Hello folks;
Thanks to all of those taking the time for well-wishes. The recent COVID event was prolonged, but not as bad as it might have been. It’s behind me now and I appreciate all the kind words.
Hopefully by now most of you have listened to the conversation with Richard Mills. He is a terrific guest, likewise his book, The Beatles and Fandom, and I really look forward to having him on again. His new book will be coming in May, but I have an idea that I may float to him sooner – we shall see!
On the subject of books, the new one with Jerry Hammack, Ribbons of Rust: The Beatles’ Recording Career in Context volume one 1954 – February 1963 has been given an official publication date: February 11, 2025. If that date rings familiar in Beatles history, it should! More on this next time.
Up sooner than later will be the next podcast, #299. This is a conversation with Gary Astridge, Ringo’s drum curator and author of the book, Beats and Threads, combining a history of Ringo’s kits with a stroll through his wardrobe. Trust me when I tell you it works amazingly well! Gary’s a great friend and a superb storyteller. And he’s got the stories to tell…
I’d mentioned in 296 the Magical Mystery Camp event in the Catskills, coming in late June. (Did you know that June 25th is recognized as Global Beatles Day?) If those of you inclined to plan your vacations now figure New York into your plans, this should dovetail quite nicely. The four day event will bring together guests, presentations, workshops and lots of music. Jack Petruzzelli, whom you know from previous appearances on the show (sometimes along with Cameron Greider and Walter Everett, both of the RPM School) is a member of The Fab Faux, who will be appearing. He and I had a recent talk about it, which I will be sharing in the podcast feed and also as a video on YouTube. More on this in the next newsletter.
There was a report in the news this past week, wherein Dhani Harrison was quoted as saying that he and Sean Lennon had listened to AI enhancements of the two Anthology Threetles tracks, suggesting that some kind of release was imminent. Those who looked into it concluded that 1) it was an old interview, not news and 2) that his actual words were that he thought it was possible, not that it was a done deal. Personally, I thought it was something they should have had done and dusted concurrently with the “Now and Then” release, but if there’s any truth to it at all, it would make sense as part of a revamped 30th anniversary issue of Anthology. There has been no lack of effort by unsanctioned engineers to tackle “Free As A Bird” and “Real Love” – an official release could be amazing (especially if they address the Jeff Lynne production…).
This is, of course, the 56th anniversary of the wrap up of the Let It Be sessions, which climaxed on the rooftop of Savile Row. Personally, I was not among those who got to the theater to see the Peter Jackson IMAX presentation (it came and went superfast here) but hopefully most of you did. And for everyone else, here’s a restored print of the rooftop sequence as it appeared in the 1970 film (minus the retakes).
For anyone wishing to hear the complete rooftop performance, here you go. As alluded to in an earlier newsletter, I am expecting to produce a brand new show on the Let It Be/”Get Back” project, with a new guest with a new book. Stay tuned!
To repeat: Thanks all of you for signing up and for the continued support for the show. I hope that these newsletters remain welcome additions to your in-box (and if not, just reply to “unsubscribe” and we’ll fix that). All past newsletters available upon request (subject line “old newsletters). Be sure to share this with any like-minded friends – thanks!