Sunday 26 February 2012

Liverpool Celebrates 50 Years of the Beatles




On 18 August 1962 Ringo Starr made his first appearance as the Beatles official drummer at Hulme Hall in the village of Port Sunlight, Wirral. 

The four members of the band had a two hour rehearsal before taking to the stage as the headline act in the local Horticultural Society’s 17th annual dance. On that night the Fab Four were born...the rest is history.

This year, the city that gave the world the Fab Four is celebrating this anniversary with a calendar of events and activities that will last throughout the year.

Full details of all the events can by found on the BBFC website by clicking here or at the Cavern Club website here

Many of the events are free so there is no excuse to join in the party and celebrate a very special anniversary!

Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Star Club

Press Release


On April 14th and 15th, BEATLEMANIA celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Star‐Club

There are places and names within the world of music which lead to all sorts of associations – Woodstock is one of them, Abbey Road, maybe even Graceland and
Live Aid. Certainly, the Star Club is to be found among these catch words. During spring 1962 the club opened in the ‘Große Freiheit’ centred at the red light district where it rose to fame of being the holy mecca of beat music, a magical place of pop culture and becoming one of the most famous live‐clubs of the sixties. The orange‐red posters for the opening night were promising “Die Not hat ein Ende” – ’Misery is over` – the Star Club kept its word: The Beatles, Roy Young, The Bachelors and ‘Tex Roberg & The Graduates’ played at the opening – and during the following months and years almost every top musician within the world of Rock’n’Roll came to play at the venue, among them Chuck Berry, Jimi Hendrix, Jerry Lee Lewis, Bill Haley, Little Richard, Ray Charles, the Everly Brothers, Fats Domino, Brenda Lee and many more. Finally the post‐war youth was offered a place which wasn’t dominated by the music of their parents or even grand‐parents.
The Star Club was Hamburg’s jewel which put the city to the worldwide centre of attention of Rock’n’Roll.

The 13th of April 2012 is the Star Club’s 50th anniversary – obviously such a special occasion will be celebrated in style. In cooperation with the ‘Große Freiheit 36’, the BEATLEMANIA Hamburg has prepared a weekend in the name of music and art.

Friday:
Friday is entirely packed with Live‐music: The ‘Große Freiheit 36’ presents bands throughout the whole evening who all have a special connection to the club or even played the venue back in the day. The Line up includes The Quarrymen, The Pete Best Band, Mike Pender’s Searchers, The Mojos, The Undertakers, Lee Curtis with the Bonds and Mr.Piggi, Jimmy & The Rackers, Rockhouse Brothers, Ian’s Zodiacs, Ticket to Ride and the ‘Star Club All‐Star‐Band’.

Saturday:
Saturday and Sunday will continue with a loaded jubilee programme in the halls of the BEATLEMANIA. The popular TV and radio host Carlo von Tiedemann will start Saturday at 12 pm with the opening of the exhibition ‘People at the Star Club´ – drawings by Klaus‐Dieter Schweitz. Contemporary witness Schweitz has portrayed all different kinds of personalities of the 60’s – whether it is a doorman, a bar lady or John Lennon – and as a result presents an artistical document of history about the heritage of Rock’n’Roll in Hamburg.

Moreover a charity auction starts to support the Hamburg charitable society Clubkinder e.V. and one of Schweitz’s drawings will be sold on auction till Sunday. Interested parties can leave their bids directly at BEATLEMANIA or compete in the bidding online via www.beatlemaniahamburg.com and via www.clubkinder.de.

Afterwards, the successful audio‐book series ‘Hamburg‐Krimis’ guest stars in the BEATLEMANIA – showing excerpts from the live‐staging of their brand new audio‐book ‘Todesengel Reeperbahn’. The story involves one of The Beatles famous musicians being under suspicion of murder and showcases the Star Club as an essential location.

Less homicidal but none the less exciting will be the reading of Horst Fascher, former Star Club manager and Beatles‐companion, who will please the crowd with extracts from his book ‘Let The Good Times Roll’.

