The sixties were a fun time when everything came together, and London was fab - it really was then, it wasn't all dirty and disgusting with people living in boxes, it was really jumping. And there were The Beatles and the pirate radio stations and all that, and a general loosening up. Of course the war had gone by then and rationing had finished so people started throwing their legs in the air and having a good time. It was a good place to be, around London, in the sixties.
Kenny Everett
Richard has been guiding tours of the Beatles London for over 10 years and has been gathering information on Beatles Sites for all that time. Also, as editor of 'Off the Beatle Track' magazine he has interviewed many people who worked with the Beatles, including Alistair Taylor, Brian Epstein's personal assistant, top record producer Alan Parsons and top DJ Kenny Everett. Their stories are featured throughout the book.
The book also features scores of previously unpublished and rarely photos, including The Beatles at their homes and in Abbey Road Studios.
The book includes a walking tour of Beatles sites in Central London and also details of sites further out from the centre.
Places included in the book include Abbey Road Studios, the former 'Apple' building at 3 Savile Row, the Beatles homes, offices, recording studios and many others. However the book is more about the people that frequented the buildings, rather than the buildings themselves.
In the book you can find out what John Lennon was doing outside some public toilets in 1966; which famous Beatles song was recorded in a studio next to a strip club; how some ladies tights saved an important Beatles event; and who were the 'Apple Scruffs'.
This is a very helpful volume that should be a must purchase for any fan heading for the British capital.
Justin Stonehouse - Beatlefan magazine
Mr Porter has been conducting Beatles walking tours in London for over ten years (for over 50,000 Beatles fans). He's logged a few thousand miles. He knows the scene. Richard has transcribed his tours in this book. And what a trip it is.
Bravo to Richard Porter on a wonderful first effort. I like this book.
Brad Howard - World Beatles Forum
This book is a must for all Beatles fans whether you will be visiting London or not. It contains historical information on The Beatles' lives in London which every Beatles fan needs to know.
Trina Yannicos - Daytrippin' magazine
IBSN 0 953875903
The book is available from Amazon.co.uk by clicking here
To Order From the US
The book is available from 'The Fest For Beatles Fans - To order the book from them click here
for more information please ring 1-800 BEATLES
For more information please e-mail richardporter4@aol.com
The book is also currently available at the Abbey Road Cafe, St John's Wood Station.
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 book, 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
March 2000.