Meet the Beatles for Real

The happy couple

2012-01-30T22:13:00.002-06:00

I located this adorable John and Yoko photo on the Fuck Yeah John and Yoko Tumblr. I would love to know more about it. Did a fan take this? Where was it taken? I just love how the two of them are smiling and very much in love.

Stones and Sgt. Pepper

2012-01-30T21:47:00.002-06:00

I found this information about a Rolling Stones fan and the cover of the Sgt. Pepper album to be fascinating! Can you imagine the shock this girl must have been in when she realized that HER shirt was on the cover of the Beatles Sgt. Pepper album??

'Sgt. Pepper' has Memphis connection
By Leanne Kleinmann

February 4, 2007

"It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play ..."

Just those words can start die-hard Beatles fans, from middle school to middle age, singing through the iconic songs on what Rolling Stone magazine called the "most important rock 'n' roll album ever made."

From the concept to the music to the cover art, "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" was groundbreaking. It's also 40 years old this year, an anniversary that's contributing to a storm in the blogosphere about exactly what Apple, creator of the iPod, is going to announce tonight with its ad during the Super Bowl.

But back to "Sgt. Pepper," and that psychedelic album cover. There are the boys, John, Paul, George and Ringo, in their Day-Glo satin military coats. There's an army of cardboard cut-outs of people the Beatles admired, from Bob Dylan to Sigmund Freud. And there, in the far right corner, is a slouching Shirley Temple doll, wearing a striped shirt that says, "WMPS Good Guys Welcome the Rolling Stones."

The sweater was the creation of Mary Anne May, at the time a senior at Immaculate Conception High School. WMPS, a big AM-radio station in town, had a contest to win a chance to meet the Stones at their 1965 concert at the Coliseum.

May, a big fan, was determined to win, so she "bought a kids striped shirt at the dollar store." Mick Jagger was wearing striped shirts a lot onstage then, she pointed out. She stitched the letters on and hoped for the best.

Her dream came true, and during intermission, she went backstage, holding her contest-winning creation. "Is this for me?" asked Jagger, taking the shirt. That's the last she saw of it.

It eventually made its way to Peter Blake, the British Pop artist behind the Sgt. Pepper cover. May found out her shirt had made the big time when someone at WMPS spotted it on the album cover in the summer of 1967.

"I rushed over to Pop Tunes to have a look," she said, but she still had to save up her money to buy the album. (She no longer has her copy.)

Mary Anne May is now an elementary school art teacher who still lives in Memphis. Of her shirt's brush with fame: "I have no idea where it is now. I'd love to have it back."

Would love this one without a water mark!

2012-01-29T23:07:00.000-06:00

Autographs in Miami

2012-01-29T23:04:00.001-06:00

More complete

2012-01-29T23:00:00.001-06:00

I am always looking for better quality photo than what I previously had. This one I first had with a water mark all over it, then I found one that didn't have a water mark but was very small, and now I found this one: no watermark, larger size and is more complete! Jackpot!

Tom Murry's Paul print for auction

2012-01-29T22:47:00.002-06:00

One of the biggest surprises have found with having a Beatles blog is the number of people that contact me. I love hearing from other fans, especially those who have a fun story or photo to share. But I also hear from people who want to help spread the word about a Beatles event. I guess people think this is a popular blog and it a good way to get the word out. If the event has to do with Beatles photos or is something I think is neat, then I will almost always share it. It might not be in the category of Meeting a Beatle for real, but I am happy to spread Beatles news. I am always happy when I can post a photo with permission! And so is the case with the information I received about an upcoming auction for a print of Paul McCartney. You can read about it from the press release. What the press release does not tell you is that the beautiful photo of Paul was taken on July 28, 1968 for the well-known and well-loved "Mad Day Out" photo shoot. This photo was taken in the glass dome that was located in the backyard of Paul's Cavendish home. Paul was wearing his pink suit for most of this photo session, but did remove the pink jacket and was wearing a yellow vest underneath for a few shots (such as this one).

Rock Paper Photo, the largest online gallery of pop culture, fine art photography and Tom Murray, renowned Beatle’s photographer have joined together to donate one of Murray’s highly sought after Beatles prints for the GRAMMY-affiliated MusiCares 22nd annual benefit gala on Friday, February 10, 2012 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

The gala will recognize 14-time GRAMMY winner, Paul McCartney, for his creative accomplishments and charitable work and award him as the 2012 MusiCares Person of the Year.

To mark the occasion, Murray created a one-of-one, 30 x 40 profile print of the legendary Beattle that will be featured during the gala’s silent auction. The print is normally available in a 20 x 24 size and is part of The Mad Day Collection: Summer Of ’68, which includes Murray’s photographs from the Beatles final group publicity shoot during the summer of 1968. From two rolls of film, Murray kept 23 negatives which are considered the most important color photographs of the group from that period of their career. The photos were revealed to the public for the first time in 1996 and have since been exhibited in cities across the US and Europe, including New York, Los Angeles, Paris, London and Stockholm.

Through auctioning or donating his Beatles prints for charities, Murray, has raised nearly $7 million for charities worldwide. All proceeds from the MusiCares silent auction will benefit the MusiCares Foundation, which helps provide critical assistance for music people in times of need.

The MusiCares Annual Benefit Gala is one of the most prestigious events to be held during GRAMMY Week and the celebration culminates with the 54th annual GRAMMY Awards on Sunday, February 12, 2012. Rock Paper Photo is participating in this event in partnership with Waste Management.

2012-01-29T22:30:00.002-06:00

Photo by Sharon Uzarewicz

Asking the question

2012-01-26T22:10:00.000-06:00

Julian and Cyn '75

2012-01-26T22:08:00.001-06:00

These photo were taken by a fan named Rita Hansen in 1975 at Cynthia's home, Rosebank.

1960's American Beatle fans

2012-01-26T22:06:00.001-06:00

Girls today would never dress like this. However, these fans are adorable, dont' you think?

Interesting Macca Photos

2012-01-26T22:02:00.000-06:00

James and Paul

2012-01-26T21:55:00.002-06:00

Paul with James Taylor outside his London home.

Cavern club fans

2012-01-26T21:45:00.001-06:00

2012-01-26T21:39:00.001-06:00

Mary greet Paul in his mini during the summer of 1977. Photo by Mary Ann Hockman

Early Beatles snaps

2012-01-24T22:39:00.001-06:00

Blow up McCartney doll

2012-01-24T22:36:00.001-06:00

I think this blow-up McCartney is a bit creepy. I wonder what Paul thought of it. Wow.

Fan show off artowrk

2012-01-24T22:35:00.000-06:00

Flirty Paul

2012-01-24T22:25:00.001-06:00

Another fan meets Paul at Cavendish in 1977

2012-01-24T22:09:00.002-06:00

Here is another fan story from the November 197 7 issue of "The Write Thing." This one is written by Carol Sikkema of Minneapolis, MN who met Paul at his London home on June 28, 1977.

Fan “celebrated” Paul’s June birthday by chalking their greetings, sentiments, and messages (and some of the usual anti-Linda slander) all over Paul’s front gates. Member John Awarski (Cleveland) was with him a few days afterwards and Paul casually pointed out the “decorations”, ruefully remarking “I should have waited til after my birthday to paint the gates.”

A few days later my friend and local member Carol Sikkema was visiting London and gave this report: (editor, Barb Fenick)

..We went in and out of London a few times on our trip, but we didn’t get the chance to really relax and look around until June 28^th. I took off for Paul’s house armed with my camera and naturally wearing my Wings T-shirt. I didn’t feel very hopeful about getting a glimpse of Paul tho, especially after meeting the man who runs the tobacco-cosmetics etc. stand at the Underground Station nearest their house. He informed me that Linda bought all her cosmetics there and he hadn’t seen either Paul or Linda for quite some time. He was glad to direct me to the house, anyway (Probably does it several times a week!)

There were two guys with cameras and autograph books waiting across the street from the house. I joined them for a minute to take my picture. They were Philip and Ian from Portsmouth, England – members of the Wings fan club there. Every now and then one of us would catch a glimpse of Rose in the window, and we could hear the kids playing in the yard, so we know Paul was probably home, but we were sure he would be staying inside. The idea of going up to the gate and ringing the buzzer was too nervy to even consider. Standing by the wall I could see “Happy birthday, Paul” chalked all over.

Suddenly Philip said, “The door’s open and I can see Joe English and Paul coming out!” Sure enough, they came out and all of a sudden there was Pauli opening the tall gate for Joe’s car to leave. He gave us a friendly smile as we rushed up and agreed to come out in a minute for some pictures. We couldn’t believe our good luck!

After Joe drove off Paul came out and we started taking pictures like mad. He threw himself back into a cute pose for me as I stuck my camera practically into his face. I found myself thanking him repeatedly for being so nice to let us have a minute. He smiled politely at me and asked us where we were from. The guys said “Portsmouth,” and when he looked at me I threw open my sweater like some sort of Burlesque queen and yelled, “Minneapolis,” modeling my T-shirt for him . (It’s hard to believe later the things you do at times like that!)

Paul was wearing black pants and a dark green hooded sweatshirt. He looked really fantastic, handsome, slender and healthy and seemed to be in a good mood, happy to stand around and talk to us.

