Beatles News
Ringo Starr celebrated his 85th birthday in Beverly Hills Monday with his annual Peace & Love event, but the big day was also marked in a very special way in his home city of Liverpool, England.
According to the U.K.’s The Independent, the city where The Beatles were founded unveiled the “Peace and Love Sculpture” in honor of Ringo. The silver statue, revealed by the city’s Beatles Story museum, features a hand making the peace sign and was created using a casting of Starr’s right hand. A similar statue is currently on display in Beverly Hills.
The unveiling was attended by locals, as well as students from Ringo’s primary school, St. Silas CE.
Ringo is known for spreading peace and love. In fact, on every birthday he asks fans to spread the message at 12 p.m. PT. This year the message was shared in over 38 countries and was also beamed from mission control in Houston to the International Space Station.
Source: everettpost.com/ABC News
When Carl Perkins joined Paul McCartney in the studio, the plan was to work on one of McCartney's songs for his upcoming album. The Beatles covered several of his songs, so McCartney was very excited about the collaboration. However, while he was working with the former Beatle, he decided to show him a song he'd been working on to get his input. Little did he know, he was about to trigger an incredibly painful memory. The song was "My Old Friend," and one particular line absolutely devastated the bassist.
When Perkins sang the line, “Think about me every now and then, old friend,” McCartney couldn't handle it and broke down in tears, immediately stepping out of the room. Perkins was bewildered and worried he'd done something wrong, but Linda McCartney quickly reassured him and explained what had happened. Years later, Perkins cleared the mystery in an interview.
"Paul was crying, tears were rolling down his pretty cheeks, and Linda said, 'Carl, thank you so much.' I said, 'Linda, I'm sorry. I didn’t mean to make you cry.' She said, 'But he’s crying, and he needed to. He hasn’t been able to really break down since that happened to John.'"
Paul McCartney believes this one John Lennon song helped shape the world as we know it. While Lennon said those words to McCartney the last time they saw each other, that wasn't the last time they talked. In the 70s, Paul and Linda McCartney were playing together with Wings and raising a family in the UK, while Lennon settled in New York City with Yoko Ono and withdrew from the public eye when his youngest son, Sean Ono Lennon, was born in 1975. But while their lives didn't leave much room for them to meet up, the two friends still talked on the phone regularly, especially during the quiet times.
In his book, McCartney: A Life in Lyrics, he recalled one of the last conversations they had on the phone. They were both family men at the time, and Lennon in particular had become a homemaker, being his son's primary caretaker. McCartney shared with readers that they would talk about baking bread, something they both had become interested in. About the last time they talked, he said elsewhere that "It was just a very happy conversation about his family, my family. Enjoying his life very much, Sean was a very big part of it."
Source: collider.com/Val Barone
The Beatles were not always proud of the work they produced. In particular, John Lennon was happy to take aim at some of the band's output he wasn't fond of.
He shared his disdain for the 1967 album 'Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band' and Paul McCartney's work on the 'Let it Be' single and the closing medley on 'Abbey Road'. It wasn't just Paul's work that John criticised. He notably said he wished he had not written 'It's Only Love'. About it, he said: "That's the one song I really hate of mine. Terrible lyrics."
And as The Beatles rose to fame, they had to work on more than just music. John did not particularly love having to star in films and admitted he didn't enjoy working on the film 'Help!'. The 1965 film followed the success of their 1964 movie debut 'A Hard Day's Night' but it was widely viewed not to have hit the heights of its predecessor.
A New York Times review of the film said: "It's a fiasco of farcical whimseys that are thrown together in this film – a clutter of mechanical gimmicks and madcap chases... Funny? Exciting? Different?
"Well, there's nothing in "Help!" to compare with that wild ballet of The Beatles racing across a playground in 'A Hard Day's Night', nothing as wistful as the ramble of Ringo around London all alone ... The boys themselves are exuberant and uninhibited in their own genial way. They just become awfully redundant and – dare I say it? – dull."
Critic Leslie Halliwell said it was an: "exhausting attempt to outdo 'A Hard Day's Night' in lunatic frenzy, which goes to show that some talents work best on low budgets."
The film's plot sees George Harrison, Paul and John try to save Ringo Starr from a cult and scientists, hellbent on taking a ring sent to the drummer by a fan in what was a parody of the James Bond series.
