Friday 31 August 2012

FURTHER DETAILS REVEALED FOR LIVERPOOL’S ‘LOVE ME DO WEEKEND’ WORLD RECORD ATTEMPT





Organisers of The Beatles themed Guinness World Records attempt - taking place October 5th to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the release of the band’s debut single ‘Love Me Do’ - have revealed more details about the event.

The activity, adjudicated on the day by Guinness World Records officials, will feature an attempt by over 1000 people to perform The Beatles ‘Love Me Do’ ‘in a round’. ‘In a round’ is a style of performance where two clearly delineated groups of singers perform a single piece of music but start the song at different times so that various parts of the song coincide with different melodies.

The record for the most people singing ‘in a round’ currently stands at 897 - singing ‘Danke Schoen’ as organized by Groupon (USA) in celebration of the 25th anniversary of Ferris Bueller's Day Off in Chicago, Illinois, USA, in October 2011.

Beatles fans, international tourists, schools, choirs, community groups and the people of Liverpool are determined to smash that record when the activity takes place on at the start of the Love Me Do Weekend.

Liverpool City Council is supporting the record-breaking attempt.

In addition organisers have revealed the location where the record-breaking attempt will take place – Liverpool’s new Cruise Liner Terminal at The Pier Head. This location allows organisers and adjudicators to accurately and safely record and monitor the mass record attempt. It also provides a spectacular backdrop for the thousands of people expected to attend.

The world record attempt will kick start the Love Me Do Weekend across Liverpool’s historic Albert Dock where bars and restaurants will offer diverse musical entertainment, bespoke food and drink offers as well as a unique Love Boat experience taking place on the water.

The weekend will take centre-stage in a year-long season of events that have drawn hundreds of thousands of people to Liverpool for a series of groundbreaking Beatles-themed cultural shows and concerts.

Liverpool City Council’s cabinet member for culture and tourism, Councillor Wendy Simon, said:
“It’s fantastic that there is already a buzz about this event which is less than two months away! The cruise liner terminal is a great location, and it would be wonderful if Liverpool could break the world record and do it in style on our World Heritage Waterfront!”

Jerry Goldman, MD of The Beatles Story - lead organisers of the event - said:
“We have already had significant interest from all over the world from people planning to attend this momentous occasion – people from Argentina, Brazil, India and from across Europe. Many of them have signed up through the website. No self-respecting Beatles fan will want to miss out on this once in a lifetime opportunity to be a part of Beatles history.”

Jeremy Roberts, Chair of Albert Dock Tenants Business Association added:
“Albert Dock always has great fun working with The Beatles Story to bring the big anniversaries to life, we will be taking part in the ‘Love Me Do’ record attempt and you will see the Dock bursting with lively entertainment all over the Love Me Do Weekend.”

Join Beatles Story on Facebook and keep visiting www.lovemedoweekend.com for further info. See you on October 5th!

The Mersey Beatles Get Back to the Liverpool Naval Club

Tickets on sale now from The Beatles Shop, 31 Mathew Street or from the Liverpool Naval Club



Friday 24 August 2012

A Taste of Beatle Week - Pics from Day 2

People from all over the world flock to Liverpool each year for International Beatle Week.  This year, there's something very magical in the air -- maybe because of the 50th anniversary celebrations.

There's too much going on to post regular updates on the website but, thanks to Cavern Photos, here's a taste of some of the fun from yesterday (Day 2 of this year's event)!


See more great photos from Cavern Photos here: https://www.facebook.com/cavern.photos

More information on the events of Beatle Week 2012 is available at the Cavern Club's website here: http://www.cavernclub.org/

Friday 17 August 2012

EPSTEIN PLAY ANNOUNCED AS PART OF HOMOTOPIA ARTS FESTIVAL





The producers of the long-awaited new production ‘EPSTEIN - The Man Who Made The Beatles’, have announced that the play is now officially part of Liverpool’s established annual Homotopia international arts festival, which runs throughout November in venues across the city.

Homotopia is an annual festival of local, national and international LGB&T (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) arts & culture and have co-commissioned the writing of the play and also forms part of Homotopia’s official 2012 programme. ‘EPSTEIN - The Man Who Made The Beatles’ is brought to you by Bill Elms & Jen Heyes Productions Ltd (Tales from Haunted Liverpool, Tales From Charles Dickens), written by Andrew Sherlock (Wall Talks and The Shankly Show) and created and directed by Jen Heyes (Blood Wedding, RLPO Spirit of Christmas and Wall Talks).

Gary Everett, Artistic Director of Homotopia said “Homotopia is thrilled to be involved with the forthcoming EPSTEIN production. Andrew Sherlock has written a very stylish piece and we are proud that it's one of the brand new commissions at this year’s Homotopia festival. Brian Epstein was a true genius who made a significant contribution to popular culture. The play is a timely reminder of this.”

