Thursday 20 December 2012

ROK Books To Publish Angie McCartney’s Biography ‘My Long And Winding Road’




Book Launch to coincide with a 2 day ‘Beatles Celebration’ at The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic beginning 30th January
ROK Books, a division of ROK records Ltd, has announced it will publish the official biography of Angie McCartney on the 30th January and will celebrate the publication with 2 nights of fantastic music and entertainment celebrating The Beatles at the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, hosted by Pete Price.
Liverpool-born Angie McCartney has enjoyed a life of amazing ups and downs, tempered by a breathtaking blend of optimism and determination to succeed, no matter what. Angie is best known for her Organic Tea business, her naughty sense of humour and her famous Beatles stories. 

She married Paul McCartney’s father, Jim, in November 1964, at the height of The Beatles phenomenon that powered much of the music of the Swinging Sixties. But even before then her life was remarkable. She survived not only serious childhood illness, but the bombing of Liverpool in World War II, learning the skills that would help shape a career that continues to this day.

Throughout her life, having finished her formal schooling at the age of 11, Angie has pursued writing, and now this determined octogenarian has finally collected many terrific memories, from the first time she met with John Lennon to travelling the world with her daughter Ruth, through to her most recent ventures which include establishing McCartney Multimedia, Inc. and setting up her own thriving organic tea business.

Angie believes ‘every day above ground is a good day.’
“I’m so excited to be able to announce the publication of my book and the amazing 2 nights of Beatles celebration we’re organising at the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic for the end of January.” Said Angie. “We will have several of the best tribute bands from around the world performing all eras of the Beatles music and both evenings will be hosted by Pete Price of Radio City 96.7 FM. It will be tremendous!”
The tribute bands scheduled to perform include The FAB Beatles, the BBC-acclaimed no1 Beatles tribute band in the UK, The Tetrads from Tokyo, Japan, The Backwards, one of Europe's leading Beatles Tribute acts from Slovak Republic and The Pangea, another top Beatles Tribute Bands from the Czech Republic
Each band will be playing a different era of Beatles music, ending with a full stage recreation of the famous Apple Records roof top concert as performed by The Beatles in London on the 30th January 1969.

Priced at £14.99 and packed with incites and anecdotes including 12 pages of fascinating photographs – many of which have never been published before – Angie McCartney’s ‘My Long and Winding Road’ is a celebration of an extraordinary life.

Tickets for Angie’s ‘Beatles Celebration’ at the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic on the 30th and 31st of January 2013 cost just £25.00 each and are available now at http://www.liverpoolphil.com/10612/events-film-comedy-amp-events/angie-mccartneys-beatles-celebration.html
Those who attend either evening celebrating the Beatles will be able to purchase a copy of ‘My Long and Winding Road’ at the specially-reduced cost of just £5.00 per copy.
Commenting, Jonathan Kendrick, Chairman of ROK Records said “Here’s a unique chance to find out more about the swinging 60’s and the Fab Four from the indefatigable First Lady of Tea –Angie McCartney – while enjoying a fantastic evening celebrating The Beatles in their home town of Liverpool.”

Free Entry to Elvis And Us Exhibition on January 8!

FREE ENTRY TO ELVIS AND US EXHIBITION WILL CELEBRATE THE KING OF ROCK ‘N’ ROLL’S® BIRTHDAY IN LIVERPOOL




Fans of Elvis Presley and The Beatles will be able to visit Liverpool’s Elvis and Us exhibition for free* for one day only to celebrate what would have been The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s ® 78th birthday.

On Tuesday 8th January 2013, fans can receive tickets on a first come first served basis to view the renowned exhibition co-curated by Graceland and the award-winning Beatles Story. Fans are advised to arrive early as demand for the tickets is expected to be high.

Elvis and Us first opened to the public in October 2010 and since then has welcomed tens of thousands of fans from all over the world all eager to find out more about the influence Elvis Presley had on the young Beatles.

In addition to displaying many incredibly rare artefacts, Elvis and Us also stocks official Elvis Presley memorabilia otherwise only available at Graceland – ideal for unique Christmas gifts.

The exhibition has even been visited by Elvis’s co-star in the film The Trouble with Girls Marlyn Mason and James Burton, legendary guitarist from Elvis’s own TCB Band - who backed The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll® in concert between 1969 and 1977. Both have given the exhibition their seal of approval.

A global exclusive for the city of Liverpool, Elvis and Us marks the first time archivists from Elvis Presley’s Graceland have curated an exhibition of this scale in the UK. Included are scores of amazing Elvis artefacts that have never before been seen outside of Elvis Presley’s home in Memphis, Tenn.

From his iconic Jailhouse Rock shirt to the amazing jumpsuits that characterised Presley’s later Vegas career, the exhibition displays a fabulous array of items previously only seen in photographs, films and on stage.

