Beatles News

August 2005 News and Updates

July 2005 - Monthly Review: On July 1st, Paul appears on the "Colin and Edith" radio show on "BBC Radio 1". He takes this opportunity to announce the title of his upcoming album: "Chaos and Creation In The Backyard". Paul originally recorded enough tracks for 2 albums but one album's worth of material has been shelved for future consideration. The new album will have 13 tracks and is produced by Nigel Godrich.

The same day, Paul posted a statement on his web site regarding his participation in “Live 8”. 

On July 2nd. Paul and U2 kick off the “Live 8" concert in Hyde Park, London, with a rendition of “Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band”. The track was recorded and rush released as a digital download that afternoon becoming the fastest selling music download ever - a stat which was entered into the “Guinness Book Of World Records” . 

Paul and his band were the last act to perform at the "Live 8" London concert.  They performed  "Get Back" ; "Drive My Car" (with George Michael) ; "Helter Skelter" ; "The Long and Winding Road" which led into the finale of "Hey Jude" during which Paul and the band were joined by Bob Geldof and all of the day's participants.   

Shortly after the “Live 8" concert, it was announced that EMI had secured the DVD rights for release in November. The 4 disc international edition of the “Live 8" DVDs will be packed in a similar manner to last year’s release of “Live Aid”. The international edition will feature the London and Philadelphia concerts with segments from the other venues along with documentaries and bonus features. European and Canadian editions will feature the concerts relative to their respective geographic area.   

On July 3rd, the NFL Network broadcast "Paul McCartney Backstage - Super Bowl XXXIX" including backstage rehearsal footage from Paul’s performance at the Super Bowl halftime show.

Geoff Emerick announces his upcoming book, “Here, There, and Everywhere: A Legacy of Sound, Music, and The Beatles,” set for publication in spring 2006.

Ringo appears on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno on July 5th and takes part in a MSN web chat.

A “Toronto Sun” article on Ringo includes his comments on "Live 8" and his upcoming plans, including an All-Star tour for 2006. Ringo’s comments regarding “Live 8” are taken out of context and misconstrued by the media. As a result, many media outlets report that Ringo was upset at not being asked by Paul to participate.

The official press release and track listing for Paul’s upcoming album is released on July 8th.

On July 14th, a Canadian Press report suggests that EMI may be issuing a John Lennon best of compilation this fall.

Favorable radio previews of the new Paul McCartney album "Chaos and Creation in the Backyard" begin to circulate on the internet.

A few web sites post the cover art for the new album - which was later confirmed by EMI. Fans may recall the photo from Mike McCartney's "Remember" photo book from several years ago. The new album will be available in a CD only version and a limited edition "deluxe" version with DVD.

Paul’s new single “Fine Line” is available for preview on AOL’s “First Listen” on July 26th - but was actually available a few days earlier.

A Dutch web site reports that the CD-Maxi single for "Fine Line" also features "Comfort in Love" and "Growing Up Falling Down" (both non-album tracks).

Lennon’s childhood home is opened to the public featuring his artwork and memorabilia. The lyrics for “All You Need Is Love” is auctioned for $1 million.

The “Lennon” play is shelved for retooling and is rescheduled for Broadway on August 14th. 

A web section to promote “Chaos And Creation In The Back Yard” was added to Paul’s official web site.   

Paul McCartney gave an intimate two-hour concert at Abbey Road's Studio 2 on Thursday, July 28 for BBC Radio 2's "Sold on Song" program. The program is set to air in mid September and may be released on DVD. The evening includes a preview of Paul’s new album and a performance of 8 new songs.

Around the time it was reported that the DVD for “Let It Be’ was being delayed yet again, Olivia Harrison announces the details for the reissue of the "Concert For Bangla Desh" film on DVD with 72 minutes of additional footage.  

July 31, 2005 - The Boston Globe: Impossibly dated, and glittering still - The glam heyday of T. Rex is captured on DVD 'Born to Boogie' ; New Jersey Star-Ledger: Imagine that ; The New York Times: The Many Faces of John Lennon: Black, White, Male, Female (registration required) .

July 30, 2005 - Olivia Harrison supervises the reissue of "Concert For Bangla Desh" film on DVD with 72 minutes of additional footage:

Olivia Harrison has overseen the remastering of the film and music of George Harrison's 1971 "Concert For Bangla Desh" into a high-definition DVD set for release in October.

According to Olivia Harrison, "It's really stunning. It's been blown up from the original 16 mm to 70 mm. George wanted to get a full soundtrack. Now, you'll be watching a really beautiful film."

The 99 minute film has been restored and remixed, with 72 minutes of extra footage. The new footage includes Harrison and Bob Dylan rehearsing "If Not For You", with Ringo Starr on drums and tambourine. Harrison, Eric Clapton and Leon Russell are also seen doing a sound check in the arena, playing "Come On In My Kitchen". In addition, there is footage of Dylan playing "Love Minus Zero/No Limit" at the afternoon show.

Jonathan Clyde, who produced the new project, said the sound had been recorded on 16 tracks by Phil Spector, who was recruited by Harrison after they made his "All Things Must Pass" recording.

Olivia Harrison stated that George started working on remastering the sound in the summer of 2001. Unfortunately, he died in November of that year.

"Our work on it is just really a completion of something George had started," she said. "It's always emotional for me to watch him. It's his best ever performance."

Additional Comments: The need to upgrade to 70mm suggests that the film is being prepared for special presentations and/or a limited theatrical release. The UK Telegraph article states that the film is being released as an HD-DVD. Since HD-DVD players aren't available yet, I'm certain that a run of standard DVD copies is in order. However, I can see the rational in preparing the film for eventual HD-DVD release as a future consideration.

I expect there will be an extensive marketing push behind this project, making it a main archival project for Beatles fans in the fall of 2005. This is the likely explanation for the "Let It Be" DVD being pushed back to 2006.

The only bonus footage that I know of that's not specified in the Telegraph article is George's performance of "Hear Me Lord" during the afternoon concert. Hopefully, that's also included.

