is the news section of Off the Beatle Track. It includes all the latest Beatles news edited by Richard Porter with the help our correspondants throughout the world. Our WWW version has the benefit of being updated regularly. This pagewill be updated daily - so come back soon! If you would like to submit a news item to us click here as we want to keep this page as up to date as possible and can only do it with your help. If you would like to get in touch with us: click here,

For all the Latest Beatles News 2004 please Click here   Beatles News 2003 Join Our New Beatles News Forum Yahoo e-mail group British Beatles Fanclub Formed Baby Girl for Paul McCartney Beatles Fans Getting Younger LENNON LEGEND DVD TO BE RELEASED IN U.S. ON NOVEMBER 18/a> Paul and Ringo attend Concert For George Premiere Beatles Sue Apple Computer Over Online Music New Issue of British Beatles Fanclub Magazine Now Available.� New Let it Be CD to be Released Concert for George to be Given Theatrical and DVD Release John Lennon Didn't kill my Brother - say's Pauline Sutcliffe Ringo to Host VIP Event at Radio City Music Hall New Paul McCartney Exhibition Opens in Liverpool Tony Blair's wife Sings The Beatles in China Stu Sutcliffe Archive to go on Display in Liverpool Exclusive - Yoko Ono Returns to Indica Art Gallery A and E to Air Special on Paul McCartney's Trip to Russia Ringo and the All Starr to to begin US Tour First New George Harrison Video for 15 Years Released New Version of Imagine Recorded for Amnesty International Beatles Autographs Rocket in Value KOCH Entertainment Proudly Announces the March 25 Release Of Ringo Starr's Ringo Rama New Version of Let it Be to be Released Details of Visits to Mendips Revealed Rare Photos of Paul at the Cavern to be Auctioned Beatles Abbey Road cigarette airbrushed All you need are royalties: Beatles out-earned Queen Join Our New beatlesnewsforum Yahoo e-mail group Hi all I've just started a new Beatles News Forum yahoo e-mail group. I realise that I can't keep up with ALL the Beatles news myself so I've started the group so anyone who knows of any Beatles news story can post it to others via the group. Also if anyone would like to comment on a news story they can also do that through the group too. To join the group just click on the icon below: all the best - Richard Porter - Webmaster Click to subscribe to beatlesnewsforum

British Beatles Fanclub Formed added 26th January I'm pleased to say that your webmaster is going to be involved heavily in the new British Beatles Fanclub. I founded the London Beatles Fanclub in 1988 and ran it for several years. However when my wife became ill a few years ago I had to give it up. However the current owners are very keen to have me back on board and I have accepted. The name of the club has been changed to the British Beatles Fanclub to reflect the fact that the club's writers come from all over the country. Amongst those on the staff of the club are Pete Nash, who wrote the news column for Beatles Montly. Pete is the editor of the Club's magazine. Also involved Rod Davis of the original Quarrymen, and Bill Harry, editor of Merseybeat. I will be writing regular articles for the magazine and will be involved in organising club events. I'll bring you more details when I have them. To go to the Club's Website click here

Baby Girl for Paul McCartney added October 30th �Sir Paul McCartney's wife Heather Mills has given birth to a girl.The couple have named their daughter Beatrice. She was delivered a month early in an emergency Caesarean in a London hospital on Wednesday.A statement from the new parents said they were "ecstatic" and that Beatrice, who weighed in at a healthy 7lbs, was a "little beauty". The parents said: "Heather and Paul McCartney are delighted to announce the birth of their baby daughter Beatrice Milly McCartney who was born in London on 28 October at 8.45pm by Caesarean section. The baby who arrived three weeks early weighed in at a healthy 7lbs and both she and mum are doing well. She is a little beauty and we couldn't be prouder. She is named after Heather's mother Beatrice and Paul's auntie Milly. Our immediate family were told the news right away and are all as overjoyed as we are at the early arrival of our little bundle of joy." Beatrice was born at the Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth in St John's Wood, where she remains with her parents.

Beatles Fans Getting Younger added October 30th As we all get older Beatles fans are getting younger. A survey conducted by Neilsen research in America has found that 32.7% of people who bought the Beatles '1' album were aged 18-24. The most popular Beatles demographic is still the 40+ with 39.6% in that bracket but the 18-24 demo has shown a big increase on previous survey figures. Just prior to the release of '1' the figure for 18-24 year olds was 18.5%. A spokesman for EMI said "Whilst it may be that a large number of younger record buyers bought The Beatles 1 as Christmas presents for their parents in 2000, we believe that The Beatles are experiencing a growing appeal with 'The 1 Generation'. As the release of 'Let It Be�Naked' is coinciding with an increase in demand for guitar-based rock and quality pop, it is hoped that this new appeal to the young will be enduring". The Beatles 'Let It Be � Naked' will be released on November 17. � �

