sold for £52. A football memorabilia collection of Hungarian star Puskas sold for £320 while programmes from the England versus Hungary game at Wembley in 1953, sold for £65. Comic fans found a hoard of rare and perfectly preserved American editions, dating back more than 40 years[...more...]

LENNON'S OLD HAUNT TO CLOSE

Here's yet another sad verse in the ballad of John and Yoko. Cafe La Fortuna, the Upper West Side coffee shop that was a favorite of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, as well as scores of other celebrities and New Yorkers, is closing it doors for good this weekend - the victim of rising rents, its owner said yesterday. "We're heartbroken," said Mike Trapani. The last supper will be served Sunday night. While the walls of the West 71st Street eatery are festooned with signed photos of top celebs, from Luciano Pavarotti to Bill Clinton,, the greatest amount of space is dedicated to John and Yoko. A shrine to the pair is placed in the front window. Since Lennon's tragic slaying in front of the nearby Dakota in 1980, Ono still came in from time to time.[...more...]

Book Review: Who Could Ask for More? Reclaiming The Beatles by Chris Gregory

Who Could Ask for More? Reclaiming The Beatles is an ambitious project, written by a writer well-versed in the field of popular culture and media. According to Chris Gregory, the purpose of the book is "…to 'reclaim' The Beatles from the aura of idealised nostalgia now promoted around the notion of 'The Sixties' by certain sections of the media." Gregory goes on to describe The Beatles' "…art as essentially subversive; a soundtrack to the sexual, social and cultural 'revolutions' of their time." Although I was annoyed at certain passages, I found most of the book to be a thought provoking, provocative look at the Beatles and their work.[...more...]

In bed with the Beatles

Money can't buy you love but it can buy you a night with the Fab Four, after the opening this month of a Beatlesque boutique sleepover in the northern English city where it all began. Located steps from the old Cavern Club, made famous by the Beatles, Liverpool's 110-room Hard Days Night Hotel is an artsy homage to the band that changed rock 'n' roll history. Eschewing a tacky theme hotel approach – staff don't dress in mop top outfits and there's no gift shop hawking Yellow Submarine soaps – the property is a refurbished Victorian merchant building, complete with polished exterior columns. The first of the site's many original artworks perches outside, the statues of John, Paul, George and Ringo cheekily peering down at passing pedestrians.[...more...]

Sir Paul McCartney snaps underwear models backstage at the Brits

After his experiences with Heather, we're amazed that Sir Paul McCartney still seems so interested in models... The former Beatle was spotted photographing beauties in racy underwear as they queued to get pictures of him backstage. We were told: "Agent Provocateur hired loads of promotional girls in skimpy undies. They were all taken with Macca, and he seemed keen on them too - so much so, he got his camera out and started snapping away." No more lonely nights, eh?

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NEW BOOK BOASTS NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN PHOTOS OF JOHN LENNON

If anyone really knew John Lennon as well as Yoko Ono did, it was May Pang. Pang worked as an assistant for the couple and even dated Lennon while he separated from Ono from 1973 to 1975. Now, Pang has a new book filled with photographs of the Beatle. In Instamatic Karma, Pang promises fans can see Lennon like never before, in pictures that haven't ever been viewed by the public. In the photos, John is casual and unguarded. They promise to tell the simple story of the time May and Lennon spent together. While that duration is rumored to be one of Lennon's most unhappy and unproductive times, the photos show the musician clowning around at their apartment, relaxing in upstate New York or peacefully swimming on Long Island. The pics are in both color and black and white. Instamatic Karma comes out next month.

PURCHASE: Instamatic Karma: Photographs of John Lennon

Bringing Leibovitz into focus

You probably won't see more celebrities on one screen than you will in Annie Leibovitz: Life Through a Lens, a documentary about one of the world's best-known photographers. In the film, directed by her sister Barbara, personalities from the worlds of music, film, sports and politics discuss the photographer, complimenting her for the friendly attitude with which she greets them and makes them comfortable, bringing out sides to them that are rarely seen in the media. Leibovitz's long career has been built on a number of historic shots of famous people that have since become part of our popular culture. Perhaps her best-known photographs are those of a naked John Lennon curled up against a fully-dressed Yoko Ono, and a very pregnant and very naked Demi Moore that graced the cover of Vanity Fair. (See Page 20 for related article.) [...more...]

THE BEATLES LOGO

We all love the Beatles for their music, but Spinner.com just thought of another reason to immortalize them: their logo. Whether it's gracing overpriced T-shirts or iconic drumheads, being furtively carved into classroom desktops or intricately inked on the bodies of the most dedicated fans, a band's logo can be just as memorable as its biggest single. Out of the 25 most iconic logos in music history, the Beatles place at #17, and they have the guy who sold Ringo Starr his drum set to thank for it. Ever hear of Ivor Arbiter? Well, now he gets his due as designer of what is perhaps the most famous font to ever grace a bass drumhead. Check out the link: http://www.spinner.com/2008/02/15/best-band-logos-no-25/

Ringo Starr hooks up with The Zutons

The Zutons had a chance encounter with Ringo Starr in Los Angeles, and gave the Beatle a sneak preview of their new songs. Starr was outside Sunset Sound Studios, where The Zutons are recording their third album, when the band’s saxophone player Abi Harding spotted him. She explained: “I was sitting outside the studio when my jaw dropped ‘cause Ringo had just pulled up in front of me. I was proper shocked and ran over to him and gave him a big hug.”[...more...]