The influence Elvis Presley had over the young Beatles and the one and only meeting between the two world icons is carefully explored through a series of video interviews shot exclusively for the exhibition. The interviews feature Priscilla Presley, The Beatles’ 1960s press officer Tony Barrow, NME journalist Chris Hutchins, and members of The Quarrymen, the band that evolved into The Beatles.

For more information on Elvis and Us visit www.elvisandus.com

Images of the exhibition are available to view http://www.elvisandus.com/exhibition.php

*Subject to T&Cs below

Terms and Conditions
  • Ticket allows entry to the Elvis and Us Exhibition, Fab4D Experience and The Beatles Hidden Gallery at The Beatles Story Pier Head. 
  • Ticket does not allow entry to The Beatles Story Albert Dock.
  • Valid for one day only 08/01/13. 
  • Tickets cannot be transferred to another time or day. 
  • All winners will be allocated a time slot upon arrival. Tickets will be allocated first come, first served, available from 10:00am on 08/01/13. 
  • There are a limited number of free tickets and when all tickets have been allocated, entry to the Exhibition will be closed. 
  • If you miss your time slot you may have to wait until the next time slot becomes available, if at all. 
  • Last entry will be 5:00pm. 
  • Due to Health & Safety restrictions The Beatles Story reserves the right to delay entry on timed tickets. 
  • No cash alternative. 
  • Only one ticket per person. 
  • The Beatles Story reserves the right to refuse entry. 
  • The Beatles Story reserves the right to cancel this event without prior notice.


Jameson & Hills, Leeds, Sat Dec 22


Daytripper Weekender 2013 - Tickets On Sale Now!



Well what a line up we have for you for 2013, we welcome back some favorites but we bring you more new unseen Beatles tribute bands from across the UK, and next year we are going International as we welcome two fantastic bands from Italy.


From England

The Beatelles (Liverpool)
Johnny and the Moondogs (Middlesbourough)
Hey Beatles (Leicester)
The Yesterdays (Kings Lynn,Norfolk)
The Apple Core Beatles (Hampton, London)
The Threetles (Manchester)

From Wales

The Cavernites (Rhyl)
Tyronne Marshal Image of Lennon (Aberdare)

From Scotland

Just Beatles (Dunfermline)
The Get Back Band (Glasgow)
Them Beatles (Glasgow)

From Italy

The Brothel Creepers (Bologna)
Sir Frankie Crisp (Lecce, Brindisi)

Plus very special VIP Guests, Julia Baird, Tony Bramwell and more to be announced.

Tickets on sale now priced at £30 for the whole weekend, Fri/Sat/Sun, day tickets available at £20 per day, check web site for booking details and discounted accommodation at the hotel.

A splendid time is guaranteed for all, Daytripper Weekender, Four days of Fab Four fun in the Sun July 5th,6th,7th The Beaches Hotel, Prestatyn North Wales.

For more information visit the website at www.daytripperweekender.com

A Daytripper Weekender promotions event.

Wednesday 19 December 2012

Penny Lane Winter Festival - Dec 21




Come along to the Penny Lane Winter Festival next week at the Penny lane Development Trust (PLDT) on Friday 21st from 11-5pm. Yes, Penny Lane will be rocking out to the sound of the Beatles as we join in the Winter celebrations at the local Christmas Market.

Among the stall-holders is Penny Lane Gallery, so you can pick up some of their fantastic range of Christmas gifts as you admire the Yellow Submarine that now has pride of place in the PLDT Gardens.

There’ll be Mince pies, a Raffle and a wide range of other hand crafted objects available.

Entry is free so come along!

Review: The Bootleg Beatles in Birmingham


THE BOOTLEG BEATLES
NIA, Birmingham – 16th December 2012
Review by Gilli Hale





As is customary, the Bootleg’s ended their December UK tour at the cavernous, concrete NIA in Birmingham.  My first experience of the ultimate tribute act was here last December and I had such a good night I was determined to be back next time round.  As ‘John’ said, groups play Birmingham twice, once on the way up and once on the way down – so it was nice for them to be back!

And the four and a half thousand packed in were glad to have them back and determined to have a good time. As anyone who as been to a Bootleg Beatles concert will know it is one mass sing-a-long, encouraged by the group.  And boy, do those guys work hard!  On stage for well over 2 ½ hours, four costume changes, playing all their own instruments, staying in character – giving the sort of concert the Beatles might have done if they had carried on touring.



From what I can remember, the set list and banter were pretty much the same as last time.  But there were a few changes;  ‘Paul’ sang “Yesterday”, there was “Baby’s in Black”, no instrumental interlude this time, a tribute to Ravi Shankar and Paul introducing “Love Me Do” with the thought that in the year 2012 this record might be 50 years old!