� � LENNON LEGEND DVD TO BE RELEASED IN U.S. ON NOVEMBER 18 � REMARKABLE DOCUMENT FEATURES NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN FOOTAGE, NEW AND REMASTERED VIDEOS AND ANIMATIONS, 5.1 SURROUND SOUND AND OTHER FEATURES added 5th October (New York, NY) Capitol Records will release the Lennon Legend DVD in the U.S. on November 18th, 2003. The remarkable document features never-before-seen footage from the Lennon/Ono archive, rare newsreel and private footage, 15 new and newly-remastered music videos, 5.1 surround sound, new animations of Lennon's drawings and an extensive photo gallery including rare and previously unseen images. This definitive DVD has been a labor of love for executive producer Yoko Ono. Featuring much unseen footage, it is an extraordinary companion to the Lennon Legend album, which has now sold over 4.5 million copies worldwide. The DVD is a state of the art example of the possibilities offered by new technology; existing videos have been restored, music has been remixed from the original masters in 5.1 surround sound, and a brand new collection of short animations in the style of John Lennon's drawings has been created as a special feature. Using material from her extensive archive, Yoko and director Simon Hilton have created a stunning film that captures the multi-faceted genius of John Lennon. Featuring 20 tracks in total, the DVD features footage that has been traced back as close to its original source as possible. In many cases this meant going back to the original film negative, which was then digitally re-transferred and remastered. With footage shot on video, it was necessary to go back to John Lennon's original camera tapes (all on long-obsolete formats) and have them retransferred. Apart from Yoko's archives, footage was sourced from all around the world.� This turned out many previously hidden gems including 'Everybody Had a Hard Year' (an excerpt from John and Yoko's Film #6, which features a previously unseen performance by John and Yoko from December, 1968), and 'Imagine (live)' which was filmed at the 'Salute to Lew Grade' concert in 1975 and was John�s last live performance. � Another highlight is an all-new video for �Working Class Hero,� which features new material shot at John�s childhood home in Liverpool, plus newsreel Beatles footage and coverage from the candlelight vigils around the world that took place after John�s death.� Other new videos include �Happy Xmas (War is Over)� and �Give Peace A Chance,� featuring the original �Bed In� footage from May, 1969, plus additional protest footage from the era, concluding with the tens of thousands who gathered in Liverpool, London and New York for vigils on December 14th, 1980, singing �Give Peace A Chance.� Meanwhile, no words are necessary to describe the new film for �Happy Xmas (War is Over)�; the images say it all with uncompromising power. � Also included is a photo gallery containing�an extensive selection of rare and unseen images. �� Yoko Ono says, �This is as definitive a collection as it�s possible to be.� John�s life was an amazing one and one that I feel privileged to have been part of.� Compiling this DVD has been a very emotional experience: unearthing rare�footage, watching it increase in clarity before my eyes, reliving hundreds of memories that were part of�our lives and which are now being passed on to a new generation.� It is a film made with love and hope � my love for my husband and our hope that peace will prevail in the world. Give peace a chance!� � Director Simon Hilton says, �Yoko was very keen that the DVD�s film and video content should be of the highest possible quality, to accompany the stunning new audio remasters. We explored all the archives around the world � from EMI and Abbey Road to New York, all the possible stock footage and�newsreel sources, plus several attics and basements too, blowing dust off old film-cans, rubbing them and watching the genie appear.� As we turned�the archives upside down and inside out, we also uncovered all sorts of hidden gems, included here and within the �extra features� section of the DVD.� � Yoko adds, �I would also like to thank the staff at Abbey Road who worked on this project. They not only understood what I wanted but executed the ideas with incredible professional precision and creativity.�� � � � FULL FILM DETAILS: IMAGINE A brand new transfer, taken from a first-generation 35mm inter-negative of the original 16mm Imagine film negative. Restored and remastered for the very first time in a stunning new digital transfer, the detail is so good that you can even see John�s eyelashes in the close-up! Directed by John & Yoko, this was originally filmed on July 22, 1971, and is now seen with its full original intro sequence. INSTANT KARMA! John & The Plastic Ono Band, filmed for BBC 1�s �Top Of The Pops� on February 11 1970. This version has never before been commercially released. This is a longer audio version of the original album version, containing extra choruses at the end. � MOTHER A brand new video featuring a journey through emotive stills from John�s life. This is the full album version of the song (The previous �Lennon Legend� compilation contained only the single edit) � JEALOUS GUY A new video taken from footage of John recording �Jealous Guy� in the studio at Tittenhurst Park Studios in June 1971, and the �Jealous Guy� driving and rowing sequences (filmed on July 21, 1971) used in John & Yoko�s �Imagine� film. � POWER TO THE PEOPLE An extended version of John & Yoko�s original �Power To The People� video, including John & Yoko on the Oz march protests on August 11th, 1971. � COLD TURKEY A new video, taken from 16mm film performance footage of John & �The Plastic Ono Elephant�s Memory Band� live onstage in New York in Madison Square Garden on August 30th, 1972, and John & Yoko leaving Marylebone Magistrates� Court in London after his November 1968 cannabis conviction. It also features an excerpt from John�s short film �Freedom�. � LOVE A new video, featuring footage of John and Yoko from November 26th, 1980 at the Sperone Gallery in New York and from the beach at South Beach, Staten Island, New York in 1971. � MIND GAMES A new video. On November 15th, 1974 a BBC film crew, directed by John, spent a day with him around Central Park and various other locations in New York, to make a video for �Whatever Gets You Through The Night�. The video was never broadcast, but a small amount of the footage emerged as a very short edit for �#9 Dream� in February 1975. We unearthed all the original camera film reels from the day, which were very aged and damaged from decay and scratching, cleaned them up, and discovered incredibly charismatic footage of John, obviously greatly enjoying himself on a sunny day out. � WHATEVER GETS YOU THRU THE NIGHT A restored and extended version of the original �WGYTTN� Kanemaker animation video, based on John�s drawings and sketches. � #9 DREAM A new video, made from the films �Smile� and �Two Virgins� (August 1968) and footage shot for the �Imagine� film in 1971. � STAND BY ME A new video, featuring John�s performance, filmed at The Hit Factory in New York on March 18th, 1975 (subsequently licensed to the BBC�s �Old Grey Whistle Test�), and footage of John & Yoko together, most of it previously unseen. This is a longer version of the original album version, with the end fade-out removed. � (JUST LIKE) STARTING OVER A new video, by legendary director Joe Pytka (who made The Beatles� �Free As A Bird� video), made in 2000. � WOMAN A restored version of Yoko�s original video from January 1981, featuring a brand new digital transfer of footage of John and Yoko walking in Central Park on November 26th, 1980. � BEAUTIFUL BOY (DARLING BOY) A new video capturing the feeling of a relaxed day at John & Yoko�s mansion in Coldspring Harbour, Long Island, filmed on April 20th, 1980. � WATCHING THE WHEELS A new video, featuring unique home movie holiday footage of John and Sean in the Cayman Islands, Florida, Japan and New York, much previously unseen. � NOBODY TOLD ME A new video, edited from newly transferred footage and out-takes from John & Yoko�s �Imagine� film and other previously unseen footage. It also features George Harrison, Dick Cavett, and Fred Astaire! This version is longer than the original album version. � BORROWED TIME A new video, edited from a wide variety of never-before-seen excerpts and out-takes from deep within the Lennon film archives from 1968-1980. This is a slightly longer version than the album version. � WORKING CLASS HERO A new video, directed by Simon Hilton, filmed in Liverpool. at� John�s childhood school, Dovedale Primary, at Strawberry Fields, and John�s childhood home, Mendips, recently acquired by Yoko and donated to the National Trust. � HAPPY XMAS (WAR IS OVER) War is over if you want it. A new video that speaks for itself. � GIVE PEACE A CHANCE A new video, featuring the original �Bed-In� recording of �GPAC� from May 1969, plus additional protest footage from the era, including John & Yoko appearing at the National Peace Rally in Duffy Square, New York on April 22, 1972. It concludes with the tens of thousands who gathered in Liverpool, London and New York for vigils on December 14 th, 1980, singing �GPAC�. � � EXTRA FEATURES: � WORKING CLASS HERO (Anthology Version) A video made for the �Anthology� version of �WCH� that acts as a short documentary of John�s life, narrated by him. � SLIPPIN� & SLIDIN� John�s performance was filmed at The Hit Factory in New York on March 18th, 1975 (subsequently licensed to the BBC�s �Old Grey Whistle Test�). � IMAGINE (live) Filmed at the �Salute to Lew Grade� concert on April 18th, 1975. This was John�s last live performance. � � HAIR PEACE A little something we uncovered in the archives. � EVERYBODY HAD A HARD YEAR An excerpt from John & Yoko�s �Film #6� that features a never before released performance by John & Yoko from Dec 1968. � �

Paul and Ringo attend Concert For George Premiere added 26th September Sir Paul and Ringo Starr were joined by wives Heather Mills and Barbara BachThe two surviving members of the Beatles joined guests at a film screening to remember the late George Harrison. Sir Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr joined Harrison's widow Olivia at the event in California. The screening was of a documentary filmed at a star-studded tribute concert held in London last year. Also at the movie premi�re was John Lennon's widow Yoko Ono, Eric Clapton and Sir Paul's wife Heather Mills. The tribute concert at London's Royal Albert Hall included performances by Sir Paul and Starr as well as by Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne, Billy Preston and members of Monty Python. Guitarist Clapton was the musical director of Concert for George, which was attended by 5,000 people, while Harrison's friend Ravi Shankar also composed part of the show. Harrison died in Los Angeles in 2001 after losing his fight against cancer. Concert for George, which is being released on DVD in November, is being shown at selected US cinemas in October. Harrison's son Dhani and widow Olivia are donating the film's takings to the Material World Charitable Foundation, established by the guitarist in 1973.