The film was shot in studios in London and on location in Austria and the Bahamas during spring 1965 but the band's hearts weren't in it, it seems.
About the filming process, John said: "'Help!' was a drag". He added: "We were on pot by then and all the best stuff, with us breaking up and falling about, was left on the cutting room floor."
Source: Dan Haygarth/liverpoolecho.co.uk
After The Beatles broke up in 1970, all four of them launched their solo careers. George Harrison, Ringo Starr, and Paul McCartney all tried out different sounds. However, towards the start, you could still hear elements of The Beatles in their music. However, that was not the case for John Lennon, as he seemingly plagued every part of The Beatles’ influence and sound out of his very being. As a result, he created works that many people, particularly Beatles fanatics, weren’t fans of. Including John Lennon’s contemporary, Paul Simon.
John Lennon and Paul Simon never really saw eye to eye. Concerning his favorite member of The Beatles, Simon divulged that it was Paul McCartney. In addition to declaring his favorite member of the Beatles, another moment that planted a wedge between the two musicians was when they clashed in the studio during one of their collaborations.
Needless to say, Simon and Lennon were not fans of one another. And that frustration was not just a personal one, as Paul Simon was also not a fan of John Lennon’s work following The Beatles’ breakup. Paul Simon Said Lennon Never Did Anything “Interesting or Innovative”
As stated previously, Lennon’s work with The Beatles and after The Beatles sit in stark contrast to one another. Consequently, the perceptions of the music often mimic that stark contrast, and Paul Simon’s opinion of the music resides on the negative end of the spectrum.
Concerning his distaste for Lennon’s solo music, Paul Simon told Rolling Stone in 1972, “It’s not that I’m not interested in what Lennon has to say. I am. He usually has my ear. When he makes a record or makes a record or makes a statement, I’ll read it or listen to it.”
Simon added, “I am a potential audience for him, But I find that he seldom says anything that’s interesting or innovative to me, and yet, I listen, based on a long-standing respect. Based on his musicianship, based on the fact that he was involved in some great music over the years, and so I keep listening to stuff that’s no longer great.”
Harsh words, but given their history and Simon’s affection, seemingly for more traditionally original-sounding music, these comments come as no surprise. However, to a lot of people, these comments also might seem outlandish. After all, some of Lennon’s solo works include the iconic songs, “Imagine”, “Jealous Guy”, and “Instant Karma!” Though to each their own.
Source: americansongwriter.com/Peter Burditt
John Lennon gave one of his final interviews to Playboy in September 1980, where he spoke about making new music with his wife Yoko Ono, along with many other aspects of their life together. Some interesting moments include the fact that he had settled into being a house-husband. This involved spending his days baking bread and taking care of his son, Sean.
By this time, word had spread that Lennon and Ono were making music again after retreating from the public eye in 1975. When asked what he’d been up to, Lennon shared surprisingly freely.
“I’ve been baking bread and looking after the baby,” he said. When asked what else he’d been doing, he replied, “That’s like what everyone else who has asked me that question over the last few years says. ‘But what else have you been doing?’ To which I say, ‘Are you kidding?’”
Lennon continued, “Because bread and babies, as every housewife knows, is a full-time job. After I made the loaves, I felt like I had conquered something. But as I watched the bread being eaten, I thought, Well, Jesus, don’t I get a gold record or knighted or nothing?”
John Lennon Revealed That He Owed His Authenticity as an Artist to His Relationship With Yoko Ono
John Lennon was then asked why he became a house-husband. He apparently took to bread and babies as easily as he took to music. His answer was revealing, briefly touching on his time with The Beatles. He also explained the stresses of producing so much music in a short time.
Source: americansongwriter.com/Lauren Boisvert
The connection between rock ‘n’ roll and backward messaging has been discussed ad nauseam. Countless rockers have been accused of hiding little tidbits in their recordings, hoping to catch the ear of particularly observant fans. While not all the theories these “backward messages” have sparked have stood the test of time, there is one that we can’t seem to shake: the notion that John Lennon admitted to Paul McCartney’s death and replacement by a clone on “Strawberry Fields Forever.”