The Hamburg Beatles‐guides band ‘Die Koschmiders’ will enter the stage to (re‐)interpret the biggest hits as well as some less famous pearls of Beatles music history – which will all take place during a live performance in the Yeah Club of the BEATLEMANIA.

On the fifth floor, the BEATLEMANIA continuously shows the film ‘All You Need Is Klaus’. Subject of the screening is the life of Klaus Voormann, who, as no other German, has experienced the rise and fame of the legendary pop era first‐hand.

Sunday:
To ease up the tired bones, the BEATLEMANIA calls out for ‘Let’s Rock’n’Roll’. To participate in the dance‐workshops, given by the ADTV dance school ‘Die Schrittmacher’, is highly recommended and expressively desired!

A treat in form of a very special premiere is given to the audience in the Yeah Club: Before the 55‐minutes‐long audio‐book ‘Beat! Beat! Beat! Or: How the Lobscouse hit the Leslie’ will be broadcasted for the first time via the station NDR Info at 21.05 that Sunday, you will be able to listen to it at the BEATLEMANIA. The audio‐book combines true and adapted stories based on the beginnings and the best years of the Star Club.

Additionally, the poster exhibition ‘Star‐Club in 3D’ will offer a new glimpse into the cult club and a signing session with Horst Fascher is scheduled.

Also during the Sunday, it’s time again to push the music button. Dara and Band, who acclaimed fame far beyond Hamburg’s borders as backing group for Tony Sheridan, offer Star‐Club‐Sound that would do anyone proud. And as previously done on Saturday, the 5th floor will be transformed into a cinema where between 10am and 7pm continuously the documentary ‘Bye Bye Star‐Club’ will be screened. This search of clues is lead by moviemaker Axel Engstfeld and Günter Zint, once ‘Star Clubs’ own photographer.

NB: Programme is subject to change

_________________________

The Combo‐ticket for all three days of the Star‐Club celebration, which means the Star‐Club‐Night at the ‘Große Freiheit 36’ on Friday and the Saturday and Sunday programme at the BEATLEMANIA, is available for € 53.45 at www.eventim.de.

Who only can clear their schedule for one day and still don’t want to miss the BEATLEMANIA programme is welcome to purchase a day ticket for € 12 (price per adult).

BEATLEMANIA Hamburg

Daily from 10am till 7pm (final entry 6pm)
Reeperbahn / on the corner of Große Freiheit / Nobistor 10
22767 Hamburg / St. Pauli
Telephone: +49 (0) 40 – 311 718 18
info@beatlemania‐hamburg.com
www.beatlemania‐hamburg.com






Friday 24 February 2012

The Mersey Beatles "Get Back to Liverpool"

Saturday APRIL 7th

The Mersey Beatles 

"Get Back To Liverpool Show" 





On February 23, the Mersey Beatles performed for the last time as the Cavern's resident Beatle Band.  It was the end of an era and, from all reports, an amazing and emotional night.


When announcing their future plans (see their website) the band promised that they would still play Liverpool regularly, and the first of these gigs has been confirmed (the first of many if their fans have their way).



Saturday April 7
Liverpool Naval Club (RNA) 
(Near rocket flyover)
38 Bowring Park Road 
Broadgreen 
Liverpool 
L14 3NN


Plus Cy Tucker


Tickets only £6


To experience the passion, energy and magic created when the Mersey Beatles play, reserve your ticket now!


Email: sales@liverpoolnavalclub.co.uk 
Telephone: 0151 280 5051 or 07549 168788





Thursday 23 February 2012

Mother's Day at the Hard Day's Night Hotel

Mothering Sunday



Treat your Mum to a special Mothers Day Lunch in Blakes , enjoy 3 courses of sumptious food , crafted with love and attention, guaranteed to delight her :

Mothering Sunday Lunch
3 Courses at £27.95

Table reservations are now being taken.
Click here for more information, download our menu’s or to book online.
blakes-bg.jpg

Wednesday 15 February 2012

James McCartney at the Cavern - April 3



The release and international success of James McCartney's debut digital-only EPs, Available Light and Close At Hand, introduced a talented singer-songwriter and his music to the world.