Macca makes the Brits a night to remember with greatest hits set

The 8,000-strong audience at Wednesday night's Brit music awards will no doubt still be savouring the final moments of the ceremony when living legend Sir Paul McCartney treated them to a 15-minute set featuring some of his greatest hits. The former Beatle had the Earls Court Arena audience on its feet and joining in a mass sing-song. He was there to collect his first ever Brit award – for outstanding contribution to music – from Aussie singer Kylie Minogue. Receiving his award a delighted Macca told the crowd: "It could go to anyone, but I'm getting it and I'm chuffed." In his brief speech he added:[...more...]

Sean Lennon scoring indie vampire movie

Sean Lennon will score the indie vampire comedy "Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Undead," which stars fellow celebrity spawn Jake Hoffman and Devon Aoki. Hoffman (son of Dustin) plays an unemployed actor who gets his big break directing a bizarre off-Broadway version of "Hamlet." But there's a catch: The adaptation is written by a Romanian (John Ventimiglia, best known as chef Artie Bucco on "The Sopranos") who happens to be undead. Aoki (daughter of Benihana steakhouse king Rocky Aoki) plays Hoffman's love interest. Ralph Macchio will play a mob boss who ends up fighting vampires.[...more...]

McCartney wants to make music again

Beatles legend Sir Paul McCartney wants to get back to making music. He expressed his desire to go back to music at the Brit Awards. Thesun.co.uk quoted him as saying, "I need to get back to what I do best - and that is what I'm going to do." McCartney, who was present to receive an award for outstanding contribution, said his focus had been off recently because of his divorce battle with Heather Mills. He performed a medley of his hits including two in honour of his late friends Linda and John Lennon. He performed Dance Tonight, Live and Let Die, and Hey Jude.

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John Lennon's First Wife Endorses Mistress' Book

Lennon's First Wife Endorses Mistress' Book | Elton Will Entertain Oscar Guests | Roy Scheider; How Blu-Ray Beat HD DVD. Lennon's First Wife Endorses Mistress' Book. Last week I told you that Julian Lennon, John Lennon’s eldest son, had posted the news on his Web site that Yoko Ono was suing a 25-year-old singer over her name. This week comes news that Cynthia Lennon, Julian’s mom and John Lennon’s first wife, is endorsing a new book by May Pang. Pang was Lennon’s mistress/girlfriend during 18 months in 1973 and 1974 routinely described in Beatle mythology as the Lost Weekend. In an episode that widely has been reported over the years, Pang was sent by Ono — her employer — to take care of Lennon when Ono sent him packing.[...more...]

Beatles hotel set for Stella night

McCartney’s daughter will be unveiled at Liverpool’s Beatles-themed hotel. The Linda McCartney Fashion Show will feature the spring and summer collection from Stella McCartney, who has designed clothes for the likes of Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow. Pop star Michelle Heaton and her husband Andy Scott-Lee will host the breast cancer charity event at the Hard Days Night Hotel. They are expected to bring plenty of celebrity guests to the show, which takes place on Thursday, March 6 and Friday, March 7. Michelle used to be in pop group Liberty X while Andy is a one-time Pop Idol contestant. Andy said: “It is going to be great to bring a bit of London glamour up to Liverpool.[...more...]

Paul McCartney receives standing ovation at Brit awards

Sir Paul McCartney put his troubles to one side for the Brit awards and was honoured for his outstanding contribution to music. The former Beatle found time to rehearse for the awards in between court appearances for his divorce settlement and a 15 minute medley of hits earned him a standing ovation from the 8,000-strong audience. “I just think British music is the best, thank you,” McCartney said in his short speech. Hosted by the Osbournes, the awards honoured the best of British homegrown music.[...more/video...]

The solo hits of Fab Four

Beatles’ fans—zealous or not—usually mix up the the Fab Four’s catalogue with their post-Beatles records. For instance, "Imagine" is always hailed as one of Beatles’ greatest hits. But by and large, the song owes its popularity to John Lennon. But Beatles’ fans could not care less. Drawing the line between the songs they sang as a group or individually does not matter to them. How many of us actually know that Ringo Starr’s newly released solo album called "Liverpool 8" is already his fourteenth studio album? Yes, the Beatle drummer came out with it last month. A surprisingly tuneful Ringo piece, the truthful lyrics goes, "I always followed my heart and I never missed a beat/ Destiny was calling I just couldn’t stick around/ Liverpool I left you but I never let you down." Ringo, who in the song remembers his younger years with "Paul and George, and my friend John," was in the limelight recently following his refusal to perform at the "Live with Regis & Kelly" show because he was not allowed to sing more than 2 minutes and 45 seconds. He walked out less than an hour before the scheduled performance, according to reports.[...more...]

