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Monday 23 December 2013
New Book: The Beatles at Shea Stadium
International Beatleweek 2014 - On Sale Now!
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Monday 16 December 2013
Review: The Hard Day's Night Treatment from Lush Spa Liverpool
Review by Donna Jackson
A Fabulous Spa Treatment to the Music of the Fab Four!
I'm not a fan of massages. I have very sensitive skin, I bruise easily and I don't like being prodded or poked. Therefore I was rather nervous when I was invited to try the new Hard Day's Night treatment at the Lush Spa in Liverpool. My nervousness was compounded when, at the launch event at the Hard Day's Night hotel, we were told that this could be quite an intensive massage and that it could be quite uncomfortable at times.If I'm totally honest, as I walked up the stairs to the spa on the day of my appointment, I was dreading what was to come.
However, within minutes my fears started to melt away, and before long they were gone completely. Before the treatment started Helen, who did my treatment, sat and had a chat with me. I completed a medical questionnaire and explained how nervous I was. She told me not to worry, and reassured me that all treatments could be tailored to people's individuals needs.
At the launch event, we were told that the aim of the treatment was to take the client from the stresses and strains of every day life to being so relaxed that the temptation is to fall asleep, and every stage and element of the treatment worked to do just that.
Once inside the "Hard Day's Night" treatment room, I changed into pyjamas that had been wrapped around a hot water bottle and so were lovely and warm. The layout and lighting in the room added to the peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, and feeling cosy and warm I settled down on the massage table.
The whole of the treatment takes place against a background of Beatles music that has been arranged by Simon Emmerson and Simon Richmond specifically for this treatment, and it's clear that a lot of thought has gone into the way that the various stages of the treatment tie into the music. The treatment begins against the background of sounds of busy everyday life, and the first song is, of course, 'A Hard Day's Night'. By the end of the treatment, over an hour later, as Golden Slumbers played in the background, I felt relaxed, but also energised and refreshed.
The soundtrack was a perfect background for the treatment throughout the whole session, but there were a couple of elements that I really, really loved. The hand massage took place to "I Want to Hold Your Hand" (what else?!) and "Flying" provided the backing track to the part of the treatment that had been inspired by the Beatles Cirque de Soleil show, Love, and involved the use of ribbons. Although I enjoyed the whole of the treatment, that was my favourite part and my only regret was that it didn't last for longer!
So -- in summary -- a unique spa treatment that left me feeling wonderfully relaxed and yet energised, fabulous Beatles music, tea, biscuits and a present at the end of it! All in all, an absolutely perfect afternoon at Lush Spa Liverpool.
Before the treatment began I was dreading it, and now I can't wait to go back and do it again!
If you're used to massages, you'll love this treatment. If you're like me, and think that massages aren't for you ... you'll love this treatment!
The Hard Day's Night treatment is exclusive to Lush Spa Liverpool. To find out more, or to book an appointment, telephone Lush Spa Liverpool on 0151 236 6952 or visit the website by clicking HERE!
Sunday 15 December 2013
Review: The Fab Four "Hark!" -- Possibly the Best Christmas Album Ever!
Review by Donna Jackson
Hark! (Classic Christmas Songs Performed in a Beatles Style)
I'm not usually a fan of albums by Beatles tribute bands. I think that tribute bands are great for live performances; after all, it's not like we can see the Beatles perform live. But, if I want to listen to music, I'd much rather listen to the originals. I mean, there really is no-one quite like the Beatles.But this album is different! Hark! by The Fab Four is a collection of traditional Christmas songs and carols that are all performed in the style of the Beatles. And although that may sound strange, the combination really works, and it works brilliantly!
While Beatle purists may shudder at these adaptations, for me they captured the fun and sense of humour of the Beatles. The album also reflected the creativity and ingenuity that exuded from everything the Beatles did throughout the 1960s and beyond.
I don't want to go into any details about the various song combinations because half the fun is the surprise when a Beatles song morphs into a Christmas song ... but you'll probably never think of Jingle Bells in the same way again! Each combination, though, works perfectly, reflecting the musical ability and talent of The Fab Four. My only criticism is that the attempt at Liverpool accents sometimes falls short and listening to Winter Wonderland was a little bit painful, but the clever substitution of some lyrics ("honey pie" and "flaming pie" for "pumpkin pie") more than made up for it.
If you love Christmas music and you love Beatles music, and you have a sense of humour and sense of fun, then this CD is a must!
