Forty-one years ago, they published the biggest Beatles biography of all time — The Love You Make, which spent three months in 1983 atop the New York Times best-seller list. The book would make its co-authors — former Circus magazine editor and author of 13 best-sellers Steven Gaines and onetime Brian Epstein protégé and Fab Four confidant Peter Brown — into the most famous Beatle-ologists on the planet.
Also, two of the most reviled, at least by some guy named Paul McCartney, who was said to have been so outraged by the tome’s gossipy reportage that he set his copy on fire.
As it happens, Gaines and Brown aren’t quite finished with The Beatles yet. Last month, after decades of steering clear of the subject, they released All You Need Is Love: The Beatles in Their Own Words, an oral history of the Mop Tops based on hundreds of hours of old taped...
Also, two of the most reviled, at least by some guy named Paul McCartney, who was said to have been so outraged by the tome’s gossipy reportage that he set his copy on fire.
As it happens, Gaines and Brown aren’t quite finished with The Beatles yet. Last month, after decades of steering clear of the subject, they released All You Need Is Love: The Beatles in Their Own Words, an oral history of the Mop Tops based on hundreds of hours of old taped...
- 6/3/2024
- by Maer Roshan
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Paul McCartney strongly opposed Allen Klein as The Beatles’ manager, but John Lennon pushed hard to get him appointed. He was the first of the band to want to hire Klein and he was happy to see him become the manager. McCartney believed this had little to do with the vision Klein had for The Beatles and more with how he treated Yoko Ono.
Paul McCartney shared why John Lennon liked Allen Klein
When Lennon met Klein, he told the musician he supported Ono’s career. This won him Lennon’s backing.
“I always had the impression that Klein had got them to go with him because he was the only one who was ever sympathetic to Yoko,” McCartney said in the book All You Need Is Love: The Beatles in Their Own Words by Peter Brown and Steven Gaines. “Klein saw the Yoko connection and told Yoko that he...
Paul McCartney shared why John Lennon liked Allen Klein
When Lennon met Klein, he told the musician he supported Ono’s career. This won him Lennon’s backing.
“I always had the impression that Klein had got them to go with him because he was the only one who was ever sympathetic to Yoko,” McCartney said in the book All You Need Is Love: The Beatles in Their Own Words by Peter Brown and Steven Gaines. “Klein saw the Yoko connection and told Yoko that he...
- 6/2/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Paul McCartney was the only one to push back against his Beatles bandmates when they wanted to appoint Allen Klein as their new manager. John Lennon was the biggest supporter of Klein, and George Harrison made it clear he backed him too. McCartney believed he could delay Klein’s appointment, but a vote by his bandmates put a stop to his hopes.
Paul McCartney felt betrayed by his Beatles bandmates
During a Friday night recording session, Klein visited The Beatles and told them he needed their contract with him signed immediately. He claimed he had a board meeting the following morning. McCartney pushed back, wanting to take the weekend to review the deal. When Lennon accused him of stalling, McCartney said he had a right to wait until Monday to sign.
“I said, ‘Well I’m not going to [sign it now]. I demand at least the weekend. I’ll look at it,...
Paul McCartney felt betrayed by his Beatles bandmates
During a Friday night recording session, Klein visited The Beatles and told them he needed their contract with him signed immediately. He claimed he had a board meeting the following morning. McCartney pushed back, wanting to take the weekend to review the deal. When Lennon accused him of stalling, McCartney said he had a right to wait until Monday to sign.
“I said, ‘Well I’m not going to [sign it now]. I demand at least the weekend. I’ll look at it,...
- 5/30/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
John Lennon’s 12-string Framus Hootenanny acoustic guitar recently sold for $2,857,500 million at auction. Lennon, along with George Harrison, had used the guitar to record such Beatles albums as Help! and Rubber Soul.
According to Julien’s Auctions, the auction house that oversaw the sale, the guitar had been lost for 50 years before unexpectedly turning up in the attic of a British home. Lennon had reportedly given the guitar to Gordon Waller, of Peter & Gordon, in 1965. Waller then passed it on to one of his road managers, who subsequently returned home to throw the instrument in the attic of his countryside home, where it remained for half a century.
Eventually, an English man discovered Lennon’s long lost Hootenanny when he was helping his parents move. It was still housed within its original guitar case. After contacting Julien’s Auctions, the guitar was examined and authenticated by Beatles historians Andy Babiuk and Danny Bennett.
According to Julien’s Auctions, the auction house that oversaw the sale, the guitar had been lost for 50 years before unexpectedly turning up in the attic of a British home. Lennon had reportedly given the guitar to Gordon Waller, of Peter & Gordon, in 1965. Waller then passed it on to one of his road managers, who subsequently returned home to throw the instrument in the attic of his countryside home, where it remained for half a century.
Eventually, an English man discovered Lennon’s long lost Hootenanny when he was helping his parents move. It was still housed within its original guitar case. After contacting Julien’s Auctions, the guitar was examined and authenticated by Beatles historians Andy Babiuk and Danny Bennett.
- 5/30/2024
- by Jonah Krueger
- Consequence - Music
The Beatles continue to break records long after their musical reign across the world.
A long-lost John Lennon guitar has sold for more than $2.85 million at auction at Times Square’s Hard Rock Cafe where collectors, fans and industry aficionados had gathered from around the globe to witness the event.
Lennon’s 1964 Framus “Help!” Hootenanny acoustic guitar was also used by George Harrison during the recording sessions for the 1965 Beatles album Rubber Soul.
It had been discovered — after not being seen or played for over 50 years — at the end of 1965. Lennon gifted the guitar to Gordon Waller of Peter and Gordon, for whom he and Paul McCartney had been writing songs. But Waller later passed the guitar onto a manager of his who took it home and left it in the attic.
The new owners of the British countryside home found it while moving in and expected it to sell...
A long-lost John Lennon guitar has sold for more than $2.85 million at auction at Times Square’s Hard Rock Cafe where collectors, fans and industry aficionados had gathered from around the globe to witness the event.
Lennon’s 1964 Framus “Help!” Hootenanny acoustic guitar was also used by George Harrison during the recording sessions for the 1965 Beatles album Rubber Soul.
It had been discovered — after not being seen or played for over 50 years — at the end of 1965. Lennon gifted the guitar to Gordon Waller of Peter and Gordon, for whom he and Paul McCartney had been writing songs. But Waller later passed the guitar onto a manager of his who took it home and left it in the attic.
The new owners of the British countryside home found it while moving in and expected it to sell...
- 5/30/2024
- by Lily Ford
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A guitar used by John Lennon has sold for $2,857,500, setting a new record for the highest-selling guitar at auction in the Beatles’ history.
The Framus 12-string Hootenanny acoustic guitar, used in the recording of the Beatles’ 1965 Help! album and film, was bought through a telephone bid as part of a two-day music icons sale by Julien’s Auctions. The guitar had an estimated price of $600,000 to $800,000, but was expected to fetch far more. It surpassed the $2.4 million price tag of Lennon’s Gibson J160E, which sold in 2015.
“We are...
The Framus 12-string Hootenanny acoustic guitar, used in the recording of the Beatles’ 1965 Help! album and film, was bought through a telephone bid as part of a two-day music icons sale by Julien’s Auctions. The guitar had an estimated price of $600,000 to $800,000, but was expected to fetch far more. It surpassed the $2.4 million price tag of Lennon’s Gibson J160E, which sold in 2015.
“We are...
- 5/30/2024
- by Emily Zemler
- Rollingstone.com
Paul McCartney spent the end of the 1960s in a state of distress over The Beatles’ new manager, Allen Klein. He hadn’t wanted Klein as the group’s manager, but his bandmates outvoted him. McCartney said he grew so stressed about Klein’s presence in band affairs that he started to have nightmares about him.
