Thursday 31 January 2013

Competition - Beatles Stories Winner Announced!



Thanks to everyone who entered our recent competition to win a copy of this great DVD.  We had entries from all around the world!

The lucky winner is David Donnelly from Wallasey!



The BBFC would like to thank Dr James Pardoe, Senior Lecturer in Heritage at the University of Chester, for his help in drawing the winner from all the correct entries received.

Dr Pardoe is currently developing a course that will discuss the role of the Beatles in local history and heritage, which will run from September 2013.  This course will develop and strengthen the links between the University of Chester and the Beatles.  In the past, students have conducted research on the garden at Mendips, earning a personal letter of thanks from Yoko Ono, and this year, a group of Chester students will be working with St Peter's Church in Woolton to produce a guide book for the many visitors to the site where John Lennon and Paul McCartney first met.


Congratulations, David!  The DVD is on its way to you!  For those of you who weren't lucky this time, the DVD is available to buy via the links below.

Another competition will be coming soon!  Watch this space!

For more information on this DVD, visit the website at http://beatlesstories.com/






The Mersey Beatles Get Back to the Liverpool Naval Club

Liverpool's favourite Beatles tribute band, The Mersey Beatles will get back to the Liverpool Naval Club on Friday February 1!

Every time the lads have played at the Club, the show has been completely sold out so get your ticket now to avoid disappointment!


Tickets are only £6.00 and are available from the Naval Club (Telephone 0151 280 5051), or from The Beatles Shop, 31 Mathew Street.







Review: Angie McCartney's Beatles Celebration

Review by Donna Jackson

The official book launch for Angie McCartney's memoirs took place at the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Hall last night.

As well as containing memories of her fascinating life, the book, "My Long and Winding Road: the first 82.9 Years" contains a selection of family photographs, many of which feature Paul.

The book is sure to be of interest to many Beatle fans and we are delighted to announce that we have FIVE copies to give away in a forthcoming competition so WATCH THIS SPACE for a full review of the book and the competition details!

The magic of Beatles music is such that it is guaranteed to get the room rocking and last night was no exception!  Bands from around the world entertained the crowd with a selection of songs from the Beatles' full catalogue.

The Tetrads from Japan opened the show and they were absolutely adorable!  Even though their knowledge of English is limited, they each made a speech thanking the crowd and expressing their joy at being in Liverpool.  They performed songs from the early years including Love Me Do, Roll Over Beethoven and I'll Get You with energy and enthusiasm.  It was clear that they loved the music, and it was impossible not to love them back!

The Tetrads
The Backwards from Slovakia and Pangea from the Czech Republic represented Europe with more songs from the concert years.  Pangea, who are Beatle Week favourites, opened the second half of the night's celebration with a lively performance and their musical talent was evident, particularly when 'George' switched to the 12-string guitar for If I Needed Someone.

Pangea from the Czech Republic
The final Beatle tribute band to take the stage was The Fab Beatles from the UK.  In addition to performing a selection of songs from the Beatles 'studio years', they recreated the Apple Rooftop Concert in honour of the 44th anniversary.

The Fab Beatles
In between each band, the big screen showed video clips featuring selections from the book with voice-overs from both Angie and Ruth McCartney, although these did seem to drift into infomercials for Angie's tea business.

The part of last night's celebration that promised the most, but perhaps ended up being the most disappointing, was the discussion panel between Angie, Freda Kelly (the secretary of the Beatles Fan Club), Billy Hatton of the Fourmost (the band who supported the Beatles for Ringo's first performance at Hulme Hall), and Kevin Roach (in the opinion of the BBFC, the best and most reputable Beatles historian in Liverpool).  Unfortunately, because of time pressures, the discussion was limited to one question from each of the panellists to Angie.  Speaking personally, I would have rather had one less band on the bill, and more time for a proper discussion between four people who, between them, could have provided some fascinating and intriguing insight into the one and only Fab Four!

