The Beatles Timeline

By John Whelan, Ottawa Beatles Site Chief Researcher

First published on January 1, 2000
Additions and revisions added since.

PREFACE:
The objective of the Beatles Timeline is two-fold:
First, it was written with the intention of being entertaining, hence the numerous
Beatle quotes as you read along. These quotes were selectively chosen in an attempt
to capture the essence and spirit of the band. For those familiar with the band and its
history, this will definitely be a fun "refresher course". And to those of you who have
recently discovered the Beatles, this historical presentation should provide enough
insight for you to develop an appreciation of why Beatle fans, music lovers and
historians all agree that the Beatles were the greatest rock 'n' roll band to emerge out
of the twentieth century.
The second objective of the Timeline is to provide an accurate accounting of the major
events as they unfolded during the Beatles musical career. This includes some focus on
their solo careers just before the band would split up in early 1970. I did not document
their solo careers beyond that date. The individual careers of John, Paul, George and
Ringo after 1970 are quite extensive and there are plenty of books available to read if
you need to learn more about them. Having said that, the Timeline does continue to
detail further developments of the Beatles between 1970 and 2000. The tragic death of
John Lennon and the reaction of those who knew him is documented, as well as their
new hit albums, single releases, and recordings done by the surviving three Beatles. It
should be noted here that the Timeline was written mainly from a North American
perspective while touching briefly on the international events of the Beatles.
In order to achieve the two above-mentioned objectives, I went about doing three
months of investigative research, culling information from a variety of books,
magazines, albums, the Internet, radio and television broadcasts, to assemble the
information together. Since NO ONE PARTICULAR BOOK OR AUTHOR WAS RELIED
UPON for developing the Timeline (see list of "Acknowledgments" at the bottom), the
cross-referencing of information from one source to another made my task very tricky
but not daunting. There is such a great wealth of available information on the band.
Even in the final stages when this text was being proof-read for me, I still decided on
some last minute changes to the copy, thereby ensuring that format and accuracy
were complete as possible for publication on the Ottawa Beatles Site.
TECHNICAL NOTE: In order to save space and to keep the format tidy, I have
grouped all of the Beatles USA tour schedules together at the end of each year in the
Timeline rather than spreading them out sequentially by each individual performance.
This is the only exception where the dates deviate within this presentation, but
summarizing and presenting it this way, I believe, makes for easier reading.
Remember, the purpose of this chronology is to make it as entertaining as possible!
DEDICATION: This Timeline is specially dedicated to the following people whom I had
the pleasure to have made fond acquaintances with at Rec.music.beatles: Christopher
Morley (Digibanana@aol.com); Diana (Amaranth56@aol.com); Stephan Augustsson
(webmaster of the Unofficial Beatles Lyric Archive). Thanks guys for always being so
cordial both in your personal e-mail responses to me and on Rec.music.beatles. You
folks really do know how to wear your heart on your sleeve at Rmb, and it shows.
INVITATION: Should you be aware of a significant event in this period that is not
listed, or inaccurate, I invite you to submit it to me by e-mail. The Timeline is not set
in stone, and will grow with information from fans worldwide.
John Whelan
December 4, 1999

And now, presenting...

A HISTORICAL "MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR" OF
THE BEATLES
(Subtitle: "Words of Love," by the Beatles - thank you Buddy Holly!)
by John Whelan
**1926**
George Martin, Beatles musical director, born January 3, in London

**1934**
Brian Samuel Epstein, Beatles manager, born September 19 (in Rodney Street, in
Liverpool)

**1940**
Anthony Esmond Sheridan McGinnity (a.k.a. "Tony Sheridan"), born May 21, 1940 (in
Norwich)
 July
Richard Starkey, born July 7 (in family home, 9 Madyrn Street, Dingle, in Liverpool)
October
John Winston Lennon, born October 9 (at Oxford Maternity Hospital in Liverpool)
John was born to Julia and Fred Lennon.

**1942**
July
John's father, Fred Lennon, leaves home for good. Julia moves in with her new man,
John Dykins.
June
James Paul McCartney, born June 18 (at Walton General Hospital in Liverpool)

**1943**
George Harrison, born February 25 (10 minutes past midnight in their family's terraced
home, 12 Arnold Grove, in Liverpool)

**1946**
John Lennon moves in to stay with his Aunt Mimi Smith who raises him.

**1950**
George Martin, after working three months for the BBC, leaves and takes job at
Parlophone Records as a result of being paid £7, four shillings and three pence, £1
more than the BBC was paying at the time. George Martin becomes an assistant to
chief producer/owner of the label, Oscar Preuss. George is immediately given the task
of handling the classical repertoire which included baroque, orchestral and choral
music.