Paul McCartney frequently had dreams about The Beatles’ manager
In 1967, The Beatles’ longtime manager Brian Epstein died. In the aftermath, the band struggled to manage themselves and began looking into new managers. McCartney wanted his future father-in-law, John Eastman, to take the job, but his bandmates outvoted him three to one. Against McCartney’s wishes, Klein became the band’s new manager.
Before they signed with Klein, though, he visited The Beatles in a recording session. McCartney knew John Lennon and George Harrison wanted Klein, but he was “dragging his heels.”
Paul McCartney | Les Lee...
Paul McCartney frequently had dreams about The Beatles’ manager
In 1967, The Beatles’ longtime manager Brian Epstein died. In the aftermath, the band struggled to manage themselves and began looking into new managers. McCartney wanted his future father-in-law, John Eastman, to take the job, but his bandmates outvoted him three to one. Against McCartney’s wishes, Klein became the band’s new manager.
Before they signed with Klein, though, he visited The Beatles in a recording session. McCartney knew John Lennon and George Harrison wanted Klein, but he was “dragging his heels.”
Paul McCartney | Les Lee...
- 5/29/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
It’s been a minute since we heard from director Sam Mendes and his uber-ambitious “Beatles” film plans. Known for the Oscar-winning “American Beauty” and the Bond films, “Skyfall,” and “Spectre,” Mendes isn’t just taking the bold step of making a fictional film about the Beatles, he’s making four of them, one about each member: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr.
Continue reading Paul Mescal Reportedly Being Eyed For Role In Sam Mendes’ ‘Beatles’ Movies at The Playlist.
Continue reading Paul Mescal Reportedly Being Eyed For Role In Sam Mendes’ ‘Beatles’ Movies at The Playlist.
- 5/24/2024
- by Edward Davis
- The Playlist
In 1967, The Beatles’ longtime manager, Brian Epstein, died, leaving Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr to handle themselves. According to an associate of the band’s, David Puttnam, Epstein did a great deal to hold them together. After Epstein died, Puttnam said the band’s ability to make good decisions fell apart.
Paul McCartney and the rest of The Beatles made bad business moves after Brian Epstein died
After Epstein’s unexpected death, The Beatles were left to manage themselves. Puttnam, who became a film producer, said the band lacked “stability” when they lost their manager.
“I remember the moment that Brian died,” Puttnam said in the book All You Need Is Love: The Beatles in Their Own Words by Steven Gaines and Peter Brown. “Oh God, they seemed to begin to be entirely self-destructive, entirely. From that moment onwards, I don’t remember hearing from Paul a sensible word,...
Paul McCartney and the rest of The Beatles made bad business moves after Brian Epstein died
After Epstein’s unexpected death, The Beatles were left to manage themselves. Puttnam, who became a film producer, said the band lacked “stability” when they lost their manager.
“I remember the moment that Brian died,” Puttnam said in the book All You Need Is Love: The Beatles in Their Own Words by Steven Gaines and Peter Brown. “Oh God, they seemed to begin to be entirely self-destructive, entirely. From that moment onwards, I don’t remember hearing from Paul a sensible word,...
- 5/24/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Beatles were a group of four, but they required many more people behind the scenes to support them. Many, like their longtime producer George Martin, proved to be excellent connections for the band, helping them improve their music. Others were not as beneficial for the band. According to Ron Kass, the former president of Apple Records, the band trusted many people they should not have.
Those who knew The Beatles said they were not good judges of character
For much of The Beatles’ time as a band, they relied on their manager, Brian Epstein. He had concerns about their judgment when it came to other people.
“And as Brian once said, the boys were very bad judges of character,” press officer Derek Taylor said in the book All You Need Is Love: The Beatles in Their Own Words by Peter Brown and Steven Gaines.
The Beatles | John Downing/Getty Images
After Epstein’s death,...
Those who knew The Beatles said they were not good judges of character
For much of The Beatles’ time as a band, they relied on their manager, Brian Epstein. He had concerns about their judgment when it came to other people.
“And as Brian once said, the boys were very bad judges of character,” press officer Derek Taylor said in the book All You Need Is Love: The Beatles in Their Own Words by Peter Brown and Steven Gaines.
The Beatles | John Downing/Getty Images
After Epstein’s death,...
- 5/22/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Beatles may be no more, but their royalties are still coming in strong. For 60 years Paul McCartney has managed to stay in the list of the UK’s top earning musicians through his Beatle royalties, but some unexpected twist has actually gotten him out of the millionaires club and into the more fancier billionaire list.
If you’re wondering why Paul McCartney is so wealthy decades after Beatlemania, we have answers.
Beyoncé Helped Paul McCartney Earn More From the Beatles Royalties In This Way
Man, Paul McCartney is loaded. According to the annual report published by The Sunday Times, aptly called The Sunday Times Rich List, McCartney’s net worth is $1.27bn, making him the first British to become a billionaire through music.
Compared to the past year, McCartney’s earnings increased by over $50 million thanks to Beyonce’s cover of his 1968 song ‘Blackbird.’ In addition to this, the...
If you’re wondering why Paul McCartney is so wealthy decades after Beatlemania, we have answers.
Beyoncé Helped Paul McCartney Earn More From the Beatles Royalties In This Way
Man, Paul McCartney is loaded. According to the annual report published by The Sunday Times, aptly called The Sunday Times Rich List, McCartney’s net worth is $1.27bn, making him the first British to become a billionaire through music.
Compared to the past year, McCartney’s earnings increased by over $50 million thanks to Beyonce’s cover of his 1968 song ‘Blackbird.’ In addition to this, the...
- 5/19/2024
- by Nmesoma Okechukwu
- Celebrating The Soaps
The Beatles are undoubtedly one of the most influential bands of all time, ushering in a new age of rock and all in the 60s. While their tenure may have only lasted 10 years, their rich discography has impacted fans to this day, Their songs are still a large part of the zeitgeist, especially in the evolution of the genre and modern artists being inspired by them.
The Beatles performing Paperback Writer
Another big name in the genre that made a sensation in the 90s was Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain. Like many others, he was also inspired by The Beatles and their contribution to the genre. While expressing his love and admiration for John Lennon, the singer threw shade at Paul McCartney, indicating how he considers him inferior to Lennon.
Kurt Cobain Calls Paul McCartney an Embarrassment While Praising John Lennon Kurt Cobain in the music video for Nirvana’s Smells...
The Beatles performing Paperback Writer
Another big name in the genre that made a sensation in the 90s was Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain. Like many others, he was also inspired by The Beatles and their contribution to the genre. While expressing his love and admiration for John Lennon, the singer threw shade at Paul McCartney, indicating how he considers him inferior to Lennon.
Kurt Cobain Calls Paul McCartney an Embarrassment While Praising John Lennon Kurt Cobain in the music video for Nirvana’s Smells...
- 5/18/2024
- by Rahul Thokchom
- FandomWire
For nearly a decade, The Beatles were the biggest band on the planet. They had fans across the globe and brought in immense amounts of money. According to one employee, though, the band never paid overly extravagant salaries. He shared what life was like for him after the band broke up.
A Beatles employee said the band never paid very well
Peter Brown worked as a personal assistant to Beatles manager Brian Epstein and, after Epstein’s death, took on many of his former responsibilities. This was a major position, but Brown claimed he wasn’t entirely satisfied with his salary during his Beatles years.
“No, I wasn’t [well-off financially when the band broke up],” he told Rolling Stone. “I was on a very good salary and had a lot of perks, but I didn’t make a fortune. The Beatles never paid anyone that well. I made much more money after leaving them. They thought in an old-fashioned,...
A Beatles employee said the band never paid very well
Peter Brown worked as a personal assistant to Beatles manager Brian Epstein and, after Epstein’s death, took on many of his former responsibilities. This was a major position, but Brown claimed he wasn’t entirely satisfied with his salary during his Beatles years.
