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is the news section of our magazine OFF THE BEATLE TRACK. It includes all the latest Beatles news edited by Richard Porter with the help of Steve Marinucci and Frank Branchini. Our WWW version has the benefit of being updated regularly. It also has new Beatles Dates Diary section, containing Beatles events all over the world. |
MSM/EMI auction Special 'Imagine' Sleeves for CharityYoko Ono has asked 10 pop stars to autograph copies of the new 'Imagine' single to raise money for British housing charity 'Shelter'. The sleeves are being auctioned on the MSN UK website. Most of the stars have added their own drawings to the sleeves.Yoko has desisned a sleeve herself, as have Robbie Williams, George Michael and Blur's Graham Coxon and the Pet Shop Boys. Bono of U2 signed his sleeve B.Ono. The auction can be accessed at : http://www.msn.co.uk/lennon The auction runs until 4th January 2000.
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Paul at Abbey Road TodayPaul McCartney was at Abbey Road on Tuesday 21st December. I arrived at the Studios at 1pm on my tour and Paul's car was parked outside. Although we saw John Hammell and Alan Crowder of MPL we didn't see Paul but he was definitely there.No news yet of why he was there but we'll keep you posted.
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Paul to Become 'Lord McCartney of Speke'Speculation is mounting that Paul is to become a life peer - as we reported here two months ago. Q Online are reporting it and on his show with Paul, Michael Parkinson called him 'Lord McCartney of Speke'. Interestingly this comment was edited out of the final broadcast - details of the honours list are supposed to be embargoed until New Years Eve. |
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All You Need is Love to Open Millennium DomeAll You Need Is Ê Love has been chosen to herald the New Year at the Millennium Dome.It was picked after weeks of deliberation from a shortlist of eight songs which included hits by Oasis, Pulp and Robbie Williams. But later the selection was slimmed down to just two Beatles songs - All You Need Is Love and Paul McCartney's Let It Be. Dome creative director Mark Fisher said: 'In the end All You Need Is Love was the only song to pick. 'It expresses the sentiment we all share for the future of the planet, our children and ourselves.' The tune will be sung and played by all the performers gathered at the site in Greenwich, London, shortly before 11.45pm on the night. Ê
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Paul at the Cavern - a Full ReportPaul had a ball at the Cavern on December 14th.Paul arrived in Liverpool by jet into Speke Airport and was taken straight to The Cavern where he arrived at about 2.30. There were already hundreds of fans in Mathew Street and the concert was still over five hours away. In fact Beatles fans were out in Mathew Street from the early hours today hoping to get a glimpse of their hero. Japanese fan Sumiyo Omori, 27, has staged a vigil outside the club since arriving at 2 am. The cafe worker from Tokyo said: "It's amazing to be here I can't believe I'm going to see Paul." Also Liverpool had its coldest day of the winter so far - but that didn't diminish the sense of excitement. There were so many people around that members of the press had real trouble getting into the press conference in The Cavern. The press conference took place in front of the wall in the club that featured the names of many of the groups that played The Cavern in its heyday. When Ringo visited the Cavern for his 'Ringo Coming Home' show he signed the wall - next to Rory Storme and the Hurricaines name. I don't know whether Paul signed the wall though. Paul said at the press conference 'It's fantastic to be back - what better way to rock out the century? This is where it all began and it's where the century ends - with me playing rock 'n' roll.' Clips of the press conference were included in all the early evening news shows in the UK. When it came time for the show I joined the millions of other fans around the world trying to access the webcast - but with no luck whatsoever. The only time I got on was when the show had just finished. Oh well, I knew it was going to be on TV and radio show I wasn't too disappointed. A report on the BBC Nine o'clock News showed a brief clip of Paul singing 'Honey Hush' and also the crowds watching the show in Chevase Park in Liverpool. They estimated 15,000 people showed up in sub zero temperatures. The radio broadcast started in 10.30pm. DJ Richard Allinson kept us waiting by playing about half an hour of Paul's records before the Cavern show began. The show began with a voice saying 'Welcome, with his band - Paul McCartney.' Paul launched into Honey Hush and then said 'Welcome to the Cavern. It's been a long time coming. It's great to be back'. The show lasted about 40 minutes and consisted mainly of songs from Run Devil Run. However he also played 20 Flight Rock, the song he taught John the first time they met, and Fabulous, which was on the B side of 'No Other Baby' but not on the CD. However he totally bought the house down when he played 'I Saw Her Standing There'.
The full set list was:
Honey Hush People were shouting out requests to Paul and most of the time he took no notice. However before playing 'Try Not Not Cry' Paul said 'this next one's from the 90's' and a drunk in the audience shouted "Satisfaction". Paul replied by saying 'We've got a wag in the audience tonight - read my lips'. Then Paul mouthed 'f**k Off'' - to the cheers of the whole audience - apart from the drunk. it will be interesting to see if this is shown in the TV broadcast Paul also couldn't let the occasion pass by not having a go at Liverpool City Council. He said 'You know this isn't exactly where the Cavern was. It's over there somewhere, buried under a heap of rubble. Another brilliant City Council decision. (Boos from audience) 'you know - let's fill in the Cavern - that's a good idea.' (more boos) The show wasn't without its problems - A few seconds into Fabulous Paul stopped the band and said 'Hang on, hang on, hang on. You know with this band if you don't get it right we start again' - and they got it right the second time. Then after completing Try Not to Cry Paul decided they should play the solo again. After All Shook Up Paul said 'This next one isn't from the 50s or from the 90s - it's from somewhere in between' and launched in to a blistering version of 'I Saw Her Standing There'. The Show ended with Party and Paul was offstage after about 47 minutes. Paul said 'See you next time' when he left the stage. A short but very sweet concert.
Press Coverage EtcAfter reading press reports the next day it emerged that Paul also performed Shake A Hand at the Cavern, but some some reason it wasn't broadcast on Radio Two - despite claims that the show would be broadcast in its entirety. The TV broadcast is only 45 minutes long and the show lasted 47 minutes. I wonder what will be cut.Paul was joined at the Cavern by all his kids and brother Michael. Geoff Baker is claiming that 3 million people logged on to the webcast - a world record for a musical event. All the British national newspapers heavily featured Paul's gig. Most had excellent pictures from the show. The reviews were all good - the only gripes being that the concert wasn't long enough and that most of the songs were from 'Run Devil Run' - not Beatles oldies. Perhaps the best coverage was in the Daily Mail, who had a full page of photos and a report by Ray Connolly, who had been reporting on The Beatles for 35 years. Paul introduced Ray to a special guest at the show. Ray says 'Taking me aside to introduce me to Bob Wooler, the disc jockey who used to present The Beatles at the Cavern, he said 'They've done a pretty good job, haven't they?' 'It's not quite the same' came in Wooler, once a rocker, now an elderly man in a cloth cap. 'They're used to be a little dressing room at the side of the stage where Paul and I would talk about Cole Porter and George Gershwin'. The Daily Telegraph probably had the best single picture and David Cheal finished his review saying, 'Paul at the Cavern? For those lucky ballot-winners, and even for jaded pop reviewers, it was a dream ticket.' He also said, 'Backed by a phenomenally cohesive all-star four piece band....McCartney sang his socks off, raised those legendary eye-brows almost to the roof, and gave every indication he was having a fabulous time' As usual factual mistakes were made by some papers. Perhaps the worst blooper being in the Sun who show a picture of John, Paul, George and Pete at the Cavern and said it was from 1958.
The TV BroadcastThe BBC TV broadcast only lasted 40 minutes and deleted Blue Jean Bop and Try Not to Cry - but re-instated Shake a Hand that was left off the radio broadcast. It seems the only place to get the whole show is from the webcast. The Webcast will be re-broadcast until December 19. The broadcast was directed by Geoff Wonfor who also directed the Beatles Anthology. An interesting credit at the end of the broadcast was TOUR MANAGER - Barrie Marshall (Barrie's company - Marshall Arts, also organised The New World Tour). Was this a hint that more shows are coming. If you missed it before, don't miss it now. To view it click here
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Buy Imagine - NOWAs of December 15th Imagine is at number three in the midweek UK charts - behind Westlife and Cliff Richard. There is still a chance to rectify this in the official Christmas Chart announced on Sunday if you buy Imagine by Saturday. So what are you waiting For???The Imagine CD was enhanced by Abbey Road Interactive and contains the 'Imagine' video.
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Paul at the Cavern - Broadcast DetailsThis just in from Matt Hurwitz Hi, all--Here are the current details regarding the broadcast and webcast of Paul's upcoming performance at The Cavern in Liverpool on Tuesday December 14, per MPL, The Cavern and EMI: The show will begin around 8:00 or 8:30pm GMT. It will be broadcast live on the internet worldwide, and will air on British radio with a slight delay, and on British television the following evening. [For those of us outside the UK, 8pm GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) = 3pm Eastern Time US = 12 noon Pacific Time US ]
Internet: The webcast will offer both audio and video, and will be available live at 28.8 kbps and 56 kbps, while the On Demand feed will also be available at 80 kbps (handy for those with ISDN or a cable modem). It will be viewable using either RealPlayer or Windows MediaPlayer. Anyone who has attempted to view live webcasts (particularly Paul's) has experienced the overload caused by the huge demand, often resulting in a "Net Congestion" message and not much else. While we all want to join Paul live to experience the event while it's happening, viewers might have a little better luck viewing the On Demand feed later in the day, if possible, since most of the world will be attempting to tune in live. That's up to the individual, of course.
Radio:
Television: At present, there are no plans for broadcast outside the UK, either on radio or television. Be sure and check Paul's official website, too, for any additional information as the show approaches: http://www.mplcommunications.com/mccartney I'll post any other info as it arrives as the show approaches.
Matt Hurwitz |
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Yoko Appeals for Imagine to be Christmas number oneIn an exclusive interview with the UK newspaper 'The Sun', Yoko Ono appealed to British fans to make Imagine number one for the millennium.She said 'I'd urge people to buy the song as a tribute to John and to promote his ideas. It is the right note on which to end the millennium. I can't think of any more appropriate song'. She went on to say 'Imagine was a prayer and I think some of his prayers are starting to be answered. We're still not wise but we're getting a little more caring and open. Make John number one this Christmas and give peace a chance.