Related Article: Telegraph: Harrison's wife makes his film dream a reality .

Other News: The Journal News.com: Retooling 'Lennon' ; Mirror.co.uk: My Music Is Bad.. And I Dye My Hair - Sir Paul Comes Clean ; Mirror.co.uk: Abbey Days For Macca ; The Rock Radio: Flashback: The Beatles Help! premier ; Undercover: John Lennon Scrap Paper Sells for $1m ; Techdirt: Beatles Producer George Martin Upset That Apple Let The Riff Raff In ; RollingStone.com: The Week in Weird (3rd paragraph) ; Blogcritics.org: When I SEE A Working Class Hero, I'll Give Him Your Regards ; Times Union: Best brings taste of The Beatles to VanDyck .

July 29, 2005 - Paul McCartney In A "Storyteller's" Style Performance At Abbey Road Studio:

(Source: Beatlefan Bulletin)

Paul McCartney gave a two-hour concert at Abbey Road's famed Studio 2 Thursday (July 28) night before an intimate invited crowd of 68 people, including EMI and MPL staff, the two winners of the Radio 2 fan contest (who were forced to sign an agreement precluding them from reporting what was performed), producer Nigel Godrich and Heather.

Playing guitar and piano, McCartney performed 8 songs from his upcoming "Chaos and Creation in the Back Yard" album and hits from his past, including material he's never performed live before and reworkings of some old fan favorites.

He told lots of stories about his days at Abbey Road and even did some tracks along with an original four-track Studer machine from the studio to show how the numbers were recorded. He also had an original Beatles mellotron for a famous Beatle track. And he showed how the Radio 2 wine-glasses jingle version of "Band on the Run" was recorded live.

The concert is due to air Sept. 17 on BBC Radio 2's "Sold on Song," and was videotaped for possible TV broadcast and release as a DVD.

The evening included a listening of the new album (before Paul's performance), which our source reports sounds very organic and much like the "McCartney" album. The production and arrangements are very good, the source said, and even "Follow Me" sounds better than it did live at Glastonbury.

The two tracks that stood out were "Jenny Wren" and "English Tea," described as very funny, almost sounding like the Rutles.

The source confirmed that the album cover does feature the Mike McCartney photo of young Macca in his Forthlin Road back yard in Liverpool.

The Set List For Paul McCartney - "Sold On Song":

'Friends To Go'
'In Spite Of All The Danger'
'Twenty Flight Rock'
'Things We Said Today'
'Too Much Rain'
'How Kind Of You'
'Band On The Run'
'Fine Line'
'Lady Madonna'
'English Tea'
'Heartbreak Hotel'
'Jenny Wren'
'I've Got A Feeling'
'Follow Me'
'Blackbird'
Mellotron samples / 'Strawberry Fields Forever'
'Anyway'
'Jamming Track Finale'

The show is due to air in September. 'Chaos And Creation In The Backyard' will be released on September 12 via Parlophone.

Related Links: NME: Paul McCartney goes back to Abbey Road ; Yahoo! Music (Launch): Macca goes home .

Other News: BBC: Sir Paul hands out Bee Gee degree - press photo1 ; press photo2 ; FemaleFirst.co.uk: Status Quo Slam Paul McCartney ; ic Coventry: My steady career, by Beatles classmate ; Denver Post: Slick mags, Ringo and Duke ; CNN.com - Lennon lyrics fetch $1 million at auction ; Financial Times: Model determination .

TV Alert: WhatGoesOn.com- Beatles at the Hollywood Bowl on Los Angeles TV tonight .

A program on Pete Best will air on PBS in September as part of a week long series of programs about '60s music and culture. The following is an excerpt from the press release. The full press release can be read here .

BEST OF THE BEATLES
Wednesday and Thursday, September 28-29, 8:00-9:00 p.m. ET

The untold story of the world's most famous band's formative years is revealed for the first time by original Beatles drummer Pete Best, as he tells of his pivotal role in forming the Beatles and his survival of a very public nightmare. Viewers learn the truth about events in Liverpool and Hamburg at the time when the band was in the vanguard of popular music, and how it all went horribly wrong for Best, just as the Fab Four grasped the golden apple.

July 28, 2005 - NME: Exclusive - Paul McCartney teams up with Radiohead man ; Softpedia: Sir Paul McCartney Turned Romantic Date Into A Nightmare ; American Chronicle: Linda and Paul McCartney ; BBC - Radio 2 - Sold On Song - Song Library - Band On The Run ; Reuters: Lennon lyric sheet sells for $1 million - news photos - video clip ; RollingStone.com: Petty Tour Wins Big ; Grayslake Review: Music fest for youth center will feature Beatle's sister ; Telegraph: My father, my hero; my daughter, my joy ; The Victoria Advocate: Historian puts the Beatles, their world in perspective ; MaineToday: For Pete Best, life's fab on the road ; Waltham Forest Guardian: Beatle buzz for brothers at Live 8 ; Contact Music: George Martin Disapproves Of Modern Technology .

July 27, 2005 - Cover Photo For "Chaos And Creation In The Backyard":

A few web sites are posted the accompanying photo as the cover art for the new Paul McCartney album - which is now confirmed by EMI. Fans may recall this photo from Mike McCartney's "Remember" photo book from several years ago. (click on image for larger version)

The new album will be available in a CD only version and a limited edition "deluxe" version with DVD.

The new single "Fine Line" is also available for preview through http://www.paulmccartney.com . This version has better sound quality and is without the annoying "AOL First Listen" voiceover.

The following was sent in an e-mail from paulmccartney.com:

'Fine Line' is the first single to be released from Paul McCartney's forthcoming brand new studio album 'Chaos And Creation In The Back Yard'. 'Fine Line' will be released on the 29th of August.

You can listen to the whole track in full right now at www.paulmccartney.com/chaoscreation/ . The track is part of a special section that has been created to hold all the information and content that you could possibly need on Paul’s forthcoming album. The ‘Chaos and Creation Pinboard’ will include album clips, promo video clips, photos and artwork, interview clips, video footage, exclusive competitions and many more interactive tools.