The end of 2011 saw James McCartney introduce his first-ever physical release; The Complete EP Collection, produced by David Kahne and Paul McCartney, which included a two-disc set of his two EPs, Available Light and Close at Hand, as well as five previously unreleased original bonus tracks and two covers.

'Strong melodic chops and the modest confidence of a man who has observed without assumption' – New York Times

The start of this year has already seen James embark on a two week tour across the US reaching critical acclaim after stand out performances at Sundance Festival, sold out shows in LA (Viper Room) and New Jersey (Wonder Bar) as well as a highly acclaimed performance on the Late Show with David Letterman where James made his television debut.

'A winning NYC debut' – Showbiz 411

With The Complete EP Collection release and recent success in the US, James McCartney has succeeded in filling some very big shoes - his own. He now returns to the UK and Ireland for three very special shows in Dublin, Liverpool and London this April. Don't miss out.

James will perform at the Cavern Club Liverpool - Tuesday 3 April 2012

Age: 14+ / Tickets: £10.00 Advance

Click here to buy tickets online , also available at the Cavern Pub

Tuesday 14 February 2012

Giles Cooper appointed CEO of The Stuart Sutcliffe Estate

Managing Director of Media Junction, Giles Cooper, has been appointed CEO of the Estate of Stuart Sutcliffe, the legendary 'fifth member' of The Beatles... 


Stuart Sutcliffe pictured above (centre, foreground) with John Lennon (right) and George Harrison (left) in Hamburg 1961 (photograph by Astrid Kirchherr) 

Stuart Sutcliffe was a founder member of The Beatles. He was John Lennon's best friend and 'role model' from Liverpool Art College and was the band’s original bass player. He proved an enormous influence on the young Beatles; teaching them how to channel their abundant creativity during their impressionable, early years. Stuart thought of the name for the band and played an integral role in guiding The Beatles' early direction, image, style and ambition and despite his death in 1962, remained a major artistic influence to John Lennon throughout his entire career.

Although acutely aware of the imminent, enormous success destined for The Beatles, Stuart decided to leave the band in 1961, preferring to pursue his bigger passion for fine art and his love for his new-found girlfriend, Astrid. "He chose art and love over being in the greatest rock and roll band of all time" Klaus Voormann.

Stuart died of a brain haemorrhage in Hamburg in 1962, but his paintings are world renowned and many say the work of genius.

"Stuart was more than just a bass player – he was like our Creative Director": George Harrison

"I looked up to Stu. I depended on him to tell me the truth. Stu would tell me if something was good, and I’d believe him": John Lennon

"I felt I knew Stuart because hardly a day went by that John did not speak about him": Yoko Ono

"He was a major attraction because of the James Dean thing; the dark, moody thing...a lot of people liked that": Sir Paul McCartney

"Stuart Sutcliffe's work really is as good as the very best of 2nd generation Abstract Expressionists....I would say that what you have with Stuart was an artist who actually made contact with his primary, primal instincts; it is visceral, channelled raw emotion and raw expression....body and mind together....fascinating and incredible": Professor Donald Kuspit 


One of the USA's most prominent Art Critics, Prof. Kuspit is a 'Distinguished Professor of Art History & Philosophy' at the State University of New York, and a 'Professor of Art History' at The School of Visual Arts, New York. In 1983, he won the highly acclaimed Frank Jewett Mather Award for Distinction in Art Criticism.

The Stuart Sutcliffe Estate is estimated to be worth in excess of £5 Million and contains dozens of Stuart's original paintings with an array of memorabilia from The Beatles early days in Hamburg.

Giles Cooper commented, "It's a tremendous privilege to be appointed CEO of the Stuart Sutcliffe Estate. Stuart was an incredibly talented man and despite dying at the very early age of 21, his influence has radiated the world-over for almost 50 years. I would like to thank both Stuart's sister, Pauline Sutcliffe, and Diane Vitale for the trust they have placed in me and I look forward with excitement to promoting Stuart's name and work over the coming years." 



Giles Cooper and Pauline Sutcliffe Long Island, New York, Feb 2012. 