‘EPSTEIN The Man Who Made The Beatles’ is the opening highlight of the newly refurbished 380 seat Epstein Theatre (formerly The Neptune) named after Brian and will raise the curtain from 15 Nov – 1 Dec 2012. The play is also part of the official programme of Liverpool’s 50th Anniversary of The Beatles.

Bill Elms, Co-Producer of Epstein said “Jen and I are grateful to Gary and the Homotopia team for co-commissioning the writing of the production, Gary has been enthusiastic and supported the creation of the project from the early idea stages many years ago, we are proud that the production is part of this ever-growing LGB&T arts festival.”

The two-hander multi-media play charts Brian Epstein’s adult life and illustrious career from his drama school days to managing the world’s biggest pop group. Brian’s short life was crammed with success and controversy; an intelligent man whose presence, taste, vision and passion left a lifelong impact on the world. Born in Liverpool in 1934 to Jewish descent and openly homosexual, he spent his early adult life working for the family business NEMS (North End Music Stores), between being drafted into the Royal Army Service Corps and moving to London to joining RADA and living a more openly gay life, he returned to Liverpool to manage the new NEMS city centre music store making it one of the biggest in the North. Not long after was the historic lunchtime visit to the famous Cavern Club to hear four Liverpool lads perform and the rest was history. Brian died in 1967 of an accidental overdose at the age of 32.




Brian Epstein was best known as a music entrepreneur and legendary manager of The Beatles and was the person responsible for their rise to mega-stardom all over the world. He also managed other popular artists such as Gerry & The Pacemakers, Billy J Kramer, The Foremost, The Dakotas and Cilla Black.

EPSTEIN The Play is sponsored by Gregory Abrams Davidson LLP Solicitors (Mathew Street and Penny Lane).

The production partners: The Cavern, The Beatles Story, Hard Days Night Hotel, Magical Mystery Tour, Fab Cabs Beatles Tours, Annexe Inc and Liverpool Echo.

The official charity of production is C.A.L.M.

More information on Epstein the Play can be found at www.epsteintheplay.com

LISTING INFORMATION
EPSTEIN the Play
The Epstein Theatre
Hanover Street, Liverpool, L1 3DY
Thu 15 November – Sat 1 December 2012
Preview Performances: 15-17 November 2012
Thu and Sat Matinees: 2.30pm | Mon – Sat Evenings: 7.30pm
Ticket Prices: £10-£24 (Concessions Available)

How to Book:
Box Office: 0844 8000 410* or 0844 888 4411. Online at www.ticketquarter.co.uk* or www.epsteinliverpool.co.uk* or or in person at the TicketQuarter, Queens Square, Liverpool*
*Subject to booking fee.

Competition Result - The Beatles: Their Golden Age


Congratulations to Walter Seekamp!

Bill Zygmant with the winning entry

Today, legendary photographer Bill Zygmant drew Walter's name from the correct entries received in our recent competition for The Beatles: Their Golden Age.


Bill was in Liverpool for the opening of his exhibition at the Penny Lane Gallery, and kindly agreed to help us out by drawing the winning entry from the many correct entries that we received.

Bill Zygmant draws the lucky winner!
For more on Bill's exhibition, click here or visit the Penny Lane Gallery's website by clicking here

Thanks to all who entered.  For more information on this great DVD, click here and, if you were not lucky enough to win this time, you can purchase a copy of the DVD by using this link: 


The Beatles. Their Golden Age
A Wienerworld Release
MVD5397D £12.99
Running time: 60 minutes
Release Date: 6 August 2012
http://www.wienerworld.com/

Thursday 16 August 2012

Review: Bill Zygmant Exhibition at the Penny Lane Gallery


Review by Donna Jackson

The current exhibition at the Penny Lane Gallery in Liverpool features the work of legendary photographer, Bill Zygmant.

The exhibition, which runs from Friday August 17 to Sunday October 14, includes a selection of Bill's iconic images featuring, among others, the Bee Gees, the Scaffold and, of course, the Beatles.

Words really cannot do justice to the beauty and spirit of Bill's images.  He has a way of capturing the very essence of his subjects, giving us an insight into their character and personality, as well as capturing the spirit of the 60s.

Bill with his photo of George; he admits
that George was his favourite
c. Jackie Spencer, www.beatleguides.com

The importance of Bill to the history of the Beatles was reflected when the Hard Days Night Hotel named one of its suites in his honour.  Just a few moments looking at his work demonstrate just how richly this honour was deserved.




I had seen most of Bill's images before -- either in books or on the internet -- but the original prints have an added depth and spark that made me feel as if this was the first time I was seeing them.  

It was also the first time that I had met Bill and it's impossible not to be relaxed in his company.  I'm sure that one of the reasons why Bill's photos are so wonderful is not just because of his talent with a camera but also because of his personal charm and warmth.