I Am The Walrus To Be shown On TV

The Bravo!FACT (Foundation to Assist Canadian Talent)-funded short I Met the Walrus, gets its world television premiere immediately following the Academy Awards® broadcast on CTV, Sunday, February 24. This short also premieres on Bravo! Canada as part of Bravo!FACT Presents on Friday, February 29 at 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT., just five days after The 80th Annual Academy Awards on February 24. Watch the Oscars® to see if this animated short earns the golden trophy! In May 1969, Jerry Levitan was a 14-year-old Beatles fan who invited himself into John Lennon's hotel room and convinced him to do an interview. Almost 40 years later, Levitan took the audio from that interview and teamed up with Toronto director/animator Josh Raskin. The result is I Met the Walrus, an intricate, animated visual narrative that accompanies John Lennon’s timeless message, featuring the pen sketches of James Braithwaite and the digital illustrations of Alex Kurina.

Check out this link for a sneak peak: http://www.bravo.ca/events/imetthewalrus/index.asp

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MCCARTNEY REVISITS HIS PAST

BEATLES legend SIR PAUL MCCARTNEY prefers recording music at London's famous Abbey Road Studios - because he feels close to his dead bandmates when he is in the building. The facility is closely associated with the Beatles, who recorded nearly all of their music there between 1962 and 1970. And MCCartney feels as though he steps back in time whenever he walks through the door. He says, "John (Lennon) and George (Harrison) aren't here, so, when you go to Abbey Road, that's the nearest (to a Beatles reunion) that I'm gonna get. It's just as if I've come in on a Beatles session." Lennon was shot dead outside in his home in New York in 1980 while Harrison died of cancer in 2001.

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McCartney almost turned down Brit Award

Sir Paul McCartney has revealed that he nearly turned down his Outstanding Contribution to Music Brit Award. McCartney was reluctant to accept the honour, often dubbed the Lifetime Achievement Award, telling Xfm: "I try to avoid those 'cause it feels like you're gonna die the next second so it's actually called the Outstanding Contribution [to Music]." McCartney will perform a medley of hits at tonight's awards show, with Wings' James Bond track 'Live And Let Die' thought to be on the setlist. The Brit Awards, hosted by Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne, airs tonight on ITV1 at 8pm.

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Sharon Osbourne Threatens to Throw Heather Mills Off Stage

Loud mouth Sharon Osbourne is threatening to throw Heather Mills off the stage if she shows up to the Brit Awards tonight. She and hubby Ozzy are hosting the music awards show in London, where Paul McCartney is to receive a Lifetime Achievement award. Sharon, who is friends with Paul, says his ex-wife is not welcome at the event. She says, “I would boot her off. I think she’s a miserable old cow.” Let’s hope Heather shows. Heh:)

'MCCARTNEY TO REMEMBER LINDA AND JOHN AT HIS BRITS PERFORMANCE'

BEATLES star PAUL MCCARTNEY will perform an emotional tribute to his late wife LINDA MCCARTNEY when he receives his Lifetime Achievement Award at tonight's Brit Awards. A report in the Daily Mail claims that the musical legend will perform his hit single LIVE AND LET DIE in honour of Linda – who died of cancer ten years ago next month. The JAMES BOND theme was written by the couple in 1973 and was nominated for an Oscar. He is also planning to sing HEY JUDE as a tribute to JOHN LENNON. The newspaper quotes Sir Paul as saying: "Live And Let Die is the song that reminds me of Linda. Hey Jude reminds me of John." He added that receiving the award would be an honour stating "I'm very chuffed. It's much appreciated". Currently the former BEATLES guitarist is in the process of divorcing HEATHER MILLS. The estranged couple have spent the past week battling their case out in the High Court but failed to reach a settlement.[...more...]

The Beatles -- Something -- History and Information

Inspired by fellow Apple labelmate James Taylor's song "Something In The Way She Moves," this celebrated ballad was composed by George Harrison during the sessions for The Beatles (a/k/a "The White Album"). Finding himself with some time alone while Paul McCartney was overdubbing an unspecified song, George went into a separate studio in Abbey Road, sat down at the piano, and began to write. Harrison's original intention was to write a homage to the sort of soulful ballads Ray Charles was known for, but in order to jumpstart the writing process he used the first line of Taylor's tune, which actually begins "There's something in the way she moves / Or looks my way, or calls my name / That seems to leave this troubled world behind." George followed the opening line with the placeholder "attracts me like a pomegranate," which eventually became "attracts me like no other lover." [...more...]