Media Junction - the arts & entertainment group

Video: Paul at the Photoshoot for Kisses on the Bottom

c. MPL Communications Ltd


Paul McCartney lit up the Grammy stage on Sunday with 2 memorable performances, one being “My Valentine” from his new release Kisses On The Bottom, in stores now. 


Check out what critics are saying and catch a glimpse of Sir Paul behind the scenes on-set of the photo shoot for the new album. 





Buy Kisses On The Bottom: 




Official website: http://www.paulmccartney.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/PaulMcCartney

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PaulMcCartney



HIGH PRAISE FOR PAUL McCARTNEY’S KISSES ON THE BOTTOM 

“As he sang all those years ago in a slightly defensive tone: “Some people wanna fill the world with silly love songs/ And what’s wrong with that?” By sticking to his guns and insisting on being himself, he has answered his own question: nothing at all.” –THE NEW YORK TIMES

“Kisses On The Bottom is the sound of a musician joyfully tapping his roots.” –ROLLING STONE

4 stars«««« “Paul McCartney takes on the great American songbook. The result? Vintage Macca. Covers albums can be the last resort of the creatively bankrupt. This is nothing of the sort — it is the work of a man at the top of his game.” – DAIL MAIL

“So comfortable and energized does McCartney sound that the question is not why he decided to make a vocal jazz record, but why he hasn’t done it before.” –THE WASHINGTON POST

“Romantic bliss radiates from this newlywed's lovingly crafted collection of sentimental oldies.”
– USA TODAY

“He loves this material and it shows....The greatest compliment you can pay McCartney's two originals is that it is impossible to pick them out as contemporary songs among the standards.....”My Valentine” has the ring of a classic, with a gorgeous descending cadence and perfectly pitched romantic sentiment, gilded with a light-fingered acoustic solo from Eric Clapton.” —TELEGRAPH

“At the age of 69, Paul McCartney has never sounded more subtle, warm and comfortable voicing a lyric as he does here. What a surprise! Kisses On The Bottom is a winner from beginning to end.” –PASTE

“McCartney treats the material with respect, exuding charm by the bucket load.” – MOJO

««««4 stars “This sweetly conceived tenderly sung collection of classics such as Paper Moon and Ac-Cen-Tchu-Ate The Positive is his finest album in years.” – DAILY MIRROR

“A tender listen steeped in personal history, one that’s a breed apart from the rest of the schlock standards still clogging the trad-pop racks.” – OC REGISTER

“A fantastic new arrow for Cupid’s quiver — from top to ‘Bottom.’” – NEW YORK POST

4 stars«««« “An album of standards from Paul McCartney is long overdue. This album is made with care, love and expertise and it shows on every song .” – UNCUT

4 stars«««« “It’s beautifully done, with palpable affection for the songs, airy whimsy and perhaps a hint of mischief.” –The GUARDIAN

 

Monday 13 February 2012

The Complete Beatles: 2012 Tour Date


From the Stafford Gatehouse Theatre:

We just couldn’t believe the fantastic reaction when The Complete Beatles took to the stage last year so we are delighted to see them returning for another night of Beatlemania !

The Complete Beatles have performed on BBC, Channel 4 and many radio stations across the globe. Having recently starred with Gerry and the Pacemakers in the highly acclaimed show ‘Back to the Cavern’. Gerry said "weren’t they great, they sounded just like the boys"

Shows are selling out across the UK so be quick !

The show starts at 8pm, and tickets cost £14.50.  For more details and to book, click here

Saturday 11 February 2012

Jeff Walker: Let's Put the Beatles Back Together Again

Classified Advert: Beatles/Solo Albums For Sale

BEATLES/SOLO ALBUMS FOR SALE
(All original UK Pressings 1st issue)

JOHN LENNON COLLECTION- EXCELLENT STEREO £10

RUBBER SOUL MONO EXCELLENT £80
A HARD DAYS NIGHT MINT MONO £60
IMAGINE MINT STEREO £30
JL PLASTIC ONO BAND MINT STEREO £20
LONDON TOWN- EXCELLENT STEREO £12

McCARTNEY- MINT UK STEREO £18

Anyone interested please contact Ian Walker, who used to sell via Record
Collector, on UK 01565 733745, or write to 20 Hewitt Grove, Wincham, Northwich, Cheshire, CW9 6EL

Wednesday 8 February 2012

Review: Last Play at Shea



Review by Ernie Sutton 



BILLY JOEL LIVE AT SHEA STADIUM THE CONCERT

Columbia 88697854242

This double CD plus bonus DVD can be found for less than £12 and for the historians amongst us, it is well worth a purchase.