Hark! is available both as a CD and an instant download (via amazon and itunes). For more information about the album, and how to buy, visit The Fab Four's website by clicking HERE!
Tracklist:
1.) Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer | 12.) The Christmas Song |
2.) Joy To The World | 13.) God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen |
3.) Feliz Navidad | 14.) Santa Claus Is Coming To Town |
4.) Hark! The Herald Angels Sing | 15.) What Child Is This? |
5.) Away In A Manger | 16.) Blue Christmas |
6.) Good King Wenceslas | 17.) Dear Santa |
7.) It Came Upon A Midnight Clear | 18.) The Little Drummer Boy |
8.) Winter Wonderland | 19.) Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree |
9.) Frosty The Snowman | 20.) Jingle Bells |
10.) Let It Snow | 21.) Sleigh Ride Bonus Track |
11.) Silent Night | 22.) The First Noel Bonus Track |
Wednesday 11 December 2013
December Shoppers Package from only £79.00 at the Hard Day's Night Hotel!
Add a touch of luxury to your Christmas shopping in Liverpool with this fabulous offer from The Hard Day's Night Hotel!
Don't waste one minute of your visit to Liverpool, arrive and hit the streets for some of the best shopping in Europe, check-in to your luxurious bedroom and relax in the exclusive surroundings that is Hard Days Night Hotel Liverpool.
This super one night midweek package is available Sunday to Friday inclusive (subject to availability) includes full English Breakfast, so you don't have to worry about stopping shopping for food as you will be fuelled up and ready to 'shop till you drop'
The Package includes:
A Luxury Room - Twin or Double
Full English Breakfast
The price for this package is £79.00 per night inclusive of VAT based on one person in the room
The price for two persons sharing is £89.00 inclusive of VAT based on 2 sharing
To take advantage of the super offer simply call reservations on +44 (0) 151 236 1964 selecting option 1 or email reservations@harddaysnighthotel.com. And quote December Shoppers Package
This super one night midweek package is available Sunday to Friday inclusive (subject to availability) includes full English Breakfast, so you don't have to worry about stopping shopping for food as you will be fuelled up and ready to 'shop till you drop'
The Package includes:
A Luxury Room - Twin or Double
Full English Breakfast
The price for this package is £79.00 per night inclusive of VAT based on one person in the room
The price for two persons sharing is £89.00 inclusive of VAT based on 2 sharing
For full details, visit the Hard Day's Night Hotel website here: http://www.harddaysnighthotel.com/exclusive-shopping-offer.html
The Christmas London Beatles Day is This Sunday!
Sunday 15th December sees the Christmas
London Beatles Day take place at THE SHERLOCK HOLMES HOTEL, 108 Baker
Street, London, W1U 6LJ - which is yards from the former Apple Boutique, and
just a 2 minutes walk from Baker Street station (and just 1
Underground stop from Abbey Road) & Madame Tussauds.
There will be the usual top selection of Beatles dealers
from all over the UK & beyond offering an amazing selection of
everything Beatles from badges to books to signed albums &
rare original memorabilia, CDs, T shirts, 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+ We are pleased to say many new items including
records & CDs will be offered since the last show.
Grab yourself a Beatles bargain – the perfect place to
find that perfect Beatles Christmas gift.
We are pleased to welcome Liverpool Authors
David Bedford with his brand new book, and welcome back Kevin Roach and all the
way from Paris Eric Krasker with his book. Music will be supplied by the very
talented FAB TWINS - who played some great songs at our October show.
ADMISSION TO THE BEATLES DAY IS ONLY £3 - Doors open at
10am – 4.00 pm – licensed bar & café on site - many food outlets very close
by, easy ground floor access for disabled people, remember there is NO
congestion charge in London on Sundays, free street parking nearby, nearest
Underground/Tube Baker Street.
As always come and have a chat with fellow Beatles fans -
Always a great day out with like minded friendly Beatles people...
For London Beatles Day event details check out:
www.beatlesdays.com
Or call 07801 564622 / 07785 923695
Mark Lewisohn Interview London Beatles Day 20 Oct 2013 - YouTube
Sunday 1 December 2013
'Good Ol' Freda' Set for TV Airing in UK!
Great news from the producers of Good Ol' Freda:
"Good Ol' Freda will be airing on More 4 during the week beginning December 10. At the moment, we don't know the exact date, so make sure to keep an eye on TV listings!
The more fans that watch it....the more it will play!
The other great news is that that the Good Ol' Freda DVD is being released officially on December 4 in the UK with extras including deleted stories and a commentary by Freda and Ryan!