**1952**
September
John Lennon enters Quarry Bank High School

**1956**
American Rock 'n' Roll and the Cunard Yanks mythology
Around this time the influence of American rock 'n' roll was being felt in Liverpool and
the rest of England. How that music appeared, particularly in Liverpool, is an
interesting story. The generally accepted view which has recently come into question,
was that merchant seamen known as Cunard Yanks imported rock 'n' roll records from
America which were then passed along to Liverpool musicians who had relations who
worked on the ships. This, unfortunately, is not how American rock 'n' roll appeared in
a large scale in Liverpool or for the rest of England. The truth of the matter is, about
99% of American rock 'n' roll LPs and singles were released by British music
companies.
To understand why that is, one must trace back to the origins of the Cunard Yanks
mythology. One of the earliest publications that supported the Cunark Yank viewpoint
was found in Mersey Beat. Bill Harry, editor of Mersey Beat publication, explains:
"Originally, when I did some interviews in Mersey Beat for a series called ‘Why
Liverpool?’ some of the answers from musicians such as John McNally of the Searchers
was that he got records from his brother who was a merchant seaman (a Cunard
Yank). A couple of other musicians said this. So when I did an introduction to my 1977
book 'Mersey Beat: The Beginning of the Beatles' I mentioned this. However, as I
researched further I discovered that 99% of the groups just got their repertoire from
records found in record stores. Those records were available on Merseyside and
throughout Britain. The more groups I asked, the more I discovered that the ‘Cunard
Yanks’ story was a myth. So I put that right in subsequent writings. Research is always
a voyage of discovery."
But had it not been for an irate Cavern DJ Bob Wooler along with the follow-up
research of BBC music journalist Spencer Leigh whom decided to challenge the Cunard
Yank mythology, the real truth might not have surfaced. Said Bob Wooler in "Best of
Fellas - the Story of Bob Wooler" written by Spencer Leigh: "I accept that there were
hundreds of Cunard Yanks and that, before the War, they brought back dance band
records which were unavailable here. There was a society in the Wirral that met to play
them. In the 1950s, the Cunard Yanks brought back jazz and country and western
records which were not released here, and John McNally of the Searchers got several
country records from his seafaring brother. However, there is no evidence, I repeat, no
evidence, that beat groups were performing songs that were brought over from
America by the Cunard Yanks."
For his part, Spencer Leigh investigated Wooler's claims. He discovered that of the 400
cover versions that British groups recorded from the American rock 'n' roll repertoire,
"in almost every case I discovered that the original version had been released in the
UK," wrote Leigh.
The unfortunate tragedy is that the Cunard Yanks mythology had spanned over several
decades with new media releases only reinforcing the myth, notability the MGM video
"The Complete Beatles" (1982) and Granada's "Who Put the Beat In Mersey Beat"
(screened in 1995). Little wonder the urban legend lasted so long!
August
John Lennon forms The Quarry Men and the band performs what's known in England
as "skiffle."

**1957**
July 6
The Quarry Men perform at St. Peter's Church Garden Fete. John and Paul meet and
the pair find out that they have similar pop idol interests: "Paul, what kind of music do
you like?" asked John. "Well I used to like Lonnie Donnegan but now that skiffle is
fading out I love the music of Elvis Presley, Eddie Cochrane, Gene Vincent, Little
Richard..." "Hey," John interrupted, "they're all the people I'm into."
September
John Lennon commences studies at the Liverpool College of Art

**1958**
January 24
The Quarry Men perform at the Cavern. This would be the only performance billed as
The Quarry Men at the club. It would be a long wait, an amazing three years before
the band would turn up again at the Cavern but under their new name as The Beatles.
The Cavern is located in Liverpool's market district.
February 6
The Quarry Men play at the Wilson Hall in Liverpool, whereupon George Harrison
decides to join the Quarry Men. George Harrison (recalling those early days): "I was
very impressed by John, probably more than Paul, or I showed it more. I suppose I
was impressed by all the Art College crowd. John was very sarcastic, always trying to
put you down, but I either took no notice or gave him the same back, and it worked."
July 15
Julia Lennon, John's mother, is fatally struck down by a car driven by an off-duty
drunken police officer named Eric Clague (When the trial ends, the officer was
acquitted of the offence). As a result, John becomes more bitter and cynical than ever
before about his life.
Eric Clague: "Mrs Lennon just ran straight out in front of me. I just couldn't avoid her.
I was not speeding, I swear it. It was just one of those terrible things that happen."