The visuals on the giant screen behind the band were stunning and summed up the particular era being played, the psychedelic Pepper section being particularly good.  This part of the show seemed to be a favourite with the audience, made up of all ages, who John encouraged in a group hug. There was certainly a feeling of love in the air, love for the Beatles music and perhaps for a more innocent time.



Particular highlights of the evening included a spirited rendition (by the audience I mean!) of “Eight Days A Week”; “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds”, a beautiful version of “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” and the great joiner-inner “Hey Jude”.  Not that you could find a dull part of the show, it was high-energy from beginning to end.



The Bootlegs not only try and sound like The Beatles but copy their mannerisms and patters of speech too, giving the impression that, just maybe, you are in the presence of greatness.  For anyone who loves the Beatles music, a Bootlegs gig is a great night out.  I will be back next year.



Monday 17 December 2012

Beatlemania comes to Red Door, West Kirby!

Start the Christmas Celebrations on Thursday with 
Liverpool's favourite tribute band, 
The Mersey Beatles

Only a few tickets left!

Telephone 0151 929 6380 to reserve yours now.
A splendid time is guaranteed for all!




Sunday 9 December 2012

Competition: Limited Edition Copy of The Beatles Contract to Be Won!!


This is your chance to win one of the fabulous limited edition replicas of the contract signed by The Beatles and Brian Epstein on October 1 1962!



This fabulous prize, which retails at £399, could be yours by answering this question:

Q: In addition to Brian, John, Paul, George, Ringo and the witnesses, who ELSE signed this contract?

Email your answer, along with your full postal address, to website@britishbeatlesfanclub.co.uk

Closing date for entries is 12 noon on December 24 2012 (GMT)

The winner will be the first correct entry received by the closing date.

This competition is open to everyone and we can ship the prize anywhere in the world.  

So enter now for your chance to own a very special memento of one of the most important moments in Beatles' history!




The ultimate item of Beatles memorabilia, comes with a certificate of authenticity (the prize on offer is number 113 of 10,000), and is presented in a beautiful gift box.



The replica is of the highest quality and authentic in every detail -- even down to the colour of the paper, and the indentations made by the signatures.  All of the band's signatures are clear and you can also see where John Lennon started to sign his name in the wrong place, crossed it out and then signed on the correct line on page nine.




The original contract was drawn up by Silverman and Livermore & Co Solicitors in 1961 by junior partner David Harris who was at the time practicing general litigation within the firm.  The document bears the signatures of Brian Epstein, all four members of the band, as well as the fathers of Paul McCartney and George Harrison, due to them being underage at the time.




Included in the gift box is the contract, a certificate of authenticity, copy of the bill of sale (original contract from Christies), and Brian Epstein biography booklet. The contract comes complete with amendments made by the band and folds running lengthways on the document, where it was tied with a solicitor’s ribbon. The NEMS enterprise company seal appears twice in the document enclosing both of Brian Epstein’s signatures.

For more information on this very special collector's item, visit the website by clicking here


The decision of the BBFC Committee is final.  For full terms and conditions click here

Remembering John


32 years ago today we, in Great Britain, woke up to the news that John Lennon had been taken from us.  The shock and pain of that news will never go away.

But neither will the music.  John's spirit, his message of love and peace, and the joy that he brought to the world with his music will live on forever.


In 2010, Colin Hall, custodian at Mendips, paid what is probably the best tribute to John ever.  As night start to fall on the evening of December 8, he turned the light on in John's bedroom and left it shining through the night.  It was still shining on the morning of December 9 ... a reminder that, within our hearts, John will always "shine on".

Mendips, December 8/9 2010
c. Donna Jackson






Tuesday 4 December 2012

Rod Davis and Tony Sheridan Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Beat Archiv Museum




In the first few days of October I drove to Munich to visit the Oktoberfest in my rented lederhosen, then drove eastwards to the little town of Glauchau not far from Dresden. The reason for this visit was the 20th Anniversary of the Beat Archiv Museum – formerly the Sergeant Pepper’s Museum – under its Director, Edmund Thielow. Edmund had been a Beatles fan since 1975 and at the time he was of course living in the DDR under Communist rule, where a liking for the degenerate music of the Beatles marked him out as a dangerous subversive, so much so that the ill-famed Stasi secret police had a file on him.



However those days are now long gone and musicians and Beatles fans from all over Germany came together for a celebration party. The Quarrymen played in Glauchau some years ago and we received a very warm welcome, however this time the welcome was even warmer than expected because on the Friday night the hotel in which I was staying caught fire! Fortunately the fire brigade made a very efficient job of dealing with the outbreak which was caused by an overheating fridge motor. Our only serious discomfort involved waiting in the car park from 1:00am to 2:30 whilst the hotel was made safe.