It's available for purchase NOW by UK buyers on the website www.goodolfreda.com. It's easy....just click on the link provided. Shipping will around Dec 6.
We're currently working on mailing DVDs to our original Kickstarter Backers without whom this film wouldn't have gotten made.
We're hoping it will become a popular Christmas gift for Beatle people! We have lots of 'bundles' to buy too: DVD/film poster/film t-shirt)."
We're hoping it will become a popular Christmas gift for Beatle people! We have lots of 'bundles' to buy too: DVD/film poster/film t-shirt)."
Kathy McCabe
Producer
Good Ol' Freda
A documentary by Ryan White about the Beatles' trusted friend and secretary, Freda Kelly. A Magnolia Pictures film.
BY RYAN WHITE|GOODOLFREDA.COM
Wednesday 27 November 2013
BEATLES STORY LAUNCHES UNIQUE FAB FOUR THEMED WEDDING EXPERIENCE
World
famous global visitor attraction The Beatles Story will be licensed to hold
wedding ceremonies from 29th November to coincide with the
50th anniversary of the release of The Beatles’ ‘I Want to Hold Your
Hand’ single (29th November 1963).
Beatles
fans looking for a striking and romantic wedding venue for their big day can now
march down the aisle to the Beatles and hold their ceremony and reception in The
Beatles Story’s authentic Cavern space or its beautiful replica White Room
(complete with white grand piano).
Both
rooms have a special iconic allure and can cater for a wedding reception of up
to 75 guests.
The
Beatles Story is the perfect environment to celebrate your special day and is
part of Liverpool’s breathtaking Grade I listed Albert Dock,
making it the perfect backdrop for your wedding photographs – a lasting
keepsake.
Requests from Beatles fans from all over the world wanting to ‘come together’ for their special day at the venue have already started rolling in. The venue is sure to one of the most desirable locations in the Northwest to host a unique themed wedding.
The
Beatles provide inspiration to millions and the theme of love has featured
strongly in their music and career.
Martin
King, Beatles Story said:
“Getting
married is one of the biggest events in many people’s lives and we are delighted
that we can now be part of it. Our venue is one-of-a-kind and you really will
have a magical day to remember. The many themes and backdrops of Beatles Story
lend themselves perfectly to photo opportunities to create wonderful memories of
an amazing day.”
Beatles
Story sought a wedding license for the venue because many visitors have asked
staff if it would be possible to tie the knot there. The announcement comes on
the 50th anniversary of the release of single ‘I want to hold your
hand’.
Alongside
the use of the venue for the wedding ceremony and reception, wedding parties
will be able to enjoy Beatles Story extras including access to the exhibition,
audio guides available in ten languages, and cloakroom facilities. Beatles
Story’s friendly and professional event management team will be on hand to help
the happy couple plan and perfect their special day from wonderful catering
through to confetti.
Beatles
Story has teamed up with the established Feathers Hotel Group who a leading
provider of tailor-made events, specialising in weddings. Feathers are the
preferred partners but wedding parties can of course use whomever they want to
provide services for the special day.
Sean
Brady, Director, Feathers said:
“Feathers
has a wealth of experience delivering memorable weddings across the Northwest.
We have helped create weddings in many different locations over the years but
none are as unique as Beatles Story. We look forward to helping Beatles fans
have the best possible day in these stunning surroundings.”
Prices
for venue hire for weddings at Beatles Story starts at £2000 + VAT.
Beatles
Story is Liverpool’s leading visitor attraction and has won countless awards for
its customer experience as well as the content of its exhibition. The exhibition
is a chronological tour through the lives and times of The Beatles from their
skiffle roots through to Beatlemania and beyond.
Each
area of Beatles Story transports people back in time in the lives of The Fab
Four and it is this immersive quality that will appeal to Beatles fans looking
to celebrate their wedding day in a unique, tasteful and timeless
fashion.
To
discuss hosting your wedding at Beatles Story contact Mary
Chadwick venuehire@beatlesstory.com
0151 709 1963 (ext 230)
Sunday 24 November 2013
Pepper Rewind promises to be a night to remember!
Pepper Foundation Children's Hospice at Home Charity fundraising event with Mark Lewisohn - regarded as the world's leading authority on the Beatles.