“No, I wasn’t [well-off financially when the band broke up],” he told Rolling Stone. “I was on a very good salary and had a lot of perks, but I didn’t make a fortune. The Beatles never paid anyone that well. I made much more money after leaving them. They thought in an old-fashioned,...
- 5/17/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Since beginning his career with The Beatles in the 1960s, Ringo Starr has been one of the world’s brightest musical luminaries. He has enjoyed a successful and dynamic solo career as a singer, songwriter and drummer, an active musical collaborator, and as an actor. Drawing inspiration from classic blues, soul, country, honky-tonk and rock ‘n’ roll, Ringo continues to play an important role in modern music with his solo recording and touring.
Former Beatle Ringo Starr started the Lotus Foundation with his wife, Barbara Bach.
He took part in George Harrison's historic Concert for Bangladesh in 1971.
Charities & foundations supported
Ringo Starr has supported the following charities:
21st Century LeadersAmerican Foundation for AIDS ResearchDavid Lynch FoundationElevate Hope FoundationGRAMMY FoundationLotus OutreachMines Advisory GroupVisual Snow InitiativeWhatever It Takes Read more about Ringo Starr's charity work and events. Related articles Eric Clapton - Standing At The Crossroads Of AddictionGrammy Auction Has Something...
Former Beatle Ringo Starr started the Lotus Foundation with his wife, Barbara Bach.
He took part in George Harrison's historic Concert for Bangladesh in 1971.
Charities & foundations supported
Ringo Starr has supported the following charities:
21st Century LeadersAmerican Foundation for AIDS ResearchDavid Lynch FoundationElevate Hope FoundationGRAMMY FoundationLotus OutreachMines Advisory GroupVisual Snow InitiativeWhatever It Takes Read more about Ringo Starr's charity work and events. Related articles Eric Clapton - Standing At The Crossroads Of AddictionGrammy Auction Has Something...
- 5/16/2024
- Look to the Stars
The second episode of the newly relaunched Doctor Who is a haunting, contemplative story about what might happen if the world was robbed of its love of music. Like all good Who sci-fi premises, “The Devil’s Chord” takes something that is a given about human nature, and suggests our experience of life might be totally different without that thing. Just like “Blink” made us worry about trying to control our inherent reflex to bat our eyes, “The Devil’s Chord” makes us worried about how depressing and dystopian things would become without being able to hear a tune.
The episode also features a bootleg version of The Beatles, which should be a slam-dunk for Doctor Who, but isn’t. Instead, in creating a timey-wimey story about the death of music in a bizarro timeline, Who makes some blunders about why The Beatles became The Beatles.
Spoilers ahead.
While some...
The episode also features a bootleg version of The Beatles, which should be a slam-dunk for Doctor Who, but isn’t. Instead, in creating a timey-wimey story about the death of music in a bizarro timeline, Who makes some blunders about why The Beatles became The Beatles.
Spoilers ahead.
While some...
- 5/15/2024
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
Even decades after releasing some songs, Paul McCartney sees fans poring over the lyrics, searching for meaning. John Lennon once said this was fruitless on some Beatles songs, as he wrote lines to purposely confuse fans. According to McCartney, fans might find themselves in a similar situation with his solo work. He said that some of the lyrics in one song had no meaning behind them.
Paul McCartney said the lyrics to 1 song had little meaning behind them
In 1971, McCartney released Ram, his second post-Beatles album. Though the album initially received a poor critical reception, many have reviewed it significantly more favorably in retrospect. As fans continue to listen to the album, they’ve wondered what some of the whimsical, seemingly meaningless lyrics mean.
In the song “Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey,” which has recently received an increase in interest on social media, McCartney sings “the butter wouldn’t melt so...
Paul McCartney said the lyrics to 1 song had little meaning behind them
In 1971, McCartney released Ram, his second post-Beatles album. Though the album initially received a poor critical reception, many have reviewed it significantly more favorably in retrospect. As fans continue to listen to the album, they’ve wondered what some of the whimsical, seemingly meaningless lyrics mean.
In the song “Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey,” which has recently received an increase in interest on social media, McCartney sings “the butter wouldn’t melt so...
- 5/11/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Filmmaker Michael Lindsay-Hogg is having a bit of a “hail the conquering hero” moment that very few people would have expected him to be having this far into the 21st century, least of all himself. Although he has had many successes in film and in the theater over the last 60 years or so, he remains most famous as the director of the Beatles documentary “Let It Be” — and that 1970 film remains most famous as something that has been kept locked in the vault since it got a brief VHS and laserdisc release in the early 1980s. Shot in 1969 as the Beatles recorded their next-to-last album, “Let It Be” has been remembered largely as a glum look at a great band, rehearsing not so much for an album or concert as rehearsing for a breakup.
But what if it wasn’t really that at all? Two surprising developments have occurred to...
But what if it wasn’t really that at all? Two surprising developments have occurred to...
- 5/8/2024
- by Chris Willman
- Variety Film + TV
This past week, we’ve seen one high-profile upload from Walt Disney Studios’ YouTube account and several smaller, better ones. While Mufasa: The Lion King was downvoted 323k times, the videos promoting Let It Be are faring better on a smaller scale.
Unsurprisingly, snippets from the Beatles documentary aren’t pulling in the kind of numbers that a Lion King trailer is, but they’re far more pleasing to the eyes and ears. After all, Disney and the Fab Four are an odd pairing.
Regardless, I’m looking forward to the fully resorted release of Let It Be. First released in 1970, the Michael Lindsay-Hogg-directed film follows John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr as they rehearse and record their final album together.
“First released in May 1970 amidst the swirl of The Beatles’ breakup, “Let It Be” now takes its rightful place in the band’s history. Once viewed through a darker lens,...
Unsurprisingly, snippets from the Beatles documentary aren’t pulling in the kind of numbers that a Lion King trailer is, but they’re far more pleasing to the eyes and ears. After all, Disney and the Fab Four are an odd pairing.
Regardless, I’m looking forward to the fully resorted release of Let It Be. First released in 1970, the Michael Lindsay-Hogg-directed film follows John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr as they rehearse and record their final album together.
“First released in May 1970 amidst the swirl of The Beatles’ breakup, “Let It Be” now takes its rightful place in the band’s history. Once viewed through a darker lens,...
- 5/5/2024
- by Mike Phalin
- Pirates & Princesses
Starting with “Rebel-‘Rouser” in 1958, Duane Eddy’s instrumental hits from the early rock & roll era made the guitar the star of the show. On that song and those to follow, like “Peter Gunn,” “Cannonball,” and “Forty Miles of Bad Road,” Eddy used vibrato and lent his guitar a deep sound by emphasizing bass strings. In doing so, he influenced an entire incoming generation of guitar players — including Bruce Springsteen, George Harrison, Jimi Hendrix, and John Fogerty. After the news of Eddy’s death was announced on Wednesday — he died...
- 5/2/2024
- by David Browne
- Rollingstone.com
Richard Tandy, Electric Light Orchestra’s keyboardist, has died at the age of 76.
The group’s co-founder Jeff Lynne announced Tandy’s on social media Wednesday, writing, “It is with great sadness that I share the news of the passing of my long-time collaborator and dear friend Richard Tandy.” Lynee called his bandmate a “remarkable musician & friend,” and said, “I’ll cherish the lifetime of memories we had together.”
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Jeff Lynne's Elo (@jefflynneselo)
Tandy joined Elo in 1971 as a bassist, one year after Lynne,...
The group’s co-founder Jeff Lynne announced Tandy’s on social media Wednesday, writing, “It is with great sadness that I share the news of the passing of my long-time collaborator and dear friend Richard Tandy.” Lynee called his bandmate a “remarkable musician & friend,” and said, “I’ll cherish the lifetime of memories we had together.”
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Jeff Lynne's Elo (@jefflynneselo)
Tandy joined Elo in 1971 as a bassist, one year after Lynne,...