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Paul on Parkinson - a Full ReportPaul McCartney gave his most intimate interview for several years to Michael Parkinson on December 2nd, which was broadcast on December 3rd.Michael Parkinson, perhaps Britain's best interviewer, had appeared on the front cover of Wing's 'Band on the Run' album in 1973. Apparently he agreed to do it only if Paul agreed to be on his show - and 25 years later Paul kept that promise - and it was well worth the wait. The interview took place at the BBC TV Centre in Wood Lane, Shepherds Bush. Paul fans started gathering outside the studios at least four hours before the doors opened to ensure they got in. The tickets to the event said that not everyone with a ticket was guarranteed to get in. Apprarently for most TV shows many ticket holders don't turn up and the BBC wanted to ensure that the theatre was full - however this obviously wasn't going to happen for this show and many people were turned away disappointed. Paul got to the BBC Centre about 3.30pm and lots of fans were there to see him go in. I arrived about 4pm and already there were well over 50 fans outside, including lots of the now famous LIPA scruffs. There was much talk outside about what Paul was going to play on the show and about the forthcoming Cavern Club concert, which, although hadn't been announced yet, seemed to be common knowledge amongst the fans. Although the tickets said that doors wouldn't open until 7pm we were very glad that we were allowed into a cafe area about 6.15pm. About 45 minutes later we were lead into the studio area. There was raised seating for about 300 people. It became clear straight away that the middle seats were reserved for specially invited guests with us Macca fans on the sides. Before the recording started Michael Parkinson came on and told the audience he was getting the same buzz from doing the show with Paul that he got from his most famous interviews with Mohammed Ali. When the show started Michael Parksinson introduced Paul who came on to wild applause and screams. Paul went straight over to his 'Run Devil Run' band, was handed his famous bass by John Hammel, and launched straight into 'Honey Hush'. It was a great performance with the band sounding better and better every time I see them. After the song Paul went to join Michael in some comfy chairs. He started out by saying that he wanted to do a 'back to basics' album partly to get over his grief over the death of Linda. He also said that he didn't want to do the very British thing and just pretend nothing had happened but let his feelings out - which is more Irish. He then talked about his mother and how it was her who made the family upwardly mobile as she moved into better midwives houses. He also revealed that he had not been inside 20 Forthlin Road since it was bought by the National Trust but had been tempted to climb over the hedge and break in. Paul revealed that his mother wanted him and his brother to be doctors but they weren't clever enough. Before The Beatles came along Paul wanted to be an English teacher. Paul told the now legendary story of how he met John and sang part of 20 Flight Rock accompanying himself on an acoustic guitar. Paul was asked about what inspired him to write songs and Paul told of when he was visiting Linda in hospital when she was having Mary. There was a print of a Picasso painting on the wall which showed a man playing guitar using just two fingers. Paul then worked out what chords the man was playing and wrote a tune using just two fingers. Paul played the tune on the acoustic guitar and whistled the tune. Paul told how Yesterday might have been inspired by the death of his Mother and then sang a complete version of Yesterday. Paul's voice seem to crack a few times and it was a very emotional moment. One couldn't help about thinking of Linda while Paul was singing and lots of the people around me were in tears. Michael Parkinson asked Paul about the break up of the Beatles and Paul revealed that aftet the split he would wake up very late, drink lotsd of whiskey and be 'out of it' again by 3 o'clock. It was only the help of Linda that got him over it. Recording then stopped as a grand piano was wheeled on so Paul could play 'The Long and Winding Road'. During the break Michael Parkinson was chatting to Paul but Paul admitted he wasn't listening as he was trying to remember the words. Still sitting at the piano Paul told how he was recently in New York and was staying on the 31st floor of the Carlisle Hotel. His suite overlooked New York and Central Park and there was a baby grand piano by the side of a big plate-glass window. Paul said he just HAD to write songs with that atmosphere. He played two unfinished, untitled songs he wrote that day. The first, a ballad was about loss and contained the wonderful line 'I can spend eternity in your loving flame'. The second was inspired by seeing Richard Rodney Bennett in cabaret and was a Frank Sinatra-esque song about New York and started with the line, 'The mist that settled on Central Park is clearing up and things are looking brighter now.' Many of us is the audience were clicking our fingers during this song. During this section Michael was trying to ask Paul about musical trainging but asked 'have you ever bothered to learn an instrument'. Michael joked in a break that his comment would go down as one of the major bloopers in television history. Paul and Michael then went back to the comfy chairs when Paul revealed about the Cavern gig. He also told about his Uncle Harry who was a very down to earth scouser. Paul's cousin Betty had just painted their house a mushroom brown colour. When Uncle Harry about the new decoration he remarked 'It looks like boiled shite.' The show ended on a great note with Paul and the band playing a rousing version of 'All Shook Up' from 'Run Devil Run'. After the recording Paul and Michael remained on set to film a trailer. When Paul was told he would be on camera during this he kept on making faces. After the trailer Paul and Michael posed for a stills photographer and left the stage - the end of a great evening. |
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Paul at Cavern - Press releaseThis just in from Matt Hurwitz:Just received this directly from Paul's publicist, Geoff Baker in London: PAUL McCARTNEY TO ROCK THE CAVERN Macca Returns To Root of Where It All Began Paul McCartney is to rock out the end of the century with an historic one-off rock and roll show at Liverpool's famous Cavern Club. Paul (who reveals the news tonight on "Parkinson," on BBC1 at 9:30pm) is to return to his roots to perform a night of rock and roll on Tuesday, December 14th. The concert comes 12,953 days since Paul last performed in the cellar of 10 Mathew Street. The show - Paul's first at the tiny venue since The Beatles last played there on August 3rd, 1963 - will be his 281st show at The Cavern. Paul is to rock The Cavern as a tribute to the rock and roll musical force that has so shaped the last part of the last century of the millenium. Said Paul: "Rock and roll has shaped my life, and it changed the sound and the thinking of the century. Before The Beatles ever got big, we started out playing rock and roll at The Cavern. I'm going back, for just one night, as a nod to the music that has always, and will ever, thrill me. "I can't think of a better way than to rock out the end of the century with a rock and roll party at The Cavern, singing the songs of my heroes." Organizers are bracing themselves for a deluge of demand for tickets from all around the world. Due to space restrictions, it is expected that only 150-200 tickets will be available for this landmark show. The tickets will be free. "Millions are going to want to be at this gig, and the fact that is that millions are going to be disappointed," said a spokesman. "However, there are plans for the show to be broadcast on television and radio around the world." Paul and his band (Dave Gilmour and Mick Green on guitars, Ian Paice on drums and Pete Wingfield on keyboards) will be performing rock and roll from his album "Run Devil Run," playing songs by Elvis Presley, Little Richard, Chuck Berry and other of his influential heroes. Paul McCartney first played at The Cavern on Friday, January 24th, 1958, with The Quarrymen. He first played there with The Beatles at a lunchtime show on Thursday, February 9, 1961. The band's fee was £5. Since Paul last played at The Cavern, he has performed 587 live concerts with The Beatles, Wings and as a solo artists (252 with The Beatles, 142 with Wings, 193 as a solo artist). Due to the expected demand for tickets, and in an attempt to be fair for all, tickets for Paul At The Cavern will be available through a national (UK) raffle. To apply, callers must fill in forms which will be available from Monday Decmeber 6th from HMV record stores in Liverpool, London, Birmingham, Newcastle and Glasgow. NB: The occasionally-quoted "fact" that The Cavern Club no longer exists in Liverpool is an urban myth. The Cvaern Club is still at 10 Mathew Street, the same address as it was in The Sixties. The actual facts are these: In 1973 The Cavern at 10 Mathew Street was bulldozed above ground level. The basement (the actual Cavern) was filled in with rubble, and the wasteland above it was used for casual car parking. Later that year, a "new" Cavern was established in a building opposite. This club failed and was renamed "Revolution," and then "Eric's." Following the death of John Lennon in 1980, Liverpool decided to redevelop the *original* Cvaern as a lasting tribute to The Beatles. In 1982, the original Cavern basement was dug out, original bricks were either sold off for charity or used in the reconstruction. The Cavern was rebuilt - and enlarged, as two rooms, on the *exact* site of the Sixties original. First opened in 1957 as a live music venue, The Cavern has played host to many rock and roll bands besides The Beatles. Among htose who have played The Cavern are: The Rolling Stones, The Who, Queen, Elton John, David Bowie, Stevie Wonder, Joe Cocker, Rod Stewart, Gene Vincent, The Kinks, Howlin' Wolf, The Drifters, Thin Lizzy, Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, Oasis, Status Quo, Andy Summers, Ginger Baker and Ben E. King. Johnny Kidd & The Pirates - whose guitarist Mick Green will play alongside Paul on December 14th - played The Cavern 11 times.
Matt Hurwitz |
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Paul at the Cavern - Organisers Offered Sex for TicketsBill Heckle of Cavern City Tours - owners of the Cavern Club, told reuters that he had repeatedly been offered sex in exchange for a ticket to Paul's Cavern gig. An American businessman offered a £10,000 pounds all-expenses-paid holiday in California for just one ticket.Paul at the Cavern - Latest 150 tickets are to be made available to fans through a ballot at HMV Shops in Liverpool, Birmingham, Newcastle, London and Glasgow. Forms were available from 8.30 on Monday 6th December. It is expected that many fans will travel to Liverpool without tickets to soak up the atmosphere. Also scores of journalists from around the world will be there - today (Monday) I received a call from CBS News in the US about it.