To gain access to the Pinboard section you need to be signed up to the www.paulmccartney.com mailing list – if you have received this you are signed up already, so tell your friends or fellow Paul McCartney fans to sign up and get ready for all this fantastic forthcoming album content!

To listen to ‘Fine Line’ in full go to www.paulmccartney.com/chaoscreation/

'Chaos And Creation In The Back Yard' is released on September 12th

www.paulmccartney.com

Web Links: 7Online.com: Celebrating John Lennon In Song And Stage ; ic Birmingham.co.uk: Macca's letter to fan sells for £700 ; Contact Music: McCartney's text addiction ; M&C: Paul McCartney reveals how date went wrong ; ; Gigwise: Scissor Sisters Star Writes Song About Paul McCartney ; MediaGab: Revolver [UK] ; BBC NEWS: Lennon memorabilia up for auction ; Glasgow Daily Record: All You Need Is £600K ; Seattle Post-Intelligencer: AP - A&E: 'Lennon' pushes back its Broadway opening ; Broadway.com: Lennon Delays Broadway Opening Until August 14 ; BroadwayWorld; Lennon Moves Back Opening Date to August 14th ; Playbill News: Lennon Delays Broadway Opening to Aug. 14 for Changes and New Song ; Vaishnava News Network: George Harrison - "More Than My Disciple!" ; Liverpool Echo: City's Fab assignment .

July 26, 2005 - According to the Dutch Paul McCartney Fanclub web site, the CD-Maxi single for "Fine Line" also features "Comfort in Love" and "Growing Up Falling Down" (both non-album tracks) .

Web Links: BBC NEWS: Harrison 'aided' Sir Paul's song ; BBC - 6 Music: Macca possessed by George ; Daily Mail: Sir Paul's £1m sponsor ; The Sun: It's the return of the Mac ; The New Zealand Herald: Where did that come from? Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band ; BBC NEWS: Submarine docks at Lennon airport ; Bridlington Today: MP launches Beatles charity song ; BroadwayWorld: Photo Coverage: Lennon Cast Members Visit the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus ; Modern Guitars Magazine: Guitars Once Owned by Jimi Hendrix, George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Keith Richards, and Others to Be Auctioned .

July 25, 2005 - The track listing for "Peace, Love and Truth" (see July 22,2005 entry) has been posted at The Beatles Studios web site. Web Links: Macworld UK: McCartney agrees AOL music download deal ; Liverpool City Council: Buzzcocks fall in love with Mathew Street Festival ; Liverpool Echo: Buzzcocks join Stranglers in cult bands spectacular ; Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Swissvale native headed west, found success as guitarist ; Vaishnava News Network: George Harrison Is My Arch Angel ; Webindia123: Queen's Live Aid voted best rock concert ever .

July 24, 2005 - Radio Alert: On Tuesday, July 26 (7:30 - 930am GMT / 2:30 - 4:30am ET), Paul will be on BBC Radio 2's "Breakfast Show" hosted by Johnnie Walker. Listen to the program live or listen to it archived online for the next week.

Video Link: Broadway World: View LENNON Today Show Performance on MSNBC.com - the actual video link - LENNON: Today Show Performance .

TV Alert: PBS - Soundstage: Ringo Starr & the Roundheads with special guest Colin Hay premieres on August 25, 2005.

Web Links: Edmonton Sun: Inside the Beatles ; Edmonton Sun: Rolan jonesin' on rock 'n' rollin' Bolan ; The Sunday Times: Yoko’s Lennon musical stirs a mistress attack ; Contact Music: Lennon jacket to raise a fortune ; The Westerly Sun: They're still 'believers' .

July 22, 2005 - Next Monday, July 25th, EMI is releasing a John Lennon compilation titled "Peace, Love and Truth". For now, the album is being released exclusively in Hong Kong. Very little is known re. track listing, etc. Available details - including cover art and advertising - are posted on "The Beatles Studio" web site.

The July 14th issue of "Hello!" magazine (No. 875) has impressive coverage of "Live 8", including lots of backstage photos.

The new Paul McCartney single "Fine Line" has been rescheduled for release on August 29th (UK) and August 30 (US). Meanwhile, "Fine Line" is set to debut on the web next Tuesday, July 26th on AOL's "First Listen".

Press Release: July 22, 2005 12:08 PM US Eastern Timezone

Paul McCartney Debuts New Single, ''Fine Line,'' as AOL(R) Music First Listen on Tuesday, July 26; New Album, Chaos And Creation In The Back Yard, Arrives In Stores September 13

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 22, 2005--Marking the end of a nearly four-year hiatus since his last studio recording, Paul McCartney is preparing for the September 13 release of Chaos And Creation In The Back Yard - and only AOL(R) Music has the first single, "Fine Line." The song will debut as part of AOL Music's First Listen program on Tuesday, July 26. Fans can listen to "Fine Line" on the Web at www.aolmusic.com beginning Tuesday at 12:01 AM EST. It will be available exclusively at AOL Music for 24 hours before anywhere else.

Following 2001's platinum-selling Driving Rain, Chaos And Creation In The Back Yard, which was produced by Nigel Godrich (who has produced for Radiohead and Beck), is McCartney's 20th studio recording since parting with The Beatles. The album is a return to basics for the renowned musician, successfully fusing his incomparable song writing talents with his unparalleled musicianship. Featuring sonically robust songs, Chaos And Creation In The Back Yard is a melange of up-tempo piano driven classics and introspective darker tracks resulting in a strikingly intricate and meaningful album. The album's release will coincide with the September 16 launch of McCartney's new 37-city US tour.

The AOL Music First Listen program offers exclusive world premieres of new songs by the biggest names in music before they are available anywhere else. Since the program launch in January 2002, fans on AOL Music have been the first to hear songs from top artists across musical genres, including Bruce Springsteen, Usher, Coldplay, Christina Aguilera, Dave Matthews Band, Kenny Chesney, Destiny's Child, Britney Spears and more. AOL Music First Listen is available for free on the web at www.aolmusic.com.