New Let it Be CD to be Released Added 19th September A new version of Let it Be is to be released in November - called 'Let it Be ...Naked'. Here is the press release from EMI At Last As Nature Intended September 18, 2003 At last revealed - The Beatles album that has taken more than 30 years to finish, Let It Be�Naked, just the bare sound of the band inside The Beatles. Let It Be�Naked is the no frills, back-to-basics album that The Beatles first set out to make back in 1969 - but which was never released as they intended, the band back to the bone. Now, through the smart digital technology of Abbey Road studios, the never-heard band�s take of the original sessions will be finally released worldwide by EMI Records in November. Naked is Let It Be brought right up to now for the �1 Generation�, de-mixed and re-mixed, un-dubbed of orchestration, choirs and effects and stripped-back to the raw to reveal The Beatles simply as what they were very best at being � just a great band. �If we�d have had today�s technology back then, it would sound like this because this is the noise we made in the studio�, said Paul McCartney �It�s all exactly as it was in the room. You�re right there now�. �When I first heard it, it was really uplifting. It took you back again to the times when we were this band, the Beatle band�, said Ringo Starr. When The Beatles first set out to make the album in 1969, they intended to record an album that would be a return to live performance of just the bare necessities of the band, no studio effects or overdubbing of voices or instruments would be allowed. However, caught in the turmoil of the break-up of the band, the album was re-produced by Phil Spector and never released as The Beatles had originally meant it to sound. Until now. Let It Be�Naked�s track listing differs from the 1970 release; background dialogue, �Dig It� and �Maggie Mae� have been taken off the album and �Don�t Let Me Down� has been added to the running order, which now is as follows: Get Back, Dig A Pony, For You Blue, The Long And Winding Road, Two Of Us, I�ve Got A Feeling, One After 909, Don�t Let Me Down, I Me Mine, Across The Universe, Let It Be. Let It Be�Naked will be issued together with a bonus fly-on-the-wall disc that features extracts from tapes of The Beatles at the time of first making the Let It Be album and movie in the Sixties. The 20-minute bonus disc is a unique insight into of The Beatles at work in rehearsal and in the studios in January 1969. Let It Be�Naked will also come with a booklet that features historic photography of the recording sessions and extracts of band dialogue from the original booklet that first accompanied early copies of the 1970 album. Released worldwide from November 17th, Let It Be�Naked is the sound of The Beatles as nature intended; raw and rocking. �The music always surpassed any bullshit we were going through; once the count-in happened we turned back into those brothers and musicians.� RINGO STARR �It�s just us playing, in our best voices, it�s very honest�. GEORGE HARRISON �For all our success The Beatles were always a great little band. When we sat down to play, we played good�. PAUL McCARTNEY �In spite of all things, The Beatles could really play music together� JOHN LENNON

Concert for George to be Given Theatrical and DVD Release added September 19th Concert For George In U.S. Theatres October 3 For Limited Theatrical Release In UK Theatres fro October 10th Musical Director Eric Clapton Performs With Harrison�s Closest Friends Rock music�s most celebrated musicians gathered at Royal Albert Hall in London on November 29, 2001 to pay tribute to one of their own, the legendary George Harrison, on the one year anniversary of his death. On that magical night, Harrison�s closest friends gathered to perform a collection of his music for a live audience. Concert For George is far more than a concert film, it is a soulful cinematic tribute to a musician whose vision transcended the ordinary and whose talents contributed to a revolution in the music industry. Under the musical direction of Harrison�s longtime friend Eric Clapton, the film captures an emotional gathering of musicians such as, Jeff Lynne, Paul McCartney, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Billy Preston and Ringo Starr. Truly a rare moment in music history, this documentary showcases these legends of music not likely to perform together on the same stage again. Concert For George is masterfully directed by famed British director David Leland, whose credits include Wish You Were Here (BAFTA winner), HBO�s and of Brothers television series and The Traveling Wilburys� video �Handle With Care. The film transports viewers to Royal Albert Hall, beautifully shot, digitally remastered and recorded in 5.1 surround sound. The film will open theatrically on October 3rd in New York, Los Angeles and select regional markets. On October 10th, the film opens in selected cinemas throughout the UK. �The Concert for George was all I hoped it would be. The glue that held it together was our love for George. I don't think I've ever heard a band play with so much emotion and respect,� said Olivia Harrison. �All I wanted to do was really, share our love for George and his music,� said Eric Clapton of his vision for the Concert For George. �George kept up a relationship with everybody on that stage like old friends, old pals on stage, hanging out in rehearsals and back stage with everybody. It was a great way of getting closure, because we all had our stories, and our memories, and our laughter- and our sad points of view. It was just so great to be around all these people for me, that you could laugh and cry about, you know, different moments in our life that George had touched,� said Ringo Starr. All proceeds from the concert, the film and the DVD will go to The Material World Charitable Foundation, founded by Harrison in 1973. About The Production A @radical.media Production, produced by Ray Cooper, Harrison�s longtime film producing partner, Olivia Harrison and Jon Kamen, the documentary is meant as a celebration and tribute to George Harrison�s extraordinary musical career. Under the direction of Leland and Director of Photography Chris Menges, the film captures the beauty of Royal Albert Hall from more than a dozen camera locations. The film was shot in High Definition and digitally mastered with sound recorded in 5.1 surround. The entire producing team was aware that the concert had an intimate feel that night -- a feeling that required non-intrusive camera points and discreet filming. The result is a unique experience that truly makes viewers feel as if they�ve taken a seat in Royal Albert Hall and have an emotional connection to the music and the performers. The legendary Eric Clapton, who created a palette of music spanning Harrison�s entire career, oversaw the complete musical effort as Musical Director. Harrison�s longtime music producing partner, Jeff Lynne (also of The Traveling Wilburys), performed as well as collaborated on audio elements of the concert. A few special interviews and backstage moments are woven into the film, giving viewers a sense of the extraordinary bond Harrison shared with his friends and family, and how deeply they felt for him. About The Performance Each musician in the Western lineup had a personal friendship with George, and many from the Indian orchestra were chosen because of their history with George. The group spent three emotional weeks rehearsing George�s songs and collectively grieving the loss of their dear friend. Eric Clapton led the performers through music from George Harrison�s spanning much of George�s career. Clapton led the band with Jeff Lynne singing �I Want To Tell You,� �Inner Light� and �Give Me Love.� Tom Petty performed �Taxman� and �I Need You� along with the Wilburys� number, �Handle With Care.� Ringo Starr brought the crowd to an emotional peak with �Photograph,� a song he co-wrote with Harrison. Paul McCartney played a bit of Ukulele, one of Harrison�s favorite instruments, and joined the band for �While My Guitar Gently Weeps� and �For You Blue.� The audience was treated to the Monty Python team performing some of Harrison�s favorite skits, including participation from surprise guest Tom Hanks. The show also pointed to Harrison�s spiritual side with Anoushka Shankar and a 16-piece orchestra of Indian musicians performing a special composition by her father and Harrison�s mentor, Ravi Shankar. The piece was entitled Arpan, meaning offering. Joe Brown closed the evening with the old standard, �I�ll See You In My Dreams,� a loving and appropriate sentiment. About The Material World Foundation The Material World Charitable Foundation was established by George Harrison in 1973 to sponsor diverse forms of artistic expression and to encourage the exploration of alternative life views and philosophies. The Foundation also supports established charitable organizations with consideration to those with special needs. Funds for the activities of the Foundation have and will continue to come from copyrights donated by George Harrison. Concert For George will be distributed internationally by ArenaPlex LLC. The DVD of Concert For George will release in November 2003 worldwide. For more information, please also visit www.concertforgeorge.com Message from Olivia Harrison added August 1st This from The Official George Harrison Website MESSAGE FROM OLIVIA HARRISON - 31.07.2003 Dear Friends, Hello from London. Thanks to everyone for your support and kind thoughts over the last 18 months. George left Dhani and I lots of work to do and carrying out his wishes has been a challenging but rewarding experience for us all. This November we look forward to a worldwide limited theatrical release of The Concert for George (which took place on November 29, 2002 at the Royal Albert Hall in London, under the musical direction of Eric Clapton). It was an indescribable evening and was captured beautifully on film. You will be able to pre-book cinema tickets online sometime in October. The 2-disk DVD will then be available at the end of November. It will consist of the entire concert on Disk 1. Disk 2 is the theatrical version with interviews and additional mini-features of the rehearsals, etc. and an extended version of the concert brochure. I may be prejudice (sic) but, in my opinion, The Concert For George is a classic performance as well as a historical musical document. The first half of the show was Ravi Shankar's composition, a musical offering named "Arpan," conducted by Anoushka Shankar. Each movement is about George, either in mood or in the homage paid to him. The orchestra consisted of musicians, some who were George's friends, playing George's favourite instruments. There is no one but the Maestro Ravi Shankar who could compose, arrange and perform in a place like this. I don't think we will see anything like it for a long time, if ever. The Western band performed George's songs as beautifully as they will be played and the sentiment behind them is evident. Eric Clapton's guitar playing was off the scales, and Paul Mac, Ringo, Jeff Lynne and Tom and the Heartbreakers played not only like the great performers they are, but also the true friends they were and always will be to George. Whew ... we are also finishing up the re-mastering of George's Dark Horse Catalogue (which he was working on in 2001). They will be available (individually and in a special box set) early next year with previously unreleased material. There are more projects in the works with Dark Horse Records and Apple as well. More information will be posted as it becomes available. Until then, best to you and God Bless us all. Olivia Harrison