- 5/2/2024
- by Charisma Madarang
- Rollingstone.com
Duane Eddy, the legendary guitarist who was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1994, has passed away at the age of 86. He died of cancer on Tuesday (April 30th), surrounded by family members at Williamson Health hospital in Franklin, Tennessee.
Eddy is considered the most commercially successful instrumental musician in the history of rock ‘n’ roll, thanks in large part to his signature tunes like “Rebel-‘Rouser,” “Peter Gunn,” and “Because They’re Young.” By 1963, he had sold an estimated 12 million records.
The guitarist was known for his twangy sound and his collaborative work with producer Lee Hazlewood. His extensive album discography spanned from his 1958 debut, Have ‘Twangy’ Guitar Will Travel, through 2011’s Road Trip.
John Fogerty once dubbed Eddy the “the first rock ‘n’ roll guitar god.” His 1987 album, Duane Eddy & The Rebels, truly showed his influence, as it featured guest appearances by Fogerty, George Harrison, Paul McCartney,...
Eddy is considered the most commercially successful instrumental musician in the history of rock ‘n’ roll, thanks in large part to his signature tunes like “Rebel-‘Rouser,” “Peter Gunn,” and “Because They’re Young.” By 1963, he had sold an estimated 12 million records.
The guitarist was known for his twangy sound and his collaborative work with producer Lee Hazlewood. His extensive album discography spanned from his 1958 debut, Have ‘Twangy’ Guitar Will Travel, through 2011’s Road Trip.
John Fogerty once dubbed Eddy the “the first rock ‘n’ roll guitar god.” His 1987 album, Duane Eddy & The Rebels, truly showed his influence, as it featured guest appearances by Fogerty, George Harrison, Paul McCartney,...
- 5/1/2024
- by Spencer Kaufman
- Consequence - Music
Duane Eddy, one of rock’s first guitar heroes and an idol of George Harrison, Jeff Beck, John Fogerty, Dan Auerbach, and many other guitar-slingers who followed, died Sunday at his home in Franklin, Tennessee. He was 86. A source close to the family confirmed Eddy’s death to Rolling Stone.
Released in 1958, Eddy’s “Rebel-’Rouser” wasn’t the first instrumental hit, but it was one of the most arresting. Arriving just a few years into the birth of rock & roll, “Rebel-’Rouser” announced that the raucous new genre was...
Released in 1958, Eddy’s “Rebel-’Rouser” wasn’t the first instrumental hit, but it was one of the most arresting. Arriving just a few years into the birth of rock & roll, “Rebel-’Rouser” announced that the raucous new genre was...
- 5/1/2024
- by David Browne
- Rollingstone.com
Duane Eddy, the twangy, Grammy-winning rock guitarist who had Top 10 instrumental hits including “Rebel Rouser” and “Forty Miles of Bad Road” and scored with a version of Henry Mancini’s “Peter Gunn,” died Wednesday of cancer at a hospital in Franklin, Tn, his wife Deed Abbate told The Associated Press. He had turned 86 last week.
Eddy, who influenced generations of guitar legends including George Harrison, John Fogerty, Bruce Springsteen, Ritchie Blackmore, Mark Knopfler and The Ventures’ Don Wilson, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994.
Born on April 26, 1938, in Corning, NY, Eddy began playing guitar at age 5. He moved at 13 with his family to Arizona, where he met local DJ Lee Hazlewood, and the two would share a long, fruitful association. Eddy first recorded with Jimmy Delbridge as Duane & Jimmy in 1955, and his debut single as a solo act to dent the charts came three years...
Eddy, who influenced generations of guitar legends including George Harrison, John Fogerty, Bruce Springsteen, Ritchie Blackmore, Mark Knopfler and The Ventures’ Don Wilson, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994.
Born on April 26, 1938, in Corning, NY, Eddy began playing guitar at age 5. He moved at 13 with his family to Arizona, where he met local DJ Lee Hazlewood, and the two would share a long, fruitful association. Eddy first recorded with Jimmy Delbridge as Duane & Jimmy in 1955, and his debut single as a solo act to dent the charts came three years...
- 5/1/2024
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney+ has recently unveiled the trailer for the documentary ‘Let It Be’ by The Beatles. This marks the first time in over 50 years that the film will be available for public viewing.
First released in May 1970 amidst the swirl of The Beatles’ breakup, Let It Be now takes its rightful place in the band’s history. Once viewed through a darker lens, the film is now brought to light through its restoration and in the context of revelations brought forth in Peter Jackson’s multiple Emmy Award®-winning docuseries, The Beatles: Get Back. Released on Disney+ in 2021, the docuseries showcases the iconic foursome’s warmth and camaraderie, capturing a pivotal moment in music history.
Directed by Michael Lindsay-Hogg, stars John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, with a special appearance by Billy Preston. The film was produced by Neil Aspinall with The Beatles acting as executive producers.
Also...
First released in May 1970 amidst the swirl of The Beatles’ breakup, Let It Be now takes its rightful place in the band’s history. Once viewed through a darker lens, the film is now brought to light through its restoration and in the context of revelations brought forth in Peter Jackson’s multiple Emmy Award®-winning docuseries, The Beatles: Get Back. Released on Disney+ in 2021, the docuseries showcases the iconic foursome’s warmth and camaraderie, capturing a pivotal moment in music history.
Directed by Michael Lindsay-Hogg, stars John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, with a special appearance by Billy Preston. The film was produced by Neil Aspinall with The Beatles acting as executive producers.
Also...
- 4/30/2024
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Before Ringo Starr joined The Beatles, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison worked with a different drummer. Pete Best traveled to Germany with The Beatles when they played in Hamburg. Best never reaped the prolific benefits of the band’s success, though. They fired him just before hitting it big, which McCartney described as one of the most difficult things they ever had to do.
Paul McCartney said The Beatles had to make a difficult decision
In 1962, The Beatles auditioned for producer George Martin. While Martin saw potential in the band, he didn’t see a path forward for them with Best. He asked them to consider finding a new drummer.
“He agreed to audition us, and we had a not-very powerful audition in which he was not very pleased with Pete Best,” McCartney said in The Beatles Anthology. “George Martin was used to drummers being very ‘in time,...
Paul McCartney said The Beatles had to make a difficult decision
In 1962, The Beatles auditioned for producer George Martin. While Martin saw potential in the band, he didn’t see a path forward for them with Best. He asked them to consider finding a new drummer.
“He agreed to audition us, and we had a not-very powerful audition in which he was not very pleased with Pete Best,” McCartney said in The Beatles Anthology. “George Martin was used to drummers being very ‘in time,...
- 4/28/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Beatles began recording Let It Be at Twickenham Studios, but they finished out the album at Apple Studios. They found the atmosphere at Apple to be more comfortable and tried to add to that feeling with a roaring fire. Unfortunately, this decision was not good for the music they were recording.
The Beatles couldn’t make the studio as comfortable as they wanted
While Apple Studios wasn’t technically finished, The Beatles decided to reconvene there for a change in atmosphere. They immediately ran into a problem with the building’s heating system.
“There was a central heating boiler in the office and it was not soundproofed. So somebody pointed this out: ‘There’s the central heating making a din,’ and The Beatles said: ‘We’ll turn it off when we’re in here. We’ll just have quiet fires,’” press officer Derek Taylor said in The Beatles Anthology.
The Beatles couldn’t make the studio as comfortable as they wanted
While Apple Studios wasn’t technically finished, The Beatles decided to reconvene there for a change in atmosphere. They immediately ran into a problem with the building’s heating system.
“There was a central heating boiler in the office and it was not soundproofed. So somebody pointed this out: ‘There’s the central heating making a din,’ and The Beatles said: ‘We’ll turn it off when we’re in here. We’ll just have quiet fires,’” press officer Derek Taylor said in The Beatles Anthology.
- 4/28/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Beach Boys and The Monkees will forever be remembered as two of the best pop bands ever — even if they constantly get compared to The Beatles. During their peak era, The Beach Boys and The Monkees had the same number of chart-topping singles. One band managed to have another chart-topper years later.