AOL Music is the leading online destination for music, reaching more than 25.9 million music fans a month* through a rich array of programming, products and services that make it easy to discover, experience, listen to and buy music online. AOL Music's offerings include original programs such as AOL Music Sessions, AOL Music LIVE! and AOL Music Breakers, and special features such as First Listen and First View. They are available through aolmusic.com, the AOL Music Channel, the AOL(R) Radio Network, Netscape(R) Music, CompuServe(R) Music, AIM(R) Music, ICQ(R) Music, Winamp(R) and SHOUTcast(R) services. Integrated commerce options make it easy for consumers to purchase the music they hear on AOL Music through MusicNet@AOL, iTunes on AOL, AOL's CD/DVD shop and AOL's Entertainment for Mobile store.

About America Online, Inc.

America Online, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Time Warner Inc. Based in Dulles, Virginia, America Online is the world's leader in interactive services, Web brands, Internet technologies and e-commerce services.

* comScore Media Metrix, June 2005
 
Web Links: Bloomberg.com: John Lennon Lyric, Memorabilia May Fetch $3.5 Million in London ; Softpedia: Paul McCartney In The 'Guinness Book of Records' ; Billboard: 'Long John' Baldry Dies At 64 .

July 21, 2005 - FOXNews.com: 'Lennon,' the Yoko Musical, Needs 'Help!' ; BBC - 6 Music - Macca multi-tasks ; Chicago Daily Herald: Arcada rocks way back - Wings members, Beatles tribute fill seats for return ; Toledo Blade: Quartet re-creates the Beatles sounds ; CBC Arts: BBC's free Beethoven tracks rack up 1.4M downloads .

July 20, 2005 - NME.com: Macca/U2 Live8 opener is a record breaker! ; TeenMusic.com: Sgt Pepper's At Live 8 Is Fastest Selling Download - update - CBBC Newsround: Elton John tops download charts ; Liverpool Echo: Lennon's childhood is brought to life ; New York Daily News: Sid Bernstein's blues (2nd item); Yorkshire Post Today: Change of pitch for a musical maestro .

July 19, 2005 - News 24: Liverpool remembers Lennon ; Daily Post: Unseen remnants of Lennon's Liverpool life go on show in old home ; Chicago Daily Herald: Arcada restarts with nod to Beatle ; National Post: Late Show bandleader Paul Shaffer to host benefit gig in NYC ; Beliefnet.com: 'Gods Of Rock' - An interview with veteran rock journalist Anthony DeCurtis .

July 18, 2005 - Radio previews of the new Paul McCartney album "Chaos and Creation in the Backyard" are beginning to emerge. A descriptive track listing at the following link indicates that we have much to look forward to on September 13th: 102.9 MGK - Classic Rock (scroll to the very bottom of the page).

Other News: BBC NEWS | UK | England | Merseyside | Lennon items on show at old home ; Playbill News: Lennon Musical Broadway Cast Perform on "The Today Show," July 19 ; Contact Music: Beatles Revisit Baseball Park ; Rocky Mountain News: On Stage: Seasoned 'Pepper' .

July 17, 2005 - Fosters: The Beatle Generation - For a brief moment in time, John, Paul, George and Ringo might have been the center of the universe ; Kane County Chronicle: Band full of fun - Wings member remembers experiences with Sir Paul McCartney ; North Jersey Media Group: Lennon's post-Beatle quest ; Broadway World: LENNON to Perform on The Today Show 7/19 ; Henley-on-Line: Beatle widow turns down memorial ; VNN Editorial: George Harrison And Initiation ; The Observer: Who's the guy in the funny glasses? ; Billboard Music Chart News: 'He Taught The Band To Play' ; All Headline News: Beatles "Let It Be" Film Coming To DVD ; News Times Live.com: Beatlemania lives on in Ives series ; RollingStone.com: In Brief: Common, Beatles ; The Rock Radio: New Clapton single available online .

July 15, 2005 - Pre-order the upcoming Paul McCartney single "Fine Line" (to be released on August 2nd): Amazon.ca: Music: Fine Line [IMPORT] [CD-SINGLE] ; Amazon.com: Music: Fine Line [CD-SINGLE] [IMPORT] . 

News Briefs: New York Daily News: Imagine no longer ; CapeGazette.com: John Lennon art: originals or copies-you be the judge ; Delaware Beachcomber: Three-day exhibit of John Lennon's artwork to benefit chamber's Destination Station ; The Weston Mercury: Yesterday, I was Presley - today I am Lennon .

July 14, 2005 - HoustonChronicle: Yoko Ono readies Lennon projects . The previous article doesn't give specifics but here's "a clue for you all": CBC.ca: Britain-EMI: EMI says Coldplay, Gorillaz albums pushed up revenues, operating profits - "The company also expects to release albums this year from artists including Robbie Williams, Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, Bonnie Raitt, Goldfrapp, Iron Maiden and Kate Bush. It also plans a greatest hits project marking the 65th anniversary of the birth of John Lennon."

Other News: GetOut Magazine: Gallery shows rock's Starr ; Delaware Coast Press: Yoko Ono brings Lennon's work to Rehoboth ; Hindustan Times: Michael's stalker turns Lennon's killer! ; FOX 12 OREGON: Wurld Media Announces That KOCH Records Will Provide Their Catalog For Sale On Peer Impact ; Billboard: Cowboy Junkies Channel 'Blues' On New Album . Beatles At Shea Stadium - 40th Anniversary Event: StrawberryFields- TheTribute.com .

July 13, 2005 - The Sun: Sir Paul's Beatles wish ; CBBC Newsround: Live 8 track tops download chart ; Daily Post: Best beats the drum for Fab Four mania ; BBC NEWS: Ringo's home escapes demolition ; CANOE -- JAM! Music: Beatles breakup film due on DVD ; Melbourne Herald Sun: Baby, you can't start my car! ; PopMatters: Paul McCartney in Red Square ; The Daily Telegraph: Jackson sued for $64 million .