Sexy Sadie

The Beatles, who stayed at his 'ashram' (defined as a retreat for a holy man who has renounced the world) in the foothills of the Himalayas in the late 1960s, once sung a song, 'Baby You're a Rich Man'. How appropriate. What is not generally recognised is that the guru was also a tycoon. His property empire was valued at over $10 billion ten years ago. He died in seclusion having amassed a meagre personal fortune estimated at $2 billion. The Maharishi (great seer) studied math and physics at Allahbad University. His higher education served him well throughout his long life. He said it helped him invent "yogic flying" and his trade mark "transcendental meditation". His most harsh critic was John Lennon. Before leaving the ashram Lennon told him: "We're leaving - Why ? - Well if you're so cosmic you'll know why".[...more...]

Second Beatles Story museum in the works

A second Beatles Story museum reportedly is expected to open this summer as part of the new Pier Head-based Mersey Ferries terminal in Liverpool, England. The $20 million center will be part of the permanent Beatles Story exhibition, which attracts 200,000 visitors a year and chronicles the story of the iconic band's creation, career and break-up, the Liverpool Echo said Tuesday. The original Beatles Story museum is in Albert Dock. The Pier Head center will feature a four-dimensional theater and Fab4Store, the newspaper said.[...more...]

Beatles Signed Rolling Stones Album To Make 5,000 Pounds

A copy of the Rolling Stones ‘Black And Blue’ album, which has been signed by the band as well as members of the Beatles, is expected to fetch upwards of £5,000 at auction. The album, which also includes signatures from Yoko Ono and Linda McCartney, was originally bought by a Derbyshire man for just £3. It’s thought that the album was signed to celebrate the arrival of Ronnie Wood, who joined the band in the same year as a replacement to Mick Taylor. Alan Judd, the manager of Bamfords Auctioneers, where the album will go under the hammer on February 20th, said he was sure the signatures were genuine.[...more...]

Heather Mills Threw Party For Anticipated Court Victory

Heather Mills threw a party to celebrate her $130 million divorce settlement last night. The former model, who is due in London's High Court for the sixth day of her settlement hearing today, reportedly decided to toast her triumph after persuading estranged husband Sir Paul McCartney to give into her demands on Friday. A source told Britain's News of the World newspaper: "The party is a big thank you to all the people who stuck by her. It is also a final dig at Paul - who spent months telling her she wouldn't get his money. He was optimistic the payout would be low and this settlement would have hit him hard." Today's hearing will see the pair thrash out the finer points of the divorce agreement before Judge Mr. Justice Bennett approves the deal.[...more...]

The Strokes, Byrne attend Yoko birthday

The Strokes, Rufus Wainwright and David Byrne attended Yoko Ono's 75th birthday party yesterday. The trio of musical acts were among the 150 guests at Ono's celebrations at Joe's Pub, New York. Ono performed her solo hit ''Don’t Worry Kyoko (Mummy's Only Looking For Her Hand In The Snow)' at the bash. John Lennon's widow was joined by members of The B-52s and her son Sean for the rendition. Wainwright performed a track for Ono when she was given her birthday cake based on her artwork 'Play It By Trust'.

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The Osbournes Want to Beat Up Heather Mills, Or Something

The Brits are tomorrow, and only one thing can save us from the slow carbon monoxide poisoning of Mika, Kaiser Chiefs and Leona Lewis performances. And that's Ozzy Osbourne violently attacking Heather Mills. It'll happen, too, if Heather Mills decides to show her face at the Brits. Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne have more or less said so themselves. And forget watching Take That mumbling a gracious acceptance speech - who wouldn't want to see a confused, shaking old drug addict having a punch-up with a terrified amputee? Nobody, that's who. As essentially rational human beings, we'd have trouble leaving Ozzy Osbourne in charge of a tin opener in case he ended up concussing himself with it somehow. However, some people aren't as obviously clever as us, and they've put Ozzy Osbourne in charge of Britain's biggest live-televised music awards show.[...more...]

Paul McCartney ditches Heather Mills deal

PAUL McCartney tried to pull off a high-risk legal stunt by abandoning a record $120 million divorce deal just hours before it was due to be signed in London's High Court. The turnaround came late on Sunday after Sir Paul's legal team advised him he could save millions by letting High Court judge Mr Justice Bennett decide on a payout for Heather Mills. The pair had been due to sign the consensual deal in the Royal Courts of Justice, which would have seen Mills take a $43 million settlement and $5.5 million a year for the next 14 years. [...more...]

Ringo heads for Niagara Falls

Rollingstone.com confirms former Beatles drumer Ringo Starr will launch his 31-date, All-Starr Band tour at Fallsview Casino Resort in Niagara Falls, Ont., on June 19-20. Last month, Starr confirmed to Sun Media during a teleconference interview that he would be returning to Canada to rehearse and launch his latest trek in June as he has done three times previously, although in those cases it was at Casino Rama in Orillia, Ont. Rollingstone.com has also confirmd his 2008 All-Starr lineup as: Colin Hay (Men at Work), Edgar Winter, Hamish Stuart (Average White Band), Billy Squier and the Dream Weaver himself, Gary Wright. Since 1989, Starr has traveled with a rotating lineup of musicians who sing two or three of their own hits and back Starr up on his solo songs and Beatles tracks. Earlier this month, Starr was a presenter on the Grammys with the Eurythmics, Dave Stewart, the co-producer of his latest album, Liverpool 8.[...more...]