The Beach Boys and The Monkees both evolved from bubblegum to psychedelia
The Beach Boys did very well for themselves in the 1960s. The Billboard Book of Number 1 Hits says they had three No. 1 singles during that decade. They were “I Get Around,” “Help Me, Rhonda,” and “Good Vibrations.” Those songs encapsulate the band’s pea period pretty well. The first two show off the band’s bubblegum/doo-wop side, while “Good Vibrations” is one of their prime psychedelic experimentations.
During the same decade, The Monkees also had three No. 1 hits. They were “Last Train to Clarksville,...
The Beach Boys and The Monkees both evolved from bubblegum to psychedelia
The Beach Boys did very well for themselves in the 1960s. The Billboard Book of Number 1 Hits says they had three No. 1 singles during that decade. They were “I Get Around,” “Help Me, Rhonda,” and “Good Vibrations.” Those songs encapsulate the band’s pea period pretty well. The first two show off the band’s bubblegum/doo-wop side, while “Good Vibrations” is one of their prime psychedelic experimentations.
During the same decade, The Monkees also had three No. 1 hits. They were “Last Train to Clarksville,...
- 4/27/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In 1969, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr recorded The Beatles song “Get Back.” In 1972, Ringo Starr released a solo song that had some strikingly similar elements to The Beatles’ hit. He admitted he copied part of the song.
Ringo Starr took inspiration from a Beatles song in his career as a solo artist
Much of The Beatles’ experience recording Let It Be was agonizing. Beatles producer George Martin said the album was such an “unhappy” one that he was surprised the band reunited to record Abbey Road (per The Beatles Anthology). Still, there were some bright spots in the recording process. Starr said they enjoyed working together when they felt they were recording a good track.
“‘Get Back’ was a good track. I felt, ‘This is a kick-a** track.’ ‘Don’t Let Me Down’ also,” Starr said. “They were two fine tracks. Quite simple and raw — back to basics.
Ringo Starr took inspiration from a Beatles song in his career as a solo artist
Much of The Beatles’ experience recording Let It Be was agonizing. Beatles producer George Martin said the album was such an “unhappy” one that he was surprised the band reunited to record Abbey Road (per The Beatles Anthology). Still, there were some bright spots in the recording process. Starr said they enjoyed working together when they felt they were recording a good track.
“‘Get Back’ was a good track. I felt, ‘This is a kick-a** track.’ ‘Don’t Let Me Down’ also,” Starr said. “They were two fine tracks. Quite simple and raw — back to basics.
- 4/25/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Who may have popularized guitar smashing, but John Lennon said The Beatles were tearing up the stage long before the other band. Before The Beatles wore neatly matching suits and sang behind gates and police barricades, they played sweaty, chaotic shows. Lennon described these early performances as violent.
John Lennon said The Beatles were tearing up the stage years before The Who did
In The Beatles’ early years, they played in cramped clubs to frenzied audiences. In order to keep up with their grueling performance schedule — it had them playing multiple shows a day — they began taking stimulants. As they combined these with alcohol, they were often as agitated as their audience.
“We were frothing at the mouth,” George Harrison said in The Beatles Anthology. “Because we had all these hours to play and the club owners were giving us Preludins, which were slimming tablets. I don’t think they were amphetamine,...
John Lennon said The Beatles were tearing up the stage years before The Who did
In The Beatles’ early years, they played in cramped clubs to frenzied audiences. In order to keep up with their grueling performance schedule — it had them playing multiple shows a day — they began taking stimulants. As they combined these with alcohol, they were often as agitated as their audience.
“We were frothing at the mouth,” George Harrison said in The Beatles Anthology. “Because we had all these hours to play and the club owners were giving us Preludins, which were slimming tablets. I don’t think they were amphetamine,...
- 4/25/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
After being discovered in an attic, John Lennon’s famous Help! guitar is headed to auction as part of the upcoming “Music Icons” sale at Julien’s Auctions on May 29 and 30.
Both Lennon and George Harrison played the Framus 12-string Hootenanny acoustic guitar while making Help! — both the album and accompanying film — as well as Rubber Soul. Lennon can be seen strumming it in the performance of “You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away” in the Help! movie, while it’s distinct 12-string shimmer also graced songs like “Help!”, “It’s Only Love,...
Both Lennon and George Harrison played the Framus 12-string Hootenanny acoustic guitar while making Help! — both the album and accompanying film — as well as Rubber Soul. Lennon can be seen strumming it in the performance of “You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away” in the Help! movie, while it’s distinct 12-string shimmer also graced songs like “Help!”, “It’s Only Love,...
- 4/23/2024
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
John Lennon and the rest of The Beatles were the subject of fan obsession for years. Even today, The Beatles have fans who love to discuss and defend the band. Lennon was always appreciative of his fans, as they buoyed his success. Still, he couldn’t defend some of their behavior. He shared the type of fan he did not like to see at the band’s shows.
John Lennon found a fan irritating at a concert
The Beatles played their shows behind barriers and police protection in order to keep them safe from anyone who might storm the stage. Still, some people managed to get close to the band. Lennon recalled one show in which a fan stole his hat, which he found incredibly frustrating.
“It [the San Francisco show] was wild. Some little lad got my hat,” he said in The Beatles Anthology. “Somebody like him doesn’t really care about the show anyway,...
John Lennon found a fan irritating at a concert
The Beatles played their shows behind barriers and police protection in order to keep them safe from anyone who might storm the stage. Still, some people managed to get close to the band. Lennon recalled one show in which a fan stole his hat, which he found incredibly frustrating.
“It [the San Francisco show] was wild. Some little lad got my hat,” he said in The Beatles Anthology. “Somebody like him doesn’t really care about the show anyway,...
- 4/18/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Rolling Stones‘ self-titled debut album came out on April 16, 1964. Sixty years later, it’s still great rock ‘n’ roll! More than that, there’s a lot of interesting facts behind this impactful album. It also boasts one awesome collaboration.
The Rolling Stones barely wrote any of the album
The cornerstone of The Rolling Stones is the songwriting partnership of Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. Only one song from The Rolling Stones was credited to Jagger and Richards: “Tell Me (You’re Coming Back).” Most of the album is composed of covers, including songs by rock ‘n’ roll icons like Bo Diddley, Buddy Holly, and Chuck Berry, although two tracks are credited to “Nanker Phelge,” a collective pseudonym for the track.
While Jagger and Richards only penned one track for the record what a track it is. “Tell Me (You’re Coming Back)” is an impressive ballad that shows...
The Rolling Stones barely wrote any of the album
The cornerstone of The Rolling Stones is the songwriting partnership of Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. Only one song from The Rolling Stones was credited to Jagger and Richards: “Tell Me (You’re Coming Back).” Most of the album is composed of covers, including songs by rock ‘n’ roll icons like Bo Diddley, Buddy Holly, and Chuck Berry, although two tracks are credited to “Nanker Phelge,” a collective pseudonym for the track.
While Jagger and Richards only penned one track for the record what a track it is. “Tell Me (You’re Coming Back)” is an impressive ballad that shows...
- 4/18/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Decades after their fathers last collaborated, John Lennon and Paul McCartney’s sons have put out a new song. James McCartney and Sean Ono Lennon have brought back the famous Lennon-McCartney songwriting credit on “Primrose Hill,” their new single. Here’s what James McCartney — and his father — have said about the song.
John Lennon and Paul McCartney’s sons have a new song
In 2024, James McCartney released “Primrose Hill,” a song he co-wrote with Sean Ono Lennon.
“I had a vision as a child in Scotland, on what was a lovely summer’s day,” he wrote in a post on Instagram. “Letting go, I saw my true love and saviour in my mind’s eye. ‘Primrose Hill’ is about getting the ball rolling with me & finding this person.”