Linda was meanwhile slowly backing out of the gate in their dark green Rolls. She was smiling at us and gave us a friendly wave as Paul went to the gate to tell Mary to stay inside with her bicycle. Linda was wearing a loose brown patterned maternity dress.

Then a girl walking from down the street arrived at our little group and just breezed right though as though we weren’t even there. Paul looked after her and pointed, saying “you can’t have her autograph!”

With that he got into the passenger seat of the car after reminding us (but nicely) that we maybe we shouldn’t “hang around” after they left. I’m sure his neighbors do get a little tired of constant groups in the neighborhood. They drove away, both waving and tooted the horn.

Well, we bounced all the way down the street, laughing and trying to recall all that we’d said. After a brief stop at Emi studios where Philip kindly took some pictures for me, we went back to the Underground. I practically knocked the tobacconist down with my “Guess what?!”

I’ll never forget how nice Paul and Linda were and how sweet they were to take a little time for us. They are both the greatest!

Story that goes with the photos

2012-01-23T22:44:00.003-06:00

I always am happy when I find the name of a fan that is in a fan photo or better yet the story behind the photos. I have posted these two photos recently, but I am posting them again because I recently found the story that goes with these photos in the November 197 7 issue of the Write Thing. The fan story was written by the girl that always gets chopped out of the photograph, Toni Kraker who lived in Glendale, New York.

I landed in London on September 19, 1977 with the temperature as cold 42 degrees. It was so warm in New York when I left that all I brought along were short sleeve shirts and one sweater. When I got off the plane I needed a coat. I was booked in the London Embassy hotel, but when I arrived, I found out my reservations were never completed. I couldn’t believe how my luck had started out. Here I was in the middle of London freezing to death and with no hotel room. I started to complain but they promised to put me up for a night in the Westmoreland Hotel which happened to be in St. John’s Wood. I went for a walk and if I would have made a right turn instead of a left I would have walked right into Paul’s neighborhood. I didn’t realize how close I was. I could have died. One strike, two to go.

That Thursday (22^nd) I loaded my camera and took a cab to Paul’s street. A large green fence and a high wall surround his elegant townhouse. I heard some kids laughing and spotted the gate open about 2 inches. I peeked inside and there were Mary and Stella riding their bikes and having a great time. Heather was standing in the doorway but there was no sign of Paul or Linda. I waited another half hour before I got up enough guts to ring the door bell.

I had brought baby James a gift and asked if someone could come out and get it. Before long Heather appeared at the door and collected the present. I asked if her father was home, she said no and wouldn’t give out any other information except that Paul and Linda were still in the hospital with the baby. She was a great help. She wouldn’t even say when they would be back. I was leaving London that Monday, so my chances didn’t look that good. When I got back to the hotel, a daily newspaper printed a picture of Paul, Linda and baby James. They really were still there. I was getting more depressed as the day went on. I went to MPL Communications next in Soho Square. I spoke to a really nasty lady who said it was impossible to see Paul. What does she know? That was all she said and then I felt worse than ever. My husband told me not to vie up and that we could try Paul’s house again on Sunday. He said at least I had taken pictures of the house. Big deal. I was looking for the jackpot.

It seemed forever until Sunday, but it finally rolled around and we got to Paul’s house about 11:30. All the windows were closed and the drapes drawn. It was so quiet I thought for sure that no one was around. About 20 minutes later Mary and Stella were running around the yard screaming and carrying on so loudly that I figured with all that noise the baby wasn’t home yet, which meant Paul wasn’t. I knew this was my last chance and since my arms were full of presents for Mary, Stella and Heather I had to ring the bell so someone could take them from me.

I rang the bell and a man’s voice came over the intercom system asking who was there. I said I had some gifts for the kids and could someone come out and get them. I had no idea at the time that I was talking to Paul McCartney! All of a sudden the front gate opened and there he stood in the flesh. He just said, “Hi, how are ya?” I almost died. He looked fantastic, even better than in pictures. HE had on a blue stripped shirt with the sleeves rolled up, black pants and slippers. You could tell that he just washed his hair by the way it was so fluffy and shiny. He could tell that we were form New York and asked which part. When we told him Queens he said he likes it there. Stella was with him and I asked her if she wanted to take a picture. She ran behind her father and hid. Paul said that Stelly doesn’t like to take pictures. That’s what he calls her, Stelly. Martha and Lucky were there too. He signed a Wings press kit for me and asked if I could take his picture, he said why not. So I tried to focus it but I was shaking so much I thought for sure it would blur, so he said, why not take another one in case this one doesn’t come out. He was so wonderful. The second one he suggested we take together with his arm around me and all. He was so nice and pleasant and didn’t even mind talking with us. One of his neighbors came by and interrupted the whole thing. So we figured ten minutes with the main man was better than nothing, so we said good bye and took off. As we were leaving Paul called me back because he had my pen. I said he could keep it and then realized that he had touched it so I tired to take it back but he kept pulling on the other end. He got a great big laugh out of that. Imagine having Paul McCartney laugh at you. So I kissed him goodbye, thanked him again and when I was at a safe distance, I cried my eyes out. I couldn’t believe it had really happened. It was one of the happiest days of my life and I shall never forget it or how nice Paul was to us. It is certainly a traumatic experience though. I don’t know if I could handle it again if it ever came up, and I sure hope it does!

Young George's autograph

2012-01-23T22:03:00.000-06:00

Those dresses again

2012-01-23T21:30:00.002-06:00

This photo shows that there were different styles of Beatles dresses available. I was only familiar with the middle dress. It looks like these fans might also have Beatles garter belts on their legs as well. I think they are going to sing a trio version of "We love you Beatles" any second now....

Ringo talks to fans

2012-01-23T21:27:00.000-06:00

George at the WB parties of 1976 (part 2)

2012-01-22T21:36:00.004-06:00

Tempy, and unknown girl, George and Denny

Here is the 2nd part of the story of when Tempy Snow went around the country following George Harrison while he was promoting his 33 1/3 album in 1976. This part of the story takes her back to her hometown, Boston, where she has the best part of the story! Enjoy!

Onto Boston! The first thing I did was call out “sick” from work, otherwise called a bad case of jet-lag. The second thing I did was decide to take a taxi home, much quicker. When I reached my apartment it was close to six and I didn’t even know where the party was. Suddenly remembering the name of Joe Bergman I called all the likely hotels in Boston and asked for her. When the Copley Plaza admitted she was there I laughed; John had stayed there two months before, he must have recommended it to George. It was now quarter after six. I was wearing a sweater and jeans and my hair was filthy, but I could only summon up enough wits to grab my camera and my last roll of film and run over to the Copley before it was too late.

As I arrived panting in the lobby I saw two fellow Boston fans, Tina and Penny already sitting outside the party doors. “We were wondering where you were,” they said. “Chicago, you know. I saw him in Chicago.” I blithered and noticed the absence of my fellow George freak, Blue. I called her, blithered some more but got the message across. She said she’d be right in. Then Denny, another local Beatle fan, arrived and the group of us looked sadly at the guarded doors which invited guests were already going through.

Figuring I’d have a long wait all night in the lobby I said to hell with my coat and went to check it. I was asked at the check counter if I were with the WB party and I heard myself say, “yes.” I was, in a sense, directed to the complimentary WB check booth and feeling momentarily important I checked my coat and returned to the doors and nearly died. Denny was inside the party! (By a mistaken identity I found out later). I felt my body tremble with a sudden violent wave of determination to get in. In July, I had crashed Paul’s end of tour party through the same principal – seeing George Tebbens getting in and then being inspired with hidden courage to make it as well. Only in the lobby of the Copley it was to a much more intense degree. Twelve years hovered over my shoulders.

Less than 10 minutes later, while I was still standing there seething with will, George in a white suit came through the lobby. Everyone rushed up to him but I stood where I was by the doors. He flashed by me, up the stairs and into the party. A second later I went flashing by the security guards, up the stairs and into the party. When I found myself in there it was like discovering I was dreaming within a dream. Denny came up to me, all smiles and excitement but I could only stand there trying not to wake up. Then George was standing beside us and Denny was busily showing him one of his photo albums which George graciously looked through, cover to cover. When he saw a picture of Pattie, he laughed shortly but easily and said, “Oh, there’s a person I used to know.” I realized that would hurt less. George enjoyed the concert photos the best but refused Denny’s offer to take on, saying he had his own tour photographer. I decided I better say something and asked him if he was going to tour. “Yes.” George said, “next year.”

Then he was whisked away to meet more important people, namely the radio, newspaper and magazine people who were going to hopefully soon help promote 33 1/3. A WB photographer hovered around him constantly taking picture after picture and I and several other people with cameras gave him plenty of competition. I madly used up my one roll of precious film praying it would come out as I had no flash and the room was cocktail-party dim. In between shots, I stumbled over to the bar and asked for a Coke and was foolishly pleased a short while later when I overheard George tell someone that drink in his hand was also a plain Coke. Doctor’s orders, he could not drink because of his hepatitis. He smoked an English cigarette while telling someone else that he did not have USA residence yet as if to emphasize the point. He also spoke enthusiastically of a holy man in India to some uncomprehending woman and more calmly about a Beatle “reunion” at Keith Moon’s wedding on December 15^th. What else he may have said escaped me. I was too busy focusing him in as he stood a mere 3 or 4 feet away from me and then standing there gaping that he was 3 or 4 feet away from me and flashing by at the speed of light. At one point I collapsed at a table with Denny and muttered over and over, “I can’t believe this.” At another point, I summoned up enough nerve to interrupt George for another autograph –“for a friend in Cincinnati”—Kay, who’d gone so far with me but not far enough.