July 12, 2005 - E! Online: McCartney Spreads Wings ; Sify.com: Geldof moved to tears by McCartney-Bono Live 8 ; The Rock Radio: New McCartney album "for himself" ; The Sun: Paul: Shove, shove me do ; Chicago Sun-Times:Face time with Rick Springfield ; BBC NEWS: Honorary CBE for composer Davis ; BBC: Paul McCartney Competition ; E! Online: Jackson's Big Beatles Headache ; Times Of India: Ravi Shankar's strings snap .

July 11, 2005 - Daily Post: Beatles tourism trail could bring a £12m fab fortune ; Daily Post: Yellow Submarine has surfaced in a new home ; AP: Jackson Sued Over Beatles Library Finances ; Contact Music: Priceless guitars rescued from Hard Rock Cafe blaze .

July 10, 2005 - Upcoming Book: "Lennon Revealed" By Larry Kane

Description: John Lennon-working class hero, rebel with a cause, citizen of the world. He would have been 65 this year.

A quarter of a century after his death, the questions remain: what was John Lennon really like, what drove him to the heights of creativity and the depths of despair, and why do his music and message still resonate for millions around the world? Now acclaimed broadcast journalist and author Larry Kane uncovers the mysteries of Lennon's life and implodes the myths surrounding it. Kane definitely has the right credentials for the job. He was the only American reporter who traveled in the Beatles' official entourage to every stop on their history-making first American tours, and he stayed in touch with Lennon until an assassin ended the former Beatle's life.

Lennon Revealed is filled with revelations about John Lennon's path from public glory to personal destruction, and ultimately to the inspiring rebirth that defines a triumph of the spirit. Drawing on extensive personal accounts and extraordinary new interviews with more than 50 confidants and experts-most notably, with Yoko Ono-Kane brings the reader closer than ever to the man who, in life and in death, has had a singular impact on humanity. Kane also provides stunning new information about Lennon's relationships with Ono, his childhood soulmate Stuart Sutcliffe, his lover May Pang, and Beatles manager Brian Epstein. The book includes an exclusive DVD featuring the final filmed interview with Lennon and Paul McCartney, conducted by Larry Kane in 1968. Brief clips from this famous interview have appeared in just a few places, including the official documentary Imagine

About the Author
Larry Kane, "the dean of Philadelphia television news anchors," has had a 45-year career as a TV journalist covering almost every facet of American life and major world events. But it is the time he spent with the Beatles that remains most memorable, and he told that story to great critical and commercial acclaim in Ticket to Ride (Running Press), which has sold more than 55,000 copies.

Product Details

    * Hardcover: 304 pages
    * Publisher: Running Press Book Publishers (October 30, 2005)
    * Language: English
    * ISBN: 0762423641

More Upcoming Books: As expected, this fall will see the release of many John Lennon / Beatles related publications. The following is a representative listing of what we can expect: Amazon.com: Books: 'John Lennon : The New York Years' by Bob Gruen ; Amazon.com: Books: 'The Art and Music of John Lennon' by Peter Doggett ; Amazon.com: Books: 'John Lennon : All I Want is the Truth' by Elizabeth Partridge ; Amazon.com: Books: 'Life: Remembering John Lennon : 25 Years Later' by LIFE MAGAZINE EDITORS ; Amazon.com: Books: 'John' by Cynthia Lennon ; Amazon.com: Books: 'John Lennon : In His Own Words' by Ken Lawrence ; Amazon.com: Books: 'John Lennon: Nothing's Gonna Change My World' by The Associated Press ; Amazon.com: Books: 'Memories of John Lennon' by Yoko Ono .

Other Titles Of Interest:


Accompanying Photo: "Concert For George" (trade edition) by Chronicle Books.

Amazon.com: Books: 'Concert for George' (trade edition) by by Chronicle Books LLC, Olivia Harrison (Editor), Brian Roylance (Editor) .

Amazon.com: Books: High in the Clouds by Paul McCartney, Geoff Dunbar, Philip Ardagh .

Amazon.com: Books: 'The Beatles : The Biography' by Bob Spitz ; Amazon.com: Books: The Beatles: 365 Days by Simon Wells .

---

News Briefs: The Delaware News Journal: The power of Lennon's pen ; Lexington Herald-Leader: Beatles' Kentucky connection makes visit to see birth of it all ; Booth Bay Register: Former Beatle To Perform At Opera House July 30  ; Contact Music: Starr Slams McCartney For Not Inviting Him To Live 8 ; Contact Music: Jackson Urged To Donate Live 8 Profits .

July 9, 2005 - BBC NEWS | UK | England | Merseyside | Yellow Submarine moves to airport .

July 8, 2005 - Press Release - from www.paulmccartney.com :

PAUL McCARTNEY SET TO RELEASE FIRST NEW STUDIO ALBUM IN FOUR YEARS

"CHAOS AND CREATION IN THE BACK YARD" IN RECORD STORES SEPTEMBER 12TH*

"Chaos And Creation In The Back Yard," Paul McCartney's 20th studio recording since The Beatles, marks an end to a nearly four-year hiatus since his last studio recording, 2001's platinum certified "Driving Rain." The new 13-track album is co-produced by Nigel Godrich (Radiohead, Travis and Beck) and McCartney, and was recorded in London and Los Angeles over the course of the past two years. Its release coincides with the September 16th launch of McCartney's all new 37-city "US" Tour, his fastest selling concert tour ever.

"Chaos And Creation In The Back Yard" is a return to the basics for McCartney. The album successfully fuses his undeniable song writing talents with his unparalleled musicianship. In fact, McCartney is credited with playing the majority of the instruments on the album, which is somewhat reminiscent of "McCartney" (1970) when he was credited with playing all of the instruments. They include the drums, guitar, bass, keyboards, as well as many of the less traditional instruments such as block flute, harmonium and flugelhorn.