Bill, copying John's pose
c. Jackie Spencer, www.beatleguides.com

As well as the various prints which are for sale, the Gallery also has available a limited edition exclusive poster featuring Bill's photographs of each of the Beatles.  The prices of the prints, many of which are also limited editions, vary, but some have been priced at a special rate for this exhibition.


Bill with gallery owner, Christine Colvin

Bill will be the special guest of the Penny Lane Gallery at the annual Beatles Convention at the Adelphi Hotel, Liverpool, on Sunday August 26 (part of International Beatles Week).

So, if you're in Liverpool for the celebrations this August, don't miss out on this chance to meet a legend, and make sure you visit the Penny Lane Gallery to view his wonderful and iconic images too!

Penny Lane Gallery is open 6 days a week from 11am to 5.30pm (closed Tuesdays).

For more information on this, and other exhibitions, and on the gallery visit the website by clicking HERE

Exclusive Merchandise Celebrates The Fab Four's 50th Anniversary



August 2012 marks 50 years since the Fab Four of Liverpool made its debut at Hulme Hall in Port Sunlight as The Beatles.

Their journey from obscurity to Beatlemania had begun...

Licensed Beatles merchandise manufacturer, ROCKOFF TRADE has launched an exclusive range of merchandise with never-before-seen images and designs.

These items will be offered as a “one-off” collection consisting of limited edition mugs, travel mugs, coaster sets, keychains, magnets and t-shirts. Additional orders will not be available for these items so when it's gone from the store shelves, it's gone!

Other collections available this year include Love Me Do, original concert posters, The Beatles in Liverpool, Abbey Road Studios in London. The October 5 release of “Love Me Do” is the first Beatles record and there is a range of products to suit.

For the next seven years, Rockoff will introduce limited-release exclusive merchandise depicting previously unpublished photographs following their career. Future programs will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of key Beatles events, singles, and album releases in 1963 - 1969 on exclusive product ranges and artwork.

Looking forward to what's to come?

You should be.

If only they knew what lay ahead...


The collections will soon be available at the following retailers:

The Beatles.com (thebeatles.com), Hard Days Night Shop (harddaysnightshop.com), London Beatles Store (beatlesstorelondon.co.uk), HMV (hmv.com), Beatles Story (beatlesstory.com), and more... 



Wednesday 15 August 2012

The Beatles Festival Scarborough - 15/16 September



* THE MERSEY BEATLES * THE CAVERNITES * MACCA BAND *



* THE BEATELLES * THE BEATLE 5 * HEY BEATLES * BJ LEWIS *

* STALLS * FILMS * MEMORABILIA * COMPETITIONS * 
* MORE ACTS TO BE CONFIRMED * 

BOOK EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT 



SPECIAL OFFER: BBFC Members can book discounted tickets by clicking HERE

Saturday & Sunday Afternoon & Evening Sessions
2 x Sessions Daily - Noon - 5pm & 7pm - Midnight
4 x 5 hour sessions @ £15 Per Session Pre-booked
or Pay Cash £20 On The Door (If Any Tickets Are Available)

Weekend Tickets and other offers available!

For Stall / Exhibition Stand Enquiries Call Steve Foley
The Beatles Festival on 07775 613116 or 01706 370717

PROGRAMME

SATURDAY AFTERNOON 12 NOON - 5PM
THE MACCA BAND
THE BEATELLES
THE MERZEES
JOHNNY & THE MOONDOGS
BJ LEWIS
IMAGE OF LENNON

=============================
SATURDAY EVENING 7 PM - MIDNIGHT
THE MACCA BAND
THE BEATELLES
THE MERZEES
BJ LEWIS
IMAGE OF LENNON

=============================
SUNDAY AFTERNOON 12 NOON - 5PM
THE BEATLE 5
HEY BEATLES
THE CAVERNITES
BJ LEWIS
NEIL TUDOR

=============================
SUNDAY EVENING 7 PM - MIDNIGHT
THE MERSEY BEATLES
THE BEATLE 5
HEY BEATLES
THE CAVERNITES
BJ LEWIS
NEIL TUDOR


Tribute Gig in Buxton Marks 50 Years Since Beatles Rocked The Town




If you like to ‘Get Back’ to the sounds of the Beatles then the news that tribute band the Backbeat Beatles are to play at the Buxton Dome on September 28 should make you ‘Feel Fine’.

Events organisers Meet Me At The Dome are urging people to reserve tickets early for what is sure to be a popular event on Friday September 28 from 7.30pm till late.
 The Backbeat Beatles, which was formed by actor and songwriter Chris O'Neill following his successful role in the BAFTA award winning Beatles film, BACKBEAT, are visiting Buxton to mark the 50th anniversary of the Beatle’s debut performance in the town.

Emily Ibbotson, Meet Me At The Dome Event Organiser, said: “We hope many people come and join us at this celebration of Beatles music in spectacular surroundings. Whether you saw the real band when they visited almost 50 years ago, or if you’re new to their songs, it’s sure to be a great night of live music.”