Beatles Sue Apple Computer Over Online Music added September 19th The Beatles have filed suit against Apple Computer over its iTunes online music service. A statement released by the Beatles-owned Apple Corps LTD says that the company is "seeking damages and an injunction to enforce the terms of an agreement made in 1991." The statement continues, "The Agreement was concerned with the future use of the name 'Apple' and use of [both] companies' respective well-known logos of apples. Specifically, [Apple Corps'] complaint is made over the use by Apple Computer of the word 'Apple' and apple logos in conjunction with its new application for downloading pre-recorded music from the Internet." The suit, which was filed in High Court in London on July 4th, asks for an injunction against Apple Computer, as well as monetary damages. Apple Corps LTD is jointly owned by Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Yoko Ono, and the estate of George Harrison. Apple Computer and Apple Corps have fought over the years over the right to use the name Apple and to use an apple logo. Most recently, the companies settled out of court in 1991, at which time the computer maker agreed not to get involved in the music business. However, Apple Computer earlier this year launched the iPod digital music player and the iTunes Music Store, both of which have been highly successful.

New Issue of British Beatles Fanclub Magazine Now Available.� added 26th July Issue 11 of the British Beatles Fanclub Magazine is now available. It includes a full round-up of Paul McCartney's British concerts and an interview with Rusty Anderson - by your webmaster. Also included is a review of a visit to Mendips, John Lennon's family home, which is now owned by the National Trust. In each issue is the latest Beatles News, a Beatles media watch, and the legendary 'Crap Beatles photo'. To find out more about the club please click here

John Lennon Didn't kill my Brother - say's Pauline Sutcliffe added 26th July STUART Sutcliffe, the guitarist turned painter who quit the Beatles, did not die because of a row with John Lennon, his sister said yesterday. But the argument shortly before the death of Sutcliffe, the "fifth Beatle", at the age of 21, would not have helped an "already vulnerable situation", said his sister, Pauline. Ms Sutcliffe rejected recent reports claiming that she blamed the row with Lennon for his death. Sutcliffe had been suffering from blackouts and temporary blindness before he died from a brain haemorrhage in the arms of his fianc�e, Astrid Kirchherr, in Germany, in April 1962. Ms Sutcliffe was speaking at the preview of a sale of a collection featuring personal letters, poetry, sketchbooks and photographs belonging to Sutcliffe. She said: "The fight with John would not have helped in an already vulnerable situation, but they maintained a relationship until Stuart�s death." She told how letters of up to 20 pages were exchanged between the pair, even after Sutcliffe quit the group to pursue a career as an artist. She also spoke of the "terrible grief" that particularly affected Lennon following the death. Of Sutcliffe�s decision to quit the band, she said: "He thought he was going to be as famous as a painter as they were going to be as a band." Ms Sutcliffe went on: "This sale confirms for me that I haven�t spent 40 years of my life in vain. "You see, I always believed Stuart was not only the central force behind the Beatles, but also the member who most influenced their public image, making style statements that still reverberate throughout the world to this day. "More importantly, though, he was an artist who chose to put his affiliation with the Beatles to the side in order to pursue his first love - his art." Among items on offer will be Sutcliffe�s birth certificate, excerpts of his school homework, college certificate, and framed art works, which are expected to fetch up to �8,000. His interest in literature, poetry and philosophy is emphasised in the collection, with some of his poetry books expected to fetch up to �1,500. Love letters to his German girlfriend are also included in the collection. Sutcliffe was among Lennon�s closest friends. They met at Liverpool College of Art at the age of 19. Ms Sutcliffe said she hoped that Beatles fans across the world would buy some of the items. The auction is scheduled to take place at Bonhams, in London, on 29 July.

Ringo to Host VIP Event at Radio City Music Hall added 26th July Ringo Starr will make a special appearance to help Benefit Humane USA. Humane USA's Benefit VIP Reception with Ringo Starr, will be held on Tuesday, July 29, 2003 at Radio City Music Hall, New York City, New York. Humane USA's VIP Reception will be held in the historic Roxy Suite at Radio City Music Hall. This Private Cocktail Reception with Ringo Starr for 75 people will begin at 5:00 p.m. greeted and entertained by the beautiful dancers from Amira Mor entertainment and featuring delicious gourmet hors d'oeuvres and desserts presented by some of New York's renowned chefs including Floyd Cardoz of Tabla in Manhattan, Fortunato Nicotra at "Felidia", Louis Lanza: Josie's Restaurants, Chef Michel Nischan, Joy Pierson: "Candle Caf�, and New Jersey's Laura Dardi of "La La Sweets" . At 7:40 p.m. guests will proceed to VIP Orchestra seats to enjoy Ring's fabulous All-Starr Band in Concert that begins at 8:00pm. This will be an evening to enjoy and remember while helping animals. Humane USA is a political action committee formed in 1999 by humane leaders to be the nonpartisan political arm of the animal protection movement. We support Democrats, Republicans, and Independents based on a single criterion: their support for animal protection. Humane USA is already a political force capable of winning major policy reforms to protect animals and is the only national organization with this goal. Our support comes from animal lovers throughout the country.

New Paul McCartney Exhibition Opens in Liverpool added 22nd July An exhibition celebrating the solo career of Paul McCartney after the break-up of the Beatles will open in Liverpool on Saturday, organized by students from his former school. "The Solo Years -- Paul McCartney" will be held at the Beatles Story museum in response to fans' demands. The exhibition will focus both on McCartney's continuing musical success and his involvement with his former school, the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA), where he is leading patron. "I was recently made very aware, in addition to everything that Paul has achieved in his career, of his influence on the new generation," said Jerry Goldman, Director of The Beatles Story. The exhibition will include a video message from McCartney, telling the audience of his involvement with LIPA and what it means to him. "It's great that my old school is now back in use helping the next generations," he says. "It's exciting that once again my home town will be the world's target for tomorrow's talent." Morgan Large, a LIPA student and the chief designer, says the exhibition provides a map of McCartney's life with such landmarks as Forthlin Road, McCartney's family home, the Mull of Kintyre, the subject of a hit song, and Liverpool Cathedral where his Liverpool Oratorio was first performed.

Tony Blair's wife Sings The Beatles in China Added July 22nd Prime Minister Tony Blair had just endured a tough grilling from Chinese university students over the case for the war in Iraq when the request from one young student came in -- sing a song by the Beatles. � He got by with a little help from his wife. The plea for some light entertainment came after a 45-minute question and answer session at Tsinghua University, and Blair, who was lead singer in a rock band called Ugly Rumours during his college days, wasted little time in deflecting it. Cherie Blair -- with some prodding -- sang a verse from the Fab Four classic about staying faithful in old age, "When I'm 64", as students surrounded the couple and clapped to the beat. "I thought the atmosphere should be a little more warm," said a smiling Peng Linlin, 21, who popped the request as Blair was shaking hands before heading to the door. "I'm proud of it."