"Chaos And Creation In The Back Yard" is a mix of up-tempo piano driven McCartney instant classics such as 'Fine Line' and 'Promise To You Girl' and more introspective darker tracks such as 'At The Mercy,' 'Too Much Rain' and 'Riding To Vanity Fair.' One of the many highlights is a track entitled, 'Jenny Wren,' which Paul describes as "daughter of Blackbird," as well as 'Follow Me,' which McCartney debuted at The Glastonbury Festival, while on his '04 Summer European Tour.

But "Chaos And Creation In The Back Yard" would not have been either if not for the suggestion of now legendary Beatles producer Sir George Martin. Familiar with Nigel's credentials and with his published desire to work with an established artist, Paul made the call that finally put the two together in the studio. The collaboration seemed
an unlikely one and thus the rumors began. What type of album was McCartney making?

"I did not want to rush this album," said McCartney, who despite repeated inquiries, touring commitments and pressure from his record label, managed to maintain his focus. "I think it was worth the wait though. The music became more interesting over time and I'm really proud of what we did."

The results are evident throughout. The songs are sonically robust, the instrumentation and orchestration first rate and the chemistry between Paul and Nigel apparent. The album has an organic feel reminiscent of Paul's first solo release, "McCartney," (1970) and some of The Beatles later recordings.

"We really made a lot of it up as we went along," added McCartney. "I'd try something and if it didn't work I'd try something else until it did. It was like making a go-cart in the backyard."

"When Paul and I got together we had a common goal," said Godrich. "We wanted to make a great album that was true to Paul. I think that's exactly what we did."

Full Tracklisting - "Chaos And Creation In The Back Yard"

Fine Line 3:05
How Kind Of You 4:47
Jenny Wren 3:47
At The Mercy 2:38
Friends To Go 2:43
English Tea 2:12
Too Much Rain 3:24
A Certain Softness 2:42
Riding To Vanity Fair 5:07
Follow Me 2:31
Promise To You Girl 3:10
This Never Happened Before 3:26
Anyway 3:50

Total Running Time: 46:54

*September 12th refers to the UK release date. The North American release date is September 13th.

Related Links: Billboard: McCartney Conjures 'Chaos' On 20th Solo Album ; Chart Attack: Paul McCartney Returns To His Back Yard For New LP .

Other News: BBC NEWS: Beatle's birthplace gets reprieve ; Toronto Sun: Noel Gallagher seeing Starrs ; Toronto Sun: Ringo Starr, 65, not ready to retire - this article includes Ringo's comments on "Live 8" and his upcoming plans, including an All-Star tour for 2006 and a hint of future Beatles releases .

"Live 8" will be rebroadcast by MTV and VH1 without interruption on July 9th: Contact Music: MTV and VH1 to rebroadcast Live 8 after criticism .

July 7, 2005 - Ringo Starr turns 65 today: London Free Press: Music Notes - "A Starr Is Born" ; Daily Post: Battle to save Beatle's home still rages ; Broadway World: LENNON Begins Previews Tonight, July 7th Opens August 4th ; Playbill News: All We Are Saying...: New Bio-Musical Lennon Starts on Broadway July 7 ; Washington Times: Rocking Red Square with McCartney ; 13WHAM-TV Rochester: Vocal Groups Honored In New Jersey ; Nashville City Paper: TPAC festival honors the Fab Four ; New Statesman: All you need is love .

July 6, 2005 - Paul McCartney.com: Paul features on Ray Charles tribute album ; FOXNews.com: iTunes Gets the Beatles ; Mirror.co.uk: GIVE 8 ; Chicago Tribune: McCartney's Live 8 victory ; femalefirst.co.uk: Paul McCartney Album Battles ; femalefirst.co.uk: Beatle Madonna ; Canada.com: McCartney, Dion, Lavigne donate to minefield charity to raise funds . Online Chat Transcript: MSN Live presents Ringo Starr  .

Upcoming Book: "Here, There, and Everywhere: A Legacy of Sound, Music, and The Beatles" by Geoff Emerick
Publisher: Gotham Books ;  ISBN: 1592401791
Release Date: March 16, 2006 (as listed on amazon).

Engineer Geoff Emerick Solidifies Book Deal On His Work With The Beatles

New York, NY- William Shinker, Senior Vice President and Publisher of Gotham Books, an imprint of Penguin Group (USA), announced today Gotham Books has acquired the World English rights to Here, There, and Everywhere: A Legacy of Sound, Music, and The Beatles by legendary sound engineer Geoff Emerick and well respected music journalist Howard Massey.

Geoff Emerick began working with The Beatles at Abbey Road studios at the age of 15-and from age 19 on was the chief recording engineer for the band, in charge of the recording of such seminal albums as Revolver, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, and Abbey Road. Emerick's book will bring to life the creative process of the band in the studio and reveal never-before-told stories of the groundbreaking recording techniques he pioneered to give them their unique sound. He will also tell why he quit his position in the midst of the contentious White Album sessions, and how they asked him to return to work with them on Abbey Road-and give insight into his post-Beatles recording career, including working on "Band On The Run" with Paul McCartney & Wings.

Emerick was the recording genius behind the board for The Beatles' most adventurous tracks, and helped the band achieve the experimental sounds that are the hallmarks of their most enduring songs. Since the breakup of The Beatles, Emerick has forged an active career as an engineer and producer, winning four Grammys in the process. He has worked extensively with Paul McCartney, as well as other major artists such as Elvis Costello, Art Garfunkel, Badfinger, America, and Jeff Beck. Costello has committed to write a foreword for the book.

Coauthor Howard Massey is a veteran music journalist who has written eleven books and hundreds of feature articles and reviews for such publications as Billboard, Blender, and EQ.

Brendan Cahill, an Editor at Gotham Books, said, "We're tremendously excited to be publishing Geoff Emerick's book. He's a living legend in the world of music, and this book will give new insight into the creation of the most unforgettable songs by the most beloved-band the world has ever known."

