Wednesday 30 November 2011

Liverpool Remembers George

Review by Donna Jackson
of Liverpool's Day of
Remembrance and Celebration
for George,
November 29, 2011


Last night a candle was placed on either side of the Cavern's stage.  At the start of the evening, the candle at the left hand side of the stage burned brightly.  At 9.20pm, the candle was carried carefully and lovingly to the other side of the stage; the second candle was lit and although the first candle was blown out, the light continued to shine strongly and brightly.

It was a beautiful and fitting tribute to a man who made such a difference to so many lives, and a perfect reminder that, although George is no longer with us in person, his light will never go out.



The tribute was part of a full day of events in Liverpool celebrating the life of the 'quiet' Beatle.  The city honoured one of its favourite sons by flying the flags over the town hall, and over St George's Hall at half-mast.










Liverpool's day of remembrance and celebrations began with a short prayer ceremony at the Anglican Cathedral.  At the conclusion of the ceremony, confetti composed of rose petals, doves, musical notes and butterflies cascaded from the ceiling as we stood in silence -- and it was very clear to all of us that this was going to be a special, but emotional, day.

In the afternoon, a Free Concert for George was held in the Concert Room at St George's Hall, although the hall seemed to have been temporarily renamed!


We were treated to a three hour concert that highlighted George's talent as well as his many interests.  Tsema opened the show with a spine-tingling a capella version of "While My Guitar Gently Weeps", and was followed by the Rebels, who performed some of the early rock and rollers that George loved, as well as some of his later work.  We were reminded of George's love for Indian music by a fabulous performance by Singh Strings.


The closing act of the first half proved to be the most emotional for most of us though.  The Liverpool Ukelele Orchestra took to the stage and performed a great selection of music, including a wonderful version of Piggies, finishing with "I'll See You In My Dreams."  I don't think there was a dry eye in the house as the first half ended.

Liverpool Ukelele Orchestra

The theme of the second half of the show was celebration!  The Mersey Beatles opened the second half with fabulous performances of some of George's Beatles classics, and were joined on stage by Jeff Slate for part of the set.

Jeff Slate with The Mersey Beatles

The party continued with the Radha Krishna Temple, again highlighting George's love for India, as well as his spirituality.

The Radha Krishna Temple

The final performance of the afternoon was by Andre Barreau of the Bootleg Beatles. He performed song from George's solo catalogue, and, along with all the afternoon's performers as well as the audience, closed the show with a spirited rendition of "My Sweet Lord".



The Free Concert for George may have ended but the day wasn't over.  After a delicious meal provided by the Hare Krishnas, the celebrations of George's life continued in the Cavern.  The acts who had worked so hard during the afternoon took to the stage again, sharing more of George's fabulous music with a very appreciative audience.


Tsema


The Rebels


















Singh Strings
The moment of George's passing was marked with the beautiful ceremony with the candles, and although there were a few tears and moments of sadness, the night was full of love and laughter and wonderful music.  Such a fitting legacy for such a remarkable man.




George told us to "love one another" and the city of Liverpool was filled with love yesterday for a truly special man.  Thank you George and I hope you were smiling down on your home town yesterday.  I think you were.









Monday 28 November 2011

New CD Release - The Big Three Live at the Cavern



To celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Big Three first playing at the world famous Cavern Club, its newly launched record label Cavern Records releases the CD EP The Big Three – Live at the Cavern.


  
In 1963 The Big Three, one of the most popular Merseybeat bands recorded a live set in the Cavern Club, Liverpool. The Cavern was packed and the audience included the Rolling Stones! The event was widely regarded as the launching pad of the new sixties style. 
Cavern Records has recaptured the look and feel of the original 45 vinyl but have included an extra track that didn’t fit on the original single. Five songs from this electrifying set are now available for the first time ever in this format. The CD has followed the style of the original record and has even included the original wording from Bob Wooler, the Cavern’s very own “Dee Jay – Compere”. 
This is a rare chance to capture one of the greatest moments in the history of ground making times.
The five songs featured are:
  
  1. WHAT’D I SAY
  2. DON’T START RUNNING AWAY
  3. ZIP-A-DEE-DOO-DAH
  4. REELIN’ & ROCKIN'
  5. BRING IT ON HOME TO ME
These songs are as relevant and vibrant now as they were all those years ago.

The CD is only £4.99 and can be bought from the Cavern Club, Cavern Pub, Museum of Liverpool, John Lennon Airport and the Beatles Story (Albert Dock), or visit www.cavernrecords.co.uk for more information.