JULIAN LENNON VOICES SUPPORT FOR ROCKER LENNON IN ONO ROW

JOHN LENNON's son JULIAN has hit out at his stepmother YOKO ONO for objecting to a singer/songwriter for naming her band LENNON. Ono, 74, has tried to prevent rocker Lennon Murphy from gaining the exclusive rights to use the name Lennon for performance purposes by notifying the United States Patent and Trademark Office. But Julian - the late Beatle's son from his first marriage to Cynthia Lennon - sympathises with Murphy and has publicly stated his backing for the rising star. He says, "I feel for her and know the situation well. She has my full support."

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Rare Beatles 'White Album' To Go Under Hammer

Very Rare Beatles White Album Number 00000007 To Go Under The Hammer at Cameo Auctioneers on 4th March 2008. Cameo Auctioneers of Midgham, near Reading England have an Apple PMC-7067/8 Mono UK 1st Press LP SERIAL No 0000007 of the Beatles White Album as lot nr. 308 in their specialist Film and Music Memorabilia Auction taking place on the 4th March 2008. This copy of the White Album is considered very rare due to its extremely low serial number. Stories abound that the first 10 albums were distributed directly to the Beatles, but in this case it is reported that the copy was purchased new by the vendor’s parent as a present at the time of release. The Beatles 'White Album' was the ninth official album by The Beatles, a double album released in 1968. It is often referred to as The White Album as it has no text but the band's name, discreetly embossed slightly below the middle of the album's right side. The album cover also featured a unique stamped serial number on its plain white sleeve, which was designed by pop artist Richard Hamilton. [...more...]

Pacifist Lennon's 'military past'

He once sang "Give Peace A Chance" but it seems the teenage John Lennon might have been less of a pacifist. The man, who returned his OBE because of Britain's links to the Biafran War, was possibly an air cadet. A card showing Lennon's apparent Air Training Corps membership was found when The One Show staged a Beatles memorabilia roadshow in Liverpool. Beatles experts say the card - which has yet to be authenticated by the ATC - may cast new light on Lennon's youth. The card clearly shows "Lennon, John Winston: Next of Kin: Mrs M E Smith (Aunt), 251 Menlove Avenue, Woolton and Employer or School: Quarry Bank High School, Harthill Road."[...more...]

Divorce battle goes public as McCartneys can't agree deal

Sir Paul McCartney and Heather Mills look set to fight out their divorce settlement in public after failing yesterday to reach a deal. After six days behind closed doors at the High Court, a ruling will now be made by the judge on how much of Sir Paul’s reputed £825 million fortune Ms Mills should receive. The failure to reach a deal, despite reports at the weekend that one was imminent, means that the pair are still poles apart – and it will fall to Mr Justice Bennett to deliver an order, probably in two to three weeks’ time. Nicholas Mostyn, QC, who has been representing the former Beatle in his dispute with the former model, confirmed as he left court that the judge had reserved his ruling.[...more...]

John Lennon brings peace to Naples

Peace and love reigned freely over southwest Florida last weekend, as The Artwork of John Lennon, “Love,” was on display at the Shops of Third Street South in Naples. Yoko Ono, John Lennon’s love, was kind enough to give a one-on-one interview of the show from her home in Manhattan just prior to the opening. “He loved to create,” she said. “He was so good at it, just like he was with the guitar, as you know, and I just want to share it with the world.” Yoko said she made a pledge to John that his work would be seen by the world because prior to his death in 1980 he had a difficult time convincing galleries to display his art. “Art galleries gave him a hard time,” Yoko said. “They’d tell him they weren’t interested, and it always left him disappointed. Or, they’d tell him to bring a guitar, and that wasn’t what it was about.” Nowadays, as the exhibit has traveled for 15 years around the country – and the world – Yoko said she often does not attend the exhibits because she doesn’t want to detract from her late husband’s works.[...more...]

MCCARTNEY'S PLEA TO RIHANNA

BEATLES legend SIR PAUL MCCARTNEY is praying R+B star RIHANNA performs his favourite song at the upcoming Brit Awards. MCCartney will receive the prize for Outstanding Contribution to Music at Wednesday's (20Feb08) ceremony and insists the only thing that will make his night even more memorable is to see Rihanna belt out her hit single Umbrella. The 65-year-old has appealed to the singer to make sure she chooses his preferred track on the night. He says, "I hope she doesn't sing something else. That would be the one we would all want to hear. "I love that song and I wouldn't like her to do another. So please Rihanna, hear my plea." MCCartney's in luck - Rihanna is slated to duet with British band Klaxons, who are planning on giving her 2007 smash hit an interesting new sound.

