1999 was the year that was and the year that could have been. This year has been filled with unfulfilled expectations but had a few pleasant surprises. The spring of '99 was characterized by endless and absurd "Yellow Submarine" rumours and hype (new single, indeed!) However, true "Beatlemania" was experienced with Paul's performance to the Cavern Club in Liverpool on December 14th. By now, people may be wondering what all the fuss was about, but for approximately a week, the "Little Big Gig" created quite a stir. In spite of Linda's death in 1998, 1999 was Paul's Year. His induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, his brave public appearances, a great new rock album and the willingness to reconnect with his past at the Cavern earned Paul much admiration and respect. For all that he does to keep the spirit of the Beatles alive, he deserves our sincere gratitude.

Update: December 30, 1999 - As a Beatles fan, I was hoping that 1999 could end with the high of the December 14th Cavern Club performance. However, it was not to be. It now appears that our last impression of 1999 will be the senseless, violent attack on George Harrison and his wife. The only upside is that George survived (and that is not to be minimized) however, as we celebrate the new millennium, let's use the opportunity to create a world in which incidents like this (and John's death 19 years ago) can be prevented.

February:
The release of Paul's "Band on the Run" 25th anniversary edition CD which rises to the top of Billboard's "Classic Album" chart. The release coincides with Paul's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Julian Lennon's "Photograph Smile" album is released in North America to critical acclaim.

April 8th:
Paul performs at "Here There and Everywhere: A Concert for Linda". It is his first live appearance since Linda's death.

May:
Paul records an album of rock 'n' roll "oldies" which were favourites of his and Linda. These sessions went so well that Paul decides to prepare the material for a future release ("Run Devil Run") .

May:
Rumours are circulated throughout the media about a new Beatles track which will be released in the fall as a single. These rumours are later proven false and results in a public relations fiasco.

July:
George Harrison participates in a lengthy interview with Timothy White of Billboard magazine to promte "Yellow Submarine". During this interview, Harrison discusses plans for a new album and an anthology type box set. To date, no further developments have been confirmed on either project.

July 18th:
"A Garland for Linda" premiers at Charterhouse School in Surrey. The concert is a classical tribute to Linda McCartney. Along with eight classical musicians, Paul premiers a new piece entitled, "Nova".

July:
"I Got Stung" from the forthcoming "Run Devil Run" album is leaked to radio and the internet.

August 30th:
"Yellow Submarine Day" is held in Liverpool. The restored "Yellow Submarine" film is given it's world premier at this event followed by a limited theatrical release in North America. Two weeks later, "Yellow Submarine" is issued on home video and a revised soundtrack CD is released.

September 18th:
Paul appears and performs at Peta's "Party of the Century and Humanitarian Awards" event.

October:
"Run Devil Run" is released on Oct. 5th. "Working Classical" premiers in Liverpool on Oct. 16th and is released on CD on Oct. 18th.
On Oct. 19th, Ringo releases "I Wanna Be Santa Claus", the first officially released Christmas album by an ex Beatle.

Dec. 13th:
John Lennon's "Imagine" is reissued as a limited edition single in the U.K.

Dec. 14th:
Paul participates in an historic performance at the Cavern Club in Liverpool. He performs selections from "Run Devil Run". This is Paul's first appearance at the Cavern since he last performed there with the Beatles, some 36 years ago!

As the year winds down, the Beatles earn several awards and win many polls and surveys throughout the U.K. and North America. According to Billboard magazine, the Beatles are the most successful recording act of the 20th century with sales of over 106 million albums in the U.S. alone.

Update: December 30, 1999 - Friends and fans alike are shocked today by the stabbing of George Harrison by an intruder in his home. As we approach the millennium, there is a strange irony that a quiet, peaceful man wanting only to lead a private life could be the victim of such a violent attack. The incident bears a chilling similarity to the murder of John Lennon which took place 19 years ago this month. Thankfully, today's incident had a different outcome but in it's own way is still very disturbing.

First, the "known":
Paul: "A Garland For Linda" is projected for a March release on CD.

John: A hour long documentary on the recording of "Imagine" (with plenty of unreleased session footage) entitled "Gimme Some Truth" will be televised and released on home video. A remastered CD of "Imagine" with possible bonus tracks will be released as a companion piece.

The "unknown": (After the mindless speculation of 1999, I should know better than to project too far ahead... but here goes):

Beatles: (1) A reissue of "Let It Be" on home video and CD for it's 30th anniversary. However, I'm not holding my breath. (2) With the acceptance of DVD as a consumer format, it would be nice to have key reissues such as the "Beatles Anthology" and "Imagine: John Lennon" on this format. Plus all new releases, of course.

Paul: (1) According to November’s “Record Collector” magazine, “The Paul McCartney Anthology” is officially underway. The film footage is being compiled by Paul’s son in law. Paul informed Patrick Humphries that he will wait and see how much Wings and solo footage is collected before deciding on how to proceed with the project. So far, this project has been discussed as a video project (but I hope there will be an accompanying CD release). It’s way too soon to speculate on a release date. (2) A "Live At the Cavern Club" release on DVD with plenty of bonus features.

Ringo: I wouldn't be surprised if we see the recording of a new studio album during the year.

George: I'm just thankful that he's still with us.