Shea Stadium was built in 1964, as the home of the New York Mets baseball team.

In August 1965 The Beatles played the first ever concert there to 56,000 screaming fans, then a world record for a concert.

This CD features the last ever concert at Shea before it was dismantled (yes dismantled rather than demolished) to make way for the new Citi Field.

Billy Joel played two shows there on July 16th and July 18th 2008 to a combined 110,000 fans. The recordings are captured here and feature many of Joel’s biggest hits, including “My Life”, “Angry Young Man” and “Piano Man”. He also covers “A Hard Day’s Night”. The highlight for Beatle fans though, was Paul’s appearance at the final show. Breaking into “I Saw Her Standing There”, it’s hard to believe Macca had simply just arrived in New York and was driven straight to the gig from the airport for his guest appearance.

The final song, “Let it Be”, brings cheers from the fans as the opening chords ring out. It was only fitting that Paul should close the show with such a relevant song.

The DVD of this historical show also feature bonus performances with the likes of Roger Daltry and Steven Tyler.

Shop around for this one, you can find it remarkably cheap for such a piece of history.


Kisses on the Bottom Out Now




Are you enjoying Kisses on the Bottom?

 If you are, you might want to watch the full interview of Paul and Award-winning producer Tommy LiPuma chat about the process of recording the album:





Saturday 4 February 2012

The Beatles in Uncut: Review


Review by Ernie Sutton

The latest Uncut magazine has a great piece on the Beatles' Hamburg days and some great pics. But for me the free CD with it is worth the money on its own.

The artwork is based around the Parlophone style of sleeve and contains 16 originals of songs The Beatles played in Hamburg.



Artists include Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Ray Charles, Gene Vincent, the great Carl Perkins,Peggy Lee, and even Elvis Presley. There is also one by a group called The Olympics - now have they put that in because it's Olympic year?

Whilst I've heard some of these before there are some I haven't.  I couldn't help but think to myself, this is what the fabs listened to in their youth; no wonder they covered them.

Carl Perkins singing Lend Me Your Comb was a first-time-hear for me and is fab!

If you like this era in music or just want to listen to what influenced our heroes it's worth a purchase - oh and there is the article on Hamburg to enjoy in the magazine too.


Thursday 2 February 2012

Rare Paul McCartney Jazz Interview with Jamie Cullum on BBC Radio 2 - Feb 7

               

Paul McCartney met Jamie Cullum for a very special, in-depth interview about his brand new album ‘Kisses on the Bottom’, a collection of standards that Paul grew up listening to as a child that went on to inspire him as a songwriter and his love of jazz. This exclusive interview is to be aired on Jamie’s weekly jazz show on BBC Radio 2 on Tuesday, 7th February 2012 at 7pm. 

“Chatting to Sir Paul about jazz was a dream come true. Hearing all those amazing stories about The Beatles was incredible, I could have listened to Sir Paul all day. This is exactly why I love doing my BBC Radio 2 show so much!”
Jamie Cullum

Paul talks to Jamie about the role jazz has played in his life, from growing up listening to his father’s jazz band to their mutual love of Fats Waller.

Paul reflects on his days with The Beatles, from his and John Lennon’s shared love of composers such as Gershwin and Cole Porter to how jazz subtly informed the way The Beatles approached their compositions. 

“I met John and we both realized we both loved this old stuff. Two of his favourite songs were “Close Your Eyes” and “Little White Lies” and I liked that about John, I thought - I can get along with this guy.” Paul McCartney

He also talks in-depth with Jamie about his current album of jazz standards and original compositions ‘Kisses On The Bottom’, recorded at the world-famous Capitol Record studios in Los Angeles.