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Paul McCartney and Heather Mills fail to strike divorce deal

Former Beatle Paul McCartney and his estranged wife Heather Mills have failed to reach a private divorce deal, leaving a judge to decide a settlement later, it was reported Monday. Mills was earlier reported to have agreed to a share of 50 million pounds (100 million dollars) of the musician's estimated fortune of 825 million pounds. But leaving the High Court in London Monday, Sir Paul's lawyer, Nicholas Mostyn, agreed that the judge had reserved his ruling. The decision came after attempts by the couple to hammer out an amicable deal behind closed doors. Source:

Yoko Ono at 75 admits it: she's a witch

Yoko Ono doesn't have it easy. Even today, hardcore Beatles fans still blame her for the break-up of the band considered by many to be the best pop group of all time shortly after her marriage to John Lennon nearly 40 years ago. She's been berated as the evil witch in the Beatles fairy tale and as a woman who was only after riches when she married the legendary singer and songwriter whom many consider the Beatles' heart and soul. Ono doesn't seem bothered by the accusations. To the contrary, she plays along. Last year, she brought out a remix album of old songs entitled Yes, I'm a Witch. She says she considers all women witches and all witches magical beings. Women shouldn't be ashamed of that, says Ono, who turned 75 on Monday.[...more...]

Heather Mills told to destroy all records of Paul McCartney’s finances

Heather Mills has reportedly agreed to destroy all records she keeps of Paul McCartney’s finances. Heather, dubbed Lady Mucca due to her porn past, has put together a thick dossier of the former Beatles’ estimated $1.6bn fortune to support her divorce settlement claim - including details of his earnings from royalties as well as his property and art portfolios. But Paul’s legal team - including Fiona Shackleton - who represented Prince Charles in his divorce from Princess Diana, is determined to ensure the information does not leak and have insisted it be shredded. A source said: “It’s highly sensitive information that must remain private at all costs.” Mills, 40, is believed to have accepted their demands - and has also agreed to destroy all video and audio evidence relating to the four-year marriage. She claims to have a tape of Sir Paul allegedly confessing to hitting late wife Linda.[...more...]

Mills getting $108M in divorce settlement?

Heather Mills and former Beatle Paul McCartney have reportedly settled their very public and bitter divorce with a whopping $108 million settlement being awarded to Mills, according to Britain's the Daily Mail. Mills, who represented herself during the divorce, will reportedly receive a lump sum of $40 million up front, with another $5 million a year until their four-year-old daughter Beatrice turns 18. The settlement, which includes a strict confidentiality agreement, falls short of Mills initial request of up to $160 million, according to the Daily Mail.[...more...]

Charter school blends Bach with Beatles

In the hallway just outside the band room at the Sandpoint Charter School, there are faint strains of students warming up on the other side of the door. A drummer plays a slow groove, propelled by a rock-solid kick drum on the bottom end. Locked tight to that beat, the bass player lays down a descending line that somehow manages to sound relaxed and insistent at the same time. As the door swings open, the other instruments in this school band fill out the audio spectrum. A pianist works the keys, suspending and resolving chords as the changes progress. A guitar player breaks into a serpentine lead line that wraps itself around the song, while the alto sax begins to play the melody with a big, confident tone. Wait a minute -- isn't that "Comfortably Numb" by Pink Floyd? [...more...]

Yoko Ono Denies She's Suing Lennon

Yoko Ono has categorically denied that she is suing the rock musician Lennon Murphy for simply using the name of her late husband John. A statement released by Ono’s label Parlophone says that Lennon Murphy approached the 74-year-old several years ago to seek permission for using the name, which Ono granted without hesitation. However, it goes on to say that without Ono’s knowledge, Murphy made an application to the United States trademark office ‘requesting the exclusive right to utilize the name Lennon for musical performances.’ [...more...]

Sir Paul and Heather 'agree Britain's biggest divorce pay-out'

Beatles legend Sir Paul McCartney will still face his former wife Heather Mills in court on Monday despite reports at the weekend saying he has agreed a £55 million divorce settlement. Following a five-day clash at the Royal Courts of Justice in London, it is believed the couple finally reached a deal late on Friday. The former model will receive a £20 million lump sum and then £2.5 million each year for their daughter, Beatrice. The payment will stop when their four-year-old turns 18. [...more...]

Heather Mills' love rat "beatles" away

In the original story, published in last weekend's News Of The World, Mr Steel claimed the former model was "insatiable'' in the bedroom and that she laughed about being pursued by the former Beatle, Paul McCartney, while dating him. "Heather was insatiable - she demanded sex six times a night,'' he told the newspaper. "I'd come home to find her waiting naked in bed. She had a hoard of vibrators. She would laugh and say, 'I'm being pursued by a Beatle!' She even showed me text messages from Paul. She was up for it anywhere.'' Mr Steel claimed he had continued to see Mills, who is an amputee, after she met McCartney. He said: "On a holiday in South Africa, we stripped and made love in the shelter of a sand-dune, even though tourists were watching.'' Mr Steel claims their secret romance continued until Mills joined McCartney on a romantic Caribbean holiday in 2000. [...more...]