Tickets cost £15 for adults and £7.50 for children and senior citizens, and can be purchased at the Devonshire Dome reception on Devonshire Road, by calling 01332 594606, or on website http://unishop.derby.ac.uk/

Drinks can be purchased from a fully licensed bar on the night.

On Penny Lane There is a Barber ...




In his iconic song, Paul McCartney sang about the barbers where the Beatles used to get their hair cut in Liverpool. The barber shop, Bioletti's, like nearly all of the places referred to in the song, was not on Penny Lane itself but on Smithdown Place, overlooking the ‘roundabout’ with the bus shelter.



A change of ownership meant that “Bioletti’s” became “Tony Slavin’s”, but it is still a barber shop (and now also a ladies salon). Where else could you have your hair done at a reasonable price and share in Beatles history at the same time?




The Ladies salon (upstairs) used to be a flat in the Beatles' days, but the barber shop downstairs still looks much the same as when the Beatles used to sit and wait for a trim.

"photographs of every head he's had the pleasure to have known!"

Beatles fans are always welcome – either to have their hair done in the same place as the Beatles ...

Yes, it's Little Jimmy Osmond!  

Take home a unique
souvenir of your visit!

... or to "stop and say hello".  Visitors are welcome to look around, take photographs, and sit in the barbers' chairs.  In return, donations for the Linda McCartney Centre are gratefully accepted.  There are also some unique souvenirs available to buy.



Photos of the Beatles
and the original Biolettis

In the Penny Lane area, there are now other barber shops that try to tempt tourists to visit. But don’t be fooled! Visit Tony Slavin’s where you’ll not only receive a warm welcome, but you’ll be able to experience a real piece of Beatles history.

To make an appointment to have your hair done telephone 0151 733 7171 or, for more information and ways to get in touch, visit the website: www.pennylanebarbershop.com


There, beneath the blue suburban skies!





Tuesday 14 August 2012

The Beatles Show, The New Theatre, Dublin




THE BEATLES SHOW 

Written and directed by Stephen Kennedy
Produced by Yapperhead Theatre Company 
The New Theatre, Temple Bar, Dublin
Oct 15th - Oct 20th 

This is a very special show to mark the 50th anniversary of the first single from The Beatles – ‘Love Me Do’ – which was released in October 1962. This show is a mixture of short plays and the music of The Beatles performed live by Vyvienne Long and The Newspaper Taxi Men.

LENNON v McCARTNEY

Since the dawn of Time human beings have gathered in pubs and argued about who is greater – John Lennon or Paul McCartney. Now, finally, here at last, and not a moment too soon, is a short play that definitively sorts out the argument once and for all. Well… sort of…

LENNON v McCARTNEY was performed a number of times on the main stage at the Adelphi in Liverpool at the 2010 International Beatle Week. It has also been performed at the Scottish Beatles Weekend, the Flat Lake Festival, the Donegal Beatles Festival, the Project Arts Centre, Whelan’s, the Village, and many other places.

“Fabulously written and brilliantly acted. This is an acute observation of pub culture, pop culture and male friendship.” Reviewed by the Dublin Book Festival 2011.

Performed by Dylan McDonough and Jonathan Judge. 

Dylan McDonough


DEATH AND THE BEATLES FAN

How much would you know about The Beatles if your life depended on it?

DEATH AND THE BEATLES FAN is a new short play that takes a comic look at what happens when Death attempts to collect the soul of a hardcore Beatles’ fan who has no interest in dying.

“This really is the great stage play that The Seventh Seal could have been... if only Ingmar Bergman had been aware of The Beatles in 1957!” (Quote kindly supplied by a non-existent theatre critic.)

Performed by Dylan McDonough and Emmet Quinn.


JOHN LENNON’S LAST DAY

This piece is the most complete account of John Lennon’s last day that has ever been presented. It is not a play in the traditional sense – and is probably best described as a work of ‘documentary theatre’. Basically, with the use of a single actor, a simple stage set, some projected images and some very rare audio clips, this piece guides the audience through the strange and tragic events of John Lennon’s last day.

“My work won’t be finished till I’m dead and buried – and I hope that’s a long long time.”

Words spoken by John Lennon on Monday, December 8th, 1980 – just a few hours before his death.

Performed by Seamus Brennan.


VYVIENNE LONG

Vyvienne Long is a superb cellist and singer-songwriter who first came to prominence on the Irish music scene when she worked with Damien Rice on his albums O and 9. In 2006, Vyvienne released her debut EP, Birdtalk, which was a huge success and completely sold out within months. In 2010, Vyvienne reached a whole new audience when she released her excellent debut album, Caterpillar Sarabande, and appeared on television shows such as The Late Late Show, Other Voices and The View. Vyvienne has also built up an impressive reputation with her talent for covering other people’s songs – and her interpretations of The Beatles’ songs are nothing short of stunning.