Paul tells Jamie how the album came together, from the initial inspiration to the great collaborations, what it was like working with Diana Krall and producer Tommy LiPuma, and how his vocal style on the album was influenced by Chet Baker.

“When I started making the record I’m in the studio…I was kind of half expecting it to be a bit Vegas-y. But then I go in there and I’m thinking “we really musn’t do that, it’s not gonna sound honest enough. I thought I’ve gotta mean these songs.”
Paul McCartney

c. MPL Communications Ltd

We also hear what happened when Paul first told his record company about the title for the album ‘Kisses on the Bottom’, and its connection to Fats Waller.

“I said, “Listen - the first time I ever remembered this phenomenon of people really sort of cringing with a name was when we told them we were called The Beatles”.  Everyone went “Ugh, creepy crawly insects”… then we did Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band and everyone went "you what?"  I said, "I’m getting that feeling again…"
Paul McCartney

Previous Jamie Cullum interviews for BBC Radio 2 have included two-part specials with Clint Eastwood and Dave Brubeck, and special features with Nigel Kennedy, Kate Bush, Lars Ulrich, Wynton Marsalis and Pat Metheny.

“Jamie's jazz show has become a key part of the Radio 2 schedule over the past 18 months, and I'd like to congratulate him on his forthcoming special with Paul McCartney as it's a very special listen.”
Lewis Carnie, Head of Programming, BBC Radio 2

Jamie’s show is made for BBC Radio 2 by award-winning independent production company Folded Wing.

Maida Vale sessions are recorded for the Jamie Cullum show twice a month and have included the likes of Robert Glasper, Brad Mehldau, Gregory Porter, Bobby McFerrin, The Kit Downes Trio, Dame Cleo Laine and The Bad Plus. Future sessions will include Gretchen Parlato, Empirical and Tigran Hamasyan.

The special Paul McCartney interview will air on Tuesday, 7th February.

Jamie Cullum is broadcast on BBC Radio 2 every Tuesday night from 7-8pm and is produced by Karen Pearson for Folded Wing.

Folded Wing was named Indie of the Year at the 2011 Radio Production Awards, and produce a range of programmes and digital content for the BBC and commercial clients.

Paul McCartney releases his new album ’Kisses On The Bottom’ on
6th February.

For more information visit:
www.bbc.co.uk/radio2





Reviews: Paul and Ringo's New Albums



Review by BBFC Member, Vaughan Griggs




Here's my opinion on Paul and Ringo's new albums (after one listen apiece.)

I was impressed with Paul's album "Kisses on the bottom." Many artists have produced albums of pre-rock and roll songs in recent years but Paul has taken it to a new level. Firstly, he has largely ignored the really famous songs of this era and chosen more obscure songs. He has also chosen to work with Diana Krall and her band, top jazz musicians in their own right. Perhaps Paul should have recorded this album ten years ago when his voice was in better shape. However,his vocals are (bravely)high in the mix and apart from some tracks with strings, most are recorded with Diane Krall's small band. It shows the decline in Paul's voice but by and large he gets away with it. 

I really enjoy songs from this era and I would suggest that fans who enjoy Paul's rock and pop recordings give this a try. It's a classy album, and Paul's two new songs do not sound out of place. My only real complaint is that Paul did not record a duet with Diane Krall as she is a fabulous singer in her own right.I think this could be Paul's biggest hit album for some time!




 Ringo's album "2012" is, well, a typical Ringo album. Only nine tracks long, it is a nice listen but the fact remains that Ringo is no Paul, John or George when it comes to writing songs! The saving grace of the album is the musicianship throughout, paticularly the lead guitar work, which elevates some ordinary songs to better tracks. 

The stand out tracks for me are "Anthem," "Wonderful," "In Liverpool" and the cover of Buddy's "Think it over." A decent record but if I had to choose between the two it's Paul everytime!


Rock & Soul at the Hard Day's Night Hotel!



Another great package from the Hard Day's Night Hotel, Liverpool!