Sir Paul McCartney to close Brit Awards

Sir Paul McCartney, who has landed an Outstanding Contribution award at the Brits will close the show. But he said he'll keep his set low key: "It's not going to be too interesting because it's the end of the night." Try not to make it too dull, eh Paul... Hope there's a bucket at the side of the stage. Adele told me: "I'm usually sick before a gig! I heave at small ones so God knows what I'll be like at the Brits, I'm cacking myself!" There's a hot new couple on the music scene - Radio 1 DJ Nick Grimshaw and Sir Bob Geldof's girl Pixie. The 17-year-old - most recently linked with Mighty Boosh comedian Noel Fielding - blushed when she told me:[...more...]

Truffle leads to a magical mystery tour

Creme Tangerine and montelimat, A Ginger Sling with a pineapple heart, Coffee Dessert – yes, you know it’s Good News, But you’ll have to have them all pulled out after the Savoy Truffle – from “Savoy Truffle” by George Harrison I’ve been chewing on these Beatles’ lyrics for years. They’re from one of my favorite songs, “Savoy Truffle,” the sneering, anything-but-sweet cautionary ode to confectionery excess that George Harrison wrote for his rock star pal Eric Clapton, whose heroin addiction fueled a severe sweet tooth. “Savoy Truffle,” recorded for the Beatles’ eponymous 1968 double album (aka “The White Album”), owes lyrical debt to candy – in particular, a box of Mackintosh’s Good News, the British equivalent of Whitman’s Sampler. The candies Harrison wrote and sang about were actually candies contained in Good News assortments. Four of the song’s confection flavors are a cinch to divine: creamy tangerine, ginger, coffee, and white nougat. (Beatleologist copy editor’s note: Harrison misspelled the name of the nougat, named after the French city Montelimart.) But what about the one that’ll leave you toothless – the Savoy Truffle?[...more...]

Yoko Ono Sues Singer Lennon Murphy Over Use of the Name 'Lennon'

Yoko Ono sued the singer-songwriter Lennon Murphy over her use of the name "Lennon." Ono, who likely would have remained known to only a handful of the cognoscenti of the avant-garde New York art scene of the early 1960s but for her marriage to the late John Lennon, had earlier signed off on the singer's use of "Lennon" as her professional stage name. Via her attorney, the same attorney who is now suing Lennon Murphy for Yoko, Ono had given Lennon Murphy permission to trademark the name "Lennon." The irony is that the singer-songwriter Lennon Murphy was named by her mother Kathleen for John Lennon, the author of the song Imagine, which asked the question "Imagine no possessions." For Yoko Ono, John Lennon is her most valuable possession.[...more...]

MCCARTNEY SAYS NO TO OSBOURNE DUET AT BRITS

SIR PAUL MCCARTNEY has disappointed pal OZZY OSBOURNE by declining an opportunity to duet with the rocker at the 2008 Brit Awards. The former Black Sabbath singer - who will co-host the ceremony with his wife/manager Sharon - was ecstatic at the prospect of fulfilling his lifelong dream of sharing the stage with the former Beatle. But MCCartney, 65, has since decided to perform a simple solo set instead. He says, "You can either go for something wow or just do a couple of hits - I've opted for the latter. "I'm quite happy to be just doing stuff that I hope the audience will like." He adds, "This year will be outstanding - because Ozzy is presenting." The annual awards ceremony will take place in London on 20 February (08).

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Kylie to present lifetime achievement award to Sir Paul McCartney

Pop princess Kylie Minogue will honour Beatles legend Sir Paul McCartney at the Brit awards at London's Earls Court on Wednesday night. After her duet with the 65-year-old singer on Jools Holland's Hootenanny show last New Year's Eve, the Aussie chanteuse will be reunited with Paul when she presents him with the Outstanding Contribution To Music award. Wednesday's star-studded event features performances from Leona Lewis, the Kaiser Chiefs and Rihanna. Triumphant Grammy winner Amy Winehouse is also expected to appear. Brit producers have reportedly asked the Back To Black star to sing twice.[...more...]

No more Stairway to Heaven riffs

Over the course of two decades, Song Bird attracted some of Canada's most famous artists, including Blue Rodeo and Bryan Adams. Sean Lennon once dropped in and bought pedals. Lee Ranaldo of Sonic Youth bought a guitar there. Eddie Vedder once dropped in to say hello on his way to a Neil Young concert. In 2004, Mr. Bruner discovered that he had spent the previous seven years wrongfully claiming a tax credit for second-hand dealers. When he brought the mistake to the attention of the Canada Revenue Agency, he says the agency informed him that he owed $650,000 in back taxes. He was given nine months to pay. "I took a second mortgage on my house and we just started liquidating inventory as fast as we could."[...more...]