James McCartney and Paul McCartney | Donna Ward/Getty Images
Both Sean and James have worked as solo artists for years, but “Primrose Hill” is their first collaboration.
John Lennon and Paul McCartney’s sons have a new song
In 2024, James McCartney released “Primrose Hill,” a song he co-wrote with Sean Ono Lennon.
“I had a vision as a child in Scotland, on what was a lovely summer’s day,” he wrote in a post on Instagram. “Letting go, I saw my true love and saviour in my mind’s eye. ‘Primrose Hill’ is about getting the ball rolling with me & finding this person.”
James McCartney and Paul McCartney | Donna Ward/Getty Images
Both Sean and James have worked as solo artists for years, but “Primrose Hill” is their first collaboration.
- 4/17/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Today, Disney+ announced that Let It Be, director Michael Lindsay-Hogg’s original 1970 film about The Beatles, will launch exclusively on Disney+ on May 8, 2024. This is the first time the film is available in over 50 years.
First released in May 1970 amidst the swirl of The Beatles’ breakup, Let It Be now takes its rightful place in the band’s history. Once viewed through a darker lens, the film is now brought to light through its restoration and in the context of revelations brought forth in Peter Jackson’s multiple Emmy Award-winning docuseries, The Beatles: Get Back. Released on Disney+ in 2021, the docuseries showcases the iconic foursome’s warmth and camaraderie, capturing a pivotal moment in music history.
Let It Be contains footage not featured in the Get Back docuseries, bringing viewers into the studio and onto Apple Corps’ London rooftop in January 1969 as The Beatles, joined by Billy Preston, write and...
First released in May 1970 amidst the swirl of The Beatles’ breakup, Let It Be now takes its rightful place in the band’s history. Once viewed through a darker lens, the film is now brought to light through its restoration and in the context of revelations brought forth in Peter Jackson’s multiple Emmy Award-winning docuseries, The Beatles: Get Back. Released on Disney+ in 2021, the docuseries showcases the iconic foursome’s warmth and camaraderie, capturing a pivotal moment in music history.
Let It Be contains footage not featured in the Get Back docuseries, bringing viewers into the studio and onto Apple Corps’ London rooftop in January 1969 as The Beatles, joined by Billy Preston, write and...
- 4/16/2024
- by Mirko Parlevliet
- Vital Thrills
Let It Be, the long-unavailable Holy Grail film among Beatles fans, will return for public consumption on May 8 with an exclusive launch on Disney+, the streamer announced today.
Directing by Michael Lindsay-Hogg, the 1970 film about The Beatles has been unavailable for broadcast or public screenings more than 50 years, leaving fans to scrounge around for old low-quality laserdiscs and VHS copies from the ’80s.
First released in May 1970 amidst the swirl of The Beatles’ breakup, Let It Be has been restored and will take its place in the context of revelations brought by Peter Jackson’s docuseries The Beatles: Get Back released on Disney+ in 2021.
Let It Be contains footage not featured in the Get Back docuseries, “bringing viewers into the studio and onto Apple Corps’ London rooftop in January 1969 as The Beatles, joined by Billy Preston, write and record their Grammy Award-winning album Let It Be, with its Academy Award-winning title song,...
Directing by Michael Lindsay-Hogg, the 1970 film about The Beatles has been unavailable for broadcast or public screenings more than 50 years, leaving fans to scrounge around for old low-quality laserdiscs and VHS copies from the ’80s.
First released in May 1970 amidst the swirl of The Beatles’ breakup, Let It Be has been restored and will take its place in the context of revelations brought by Peter Jackson’s docuseries The Beatles: Get Back released on Disney+ in 2021.
Let It Be contains footage not featured in the Get Back docuseries, “bringing viewers into the studio and onto Apple Corps’ London rooftop in January 1969 as The Beatles, joined by Billy Preston, write and record their Grammy Award-winning album Let It Be, with its Academy Award-winning title song,...
- 4/16/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
The Beatles‘ The White Album is their most eclectic record. In spite of its mix of styles, one rock star said he influenced 75% of the album — and he has a quote from George Harrison to back that up. Notably, the star recalled helping John Lennon write an emotional ballad for the album.
The Beatles’ ‘White Album’ was inspired by the guitar playing style of another rock star
Donovan is a singer known for folk tunes like “Catch the Wind,” “There Is a Mountain,” and “Colours,” as well as psychedelic tracks like “Sunshine Superman,” “Hurdy Gurdy Man,” and “Mellow Yellow.” He was there during The Beatles’ storied trip to India to learn about meditation from the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. During a 2013 interview with Performing Songwriter, he discussed how he influenced The Beatles at that time.
“John looked at me playing guitar one day and said, [imitating Lennon] ‘How do you do that?...
The Beatles’ ‘White Album’ was inspired by the guitar playing style of another rock star
Donovan is a singer known for folk tunes like “Catch the Wind,” “There Is a Mountain,” and “Colours,” as well as psychedelic tracks like “Sunshine Superman,” “Hurdy Gurdy Man,” and “Mellow Yellow.” He was there during The Beatles’ storied trip to India to learn about meditation from the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. During a 2013 interview with Performing Songwriter, he discussed how he influenced The Beatles at that time.
“John looked at me playing guitar one day and said, [imitating Lennon] ‘How do you do that?...
- 4/7/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In India, The Beatles were not regular tourists. They stayed at an ashram (monastery) in the holy city of Rishikesh to learn about spirituality from the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the founder of Transcendental Meditation. One of The Beatles’ companions said the Fab Four had issues with the press. The Indian Army intervened, but even they couldn’t get rid of all of the reporters.
A guru got a local army in India to help The Beatles
Several other celebrities were present during The Beatles’ trip. They included actor Mia Farrow, Mike Love of The Beach Boys, and folk singer Donovan. Donovan had a string of hits between 1965 and 1969. They included “Hurdy Gurdy Man,” “Sunshine Superman,” “Catch the Wind,” “Mellow Yellow,” and “There Is a Mountain.”
During a 2016 interview with Vulture, Donovan shared some anecdotes from Rishikesh. “No press managed to break into the ashram when we were all there,” he said.
A guru got a local army in India to help The Beatles
Several other celebrities were present during The Beatles’ trip. They included actor Mia Farrow, Mike Love of The Beach Boys, and folk singer Donovan. Donovan had a string of hits between 1965 and 1969. They included “Hurdy Gurdy Man,” “Sunshine Superman,” “Catch the Wind,” “Mellow Yellow,” and “There Is a Mountain.”
During a 2016 interview with Vulture, Donovan shared some anecdotes from Rishikesh. “No press managed to break into the ashram when we were all there,” he said.
- 4/7/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
George Harrison was rarely a provocateur, however, he called his final album Brainwashed. Accusing anyone of being brainwashed is pretty bold! One of George’s British Invasion peers explained the origin of that memorable title. Notably, it had a connection to George’s spiritual views.
Donovan said George Harrison’s album ‘Brainwashed’ was a reaction to materialism
Two kindred spirits in the 1960s counterculture were George Harrison and Donovan. Both artists were folk-rockers who explored spirituality through their songs. George’s songs were often expressions of his Hindu faith, whereas Donovan sang about common New Age topics like Atlantis and witchcraft. Both of them were also environmentalists.
During a 2018 interview with Goldmine, the “Mellow Yellow” singer discussed his feelings about the planet and George’s — and what they both learned from the books they read. “That the older generation was destroying the ecosystem with no consideration whatsoever for the inner world of plants,...
Donovan said George Harrison’s album ‘Brainwashed’ was a reaction to materialism
Two kindred spirits in the 1960s counterculture were George Harrison and Donovan. Both artists were folk-rockers who explored spirituality through their songs. George’s songs were often expressions of his Hindu faith, whereas Donovan sang about common New Age topics like Atlantis and witchcraft. Both of them were also environmentalists.
