DVD: “The Beatles
with Tony Sheridan - The Beginning in Hamburg: A
Documentary”
This DVD explores the Beatles stint in Hamburg, Germany . In many
regards, it has the same antidotes, told by a familiar cast of
characters (Alan Williams, et al). However, this DVD adds a few
personal touches that elevate it beyond the norm. Booking agent Alan
Williams has some residual bitterness over an unpaid 15 pound loan made
to Paul McCartney. Paul, George and John are described as the tight
knit nucleus of the group. Pete Best is described as an outsider within
the group, who although he was a Beatle, wasn’t with them “90% of the
time”. When Astrid Kirchherr speaks of John’s extreme sadness after
Stuart Sutcliffe’s death, she adds how protective George was of John.
Tony Sheridan’s fundamental dissatisfaction with Pete’s drumming is
highlighted and observations are made upon the Beatles’ 1962 return to
the Star Club, of how they jelled as a band after the addition of Ringo.
The whole disc is filmed in an “antique” style (similar to old
photographs) and the sound quality is impressive considering the age of
the recordings. There are many previously unseen photographs and the
addition of the seldom interviewed Astrid Kirchherr and the “often
heard about but seldom seen” Klaus Voorman paint a more complete
picture.
The documentary is good but the definitive documentary of this period
of the Beatles’ formative years hasn’t been made yet. If you’re
interested in capturing the spirit of this era, check out the
“Backbeat” theatrical film.
The DVD is housed is a digipack, with a booklet and 5 postcards.
There’s a discography of the various cover art used for the many
Beatles / Tony Sheridan reissues over the past four decades.
The DVD can be played 3 different ways: the music alone, the
documentary without the music, the documentary with the music
interspersed at appropriate intervals. The total playing time is 2 hrs,
and 17 minutes.
Sixteen Beatles / Sheridan tracks are included on the DVD. The original
Harrison-McCartney composition “Cry For A Shadow” is not included on
the Region 1 DVD. Apparently, the timing of the DVD release was meant
to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the Beatles arrival in the US.
Universal was unable to secure the rights for “Cry For A Shadow” in
time and released the DVD in spite of this. A waiting period to allow
for the inclusion of “Cry For A Shadow” would have been the best long
range decision. It’s unfortunate that this decision was made based on
marketing, not artistic factors. As it is, the UK edition (with “Cry
For A Shadow”) is the definitive version (unfortunately regional coding
makes this unplayable on most North American DVD players). Otherwise,
this DVD is a good deal, especially considering the budget line price.
Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band
- Tour 2003
Previously available as an expensive mail order only item, this 70
minute CD was recorded on the opening night on the 2003
All-Starr tour, with new band members (Colin Hay (Men At Work),
John Waite (Babys, Bad English) and Paul Carrack (Ace, Squeeze, Mike
and the Mechanics). The opening night venue was Casino Rama in Ontario.
Although the band hadn’t quite jelled yet, the venue’s name similarity
to Ringo’s last studio album (“Ringo Rama”) must have been an
irresistible promotional angle. Otherwise, it might have been better to
record a later date once the band hit it’s stride.
Ringo’s set list is predictable. He dips into the “Ringo Rama” album
twice on this tour with only a more organic version of “Memphis In Your
Mind” available on this CD. (It would have been nice to also have the
live version of “Never Without You”.) The only other deviation
from the predictable is “Don’t Pass Me By” with Ringo playing piano for
the first verse and chorus before switching off to his drum kit. Ringo
is in typical good humour (when “Ringo Rama” elicits a round of
applause, he exclaims, “Like you bought it!”, without a hint of
bitterness) and he seems to relish his selfless role of concert emcee.
The line up of the 2003 All-Starr Band has a more “contemporary adult”
feel (no hard rockers in this line up). Sheila E.’s selections are
similar to what she performed in the 2002 tour adding to the somewhat
predictable feel of the disc.
Otherwise, considering it’s a live recording, the CD is well produced.
It’s EQ’ed to sound loud on an average system but without clipping and
distortion.
As predictable as the All-Starr events may be, I support Ringo’s desire
to hit the road and play with a group of hand picked musicians.
Considering his circumstances, if it wasn’t a good time for him, he
certainly wouldn’t do it. The only aspect I’m beginning to question is
the need to issue a live CD for each tour. I now own 6 All-Starr CDs
since 1989. Considering the predictability of the set lists, this
verges on excessive. Personally, I would have liked to see Ringo do
what he did to promote “Vertical Man” - stage a promotional concert
with his studio band performing more material from “Ringo Rama” using
an “Unplugged” / “Storytellers” combination.
Update: In September, a DVD was
released from this tour. Although entertaining, the lack of a full
setlist and the 'home movie' feel of the DVD is detracting. If the DVD
was packaged with the CD as a bonus disc (ala "Ringo Rama"), it would
be more consumer friendly. In its current state, the DVD is
questionable as a stand-alone product.
I would have also appreciated having Ringo's tribute to George, "Never
Without You," included - as I suspect would many Beatles fans. To not
have it appear on either the CD or the DVD displays a lapse of good
judgement.