Paul to Play Cavern Club - OfficialPaul McCartney announced during the filming of his interview with Michael Parkinson today that he will play a special concert at the Cavern Club in Liverpool 'before the end of the year'. Even though a date wasn't announced my spies tell me it will take place at lunchtime on Tuesday December 14th. Unfortunately there will be no tickets available to the public. Paul also announced he will be doing some more shows in the New Year.Please come back here tomorrow for more details of the Parkinson interview
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Speculation Mounts on Macca TourSpeculation is mounting that Paul McCartney is about to announce a tour of small venues in the UK and USA. The Daily Mirror even said that Paul is considering a show at the Cavern Club in Liverpool. This isn't as implausible as it might seem as the Cavern is owned by Cavern City Tours, who organised the recent Yellow Submarine premiere with Apple.Stay tuned for more details. |
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More Macca Media AppearancesPaul McCartney is featured on the front cover of the 27 Nov - 3 Dec issue of 'TV Times'. Inside is an exclusive interview with Paul and a prieview of his appearance on the 'Parkinson' show on 3rd December.Paul will be on Radio One on Friday 3rd December on the Simon Mayo show 9-12pm in a pre recorded interview. Thanks to Simon Rogers for this info
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Paul McCartney Day featured On Virgin Radio WebsiteFriday 3rd December will be Paul McCartney Day on VirginRadio.Com, with the site playing host to an exclusive interview with this century's most important popular songwriter, Paul McCartney. 'McCartney In Sound And Vision' will feature an online audio interview with Sir Paul and Virgin Radio DJs Pete Mitchell and Geoff Lloyd. Fans will also have access to full-length videos of recent single No Other Baby, as well as footage of McCartney and his band playing live in New York.This exclusive 'McCartney In Sound And Vision' experience will give fans worldwide an irresistible insight into Sir Paul's thoughts on his latest work Run Devil Run. It will also offer a full breakdown of his album, discographies for The Beatles, Wings and his other solo albums. Fans will also have the chance of winning McCartney collectors' items for a very limited time period. Up for grabs will be signed singles, signed albums, and lithographs of the Run Devil Run sleeve design for McCartney devotees. Visitors will be able to enter all three competitions. The album page - featuring a 1960s jukebox - will offer a choice of unique and as yet, unseen, two-minute video clips of Sir Paul describing each song from his current album, Run Devil Run. Each clip covers the history of the song as described by McCartney himself and a 30-second sample of the track. John Ousby, Director at Ginger Online says 'The content going live online tomorrow is an absolute fest for Beatles and McCartney followers everywhere. We wanted to reward Virgin Radio fans with something really amazing - visitors won't be disappointed'. Tune into the Paul McCartney experience, which goes live on Monday 29th November at http://www.virginradio.com>
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Amazing Beatles Pics for SaleMirror Syndication International have hundreds of Beatles photos for sale online. The photos are from the archives of the 'Daily Mirror' - one of the UK's most popular newspapers. During the 1960's they employed photographers to follow The Beatles wherever they went and amassed an archive of tens of thousands of photos.A year ago a few hundred of the photos were published in a book called 'The Beatles Files' and now they are offering for sale hundreds of more pictures. To see these pictures for yourself click here |
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The Beatles are the ' Top Selling Artists of the 20th Century' - OfficialAfter winning many popularity awards recently The Beatles have now won the award that matters - they have just been cited as the top selling artist of the Century in the US by the Recording Industry Association of America. They have sold 106 million albums in the US alone.In more good news for Beatles Fans they announced that 'The Eagles Greatest Hit's' has overtaken Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' as the best selling album of all time. |
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More Macca UK TV and Radio AppearancesPaul McCartney is continuing his recent media blitz with and interview with Gary Crowley on Greater London Radio on Friday 12 November at 8pm, an appearance on the 'Big Breakfast' TV show on Tuesday 16 November. It has also been announced that his special show with Michael Parkinson will be shown on Friday 3 December. |
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Imagine to be Millennium Number One?Imagine is going to re-released in the UK and is already tipped to be number one in the charts for the new millennium.The re-release was prompted by Imagine being voted best song lyric of all time in a recent poll on British TV and second best single of all time in another poll. Imagine will be backed by 'Happy Christmas (War is Over)' and 'Give Peace a Chance' - all three songs giving a wonderful message for the new millennium. Parlophone Records say they have had a huge demand from the public for a re-release since the polls were announced. The single will be released on December 13th. I know you already have these songs in your collection aleady but PLEASE BUY THIS SINGLE. Can you think of a better Number One Single for the start for millennium. Thanks to Justin Shears for telling us about this. |
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Paul McCartney Makes Live UK TV AppearancePaul McCartney played four songs from 'Run Devil Run' on the 'Later With Jools Holland' show on November 6th. Making his first live appearance on British TV for six years Paul played 'Honey Hush', 'No Other Baby', 'Brown Eyed Handsome Man' and 'Party'. Paul's band was the same as on the album but was augmented by Jools Holland on piano for 'Party'. Paul also gave a brief interview wi th Jools, during which a short segment of the 'Hey Bulldog' video was shown.Paul seemed rather nervous to start with, especially during the interview, but by the end of the show was really enjoying himself as he warmed to the reaction of the audience, who were all dancing and cheering. Paul makes another TV appearence on Saturday 13th on the Natioanl Lottery Show, presented by Lulu. |
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Beatles Top PollThe Beatles topped the poll in many catagories in a huge poll of over 600,000 people conducted by Channel 4 television and HMV. They were voted the Beatles as best band ever, followed by Queen, the Rolling Stones, U2 and Oasis, in that order. The Beatles took over 20 per cent in the section, more than the rest of the top ten combined.The results will be announced in a Music of the Millennium television special to be broadcast on Channel 4. Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band won the best album section, with Revolver at number three. : John Lennon was named best songwriter, with Paul McCartney a close second. John also won the most influential musician catagory.
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Paul McCartney Denies He's Dating Disabled ModelPaul McCartney has denied he is dating model Heather Mills, depsite a tabloid newspaper's story claiming they are an item.The front page story in the News Of the World clamied that Paul and Heather had been seen sharing intimate meals together in London restaurants and that Heather was a guest at Paul's fireworks night party last week. It also quoted a 'source within Paul's Publishing company that it was 'only a matter of time before they go public'. However Paul has said that the stories are not true and that his relationship with Heather is 'purely professional'. Paul met Heather at a charity awards ceremony a few months ago and has been helping Miss Mills record a charity record after hearing about her campaign work more than a month ago. Paul said, 'I will continue to work with Heather Mills on the recording project and even though this story (of romance) is not true I hope it will bring attention to her worthwhile efforts for the disabled worldwide.' |
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New 'Beatles For Sale' Website - Plus Special OfferBeatles for Sale - London's first Beatles shop - have just started their first website. Although under construction it will soon have lots of features for all Beatles Fans Worldwide. Howard Cohen, the owner of the shop says:Situated at No 8 Kingly Street, between Carnaby and Regent Street, in the heart of what was Swinging London. The shop is next door to what was the 'Bag O Nails', the club where Paul McCartney first met Linda in 1967. It is for that reason the shop chose this site - more important to be near a Beatles site than a main shopping street. The Beatles were British and it was long overdue that London, the city where Beatlemania started and the fab four recorded all the albums and lived should have a store. The shop boasts a massive range of official Beatles goods from around the world, from tee-shirts and postcards, to even blow up furniture and CD players - something for every Beatles fan to bring home. But Beatles For Sale is more than just a shop. In the back there is a permanent gallery, aptly named the Penny Lane Gallery, specialising in original cells and artwork from 'Yellow Submarine' plus other rare Beatles psoters and memorabilia. It's also a place to find out about Beatles events like walks, tours and conventions or even just ask questions about the many fab four sites in London. Come to Beatles For Sale - not just a shop but a BEATLES CENTRE. As a special offer, anyone who comes into the shop with a printout of the sites' hompage will receive a free gift. To access the website click here |
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Paul For 'Parkinson' ShowHot on the heels of the announcement of Paul's appearance on the Jools Holland show, it has emerged that Paul will be appearing on a special edition of the 'Parkinson' Show on the BBC.Host Michael Parkinson was one of the celebs on the cover of 'Band on the Run'. He only did the shoot if Paul agreed to appear on his show and, more than 25 years after the event, Paul has finally said yes. The show will be an hour long special in which Paul will be interviewed and will sing.
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Paul McCartney to Play Live on UK TelevisionSir Paul McCartney is to play live on the 'Later with Jools Holland' TV show on Saturday November 6th. Paul will perform three songs from 'Run Devil Run' with the same line-up that appeared on the album.It will be Paul's first live appearence on British TV for several years. The show's presenter, Jools Holland, conducted many of the interviews for the 'Beatles Anthology. |
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Paul McCartney in Video Shoot-outArmed police pounced after a tip-off Ê about a gun-wielding gang in London recently - only to find it was a Paul McCartney video shoot.Paul was shooting the video for hsi new Single 'Run Devil Run' Officers were called when bystanders reported seeing four men pointing guns at passing cars. However the onlookers didn't see the cameras and thought the men we for real. When the police arrived Paul himself had to persuade the police that it was all part of the video, which was being shot outside a studio in Acton, West London. Police said management at the studio had been given some "words of advice". Ê
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US Radio at Abbey Road - Day ThreeJamming With ChrissieFriday 22nd was the last day of the MJI Broadcasts from Abbey Road. Highlight of the day was Chrissie Hynde. Chrissie spent at least three hours in Studio One being interviewed by every radio station. The best moment of her stay with her encounter with Greg Kihn of KFox out of San Francisco/San Jose. Greg himself had many hits in the eighties with songs like 'Jepeordy' and bought a couple of guitars with him. They started jamming on mainly Beatles and Stones songs. After a few minutes they were joined by Phil Manzanera of Roxy Music. By this time many of the other DJs had crowded around Kfox's broadcast area and a great time was had by all.Greg Kihn certainly emerged as the great character of the week and certainly had an interesting method of conducting interviews. Whereas most stations did their interviews in Studio One at their broadcast areas Greg interviewed me in the corridor and in the mens room! We were talking about The Beatles having to retire to the mens room to have a quick puff of certain 'herbal jazz cigarettes' as George Martin didn't like them smoking in the studio. We also talked about the fact that EMI were so tight with money they had EMI stamped on every toilet roll. Another great guest was Phil May of the Pretty Things. The Pretty Things have been regular visitors to the Studios for many years and recently did a concert from there live on the internet. One disappointment of the week was that Paul McCartney didn't make it to the broadcasts. The organisers were hoping he would make it but it wasn't to be. Overall the week was very exciting - it's not often you get to spend three days inside Abbey Road Studios AND get to meet some of your musical heros! US Radio at Abbey Road - Day Two...And Yoko Came Too!Thursday 21st was certainly a great day at Abbey Road. Guests today included Peter Green (the founder of Fleetwood Mac) Roger Taylor of Queen, Rod Argent and Colin Blunstone of the Zombies - and Yoko Ono!!Yoko is currently at Abbey Road to supervise the mixing of the music for 'Gimme Some Truth' - the film about the making of the Imagine album. She wasn't on the original guest list of the radio stations but kindly agreed to take some time to come into Studio One. She looked very fit and well and answered the DJ's questions with much charm and humour. Unlike most other guests who went around each station individually a microphone was set up for her at the end of the Studio by the control room and each station asked her one question each. She was then briefly interviewed by Sal of MJI. She was asked by one DJ about the car crash she and John were involved in just before the Abbey Road Album was made and a bed was moved into the studio so she could be with John. Yoko