Next day the guests began to arrive and the list of invitees read like a roll-call of supporters of the Beat Archiv over the last 20 years.



Tony Sheridan and Hans-Walther Braun (Icke) from the Beatles’ Hamburg days; tribute band “Frankie goes to Liverpool” from Berlin; singer-songwriter Andreas Geffart; Lothar Becker and Kai-Uwe Wittern from The Strawberries; Reinhard Fissler from Stern Combo Meissen and his daughter Vivien Maurer; author Reiner Bratfisch; Sergey Radschenko from Ukraine, curator of the “Back from the USSR” exhibition of Soviet era Beatlefan material and Thorsten Dahlberg, the Head of the Culture Department of the Glauchau Town Council which has lent great support to the Beat Archiv Museum over the years. Also present were members of the Glauchau Beatles Fan Club, including old friends of mine Gunter and Undine Queck, Andrea Noack and Maik Eidam.

The music performances were fantastic, naturally most of the songs were Beatles favourites, but by no means all. Amongst the many offerings of note, “Frankie goes to Liverpool” played a selection of Beatles material, including a very emotional performance of “If I fell”, where the lead vocal was taken by Reinhard FĂ­ssler, who despite his near total paralysis had travelled from Berlin to Glauchau in his special hospital bed to be at the celebration – see photo

Reinhard’s daughter, Vivien Maurer,  a supremely talented singer and guitarist, performed “Blackbird”, “Here, there and everywhere”, “Michelle” and “Eleanor Rigby”.

Tony Sheridan played half a dozen numbers in his own inimitable style including “Georgia on my mind” on which he was joined on vocals by Reinhard.


 Eventually it was my turn and Tony stayed on stage as we ran through some old skiffle numbers such as “Midnight Special”, “Lost John” and “Freight Train” with bassist Eugen Braumann and drummer Gerald Zaczyk with various guest washboard players such as Edmund Thielow himself, Andrea Noack and Gunter Queck.

It was a fantastic party and a marvelous celebration of 20 years of the Glauchau Beat Archiv. Very many thanks go to Edmund, his wife Christina, Gunter and Undine Queck and all those who helped to make the occasion such a huge success.

By Rod Davis

Saturday 1 December 2012

Abbey Road Book Competition -- Winner Announced!




Congratulations to Andy Joynson of Liverpool

Winner of a copy of "ABBEY ROAD
The Best Studio in the World"
With a foreword by Sir George Martin




Andy provided the first correct answer, drawn at random from all the winning entries, to the question:

On what date did the Beatles perform All You Need is Love live from Abbey Road as part of the Our World television broadcast?


The answer, of course, is June 25 1967.

Thanks to Mark Bloor of the Mersey Beatles who drew the
winning name for the BBFC on Friday night
www.themerseybeatles.com

We will be announcing a new competition, with another truly fabulous prize early next week!  So watch this space!!


For more information on this beautiful book click here; read the BBFC review of "Abbey Road" here, or view the preview!  



Open publication - Free publishing - More abbey


Abbey Road would make a great Christmas gift for any Beatles/music fan ... or treat yourself!  Use this link to buy your copy now from amazon:

LONDON BEATLES DAY- SUNDAY 9th DECEMBER 2012


Featuring HUNTER DAVIES & a live set from THE TREMBLING WILBURYS! @ THE DOUBLETREE by HILTON, WEST END, SOUTHAMPTON ROW...... 

Sunday 9th December sees the Christmas London Beatles Day take place at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel formerly the Bonnington & Park Inn Hotel) - in the newly refurbished lower ground floor convention room, at the Doubletree Hilton West End, Southampton Row, London WC1B 4BH. (this time we are in the newly refurbished down stairs suite - disabled access via lift ) There will be the usual top selection of Beatles Dealers from all over the UK offering an amazing selection of everything Beatles from badges to books to signed albums & rare original Memorabilia, CDs, T shirts,etc - We pride ourselves on the great selection of Beatles vinyl records from around the UK & the world which will be offered from £1 to £1000+ - A great place to find that unusual Christmas present!

We are very pleased to welcome (returning due to popular demand!) to the show again the TREMBLING WILBURYS who will be playing a set after lunch time & HUNTER DAVIES will return with more signed books & goodies, for those who missed out last time!

Doors open at 10am – 4.30pm – licensed bar, cafe & cooked food and snacks offered on site, remember there is NO congestion charge in London on Sundays, free street parking nearby, easy walking distance to the Oxford Street, nearest tube Holborn or Russell Square (each 5 mins walk) admission is on day

Come and have a chat with Fellow Beatles fans - Always a great day out with like minded Beatles people..

For Event detail check out : www.beatlesdays.com

Or call 07801 564622 / 07785 923695