Still, it was a night to remember and, if you missed out last night, it's not too late!  Tickets are still available for tonight's performance!  Click HERE for more information and to buy tickets.

And, even if you can't make it to Liverpool, you needn't miss out!  The show is being streamed live from the Philharmonic's website.  Follow this link after 7.30pm tonight and click on 'Watch'.






Monday 21 January 2013

London Beatles Day - Jan 27


Beatles Celebration at the Liverpool Philharmonic! SPECIAL OFFER!!


SPECIAL OFFER!!

Buy one ticket and get one ticket free!!  Even you already have bought a ticket, you can still claim a free one!

Contact the box office at the Philharmonic Hall to book tickets and redeem this special offer!




Join Angie McCartney and Special guests to celebrate the launch of her new book with 2 evenings filled with iconic Beatles music.


We have flown the amazing “Tetrads” Beatles tribute band all the way from Japan especially for the occasion, also, the amazing “Backwards Beatles Tribute Band” and “Pangea” The Beatles revival band from Europe and featuring the UK’s No1 Beatles Tribute band the “FAB Beatles” Each band will be covering a spectacular era of amazing Beatles music ending in a grand finally.

30th January 1969 saw the Beatles play their last ever live concert on the Apple Building Rooftop, well we have turned the Philharmonic into the Apple rooftop and for your pleasure, and the “FAB Beatles” will be performing that same amazing set especially for you.

To top off this amazing night of entertainment, we also have the one and only DJ Pete Price as your host and compare.

Come and Meet Angie and get your signed copy of her book for only £5 (with show ticket only) usual rrp £14.99
Souvenir Programmes will be available on both nights with lots of information about this fantastic event to include Angie McCartney, Pete Price, all the Beatles tribute bands involved and a printed version of the world famous "Beatles Story" digital comic for iPads, iPhones and all Android devices, featuring Beatles Stories from Angie McCartney.

Angie has always supported the Linda McCartney Breast Cancer Centre and a raffle with fabulous prizes will be taking place on both nights. Please give generously for this very worthy cause.

Included in your ticket price:

Sample of OVAL Super Premium Vodka
Sample Of ABK Beer
Paul Mitchell Hair Care Product Sample
£10 off the rrp price of the book, if purchased at the event

For more information and to book tickets, visit the Liverpool Philharmonic Website by clicking HERE for tickets for January 30  or HERE for tickets for January 31.

Thursday 17 January 2013

GOOD OL’ FREDA WORLD PREMIERE: SXSW 2013





Tripod Media is thrilled to announce the world premiere of GOOD OL’ FREDA at the prestigious SXSW Film Festival in Austin, TX.  GOOD OL’ FREDA is a documentary feature about Freda Kelly, the Beatles' trusted secretary and friend throughout their rise to fame. 

Freda was just a teenager when she was asked to work for a local band hoping to make it big. Though she had no concept of how far they would go, Freda had faith in The Beatles from the beginning, and The Beatles had faith in her.

History notes that The Beatles were together for 10 years, but Freda worked for them for 11. Many people came in and out of the band’s circle as they grew to international stardom, but Freda remained a staple because of her unfaltering loyalty and dedication. As both the Beatles’ devoted secretary and the national fan club secretary, Freda was there as history unfolded; she was witness to the evolution – advances and setbacks, breakthroughs and challenges – of the greatest band in history.

In GOOD OL’ FREDA, Freda tells her stories for the first time in 50 years. The film includes a never before seen archive of Beatles photographs and offers an insider perspective on the beloved band that changed the music industry.

GOOD OL’ FREDA is directed by Ryan White and produced by Kathy McCabe and Ryan White.

Screenings dates and times are forthcoming. 
For more details, visit www.goodolfreda.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/goodolfreda -- Twitter: @goodolfreda

Wednesday 16 January 2013

Daytripper Weekender 2013 - The Final Line Up!



Well what a line up we have for you for 2013!  We welcome back some favourites but we bring you more new unseen Beatles tribute bands from across the UK, and 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)
Andrew Deevey (London)

From Wales

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

From Scotland

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

From Italy

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

From Sweden

The Repeatles

From The USA

Jan Britten Owen

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 accomodation 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.

Remember tickets sold out last year and we expect that this year will sell out even quicker.  We are already getting sales from Sweden and the USA.  Don't delay we would hate to have to turn anyone away from what is going to be even bigger than last year's event.

If you have already bought tickets please pass this info on to your friends and fellow Beatles fans.

In the next fews weeks the weekend schedules will be arranged and details of the special shows we have lined up for you, so still lots more to announce.

See you all at Daytripper Weekender

Love from the Daytripperweekender team.

For more information visit the website: 
http://www.daytripperweekender.com

Tuesday 15 January 2013

The Mersey Beatles at the Gladstone Theatre this Saturday!

The Mersey Beatles will be bringing their acclaimed theatre show to the Gladstone Theatre in Port Sunlight in January! 

The show is 2x1hour sets of all era Beatles classics in full costume. From “Love me do” to “Let it be” via “Beatlemania” and “Pepperland”. All your favourite Beatles classics in one concert. It’s the show The Beatles never gave.

Like the original fab four, The Mersey Beatles are Liverpool lads born and bred. No phony accents needed, no script required. They react and interact with the audience in the relaxed and natural way of their role models and all the songs are performed in the original recorded key. When all of this is put together it means the best music ever made is performed with the spontaneity, energy, excitement and respect which this fantastic music deserves.

Experience the greatest music of all time played 100% live with all the energy and excitement you have come to know from Liverpool’s most successful Beatles tribute band. A concert the whole family can enjoy.

Get your 'ticket to ride' now by clicking HERE!




Saturday 12 January 2013

International Beatle Week 2013


Ticket to Write Festival 2013



Ace DRAMA, 
21A QUEENS ROAD, 
SOUTHPORT, 
PR9 9HN 


BY GEORGE! A SPECIAL TICKET TO WRITE 

After the sell-out success of the 2012 ‘Ticket to Write’ Beatles-themed final on new writing, the organizers are preparing a second exciting festival for 2013.

To mark the 70th anniversary of the birth of George Harrison, four out of the eight plays chosen for 2013 will have a George theme: Entries can be about his work, his music, his life – any legitimate story about this beloved member of the Fab Four.

“Often dubbed the gentle Beatle, George's nature gave him a special place in the hearts of The Fans,” said Jamie Gaskin, Festival Director.

“It's an anniversary we, and I am sure many others round the world, will be marking with a sense of affection.” he added.

The other four plays, as 2012, can feature any aspect of The Beatles: Their lives, music, work. They can include some, all or none of the group.

Once again all plays submitted must be about 15 minutes long and have a maximum of four characters. The closing date for all entries is Friday April 5, 2013.

“We are beefing up the chances to win this year: Instead of a final with three plays battling it out for the prize money all EIGHT plays staged will have a chance to win £150.

“All eight will be fully rehearsed and produced, unlike 2012 when there was a script-in-hand semi-final. We are planning to run the 2013 event over two consecutive nights.” Jamie explained.

A suitable judge will assess both nights and like 2012 the audience will count towards the final outcome.

Because of the great interest from abroad (about a quarter of the 2012 entries were from other countries) at least ONE non-UK entry will be among the eight chosen for staging.

The initial selection will be carried out by an independent assessor with no details of the author on the script being judged.

“From competitors' remarks we noted that they were keen to get feedback on their work so we are giving a short, but structured, analysis to all entrants.

To achieve this extra benefit we are increasing the entry fee from £10 to £15.” said Jamie.

Festival organizers are currently exploring several possible Liverpool venues to stage the event.

“This is a a wonderful way for playwrights to have fun by writing about the lives and work of Liverpool's favourite sons. Plus a chance to see their work staged by a professional team for no additional cost than the £15 entry fee.

All production and publicity costs are provided by The Ticket to Write Management. What an opportunity!” said Jamie.

Just a reminder that Maddie Wilson from Surrey won a £150 prize for her play “Maxwell Must Go Free”, in last year’s festival.

“Ticket To Write was a great opportunity to write about something I loved, and for anybody with a good idea to actually have it realised on stage. There's so much to say about the Beatles that I'm sure the competition can run and run!” said Maddie.

For full details about the Festival and How to Enter visit www.acedrama.co.uk

Competition and Review: Beatles Stories



This great DVD will not be released in the UK until January 28, but you have a chance to win a copy NOW!

To enter, simply answer this question:

Q: Which member of The Beach Boys shares his memories of the Beatles in Beatles Stories: a Fab Four Fan's Ultimate Road Trip?


Email your answer by clicking HERE, and please include your full postal address.  

Entry is open to everyone, and we will post it to anywhere in the world.

The winner will be the first correct entry drawn after the Closing Date -- 12 noon on Sunday January 20!

The Webmaster's decision is final.  For full terms and conditions, click here

For more information on this DVD, visit the website at http://beatlesstories.com/





Review by Ida Otteson

As the title of this DVD rightly says, the hour and a half long film is set out as a selection of clips, filmed by a self-professed Beatles fan from America, Seth Swirsky.

Every clip features a memory from people as diverse as Brian Wilson, Iris Caldwell, Ben Kingsley and Rod Davies.

Although most of the interviews feature first hand stories that are truly heart warming, like Rod Davies showing off an album he bought off John Lennon, or Iris Caldwell remembering her first kiss from George Harrison, there are also moments that make you cringe. When a member of American tribute band ”1964” remembers meeting George Martin, and mimicking his accent in horrible mock-Scouse accent, it’s a real low point.

The film is a mixture of really personal memories and recollections, but because there are so many clips, the film never gets deeper into any of the stories, and you feel you’re only scratching at the surface.

So yes, if you want personal memories, seen through rose-tinted glasses, this dvd is for you. There are some really lovely pictures and film clips, but in the end, it remains a fan’s video and love letter, worthy maybe, for the lovely stories, but not for multiple viewings.

Monday 7 January 2013

MAGNIFICENT JOHN LENNON COMMEMORATIVE PLATTER





A magnificent hand turned platter in Mahogany or Sapele with hand-painted portrait of John. Produced by the Ashleigh Gallery and crafted by Roger West. Available in the following sizes

8 inch dia (200 mm) £65
9 inch dia (225 mm) £80
10 inch dia (250 mm) £105
12 inch dia (300 mm) £145
14 inch dia (350 mm) £195
16 inch dia (400 mm) £245

All sizes are nominal and may vary by 1/4 inch (12mm)
Free postage in UK - for overseas please enquire
Platters are made to order so please allow upto 21 days for processing

Roger B West
61 Monument Lane
Codnor Park
Notts
NG16 5PJ
UK
01773 608899

Wednesday 2 January 2013

Beatles Contract Competition -- Winner Announced!

Congratulations and Happy New Year to TONY WOLKOWSKI of North Lincs!

Tony's was the first name drawn from all the winning entries on New Year's Eve by Peter Howard of Liverpool (who can remember seeing The Beatles when they played the Cavern back in the 60s!).


The BBFC would like to thank Peter for his help, and we hope that Tony enjoys this fabulous prize!!



For everyone who was not lucky this time, the replica contract is still available for purchase.  For more information on this very special collector's item, visit the website by clicking here




The ultimate item of Beatles memorabilia, comes with a certificate of authenticity 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.


Jameson & Hills perform songs of The Beatles, Leeds



For more information visit the website at  www.beatlesduo.co.uk