THE NEWSPAPER TAXI MEN

The Newspaper Taxi Men are one of the very best Beatle tribute bands in Ireland. They have recently played brilliant support slots for John Lennon’s Original Quarrymen at the Village and Scotland’s Revolver at the Workman’s Club, and Yapperhead Theatre Company are thrilled to have them as part of The Beatles Show at the New Theatre. These guys are pure quality.


The image for the poster was drawn by Dublin artist Georgina Flood. It is taken from ‘The Boys’.

Tickets for this show are €15 each (€12.50 conc)
Tel. 00 353 1 670 3361
www.thenewtheatre.com



NOTE ON STEPHEN KENNEDY

Stephen Kennedy is an Irish writer. In recent years he has been nominated for the Hennessy XO Literary Awards and RTE’s PJ O’Connor Awards; and his plays have been performed throughout Ireland and the UK. In 2010, his short play, Should've Gone to Lourdes, was presented at the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington DC by Fishamble Theatre Company. Stephen is also a lifelong Beatles’ fan!

Monday 13 August 2012

Review - Abbey Road: The Best Studio in the World


Review by Donna Jackson


Abbey Road: The Best Studio in the World

Alistair Lawrence, Foreword by Sir George Martin
Bloomsbury Publishing, 2012
UK ISBN: 978-1-4088-3241-7
US ISBN: 978 -1-6081-9999-0



George Martin, in his foreword, described the story of Abbey Road as “captivating” and Abbey Road: The Best Studio in the World certainly lives up to that representation. The book is as captivating as the story it tells.

This fabulous book tells the story of the Abbey Road studios, from the very earliest days when sound recording was in its infancy to the present day. Although the name ‘Abbey Road’ is synonymous with music, it may come somewhat as a surprise to be presented by page after page of famous names from all spheres of entertainment. Anyone who was anyone in music and entertainment seems to have walked through the doors to Abbey Road studios at some point and famous names feature on every page.

The book is pure quality from start to finish – from the production, to the design, to the layout and content.

Every page full of fabulous photographs of the studio and of the musicians who have worked within its walls. The text is interesting and informative, but the pictures alone tell a fascinating and engaging story. If it is true that a picture is worth a thousand words, then the photographs in this book must be priceless.  Every page is a visual treasure.

Courtesy of Bloomsbury Publishing

Not only does the book tell the story of the music and the artists who have recorded at the world-famous studios, but the latter part of the book also describes some of the technical processes, the equipment and the personnel who work behind the scenes to give Abbey Road its place in musical history.

The final chapter in the book includes a time line highlighting the key moments in the history of Abbey Road, and brief biographies of some of the key personnel – musicians and technicians -- associated with the studios. Just reading this section alone is enough to create a jaw-dropping moment with the realisation of just how much history, and magic, was created in just one place.

For fans of music, for musicians, and for cultural historians, this book is definitely a must-have!

Table of Contents:
Foreword by Sir George Martin
Before Abbey Road
1929 to 1939: The Early Years
The 1940s: Wartime and Beyond
The 1950s: A Decade of Change
The 1960s: Science of Sound
The 1970s: Era of the Album
The 1980s: Comebacks and New Artists
The 1990s: Settling Scores, Old and New
The 2000s: Live Action and Fantasy Flicks
Inside the Studios
Experimentation and Invention
Behind the Scenes: the Unsung Heroes of Abbey Road Studios’ Success
Abbey Road at a Glance


Preview some of this beautiful book below or, for more information, click HERE


Open publication - Free publishing - More abbey

COMPETITION NEWS!!!
We have a copy of this fabulous book to give away to one lucky reader! The competition will run in September.  Watch this space for full details!!

Abbey Road: The Best Studio in the World is available from all good booksellers, and from Amazon by clicking on this link:

BILL ZYGMANT ICONIC BEATLE IMAGERY TO BE EXHIBITED ON PENNY LANE



Legendary photographer Bill Zygmant, famed for his images of musicians and celebrities including The Beatles, Bee Gees and Jimi Hendrix, comes to Penny Lane Gallery to showcase a collection of photographs. His images, taken from the sixties onwards, are some of the definitive shots of the music industry.

He took the first pictures of John Lennon and Yoko Ono months before the official announcement of their relationship. His photographs have appeared in the Musical Express, Billboard, Picture Post as well as national newspapers and magazines. At the Hard Days Night Hotel in Liverpool there’s a suite named in his honour in recognition of his iconic Beatle images.

Exhibition runs from Friday 17th August – Sunday 14th October 2012

Open 6 days a week Wednesday-Monday 11am-5.30pm, closed Tuesday 

For more information on the Penny Lane Gallery and this, and other exhibitions, visit the website at:  http://www.pennylanegallery.co.uk/



Sunday 12 August 2012

Love Me Do: Competition from the Beatles Story





Here at Liverpool's award-winning Beatles Story, Liverpool we are celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of the release of 'Love Me Do' with a very exciting competition. We have been searching for the best Beatles tribute bands in the world to participate in our competition and were wondering if you could assist us by featuring the competition on your website. We are asking band to post a recorded cover of 'Love Me Do' onto our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/beatlesstoryliverpool.