Stu Sutcliffe Archive to go on Display in Liverpool added 12th July An important Beatles archive, bought with the help of lottery funding, is to go on public display for the first time. The archive, which museum staff describe as one of pop culture's most significant collections, includes a guitar which used to belong to Stuart Sutcliffe, one of the original Beatles. It will be displayed at the Museum of Liverpool Life from next month. The collection reveals an important snapshot of the band's early life. Sutcliffe was a member of the Beatles in the band's formative years, but left the group to study art and died of a brain haemorrhage when he was just 21. The museum, helped by the heritage lottery fund, was bought from Sutcliffe's sister Pauline. The collection includes a charcoal self-portrait, letters, photographs and personal possessions. A chequebook reveals that he was paying hire purchase instalments for a guitar bought by John Lennon. Key items from the archive will be displayed at the museum from August 21, which coincides with the Mathew Street Festival, the city's annual Beatles celebration. Sutcliffe died in 1962 as the band was becoming established. A talented painter, he had won the Walker Gallery's John Moores prize for painting. The archive includes letters to his mother after he moved to Hamburg to be near photographer Astrid Kirchherr. The couple were widely acknowledged as developing the Beatles' fashion sense and introducing their iconic mop-top hairstyles. A photograph taken by Lennon shows Sutcliffe, Kirchherr and Cynthia Lennon relaxing on a beach. Other photos show his flat in Hamburg, a photobooth shot of him kissing his girlfriend, and one of him with Lennon in the crowd of a Gene Vincent concert at Liverpool's Rialto ballroom. David Fleming, the director of National Museums Liverpool, said: "The collection reveals insights into the early days of the world's most famous band. It is a tremendous coup for Liverpool to bring such fascinating material home." The archive also includes a collection of illustrations Sutcliffe drew for his mother Millie to help her work as a teacher - showing how food travels from ships into shops and on to the breakfast table. More poignantly, a report by his eminent painting tutor in Hamburg, Professor Eduardo Paolozzi, records his pupil's absences because of the headaches which precursed his death. There is also a letter to his mother from Kirchherr after Sutcliffe's death in which she writes of how the other four Beatles were comforting her.

Exclusive - Yoko Ono Returns to Indica Art Gallery added July 10th Yoko Ono has made an emotional return to the site of her first meeting with John Lennon. She returned to the former Indica Art Gallery, now called the James Hyman Art Gallery on Sunday 6th July. She was welcomed by the owner, James Hyman, who told me that Yoko was delighted to be back in the building, which she hadn't been to since that first meeting with John. The Indica Art Gallery was run by Barry Miles, Peter Asher and John Dunbar. Paul McCartney was an early beneftor of the Gallery as he was living in the same house as Peter Asher and dating Peter's sister Jane. Paul who got John Lennon interested in the gallery and it was John who visited the gallery on November 9th 1966 to see an exhibition called 'Unfinished Paintings and Objects' by Yoko Ono. Although John and Yoko clicked straight away they didn't marry until 1969.

A and E to Air Special on Paul McCartney's Trip to Russia added July 10th A and E in America are to air a special show on Paul McCartney's trip to Russia. Here is the Official press release. His music helped to open a closed society, but Paul McCartney never had the chance to perform in Russia � until this year. This fall, A&E Network will present the 2-hour world premiere concert/documentary film Paul McCartney: The Journey To Red Square. On May 24, 2003, Paul McCartney's critically acclaimed "Back In The World" Tour visited Russia. Despite the various rumors and tales, it marked the first time that he had set foot on Russian soil. Paul McCartney: The Journey To Red Square is not only the story of that trip, but is also the history behind a secret love affair that existed for decades between the Russian people and McCartney. Paul McCartney: The Journey To Red Square will tell their story, in their words, of how, without knowing, one man helped shape a sociological and cultural future for an entire nation. Paul McCartney: The Journey To Red Square is highlighted with music from the nearly three-hour live concert, which took place in Moscow's Red Square. Nearly 100,000 people, including President Putin and former President Gorbachev, turned out for the historic event and the 26- camera production team captured every moment. From the opening bars of "Hello, Goodbye" to "Band On The Run" to "Back In The USSR" and "Hey Jude" the show was a concert event not to be missed. Cameras were rolling as McCartney's three-day whirlwind trip to Russia was chronicled. Paul McCartney: The Journey To Red Square will include conversations with respected members of the Russian cultural community, as well as footage shot during McCartney's visit to St. Petersburg, where he received an honorary doctorate from the esteemed Russian Conservatoire and dedicated a building for the future advancement of the arts for Russia's youth. Paul McCartney: The Journey To Red Square will be executive produced by Paul McCartney. Producer/Director is Mark Haefeli. Music Producer is David Kahne. Director Of Photography is Craig Braden. A&E Executive Producer is Delia Fine. A&E Producer is Emilio Nunez.

Ringo and the All Starr to to begin US Tour added July 10th Ringo and the All Starr Band begin their US tour in Toronto later this month. The 2003 line up is: Ringo Starr, drums; John Waite, bass; Paul Carrack, keyboard; Sheila E., percussion; Colin Hay, guitar; Mark Rivera, sax. The tour schedule is as follows: July 24: Casino Rama, Toronto, Ontario, Canada July 25: Casino Rama, Toronto, Ontario, Canada July 26: Darien Lake Six Flags Performing Arts Center, Darien Center, N.Y July 27: Fleet Boston Pavilion, Boston, Mass. July 29: Radio City Music Hall, New York, N.Y. July 30: Easton, PA. State Theater July 31: Mohecan Sun Casino, Uncasville, Ct. Aug. 1: Bryant Park, corner of 42nd Street and Sixth Avenue, NYC. (Free) Aug. 2: Trump Taj Mahal, Atlantic City, N.J. Aug. 3: PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel, N.J. Aug. 4: Westbury N.Y. Music Fair Aug. 5: Westbury N.Y. Music Fair Aug. 7: DTE Energy Music Theater, Detroit. Aug. 8: Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids, Mich. Aug. 9: Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, Milwaukee, WI. Aug. 12: Rosemont Theater, Chicago, Ill. Aug. 13: Chastain Park, Atlanta, GA. Aug 15: Gulfport Grand Casino, Gulfport, MS. Aug 16: Manaffay Theater, St. Petersburg, Fla. Aug 17: Mizner Amphitheater, Boca Raton, Fla. Aug. 19: Alico Arena @ Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers, Fla. Aug. 21: Horseshoe Casino, Robinsville, MS. Aug. 22: Riverfest Amphitheater, Little Rock, Ark. Aug. 23: Next Stage @ Grand Prairie, Grand Prairie, Tex. Aug. 25: Sandia Casino Ampitheater, Albuquerque, N.M. Aug. 26: Amarillo Civic Center, Amarillo, Tex. Aug. 27: Fillmore, Auditorium, Denver, Colo. Aug. 29: Harrah's Lake Tahoe Aug. 30: Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas Aug. 31: Marymoor Park, Redmond, Wash. Sept. 2: Britt Festival, Jacksonville, Ore. Sept. 4: Garden Theater, Montalvo Center for the Arts, Saratoga, CA. Sept. 5: Dodge Theater, Phoenix, Ariz. Sept. 6: Universal Amphitheater, Los Angeles Sept. 7: Humphrey's, San Diego, Calif. Ringo has a great new website at "http://www.ringostarr.com" Ringo regularly makes very enjoyable video updates on the site and it is will worth a visit. Ringo was recently at the Chelsea Flower Show to openthe octopus garden to show his support for the cause to conserve coral reefs. The Hasmead octopus garden is a design concept aiming to simulate three marine environments - a coral garden, shallow reef and an eel garden. Starr arrived wearing a grey kagoule and posing for pictures with his wife, Barbara Bach. For a photo of Ringo and Barbara at the Flower Show Click Here �

First New George Harrison Video for 15 Years Released added July 10th Any Road, one of the standout tracks from the acclaimed Brainwashed album, is out now. It was released on Monday 12th May. The accompanying promo video includes previously unreleased footage that lovingly celebrates George's life. His humour and spirit are captured in the studio, in concert, casual shots and animated footage. "Any Road" is the first new George Harrison music video since "This is Love" from Cloud Nine in 1988. Written by George Harrison, "Any Road" is produced by George, Jeff Lynne and Dhani Harrison. The track features George on slide and acoustic guitars and banjulele; Jeff Lynne on bass, piano and backing vocals; Dhani Harrison on electric guitar and backing vocals; and Jim Keltner on drums. Critics worldwide have embraced the album. Time Out believe, 'Harrison has left his fans with plenty to be proud of.' and The Times see Brainwashed as '... a record that deserves to stand alongside his best solo work'. Mojo went on to say that '.. George Harrison book ended his solo years with his two best albums.' The New York Times said, "The music is vintage Harrison: laid-back but by no means underpowered, with melodies tugged between major and minor keys, and lyrics that are filled with humorous wordplay but are also cuttingly direct. Harrison's trademark slide guitar shines through everywhere and is particularly fluid in the instrumental "Marwa Blues" and at the start of "Stuck Inside A Cloud." This is not a guitarist who retired to the garden." George's new web site, http://www.georgeharrison.com , has also just been launched. The site contains daily news, a message board, an online shop, a busy media section which includes audio clips and video footage, plus George's Jukebox which includes some of his all time favourite songs. Click on down, avoid getting Brainwashed and take a stroll through George's new online garden.