   

Sunday 27 November 2011

Live Web Chat - Liverpool Remembers George

Readers of this website will know that Liverpool is playing host to a series of special events to honour George on Tuesday -- flags will be flying at half-mast, a prayer ceremony will take place at the Anglican Cathedral at 11.30am, and two concerts will be held (at St George's Hall in the afternoon and in the Cavern at 8pm).

Now you have the chance to talk about George, or the events, with Denise Theophilus, from the  For George website, who has been instrumental in organising the day of remembrance.

The Liverpool Echo is hosting the webchat, which will take place on Monday November 28 at 12 noon.  To take part, or for more information, click here

Read more at: http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/in-the-mix/2011/11/26/video-george-harrison-remembered-how-the-quiet-beatle-made-kindness-into-an-art-form-100252-29846928/#ixzz1ewvAnWyz

Friday 25 November 2011

Remembering George - Anglican Cathedral, Liverpool

On November 29th, Liverpool will mark the tenth anniversary of the passing of George Harrison with a series of special events.

The first of these will take place at 11.30am at the Anglican Cathedral, when a short and beautiful ceremony will take place.  People are invited to bring a flower, or a paper symbol of peace, with a suitable prayer or message for George attached. 

We don't want to spoil the surprise, but the organisers have told us about the ceremony and it sure to be a very memorable and special event.

The event is free, and everyone is welcome to attend.


Also during the day, the Lord Mayor's Office and St. George's Hall will be flying their flags at half mast in remembrance.  A "Free Concert For George" will be held at St George's Hall during the afternoon, with all the artists giving their services voluntarily as part of their tribute to a truly remarkable man.  (All tickets for this event have been allocated.)


Finally, at 8.00 pm The Cavern will host a Musical Tribute to George and fans can hear Tsema, The Rebels, Singh Strings, The Radha Krishna Temple, The Mersey Beatles, Jeff Slate, Brute Force backed by Misty’s Big Adventure and Andre Barreau of the Bootleg Beatles play the music created and enjoyed by George. There are a few tickets still available: click here to buy yours now!

More information can be found at: www.forgeorge.co.uk

Friday 18 November 2011

David Roberts -- "Rock Atlas" Out Now!


Rock Atlas features more than 600 great music locations throughout the UK and Ireland and the stories behind them, including landmark album cover locations, gravestones, plaques, recording locations, statues and sites of famous and infamous gigs.

As well as the Beatles, the book covers artists as diverse as the Stones, The Who, Bowie, Bolan, New Order, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, Stevie Wonder, Queen, AC/DC, Michael Jackson, Sex Pistols, The Stranglers, Depeche Mode, Oasis, Arctic Monkeys, Adele, Kaiser Chiefs and Mumford & Sons.

It includes hundreds of rare and unseen pics including The Beatles, The Byrds, Jimi Hendrix, The Beach Boys, The Grateful Dead and many more!

It's a great book of short, amusing, ironic, insightful and entertaining stories, as well as being a guide for those who want to seek out the spiritual experience of visiting rock's seminal sites including the one-hour stop on British soil by Elvis, the real Penny Lane or the statue of Jimi Hendrix and any number of iconic album cover shoot locations.
 
 
About the Author

Author and compiler David Roberts was formerly managing editor of the Guinness range of music books including British Hit Singles, Rockopedia and The Encyclopedia of Popular Music. His pop knowledge expanded hugely during his lengthy spell at Guinness where he had the good fortune to work alongside Tim Rice, Jo Rice and Paul Gambaccini. He is an author and contributor to music books and recently acted as writer for the British Music Experience visitor attraction at London s O2.


Thursday 17 November 2011

JAMES McCARTNEY :: UK TOUR DATES ANNOUNCED

An SPC LIVE Presentation


- December 13th :: Birmingham :: Hare & Hounds


- December 14th :: Manchester :: Ruby Lounge


- December 15th :: London :: Barfly



Buy James McCartney tickets :
HERE


London Beatles Day - December 11

Wednesday 16 November 2011

TEN YEARS ON – LIVERPOOL REMEMBERS GEORGE

VgXorgX\


The 29th of November marks the tenth anniversary of the passing of George Harrison. Liverpool throughout the day will pay a special musical tribute to its beloved son.

The Lord Mayor's Office and St. George's Hall will be flying their flags at half mast in remembrance.

There will be a short, beautiful Ceremony for George at the Anglican Cathedral at 11.30 am. People are invited to bring a flower or a paper symbol of peace, with a suitable prayer written on it as love and peace were the precepts most dear to George.