Our Facebook page has 34,000 rabid Beatles fan followers so it's a great place to let people know about your band.

Oh, and the winning band gets a £250 prize. We look forward to recieving your entry. Any questions drop richard@creativeconcern.com a line.

For more info about the Love Me Do Weekend, go to: http://www.lovemedoweekend.com/


Competition Result: Ringo has been found!


The good news is that everyone who entered the competition successfully found Ringo hiding out at The City Barge Pub which just happens to be the very pub where scenes from “HELP!” were filmed way back in 1965. Coincidentally (or maybe not), this pub is located just across the river Thames from the site where Ringo was filmed on his original “walkabout” in the film “A Hard Day’s Night” so it was familiar territory for him.

So for this Beatle Olympic event, the competition field was tight with some mighty Beatle brains neck- and-neck for the gold medal. As stated in the rules, all correct entries were put into a random draw and the lucky winner who can claim to be our 2012 Beatle Olympiad is (drumroll) Phill Boylett. Congratulations Phill!!

As the lucky winner, the membership secretary will be notified to extend the expiration date of your membership by 12 months and terrific goodie bag will be on its way to you by post very shortly.

Many thanks the entrants who competed. We appreciate your participation and Olympic spirit. We love having competitions, but they are so much more fun when we have good participation. To say thank you all the contestants will receive an email certificate.

If you would like to learn more about this pub’s Beatle connections or maybe even visit it yourself, check out this link on our website.

Saturday 11 August 2012

Four Pieces of Beatle Art for Sale

These four pieces of art were produced by Neil Arms for an exhibition in Liverpool titled 'Liverpool Icons'. Other paintings (since sold) included Bill Shankly, Ken Dodd and Lily Savage!



Although Neil has painted the Beatles before (for private commissions), this is the first time he has painted John, Paul, George and Ringo as individual personalities, to represent the success each achieved after the Fab Four split.



These paintings are totally original and one off, and will never to be painted again.




The gallery price for each piece would have been £425.00, but, as a special offer, Neil is looking for offers in the region of £700 for all four pieces (which includes P&P within the UK).


To find out more about Neil and his art, or to make specific enquiries about these paintings, contact Neil via his website: www.neiljarms.com

Thursday 9 August 2012

Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Ringo's first official appearance with The Beatles!

Image courtesy of the Cavern Club 

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. 

On 18 August 2012 join the Cavern Club Beatles and special guests for this historic event at Hulme Hall, celebrating the music of the Beatles at the very same venue that the band performed at 50 years ago. Compered by former '60s Cavern DJ and Liverpool legend, Billy Butler, this promises to be one historical recreation not to be missed. 

Doors open at 7pm, and the show will start at 8pm.

Tickets are £13.00 and can be bought online HERE or at the Cavern Pub, Mathew Street, Liverpool

The event is standing with some limited unreserved seating.

Hulme Hall has a licensed bar.

Wednesday 8 August 2012

New Album from Beatles Artist Shannon!



There seems to be no end to Shannon's talents!

When Shannon was chosen to provide the artwork for the Hard Day's Night Hotel in Liverpool, her status as arguably the best Beatles artist in the world was assured.

But as well as producing fabulous artwork, Shannon is now producing great music too.  And her new album, Red Pyramids and Blue Sky includes a special tribute to Liverpool.  Fire Crimson Rose, which features The Dovedale School Choir as well as Denny Laine and Dennis Ferrante, is a hauntingly beautiful track, as is her version of Tomorrow Never Knows.  All the tracks on her album are well worth a listen though!

To listen to Fire Crimson Rose, or any of the tracks from Red Pyraminds and Blue Sky follow this link: http://www.reverbnation.com/ShannonMacDonald

To find out more about Shannon, her art and music, visit her website by clicking HERE

FIRE CRIMSON ROSE (A Mersey Tale)
by Shannon
Featuring Liverpool, England's Dovedale Children's Choir

It’s cold down town New Brighton
The wind burns hard on his face
He worked all day in the shipyard
Tryin’ to make an earnest pay
When he’d head home…he was so tired
Working his fingers to the bone
For Jane he’d stop – and buy a Fire Crimson Rose

She met him down by the Mersey
They married back in ‘Frisco Bay
In nine months time Jane had Jenny
They named her after Brad’s old flame
One night he lost the wheel. Again so tired.
The angels came and took him away
Janie lost – Her best friend that day.