Geoff Emerick said, "I'm proud the work I did with The Beatles has stood the test of time. Now I feel it's time to tell my story, not only to provide a glimpse into the inner sanctum of the recording studio, but to shine a light on the incredible creativity that fueled those great records. I was privileged to be a part of this journey, and I'm delighted that Gotham Books will be giving me the opportunity to share my experiences with the reading public."

July 5, 2005 - Contact Music: McCartney challenged by new album's producer ; Billboard: eBay Removes Pirated Live 8 DVDs ; BBC NEWS: 'Sgt Pepper' top under the hammer ; Daily Post: Lennon's Sgt Pepper tunic going under the hammer ; The Register-Guard: Performer Did His Bit For Beatle Lore ; ITV: Stardust guitar valued at £600,000 ; Newsday: Art show goes back down a long and winding road .

July 4, 2005 - Ananova: McCartney reveals new album title ; Contact Music: McCartney foolishly believed Super Bowl weather report ; femalefirst.co.uk: Sir Paul McCartney's busking admission ; Daily Mail: Battle of the backstage egos ; Computing - News: Live 8 downloads already breaking records ; Digital-Lifestyles: iTunes Live8 McCartney/U2 Track Fast Release ; Dotmusic: Macca sets download record ; Newsday.com (AP): London Live 8's 'Hey Jude' Finale Offered ; Guardian: Caught between the devil and the deep red sea ; Evening Mail: Why Heather missed Live 8 ; UTV: Lennon's 'other woman' blasts Yoko ; New Kerala: Ringo Starr builds a new home to avoid taxes ; The Sydney Morning Herald: Singers' album sales soar after mega-gig ; IOL: Pink Floyd ride the gravy train ; Rikks Revues: Live Aid - 20 Years Ago Today DVD ; IOL: Queen are top albums act . We All Live in an Underground Garage!: 'Little Steven's Underground Garage' radio show - Episode 170 - Ringo Starr .

July 3, 2005 - "Live 8" - The Day After Reaction: Undercover: Sir Paul McCartney starts and ends Live 8 ; RollingStone.com: McCartney, U2 Rock Live 8 ; Contact Music: Bono proud to perform Sgt Pepper alongside McCartney ; Contact Music: McCartney Makes Histroy With Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band ; Contact Music: Geldof Tears Over Bono Performance ; The Sunday Times: It wasn't all for show, this was real music ; Sunday Mirror: Delighted Sir Bob pulls it off ; BBC NEWS: Live 8 prompts rapturous response ; Mail & Guardian: Live 8 rocks the globe ; Sunday Mirror: Hearts of gold ; Scotsman.com: Bono seizes his moment of history ; icWales: Gr8test show on earth ; MTV: Jay-Z, U2, Madonna, Pink Floyd Deliver Live 8 Highlights ; JAM! Music: Best moments of Live 8 ; Edmonton Journal: 'This Is Our Chance' ; Newswatch 50: Live 8 Concerts Draw Huge Audience ; RedNova News: Your Band-By-Band Guide in Your Souvenir Magazine ; NetNewsAsia.com: Give pop stars a chance (editorial) ; Christian Today: Live 8 a Huge Success as Pressure Builds on G8 to Change the World ; ; The Sydney Morning Herald: Act now or it's genocide . Photos: BBC - The Live 8 Event - Photos from on stage at Hyde Park ; BBC - The Live 8 Event - Backstage at Live 8 in Hyde Park . Downloads: LIVE8 Downloads .

Other News: The Leaf Chronicle: Beatles fans psyched up for 'Fab Four' festival ; Fosters: Yoko Ono discusses art exhibit on war and peace .

July 2, 2005 - TV Alert: "Paul McCartney Backstage - Super Bowl XXXIX" - Sunday, July 3rd at 9 p.m.(ET) on the NFL Network.

"Live 8" - How To Help - Petition Link: LIVE 8 - The LIVE 8 List . To view video rebroadcasts of the day's performances: AOL Music: LIVE 8 on AOL - Get Concert, Performers and Advocacy Information .

Web Link: NME: Paul McCartney brings curtain down on London leg of Live8 .

Paul and his band were the last act to perform at the "Live 8" London concert.  They performed  "Get Back" ; "Drive My Car" (with George Michael) ; "Helter Skelter" ; "The Long and Winding Road" which led into the finale of "Hey Jude" during which Paul and the band were joined by Bob Geldof and all of the day's participants. Paul and his band were great and fortunately, there were no microphone malfunctions this time!













LONDON, July 2 /PRNewswire/ -- The historic opening of today's Live 8 concert in London - U2 and Sir Paul McCartney collaborating on the Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" - has been rush-released worldwide by Universal Music Group as a digital download, for sale an hour after its performance on the Hyde Park stage.

The unique recording is available to buy through more than 200 online music stores and services in 30 countries, including www.Live8Live.com, and the proceeds from the download sales are being donated to Live 8.

"Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" is thought to be the fastest-ever worldwide commercial download release from a major music event. It has been achieved by the co-operation of the artists, the Live 8 organisation and the event's broadcasters, working with the Universal Music technology team and dozens of online music outlets. Guinness World Records is closely monitoring this aspect of Live 8, to see if the achievement qualifies for a Guinness World Records seal of approval.

Music fans have an opportunity to set a world record of their own, by buying the downloadable "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" more than any other track previously released online. The recording will not be available in physical form.

Immediately after its performance today, "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" was transmitted by satellite to the BBC Television Centre in London, and relayed to UK broadcaster Capital Radio. A direct digital recording was captured there for Universal Music, which edited, mastered and transmitted the track to its production centre in Hanover, Germany. The final master was sent to the company's global electronic distribution warehouse in the US, followed by real-time delivery to online retailers around the world, for sale as the first Live 8 download.

Related Links: The Globe and Mail: True Live 8 experience is on the Net ; IOL: Live 8 opener rushed out on general release ; The Sun Online - News: Live 8 single released ; National Post: Live 8 rocks the globe with concerts from Tokyo to Johannesburg to Barrie ; NME: Beatles legend kicks off Live 8 ; M&C: Paul McCartney kicks off London Live 8 concert ; The Rundown: McCartney and U2 kick off London Live8 gig ; Web User: Get the best of Live8 online - Web User News ; A+E Interactive: REVIEW: LIVE 8 first 20 minutes. .