revealed it was John who insisted this should happen even though Yoko thought she'd be more comfortable at home and felt uneasy at the strange situation. She also said she was very moved that Imagine had been voted best lyric of all time by UK TV viewers. I will put a full transcript of her interview on this site in a day or two. Apart from Yoko a highight for me was to meet Colin Blunstone and Rod Argent of The Zombies, one of my favourite groups. Both were really nice and signed my old 1964 Zombies programme. It was also great to meet Peter Green, one of the best guitarists ever. I did some more interviews with the radio stations. A few picked my brains about Beatles events at the Studios and asked me to set trivia questions for competitions they were running. Tomorrow the guest include: Chrissie Hynde, Phil Manzanera of Roxy Music, Michael McDonald and Phil May of the Pretty Things - however the organisers aren't ruling out some more surprise guests!! Stay Tuned!! US Radio at Abbey Road - Day OneOr How to Cross America in 90 MinutesWednesday 20th October was the first day of US Radio's broadcasts from Studio One at Abbey Road. Studio One is the main orchestral studio there but today it was filled by 15 radio stations broadcasting live back to the US.The day before the broadcasts the DJs were given a coach tour of Beatles' London sights by yours truely. We certainly had some luck too! When we were outside Abbey Road Studios who should arrive at that exact moment but Sir George Martin - making what is now a rather rare visit to the studios. Later in Savile Row, by the former apple offices, we saw Paul McCartney's car go by. When I pointed it out many of the very experienced DJs ran after it!! Unfortunately Paul was not in the car - it was being driven by John Hammel. After the tour we were treated to a very nice buffet at Sticky Fingers - the restaurant owned by Bill Wyman. I arrived at the Studios at 10am today, in good time for the broadcasts to begin. I was going to be interviewed live by 15 radio stations all over America in about 90 minutes! A very daunting but exciting prospect. Also being interviewed today were Bil Wyman, Steve Hacket of Genesis, Robbie McKintosh (recently of Macca's group of course) and members of Asia. I was very honoured to be in such company. When I arrived I was given a very nice name badge which was based on the official Abbey Road Studios logo and said 'MJI Broadcasting Live From Abbey Road Studios' and my name underneath. It certainly helped that I had met most of the DJs the day before. It certainly calmed my nerves and made it easier for the DJs to ask me questions. They were all very friendly though I must admit their knowledge of the Beatles varied from station to station. An escort guided me around all the stations who were situated around the edge of the studios. it seemed the interviews started with stations based on the east coast and gradually moved west but after I while it was easy to lose track who I was talking to. Unfortunatley, because of the tight schedule getting around all the stations I didn't get an opportunity to meet the other guests. However in the next couple of days I'll have more time and hopefully will get some interviews. I had to leave the Studios at 1pm to do my Beatles Walk, which, I must admit, after the excitement of the morning, seemed rather an anticlimax. Come back tomorrow for Day Two! Guest List For Abbey Road Broadcasts.The Following have been confirmed as guests for the Broadcasts from Abbey Road Studio One between October 20th and 22nd:Rod Argent, Colin Blunstone (Zombies) Geoff Downes (Asia) Jack Bruce (Cream) Steve Hackett (Genesis) Phil Manzanera (Rozy Music) Mick Ralphs (Bad Company) Robbie McKintosh (Pretenders and Paul McCartney) Chrissie Hynde (Pretenders) Ian Paice (Deep Purple - and on Paul's Run Devil Run) Jeff Jarrett (Head of Abbey Road Cafe - also engineer on Abbey Road Album) Alf Bicknell (Beatles Chauffeur) Richard Porter (your webmaster!) Many more guests will be popping in during the broadcasts. We will be posting updates on the shows each night right here so please keep on coming back. US Radio to Broadcast From Abbey Road - UpdateThe following US US Radio Stations will be broadcasting their breakfast shows live from Abbey Road, Studio One, from October 20th to the 22nd. WVMX-FM- CincinnatiWAAF-FM - Boston KXKL-FM Denver WCSX-FM - Detroit KGON-FM Portland WTRG-FM - Raleigh-Durham KLOU-FM - St. Louis KSEG-FM - Sacramento KJQY-FM - San Diego KGB-FM San Diego KUFX-FM - San Francisco KMTT-FM - Seattle KEYF-FM - Spokane WLVQ-FM - Columbus We have the full list of guests that will appear on the shows on this site in a few days. Listen out for your Webmaster, Richard Porter being interviewed on Wednesday 20th from 6am (Eastern) |
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Paul McCartney to be Lord?It has been reported in the Times Newspaper that British Prime Minister is considering making Paul McCartney a Lord in the New Years Honours List. This means he can sit in the House of Lords. It was also reported that Blair was going to give a posthumous award to John Lennon. I hope they don't leave out George and Ringo.If Paul is made a Lord it would make one of the 'Paul is Dead' clues even more bizarre. One of the main clues was from 'A Day in the Life' that Paul had 'Blew his mind out in a car'. of course it goes on to say 'Nobody was really sure that he was from the House of Lords'!! |
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Peta Gala to Be Shown on VH1 Saturday 16th OctoberSaturday night October 16 at 10pm ET/PT, VH1 will premiere a new 1-hour special on PeTA's recent Millenium Gala, titled "Paul McCartney & Friends: PeTA's Millenium Concert." The show features highlights from the Gala, held a month ago in Los Angeles at Paramount Studios.Paul is the host of the program, which he opens noting that it's "been a very cruel century for animals, but also a very enlightened century." Paul later introduces a video tribute to Linda, which is accompanied by a touching song, "Angel," performed on piano by Sarah McLachlan. The video features rare home movie clips and stills of Paul and Linda's life together, as well as some nice shots of Linda with some animal friends. "Angel," which was brought to Paul's attention by his son, James, speaks of the tough fight one strong soul has lead, against the odds and against the worst of detractors. McCartney, clearly affected by the song's performance, comments openly afterward about Linda's courageous fight on behalf of animal rights, with daughter Stella (an award recipient herself that evening) clearly showing her support. Paul then introduces the recipient of the first annual Linda McCartney Memorial Award, Pamela Anderson Lee. The rest of the evening's awards are shown in a brief montage, including Stella's own award for her drive to end the use of fur in the fashion industry. After the awards show, PeTA held a "block party" on Paramount's "New York Street," with performances by the B-52's, Chrissie Hynde and, of course, Paul McCartney. Paul is backed by his album band, including Pink Floyd's David Gilmour (seen on screen on Paul's right), guitarist Pete Wingfield (on Paul's left), Pink Floyd drummer Ian Paice, keyboardist Pete Wingfield. All of the songs for the night have been remixed for Dolby Surround under the supervision of McCartney engineer Geoff Emerick (the program is also telecast in High Definition TV). Paul's band performed 6 songs from his new album, "Run Devil Run," that evening, 3 of which are included in the broadcast. "Honey Hush" features some hot lead guitar work by Pete Wingfield, followed by "Brown-Eyed Handsome Man." The band doesn't start the song tight enough for Paul - so he stops them and starts the song again! McCartney closes the show with a rousing performance of the album's greatest rocker, the title track, "Run Devil Run," with David Gilmour playing lap slide guitar. The VH1 broadcast will both be preceded and followed by one-hour webcasts, which can be found at http://www.zilo.com. Zilo.com, geared to college audiences, currently features two rare Linda McCartney videos available for on-demand viewing - "I Got Up," with Linda talking about vegetariansm, and "Wide Prairie," with Oscar Grillo's animated short accompanying the song (both of which are from Linda's 1998 Capitol release, "Wide Prairie"). Zilo's webcasts are hosted by young comedian James Harris, and take the point of view of a college student who has snuck into the event. Harris attends the cocktail party before the Awards event (which will be webcast from 9pm to 10pm ET), and again at the post-awards party (which will be webcast from 11pm to 12midnight ET). James tries, hopefully, to get to meet Paul, suffering a lack of success as the other celebs blow him off! "It's sort of like a 'Roger and Me' kind of experience," Zilo President tells GDS. Be sure and tune in to find out whether Harris ever meets The Man. [The webcasts will be archived on Zilo.com for future viewing.] PLEASE DO NOT QUOTE OR RE-POST WITHOUT EXPRESS PERMISSION OF THE AUTHOR! Matt Hurwitz Publisher Good Day Sunshine Magazine http://www.gooddaysu nshine.net/subscription.htm
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Working Classical Press ReleasePaul McCartney, described in the Guinness Book of Records as the most successful popular music composer ever, could reasonably have been expected to retire on his laurels many years ago. But the same fertile imagination that created the melodies and arrangements of such classic hits as Yesterday, Till There Was You and Eleanor Rigby with his fellow Beatles thirty-five years ago, is still driven to express itself, to experiment and explore new territories.Working Classical is Paul McCartney's third album to appear on the EMI Classics label, following the extraordinary success of his Liverpool Oratorio (1991) and Standing Stone (1997), which established McCartney as an important new voice in the classical field. Working Classical takes this one step further with its imaginative blend of orchestral and chamber music. The title Working Classical is a play-on-words, but not in a serious way, as McCartney himself comments: " I'm very proud of my working class roots a lot of people like to turn their backs, especially when you get a little bit elevated in life, so I am always keen to remind people and myself of where I'm from." The album contains fourteen compositions, three performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, the other 11 by the Loma Mar String Quartet - Krista Bennion Feeney, Anca Nicolau, Joanna Hood and Myron Lutzke. McCartney developed the ideas for the three orchestral scores - A Leaf, Spiral and Tuesday - before joining his regular classical producer, John Fraser, in shaping the ideas into a more structured form. The internationally renowned musicians, Sir Richard Rodney Bennett and Jonathan Tunick, were then invited to work on the orchestrations together with McCartney. Each orchestral composition has an extended suite-like structure with several contrasting episodes. A Leaf (written shortly after the Liverpool Oratorio) opens and closes with a wistful waltz theme punctuated by varied sections of differing rhythms and orchestrations, with muted trumpets, cellos, clarinets - and even solo piano. Spiral is more impressionistic, heard as though through a heat haze. Lawrence Foster conducts both works. Tuesday, conducted by Andrea Quinn, originated as the theme for an animated film based on a children's book. McCartney subsequently extended it and incorporated a number of new ideas. Most of the string quartet arrangements came about at the time of the memorial services held in London and New York for McCartney's late wife, Linda. The composer, wanting to mark the occasions with some of his own music, collected songs he had written with Linda in mind. The arrangements were performed at Linda's New York memorial service by the Loma Mar Quartet, who later recorded them for this album. These beautiful quartet arrangements derive from McCartney's first solo album (The Lovely Linda, Maybe I'm Amazed), as well as from songs on later albums, including Warm and Beautiful and She's My Baby (from Wings at the Speed of Sound), Calico Skies and Somedays (from Flaming Pie), My Love (from Red Rose Speedway) Sand Golden Earth Girl (from Off The Ground). Two of the arrangements, Warm and Beautiful and My Love are heart-warming love songs, which are particularly special for McCartney at the moment. He comments of Warm and Beautiful: "That one really does get to me. It captures some of my most innermost feelings for Linda". During the studio sessions, McCartney surprised the Loma Mar Quartet with two completely new compositions, Haymakers and Midwife, as a kind of 'thank you'. These were also recorded. Working Classical will be launched on October 16th 1999 in Liverpool, where the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Andrea Quinn, and the Loma Mar String Quartet will perform the complete works on the album. Paul McCartney himself will be attending the concert, which will undoubtedly prove to be a memorable and historic occasion.
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You Ain't seen (or Heard) Nothing Yet!! Many More New Releases to Come!So you think things are getting exciting for Beatles fans with a flurry of new releases? Well, there is a LOT more to come. Below is a list of proposed new releases and events we have heard about:October 14th - Premiere of 'Run Devil Run' TV Documentary on VH1 UK October 16th - Premiere of 'Paul McCartney's 'Working Classical' at the Philharmonic Hall in Liverpool October 19th U.S. release date of Ringo Starr's Christmas album, "Ringo Starr...I Want To Be Santa Claus." October 19th Release of Paul McCartney's 'Working Classical' CD. October 20th - First part of "Paul McCartney's Routes of Rock" radio series on BBC World Service. (continues on 27th October and 3rd and 10th of November October 20th-22nd - 14 'Classic Rock' Radio Stations to Broadcast Breakfast shows direct from Studio One at Abbey Road. More than 50 guests will be interviewed during shows, including, it is hoped, Paul and Ringo. Around this time a special Documentary about the making of the Abbey Road album will be broadcast. It will be narrated by Sir George Martin and features new interviews with Paul, George and Ringo. October 21st - The London premiere of a Garland for Linda, dedicated to Linda McCartney and featuring a new piece specially written by Paul, at St James' Church, Piccadilly, 7.30pm.
