2003 was a year that started with “Let It Be” related hype and ended with the release of a revised “Let It Be” album.
In early January, 500 Beatles tapes stolen in the 1970s were recovered after police cracked a piracy racket. The tapes were original reels from the "Get Back" sessions. This news kicked off media speculation on whether this discovery would benefit a proposed “Let It Be” reissue on DVD. On November 18th, “Let It Be ... Naked” was released on CD. While not a bad album by any means, the end result hardly justified the media hype that preceded it’s release. As of yet, the film still remains unissued, although in an "Entertainment Weekly" interview, “Let It Be” director Michael Lindsey-Hogg commented on it’s DVD release sometime in 2004 (or 2005....).
January
Paul McCartney's "Vanilla Sky" was nominated for a Grammy in the "Best Song Written for a Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media."
UK’s “Beatles Monthly” fan journal ceases publication.
“Ed Sullivan Presents The Beatles” featuring 4 complete Sullivan shows is granted a limited mail order release on DVD via the internet. There was an anticipated “cease and desist” from Apple which boosted initial sales. Apple sanctioned this release and subsequently, a retail release was arranged nine months later.
In late January, Ringo provides details on his upcoming “Ringo Rama” album, including comments on his tribute song to George Harrison, “Never Without You” and his upcoming All-Starr Band tour.
"The Beatles: A Long and Winding Road" is broadcast on Canada’s “Star! TV” over five consecutive nights from January 27th - 31st.
February
The Beatles are the cover story of the February 20th issue of Rolling Stone magazine (RS 916) in an article about the recently recovered "Let It Be" tape reels. In the same issue, Ringo comments on the upcoming "Let It Be" release on CD and DVD. There is also a brief mention of the release of "The Beatles Anthology" on DVD which will include bonus interview and jam footage with Paul, George and Ringo.
Phil Spector is arrested for murder.
John Lennon’s childhood home is opened to the general public.
For the 2nd time this year, police recover stolen Beatles tapes. The
tapes were recovered by Australian authorities after detectives and
pirate
music investigators raided a home in western Sydney. In this instance,
the reel-to-reel tapes are believed to be stolen masters from the
"Abbey
Road" album and "The Beatles" (a.k.a. "The White Album").
Ringo's "Never Without You" is released to radio on February 17th.
Yoko celebrates her 70th birthday.
An official announcement of Paul McCartney's European tour plans was issued on February 18th. Paul also releases the European edition of his "Live 2002" CD. The set, retitled "Back in the World," features songs that did not appear on "Back in the US." including "She's Leaving Home," "Calico Skies, "Michelle," and "Let 'Em In." Paul also uses the opportunity to officially announce the release of “The Beatles Anthology” on DVD and comments on the “McCartney-Lennon” credit switch .
Ringo Starr and Mark Hudson announce the formation of their new label, pumkinhead . The first release is Liam Lynch's 'United States of Whatever' .
Paul McCartney raises $1 million for Adopt-A-Minefield by performing 19 songs at a private birthday party
March
On March 11th, the bonus footage of "The Beatles Anthology" DVD has it's world premiere at the New York Library for the Performing Arts.
Jeff Lynne posts a message on the ELO "Face The Music" website regarding his role in the upcoming "Concert For George" DVD
On March 18th, “The Beatles - Long And Winding Road” documentary which was aired in Canada in late January is released on DVD. This unauthorized set contained no actual Beatles music and the timing of it’s release was bound to cause confusion with the release of “The Beatles Anthology” DVD which was finally set release for April 1st.
"Playback: An Illustrated Memoir" by George Martin is published by Genesis Publications. The book includes forwards by Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr.
An interview with Ringo in the "Toronto Star" newspaper covers his "Ringo Rama" album, the "Concert For George" DVD, "The Beatles Anthology" DVD release and the "Let It Be" reissue (among other things).
During a 30 minute webcast held on March 19th, Paul announces plans to perform at Moscow's Red Square on May 24th. It will be the first time Paul has ever performed in Russia.
On the same day, Ringo announces his All-Starr Band tour itinerary.
Ringo’s “Ringo Rama” album is released on March 25th.
Also on March 25th, Paul McCartney's European Tour begins in Paris and he announces a free concert for half a million fans in Rome. However, he was told to keep the volume down, when in Rome, for fear of disturbing the aging Pope.
Promotion begins for “The Beatles Anthology” DVD set.
Ringo is interviewed by “Rolling Stone” magazine. During this candid interview, he criticizes Paul McCartney for the songwriting credit switch.
April
Beginning April 5th, Paul McCartney performs his first set of UK concerts in 10 years.
April 8th - Julian Lennon's 40th birthday.
A new All-Starr Band live CD (“Extended Versions”) was quietly released in the US on April 9th.
On April 12th, Ringo's "Ringo Rama" debuted at #6 on the "Top Independent Albums Chart" ("Koch Records" being classified as an independent label). "Ringo Rama" did less well on Billboard's "Top 200 Album Chart" debuting at #113 - with sales of 8,957 units .