The “Paul is Dead” theory is another highly debated topic. While McCartney himself has denied the rumors for decades now, the “proof” is irrefutable in some fans’ minds. One piece of evidence is Lennon’s mumbled lyric at the end of “Strawberry Fields Forever.”
John Lennon’s Mumbled Lyric at the End of “Strawberry Fields Forever” That Fed Into the “Paul Is Dead” Conspiracy
“I am alive and well and concerned about the rumors of my death,” McCartney once said, nodding to the “Paul is Dead” theory. “But if I were dead, I would be the last to know.”
The “Paul is Dead” theory is one of the most famous rock n’ roll myths. As the story goes, McCartney died in a car crash in the middle of the Beatles’ heyday, leaving those in charge of the band with no choice but to replace him with a look alike.
Due to the lack of any finite proof, believers have clung to the smallest morsels of evidence. One of those morsels is Lennon’s whispered phrase at the end of “Strawberry Fields Forever.”
“Cranberry Sauce” or “I Buried Paul”?
Lennon whispers an unintelligible phrase at the tail-end of this Beatles classic. According to the musician himself, he was saying “Cranberry Sauce.” While we’re not sure why he would slip that into this psychedelic anthem, it’s not the weirdest thing Lennon ever did…
Those in the “Paul is Dead” crowd have another theory. According to them, Lennon said, “I Buried Paul.” Lennon says this barely above a whisper. As a result, it sparked a significant amount of discussion about what he actually said. Needless to say, if his saying “I Buried Paul” were true, it would be a colossal bomb for Lennon to drop. Believers might be grasping at straws here, but we’ve heard crazier theories. There could be some truth to this claim.
Source: americansongwriter.com/Alex Hopper
While many joined McCartney in wishing the drummer a happy birthday, others were stunned to learn his real name.
One fan commented: "HIS NAME IS RICHARD?" with another responding: "Lol his real name is Richard Starkey." Another sarcastically commented: "Beatles 'Fan'" while someone else explained: "Yes. Ringo is a nickname because he wore a lot of rings."
Another shared: "This is so cute. I love their friendship," with a sixth commenting: "Happy birthday Ringo!!!!" "Happy birthday dear Ringo," another wrote. One more added: "Ugh you two are the best happy birthday Ringo." (sic)
Other areas of social media are also awash with Beatles fans sending birthday messages to the iconic musicians. McCartney often sparks frenzy among fans with his posts, and in February was branded "crazy" after announcing he'd be surprising fans in New York with an unscheduled gig.
The Liverpudlian announced the impromptu gig on Wednesday, February 12, and tickets sold out in just 30 minutes.
In the end, 575 lucky fans were treated to an intimate performance by the music legend, with the singer addressing the spontaneous nature of the show. "So, here we are. Some little gig. New York. Why not?" he told the crowds after sharing the plan on Instagram hours earlier.
Both musicians are two of Britain's best-known names thanks to their stint in the band, The Beatles.
Alongside George Harrison and John Lennon, the band is arguably the biggest band the country has ever produced, shooting to global fame in the 1960s.
Lennon and McCartney served as the lead songwriters and vocals, while Starr provided the skills on the drums.
Source: gbnews.com/Olivia Gantzer
The Beatles' "biggest fear" was being asked to read music.
The Love Me Do hitmakers may have written and performed some of the biggest songs in the world, but all four members - Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Ringo Starr, and the late George Harrison and John Lennon - were afraid their shortcomings would be revealed if they had to carry out tests to be part of a musicians' union.
Ringo told the New York Times newspaper: “The biggest fear, a long time ago, was that the union was going to make us all read music. Because none of us — John, Paul, George and Ringo — none of us read music. I thought, well, I’ll go play tambourine then.”
Ringo was the last member of the group to start writing songs, but his efforts often reduced his bandmates to laughter with his unintentional mimicry.
He said: “It’s hard to come to the front when you’ve got John and Paul.
“I’d say, ‘I’ve got this song.’ And halfway through they’d all be laying on the floor laughing, because I wasn’t writing new songs. I was writing new words to old songs.”
Paul confirmed: “We’d say, 'Yeah, that’s a great one. That’s a great Bob Dylan song.' ”
The 84-year-old drummer is often shocked by his age.
He said: “It blows me away. I look in the mirror and I’m 24. I never got older than 24.