Also Due Soon (but no dates yet): A Wings video retrospective by Paul's daughter Mary and husband Alistair Donald. Speculation is that this could be released before Christmas. A rumoured new 'Best of the Beatles' CD compilation, and, for the first time, a video of all The Beatles promo films. This is not just idle gossip - we have 'inside info' this WILL happen - probably before Christmas. 'Gimme Some Truth' - TV show and DVD/Video of the making of John Lennon's 'Imagine' Album. Also around the same time it is likely a new remastered version of the 'Imagine' CD will be released. We will, of course, bring you full details of all these events as they happen. |
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Imagine Voted best Song Lyric on British TVOn the eve of what would have been John Lennon's 59th birthday, 'Imagine' has been voted song lyric of all time on British TV.The accolade, which was voted for by television viewers, was announced on a special TV show to mark 'National Poetry Week'. Also in the top ten was 'I am The Walrus' at number 4 and 'Yesterday' at number 6.
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ÊFilm to be Shown on the Making of the 'Imagine' albumThanks to Iwona Rainer for this InfoA new film containing mostly unreleased footage of John Lennon in his studio will soon be making its way to TV screens worldwide. The 56- minute film, "Gimme Some Truth," is distilled from hundreds of hours of 16mm film shot by Lennon and his wife, Yoko Ono; the footage was taken while the former Beatle was recording his 1971 solo album, "Imagine," at his estate in Tittenhurst Park, Ascot, England.According to The Hollywood Reporter, "Gimme Some Truth," was only completed last week. Fragments of the film, such as the clip of Lennon playing "Imagine" on his white piano, have been seen before, but the bulk of it has been sitting in Ono's archive. Some of the included scenes depicts Lennon at work with the album's producer, Phil Spector, and ex-Beatle George Harrison. The film also features moments evocative of its time, such as Lennon and Ono in a protest march, as well as visits to the couple by Jack Nicholson, Andy Warhol, and Miles Davis. Picture Music International, which distributes "Gimme Some Truth," has already sold the film to broadcasters in 13 countries, including the Czech Republic, Australia, Denmark, and the Netherlands. Dawn Stevenson, senior director of program sales and development for Picture Music, said she has spoken with cable networks Bravo, Showtime, VH1, and public broadcaster PBS about a sale in the United States. In addition, EMI plans to issue a DVD of "Gimme Some Truth" in fall 2000. To coincide with the release, EMI's record label will reissue a remastered "Imagine" CD that could contain alternate takes as bonus tracks. Ê Ê Though there's no indication of which British TV station has bought the film, we will bring you first news here. Ê |
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VH1 To Show 'Run Devil Run' SpecialVH1 in the UK are to show an hour-long special on Paul McCartney's new album 'Run Devil Run' on October 14th at 8pm. It is part of a special 'Paul McCartney Day' on VH1 - other things being screened include 'Greatest Hits of Paul McCartney', 'Ten of the Best', and 'Paul McCartney Live'.
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Paul McCartney's 'Run Devil Run' OnlineThis from Matt HurwitzOctober 1, 1999 - Capitol Records and The MediaX Corporation "Fire Up" Exclusive Online Listening Bash Which Features First Broadcast of McCartney Radio Interview And Promotional VideoIt's been nearly three years since the multi-platinum release of Paul McCartney's "Flaming Pie", but now the waiting is over and "Run Devil Run" is here. On Tuesday, October 5th at noon E.S.T. the World Wide Web will play host to the first international airing of the hard-driving, loud new collection of the "devil's music" from Paul McCartney. As part of the online party produced by Media X and Capitol Records, fans will also be treated to the premiere broadcast of a brand new Paul McCartney interview and the broadcast of a 5-minute behind the scenes, making of "Run Devil Run" video. Six tracks, including McCartney's "Run Devil Run" and "Try Not To Cry", "No Other Baby" (Bishop/Watson), Elvis Presley's "I Got Stung", Chuck Berry's "Brown Eyed Handsome Man" and "Lonesome Town" (Knight) will be streamed in their entirety at MediaX's site and Capitol Records' site. The tracks will be available simultaneously for the duration of the promotion, which will last through Monday, October 11th at Midnight. The Eddie Puma produced radio interview will air in daily segments throughout the week with the final installment slated for Sunday, October 10th and the promotional video will begin airing on Wednesday, October 6th. Users are also invited to register online to win a special "Run Devil Run" prize package that will include authentic Run Devil Run oils, candles, their own copy of "Run Devil Run," a limited edition D-Pro, which includes songs from "Run Devil Run", and a "Run Devil Run" poster. Two winners will be chosen from each web site. In addition a "Run Devil Run" screensaver, only available at amuznet.com, will be given away to those who log on during the promotion "Run Devil Run" hits stores worldwide on Tuesday, October 5th surrounded by massive critical and popular praise. Thousands lined the streets of Los Angeles, New York, Cologne, Germany and London, England the past two weeks just to hear the much-talked about new recording from McCartney. The 15-track recording returns McCartney to the rawness of his roots, reprising the energized spirit and attitude of his earliest days in the music business, wrote one journalist. "It's the most upbeat record of the year," beamed another. "Run Devil Run" hits stores worldwide on Tuesday, October 5th surrounded by massive critical and popular praise. Thousands lined the streets of Los Angeles, New York, Cologne, Germany and London, England the past two weeks just to hear the much-talked about new recording from McCartney. The 15-track recording returns McCartney to the rawness of his roots, reprising the energized spirit and attitude of his earliest days in the music business, wrote one journalist. "It's the most upbeat record of the year," beamed another. To reach the site click here Dublin Beatles Convention AnnouncedThe Beatlemania '99 Festival (Dublin) is on 5th, 6th and 7th of November. The line up includes Gary Gibson's Anthology of The Beatles, The Quarrymen (from Dublin), Henry McCullough, Alistair Taylor, Alf Bicknell, Julia Baird, and many others, and will take place in a new state of the art music venue in Dublin called Vicar Street, and The Castle Inn. There will also be a record /CD &Êmemorabilia fair.ÊThe event will benefit Our Ladys Hospital for Sick Children, in Dublin, our designated charity, and your support would be welcome. Application forms for tickets can be obtained if people want to write to the address below: Beatles Ireland Fan Club, 37 Ashdale Road, Kinsealy Court, Swords, Co Dublin, Ireland. |
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Paul Plays Live at Peta GalaAs expected Paul McCartney played several tracks from his new album 'Run Devil Run' at the PETA Gala in Los Angeles. He played "Honey Hush","Brown Eyed Handsome Man", "No Other Baby" "Try Not to Cry","Lonesome Town" and "Run Devil Run"The PETA Gala will be broadcast e on October 16th at 10 pm Eastern Time on VH1 in the US. It will last 90 minutes. We have no news as yet of a British broadcast. Paul also attended the listening parties for 'Run Devil Run' in New York and LA. We will bring you full reports of these events soon. If you were at any of these events we'd like to hear from you. As part of his extensive round of promotion for the new Album he also appeared on the 'Today' show on US television. |
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Yellow Submarine in Top TenJust days after its release new Yellow Submarine Songtrack is placed at number 8 in the official UK album charts. In America the CD has has entered the 'Billboard' chart at number 15 with sales of just under 68,000 units.The Yellow Submarine video is number two in the UK Video retail chart - only being outsold by 'A Bug's Life'. |
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Book on Beatles Cartoons DueA new book called 'BeatleToons, The Real Story Behind The Cartoon Beatles.' is coming out on October 20, 1999. It's all about the Beatles cartoon series of the 60's. The book will be available through wynnco.com and all major outlets. |
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John's Historic Guitar sells at AuctionThe guitar John Lennon was playing on the day he met Paul McCartney was sold for 140,000 pounds , auctioneers Sotheby's said. An unnamed telephone bidder paid 40,000 pounds more than had been expected for the guitar. Lennon, then 16, was playing the Gallotone Champion with his band the Quarrymen at a Liverpool church fete on July 6, 1957 when he befriended 15-year-old McCartney, who joined the band -- the forerunner of the Beatles. On the neck of the guitar, which cost Lennon 10 pounds, is a plaque which recalls what he was once told by his Aunt Mimi: "Remember, you'll never earn your living by it."Before the sale former Quarryman Rod Davis, who played with the band on that historic occasion, went to see the guitar. Before seeing it he remembered that John had cut his finger on the guitar while trying to master it and that his dried blood was inside the guitar. When he looked at the guitar closely at Sotheby's the blood was still there! You don't get better provenence than that.
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VH1 to make Fictional Beatles FilmVH1 are planning a fictional film about a meeting between John Lennon and Paul McCartney in 1976 called 'Two Of Us'. It is to be direted byMichael Lindsay-Hogg, the man who created the final Beatles movie, Let It Be. It begins filming next month and features Aidan Quinn as McCartney and Jared Harris as Lennon. Quinn starred in 80's hit film Desperately Seeking Susan, while Harris made his name in the cult movie I Shot Andy Warhol. Two Of Us concerns a supposed attempt by McCartney to meet up with his former bandmate six years after the group split. The 1976 meeting-that-never-happened came about when McCartney paid an unplanned visit to the Dakota building in New York City, home to Lennon and his partner Yoko Ono. The two never came face-to-face, but many fans of the hugely successful band have often wondered what would have happened if they had. The TV film is to be screened on the VH1 music channel in the US, which is behind the production. Lindsay-Hogg also worked on the Rolling Stones Rock And Roll Circus film. |
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Hey Bulldog Video to Premiere on 20-20This Friday, September 17, at 10pm ABC's "20-20" will show the entire "Hey Bulldog" video. It's the last video ever made of a Beatles performance, so don't miss it!You can hear "Hey Bulldog" and other unreleased Beatles songs, as well as a few old favorites, on the Yellow Submarine Songtrack, available now! |
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Paul McCartney's 'lost tooth' Makes Front Page News of UK NewspaperThe summer is known as the 'silly season' in newspapers as there is less news around than other times of year and editors fill up papers with silly stories. The 'silly season' reached its peak in the UK when the 'Daily Mirror' newspaper published a front page photo of Paul McCartney seemingly with a tooth missing.Apparently Paul had bitten into a baguette and the crown on his front tooth came off. Paul didn't have time to get it fixed before turning up at a party organised by Chloe to honour his daughter, Stella. Later Paul remarked 'Instead of rushing to the dentist and being vain, I decided to go for the comedy element and spend a few days as the laughing pirate.' Paul originally damaged the tooth in 1966 (not 1967 as the Mirror said) when he was involved in an accident on his moped. However this accident got exagerated into the 'Paul is Dead' rumour. The headline in the 'Mirror' read - 'Gum Together'. |
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Working Classical Track Listing AnnouncedThis received from Matt Hurwitz:Hi, all-- As some of you may know, not only does Paul have a new rock album coming in October, but he's also got his newest classical disc coming two weeks later, on October 19th, titled "Working Classical." The disc will be released by Angel/EMI Classics. The album features a number of new compositions by Paul, as well as some new arrangements from his own catalog's best. Here is the final track listing:
-- Junk The album cover features the "workings" of a clock, with a picture of a teenage Paul superimposed on top. It will be available in England on CD, cassette, single-disc LP and Mini-Disc. NO PORTION OF THIS REPORT MAY BE REPRODUCED (not even as "We understand that" or "Rumor has it that. . . ") WITHOUT THE AUTHOR'S EXPRESS PERMISSION.