Paul McCartney to pay over $108M to Heather Mills in divorce settlement

Money and plenty of it is all Heather Mills wanted to say hello, goodbye to Paul McCartney for good, and it looks like she's getting it. Two years after their highly publicized plans for a divorce were announced, Sir Paul has agreed to give Mills more than $108 million - a tidy $27 million for every year of their marriage, London's Daily Mail reported. Mills, 40, will pocket a nearly $40 million lump sum, with $5 million annual payments until their 4-year-old daughter Beatrice reaches 18. Power-dressed in a black-velvet three-piece pantsuit with a crimson blouse, the former model and social activist couldn't hide her joy as she walked from London's High Court yesterday, smiling broadly at everyone.[...more...]

Paul Cole, man on Beatles' 'Abbey Road' cover, dies

Paul Cole was in one of the most famous photographs of the 20th century, and yet he wasn't famous. Cole, a longtime Barefoot Bay resident, died Wednesday in Pensacola at age 96. He is clearly seen in the famous shot of the Beatles walking across London's Abbey Road, used as the front cover of the group's classic 1969 album, "Abbey Road." Over the years, the picture has been reproduced in books, on posters, coffee mugs, T-shirts and hundreds of other places. The retired salesman is standing on the sidewalk, just behind the Beatles. Gawking at them. In a 2004 interview with Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers, Cole explained how he came to be there at that precise moment. On a London vacation with his wife, Cole — then a resident of Deerfield Beach — declined to enter a museum on the north London thoroughfare.[...more...]

Ringo Lines Up All Starr Tour

It’s going to be a busy summer for former Beatle Ringo Starr. The peace-sign-loving man is heading out on the road beginning in June with the latest incarnation of his All Starr band. Joining the former mop-top this time around in his ensemble will be ‘80s rocker Colin Hay (the former Men At Work singer) as well as Billy Squier, rocker Edgar Winter, “Dream Weaver” singer Gary Wright, Hamish Stuart, formerly of the Average White Band and Steve Vai’s former drummer Gregg Bissonette. Ringo recently gave fans a taste of what to expect on the trek when he held court with another merry cast during a launch show for his new album, “Liverpool 8,” at the Los Angeles House of Blues.[...more...]

The illusive search for life's meaning

It was on this day, back in 1968, February 16, 40 years ago, that a couple of young men from Liverpool, George Harrison and John Lennon of the Beatles headed out to India, soon to be followed by Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney. All of them were searching for something. They had fame and fortune and they had taken the world by storm with their music, but something was obviously missing. Across the ocean in India, they believed that maybe, just maybe, the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, an Indian holy man, would have the magic elixir, the meaning to life. The Maharishi, another name for "Great Seer," was an Eastern guru who had birthed a new way of life called Transcendental Meditation, and Hollywood stars and the flower children of the sixties were flocking to it by the scores. Mia Farrow, the Beach Boys, Clint Eastwood and Donovan, the singer-songwriter, to name a few. That time in India, that began 40 years ago today has been chronicled by many writers, suffice to say that John Lennon left the land of mysticism disillusioned, his life and marriage in disarray, and as many unanswered questions in his head as he had before he embarked on his quest. All of us, like Lennon and the Beatles are searching aren't we? [...more...]

Yoko Ono: Imagine Peace

By definition, the term avant-garde represents a pushing of the boundaries of what is accepted as the norm or the status quo, primarily in the cultural realm. Yoko Ono represents the very essence of avant-garde. Throughout her career she has consistently pushed the envelope artistically and politically. Ono has led a remarkable life, first as a member of the influential Fluxus movement from the early '60s and most famously as the wife of John Lennon. Ono met Lennon in 1966 at an exhibition of her work in London. At the time Lennon was one of the most famous people in the world. Ono's indifference with his celebrity, the positive energy that she radiated and the interactivity of her work intrigued Lennon. Ono recognized a man in need of something that his fame had not given him. Ono's Wikipedia entry states that Lennon's first personal encounter with the artist involved her passing him a card that read simply, "Breathe."[...more...]

Signed photos of The Beatles

Signed photos of The Beatles, footballer Pele, Michael Caine and Andy Warhol are just some of the items going on sale at a Lincoln auction. Unique Auctions in Doddington, near Lincoln, is gearing up for tomorrow's sale which could make up to £200,000. The 1963 framed Beatles print and a signed photo of the world famous Brazilian footballer together with one of his football shirts could each fetch up to £10,000. Classic comic fans are also in for a treat with a hoard of rare and perfectly preserved American editions, dating back more than 40 years, up for grabs.[...more...]

Bono Art Auction Raises $42.5m

Bono and artist Damien Hirst joined forces last night to raise $42.5m (£21.6m) for the fight against Aids. The unlikely pairing organised an auction of art works in New York, with many major artists, including Banksy, donating pieces. The donators literally suffered for their art when Bono led an excruciating-sounding sing-along of the Beatles' ‘All You Need Is Love’ as the auction began. An audience including hip-hop entrepreneur Russell Simmons, tennis star John McEnroe and Queen Noor of Jordan joined in. Oh dear.[...more...]