At 2.00 pm in the Concert Room at St. George’s Hall, in the presence of the Lord Mayor, the City will stage a "Free Concert For George". All tickets have been fully allocated and fans are journeying from as far as the USA and The Caribbean to be present. The Artistes have all given their services voluntarily. Two of the Acts were actually signed to Apple by George himself in 1969. The Free Concert was made possible with the support of Liverpool City Council and The Cavern . In addition to free music the audience will enjoy free "prashadam" courtesy of the Hare Krishnas. The Hare Krishnas have held an Evening of Remembrance for George every year at Bhaktivedanta Manor (which George originally funded ) but on this special Anniversary they are joining us here in Liverpool for our Tribute.

Finally, at 8.00 pm The Cavern holds a Musical Tribute to George and fans can hear Tsema, The Rebels, Singh Strings, The Radha Krishna Temple, The Mersey Beatles, Jeff Slate, Brute Force backed by Misty’s Big Adventure and Andre Barreau of the Bootleg Beatles play the music created and enjoyed by George. Tickets are still available; click here to buy yours now!

More information can be found at: www.forgeorge.co.uk

Thursday 10 November 2011

George Harrison Tribute Special


A message from BBFC Treasurer, Ernie Sutton:

Thank you to all those who have pre-ordered the Harrison special.


Most of you will have received a communication advising that publication is slightly delayed. Having received a final addition we couldn't leave out, we now expect publication and despatch by mid December in time for Christmas.
Those who have pre-ordered will receive an added addition of a free promotional bookmark for the Living in The Material World book not available from any retail stores.

We apologise to members for the delay, but we want this magazine to be a wonderful tribute to George and the wait will be well worth it.

Thank you for bearing with us while we finalise one of the best George tributes on the market.

If you would like to pre-order the publication, you can do so via Paypal -- with payments made to bbfcpublishing@fsmail.net -- or by post to BBFC Publishing PO Box 1766 Croydon CR9 1EN UK

This special tribute will also be available from the BBFC Shop when it has been published.
 
Cost to BBFC members is £4.50 with FREE P&P!
 
Cost to non-members is £4.99
P&P: UK £2.50
         EU £3.50
         ROW £5.00
 
For further information about this publication, or to pre-order, please contact me by email by clicking here
 

Celebrating The Beatles at the Tower Ballroom

THE BEATLES
Tower Ballroom, New Brighton

On the 10th November it will be 50 years since Sam Leach presented the Beatles at the Tower Ballroom, New Brighton, Wirral.  A second show two weeks later on the 24th November is a UK mainland attendance record for a Beatles show.
 The Merseybeat Story at Fort Perch Rock, New Brighton will celebrate these dates with a number of events on Sunday 20th November 11pm to 5pm. The day will consist of the following:-

Ray O’Brien (Beatles Historian) will conduct a New Brighton Beatles tour which will conclude at the site of the Tower Ballroom, at 1pm were The Mayor of Wirral and Beatles Promoter Sam Leach will unveil a plaque which acknowledges  that the Beatles played  the venue on some 27 occasions. Thanks are due to Wirral Borough Council who have funded and installed the plaque
 The tour is free – we will meet at the entrance to Fort Perch Rock for 11am.

Fort Perch Rock opens at noon with an exhibition of Beatles posters by the original artist Tony Booth.

 The Merseybeat Story at Fort Perch Rock starts at 1pm with BBC’s TV Star Paul Hayes and his band The Collection plus special guest Cliff Roberts. Topping the bill will be the Dominoes, compere for the day will be Harry Prytherch with Sam Leach in attendance.
The day will also see the launch of the Beatles/Merseybeat poster calendar 2012 and The Wirral & Liverpool Beatles Tour which is a new business and highlights Wirral’s connection with the world’s super group.  Many Merseybeat related personalities have been invited and the day will conclude with the Merseybeat Story Hall of Fame inductions.

Entrance is £6.00 further information on Tel: 0151 512 8398.
Fort Perch Rock, Marine Promenade, New Brighton, Wirral, CH45 2JU

Wednesday 9 November 2011

Fab Four Competition Winners Announced!

Marian draws the winning entries
from John's top hat!

Thanks to everyone who entered our competition celebrating the re-launch of the BBFC website!    This morning, the wonderful staff at The Hard Day's Night hotel kindly helped us by drawing the names of the four lucky winners from all the correct entries!







The four lucky winners are:



Sheila Watts, who wins Bed and breakfast for two at the Hard Day's Night Hotel!







Alan Millen, who wins two tickets for the Magical Mystery Tour, and two tickets to a Beatles Tribute Concert at the Cavern Club




Dariusz Szurko, who wins a family ticket (two adults and three children) to the Beatles Story






and Trevor Brown, who wins a Limited Edition Art Print from the Beatles Shop, Mathew Street, hand signed and numbered by the artist, Maurice Cockrill



The four lucky winners will be contacted by email shortly with further details of their prizes.