“But guess what? You did.”
Ringo credits his love of music for keeping him feeling young.
He said: “Well, I love what I’m doing...
“When I first started, my mother would come to the gigs. She would always say, ‘You know, son, I always feel you’re at your happiest when you’re playing your drums.’ So she noticed. And I do.” He smiled. “I love to hit those buggers.”
Source: uk.news.yahoo.com/BANG Showbiz
Indeed, Ringo didn’t have a flashy style. His drumming in the band was the perfect backdrop for the sweet melodies that John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison were putting forward. Ringo’s talent lies in complementing the parts of the song that were at the focus, which were more often than not lyrics that told a story. The narrative focus meant the rhythm could sit tightly as a supporting figure, giving melodies the perfect platform to shine, which they wouldn’t have done had they been overshadowed. This isn’t to say that this was a default for Ringo. The drummer showed incredible flair in his creative decision for the beat of “Come Together.” Ringo played a drum line that was very unusual for the time, quickly making the song a revolutionary anthem. He treated the drum kit almost as a melodic instrument throughout the verses, filling the sonic field in a way that had never been done before.
Ringo’s other contribution, “Don’t Pass Me By”, sounds lighthearted and cheeky, almost circus-like, in its musicality. But the song is anything but that. Ringo sings in worry about losing the one he loves in a series of events, singing “Don’t pass me by, don’t make me sad, don’t make me blue / ‘cause you know darling, I love only you”. His two songs are fictional adventures that explore feelings of comfort and the safety of being loved. The sincerity of the lyrics in combination with the joyful, youthful-sounding instrumentation is the perfect contrast to one another to result in accessible songs expressing the simplicity of being tender and earnest.
His humble charm and quick wit actually defined the Beatles. He stuck to who he was and what the Beatles were without the need to develop frivolous traits. His animated presence is one of the only things that the Beatles managed to keep constant throughout their existence, which, in many ways, makes him the leader of the band. It’s important to remember that serious doesn’t always mean better, especially in music that credits itself as being cheeky and fun. Similarly, lighthearted doesn’t entail a sense of a song being underdone, or warrant any mockery. But Ringo could handle it, of course.
Source: collider.com/Fiona MacPherson-Amador
Every great band has an early era. For The Beatles, the most famous rock band of the 20th century, those early years involved a little band called The Quarrymen. This skiffle group was formed by John Lennon in 1956. Paul McCartney would join shortly after meeting John Lennon on July 6, 1957. The Quarrymen, in just a few short years, would evolve into The Beatles.
John Lennon and Paul McCartney first met on this day in 1957, when they were both music-loving teenagers in Liverpool, England. According to lore, the two future superstars met for the very first time at an auditorium at a local church. Just seven years later, they would form the final lineup of The Beatles with George Harrison and Ringo Starr.
It was inevitable. The two future famous songwriters lived in the same town and ran in similar circles. However, on a warm Saturday that fell on July 6, a mutual friend of theirs chose to introduce the two to each other. John Lennon and Paul McCartney’s First Meeting Was About as Casual as You Could Get.
Lennon and McCartney had a lot in common from the start. They lived in different neighborhoods and attended different primary schools, but they were close in age (just two years apart) and loved music.
On that day as well, Lennon was supposed to perform at the once-a-year event known as the Woolton Parish Church Garden Fete. It was a parade and outdoor block party of sorts. The original lineup of The Quarrymen performed, in between a dog show and a marching band. Despite it being a local gig, it was a pretty big deal, as Lennon and his band got to perform for a few hundred teens.
The 15-year-old McCartney was in attendance and liked what he heard. Later, when the two were introduced, McCartney played the guitar for Lennon. Allegedly, he played “Twenty Flight Rock” by Eddie Cochran and “Be Bop A Lula” by Gene Vincent. He also played a few Little Richard tunes.
Lennon wasn’t easy to impress, but he was definitely impressed by McCartney. From there, McCartney helped Lennon tune his guitar and wrote some chords out from the songs he played. And just two weeks later, John Lennon invited Paul McCartney to join The Quarrymen. The rest is history! It’s wild to think that such an enormously famous band would start with such humble, casual beginnings.
Source: americansongwriter.com/Em Casalena