Matt Hurwitz |
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Genesis Publications Announce Release of 'Hamburg Days' book - But 'Anthology Book Delayed Again!Genesis Publications have just released a new book called 'Hamburg Days' by Astrid Kirchherr and Klaus Voorman, but at the same time have announced that the long awaited Beatles Anthology book has been delayed again - this time until late 2000.Hamburg Days tells the story of The Beatles' eaely days in Hamburg through the words and pictures of two of their closest friends. The absorbing the revealing text is illuminated by specially commissioned paintings and drawings of The Beatles in these historic surroundings by Klaus Voormann - famous not only for his work on the Revolver and Anthology album covers, but also for playing bass for George Harrison, Ringo Starr and the Plastic Ono Band amongst others. Also featured are Astrid Kirchherr's archive of Hamburg photos, including many previously unpublished.. Both George Harrison and Paul McCartney ahve been involved behind the scenes in the production of this major project - George has contributed a Foreword and Paul has added an Afterword. As well as the main edition 250 'Deluxe Copies' of Hamburg Days will be produced, each signed by George Harrison, Astid and Klaus and will include special display prints of one of Astrid's photos and Klaus' drawings. The rest of the 2,500 limited edition will be signed by Astrid and Klaus. For more info on this and other Genesis books click here
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PAUL MCCARTNEY WANTS TO PLAY YOU HIS NEW ALBUM!Paul McCartney will be hosting two listening parties - one in Los Angeles and one in New York - to introduce his upcoming album, "Run Devil Run." And he's invited 50 Good Day Sunshine subscribers to come to each."Run Devil Run" is Paul's look back at the music of his roots - 12 classic tunes from the 50's and 60's, plus three brand new Macca-penned songs, including his new single, "Try Not To Cry." The album was recorded in 5 days at Abbey Road this past Spring, working "regular hours" - with one of the hottest bands he's put together in years: Pink Floyd's David Gilmour (guitar), Deep Purple's Ian Paice (drums), Mick Green of The Pirates (guitar) and Pete Wingfield on keyboards. "Run Devil Run" comes out on Capitol Records October 5th. We've got 25 pairs of tickets to give away to two listening parties Paul's giving. In Los Angeles at the House of Blues on Friday September 17, and in New York at the Hammerstein Ballroom on Wednesday September 22. At both venues, Paul will be there to play the album for the winners. (Transportation is not included - just the tickets). To win, you must: 1. Be a Good Day Sunshine subscriber 2. Provide a correct answer to the following: Give us the names of 5 non-album tracks from Paul's solo career. Any song Paul has released as a B-side to a single or as a bonus track on a single will do. Be sure and include you PHONE NUMBER with your entry. Please specify which city you wish to attend (L.A. or New York). Remember, we can only provide the tickets - you need to get yourself there! If you're not a subscriber to Good Day Sunshine and would like to join and enter, please visit our website for more information: http://www.gooddaysunsh ine.net/subscription.htm Just send your answers to the trivia question in along with your subscription. 25 winners for each city will be picked at random from the correct answers. Contest ends WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 15, so enter now! Only ONE entry per person please. Good luck! Hope to see you there.
Matt Hurwitz |
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US Beatles postage Stamp Unveiled in LiverpoolThe US Postage Service's new Beatles Yellow Submarine postage stamp was unveiled at the Liverpool Town Hall on Yellow Submarine day in Liverpool. The special ceremony was performed by the US Postal Service Senior Vice President of Government Relations Deborah Willhite and the Lord Major of Liverpool.'During the 1960s, the Beatles influenced virtually everyone' said Willhite. 'They dominated the worlds of music, fashion, entertainment, and pop culture for millions of people around the globe.' 'In a similar manner, the Postal Service helps to bind our country together as a world leader in the communications industry. We are proud to honor this innovative and creative musical group through the Celebrate the Century Program' said Willhite. 'It is great, its a huge honour,' said Paul McCartney. 'It's lovely for the Yellow Submarine to become a postage stamp and I'm going to send lots of letters to people with little Yellow Submarines on them. The letters will be winging around everywhere with this stamp on them.' 'I like postage stamps, I've always liked stamps,' said George Harrison. 'I used to collect them when I was a kid; it's something to do with the fine art of stamps and the they print them is very good quality. I've seen stamps of all kinds of people and things, so why not a Yellow Submarine?' The stamp will be issued on September 17th. At the ceremony Deborah Willhite presented a special framed certificate and copy of the stamp to Geoff Baker, on behalf of The Beatles, and to the Lord Major of Liverpool. After the ceremony a huge poster of the stamp was unveiled over the balcony of the Town Hall, which the Beatles had stood on at their civic reception in 1964 when they came to Liverpool for the premiere of A Hard Day's Night. The Yellow Submarine Day was then declared open by the Lord Major and the fun began, only to be interupted by a giant Blue Meanie invading the main Yellow Submarine stage, who ranted for a few minutes before being led away by the police! The meanie was played by Paul Angelis, who did the voice of the chief Meanie in the film.
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Paul to Play Live at PETA GalaPaul McCartney will play live at the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals' Party of the Century and Humanitarian Awards at Paramount Studios in L.A on September 18th.Paul will perform several numbers from his Run Devil Run album, due in October. USA Today said it is expected to be his only live appearance promoting the Album - depsite reports that Paul was looking for venues for shows. The show will be broadcast in October or November on VH1 in the USA; international distribution is planned. Paul's band for the PETA show will include Pink Floyd guitarist/singer David Gilmour and Foreigner founder Mick Jones. At the event, Pamela Anderson Lee will get the Linda McCartney Memorial Award. Designer Stella McCartney, Paul and Linda's daughter, also is an honoree, as is a pack of animal lovers including Bill Maher, Steven Seagal, James Cromwell, Sheryl Lee and Richard Pryor. Paul will introduuce a video tribute to Linda, with Sarah McLachlan doing a song from her new album. Hosts are Alec Baldwin, Jamie Lee Curtis, Woody Harrelson and Ellen DeGeneres. The action includes a party on Paramount's New York set, a vegan dinner and street fair.
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Paul McCartney's Tribute to Buddy Holly OnlineIt's a Rock-N-Roller Dance Party and here's your chance to see it!Buddy's music touched everyone, and it still does. Celebrate his life and music with a huge Rock 'n' Roller dance party hosted by Paul McCartney at New York's Roseland Ballroom on Sept. 7. Winners of dance contests across the country will compete for prizes before an invitation-only crowd. See and hear Buddy's band, The Crickets, with special guests, Nanci Griffith, Bobby Vee and the Vees and Big Sandy and His Fly-Rite Boys.Register for free t-shirts, posters, and tickets to this invitation-only event by going to www.buddyhollydance.com . If you don't win tickets to the event you can still enjoy the show. LiveOnTheNet.com will be there webcasting the party LIVE from beginning to end. We'll have pre-show coverage beginning at 7PM ET from 52nd street outside the ballroom. We'll also have a tribute to Buddy Holly, roving reporter coverage, special guest interviews and coverage from inside the ballroom till midnight. Buddy Holly Dance Party hosted by Paul McCartney September 7, 1999 7 PM ET/ 4 PM PT http://www.buddyhollydance.com
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Just Back From Liverpool - and ThanksHi All!Just got back from the Liverpool Yellow Submarine Festival. It was amazing and I'll be putting lots of stuff on here in the next few days - Please be patient as my typing is rather slow! As expected none of The Beatles showed - main guests were Sir George Martin and Neil Aspinall. Just a quick note of thanks to those who signed my new guestbook - I'll be thanking you in person soon but have been very busy recently. Thanks for all the nice comments about this site. I hope to improve it soon and any suggestions would be appreciated. Please e-mail me at the address at the bottom of this page or sign the guestbook. all the best Richard Porter (Your webmaster) |
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Yellow Submarine - UK Screenings AnnouncedYellow Submarine will be shown in the following places in the UK:3-10 September London - Soho Curzon 3-5 September Manchester - Trafford Centre 4 September Glasgow Showhouse 5-6 September Edinburgh Filmhouse 7 September Warrington UCI 9 September Preston UCI 11-12 September Sheffield Showroom 12 September Paisley Showcase 14 September Birmingham (Arcadian) Virgin 15 September Newcastle Warner 17 September Dublin Ambassadors 19 September Leeds Showcase 22 September Bristol Warner 23 September Plymouth ABC 29 September Cambridge Warner 1 October Belfast Yorkgate Moviehouse 16-17 October London National Film Theatre |
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A Tale of Two GuitarsJohn Lennon's first guitar, which he used at St Peter's Church, Woolton, the day he met Paul McCartney for the first time, is to be auctioned next month for up to £100,000.Lennon, then 16, had bought the black and red Gallotone Champion for £10 by mail order, because he was bored playing the banjo. Paul was introduced to John by mutual friend, Ivan Vaughan, who had taken Paul to see John's band, The Quarrymen. John let Paul play the guitar and was very impressed that Paul knew how to tune it - something he couldn't do. Paul played John 20 Flight Rock and impressed John even more that he knew all the words. Paul was asked to join the Quarrymen a few days later. The restored guitar will go up for sale at Sotheby's in London on September 14 and is expected to fetch between £80,000 - £100,000. Meanwhile, the guitar that George Harrison used on the rooftop session failed to sell. It wasd expected to reach £200,000 but bidding dried up at £100,000 - less than the reserve price.
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US Yellow Submarine Screenings AnnouncedThe new print of Yellow Submarine will be shown in the following US venues: New York Union Square Sept. 10-17Los Angeles Nuart Sept. 3-9 Chicago Music Box Sept. 10-16 Boston Brattle Sept. 1-9 San Francisco Castro Sept. 3-15 Minneapolis The Uptown Sept. 3-9 Seattle Egyptian Sept. 1-16 San Diego The Hillcrest Sept. 10-16 Denver The Esquire Sept. 10-17
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VH1 'Making of Yellow Submarine SpecialThis from Matt Hurwitz VH1 is scheduled to air a terrific new 1/2-hour special on the making of "Yellow Submarine," which, as of today, will premiere on release date, Tuesday September 14.The show will contain footage from the film, as well as new interviews with the three Beatles, many of the original participants in the making of the original movie, as well as those who worked on the restoration. I'll keep you updated on broadcast times. Matt Hurwitz Publisher Good Day Sunshine Magazine
Update - UK Screenings of ShowThe 'Making of the Beatles Yellow Submarine' Special will be shown on VH1 at the following times:Friday 10th September at 4.30pm Sunday 12th September at 3.30pm Wednesday 15th September at Midnight Friday 17th September at 10.00pm Saturday 18th September at 1.30 Sunday 19th September at 3.30 Additionally - MTV are showing a programme called 'Yellow Submarine - MTV Movie Special' on Tuesday 14th September at 10.30pm. We don't know as yet whether this is the same as the VH1 show. |
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London Premiere of 'A Garland For Linda'London premiere of a Garland for Linda, dedicated to Linda McCartney and featuring a new song specially written by Paul, at St James' Church, Piccadilly, on October 21st, 1999, 7.30pm. a Garland for Linda includes tributes from classical composers such as Sir Richard Rodney Bennett, Michael Berkeley, John Tavener, John Rutter, Judith Bingham etc. Profits go to cancer charities. Tickets from First Call on 0870 840 1111. Concert to be repeated in Oxford 20/11/99, and around the UK over the next 2 years. Details will be forwarded. New York premiere will be on December 4th, 1999. Details to come. |
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Paul McCartney to Play Concerts?Speculation is growing that Paul McCartney is likely to return to the concert stage in October to promote is new album 'Run Devil Run'. In an article in the current issue of Mojo magazine it states that 'Aides are looking at venues for dates to coincide with the October release.'Mojo magazine have strong links with Apple and so this report cannot be discounted. Also there are many quotes in the interview from Paul's publicist Geoff Baker. If Paul does play some somes it is likely to be a few one-off dates, similar to those he did for 'Unplugged', rather than a full scale tour. Also it would be logical if the band were the same as on the Album, ie Dave Gilmour, Ian Pace and Mick Green. Paul has also stated publicly he'd like to play more concerts. Watch this space for more news!!