In the April 19th issue of "Billboard", "The Beatles Anthology" DVD set debuted at #1 on the "Top Music Video Chart" and the Beatles "1" album is #1 on the "Pop Catalogue Chart".
Paul has 3 songs on the soundtrack for "The In-Laws": an alternate version of "Live And Let Die", "I'm Carrying" and the previously unreleased "A Love For You". Paul reported that he has written some new songs and will be working on a new album by the end of the year. Paul's concert on May 11th in Rome will be videotaped for a DVD.
Ringo premiers a promotional video for “Never Without You”.
John Lennon’s “Imagine” album is announced for release by Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab for July 22nd.
On April 30th, Paul confirms a 'supershow' in Liverpool on June 1st as his tour ends.
May
George’s “Any Road” is released as a single with an accompanying video as part of an effort to repromote his “Brainwashed” CD. In the UK, copies of "Brainwashed" was issued with a new slipcase. The slipcover photo is the same as the one used for the "Any Road" CD single.
Yoko hits #1 on the dance charts with the remix of “Walking On Thin Ice”.
In an interview on BBC2's "Johnnie Walker Show," Dhani Harrison confirmed that he will proceed with the reissue of George Harrison's back catalogue, next year (including "The Traveling Wilbury" albums). The track listings and art work of each album will be designed to ensure that the reissues reflect George's original intent. Dhani described plans, over the next few years, for a "George Harrison Anthology" and a DVD featuring video clips of George's singles and some humorous home footage compiled as a low key documentary.
On May 28th, media reports begin to surface that Paul will become a father for the 5th time at age 61. This news is followed by Paul’s triumphant home town gig in Liverpool on June 1st.
June
Ringo and Paul are photographed by Ringo’s wife at Paul's 61st birthday party.
“Rolling Stone” announces that "Paul Is Live" will be released on DVD on August 12th .
July
July 7th - Ringo's 63rd birthday.
Paul McCartney's "Back In The US" was nominated for an Emmy in the "Multicamera Picture Editing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Special" category.
July 24 - Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band (Paul Carrack, Colin Hay, Ringo Starr, Sheila E., Mark Rivera and John Waite), held a press conference to launch their tour at Casino Rama in Orillia, Ontario on Wednesday, July 23, 2003. The opening performance was recorded for a live CD. The tour opens to very good reviews.
A 2nd “All-Starr” press conference was held at New York's “Radio City Music Hall” on July 29th.
Genesis Publications announces the release of “Postcards From The Boys” by Ringo Starr. This limited edition book features the reproduction of 53 postcards sent to Ringo by the other Beatles.
Olivia Harrison, in a statement dated July 31st, announces the impending release of the “Concert for George” as a 2 disc DVD set. She also announces the early 2004 reissue of George’s albums, individually and as a box set.
August
Initial sales for Paul McCartney's recent "Paul is Live" DVD "have exceeded expectations".
500,000 fans flock to Mathew Street in the UK for the annual Beatles festival.
In the latest botched marketing move, Apple withdraws the "Let It Be" DVD from the fall's release schedule. Competing product and indecision over additional content are reported as possible factors.
September
On September 1st, Paul McCartney and his band start recording sessions for the follow up studio album to 2001's “Driving Rain”.
“Concert For George’ begins a limited theatrical release in the US on Oct. 3rd.
Paul McCartney’s “Live in Red Square” TV special airs on A&E.
The Beatles launch a trademark infringement lawsuit against Apple Computers over their recently launched iTunes online music service.
George was named as a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominee.
Paul appears on "Larry King Live" to discuss his trip to Moscow.
The “Lennon Legend” DVD is penciled in for release on October 27th.
During an MSN webcast, Paul announces plans for a DVD of the concert in Red Square; a new book highlighting his world tour and a new album - all of which will be released in 2004.
Apple announces the release of The Beatles “Let It Be...Naked” CD.
The following day, Paul is involved in a public relations fiasco involving David Blaine’s event in the UK. Geoff Baker is rumoured to be fired...then immediately rehired.
On September 22nd, Heather Mills-McCartney appears on "Larry King Live".
Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr joined the family of George Harrison for the "Concert For George" film screening on Wednesday, Sept. 24th, in Burbank, California
September 30th - A press release announces the release of the “Lennon Legend” DVD for November 18th in the US and in Canada on November 4th.
October
Capitol Records releases marketing statistics in anticipation of the release of “Let It Be... Naked”
October 8, 2003 - Olivia and Dhani Harrison attend the DVD screening of “Concert For George” at Odeon West End in central London.
A new book, “Lennon Legend: An Illustrated Life of John Lennon” By James Henke, provides a unique perspective on the life of John Lennon. This publication is a virtual scrapbook featuring archival photographs and reproductions of John's handwritten song lyrics, drawings, memorabilia, and personal papers.
In mid October, The “Lennon Legend” DVD is given a press screening .
Currently, there no plans to make the Beatles' back catalogue officially available online .