Suddenly it was dinner time and the 50 some guests began sitting down. Denny, on the advice of a friend who’s heard rumblings from security, left but I could not bring myself to follow him. I sure as hell wasn’t going to wake up from the dream now. I stood awkwardly at the back of the room until everyone was seated, spied an empty chair, decided I had nothing to lose, marched over and asked, “Is anyone sitting here?”

“You are now,” a newspaper man told me. I sank down, still able to somehow feel more shock waves wash over me. I had only prayed for a miracle, not a perfect one. However, as I sat there besides important talking men in suits and their ladies in semi-evening wear, I began to feel decidedly self-conscious. I looked like a grub, a dirty one. I bend my head over my oysters and my suddenly nervous finger promptly slid over my plate. After that my dream like reality took over and I managed to chat away half-sanely to the VIP beside me and eat half sanely as well. Since I only had one meal in two days I ate like a horse despite the fact that George was sitting a table away from me. Also, two heads obscured my view of him; it gave me a brief time to contemplate just what was happening to me and I began to feverishly thank the Universe in general.

After the beef wellington, carrots, potatoes and almond soufflé, heads moved and I was able to see George again. A girl from my table got up, went over to his and began snapping pictures. George made faces and plopped a napkin over his head while everyone laughed heartedly. Then Mo, the Prez of WB, went to the microphone stand. Incredibly enough it was situated almost right beside me; I couldn’t have picked a better seat if I’d wanted to.

Mo laid out his speech, “We all know about George Harrison as being one of four young men who changed musical history of the world…” however Mo had known him through mutual acquaintance of Mick Fleetwood and Gary Wright. When George and Gary had been in Lappland together on vacation they had sent him a picture of them standing beneath a sign saying, “2 Mo” –which really meant 2 miles to a town called, “Mo”, but Mo was touched by the gesture and kept the picture on his desk. Then he was very pleased when WB thereafter signed George. 1976 had been a great year for them and George had really capped it off. Then he spoke of how George was a great person, the concert for Bangla Desh showed his humanitarianism, his friend with Eric Idle showed his sense of humor and his devotion to God showed his deep spirituality.

During Mo’s speech George started to give out what I can only describe as “Let it Be” looks. It became eerie for me to see something so hauntingly familiar, something out of a time-warp.

Mo ended his speech by honoring George’s spirituality, presenting him with a little green elephant God. George went up to the mike, all smiles, thanked Mo and said that in India the elephant is a symbol of removing obstacles and that’s how his life had been going recently. He noted in particular his signing with WB and his regard for Mo. He also said he’s had a lot of friends at A&M but the “vibrations weren’t right.”

Then he spoke briefly about 33 1/3, describing the meeting with Lord Buckley’s manager which had inspired “Crackerbox Palace” and the legal background behind “This song.” He drew laughter at the end by saying he had to go on Saturday Night Live in order to pay off his lawyers.

He sat down and they played a cut off 33 1/3, which I liked right off but to this day cannot remember which song it was. Then they showed the flims “True Love” and “Crackerbox Palace” which, needless to say, I liked as well. Afterwards I would remember nearly every scene movies had been my world for 12 years not the man in the white suit a few feet away from me. After the films, “This Song” was supposed to be played but the engineer put on the wrong cut. George jumped up and cried, “Sorry, track 3!” Then he grinned and said, “This one’s nice too.” More hearty laughter. During “This Song” George sat bouncing to the beat and I did as well. Then he gave me the famous stare. Either I was just too freaked or subconsciously remembering that the I Ching had advised that with firmness and correctness came good fortune, but I merely stared back, calmly. He turned his eyes away first. And again I found myself thanking the Universe.

The applause at the end was enthusiastic and I felt relieved. No more down Rolling Stone articles would be written this month.

Before the party broke up Mo suggested George sign the 33 1/3 t-shirts everyone had found on their chairs. George spent 20 minutes signing shirt after shirt, grumbling good-naturedly, “Thanks a lot, Mo.” Then Denny re-entered with a UPI friend who shot picture after picture. George gave Denny a look and said, “Oh, so we’ve got UPI here now.”

As for me, I only stood as close as I could to him, knowing the dream was about to end. And I sensed a hint of disapproval from George that I was there and so constantly hovering but as he passed me on his way out I offered my hand and said, “good night, George.” His handshake was limp and moist and I think my eager one crushed him. However, that touch is the one thing that convinces me the whole thing was real to this day.

Out in the lobby George chatted with the small crowd waiting for him for about five minutes and gave Blue a smile and autographs. After he had disappeared into the elevators Blue and I became semi-hysterical. He had been healthy looking, happy and nice to fans and that for us was all that mattered.

November 17^th-Wednesday: The next morning Blue and I, along with The Harrison Alliance saw him leave the hotel. I did nothing but take pictures, making up for what my camera had missed in Chicago. And after that I walked down the street, so high Blue had to pull me back from oncoming cars. Strange how within such a glorious feeling of life I didn’t care about it anymore. I can never forget that highness at the end. That is what being a Beatle fan should be all about.

George at the WB parties of 1976

2012-01-19T23:25:00.002-06:00

Tempy Snow wrote a very lengthy account of following George around the United States while he was promoting his album 33 1/3 in the January/February 1977 issue of The Write Thing. I will post the first part tonight and the second part later in the week. It was a really fun story to read!

November 15^th, Monday: The morning road to Chicago was long and endless and I was so paralyzed with tension I didn’t even realize that Chicago was where I had seen my 1^st George concert almost exactly two years ago. Upon arrival we played a hunch and spent the afternoon at O’hara airport meeting every incoming LA flight with baited breath and raised cameras with our commands form New York: George, Sharon, Carol and Nancy. From George Harrison, though there was absolutely no show (We found out later he’d flown in via WB jet at the other airport). After 12 years of similar failure my disappointment was all too familiar, however one of us left O’hara walking on air – George Tebbens found out he’d been invited into the party.

Kay, Barb and I checked into a downtown hotel. In the room I thought over and over, “Kay, Barb, we’ve got to crash the party!” At that point I couldn’t verbalize. I could only walk to the window, stare out at the skyscrapers and pray; let me meet him after 12 years, let me meet him – but you know I’ll be satisfied with a view of his left elbow. We then drove to the Whitehall where we’d heard George was staying (the party would be held at the Ambassador) and sat in the lobby with Sharon and Carol and Nancy trying to look bland until we were kicked out. Outside, by th waiting limos; nobody was bland; we were all in states of heightening tension. I stood there, trying to convince myself of what was about to happen and vowing to keep my hands off my camera so I could see him.

Then suddenly there he was, strolling out the door in a brown jumpsuit and Billboard sweater. The mind can blow strange fuses; he was in vivid color but the people with him were in black and white. My first emotion was sharp disbelief. That gorgeous man was George Harrison? Cameras flashed, bodies pressed forward. He blurred past me but stopped at the limo to sign an autograph. I made it up to his side, held out my piece of paper and as he signed his fingers brushed my hand. I strained my hand forward so the touch could last longer --- well 12 years is a long time not to be able to touch a friend.

Then he was gone, swallowed up by the big black limo. I was numb, almost too numb to feel joy. I was also satisfied; what had begun with Rolling Stone was now all worth it.

However, my comrades had some senses left. As I clutched my precious piece of paper they herded me into a taxi and cried, “To the Ambassador!” Miraculously enough, we made I there before him! The crowd waiting was huge and a few seconds later George was whizzed through a swirl of screams and grabbing hands. Amazing shades of 1964!

As we stood there, our amazement grew. The windows of the party room overlooked the sidewalk and the crowd stood below chanting “George! George! George!” Flashes went off nonstop behind the curtained windows and the excitement inside made the outside excitement that much more intense. Finally George came to a window and stood there, grinning and waving while the crowd went bananas. Key, Barb and I merely gaped; it was 1964! For a second the ancient potent magic engulfed as all.

Back to 1976 and how to crash. We left Sharon, Nancy and Carol to their plans, went back to the hotel and put on our party clothes. We returned to the Ambassador and took temporary sanctuary in the room of another Cinci fan, Howie, while we made battle plans. Howie, even though an Ambassador guest, had had no luck getting in. Kay went bravely downstairs, gave the guards at the door a story and was told to come back in 15 minutes. Sitting in a hotel room knowing George was a few floors away, did strange things to one’s sanity, however when Kay went down again everyone’s fingers were crossed. A minute later she called form the lobby, “He’s gone already. We missed him leave!”

Dejected, we went to the Whitehall and sat in the bar with George Tebbins, listening to his stories about the party and looking at his prizes, a press kit and a 33 1/3 t-shirt. We were glad for George but our own miserable failure still stung a bit.

Allen Klein in the back seat

2012-01-19T23:22:00.001-06:00

John, Yoko and Allen Klein (of all people) in a car. Interesting photo!

New York New York

2012-01-19T23:20:00.001-06:00

Paul in New York and Shaun Weiss in the background with a camera.

George in a bedroom

2012-01-19T23:18:00.002-06:00

Maybe this is wishful thinking, but anyone know where these photos were taken? I am hoping someone will say in Benton Illinois in August/September 1963. That would totally make me a very happy person.