New Version of Imagine Recorded for Amnesty International added July 10th Children from Northern Ireland are featuring in a new recording of a John Lennon classic as part of a human rights education campaign. Yoko Ono has given Amnesty International the rights of Lennon's song Imagine until the end of 2004, and a new CD and video has been launched . Imagine is one of Lennon's most famous songs, which he recorded in 1971, accompanied by a black and white video of him singing it at a white piano. The new version features children from schools in Lisburn, County Antrim, and Belfast's Glen Road. Children from India, South Africa, Croatia and Tibet are also featured. The Imagine campaign was inspired by Irish actor Gabriel Byrne after he heard children at a New York school singing it at his niece's graduation ceremony. Lennon's widow agreed to give Amnesty the rights to the song because she felt the work of the human rights organisation "embodies the spirit of Imagine". Patrick Corrigan, Amnesty International's programme director in Northern Ireland, is delighted. "The Imagine campaign is a fantastic opportunity for Amnesty to share our vision of a world where human rights are protected and to ask people to imagine what it will take to ensure that the world really does live as one," he said.

Beatles Autographs Rocket in Value added July 10th � BEATLES fans have seen the value of autographed photos rocket by 153pc in the last five years. Signed photos of the iconic band have topped an index of the world's 100 most traded and wanted signatures. A Beatles photo signed by Paul, John, George and Ringo has increased in value from �4,950 to �12,500 in the last five years, while their collective autograph, ranked joint second in the index, has jumped from �2,750 to �7,500. Individual signatures of the four band members also make it into the top 100 list compiled by stamp dealers Stanley Gibbons - though John Lennon's name is �1,725 more valuable than his writing partner McCartney's. The top performing signature in the last five years was George Harrison, whose death last year led to his autograph jumping from �175 to �1,250. Stanley Gibbons director Paul Fraser said: "The Beatles get international coverage and therefore have a worldwide appeal. The first signature we ever sold was a Beatles album sleeve which went for �45. A signed Sergeant Pepper album sleeve, however, has recently sold for �40,000. "George was seen as a quiet Beatle and didn't do a lot of signing in his later years. Now he has died the value of his autograph has shot up."

Rock hall to remember the quiet Beatle added July 10th There was something in the way he moved people. Now the late George Harrison could become the focus of the next big exhibition at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. An as-yet-untitled salute to the ex-Beatle is tentatively scheduled to open next year, chief curator Jim Henke said. Harrison's widow, Olivia, has expressed interest in the project, although exhibit plans have not been finalized. Harrison died in 2001 at the age of 58, after a long battle with cancer. The rock hall has approached Harrison's estate about covering his years with the Fab Four and his solo career with a retrospective spread over several floors of the museum. Henke said he envisions a major installation along the lines of the rock hall's well-received John Lennon exhibition, which recently ended a two-year run. Henke sees no harm in mounting another Beatles-related exhibit in such short order. "There always is interest in the Beatles," he said. Jann Wenner, vice chairman of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, broke the news about the Harrison exhibit at the rock hall induction ceremony Monday in New York City.

KOCH Entertainment Proudly Announces the March 25 Release Of Ringo Starr's Ringo Rama added January 31st Ultimately what's most impressive about Ringo Starr isn't what he's been, but rather who he is. And with his wonderfully infectious and intimate new album, Ringo Rama, Starr and his close-knit team of collaborators have created a characteristically charming reflection of who Ringo Starr is in the present tense. The man's great heart and soul, his wit and wisdom all come through loud and clear throughout Ringo Rama. 'There is a lot of me in these songs,' Starr says. 'As time goes on, my personality is coming out more and more in the music. That's just what happens. On this album my drumming is more dynamic, I'm more to the front, I think I'm singing better and I believe we're writing better songs. All the touring helps because then you're keeping your chops up. I suppose I had a long time off and now I've had a long time on.' A grown-up thrill ride, Ringo Rama lovingly and at times movingly celebrates yesterday and today. This is a song cycle that appropriately acknowledges the former Beatle's illustrious past but at the same time powerfully insists on the paramount importance of living and loving here and now. Ringo Rama would be a fine album without any of its back story. Yet coming from Starr, it feels in a sense like the album of a lifetime. Ever since cleaning up his own act at the end of the Eighties, Starr started touring with his assorted All-Starr bands and recording a series of impressive albums that at long last made good on the tremendous promise of his early post-Beatles efforts. 'I had a great cycle with Ringo [1973] and Goodnight Vienna [1974] and then it all went downhill,' Starr admits. 'And then from the time of Time Takes Time [1992], I started climbing back up the hill. And since then they're all just getting better.' The rock steady drummer is excited to find himself in such a healthy and extended musical groove. 'I've said this over and over again, but I love being in a band,' Starr explains. 'And I love hanging out with a crowd of musicians. And that's what we are and that's what we do. We write them and we record them.' For Ringo Rama, the 'we' of which Starr speaks of is a fine group of fellow travelers that includes producer Mark Hudson, and writer/players like Gary Burr, Dean Grakal, Steve Dudas, Jim Cox and Gary Nicholson. There are also some notable guest appearances from old friends like Eric Clapton, David Gilmour, Willie Nelson, Shawn Colvin, Timothy B. Schmidt, Van Dyke Parks and Charlie Haden. The album was recorded largely at Starr's English studio, with a few tracks cut at producer Hudson's tiny studio in Los Angeles. 'I refuse to go into a so-called 'real,' stuffy studio anymore,' Starr says. 'I like to see us all sweat together and feel the music together.' Starr credits producer Hudson with helping to create an ideal atmosphere to work and play. 'Mainly we have a lot of laughs,' he explains. 'It's a lot of fun working together. And we can shout at each other without us getting really hurt and leaving the room. Sometimes it gets a bit tense in the studio, but Mark brings a lot of love, a lot of musical talent and a lot of diplomacy within the group in terms of holding us together. We have a team and we hang out. And it just matters how many of us are in the room how many write the song. It's whatever comes up at that minute. It's not all so pre-planned.' The spontaneous, positive spirit at the heart of Starr's work since his days with the Beatles is very much in evidence on Ringo Rama, right from the aggressively peaceful first track 'Eye To Eye' with its opening allusions to Starr's own first solo smash, 1971's 'It Don't Come Easy.' Like several other tracks on the album, 'Eye To Eye' represents an impassioned cry for peace and love in tense, even traumatic times. 'To me 'Eye To Eye' sounds like there's a war going on and we're trying to make it a war of love,' Starr offers. 'I know it's easy to say, but we're trying our best to see eye to eye because then the world would be a better place. With me, the mission all the time is the same - peace and love and four guys sitting around a room writing songs of love.' Another standout on Ringo Rama is a love song of a different sort, 'Never Without You' - a luminous, deeply felt tribute to Starr's friend and former bandmate George Harrison. 'It was my way - with the help of Gary and Mark - to say how much George meant to me and how much he will be remembered,' he says softly. 'Gary Nicholson started that song, and Mark brought it over and we realized we could tailor it. George was really on my mind then. I actually tried to get George, John Lennon and Harry Nilsson all into that song. But it got too busy, so I thought I'm just going to do it for George.' To play the moving guitar solo for 'Never Without You,' Starr reached out to another guitar great and close friend of Harrison. 'I called Eric Clapton up and it was great to have him,' Starr says. 'Eric's on two tracks on the album, but I really wanted him on this song because George loved Eric and Eric loved George. I wanted Eric to come and play that solo because I only wanted people on the track who George knew and loved.' Another major guitar player, David Gilmour of Pink Floyd fame, appears on the wryly philosophical tune 'I Think Therefore I Rock & Roll' and 'Missouri Loves Company.' For the record, Starr points out that both of these legendary players were not only inspired but also convenient. 'We had a funny joke over here,' Starr recalls from his home in England, 'People would ask, 'So who's on the record?' And we'd say, 'Just a couple of local guys. You know, like Eric Clapton and Dave Gilmour.' Because they do both live just around the corner.' Certain Ringo Rama songs - like 'English Garden' and 'Elizabeth Reigns' - reflect the album's British origins. 'Elizabeth Reigns' was because when we were recording here the Queen's Jubilee was going on, and there was this big party where Paul played and lots of other bands too. And it was so in your face. And our American 'cousins' who were staying with me at the time - namely everyone in the band on the record - were so excited about it all. Dean Grakal started the song. And because I thought they've had their day in all honesty myself, I had to put in that verse, 'Six hundred servants/Use her detergent/Scrubbing the Palace floor.' Elizabeth was the last of the great ones, and like the song says, 'we don't really need a king.'' Even closer to home is 'English Garden,' which references Ringo's beloved wife Barbara and even the family dog Buster. As befits an album created by a bunch of Brits and Americans, Ringo Rama also features songs with a decidedly American feel. A lifelong country music lover - witness his classic cover with the Beatles of Buck Owns 'Act Naturally' and his 1970 Beaucoup of Blues album - Starr shines on the country-tinged 'Write One For Me' which features a strong vocal assist from the one and only Willie Nelson. 'That one was done long-distance because I was in England and Willie was touring in America,' Starr explains. 'But I've met Willie time and time again, and he's a beautiful human being. He's a gentleman who's open to everything - an incredible man.' The hilarious and lovely 'Missouri Loves Company' is an excellent, pun-filled road trip of a pop song. 'We love the double entendre of the thing,' Starr says with a warm laugh. 'For me I wanted it to be a kind of travelogue around America. America is still very romantic to me. Route 66 is very romantic to me too. That's sort of where I came into this thing with Chuck Berry.' And the King of Rock & Roll himself is name checked in 'Memphis in Your Mind.' 'I Think Therefore I Rock & Roll' is another stirring testament to the importance of music in Starr's life. 'It's about rock & roll, the blues, just music really,' Starr explains. 'I love music. I still listen to it. I d on't actually listen to that much of what's going on, though you can't doubt Coldplay. I love bands, but I'm not into all these bands from reality shows put together on TV. They haven't put in the time and the energy for it. That stuff is all a bit instant and it sounds a bit instant. In fact, you blink and you've missed them. I do love Eminem. I love that groove he always has and his writing has so much humor' Finally, just between friends, there's a bonus track at the end of Ringo Rama. 'We used to have quite a bit of those little tags on the Beatles albums,' Starr remembers. 'We'd throw a little something in. So I suppose it's part of that.' This time around, Starr's parting shot of love and peace is the short but sweet 'I Really Love Her,' which he recorded all on his own. 'Just one time in my career, I wanted to do it all,' he says, laughing. 'I'm tired of all my other mates doing everything. So I thought, 'Okay, I'm going to do it all.' So that was a lot of fun for me.' The inspired fun of Ringo Rama is likely to spread this summer when Starr takes the latest set of All-Starrs out on the road. 'We're going live again this year,' Starr says. 'And I promised our promoter David Fishof that I'll play three new songs. So get ready.'