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London Beatles Landmark Being DemolishedEMI House, EMI's former headquarters in Manchester Square is being demolished. EMI moved out of the office building four years ago and it has since been empty.The Beatles were regular visitors to EMI House and were photographed here on many occasions - the most famous times when they posed for Angus McBean for the 'Please Please Me' album cover looking over a balcony above the main entrance. McBean was lying on the floor by the entrance looking up at the Beatles on the first floor. Some six years later they returned to the very same balcony to be photographed once again by Angus McBean for the 'Get Back' album. However the 'Get Back' LP was delayed for a year and finally came out around the time of the Beatles break-up. The LP was retitled 'Let It Be' and another cover used in its place. Both the balcony pictures were used for the 'Red' and 'Blue' CDs. After the Beatles virtually every other EMI artist wanted their picture taken in the same place. All were refused apart from two: The Sex Pistols in the mid 1970s and Blur just before EMI moved out. EMI moved the balcony with them when they moved out. It was believed it was moved into the staff restaurant in their new offices but it was reported recently on the internet that Paul McCartney now owns it. The Beatles were also photographed on the spiral stairs leading down to the basement. The Beatles also performed here for Radio Luxembourg in the small studios in the basement and also for journalist and EMI executives when they received silver discs for the Please Please Me Single.
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Ringo's Christmas Album - a previewI just got back from the Hollywood recording studio where Ringo's new album, "Ringo Starr - I Wanna Be Santa Claus" is being mixed. Producer Mark Hudson and engineer Scott Gordon were working on the opening track for the disc, titled "Come On Christmas." It is definitely the most rocking Christmas track you'll have ever heard! It has an "Instant Karma" beat and catchy rhythm that, no doubt, I will be singing in my sleep (and probably tomorrow morning, as well. . . ). [Mark says to tell you, "2nd engineers Dave Reed and Alex Gibson were dancing in go-go cages!" (Well, they were at least rocking their heads to the beat, even after the 126th playback!)] It's full of dirty guitars and a rocking fuzz bass, as well as an all-star chorus that includes Jeff Lynne and all three Hudson Brothers! The magical ending is guaranteed to keep us fans in Beatle heaven.More to come. . . Matt Hurwitz Publisher Good Day Sunshine Magazine
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Paul's 'Working Classical to be Premiered in LiverpoolPaul McCartneys new suite, Working Classical, is to be the centrepiece of a musical extravaganza at the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Hall. The London Symphony Orchestra will perform the piece, on October 16, and Sir Paul is planning to attend.The London premiere of a Garland for Linda, dedicated to Linda McCartney and featuring a new song specially written by Paul, at St James' Church, Piccadilly, on October 21st, 1999, 7.30pm. a Garland for Linda includes tributes from classical composers such as Sir Richard Rodney Bennett, Michael Berkeley, John Tavener, John Rutter, Judith Bingham etc. Profits go to cancer charities. Tickets from First Call on 0870 840 1111. Concert to be repeated in Oxford 20/11/99, and around the UK over the next 2 years.
Paul McCartney to Turn DJ for BBCPaul McCartney is to turn DJ and present his own BBC radio series of programmes about the rock and roll records that inspired him.It will be the first time that Paul has a show in the UK. The programmes will be called 'Paul McCartney's Routes of Rock' and will also be looking at the making of his new album, Run Devil Run. The shows are to be recorded at Paul's studio in East Sussex and will be broadcast on the BBC World Service from October 20. The series can be heard on World Service radio in the UK and overseas, as well as on the Internet. "It's a real scoop for the World Service," said the spokeswoman. He's an international figure and we will be taking him out to an international audience." The 15-track album is Sir Paul's first raw rock record for more than a decade and was recorded in one week at the renowned Studio Two of London's Abbey Road studios, where The Beatles created some of their classic hits.
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Catch a Yellow Submarine From London to Paris!The Beatles plan to paint a Eurostar Train yellow as a publicity stunt to relaunch "Yellow Submarine".Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr are spending £100,000 to cover 18 carriages of the Eurostar train with psychedelic cartoons. The train will make its first journey on September 8 from London to Paris via the Channel tunnel. It will form the 11.57 departure from Waterloo and travel via Vauxhall, Brixton, Sevenoaks, Ashford to the Chunnel and then over to Paris. Ê No one will be allowed on the Platform at Waterloo without special press passes or a valid ticket to travel and valid passport (This is because the ticket barrier at the Eurostar platform at Waterloo is classed as a land border). The train will travel slowly through the above stations to allow photo opportunities. It is believed that Vauxhall Station will provide the best view. The yellow train is the latest of the group's ideas to promote the digitally enhanced version of the film and a remix of the album that accompanied it. Despite some newspaper reports Paul George and Ringo will NOT be on the train! |
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Exclusive - MJI Radio Stations to Visit Abbey RoadMJI Broadcasting, a major US radio syndicator, will be broadcasting direct from Studio One at Abbey Road to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the release of the Abbey Road Album. At least 20 radio stations from all over the US will be broadcasting live from Studio One between October 20th and the 23rd.The main event will be a 90 minute special goes behind-the-scenes during the making of the Abbey Road album and includes interviews with the writers, audio from all 3 surviving Beatles, as well as producer George Martin and studio engineer Geoff Emerick. "Abbey Road" will feature all songs from the album plus some alternate takes. Be a fly-on-the wall during this pivotal recording while the world's biggest band was on the verge of breaking up. For a full list of radio stations and details of broadcasts keep on coming back to this site!
Update 20th AugustDATES: Oct 20,21 and 22 ( Wed/Thurs/Fri )LOCATION: Studio one at Abbey Road General Concept: The top 20 classic rock radio stations in the U.S. will broadcast their morning shows live in celebration of the 30th anniversary of Abbey Road. It will also be a celebration of the history of Abbey Road as a studio. Artists and other Beatles/Studio-relevant guests will be booked to spend 2-3 hours visiting each radio station for live interviews back to their home markets in the States. Markets that will be represented: NY, LA, Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle, Boston, Philadelphia, Portland, Spokane, Denver, Cincinnati, Charlotte, Atlanta, Kansas City, St. Louis, Raleigh plus 3 others still to be determined.
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Beatles Reunion DeniedNo surprises here:Hi, all-- In case you've been reading about the "Beatles reunion" aboard a yellow-painted submarine during the Yellow Submarine Festival in Liverpool in August, it appears we should file this one in the same place as the other reunion rumors. When queried about its validity a few moments ago, Geoff Baker at Apple responded, "Yeah, that's right. . . and with Elvis playing harmonica." In other words - no.
Matt Hurwitz |
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A Hundred Beatle Fans Nearly Drown on Abbey Road Crossing!Around a hundred Beatles fans gathered at the famous Abbey Road Crossing on August 8th to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the famous album cover photo - depsite the worst weather seen in London this summer.The previous few weeks in London had been hot and sunny, not unlike August 8th 1969 - however August 8th 1999 was rather different. The skies were grey and it was raining steadily. Beatles fans though are not put off by the rain and around a hundred fans gathered at Abbey Road to cross the crossing at 11.35am - exactly 30 years to the minute since The Beatles. However at the exact moment fans crossed the road the heavens opened and London saw its heaviest rainstorm in years. Abbey Road was virtually turned into a river and fans were wet through in seconds. As someone there said, it was as if John Lennon was having a joke with us. The weather 30 years ago was rather different - hot and sunny. For the occasion Abbey Road Studios had a marquee in the car park where they sold Beatles and Abbey Road Studios merchandise and played Beatles videos. The famous Abbey Road wall was painted only a week before the event - possibly to give people a clean wall to write on for the anniversary. However by the 8th the wall was already full again! The event was covered by a London Television station and the San Francisco Examiner. |
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Coming Soon - a Guide to the Beatles' London!Beatles For Sale, London's first Beatles shop, are soon to publish a guide to The Beatles London. Written by Richard Porter, a professional London Beatles tour guide (and webmaster of this site!) the 50+ page guide will feature scores of Beatles places in London, such as Abbey Road, 3 Savile Row, MPL, The Beatles London Homes, film sites and many others. The guide will include many photos, included previously unpublished photos of the Beatles at London locations. Also included are memories of many people connected with The Beatles, such as Alistair Taylor, Kenny Everett, Alan Parsons. The foreward was written by Jeff Jarrett, who worked with The Beatles at Abbey Road Studios and now runs the Abbey Road Cafe.The guide is expected to be published in late August and cost £5. If you would like more information on how to receive a copy click here Update 2 September 1999The Beatles London guide has been delayed as it is now hoped to turn it into a book and find a publisher for it.Jeff Jarrett - the head of the new Abbey Road Cafe and who worked with The Beatles on many of their records has written the foreword for the book which we reproduce below: Who could ever have imagined that a simple street name and one very ordinary pedestrian crossing would come to mean so much to so many people. I have walked or driven along Abbey Road almost every day since August 8th 1966 - the date I began working as an assistant at what was then called EMI Studios. There can be no other place in the world where so many talented musicians have worked and created so much wonderful music and, after 33 years, I can honestly say that the hairs on the back of my neck still stand on end each time I walk up the stairs of the studio entrance of what is now - thanks to four of it's most talented and creative clients - better known under its new name of Abbey Road. Whilst with EMI I was fortunate enough to work with The Beatles on several occasions. As individuals they all had something very special about them but when all four were together there was a unique chemistry which created an indescribable aura around them. That uniqueness has affected and influenced the lives of millions of people around the world. The pleasure that so many of us have derived from listening to their music and the inspiration they have been to so many aspiring songwriters and musicians is incalculable. It is not surprising that a pilgrimage to Abbey Road to see the studios as well as risking life and limb in having a photograph taken on the pedestrian crossing has become a 'must' to any real Beatles fan who is visiting London. Fortunately there is one man - Richard Porter - the author of this booklet, President of the London Beatles Fan Club and holder of the "Beatles Brain Of Britain" title, who also knows all there is to know about the many other, sometimes forgotten places that became part of The Beatles' lives and routine during their time in London. There is no one more qualified or knowledgeable to write a booklet such as this and is an essential item for any Beatles fan to have in their collection. I hope you will find it as fascinating to read as I have.