During a 2018 interview with Goldmine, the “Mellow Yellow” singer discussed his feelings about the planet and George’s — and what they both learned from the books they read. “That the older generation was destroying the ecosystem with no consideration whatsoever for the inner world of plants,...
- 4/6/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Chris Pratt listened to a lot of old school music as his Guardians of the Galaxy character Peter Quill. But after a while, he didn’t enjoy the soundtrack nearly as much as his Star-Lord did.
Why Chris Pratt grew tired of Star-Lord’s music Chris Pratt | Anthony Harvey/Getty Images
Pratt did whatever he could to get into the head of his Star-Lord character in Guardians of the Galaxy. This meant working out rigorously for the role so he could get himself into superhero shape. But this also meant listening to Star-Lord’s music nonstop. When audiences are first introduced to Pratt’s Peter Quill in the first movie, the character is seen dancing around and listening to music. The music is a mix of songs Quill’s mother made for him back when he was still living on Earth.
To get into Quill’s headspace, Pratt spent...
Why Chris Pratt grew tired of Star-Lord’s music Chris Pratt | Anthony Harvey/Getty Images
Pratt did whatever he could to get into the head of his Star-Lord character in Guardians of the Galaxy. This meant working out rigorously for the role so he could get himself into superhero shape. But this also meant listening to Star-Lord’s music nonstop. When audiences are first introduced to Pratt’s Peter Quill in the first movie, the character is seen dancing around and listening to music. The music is a mix of songs Quill’s mother made for him back when he was still living on Earth.
To get into Quill’s headspace, Pratt spent...
- 4/5/2024
- by Antonio Stallings
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The best pop stars are full of surprises. Beyoncé surprised everyone by releasing her version of The Beatles’ “Blackbird.” Paul McCartney had a strong reaction to the cover on social media. Fascinatingly, the original song was inspired by the Civil Rights Movement.
Paul McCartney said Beyoncé understood the message of The Beatles’ ‘Blackbird’
So many classic artists across genres have put their own spin on Beatles songs. Some of the R&b icons who covered Fab Four tracks include Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson, and Prince. Beyoncé added her name to that canon with her cover of “Blackbird,” a folk ditty from The White Album.
In a 2024 Instagram post, Paul himself heaped praise on Queen B’s “Blackbird.” “I am so happy with @beyonce’s version of my song ‘Blackbird,'” he wrote. “I think she does a magnificent version of it and it reinforces the civil rights message...
Paul McCartney said Beyoncé understood the message of The Beatles’ ‘Blackbird’
So many classic artists across genres have put their own spin on Beatles songs. Some of the R&b icons who covered Fab Four tracks include Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson, and Prince. Beyoncé added her name to that canon with her cover of “Blackbird,” a folk ditty from The White Album.
In a 2024 Instagram post, Paul himself heaped praise on Queen B’s “Blackbird.” “I am so happy with @beyonce’s version of my song ‘Blackbird,'” he wrote. “I think she does a magnificent version of it and it reinforces the civil rights message...
- 4/4/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
A song from The Beatles‘ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band is so old-fashioned it could have come out during the Victorian era. One of The Beatles’ rock ‘n’ roll peers said that he couldn’t have written the song because he had no sense of time. Regardless, that singer’s tunes have lasted over the course of generations.
Donovan on why Paul McCartney wrote a song from The Beatles’ ‘Sgt. Pepper’
One of The Beatles’ fellow British Invasion stars was Donovan. He contributed to psychedelia as much as they did with hits such as “Sunshine Superman,” “Atlantis, and “Hurdy Gurdy Man.” Donovan also accompanied the Fab Four on their fateful trip to India to meet the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and learn about Transcendental Meditation.
During a 2013 interview with BusinessLive, Donovan discussed his own sense of time. “One couldn’t remember last Tuesday or think about next Tuesday,” he said,...
Donovan on why Paul McCartney wrote a song from The Beatles’ ‘Sgt. Pepper’
One of The Beatles’ fellow British Invasion stars was Donovan. He contributed to psychedelia as much as they did with hits such as “Sunshine Superman,” “Atlantis, and “Hurdy Gurdy Man.” Donovan also accompanied the Fab Four on their fateful trip to India to meet the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and learn about Transcendental Meditation.
During a 2013 interview with BusinessLive, Donovan discussed his own sense of time. “One couldn’t remember last Tuesday or think about next Tuesday,” he said,...
- 4/4/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
During an interview about great songs, Bob Dylan discussed the effects that two Beatles songs had on him. He said one makes him feel like he’s levitating. The other gives him a clear picture in his mind’s eye. Interestingly, John Lennon wasn’t interested in co-writing one of those songs.
Bob Dylan said this Beatles song could be played many ways and still amaze him
In 2022, Dylan released his fascinating book, The Philosophy of Modern Song. In an interview on his website, he discussed his idea of musical greatness. “I think a great song has the sentiments of the people in mind,” he said. “When you hear it, you get a gut reaction and an emotional one at the same time.
“A great song follows the logic of the heart and stays in your head long after you’ve heard it, like ‘Taxman,’ it can be played with...
Bob Dylan said this Beatles song could be played many ways and still amaze him
In 2022, Dylan released his fascinating book, The Philosophy of Modern Song. In an interview on his website, he discussed his idea of musical greatness. “I think a great song has the sentiments of the people in mind,” he said. “When you hear it, you get a gut reaction and an emotional one at the same time.
“A great song follows the logic of the heart and stays in your head long after you’ve heard it, like ‘Taxman,’ it can be played with...
- 4/4/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Over the course of his life, Paul McCartney has been the subject of countless books about his life and time with The Beatles. Few upset him more than a book by longtime Beatles confidante Peter Brown. With writer Steven Gaines, Brown published The Love You Make, a book that spanned from the band’s teenage years to shortly after John Lennon’s death. McCartney took his copy of the book and burned it.
Paul McCartney felt betrayed by a book about The Beatles
In 1983, Brown and Gaines published The Love You Make, which pulled from Brown’s experiences as well as interviews with Beatles associates and the band themselves. Though many were happy to help with the book, the final product rankled. It detailed Lennon’s alleged sexual relationship with Beatles manager Brian Epstein and claimed McCartney had an illegitimate son, among other things. Brown sent out copies of the...
Paul McCartney felt betrayed by a book about The Beatles
In 1983, Brown and Gaines published The Love You Make, which pulled from Brown’s experiences as well as interviews with Beatles associates and the band themselves. Though many were happy to help with the book, the final product rankled. It detailed Lennon’s alleged sexual relationship with Beatles manager Brian Epstein and claimed McCartney had an illegitimate son, among other things. Brown sent out copies of the...
- 4/3/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
John Lennon was both the dreamer who wrote “Imagine” and someone with a dark side. One of his fellow 1960s rock stars discussed John’s “positively vitriolic” behavior at length. He still defended the former Beatle.
A rock star said John Lennon had a ‘dark side’ but Liverpool did too
Donovan is a rock star who evolved from Scotland’s Bob Dylan into a psychedelic mystic in a very short period of time. Donovan crossed paths with The Beatles several times during the 1960s. The Billboard Book of Number 1 Hits says he helped write The Beatles’ “Yellow Submarine,” which makes sense because many of Donovan’s songs feel like oddball nursery rhymes. In a way, Paul McCartney returned the favor by contributing vocals to Donovan’s own yellow-themed hit “Mellow Yellow.”
For some time, John has had a dual public image as both a troubled man and a saintly peace activist.
A rock star said John Lennon had a ‘dark side’ but Liverpool did too
Donovan is a rock star who evolved from Scotland’s Bob Dylan into a psychedelic mystic in a very short period of time. Donovan crossed paths with The Beatles several times during the 1960s. The Billboard Book of Number 1 Hits says he helped write The Beatles’ “Yellow Submarine,” which makes sense because many of Donovan’s songs feel like oddball nursery rhymes. In a way, Paul McCartney returned the favor by contributing vocals to Donovan’s own yellow-themed hit “Mellow Yellow.”