New Version of Let it Be to be Released added January 31st The Beatles' Apple Records is planning a new version of Let It Be, the 1970 album that was released as the group's swan song, for the fall. Though the album will feature the same track listing as the original, the music it contains has been stripped of the orchestration that was added by legendary producer Phil Spector -- thus restoring Paul McCartney's "back to basics" concept that originally underpinned the project. "It's the de-Spectorized version," says Ringo Starr. "Same tracks, same people. I was listening to it recently, and it was really great. I've been away from it a long time too. It fills my heart with joy to hear that band that I was a member of. They were just great. And also, the quietness of the tracks: It's a beautiful CD." Most of the Let It Be material was recorded in early 1969 for an album and movie originally to be called Get Back. Though the project was intended to showcase the Beatles' returning to their roots as a four-piece rock band, it instead captured the band in the throes of its breakup. The album was temporarily abandoned, and the film, retitled Let It Be, was released the following year. At John Lennon's insistence, Spector was later brought in to compile an album from the hundreds of hours of tape. However, his work, undertaken after the group had effectively split, has always been a source of massive irritation to Paul McCartney, who took particular exception to the string arrangement on his composition "The Long and Winding Road." "Paul was always totally opposed to Phil," says Starr. "I told him on the phone [recently], 'You're bloody right again: It sounds great without Phil.' Which it does. Now we'll have to put up with him telling us over and over again, 'I told you.'" Starr also says that George Harrison approved the release the stripped-down version of Let It Be before his death in 2001. The project has been underway for at least two years, and it instigated the recovery of the missing Let It Be audio reels by police in the Netherlands on January 10th. Along with Starr and McCartney, another figure who will welcome the Let It Be reissue is veteran British producer Glyn Johns, who engineered the original sessions. "My version of [the song] 'Get Back' actually was released fairly quickly as a single," he says. "And my version of [the song] 'Let It Be' was also released, before Phil Spector puked all over it. And I hope you quote me on that. If you hear 'The Long and Winding Road' without all that schlock on it, it's fabulous just like it is." The Let It Be movie will be released on DVD to accompany the new CD, although it's currently unclear whether any unreleased footage will be included. Fans can also look forward to the summer DVD release of the 1996 The Beatles Anthology documentary -- replete with unseen interview material, much of it drawing on the one occasion when McCartney, Harrison and Starr were interviewed together.

Details of Visits to Mendips Revealed � added Janaury 31st A LIMIT of 90 people a day will be set for visitors to the childhood home of Beatle John Lennon. A formal planning application to turn 251 Menlove Avenue into a tourist attraction is due to go before Liverpool city councillors on February 4. They are being recommended to approve the proposal. It will mean the house, run by a live-in custodian, will be ready to open to the public this spring. Mendips was donated to The National Trust by Lennon's widow Yoko Ono last year, after she bought the four-bedroom semi for �150,000. The charity plans to run a maximum of six tours a day -between 11am and 5pm, with no more than 15 people per tour. A timed ticket allows access to both Mendips and Sir Paul McCartney's home at nearby 20 Forthlin Road and visitors will be bussed to both sites.

Rare Photos of Paul at the Cavern to be Auctioned added Janaury 31st WHEN Sir Paul McCartney made an impromptu visit to the Cavern in 1968 he made the owner promise not to tell the press. But 35 years later these previously unseen photos of Macca have been revealed for the first time. Paul made a surprise visit to the Cavern Club with his then girlfriend Linda Eastman on October 25, 1968. Pop memorabilia expert Jason Cornthwaite, of Tracks, in Chorley, said: "Paul called alone at approximately noon and asked if he could call back later with Linda as he was on his way to drop off a record player to his stepsister Ruth on the Wirral. "Alf Geoghegan, owner of the Cavern, asked Paul if he minded if he took some photographs of the occasion. "Paul agreed as long as the press were not informed. "Alf realised that he did not have a camera with him and he walked around the corner to Photo-Optics, a photographic shop in North John Street and purchased a Yashica Camera to record the occasion. "The salesman accompanied Alf back to the Cavern to set the expo-sure and shutter speed not having been told who was going to be photographed. Paul returned with Linda and when Alf picked up the camera to take the photographs, Linda said "I'm a good photographer, I'll take them for you." She photographed Paul with Debbie Geoghegan, Alf's daughter, with Paddy Delaney, the Cavern doorman and on stage with Curiosity Shop, a group who were managed by Alf who were rehearsing at the club at the time. Paul then joined the group on stage and played the drums saying that he had always wanted to be a drummer. Also on the photographs can be seen Alf Geoghegan and DJ Billy Butler. Now these photos are going to be auctioned. Mr Cornthwaite said: "The pictures are worth around �150-�200 each, particularly because we know the history behind them.