The BBFC would like to thank The Hard Day's Night Hotel, Cavern City Tours, The Beatles Story and The Beatles Shop for their generosity in donating these wonderful prizes.

The BBFC is especially grateful to Marian, John and all the staff at the Hard Day's Night hotel for assisting in drawing the names of the competition winners, and acting as independent adjudicators.


Monday 7 November 2011

Elvis and Us: Fabulous Elvis Merchandise Available!



Elvis jumpsuits and a replica of the '68 Comeback Special black leather outfit are now on sale in Liverpool.

The Beatles Story in Liverpool is hosting the world's first exhibition exploring the influence of Elvis Presley over The Fab Four and visitors to Elvis and Us can now buy truly amazing official Elvis Presley merchandise previously only available at Graceland in Memphis.

Located within the Fab4Store at Pier Head, the official Elvis Presley Enterprises merchandise ranges from pocket money keepsakes right through to items of clothing aimed at the serious Elvis aficionado. Prices range from £3.50 for a pen or nail file to £2,500 for the white Aloha from Hawaii jumpsuit, belt and cape!

Amongst the many items on display is a large range of fantastic t-shirt designs - from Jailhouse Rock right through to stunning Elvis logos designs made with Swarovski crystals. For fans looking for items of jewellery there is a selection that ranges from earrings, sunglasses, watches and bracelets to that most iconic of items -- the Taking Care of Business (TCB) logo necklace.


Perhaps the most striking items for sale to Elvis fans visiting the Liverpool store is the selection of replica Elvis suits. Whether you're after a '68 Comeback Special or an Aloha from Hawaii fan we've got the outfit for you - be it a replica leather suit or a powder blue jumpsuit complete with cape and belt!

And remember outside of Graceland, The Beatles Story is the only shop on Earth where you can find these amazing items.


For more information on Elvis and Us, click here  to visit the Events Page, or go to http://www.elvisandus.com/

To read the BBFC's review of this fabulous exhibition, click here

Sunday 6 November 2011

Update on 'Good Ol' Freda'


GOOD OL' FREDA - A Film Made For Beatles Fans....By Beatles Fans

The BBFC just received this message from Kathy, the producer of 'Good Ol' Freda':

This is just an update to let know now how things are going with 'Good Ol' Freda:'

-- We have about 5 days left in our fundraising campaign

-- We've raised nearly $38,000 so far

-- And we're working round the clock to raise the remaining $12,000 before 11-11-11.


Thanks to all of you who made a donation to 'Good Ol' Freda.' You're the best!

But, as Kathy warns, time is running out for this project.  Although $38,000 is a fabulous sum, a minimum of $50,000 is needed.  This is the film that every Beatles fan will want to see, so please do your part to help.  If you're thinking about donating, THIS is the time to do so!  If not, it will be too late for all of us.

To make a donation, visit: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1215635909/good-ol-freda

More information on this project can be found here or check out this recent article in The Examiner:
http://www.examiner.com/john-lennon-in-national/director-of-good-ol-freda-reveals-depth-of-stories-for-new-beatles-documentary

Saturday 5 November 2011

Exhibition: The Beatles and Bournemouth



The Beatles & Bournemouth exhibition of photographs from the book Yeah Yeah Yeah: The Beatles & Bournemouth open at Bournemouth Central Library on Monday, 7 November, and runs until 18 January 2012.

The book's author, Nick Churchill, will be at the Library on Monday November 7, from 5pm to 7pm, to talk about the book and the Beatles connection with Bournemouth.  Copies of the book will also be on sale.



An exclusive selection of prints of some of the photos are on sale at http://www.beatlesandbournemouth.com/ 






Both photos are by Harry Taylor (copyright Dave Robinson) and are used here with kind permission.  They must not be reproduced without the express permission of the copyright holder.

Wednesday 2 November 2011

Stuart Sings ... or Does He?


Debate has been raging ever since the Stuart Sutcliffe Fan Club announced the issue of a recording of Love Me Tender, supposedly made by Stuart in about 1961.  The SSFC press release for this recording can be found here

Steve Marinucci, Beatles Examiner, has been trying to verify the recording but his research seems to throw great doubt on its authenticity.  To read more on his quest for the truth click here

The BBFC is also working hard to uncover the truth about the recording, and we'll bring you updated information as we receive it.

In the meantime, the recording remains available to purchase from Amazon in case you want to decide for yourself (but please note that the BBFC is not endorsing this product as genuine at this stage).