‘Pepper Rewind’ will be held at the Centenary Theatre in Berkhamsted HP4 3BG on Saturday, 14th December. 40mins train ride from Euston Station.Mark Lewisohn, regarded as the world's leading authority on the Beatles, will talk about the creation of the Beatles' Sgt Pepper album in 1966–67, illustrating his presentation with rare photographs, artefacts and audio/video. Mark’s recent book “Tune In”, the first part of his three-volume biographical history “The Beatles, All These Years” has just been published to great acclaim.
Following Mark’s talk, Pepper musicians, singers and guests will give a special performance of the Beatles iconic album, directed by Pepper patron Robert Breakwell (who has just won the ITV Anglia Local Hero Award and attended the recent Pride of Britain Awards in London).
We still have tickets to sell, so if any Beatles fans wish to attend we would be delighted to welcome them.
Tickets are £25.00 each.
Pepper Rewind will be held at the Centenary Theatre in Berkhamsted.
Doors open at 7.00 pm for Beatles themed cocktails and the performance starts at 8 pm. Doors close at 11.30
Tel, 01442 507324 for tickets.
For more information visit the Pepper Foundation Children's Hospice at Home web site at www.pepper.org.uk
Thursday 21 November 2013
LIVERPOOL ANNOUNCES THE ANNUAL JOHN LENNON PEACE VIGIL TO TAKE PLACE AT BEATLES STORY
Beatles and Lennon fans from all over the world will come to Liverpool’s
Beatles Story attraction on 8th December to pay their respects to John Lennon
at the city’s annual Peace Vigil.
Now into its fourth year, The
John Lennon Peace Vigil is a free public event that attracts crowds from all
over the world with one goal – to respectfully remember an icon on the
anniversary of his untimely death on 8th December 1980.
Organised by the award winning
Beatles Story, this year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever
with onstage tributes, poems and songs being dedicated to John.
Where:
The Beatles Story, Britannia Vaults, Albert Dock, Liverpool. L3 4AD
When:
Sunday, 8th December, 2013,
The Beatles Story, Britannia Vaults, Albert Dock, Liverpool. L3 4AD
When:
Sunday, 8th December, 2013,
Start time:
19:00 GMT
End time: 20:30 GMT
End time: 20:30 GMT
Leading the tributes will be
upcoming Liverpool band MiC LOWRY who will perform a special set dedicated to
the Beatle. The young band were first brought to the attention of the Beatles
Story after Yoko Ono chose them to perform for her when she visited Liverpool
earlier this year.
Fans can register their interest at the
vigil’s Facebook page –
Throughout the evening Beatles
Story will open up parts of their exhibition relating to
John including the iconic ‘White Room’, a recreation of the room from John’s
1971 ‘Imagine’ music video and John’s ‘solo booth’, which homes a pair of his
iconic round glasses.
A dedicated area for fans to
leave their messages of respect to John will also be available.
The evening will draw to a close
with a candlelit walk to the European Peace Monument where fans can pay their
respects to John. Unveiled by Julian and Cynthia Lennon on what would have been
John Lennon's 70th birthday, the European Peace Monument has become a fitting
tribute to John’s enduring message of peace. Located opposite the Echo Arena,
the monument is the perfect place to consider memories of John and the
possibility of world peace.
Martin King of the Beatles
Story says: “This is our fourth John Lennon peace vigil and as last year the numbers
reached the hundreds, we thought that we’d really go for it. For the first time
we’re going to be opening up parts of our exhibition for people to pay their
respects in and we’ve chosen a band that Yoko Ono has recommended.”
About the Beatles Story:
Located within Liverpool's
historic Albert Dock, the Beatles Story is a unique visitor attraction that
transports you on an exciting and atmospheric journey into the life, times,
culture and music of The Beatles.
See how four young lads from
Liverpool were propelled to the dizzy heights of worldwide fame and fortune to
become the greatest band of all time.
You’ll hear the story unfold through the ‘Living History’ audio guide narrated by John Lennon's sister, Julia and view some amazing and rare Beatles artefacts and recreations of famous scenes from The Beatles’ journey as a band along the way.
You’ll hear the story unfold through the ‘Living History’ audio guide narrated by John Lennon's sister, Julia and view some amazing and rare Beatles artefacts and recreations of famous scenes from The Beatles’ journey as a band along the way.
About
MiC LOWRY:
MiC LOWRY is a five-piece male
vocal harmony group aged between 17-18 - formed mid 2011 by local performing
arts training and management company Positive Impact. After several appearances
on the Liverpool scene and covers and demos online, Mic LOWRY are starting to
amass a strong online and live following and have begun to get recognised for
their raw talent. They were runners up in MTV's Brand New Unsigned competition
of 'One to Watch' in 2013, and Winners of the National Under 19 Rock the House
Competition in 2013.