Beatles Abbey Road cigarette airbrushed added January 26th United States poster companies have airbrushed the classic Beatles Abbey Road album cover to remove a cigarette from Paul McCartney's hand. The move was made without the permission of either McCartney or Apple Records, which owns the rights to the image. It seems these poster companies got a little carried away The original copy shows a barefoot McCartney third in line on the famous road crossing holding a cigarette. But politically correct US poster companies have airbrushed out the offending cigarette, to the delight of anti-smoking campaigners. "We have never agreed to anything like this," said an Apple spokesman. "It seems these poster companies got a little carried away. McCartney came up with the original idea for the sleeve"They shouldn't have done what they have, but there isn't much we can do about it now." The move comes 14 months after guitarist George Harrison died from cancer, which he blamed on smoking. All of the Beatles were heavy smokers during the 1960s and 70s. The 1969 image has been a poster classic since it was taken near Abbey Road studios in north London, where the group recorded most of their music. The shot is one of pop's most controversial album covers. Photographer Iain Macmillan was given just ten minutes to take the picture outside the studios. He balanced on a stepladder and took six photographs of the four walking across a zebra crossing. It was McCartney who selected the cover shot. He had, in fact, come up with the original idea for the sleeve and had presented Macmillan with a sketch for it. A myth suggesting that Paul McCartney had died in a car crash and been replaced by a look-a-like grew up around the picture soon after it was released. Clues could supposedly be found in the image. The white-suited John Lennon symbolised the preacher heading the funeral procession, while the bare-footed McCartney was the corpse. According to the rumours, proof positive of the impostor theory was the fact that Paul was holding a cigarette in his right hand, despite being left-handed.

All you need are royalties: Beatles out-earned Queen added January 13th It was 30 years ago today ... and, according to new documents, the Queen was not as wealthy as the Beatles. Back in 1972, the Queen's personal fortune was far smaller than the combined personal wealth of the Beatles, who had called it quits two years earlier but had an annual royalty stream the monarch could only dream of - about $11 million a year.

All You Need is Love Sang at Midnight on New Years Eve added January 13th In New York, 2,000 police officers, including rooftop sharpshooters, watched more than 750,000 revelers herald the arrival of 2003 in Times Square. The crowd watched a glimmering, 1,070-pound Waterford crystal ball drop and sang along to the Beatles song, "All You Need Is Love." It was the 99th observance of the annual event.

Hare Krishna Devotee Talks About George added January 13th The New Zealander who comforted Beatle George Harrison as he died has broken his silence, revealing the special bond he and the famous musician shared. Auckland-based Mukunda Goswami, who introduced Harrison to the Hare Krishna movement in London in 1969, has spoken exclusively to the Sunday Star-Times of the pair's enduring friendship. "He was a very spiritual person who was unafraid to die. He was a believer in God," says the shaven-headed monk, 60, who was alongside Harrison in his final days of battling brain, throat and lung cancer just over a year ago. For the full story click here

added January 13th McCartney attacks wildlife group for backing animal tests Sir Paul McCartney has protested to WWF, the wildlife organisation, about its active support for chemical tests that cause the death of thousands of animals. The row is over the testing of chemicals in everyday use which are accumulating in human body fat and suspected of being endocrine disrupters, which mimic human and animal hormones causing sex changes, deformities and possibly cancer. Sir Paul claims the programme is "needlessly torturing and killing millions of animals" and says the organisation has strayed off course. But WWF believes that the chemicals must be tested to ensure they are not harmful, "otherwise we are all part of a dangerous global experiment, the result of which we do not know". Writing on behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, Sir Paul says: "I was appalled to learn from Peta that the US office of the WWF has been a driving force behind the design and development of one of the largest animal testing programmes in international history." In a letter to Claude Martin, director general of WWF, he says the organisation "has been involved in pressurising the US Congress to require the testing of chemicals for hormone disrupting effects". He says that WWF supports a neurotoxity test "that causes the suffering and deaths of more than 1,300 animals per chemical tested". WWF in the UK concedes that animal testing "is a difficult issue". It said large numbers of chemicals had been released which had not been tested, and the only way of getting some of them banned was to have them tested. "If there is an alternative we would support it," a spokesperson said. There is increasing concern about manmade chemicals in everyday use, some of which are used to line food cans. Work by the UK environment agency has shown that fish in rivers below sewage works turn female as a result of chemicals in the water. But chemical companies refuse to withdraw products already on the market unless there is proof that they are causing damage. WWF argues that the only way of checking this is to carry out tests. In a statement in reply to the McCartney letter WWF said: "Despite utterly inadequate safety assessments, tens of thousands of chemicals are being released into the environment. This results in the exposure of humans and wildlife to unknown risks.Of the 2,600 chemicals used in the highest volumes in the EU, 21% have no safety data."

Beatles Tapes Seized added January 13th A haul of 500 original Beatles tapes stolen in the 1970s and containing tracks which have never before been released has been found after police cracked a piracy racket. Officers said the tapes were "priceless" and the only recordings from them which have ever been heard before were on bootlegs. Five people were arrested in raids in west London and in Holland as a result of the investigation. The tapes contain recordings known as the Get Back sessions. There was to be an album of that name in 1969 but the project was shelved. Instead some of the songs, including Get Back itself, became part of the Let It Be album. For many devoted fans and collectors, the original reel-to-reel tapes are the equivalent of the Holy Grail. Pirate copies have turned up in the UK, Europe and the US over the years. The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) led the investigation in consultation with the City of London Police central detective unit. They identified a number of suspects thought to have been involved in the theft and handling of the tapes. Further inquiries across Europe led to a joint operation between the London officers and Dutch police. Two people were arrested in West London and another three were arrested in a town close to Amsterdam. Police said a "substantial amount of tapes" were recovered, as well as other items from the Beatles' record company, Apple. For ITV's story on the tapes click here For BBC's story on the tapes click here

National Trust Receive Scores of Applications to Run Mendips added January 13th THE National Trust has received applications from as far as Australia for a job at John Lennon's childhood home. The heritage charity advertised last month for a custodian to run Mendips, the house in Menlove Avenue, Allerton, where Lennon grew up under the care of his aunt Mimi It is due to open in March as Liverpool's latest Beatles attraction. Visitors will be taken on a tour of both the suburban semi, donated to the Trust by Yoko Ono, and Paul McCartney's old home in nearby Forthlin Road. The McCartney home has been open to the public since spring 1998, and father-of-three John Halliday marks five years as its custodian this year. Steve Osborne, manager at the trust-run Speke Hall, and who oversees the Beatle properties, said he was pleased with both the quantity and quality of applicants for the Mendips post. He said: "The only places we advertised were in the ECHO, the local job centre and Beatles Monthly magazine. "We had more than 20 responses. One person, who is resident in the UK but is currently in Australia, e-mailed an application to us. "We were impressed not only by the volume but also by the quality. The next stage is to whittle them down to a shortlist for interview." The successful applicant, who needs to show they have knowledge of Lennon's Liverpool child-hood, is likely to start work at the beginning of March, and the venue will open three weeks later. Building work is under way to restore the house to how it would have looked in the 1940s and 1950s. A guidebook to Mendips has been written, and Mr Osborne says the National Trust has access to members of Lennon's family who can help paint a picture for the custodian of life at the Menlove Avenue home. Mr Osborne said: "There will be a combined ticket and people will be taken first to Mendips and then to Forthlin Road. The move was historically from one to the other because John Lennon would go to Forthlin Road to write songs." Yoko Ono bought the four-bedroom semi last year for �150,000, and paid a visit to the house in March when she was in Liverpool to unveil a statue of her husband at the airport. Lennon moved to Menlove when he was five, and Please Please Me was written at the house.