Intense!

2012-01-19T23:16:00.001-06:00

this is one fan who takes Beatlemania seriously! But at least she got a Beatles program.

tye-dye

2012-01-19T23:14:00.000-06:00

Paul is ready to leave

2012-01-19T23:13:00.001-06:00

The great Apple give-away

2012-01-19T23:00:00.003-06:00

On July 31, 1968, The Beatles did something that is still pretty much unheard of. They decided to give away for free everything in their Apple Boutique when it was decided that it would be best for the store to close it's doors. And while going to Apple to get a free item wasn't as awesome as meeting a real Beatle, it comes pretty close in my book! How exciting it must have been to have been waiting in line with other Beatle fans and getting a free Beatle souvenir! I would have been happy with a price tag or hanger! Here are some cool photos from that day.

French autograph

2012-01-19T22:52:00.002-06:00

The funniest thing about this photo of George giving an autograph to a French fan in 1964 is the man expressions of the man in the background wearing a hat.

no posts today

2012-01-18T22:26:00.002-06:00

I wanted to say that I purposely did not post anything today in protest against SOPA and PIPA. I honestly do not understand these censorship laws 100%, but I do understand enough to know that if they were passed, I would have no choice but to end this blog. I would be afraid that the government officials would see to it that the photos that we all love of our favorite four guys would be in violation of the law and stop us from having our fun. And obviously not just this little blog, but all of the wonderful Beatles photo blogs and tumblr and flickr sights online that are dedicated to the Fab 4. Almost all of my time online is dedicated to Beatles things and it is my source of relaxation. I love getting to know all of you and I personally do not want to go back to the world of pen pals (as much fun as that was...it would be a big step backwards) and only seeing "new" Beatles photos now and again. And so that is why there purposely have not been any new photos today.

Italian press conference

2012-01-17T21:14:00.001-06:00

I think the girl in the Beatles dress could care less WHAT the guys were talking about at this press conference in Rome. She looks just amazed to be there next to George!

Love to Julie....

2012-01-17T21:12:00.001-06:00

Just wish the photo was bigger...

Autograph time

2012-01-17T21:10:00.000-06:00

Thinking Paul

2012-01-16T22:42:00.000-06:00

So cute

2012-01-16T22:27:00.000-06:00

The cuteness of this photo is overwhelming me!

Snapshot of Ringo Starr

2012-01-16T22:25:00.001-06:00

I didn't realize that Ringo owned one of those pink button shirts Now I have seen one on Ringo, John and Paul. Did George have one too?

The St. Louis AeroVons meet the London Beatles

2012-01-16T21:23:00.005-06:00

The AeroVons strike a very familiar pose....

One of the band members with Mal Evans.

The AeroVons with George Harrison

I just recently heard of the group, The AeroVons. Since I am a St. Louis girl, their story interested me and then when I learned of the awesome Beatles connection, I was totally intrigued. So I have looked up their story and music online and was pleasantly pleased by what I heard. This article about the AeroVons was most likely taken from a local teen magazine. I am trying to pinpoint when they visited London, but can't determine the exact date.

The St. Louis Aerovons meet the London Beatles

There are thousands of musical groups all over America. Most of them are just a few teen-age musicians who get together, pick a name, playa few jobs around school, have some fun, and let it go at that. A few of the groups are little more serious about it. They get themselves booked around town, get a reputation, earn a few bucks, maybe even cut a record or at least a demo which they mail off to a record company who generally never reply.

But there is one young group, right here in St. Louis who decided they wanted to go “all the way” and, to them, going all the way meant that they wanted to go personally to England, and they wanted to meet personally the group they rate #1 – The Beatles. Surely hundred of American groups have dreamed of “talking music” with The Beatles and maybe even auditioning for The Beatles, but this St. Louis group did not just DREAM about it--- they did it!

The AeroVons, four St. Louis boys and their manager, flew from St. Louis to New York to London. First they visited all the famous London spots – Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, London Palladium, Madame Toussau’s Wax Museum, London Tower, Buckingham Palace, London Bridge, Scotland Yard, Big Ben and the House of Parliament. They studied the hippies on Kings Road; they rode the double-decker buses and explored the tubes (subways).

And then “it happened.” The AeroVons met George Harrison of the Beatles and they played at Sybillas, the private discotheque which George Harrison owns in London. They Young Rascals had played there the previous week. Then they played at the famous Hatchett Club where they received a standing ovation! They played also at world famous Radio Caroline, Club Big C, transmitting from the pirate ship Caroline.

Paul McCartney of the Beatles introduced the AeroVons to Jane Asher, The Supremes and Peter Asher of Peter and Gordon, who were at Paul’s private table at the Speakeasy. Then the AeroVons met The BeeGees, The Kings, Michael Caine, Lulu, The Traffic, Pink Floyd and Jimi Hendricks who discussed some technical aspects of guitar-playing with the AeroVons.

But what really turned on the AeroVons the most was the privileges and the thrill of recording a demo at The Beatles’ own recording studio, where George Harrison was workingnon the sound track of a new movie, “Wonder Wall.” Ringo and John were in France when The Aero Vons were in London with George and Paul and the other groups.

Now the AeroVons are home in St. Louis for a month, working hard to complete dozens of new original songs to take back with themwhen they return to England in September, as requested by Mal Evans, General Manager of The Apple, the new recording company owned by The Beatles in London. The Apple is also the Beatles’ new fashion shop, where the St. Louis boys bought Nehru coats, bell bottoms, and ruffly Who shirts. The AeroVons have been issued British work permits to play regular engagements in the top London clubs, then in West Germany on their 3-month tour of appearances and recording dates. Prior to going to England this fall, the group will fulfill the commitments in Florida at Newport, Trader Johns, and The Wreck.

The AeroVons are leader Tom Hartman of Bayless High School in St. Louis County, Bob Frank of Bayless, Mike Lombardo who went to Central High in St. Louis and Bill Lombardo. Their manager, without whom, “nothing would ever have happened for us, “is Mrs. Maurine Hartman.

Prom Magazine is authorized to announce that The Beatles and their recording manager liked the AeroVons, liked their style, liked their sound, liked their songs, and The Beatles have told The Aerovons to come back in the fall, bring more songs, bring more demo’s, and be ready to work. If all goes well, St. Louis could score another teen First – The Aerovons could become the first teen group from anywhere in America to be “signed up” for recording and appearances by – The Beatles!

A hot afternoon in Manila

2012-01-16T00:44:00.001-06:00

I believe that these were taken by a fan who attended the Manila performance in 1966 and sent them in to a teen magazine.

Hanging around George's car

2012-01-16T00:42:00.001-06:00

I like how there is a group of fans hanging around, but most likely too scared to approach George.

That old man again....

2012-01-16T00:20:00.003-06:00

This photo is very funny. This man is someone we see in several Beatles fan photos. There are a few photos that show him hanging around Savile Row outside of Apple. Then there are photos of him with the Beatles when they are sitting around watching a film (MMT?) and singing. I always knew that he was also at the David Frost "Hey Jude" taping, but this is the first time I see that he was signing! Paul looks baffled and George looks like he is going to start laughing. So....those in the know. Who is this little old man?

Lada Edmund Jr.

2012-01-15T23:41:00.002-06:00

The Beatles meet actress, Lada Edumund Jr. Lada is best known as being the Go-Go dancer from the 1960's television show, Hullaballo. She was the one that danced in the cage (but I thought they all danced in a cage....). However I recognized her from being in the movie, Bye Bye Birdie. And sure enough when I looked it up, she played the part of Penelope Ann in the 1960 film.

A chat with Paul

2012-01-15T23:38:00.002-06:00

Meeting Beatles in 1967

2012-01-15T22:58:00.003-06:00

George with Thia

More stories that I found in the pages of "The Write Thing" November 1977 issue. This is the story of Thia Cash, who is one of the girls who met George, Ringo and John at Kenwood during the summer of 1967. Those photos that keep appearing where John is wearing velvet pants. Well...sadly the story isn't about that visit, but about her visit to Kinfauns that same summer.

My friend, Thia Cash of San Diego, California was meeting Beatles right and left that summe, topping it all off by being invited inside John's home and visiting with him and Ringo and George who were getting ready to leave together for a vacation to Greece. She wrote about one day's visit at George's home for my old "Beatles Rule" newsletter, here are some excerpts. (Written by Barbra Fenrick).

Ringo's chauffeur had offered to drive us from Sunny Heights (Ringo's home) to Kinfauns (George's). I was with my 2 French friends, one being Josette Banato, an 18 year old Parisian who looked extraordinarily like a Body girl. I went up to the door to ring the bell, as the others wouldn't. It really didn't help to see a printed not near the bell warning of certain death to the one who pressed it. It was written in a type of prose. I knocked!

There was no answer but the television was on, so I finally rang. Still nothing. Jennie and Paula Boyd pulled up in the driveway, Jennie smiled at us and waved saying, "you can try the door again now." for some reason we decided just to wait at the gate. We were just about to leave when all of a sudden I saw a lean long-haired figure come form around the back of the house dressed in a screamingly wild combo of colors with rectangle designed trousers and bare feet. The figure casually walked across the grass pretending to be inspecting his cyprus trees near the wall. "My God!" I said to Josette, and I'm certain my eyes must have widened to twice their size, "It's George!" Josette wheeled around in ecstasy, spreading out her arms wide from him. "France, France, I am from France...I am a French girl!" George grinned that grin of his and kept walking towards here, then stopped about 6 feet away hands on hips and said, "and I...am a British boy." "But you are GEORGE HARRISON!" Everyone including George had to laugh. From then on it was easy talking to him.