Jeff Jarratt |
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Release Date Set for Macca Oldies AlbumPaul McCartney's new album of rock'n'roll covers will be titled "Run Devil Run" and will be released Oct. 5 in the U.S. on Capitol and a day earlier in the U.K. on Parlophone/EMI. Recorded at Abbey Road Studios, the 15-track album features guest appearances by Pink Floyd's David Gilmour and Deep Purple's Ian Paice; it also includes three new McCartney originals, one of which is expected to be the first single. Here is the track listing for the Album - as revealed by 'Ice' Magazine: "Bluejean Bop" (Gene Vincent)"She Said Yeah" (the Animals and the Rolling Stones) "All Shook Up" (Elvis Presley) "Run Devil Run" (original) "No Other Baby" (Chad and Jeremy) "Lonesome Town" (Ricky Nelson) "Try Not To Cry" (original) "Movie Magg" (Carl Perkins) "Brown-Eyed Handsome Man" (Chuck Berry, also done by Buddy Holly) "What It Is" (original) "Coquette" (Fats Domino) "I Got Stung" (Elvis Presley) "Honey Hush" (Joe Turner) "Shake A Hand" (Faye Adams) "Let's Have a Party" (Wanda Jackson) |
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George's 'Rooftop Session Guitar to be SoldThe guitar George Harrison played on a London rooftop during the band's final performance 30 years ago is expected to collect more than £200,000 at an Aug. 19 auction."It is incredibly important. It is the one Beatles guitar to have come up for such a long time," said Sarah Allen, a spokeswoman for the auction house Bonhams. The custom-made rosewood Fender Telecaster was commissioned by classic rock guitar maker Leo Fender as a gift to Harrison in 1968. George gave the guitar to Delaney Bramlett a few months later and he is now selling it. Harrison used it in recording the Beatles' "Let It Be" album and film.
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Official Yellow Submarine Website to be LaunchedApple Corps, Ltd. is in the process of building a major Beatles site to coincide with the release of the Yellow Submarine Song Tracks CD.The site, at http://www.yellowsubmarine.com , is expected to go online in the next two weeks. The site will feature clips from the new "song track" compilation, animated video clips from the newly-restored "Hey Bulldog" sequence in the film, and a video of an alternate version of "Hey Bulldog." The site is the the first of many official Beatles websites to be run by Apple.
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Paul, George and Ringo to Attend Yellow Submarine Celebrations in Liverpool?The Sunday People have reported that Paul, George and Ringo will re-unite in Liverpool for the 'Yellow Submarine' celebrations in Liverpool. According to the British tabloid the three Beatles will sail down the River Mersey in a Yellow Submarine!The historic scene will be broadcast live by Channel 4's Big Breakfast on August Bank Holiday Monday. The Sunday People quoted 'A source close to the group' who said: "We want to take the Yellow Submarine theme as far as we can. And there's no better way of doing this than getting the three Beatles to appear on a real submarine. "They also said they were going to attend the celebrations in Liverpool on the day. But by singing Yellow Submarine they are going to give fans an extra-special treat." Is this the same 'source close to the group' who said that an unreleased track has been found? Cavern City Tours, who are organising the Liverpool celebrations, say they have no knowledge of Paul, George and Ringo attending. If it happens I will eat my hat!
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The Quiet One Speaks! New Album Due From the Leg EndIn an exclusive interview with Billboard magazine George Harrison revealed he is putting the finishing touches to a new album - plus a boxed set of out-takes.In the interview with Timothy White George also talked about the new Yellow Submarine video and CD. George revealed to Timothy White that he is putting the finishing touches to his first solo album since Cloud Nine. He is also putting together a boxed set of unreleased 'basement tapes' which will include gems such as George's own version of 'Run So Far' - the song he gave to Eric Clapton, plus George's rendition of Bob Dylan's 'Every Grain of Sand'. George showed White a sketch of the album cover which consisted of a big foot, as in Monty Python, with the title 'Portrait of a Leg End'. George has obviously not lost his sense of humour. George also said he has now obtained the rights to his 1976 - 1992 Dark Horse albums and is hoping to re-release them with bonus tracks. It seems 'The Quiet One' won't be quiet for very much longer. White spend a couple of days at Friar Park with George who seemed to be in great form throughout - there was certainly no hint the George was in a anything but good health - which allay fears that George had recently suffered a relapse of the throat cancer he was diagnosed with a couple of years ago. |
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Apple Statement on Hey BulldogThis received from Matt Hurwitz:Apple released the following statement today regarding the confusion over a new Beatles single mentioned in the press several weeks ago: 'In order to prevent confusion over conflicitng reports that a new Beatles single may be issued from the forthcoming "Yellow Submarine" release, media are advised of the following: In researching the "Yellow Submarine" projects, Apples Corps has discovered previously-unknown footage of The Beatles recording at Abbey Road Studios. It is believed to be the last unseen footage of The Beatles recording. The footage captures The Beatles recording "Hey Bulldog," a lesser-known song from the "Yellow Submarine" sessions in 1968. The footage was discovered after the screening of "The Beatles Anthology" in 1995. If it had been discovered before, it would have been included in the "Anthology." The Beatles' recording of "Hey Bulldog" will be issued as a video around the time of the launch of the new "Yellow Submarine" album, home video and DVD in the autumn. EMI Records recently considered issuing "Hey Bulldog" as a new single, but it has now been decided to release the historic footage as a video instead. Matt Hurwitz, Publisher Good Day Sunshine Magazine. |
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Quarrymen at the Cavern!Apart from a brief appearance at the Cavern's 40th birthday in Jan 1997, John Lennon's Original Quarrymen are back at the Cavern for the first time since 1957! The Quarrymen are back in their home town before their trip to the USA in August where they will be playing at Shea Stadium and the Orlando Beatlefest!As well as playing the Rock and Skiffle numbers from their 1957 repertoire with tea chest bass and washboard, the band will also be regaling their audience with a feast of anecdotes about their early days in the Liverpool of the fifties. The Quarrymen are the original 1957 lineup as formed by Lennon himself, Pete Shotton, Colin Hanton, Len Garry, Eric Griffiths and Rod Davis. This is only the Quarrymen's third appearance in the UK since they re-formed. In the last eighteen months they have played Holland, New York, Chicago, Dublin, Cuba, Las Vegas and Vancouver to the great delight of Beatles fans, and they are now looking forward to returning to the Cavern on the anniversary of 6 July 1957, the day John and Paul first met. Tickets for this unmissable event are on sale at the Cavern Pub and the Beatles Shop, both in Mathew Street, Liverpool and at the Merseyside Welcome Centre (Tourist Info Offices) in Clayton Square and Albert Dock. Or contact Scorpion Publications on 01895 847504 or email daispain@compuserve.com. The fun starts at 8.30 and the price is £6.00. They may not be the Beatles, but for an evening of authenticity with the five surviving Original Quarrymen, it can't be beaten at any price!
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Fans On The Run for "Band On The RunAttention Linda McCartney Fans!Paul McCartney, MPL Communications & amuZnet.com present "Fans On The Run" to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the release of "Band On The Run". Listen to rare out-takes, live-takes and interviews about the album with Paul, Linda, Denny Laine and the all-star gang featured on the recording's now famous cover art. Enter the very special Fans On The Run Scavenger Hunt for your chance to win one-of-a-kind Band On The Run items! To get a cool postcard for more details! Click here |
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Lennon art on display in LiverpoolA collection of drawings by John Lennon that trace his life from the later days of the Beatles to the birth of his son Sean has gone on display.The permanent display of limited edition prints is housed at Liverpool's Matthew Street Gallery, metres away from the site of the Cavern Club. The prints date to 1968 and show the years Lennon spent with Yoko Ono, starting with their meeting, their famous bed-in for world peace at the Amsterdam Hilton and the birth of Sean. "Drawn by one of the most important cultural figures of our time, these graphics celebrate human love and communication -- two themes at the heart of John Lennon's contribution to the art of the twentieth century," said gallery spokeswoman Christine Colvin.
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Linda's Photos Shown at Rock and Roll Hall of FameLinda McCartney's photos have gone on display at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio.The subject list of the collection reads like a who's who of late 1960s music: the Who, the Grateful Dead, Jimi Hendrix, the Doors, Janis Joplin, Aretha Franklin and, of course, the Beatles. Some of the pictures will be familiar to rock 'n' roll fans. A shot of McCartney with the couple's baby daughter, Mary, peeking out of his jacket was used as a cover photo on McCartney's first solo album. Others pictures are not as famous but perhaps more interesting. Joplin's insecurity is captured in a close-up of her face as she takes a long drag on a cigarette. The exhibition is on until August 8th. |
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Paul McCartney Leads Campaign Against Gentically Modified Food.Linda's Vegetarian Food to Feature Slogan: 'Say No to GMO'In a press conference on Thursday 10th June Paul McCartney announced a £3 million move to take out the risk of GM contamination from Linda's range of vegetarian meals. All of Linda's meals will now be made without any soya - and wheat will be used instead.At the same time, Linda's brand will spearhead the campaign against genetically modified food - with every pack of the 38 varieties in the range to bear the stamp 'Say NO to GMO' The Press Conference was held at the Landmark Hotel in London - just yards from the Marylebone Registry Office where Paul married Linda on March 12th 1969.
The Full Press ReleaseIn February this year a report on the BBC's Newsnight claimed to have found a small trace of GM contamination in soya used in the Linda McCartney Foods range.Although Linda McCartney Foods is anti-GM and used only non-GM soya - and although the trace found by Newsnight was later revealed to be less than 0.5% - even this very small risk of GM contamination was unacceptable to the McCartney family. Paul McCartney pledged at the time: 'We are strongly against GM products and we are committed to eliminating even the smallest trace from our products - people know what Linda stood for and they know what I stand for and I think they know that if any company will do anything about this, it's us'. Paul McCartney has kept his pledge to the customer and even though only non - GM soya was used to make Linda's meals, all soya ingredients have now been dropped from the range. Instead, Linda's meals will now be made with wheat - for which there is no GM alternative currently grown. In addition, the all-vegetarian Linda McCartney factory at Fakenham, Norfolk, has been temporarily closed and thoroughly steam cleansed to ensure that it is a GM-free zone. The new range has been strictly tested for the slughtest GM contamination at every stage of production, repetitively for four week - and no trace of any GM matter has been found. This whoel action, at a cost of more than £3 million, has been taken to keep the important trust with the customer. Said Paul: 'Since Linda launched her vegetarian meals in 1991 we ahve established a trust with our customers and we have taken these steps as an honest move to preserve that trust. 'It is also important to us to maintain consumer choice - like us, many people do not want to have any GMO's in their food. Earlier this year, people were dangerously close to having no choice in that. We have made these moves to give people their right of choice back. 'Our aim is to be the purest food company in the world and we are doing all we can to ensure that. 'Although we unfortunately live in a GM world - which I wish we didn't - we are totally against GMO's, which is why we are now actively campaigning against GM food with this slogan on the packs - 'Say No To GMO'. 'This is not a nerw thing for us. As far back as |