Wednesday 20 November 2013
Review: The Mersey Beatles at the Epstein Theatre
Review by Sam Korosi
Photos by Donna Jackson
You could feel the anticipation in the crowd on Saturday November 9th at the Epstein Theatre as clips of classic Mersey beat groups were played over the sound system building up the intro in preparation for the arrival of The Mersey Beatles. Then Mark Bloor, Ste Howard, Dave Howard and Brian Ambrose took the stage as John, Paul, George and Ringo rocking the mop tops, suits and Cuban heels.
Mark Bloor as John Lennon |
The Mersey Beatles kicked off the first half of the show with songs from The Beatles' early career; songs from “Please Please Me” to “Revolver”. The group had the crowd singing along for the entire show as they played the familiar tunes such as “Twist and Shout”, “I Want To Hold Your Hand” and even some Beatles hits that a lot of tribute bands don't include in their sets like “I'll Follow The Sun” with an uncanny Beatles sound that the crowd absolutely adored.
Ste Howard as Paul McCartney |
After the interval, the Mersey Beatles came back out onstage dressed in the Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band uniforms; joined by keyboard player Tony C. The band played songs off the number one album of all time.
The bands interaction with the crowd was fantastic. They had the whole audience singing along enthusiastically to “When I'm Sixty-Four”. Then finished the Sgt. Pepper's portion of the set with a spot on recreation of “Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise)” and “A Day InThe Life”.
The show was very well transitioned; rather than having another interval, so the band could change into the Abbey Road outfits, as Dave Howard (George) and Mark Bloor (John) went off stage to get changed Ste Howard (Paul), Brian Ambrose (Ringo) and Tony C stayed on and played “The Long and Winding Road”. After that Dave Howard came back out in George's classic double denim off the Abbey Road cover, relieving Ste Howard and Brian Ambrose to change looks. The transitions were seamless as a beautiful acoustic Anthology/Love album version of “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” was played by Dave and Tony C.
Dave Howard (far right) as George Harrison |
The full band came back out to play some more tunes off The White Album, Let It Be and Abbey Road. The entire band had great stage presence. Each of the members displayed precise mannerisms of the persona they were portraying while playing their instruments.
The friendly banter between the band and the audience was fantastic; you could really tell that the audience was feeding off of the band's energy and vice versa. The Mersey Beatles finished off the set with “All You Need Is Love”, everyone in the audience who owned a mobile phone was waving them throughout the whole song. As the song finished the sea of lights faded as the crowd in the Epstein Theatre stood to give a standing ovation and cheer for an encore.
The request of the audience was honoured as The Mersey Beatles came back out and had the audience dancing once more to “Get Back”.
The audience was more than willing to have them play for much longer but as Mark Bloor (John) pointed out, the show had to end sometime, so the band brought out the crowd pleaser “Hey Jude”. Anyone who has ever seen any Beatles tribute band has heard “Hey Jude” done a million times but the Mersey Beatles really showed their musicianship in this rendition incorporating the drum solo from “The End” into the outro of the song; which was definitely a breath of fresh air and a very nice addition to the classic hit.
Brian Ambrose as Ringo Starr |
Overall, The Mersey Beatles put on a fantastic show and had an excellent blend of the classic Beatles feel that fans expect and love while at the same time incorporating some of their own creative musical touches.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Fans of the Mersey Beatles will be delighted to know that the boys have two very special shows coming up.
They will be performing in the Live Lounge of the Cavern Club on Friday November 29, playing all your favourite Beatle hits, and including a special tribute to George Harrison. A few tickets are still available. Book online by clicking HERE
They are also back by popular demand at the Gladstone Theatre, Port Sunlight, Wirral on Friday January 17, 2014, which will mark the last time that the Mersey Beatles will perform their full "Get Back to Liverpool" concert. Tickets are available from the theatre box office on online by following THIS LINK
Then, in the spring, an exciting new show is planned:
THE MERSEY BEATLES
Double bill
A HARD DAYS NIGHT: A live tribute to the sights & sounds of The Beatles movies
Plus
IMAGINE: Imaginary Beatles reunion concert with Beatles hits & solo classics live
2 shows, one band, 40 songs.
And, as always with the Mersey Beatles, a splendid time is guaranteed for all!
Keep up to date with this exciting new show and all things Mersey Beatles at www.themerseybeatles.com
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