Josette wanted to know if he spoke any French. "Just a little," he replied. "Say something," she dared him. "Say something," he repeated thinking "Well..." and he went off into a French sentence, like a little boy reciting his lessons for a teacher . Josette nodded when he finished and everyone giggled. I asked what he had said and he really laughed, "Can I have some milk this morning, that's really all I know."

We all were dying ot meet Pattie, and Josette asked him outright. "Can we see Pattie Boyd?" At the time her English translations and accent were delightfully full of mistakes. "Pattie BOYD...Pattie BOYD," George raised his eyebrow and smiled, repeating Pattie's maiden name. "Well, we'll see if Pattie BOYD will come out...just a minute." He left us and went into the house. After about 3 or 4 minutes he returned grinning, and behind him about 4 feet was Pattie. Long flowing blonde hair...bright orange dress (mini) with a gold buckle and also bare feet. She signed autographs smiling all the while.

All in all we had talked to George for about 20 minutes, and I forgot time after Pattie and he were there together. He was always laughing then...
I just hope he'll always be as happy as when I saw them that day.

Flowers for Kyoko

2012-01-12T23:26:00.001-06:00

John, Yoko and Kyoko enter the studio in 1969.

Linda times two

2012-01-12T23:21:00.001-06:00

1987

1983

Here is a fortunate fan who met Linda twice in London in the 1980's!

Paperback writer school girl

2012-01-12T22:42:00.001-06:00

Some school girls near where The Beatles were making the promos for Paperback Writer and Rain were trying to get onto the set. This particular girl was successful and got especially close to John and George (see the smaller photo that Beatle Book Monthly didn't print).

Kodak Moments

2012-01-12T17:24:00.003-06:00

My co-worker Michele (who saw the Beatles in St. Louis in 1966!) found this on CNN today and wanted me to see it. Thanks Michele. It is so great to have friends looking out for Beatles things for me.

CNN iReport contributor Lynn Kordus found that out the hard way. As a 17-year-old fan of the Beatles, it was only in her wildest dreams that she would attend their concert. Hanging out with them in their dressing room was unfathomable -- until 1965.

"My most memorable Kodak moment has got to be the day I spent 30 minutes with the Beatles," she told CNN iReport.

Her Kodak Instamatic camera in hand, Kordus went backstage to meet the Fab Four in Bloomington, Minnesota. She realized too late that her one flashcube -- a disposable flash that had four one-time-use flashbulbs -- was missing a bulb. Her father had gone back to the car to get another cube but didn't return before Kordus was whisked backstage.

She took photos of John Lennon flipping through a magazine, Ringo Starr acting goofy and George Harrison in the shower room tuning a guitar before her flashcube ran out of juice. She said Paul McCartney -- her favorite Beatle at the time -- looked around for an extra but couldn't find one. They took the photo anyway; the florescent lights brightened the room plenty.

A problem of the film age: Not realizing until too late that the image would be underexposed.

Without the additional light from the flash, the photo was too dark and didn't turn out. Her photo set with the Beatles was incomplete.

"My loss," she said. But having those other images made the surreal experience come to life. Not only did she have proof of her visit for others to see, but she said it was also validating for her: "It really did happen."

George November 1976

2012-01-11T21:38:00.002-06:00

If you pay attention to the comments section of this blog, then you might have read on that post of George in the sweater with the pretty girl on his arm that I had found out more about those photos. The answers came from a story George Tebbens wrote for "The Write Thing" for the Jan/Feb 1977 issue of the fanzine. I couldn't help but think that these photos were taken in November 1976 in Chicago. George should have have traveled 6 hours south to see a new-born Beatle-fan...me!

On November 1, 1976 it was announced that Warner Bros. was to throw a press party to celebrate the signing of George Harrison and Dark Horse Records. As most anyone who knows Hari, the announcement of this was a shocker. I couldn't believe someone as anti-press and anti-fan as George had seemed to become would do something like this much-less give fans advance notice on a pre-party radio interview.

The party was Nov 15 and that afternoon a friend on a newspaper here invited me to go along with her. From what her invitation said it was to be a small gathering for the press to meet George. As it turned out there were 100 in attendance plus for a short while about 20 other lucky fans who managed to crash. The party started at 7:15 pm and George showed up around 8pm. As soon as he walked in a barrage of flashes went off. It took me a minute to finally reach him. When I did, he was smiling and posing for about 7 or 8 photographers (actually some were fans) and not for just one or two shots but for dozens each. Throughout the remaining hour George spoke to several columnists form each of Chicago's 3 major newspapers, about a dozen D.J.'s, a few newsmen from local stations and the Chicago based executives from Warner Bros. and their guests.

About 9 pm everyone headed into a banquet room for dinner. I still don't know if George ate the prime rib or just the potatoes and string beans. Dinner lasted til about ten, at that time Mo Ostin, head of Warner Bros. Records (U.S.) gave a little speech about George's career and welcomed him to W.B. George got up to a round of applause and started joking about the ad in Billboard mag. the week before. "Well, unaccustomed to full-page ads as I am, I'd like to thank everyone." He also dedicated "Learning How to Love" to Herb Alpert, head of A&M Records who just sued George to get rid of him and Dark Horse Records.

Everyone at the dinner was given a 33 1/3 press kit and t-shirt that said "I was with George Harrison at 33 1/3". George had a booklet from the kit in his hands and went over some of the songs as they were played. The first was "Woman don't you cry for me." It reminded me immediately of something from All Things Must Pass. Next was "Beautiful Girl", after hearing this I was really impressed cause this is the first slow song in years George has done that didn't drag and wasn't religious. "Beautiful Girl" reminds me of something from around Rubber Soul especially the way he sings the verse that starts with "and when I saw the way she smiled at me--ee"

After the song finished, George checked out the video-cassette machine and told everyone the next two films to be shown were produced by Eric Idle of Monty Python. He explained that the reason for making the films was to use them as a means of promotion in areas outside the US where radio isn't so varied.

"True love" was the first film to be shown. George and a female companion were dressed 1920's style and riding in a gondola. You had to see it as it was very funny and hard to explain why. The second film was for "Cracker Box Palace" again it was very Beatle-Pythonish. These were filmed on the grounds of Friar Park (George's home for anyone who doesn't know) and showed George more as a Beatle circa 1965 than an "ex", which is what he's like to be known as today.

The last song was "This Song". Although the film was shown on Saturday Night Live it wasn't ready for the party. Instead George told everyone to dance along with him and his partner. This shock was too much for everyone, we all just watched. "This Song" ended and the party was over. He did pose for some publicity shots and answered a few more questions. He told one reporter, "I'm going to India for a week, then to a friend's wedding in L.A. December 15." When asked who's wedding, he said "My friend Keith Moon." But everyone knows by now Keith messed up a possible Beatles reunion by postponing his wedding.

By now it was 10:30 and George left. Back at the hotel where he stayed a couple fans got ot see him. He was still smiling, stopped for autographs and didn't mind anyone taking photos.

One girl asked for another autograph, this time for her sister. He turned and obliged and said with a smile, "What a cheap excuse for a few more photos." After saying goodnight he went to his room to tape a few radio interviews.

I don't know why George's attitude had changed so. It may have hurt his ego being dumped by A&M or could it be he may be tired of Paul getting all the glory and touring America so successfully without the kind of bad press he received. One can only speculate.

After listening to 33 1/3 and seeing how he has changed on a personal level, maybe in 1977 George will shine again as a true star. 33 1/3 is a step at giving his fans what they want. Hopefully he will tour this summer as planned the way he should have done it two years ago.

Cavendish stare

2012-01-11T21:08:00.000-06:00

So who is this guy?

2012-01-11T21:02:00.001-06:00

This is obviously some guy who hung out with the Beatles when they were at that mansion in L.A. in 1964, but who is he? Many of you seem to know the names of random folks in these photos, so who do you think he is?

crowded by fans

2012-01-11T21:01:00.000-06:00

Paula meets John (a photo mystery solved)

2012-01-11T17:48:00.004-06:00

Paul may also be the photographer behind all of those photos of Paul in the blue shirt at his house from 1967. Here she on August 7, 1967 with Paul.

It is always nice when I can locate the story that goes along with fan photos that are well-known. The photos of John and Julian in the Kenwood driveway have been around collector's circles for a very long time and I am glad to report that those photos were taken by Paula Waitzel (from New Jersey) on August 8, 1967. Here is the story that goes along with the photos. Only part of it was published in the November 1977 issue of "The Write Thing."

On August 8 1967, I talked my cousin into going to Surrey, England. We took the directions out that I had gotten from a girl I met in front of Paul’s the day before. ‘Tube from Oxford Circus to Waterloo…train from main station to Weybridge, Surrey, St. George’s Hill Estate off of Cavendish Rd.”