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McCartney, U2 Kick Off Massive Live 8 Show
By JILL LAWLESS, Associated Press Writer

LONDON - Paul McCartney and U2 rocked London's Hyde Park with a rousing performance of "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" on Saturday to kick off the main event in the Live 8 extravaganza rolling around the globe from Tokyo to Johannesburg.

A thunderous roar erupted from the crowd of 150,000 as McCartney and U2's Bono belted out the first line: "It was 20 years ago today ..." — a nod to the mammoth Live Aid concerts that raised millions for African famine relief two decades ago.

Musicians and fans were gathering in 10 cities worldwide for a global music marathon to raise awareness of African poverty and to pressure world leaders to do something about it at the Group of Eight summit in Scotland next week.

Bono, dressed in black and wearing his trademark wraparound shades, wrapped the crowd around his finger, getting tens of thousands to sing along to the anthemic "One" and "Beautiful Day." The crowd cheered as white doves were released overhead.

"So this is our moment. This is our time. This is our chance to stand up for what's right," Bono said. "We're not looking for charity, we're looking for justice. We cannot fix every problem, but the ones we can, we must."

After a brief delay — testament to the complexities of the eight-hour extravaganza — Coldplay soothed the crowd with their hit "In My Place."

The musical marathon started in Japan, where Bjork and Good Charlotte joined local bands for a concert that failed to generate much interest in Asia's only G-8 nation.

It rolled on to Johannesburg, South Africa, where thousands of people — some in brightly colored beaded skirts, others wearing jeans and talking on cell phones — jumped, danced and waved signs demanding "trade justice" and "give us food."

German crowd-pleasers Die Toten Hosen kicked off Berlin's Live 8 concert, electrifying the crowd with a string of power anthems while reminding revelers that helping Africa stood above the music.

"This is no rock concert, it's a reminder about next Wednesday," singer Campino told the crowds, referring to next week's meeting of the leaders of the wealthy G-8 nations to debate ways to lift African nations out of poverty.

Besides London, Berlin and Tokyo, concerts also were being held in cities in the other G-8 countries — Philadelphia, Paris, Rome, Toronto and Moscow.

The concert in Johannesburg and a concert featuring African artists in southwestern England were organized after criticism that African artists had been left out of the Live 8 concerts, despite the event's aim to raise awareness of the continent's plight.

"Africans are involved in helping Africa, which doesn't happen too often," Cameroonian singer Coco Mbassi said before the concert at the Eden Project, the world's largest greenhouse in southwestern England.

"We're presenting a different image of Africa — showing that Africa has good things to give," Mbassi said.

In an open letter to the G-8 leaders, which appeared in several British newspapers Saturday, Geldof said the summit will disappoint the world if it fails to deliver an extra $25 billion in aid to Africa.

"We will not applaud half-measures, or politics as usual. This must be a historic breakthrough," the letter says. "Today there will be noise and music and joy, the joy of exuberant possibility. On Friday (the end of the summit) there will be great silence as the world awaits your verdict. Do not disappoint us. Do not create a generation of cynics."

In Tokyo, Icelandic singer Bjork made her first live performance in two years. But the crowd of 10,000 people was only half of what the hall in the Tokyo suburb of Makuhari was capable of holding.

"People are willing to go out of their way, because we believe passionately in what this is about," said Bjork. "Just the acknowledgment of the problem is an important step."

In Hyde Park, organizers and police geared up for one of the biggest outdoor events ever held in Britain. More than 150,000 people had tickets for the free show, with another 55,000 expected to watch on giant screens in the park.

Thousands of fans streamed into Hyde Park two hours before the start of the show — some hedging against the unpredictable British weather by wearing both sun hats and raincoats.

London concertgoer Tula Contostavlos, 19, said she was there to see Mariah Carey — and to send a political message.

"Obviously some people are here for just music, but they're forgetting what's important and what they're here for, why we're doing this," she said.

Organizers say 2 million people may attend the concerts and claim 85 percent of the world's population will have access to a television, radio or Internet broadcast of the day's events.

A complex broadcasting operation was feeding footage of the concerts to networks including the British Broadcasting Corp. — which was devoting more than 12 hours on its main TV channels to the event — and MTV.

The lineups were eclectic: Destiny's Child, The Dave Matthews Band, Bon Jovi, Stevie Wonder, P. Diddy and Jay-Z in Philadelphia; Brian Wilson, Chris de Burgh and Green Day in Berlin; Neil Young, Bryan Adams and Motley Crue in Barrie, north of Toronto; McFly in Tokyo; the Pet Shop Boys in Moscow; Goth-rockers The Cure and Senegalese superstar Youssou N'Dour in Paris.

The artists, playing for free, were heeding Geldof's call to urge world leaders to double aid, cancel debt and rework unfair trade laws to lift African nations out of poverty.

Few doubt it will be a memorable day, not least the ever-voluble Geldof.

"It's Bob Dylan, 'The Times They Are A-Changin' — they've changed," Geldof told an audience of young people at an MTV taping Thursday. "The answer isn't blowing in the wind, it's called the Commission for Africa. There's nothing that you do that can't be done."
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On the Net: http://www.live8live.com

Press Photo Links: Yahoo! - LIVE 8 - Press Photo Slideshow ; Yahoo! Photo Search Results for Paul McCartney ; Yahoo! Photo Search Results for Live 8 .

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Live 8 warms up as McCartney rocks London
By Paul Majendie and Kate Holton

LONDON (Reuters) - Paul McCartney and U2's Bono fired up a huge London crowd with "Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" on Saturday for the anti-poverty crusade, Live 8, the biggest music event ever staged.

Starting the show with the familiar lyrics: "It was 20 years ago today," ex-Beatle McCartney harked straight back to the 1985 Live Aid concerts.

Back then, a new standard in fund-raising was achieved by organizer Bob Geldof to help the victims of Ethiopia's famine.