For some time, John has had a dual public image as both a troubled man and a saintly peace activist.
- 4/3/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Beatles were the most popular and important act of the British Invasion, but no classic rock fan should ignore the achievements of Donovan. Notably, John Lennon was a big fan of one of Donovan’s songs, and he played it over and over. The “Hurdy Gurdy Man” singer revealed what he thought of John as a person. John felt that he and Donovan were on a similar wavelength.
John Lennon loved 1 of Donovan’s folk songs
Donovan is known for two types of songs: psychedelic ditties like “Mellow Yellow,” “Atlantis,” and “Sunshine Superman,” and folk tunes such as “Colours,” “Catch the Wind,” and “Universal Soldier.” A 2018 article from Goldmine says John was taken with Donovan’s folk song “Turquoise.” He had a vinyl copy of the song and played it repeatedly on a personal jukebox he brought with him on tour.
The “Season of the Witch” singer revealed what...
John Lennon loved 1 of Donovan’s folk songs
Donovan is known for two types of songs: psychedelic ditties like “Mellow Yellow,” “Atlantis,” and “Sunshine Superman,” and folk tunes such as “Colours,” “Catch the Wind,” and “Universal Soldier.” A 2018 article from Goldmine says John was taken with Donovan’s folk song “Turquoise.” He had a vinyl copy of the song and played it repeatedly on a personal jukebox he brought with him on tour.
The “Season of the Witch” singer revealed what...
- 4/2/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Beatles‘ “Something” is one of George Harrison’s masterpieces. He probably couldn’t have made it alone. Another 1960s rock star taught George a musical trick that helped him write “Something.” John Lennon would later say that “Something” differed from all of George’s previous compositions.
The Beatles’ ‘Something’ was inspired by someone who was there with them in India
Donovan is a folk/psychedelic rock singer who became famous for 1960s tunes such as “Atlantis,” “Hurdy Gurdy Man,” “Sunshine Superman,” “Mellow Yellow,” and “Season of the Witch.” He famously went on The Beatles’ trip to India to study meditation. Donovan’s personal website says that he taught George a descending chord pattern that the Beatle would later use on the ballad “Something.”
Gold reports that, during a 2024 interview with Record Collector Magazine, Donovan discussed his influence on the “My Sweet Lord” singer. “I became George’s mentor for songwriting,...
The Beatles’ ‘Something’ was inspired by someone who was there with them in India
Donovan is a folk/psychedelic rock singer who became famous for 1960s tunes such as “Atlantis,” “Hurdy Gurdy Man,” “Sunshine Superman,” “Mellow Yellow,” and “Season of the Witch.” He famously went on The Beatles’ trip to India to study meditation. Donovan’s personal website says that he taught George a descending chord pattern that the Beatle would later use on the ballad “Something.”
Gold reports that, during a 2024 interview with Record Collector Magazine, Donovan discussed his influence on the “My Sweet Lord” singer. “I became George’s mentor for songwriting,...
- 4/2/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Even The Beatles didn’t always knock it out of the park. Case in point: John Lennon once said that George Harrison wasn’t hip anymore. Here’s a look at whether he was right.
John Lennon said George Harrison was ‘out’ the way The Beatles once were
The book Lennon on Lennon: Conversations With John Lennon features an interview from 1975. In it, John said he wasn’t impressed with one of George’s live shows. “Now it’s always The Beatles were great or The Beatles weren’t great, whatever opinion people hold,” he said. “There’s a sort of illusion about it. But the actual fact was The Beatles were in for eight months, The Beatles were out for eight months.
“The public, including the media, are sometimes a bit sheeplike and if the ball starts rolling, well, it’s just that somebody’s in, somebody’s out,...
John Lennon said George Harrison was ‘out’ the way The Beatles once were
The book Lennon on Lennon: Conversations With John Lennon features an interview from 1975. In it, John said he wasn’t impressed with one of George’s live shows. “Now it’s always The Beatles were great or The Beatles weren’t great, whatever opinion people hold,” he said. “There’s a sort of illusion about it. But the actual fact was The Beatles were in for eight months, The Beatles were out for eight months.
“The public, including the media, are sometimes a bit sheeplike and if the ball starts rolling, well, it’s just that somebody’s in, somebody’s out,...
- 3/31/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
“Mellow Yellow” by Donovan is the most beloved 1960s song with the word “yellow” in the title that wasn’t released by The Beatles. During an interview, the “Atlantis” singer opined that his catalog was a lot more diverse than The Beatles’, to the point where he sounded like a completely different artist from song to song. Donovan also said something about his background made him similar to George Harrison, John Lennon, and Paul McCartney. While “Mellow Yellow” might be one of the most unusual hits of the period, it wouldn’t be the same without a little help from Paul.
Donovan said ‘Mellow Yellow’ and ‘Barabajagal’ were more original than any Beatles songs
During a 2016 interview with Best Classic Bands, a reporter asked Donovan why “Mellow Yellow” was so different from the rest of his catalog. “Why were they all so different?” he replied. “I displayed more of the painterly,...
Donovan said ‘Mellow Yellow’ and ‘Barabajagal’ were more original than any Beatles songs
During a 2016 interview with Best Classic Bands, a reporter asked Donovan why “Mellow Yellow” was so different from the rest of his catalog. “Why were they all so different?” he replied. “I displayed more of the painterly,...
- 3/27/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Taylor Swift and Prince are two of the biggest pop stars in American history, but their musical styles could not be more different. Despite this, Swift compared one of the hit songs she wrote to Prince’s “Manic Monday.” Notably, Swift gave the song away to another pop icon.
Taylor Swift’s ‘This Is What You Came For’ was inspired by Prince’s ‘Manic Monday’
Every great pop star has written at least one hit song for another artist. For example, George Harrison co-wrote Ringo Starr’s “Photograph,” Kesha co-wrote Britney Spears’ “Till the World Ends,” and Charli Xcx co-wrote Selena Gomez’s “Same Old Love.” Swift checked that off of her pop star bucket list when she wrote Rihanna’s “This Is What You Came For” with Calvin Harris. At first, Swift was credited under the name Nils Sjöberg. At this point, her role in writing the song has been widely reported.
Taylor Swift’s ‘This Is What You Came For’ was inspired by Prince’s ‘Manic Monday’
Every great pop star has written at least one hit song for another artist. For example, George Harrison co-wrote Ringo Starr’s “Photograph,” Kesha co-wrote Britney Spears’ “Till the World Ends,” and Charli Xcx co-wrote Selena Gomez’s “Same Old Love.” Swift checked that off of her pop star bucket list when she wrote Rihanna’s “This Is What You Came For” with Calvin Harris. At first, Swift was credited under the name Nils Sjöberg. At this point, her role in writing the song has been widely reported.
- 3/27/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Pattie Boyd was the subject of love songs by both George Harrison and Eric Clapton. She married each musician and collected piles of love letters from them. Recently, Boyd decided to place several of these letters up for auction. Here’s why she came to this decision and the amount of money the items are expected to bring.
Pattie Boyd has compiled her love letters from George Harrison and Eric Clapton
After years of carefully storing photographs and love letters from her time with Clapton and Harrison, Boyd has decided to auction them off to the public.
“I’m sure I would not like these to go on sale while I’m on my deathbed,” she said, per The Independent. “I think the time is right. I’ve lived with them for 40, 50 years or more and it’s time to move on to let other people share my treasures.”
She...
Pattie Boyd has compiled her love letters from George Harrison and Eric Clapton
After years of carefully storing photographs and love letters from her time with Clapton and Harrison, Boyd has decided to auction them off to the public.
“I’m sure I would not like these to go on sale while I’m on my deathbed,” she said, per The Independent. “I think the time is right. I’ve lived with them for 40, 50 years or more and it’s time to move on to let other people share my treasures.”
She...
- 3/26/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
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