John’s front gate which was 10 feet high was open! I walked along the driveway to the side of the house and came upon an open door! I came up to the door and looked in. Sitting on the flooring playing with a toy airplane was Julian. I asked him if his daddy was home and he said yes. I asked him to go get him and he said, “No…uh…Daddy’s not home.” I laughed ‘cuz I could tell John probably taught him to say that. I asked if his mommy was home and he said yes, then, “No, Mummy’s not here.” So I said, “Julian who’s taking care of you?” He replied, “Mummy & Daddy.” I asked him where the doorbell was. He got up off the floor and pointed to a knocker on the opened door. I didn’t want to enter the house. I felt it wasn’t right and besides John would probably kill, so I reached over without stepping into the room and knocked. The room was a den; the wall opposite was covered with shelves of books. There was little table with a beautiful picture of John and Cyn on it. I heard someone say, “Who is it?” I knew it was John. Before I even got a chance to open my mouth, Julian said, “John, there’s a girl here to see you and I told her you weren’t home.” (He called his own father John!). I moved away from the doorway and John came out and asked what we wanted. I told him we were from America and asked if we could take some pics.

He said, “Alright, but you’ll have to hurry because we’re going out soon.” Julian followed his dad outside. While John was signing his autograph I said, “Boy are we tired we walked all the way here.” So he came back with a typical Lennon remark, “Oh? You walked all the way from America?” I laughed and said no, just from Weybridge St. which was close to 2 miles away. I asked him if a lot of fans come to see him and he said, “They come in trickles.” After awhile he said, “Sorry, but you’ll have to go now.” I said goodbye and started going down to the gate when I spotted Julian’s $7,000 caravan. I took a pic and then we left.”

The Beatle girls

2012-01-10T22:16:00.002-06:00

So some fans in Indianapolis in 1964 decided it would be cute to get together and put a letter on their sweater so that when they all stood together it would spell out "BEATLES." They stood at the airport in Indy as the Beatles were leaving for the next city and waved goodbye. From the look of the photos, they did seem to grab the attention of Paul. Sometimes you gotta find a gimmick to meet a Beatle!

Ringo fan

2012-01-10T22:04:00.003-06:00

This fan shows off who her favorite Beatle is at a the Beatles concert in Seattle in 1964.

sitting on a couch with the Fab 4.

2012-01-10T21:54:00.000-06:00

Shea fan

2012-01-10T21:50:00.001-06:00

I think this guy isn't just a casual fan who snuck close to the stage during the Shea Stadium concert for a photo. I would think he was a D.J. or a reporter or some sort. But still this photo makes me chuckle. "Look I got my photo taken with the Beatles!"

June 1968

2012-01-10T20:53:00.003-06:00

Lorelle's close up photo of Paul at EMI

Cindi Gonzales' photo of John at EMI (I wanted to show the fuller black and white as well as the color photo)

It amazes me how kind Paul McCartney was to these fans from California in the summer of 1968. He really seemed to have gone out of his way to talk to these two girls. This story was written by Lorelle (no last name was given) about when she and her friend, Cindi Gonzales went to London in June 1968. It first was published in a fan magazine called "Boss Beatles" and then was republished in "The Write Thing" in the November 1977.

Tuesday June 18, 1968

First thing we did was go to pick up our tickets at the Old Vic for John’s play that night, then we picked up the birthday cake we had made for Paul, in hopes of giving it to him. We went to Wigmore St. first, and no one was there, so we went over to Paul’s – plenty of girls there, but every one of them thought they owned the street. So back to Wigmore. Caught Kevin (Harrington, their roadie) and he told us they thought he was over on Waldor Street. So we rushed over there, but of course didn’t know which building to start in, so back to Wigmore we went, just in time to catch someone who knew the address 93-94 Waldor. He said the cake was very nice and thoughtful of us – so back we went (the cake by now was a little dead). We figured he was inside, so we waited. At 2:00 Paul and four other fellows walked up. They all looked at us and their mouths just fell open – no one was supposed to know about this place, and they must of asked us a dozen times how we found out, but we never told. We handed Paul the cake first, and when he opened it he said, “I’m overwhelmed girls.” And held it down for everyone to see. Then he said, “These two girls are form America.” He had on red patent leather shoes, red sock, his striped pant, and purple polka dot shirt (very see-through). We wished him a happy birthday and he thanked us and went inside. We decked to wait until he came out. About 3:00 he came out from inside and motioned for us to come inside. I couldn’t believe it and said, “Me?” and he motioned again, so the three of us went in. He said, “come on in girls,” and led us to the back room where they were doing a film for Apple promotion that Paul was taking to the States in a day. When we got in Paul said, “This is a regular party now.”

I noticed our cake sitting on the table. He picked up a knife and cut the cake by attacking in the middle and pulling outward – he cut himself a piece then told one of us to cut up the rest and pass it around. He was also drinking champagne at the time. Cindi cut the cake and passed it to the technicians and whoever else was in there (we were the only girls). HE told us to find ourselves a seat and proceeded to show the film as he tried to piece it together. He kept having to stop it to either take something out or add something new. In between I would just turn around and stare at him, then he’d look up and smile, he kept doing that and I finally had to turn away from embarrassment. He about killed me.

People would be coming and going and at 4:00 John and Yoko walked in – the first thing I did was offer him a piece of cake. HE was very polite, but didn’t want any. They stayed to see the film once and John was really cracking up at this one part with Alexis, I thought he’d never calm down. When he had walked in, he said happy birthday to Paul, and asked him if he’d gotten the present all right. He only stayed a while, and then had to go wash his hair for the premiere of his play that night.

Paul got a little wild during take 10, tapping out the beat to the music with his hands and broke the electronic table, so there was a hold-up. He came down our way and Cindi got a hold of him and asked him if he remember doing a concert in San Diego and of course he said yes. She said, “No don’t you remember coming down from LA in a bus in ’65?” And then he really did recall such a thing, but said he remembered the bus ride but not the concert.

I had to move from my seat so the three of us went over to the other side of the room, where I watched Paul. He was just sitting back there all by himself, drawing prices, so I finally got the courage to go back and talk to him. First off, I offered him a piece of gum. He was willing to talk so I started off by saying “I hear you’re going to Los Angeles tomorrow?” He looked shocked, and said, “Well, I’m not going tomorrow, but within a few days.” And I said, “You mean, I came all the way over here to see you, and you go right back where I came from?” He was looking down but said, “Do you want to come along?”.. Ah, but if I didn’t think he was putting me on, I would of said, yeah, right away, but I told him something about how I couldn’t leave until next Tuesday, or something equally stupid like that. He had me flabbergasted. So I changed the subject fast and went on to something more practical—underwear! Well, I promised a friend of mind that if I met him I would ask him this, and anyway it isn’t an every day question, is it? I started by saying, “did you happen to get anything unusual in the main around Valentine’s Day?” And he said, “Like what, I do get some unusual things.” And I said, well, they had hearts on them.” And I was getting very nervous – so he said, “come on, you can tell me” (all this time he was looking down, drawing a picture) and I casually said, “like underwear?” and he looked up so fast and questioned, “Why did you send them?” so I explained to him and he said, “Yes I remember getting something like that.” Then this man sitting next to Paul said, “In other words, he isn’t wearing them now” and Paul laughed. (Before this, he had said, “You heard that, write it down in the books so we’ll have something against her).

He said he wasn’t going to John’s play that night but to the opening of Jane’s play. After our discussion which lasted 20 minutes, he stood up and remarked how stuffy it was in the room and then went outside for some air. I really and made an observation of his features, how really soft his hair is, his lip that does have a noticeable bash in it, his soft green eyes, and his stomach wrinkle beneath his shirt!

When he came back in, he let the film go for a final run-through. After that (6:00) he got up and changed into his brand new coat, and got ready to leave. I thanked him graciously for lettering us come inside, and he said he didn’t mind at all.

That night at the Old Vic we spotted John in the third row from the front, and watched him quite a bit. About nine John’s play, a combination of his two books started. It got three curtain calls at the end. I think John was rather pleased. We ran outside at the end and got there as John was coming out. There were people from the press, photographers, autograph seekers, all around him. This was when he was asked where his wife Cynthia was, and he announced that he didn’t know. He was sort of mad.

(Paul then left on the 20^th for a short trip to California on Apple business).

June 25^th—Tuesday. At Paul’s house the housekeeper told us he would be out shortly (this was at 3:00, he came out at 7:30), in the meantime Mike came and went in. Then Paul came out in his green mini, he tore out into the street, backed up, then Mike yelled at him and he drove back in really fast. His car was leaking and so they were trying to fix it. Fast service and he was out in the street again. Our friend Susan was taking movies, and Paul practically ran us over. He hoped out of the car, and said, “Did you get it all right?” Then he got in on the passenger’s side and Mike got in to drive. Then Paul looked up and pointed at me and said, “Hey, I met some of your friends over there, a whole mob of them. They asked me if you still had your hair curled, and I told them no.” Paul and Mike both did the thumbs up sign and drove off.

At midnight we decided to have one last look at Paul’s house. The light in the back room was on, and all of a sudden Paul started singing “Step Inside Love.” We decided to ring the front door. Footsteps, lights go on, door opens, and who should be standing there, but Paul himself dressed in red velvet jacket, pink shirt, and his grey slacks. He said hello, and asked how we got in, we told the truth the front gate was open. We asked about our friends again. He said five were ours. “You do have friends in LA don’t you? What was your name?” Lorelle, I said twice. “Ah, yes Lorette, that’s it.” He said he still wanted me to get him a pair of moccasins like I had, size eight Martha came out and we talked about her. Cindi said he should brush her, and Paul said, “tried to tell her that, but she just won’t seem to do it.” I asked him if he was alone, and why he was up at this hour. “No.” he said, he wasn’t alone, he had Martha, and he was listening to the King Family Album! For that hour and everything, he was ever so sweet to us. He told us to have a nice trip back to the States and I said, “I’ll probably never see you again.” He said, “Oh, you’ll be back next year.” And he explained to Cindi how to open the gate. He came out after we had gone out the gate to say good night again.