Janie mourns the sunlight by the coast
And she brings lots of Fire Crimson Roses

Now Janie and Jenny, bound together,
They’d walk the bricks on Mathew Street
And visit a lane called, “Penny”
Then head down to the docks to eat
When they got home…Jane was so tired
And choking back the tears that she owned
Little Jenny stopped – and bought a Fire Crimson Rose

Janie mourns the sunlight by the coast
And she brings lots of Fire Crimson Roses

It still gets cold in New Brighton
The shipyard’s gone without a trace
As Jenny walks beside the Mersey
She remembers what her Daddy would say
When life gets you down and you’re so tired
Buy yourself a Crimson Rose
And laugh at life…then find your way back home

Jenny mourns the sunlight - By the coast
She brings lots of Fire Crimson Roses
Jenny mourns the sunlight - her father’s ghost
She brings lots of Fire Crimson Roses

Musicians:
Steve Holley: Drums
Denny Laine : Acoustic Guitar
Lou Pucci: Electric Guitars
Chase Hamilton: Bagpipes
Dennis Ferrante: Backing Vocals
Liverpool's Dovedale Choir (Children)
SHANNON: Lead and Backing Vocals, 4 String B
ass, Piano, Synths, Orchestra and Bagpipe Arrangements
**Mixed by Jeff Wallace at The Jam Room Music Complex




Monday 6 August 2012

Liverpool's 'FAB FOUR' Support Epstein The Play





Liverpool’s big four Beatles attractions have given their seal of approval and partnered with the new long-awaited EPSTEIN The Play, which runs from 15 November until 1 December 2012, at the city’s Epstein Theatre. The Cavern, The Beatles Story, Hard Days Night Hotel and the Magical Mystery Tour are all onboard as partners for the theatrical production based on the life of legendary Beatles manager Brian Epstein. The play is also part of the official programme of the city’s 50th Anniversary of the Beatles.

EPSTEIN The Play is brought to you by Bill Elms & Jen Heyes Productions Ltd (Tales from Haunted Liverpool, Tales From Charles Dickens), written by Andrew Sherlock (Wall Talks and The Shankly Show) and created and directed by Jen Heyes (Blood Wedding, I love Vinegar Vera and Wall Talks).

Bill Elms co-producer of EPSTEIN said “We are delighted to have the support of these iconic Beatles organisations for Epstein the Play, it shows how Liverpool businesses work together to enhance the city’s tourism and cultural experience. Our vision is for the production to become as equally internationally recognised as these well established Beatles institutions.”

The play charts Brian Epstein’s adult life and illustrious career from his drama school days to managing the world’s biggest pop group. Brian’s short life was crammed with success and controversy; he was an intelligent man whose presence, taste, vision and passion left a lifelong impact on the world. Born in Liverpool in 1934 to Jewish descent, he spent his early adult years working for the family business NEMS (North End Music Stores) before being drafted into the Royal Army Service Corps, after a brief stint in London joining RADA and living a more openly gay life he returned to Liverpool to manage the new NEMS city centre music store making it one of the biggest in the North. Not long after was the historic lunchtime visit to the famous Cavern Club to hear four Liverpool lads perform and the rest was history.

Jerry Goldman, MD of The Beatles Story said “Brain Epstein was such an integral part of the Beatles story. It is not before time that his contribution to the city was recognised in this way.”

Dave Jones, Director of Cavern City Tours said “The world famous Cavern Club in Mathew Street Liverpool is proud to be associated with this wonderful production about the life of Brian Epstein and the massive contribution he made to the global success of four lads from Liverpool...The Beatles.

Mike Dewey, General Manager of Hard Days Night Hotel said “We were delighted to show our support to an exciting new theatre production in the city and we aim to create the perfect, Beatles themed theatre break at the Hard Days Night.”

Brian Epstein was best known as a music entrepreneur and legendary manager of The Beatles and was the person responsible for their rise to mega-stardom all over the world. He also managed other popular artists such as Gerry & The Pacemakers, Billy J Kramer, The Foremost, The Dakotas and Cilla Black.
EPSTEIN The Play is sponsored by Gregory Abrams Davidson LLP Solicitors (Matthew Street and Penny Lane).

The production is supported by the Liverpool Echo; the official charity of production is C.A.L.M.

More information on Epstein the Play can be found at www.epsteintheplay.com.

LISTING INFORMATION

EPSTEIN the Play
The Epstein Theatre
Hanover Street, Liverpool, L1 3DY
Thu 15 November – Sat 1 December 2012
Preview Performances: 15-17 November 2012
Thu and Sat Matinees: 2.30pm | Mon – Sat Evenings: 7.30pm
Ticket Prices: £10-£24 (Concessions Available)

How to Book:
Box Office: 0844 8000 410* or 0844 888 4411. Online at www.ticketquarter.co.uk* or www.epsteinliverpool.co.uk* or or in person at the TicketQuarter, Queens Square, Liverpool*
*Subject to booking fee.


Fabulous New Book telling the story of Abbey Road: The Best Studio in the World

ABBEY ROAD
The Best Studio in the World
With a foreword by Sir George Martin
Published by Bloomsbury
19th July 2012



A fabulous new book celebrating the best studio in the world!