Koch Entertainment announces plans to re-release Ringo Starr's "Ringo Rama" album as a 3-disc deluxe version . The new version adds 3 new bonus tracks ("OK Ray," "I'm Home" and "Blink"); a 40 minute interview disc with Jody Denberg of KGSR/Austin and an expanded edition of the DVD which adds the "Never Without You" video and a 20 minute segment on the making of the video. The new edition also features revised artwork. The release date is November 11th - one week prior to the release of The Beatles “Let It Be... Naked”.
Marketing plans for "Let It Be...Naked" include new promotional videos for "Don't Let Me Down" and "Get Back," including new footage.
EMI announces plans to offer their entire digital music catalogue online (this deal does not include The Beatles).
October 29 - The new version of "Let It Be" premiered on BBC Radio 2's "Terry Wogan Show".
Brian Wilson announces on his official web site that he has recorded a song with Paul McCartney ('A Friend Like You'). The song will be included on a new Brian Wilson album to be released in early 2004.
EMI launches a web site for the "Lennon Legend" DVD . Early reports question the revisionist aspect of the videos while commenting enthusiastically about the sound quality.
October 30 - Contrary to early media reports, Paul and Heather are the proud parents of a baby girl. Here's the official announcement:
"Heather and Paul McCartney are delighted to announce the birth of their baby daughter Beatrice Milly McCartney. The baby, who arrived three weeks early, weighed in at a healthy 7lbs and both she and mum are doing well. They said, 'She is a little beauty and we couldn't be prouder'. The baby is named after Heather Mills' mother Beatrice and Sir Paul's aunt Milly. They added, 'Our immediate family were told the news right away and are all as overjoyed as we are at the early arrival of our little bundle of joy'."
October 31 - Paul and Heather release the1st official photograph of Beatrice Milly McCartney.
November
Infinity radio stations across the US presents the album premier of The Beatles “Let It Be... Naked” on Thursday, November 13th.
Paul McCartney & Dave Stewart's single for the Mandela Foundation, "Whole Life" is available online .
The "Concert For George" film has it's premier in Tokyo on Thursday, November 13th .
Even though critic response is mixed, "Let It Be... Naked" is expected to be a big seller .
The Beatles “Let It Be . . . Naked “ CD, the “Lennon Legend” DVD and “Concert for George” DVD and CD are released on the same day in the US.
George is honoured by UNICEF and is being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist. The 19th Annual Induction Ceremony will be held Monday, March 15th, 2004 in New York at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. Meanwhile, the “Concert for George” DVD earns well deserved positive reviews .
Ringo Starr is announced as one of the celebrity ‘Santa trackers’ for NORAD .
December
John Lennon’s "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" is re-released as an enhanced CD single on December 8th. The single is also released on limited edition green vinyl, as was the original 1972 release .
Miramax announces that Paul McCartney’s animated stories, "Tropic Island Hum”, “Tuesday” and “Rupert and The Frog Song” will be released on DVD in the spring of 2004.
George is nominated for three Grammys. "Brainwashed" will compete for best pop vocal album, "Any Road" for best male pop vocal performance and "Marwa Blues" for pop instrumental performance. The Grammy Awards ceremony will be held in Los Angeles on Feb. 8th .
Track listings and artwork for the George Harrison “Dark Horse” reissues appear online. The five studio albums from “Thirty Three & 1/3" to “Cloud Nine” will be rereleased on CD; “Live in Japan” is listed as an SACD. These albums will be released individually on February 24th, 2004 with a box set (including a 90 minute DVD) to be released on Mach 15th, 2004. Based on the scarcity of bonus tracks, a lot is being held back for future release. However these albums are a must have for anyone not owning the original CDs .
Paul records an “unreleased Beatles track” titled “Mother and Child” as a Christmas present for Heather and their new baby.
Rumours circulate about a 1976 Beatles 'reunion tape' and are quickly dismissed .
Fox News and the New York Times review Ringo Starr’s “Postcards From The Boys” which is being sold online through Genesis Publications for $500 US for the ‘regular’ edition. The ‘deluxe’ edition (priced at $850 US) sold out within a mere two weeks.
Beatles
Hopefully, the appearance of the Beatles “Let It Be” on DVD. I’d like
to see it released as a 2 disc version with the original theatrical
version
and a revised version with bonus footage and out takes.
Capitol has announced that "The First US Visit" will be reissued on DVD in February - without bonus material.
John Lennon
“Walls and Bridges” and “Rock ‘N’ Roll” CD reissues with bonus tracks.
Paul McCartney
Paul has announced a DVD of the concert in Red Square; a new book
highlighting
his world tour and a new album - all to be released over the next year.
Miramax has announced that Paul’s animated stories, "Tropic
Island
Hum”, “Tuesday” and “Rupert and The Frog Song” will be released on DVD
in the spring of 2004.
George Harrison
His “Dark Horse” reissues are coming out in February. EMI has postponed
the “Concert For Bangla Desh” CD reissue but it could be rescheduled
for
late 2004.
Ringo Starr
“Postcards From The Boys” may be released in a retail edition. Koch
Entertainment may release the 2003 All-Starr Band concert at Casino
Rama
on CD. Ringo has also begun work on his next studio album.