Give me a Chance: Book Review

2012-01-09T23:08:00.005-06:00

Some stories of meeting one or more of the Beatles takes more than just a magazine article to write and such is the story of when Gail Renard met John and Yoko during the Montreal bed-in in 1969. Her story spans 8 wonderful days, and she has written a fabulous book about her days with the couple called Give me a Chance. I had the pleasure of just reading this book and I enjoyed it so much that I wanted to share the information about this book with all of you.

In 1969 Gail was a typical 17 year old Beatle fan living in Montreal, Quebec. She was a member of the fan club, bought all the records, watched them on T.V., etc etc. John was her favorite member of the band and so when she heard that John and his new wife, Yoko were going to be arriving in her town, she HAD TO see him! Never did she dream that she would find herself in his suite! At first she had just planned on interviewing him for her school paper, which would have been awesome enough, but after the interview John asked her to come back for the rest of the Bed In! Her job was to watch Kyoko, help Derek Taylor answer the telephones and help organize radio interviews (because she was familiar with the local radio and television stations). But she also was able to spend time just hanging out with John and Yoko and talking to them.

One of the highlights for me in this book was when she talked about watching the movie, A Hard Day's Night with John! What a surreal experience that had to have been! Gail was also present for the writing and recording of the peace anthem, "Give Peace a Chance."

Those of you who have read Beatle Book Monthly issues may remember reading her story in one of the later 1969 issues. (I did). Well in the book, she tells the story about how John set it all up for her to write that story for the magazine. It is really amazing!

This book was a quick read and just a story that is so amazing that as a Beatle fan, you have to read it! Gail also has some really rare photos that she took of the Bed-in that are worth getting the book as well. If you would like to purchase a copy, you can buy it off of Amazon or you can did like I did and order directly off her website and Gail will sign a copy of the book for you.

Oh, when I contacted Gail and told her that I wanted to post on this blog about her book, she gave me permission to use the photograph of her and John as well as the cover of her book. She asked that it only be used on this blog. Please respect her wishes and do not post the photo elsewhere.

Sgt. Pepper's club and Yoko

2012-01-09T22:35:00.003-06:00

The end of May / beginning of June 1989 was a very Beatle exciting time for Eric Krasker. We already saw his photos of when he met Paul. Well exactly one week later, on June 7, 1989 he (along with the staff of the Sgt. Pepper's Club) met Yoko Ono! She met them at the 1900-2000" exhibition gallery in Paris, rue Bonaparte. Not only did she sign autographs for the group, she also participated in an long interview. Thanks Eric for sharing another great photo.

MPL 1985

2012-01-09T22:26:00.002-06:00

Blog reader, Eric Nernie, heard my cry for help and sent along these never before published photos from when he met Paul in London at the MPL offices in 1985. Eric Nernie seems to think these should be published in the Beatles magazine that has the "Crap photos of the month." I disagree. They are lovely photos of Paul!

Standing Stone

2012-01-09T22:11:00.002-06:00

Wow! This is a great fan snap of Paul during the New York Premiere of Standing Stone November 19, 1997.

Fifth Beatle for a moment

2012-01-09T22:08:00.001-06:00

This is just too cute!

Beatles for Sale

2012-01-09T21:55:00.001-06:00

I scanned this out of a Beatles magazine from the 1960's that I recently bought. Wouldn't you just die to go back in time and order all of this stuff? I especially like the Beatles instruments.

Going to play to millions of people

2012-01-09T21:52:00.001-06:00

Autograph books

2012-01-08T22:19:00.001-06:00

Some fans passed autograph books onto people like Mal or Neil to be sent backstage for the Beatles to sign them. Sometimes they came back signed by Mal or Neil with the Beatles names. And sometimes they actually were signed by the Beatles as seen here in this photo taken backstage during the Fall 1963 UK tour.

The night before

2012-01-08T22:17:00.001-06:00

Here is another photo of Paul leaving the fans the night before he married Linda.

Lin

2012-01-08T22:15:00.000-06:00

I love this photo of Linda in London!

George with a pretty girl

2012-01-08T22:05:00.004-06:00

I always love photos of a Beatle in a sweater. And these are some very nice George Harrison photos. Anyone know what event that was? I would guess these photos to have been from 1976 (based on George's length of hair and the style). And even bigger of a question is who is the pretty girl hanging on George's arm? I think I have seen her before, but I can't place it.... And I can't be the only person thinking this.....where is Olivia?

Yellow Sub sandwich

2012-01-08T21:53:00.002-06:00

So it is said that the photo of the guys holding a huge sub sandwich was taken in 1964 from when the Beatles played in New Jersey. The first issue I have with that date is that George looks like he has one of those mustaches that were drawn in by Beatle Book Monthly in late 1966. Click on the photo and look at the large version, because really....it looks drawn on. Maybe it is. And my 2nd thing is that Ringo is wearing a vest from 1967. Maybe he originally got it in 1964, but as you see here, he wore it in 1967. I don't know where I am going with this thought, but I guess I just question the date of New Jersey 1964.

Pulled away from the drums

2012-01-08T19:17:00.001-06:00

Anyone know what show this is?
Mal comes to Ringo's rescue when a fan gets on stage and tries to pull him off his drums!

Living the Beatles Legend

2012-01-06T00:02:00.003-06:00

Today marks the day (well it just turned midnight here, so I guess yesterday) that long-time friend of the Beatles, Mal Evans passed away. If you read my blog often, you know that I have a real soft spot for Mal. When you really think about it, he experienced just about everything the Beatles did but without all of the mania directed at him (although I know that girls went crazy for him...mostly to try to get to the Beatles). He went on all the tours, was on the set (and in most) all of the movies, attended just about every recording session, went with them out to nightclubs, went to India and a few other holidays, etc etc etc. He was one of the few insiders that actually experienced the Beatle life without being one of the Beatles! Plus he was there the entire run of the Beatles career.

Mal wrote a book called, Living the Beatles Legend in 1975. At the time of his death in 1976, he was putting the finishing touches on the book and it was going to be published later that year. It would have been the first book written by a true insider on the Beatles. It would have set the bar for other books to come. I would have studied that book like none-other. However, the manuscript was lost in the mail after his death. Huh? Somehow this just doesn't make sense to me. There was only ONE manuscript? There weren't any other copies of even before the last edit? Nothing at all? Not even notes scribbled in a notepad? Nothing to reconstruct this book? And it seems to me that no one seems to care. It was just like....and yeah Mal's book and a bunch of other stuff got lost along the way. Oh what a loss. Did anyone in Mal's family have a major search for it? Surely it would have brought in a lot of money. I don't know. Maybe I read too much into these things. I know nothing about writing a book (even though it is my dream to write a book about the Beatles) and maybe there really was just one manuscript.

Anyhow.....enjoy these photos of Mal...the true Gentle Giant.

Stopping the car

2012-01-05T23:53:00.001-06:00

Paul rolls down the window to chat with some fans during the Beatles first U.S. visit in New York in 1964.

2012-01-05T22:55:00.003-06:00

Back in April 2011, these photos were for sale on ebay by a seller named "Big Daddy." I emailed him and asked if I could post the photos on the blog. He said that I could and that he would send me better copies. But I never heard back from him. I was reminded of these photos when I read Guus' comment the other day. He was wondering what years was Cavendish painted with the yellow around the door (as seen here). Great question! Here is the listing from the original auction.

These pictures were taken on April 24, 1978 (that's 33 years ago!!) I was fortunate as a teenage Beatle fan to experience a trip to England and my parents allowed me to pay homage to Abbey Road studios. As I walked the streets in my t-shirt with the "Beatlemania" logo from the (then) Broadway show, a kind gentleman pointed out that Paul lived nearby and I was able to find his house. A braver fan then I rang the gate bell and Paul's maid actually told him that Paul would be coming home in a few hours. I rushed back to our hotel, picked up a record and pen and made it back in time to watch Paul and Linda pull up to the gate. Paul got out of the car to open the gate. I was lucky to get this picture of Paul looking right into the camera just as he handed back my pen and autograph. The pictures were taken with a Kodak 110 camera.

Singing in L.A.

2012-01-05T22:29:00.000-06:00

Oh to have been there! And to think you fans that were there had no idea who Linda was at that time.

Full frame

2012-01-05T22:18:00.003-06:00

I previously had this photo cropped so that all you saw was Paul holding a guitar. It is now nice to see the complete photo with the fan and location. Next mission will be to find it without a watermark. (Hint Hint to Gina)

Mr Sauve

2012-01-05T21:21:00.000-06:00

John goes to John's (repost)

2012-01-04T22:58:00.002-06:00

It is funny how things change. I first posted this fan story on this blog in August 2009. At that time I only had a very bad photocopy of a black and white photo of John and I wasn't sure if it was really him. Plus the story itself just seemed too good to be real. However, after I posted the story I got a copy of the photograph in color in a lot off ebay and was sure that it was indeed John. Now a few days ago, I located a 2nd photo taken that same day. That made me want to re-visit this story and post it again for you all. Both color photos are included this time. Enjoy!