Out now!


The first photographic celebration of the most famous recording studio in the world.

Abbey Road: The Best Studio in the World was published to coincide with the studio’s 80th anniversary, the 50th anniversary of the first Beatles recording at Abbey Road and the 40th anniversary of the recording of Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon.

Abbey Road Studios has been at the heart of the music industry for 80 years and is an iconic symbol of British music. With its unique blend of vintage equipment and cutting-edge technology, it remains one of the most technically advanced recording, mixing and mastering facilities in the world.

Written by freelance music journalist Alistair Lawrence with a foreword by Sir George Martin, Abbey Road celebrates the 80th year of the world’s most famous recording studio in style.

This lovingly produced book is a must-have for all music lovers. From the original bill of sale for the property and classic landmark recordings to today’s sessions, Abbey Road takes the reader through the studio’s illustrious history.

Featuring interviews with key figures and a wealth of rare and never-before-seen photos collected from the studios’ own private archive, the book provides a fascinating insight into the creative home of artists such as Kate Bush, The Beatles and Pink Floyd.

Abbey Road is an incredible document of cultural history for anyone who values music and how it's made. This is the essential music book of the decade.

‘This then is the story of the greatest studio in the world - it was my nursery along with so many brilliant stars who created their work there. It is a terrific story, well told and even though I know most if it I still find it captivating. So imagine you are coming with me up those steps to the doors of Number Three Abbey Road. You will have a super time, I promise you.’ Sir George Martin

“Our rooms have hosted some of the finest recordings ever made, great artists, composers and musicians, not to mention producers, engineers and technicians who are at the heart of our piece of the creative process. The Abbey Road Studios story is a fabulous one and this book is a wonderful chronicle.” Jonathan Smith, Senior Vice President EMI Studios

Preview some of this beautiful book here!



Open publication - Free publishing - More abbey


COMPETITION NEWS!!!
We have a copy of this fabulous book to give away to one lucky reader! The competition will run in September.  Watch this space for full details!!


Thursday 2 August 2012

Competition and Review - The Beatles: Their Golden Age






The Beatles. Their Golden Age

A Wienerworld Release

MVD5397D £12.99

Running time: 60 minutes

Release Date: 6 August 2012

http://www.wienerworld.com/







You can WIN a copy of this great new DVD.  Full details of how to enter are at the bottom of the review!


Review by Terry Bloxham

Wienerworld Ltd.has released another re-hash of the now ages-old story of the Beatles. Wienerworld has been responsible for the reissues of many Beatles-related DVDs, such as the excellent ‘John Lennon Rare and Unseen’ and the ridiculous but highly entertaining ‘Paul McCartney Really is Dead!’, and for that we are grateful but ‘The Beatles. Their Golden Age’ does not provide any new information nor any new mis-information. ‘Their Golden Age’ is just a light entertainment romp through the Beatles rise and rise and a bit of their fall.

Les Krantz, the author and narrator, loves his subject and he just teeters on the edge of adulation. He tries and, to a large extent, achieves a feeling of the excitement of Beatlemania by showing reels and reels of footage of screaming fans from around the world. Krantz then proceeds through the mid to late 1960s with images of album covers, newspaper headlines and documentary footage of Sgt Pepper, Magical Mystery Tour, Rishikesh and the Maharishi and then concluding the decade with Let it Be and the rooftop concert. There is nothing new here but it is well presented chronologically. I have to admit I enjoyed watching the extensive clips from the film ‘Help!’ – why so much footage of this? Was this Krantz’s fave film?

Krantz doesn’t steer away from the controversial topics. He covers the Manila fiasco, the ‘Bigger than Jesus’ incident and, shock!, Paul admitting to having taken LSD. Yoko and Linda are briefly featured with a bit of extra airtime for Yoko and the Bed-In. The film ends with a quick ‘Where Are They Now?’ – John and peace, Paul and Wings, George and ‘All Things Must Pass’ and Ringo’s ‘Ringo’ album. This was all pretty sketchy but, admittedly, not the focus of the film.

The well-informed Beatles fan will learn nothing new from ‘The Beatles. Their Golden Years’ but the beginner fan could not do better for a good chronological study of the group. Like with most DVD releases of the Beatles, there is no original music. Krantz does provide some muzak-style versions of Beatles songs but I would recommend you put on some Beatles CDs while you watch.

Enjoy!


Competition Details

We have a copy of this great DVD to give away to one lucky reader!  To win, all you have to do answer this question:

Who narrates "The Beatles: Their Golden Age"?

This competition is open to anyone and the DVD can be sent anywhere in the world (the format is Region 0).

To enter, email us by clicking HERE, with the answer to the question, your name and full postal address.

The closing date for this competition is 12 noon on Wednesday August 15, 2012.  

Good luck!!

And if you're not the lucky winner, you can buy the DVD from amazon by using this link: