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In this “Goldilocks Zone” of Beatles scholarship, where we are far enough from their heyday to achieve some critical distance but close enough to access people who knew them (plus the two survivors), a golden age has arrived where heretofore unexplored aspects shining light and understanding on their story is being explored. One of the most insightful historians is Richard Mills, whose book, The Beatles and Fandom: Sex, Death and Progressive Nostalgia has arrived, revealing how the fandom evolved and what it meant in the greater context of explaining The Beatles’ enduring appeal. Every angle from the sexuality expressed by 1st gen fans in the pages of Beatles Monthly to fan conventions and tribute bands, to the ascension into myth that comes with death is discussed. If that sounds heavy and academic, our conversation was not: think of it as a visit with a favorite professor and you’ll get the idea.