John Goes to John’s

First published in the April/May 1976 Issue of “TheWrite Thing”
By Jim Marazzo from St. Paul , Minnesota

One afternoon in my beach house in Ventura, Calif. (in ’72) as I was writing a song, my
roommate ran up the stairs shouting John Lennon and Yoko were at John’s, a seaside restaurant. We, like made (sic), dashed over there and found him and Yoko playing pool. He was in good spirits at the time, cracking jokes.

Then people started asking him to play some songs, he said he hadn’t any guitar. So somebody said he had one close by and he’d run and get it. John said, “OK, lad, off with you.” He returned with is guitar moments later, John took it and said, “I see a piano here someone play with me.” I had a camera with me so I took a picture. About three people, including my friend Charlie (the one at the piano in the picture), dashed forward for the piano, and Charlie got there first. Little did John know that there happened to be two people there who knew EVERY chord to every
Beatles and post-Beatle song (me & Charlie). Well here we were in Calif. Two struggling musicians influenced greatly by the masters: Lennon and McCartney (Beethoven & Chopin, etc)…

Standing and playing piano with John Lennon. Lennon shouted out “Revolution, key of A.” With acoustic guitar he did the first guitar lick and where Paul screams on the record Charlie took Paul’s part. Lennon and Yoko did an about face in amazement and looked stunned. During the song he’d yell to Charlie, “really rockin’ Lad.” It made me feel really good to hear that. Charlie knew all the chords. They played songs like, “Give peace a chance,” “Roll over Beethoven,” “In my life,” “Woman is the Nigger of the World,” “Luck of the Irish,” “New York City,” and “Imagine.”

When it was all over he went out, us along with him. He said I wish we could have had some electric guitars, it would have been a gas. We said ya. As we just stood there looking at each other in silence for awhile, he said, “well, bye Lads, bye.” We felt like saying, take us with you. But the dream was over. Fast……..

Time again for fan mail

2012-01-04T22:07:00.001-06:00

George is reading BBM!

Beatlemaniac

2012-01-04T21:30:00.003-06:00

You know I am skeptical about a lot of things. And I am not 100% sure this is John Lennon's autograph. Also if "John" did not say anything to this young man, how did he know to write "to John" in the notebook? However, I just thought I would post this because if it is true, then it is a super cute story.

A Hard Day's night in Poland

2012-01-04T21:27:00.001-06:00

This is sort of neat. It is a sign for the Beatles movie, A Hard Day's Night (which I think was just called the Beatles there) in Poland in 1965. Neat!

Hari looking out the car window

2012-01-04T21:18:00.000-06:00

FYI

2012-01-03T23:47:00.003-06:00

For your Information:

Due to the rude person that continues to clog up the comments section with poorly spelled and difficult to understand comments, I have had no choice to to switch the comments from automatically appearing to having to be moderated before they are published. I really hate doing this and I hope it does not stop anyone from commenting. I will try to check the blog 3-4 times a day to keep the comments coming. However, I sometimes disappear from the technology world on weekend (you should try it. No cell phone....no computers....just hanging out with people) and if that is the case, then comments won't get posted for a couple of days.

To the person that keeps doing this: I know you complain of censorship. I gave you many chances to use at least somewhat correct spelling. You continued to keep saying the same thing over and over again. (I still laugh at Wall is Oval however). Last time I checked, I started this blog and so I have every right in the world to decide what stays and what goes on it. However....if you also have every right in the world to start up your own blog and type about the Beatles dying of colon cancer all you want. It isn't true, but you can start a blog about it.

If you were trying to be racist against Yoko and other people from Asian counties. Wow. I thought we moved past that sort of thing a long time ago.

Okay...back to our regularly scheduled fan photos tomorrow. Bye.

Another installment of Girls who met the Beatles

2012-01-03T23:29:00.002-06:00

Here is another one of those funny stories written by a teenager in the 1960's shortly after she used her Datebook magazine credentials to get into a Beatles press conference. This one actually clears up a small mystery to me. I have often wondered about the photograph of Paul in Minneapolis during the press conference posing with a cigar. Now I know the story of why! I found it hilarious that this fan gave George a little red hotel from a Monopoly game. And his reaction is too funny! This story was written in 1965 by Dalana Bolander. She was 17 years old at the time and was living in Yorktown, Indiana. After a little research, I discovered that the press conference she attended was the Minneapolis 1965 one (the one where George is presented with a guitar)

Suddenly flashbulbs began to pop and the air immediately became beautiful. For the Beatles were making their way into the room.

I stood inches away from the front row. One man in front of me must have realized the anguish in my heart for he put his arm around my waist and pushed me in front of him. I patted his shoulder and said, “Oh thank you. I just luv you.” He smiled.

Ringo was right in front of me, as was John. Next to John was beautiful Paul McCartney, then George Harrison, last to sit down. I forgot all about the camera in my hands; I just sat staring at them for a few moments.

I’d collected a gift for each Beatle, never thinking I’d really ever get the chance to give it to them. Ringo looked down at me and I said, “Congratulations to you and Maureen.” (I dreamt of saying that so I had to say it). He smiled and said, “Thank you.” His voice was deep.

Next, John. I yelled to him, “John, I think your wife is just beautiful!” His face beamed with pride and he said back with a grin, “Thank you.”

The boy I love more than anyone in this world sat an arm’s reach away from me and I didn’t know what to say. Finally I took an envelope holding a huge souvenir cigar from under my arm and handed it up to Paul. I said, “Here Paul this is for you.” He opened one corner of the blue envelope after reading the writing on the front that said, “To Paul, Love Dalana.” He smiled sweetly when he read that. He pulled out the huge cigar, his mouth dropped. John looked at it and said in a low, husky voice, “Oh! A cigar!” All four kept saying over and over “Oh, a cigar!”

I was so proud! Paul put the cigar in his mouth and immediately photographers went crazy, for here was a center of attention. Everyone began yelling at Paul, “Hold up the cigar Paul! Put it in your mouth!” He did exactly what the cameramen wanted. I wanted to appear sophisticated as possible and not just some other screamy Beatlemaniac (which I am) but at one moment I could not help but show all the pride I had for Paul holding my cigar. My lips were pressed hard together and my eyes on the verge of closing on ecstasy. Paul looked down at me! I straightened up right away, but I knew he saw how very good I felt.

I asked Ringo if I could shake his hand. He looked at me blankly then extended his hand to me. Talk about a heart stopping!

I’d written a poem and a short letter for John, I took it from under my arm, got John’s attention easily for he was so close, then said, “Here John. This is for you.” He took the paper from my hand and quickly put it in his pocket, then looked defiantly at anyone who might question what it was. ( I think he thought it was some mushy love letter or something).

Knowing that George was a champion Monopoly player, I had brought a small red hotel along with me. I reached up to George “This is for you.” He looked at my hand and then asked after a long pause, “What is it?” I said, “I know you are a Monopoly player and I thought you might like this.” For a minute I thought he wasn’t going to take it, but finally he bent over and took the small item from my hand, stared at it, while John broke his neck to see what it was. “Oh! A hotel! Ho!” Then as before the other Beatles had done before, they all chanted in, “Oh a hotel!”

If you remember in Help! Paul turned into a Tom Thumb sized boy, and had the Spearmint gum wrapper around him. Well, I had bought a pack of Spearmint gum for Paul. I told Paul, “Paul, this is for you too.” He took the gum from my hand and I said again, “I saw Help! the other day, and I thought you might like this.” He laughed and laughed , then put the gum away.

After a few moments, Paul bent across the table and said about his cigar, “I don’t smoke these, ya know?”

I asked John if I could shake his hand . All of the microphones and equipment were in our way. Somehow I moved my hand above all of the stuff and reached John’s hand, but not before my hand collided with a small microphone. I knocked it over. Ringo made a face, then straighten up the microphone and said, “Hey we don’t want to knock down all this equipment here!” John coldly stared at Ringo, and then hit him on the shoulder, saying jokingly “That’s no way to talk to the girl, Ringo!” Ringo with his usual sad-eyed expression, looked at me, then John, then down to the table. He looked so cute, I felt sorry for him, even though John was only goofing around.

Ringo was chewing gum and blowing huge bubbles throughout the entire conference. But whenever a cameraman would ask Ringo to blow a bubble for a picture, Ringo would shake his head and say, “We’re not allowed to.” John has the most sarcastic expression on his face at all times, but this makes him all the more strongly handsome!

I shook Paul’s hand without any problem or embarrassing incidents, but George posed a problem. He stood above Paul, and I asked if he’d shake my hand. He looked at me as if someone had painted my face green or something. He put his hand out finally, then changed his mind, then put it up again and shook my hand. He sure is a weird, but funny man! He scared me because I thought he wasn’t going to shake my hand.

Whenever anything goes on, John is always looking to see exactly what is happening. Paul is very sweet, considerate, good-looking and single! I love him. Ringo is funny and is always saying funny things. He smoked more than the others and seemed to find pleasure in blowing smoke rings. George has the creamiest skin in the world. He’s thin but not exceedingly so. He’s really tuff!

All these things happened within 7 minutes.

I sauntered back to my front row seat and began telling this one girl what had happened to me while I was up front. She seemed interested in something else so I just made a face at her and sat down.