**1959**
Tony Sheridan teams up with Vince Taylor and the Playboys
In early 1959, Tony Sheridan joins Vince Taylor and the Playboys where they would
play a residency in Hamburg, Germany. The band would eventually morph into the
Beat Brothers with a line-up consisting of Tony Sheridan (vocals/guitar), Ken
Packwood (drums), Rick Richards (guitar), Colin Melander (bass), Ian Hines
(keyboards) and Jimmy Doyle (drums). Over the years the band's line-up would
continue to see many personnel changes. Some of the most notable inclusions were:
Ringo Starr, Roy Young, Rikky Barnes, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison
and Pete Best.
"Sheridan often backed many other singers and musicians," writes author Joe Sunseri
in his 269-page manuscript entitled Nobody's Child: The Tony Sheridan Story. "One
such singer was an American by the name of Vince Taylor. Taylor was a combination of
Elvis Presley and Gene Vincent. Visually, he emulated Vincent with his leather and
chains, while vocally and aerobically he was a junior Elvis. Sheridan got his first pair of
American blue jeans and a silver imitation leather belt from Taylor by bothering him
until he gave Sheridan the clothes just so he would be left alone. Tony went on many
tours with Taylor and performed on some of his records."
During this year Vince Taylor and the Playboys would appear on the BBC's Saturday
Club program on April 11 and May 16 with host Brian Matthew.
August 29
The Casbah opens and the Quarry Men (John, Paul, George & Ken Brown) perform on
opening night. Casbah would quickly have over 2,000 club members join up. The
Casbah, owned by Pete Best's mother Mo Best, had this to say on the transition of her
basement in her home: "Never once during that exciting six months did I ever regret
the immense task - as it turned out to be - that I had taken on in deciding to make
part of my home a rendezvous for young people. The enthusiasm and the happy
atmosphere were wonderful." Also in August of '59, Ringo Starr begins drumming for
Rory Storm and the Hurricanes. (Ringo would be Rory's drummer right up until August
18, 1962).
October
Ken Brown and Pete Best form a band called "The Blackjacks."
The group becomes the Casbah's house band when the Quarry Men weren't
performing. According to author Pete Frame, who wrote "The Beatles & Some Other
Guys", The Blackjacks "knocked out the rock 'n' roll classics which became the
foundation of the Mersey Beat. Whole Lotta Shakin' Going On, Sweet Little Sixteen,
Honey Don't, Tutti Frutti, Long Tall Sally..." The Blackjacks would continue to play
together until August of 1960.
 October 31
Quarry Men audition for Carrol Levis show in Liverpool. During this audition period, the
band would change its name from "Quarry Men" to "Johnny and the Moondogs" by
November 15. On that day, they lose out for the Carrol Levis finals.

**1960**
May 5
The Quarry Men now become The Silver Beetles. Around this time, Allan Williams - club
owner of the "Jacaranda" - becomes the group's part time manager. He arranges with
Larry Parnes, an impresario for British pop stars, to audition The Silver Beetles. The
band fails the audition as backing group to Billy Fury. Instead, Parnes chooses the
band as a backing group for Johnny Gentle. On May 20, Gentle and The Silver Beetles
begin a 9-day tour in northern Scotland.
June 2
First professional performance of The Silver Beetles held at Neston Institute.
August 16
Pete Best leaves the Blackjacks and becomes The Silver Beetles' drummer. The band's
current line-up would now included John, Paul, George, Pete and Stuart Stutcliffe.
On this date, the band travels to Hamburg, Germany.
August 18
New stage name and first performance as "The Beatles" at the Indra Club in Hamburg,
Germany. Paul McCartney (on discussing performing and other things they learned in
Hamburg): "Sex...was one of the first things 'cause we were kids just let off the leash,
you know. And then there was like, the amount of music we played -- we played -- the
shear amount of music. Some evenings I think we probably...we played eight hour
periods 'cause you'd come on and another band would take an hour and you'd take an
hour, so we probably played four hours but we had to stretch it over an eight hour
period. And that's an awful long time, man, to play. I mean even bands now with three
or four hours sets is a hell of a long time."
December 5
The Beatles luck in Hamburg runs out:
- Harrison is deported for being underage for working in a night club;
- McCartney & Pete Best are arrested for pinning a condom to a brick wall and then
igniting it.
The two are told to leave Germany. The band returns home, discouraged.

**1961**
February 9
On this date the group makes their first lunchtime debut as The Beatles for a session
at the Cavern.
March 21
The Beatles first night-time appearance at the Cavern. The band gets paid a mere
$42.00 per night. Recalls Gerry Marsden (of Gerry and the Pacemakers) on a particular
visit to the Cavern: "I couldn't believe how good they were. The energy, the way they
shaped up to the microphone together, you know - Paul the left-handed bass player,
John standing there, couldn't give a shit, the attitude of the man. I thought: 'They'll be
the first band out of Liverpool to make it.'"
March 24
Beatles leave to go back to Hamburg, Germany.
 June 22 & 23
Beatles perform as back-up musicians to Tony Sheridan
On this date, Tony Sheridan and The Beatles do first session recordings for Bert
Kaempfert with the following songs: My Bonnie (Lies Over the Ocean); The Saints
(When the Saints Go Marching In); Why; Cry For a Shadow; Ain't She Sweet;Take Out
Some Insurance On Me Baby and Nobody's Child. And according to Eric Krasker's book,
"The Beatles Fact and Fiction 1960-1962", the Beatles would record one more time for
Bert Kaempfert on May 24, 1962, to re-record and provide backing vocals and
instrumental tracks for Sweet Georgia Brown and Swanee River. Tony Sheridan's
vocal's were recorded two weeks later for those numbers on June 7, 1962 under an
operation known as "synchronization."

The early days of the Beatles. From left to right: George

Harrison, Pete Best, John Lennon and Paul McCartney
dawned in leather gear with musical equipment

Pete Best on why the band wore leather gear and not suits: "When
we went over to Hamburg, we found out that the stage suits we had
actually rotted and fell apart with the long hours we were playing.
Leather was a lot cheaper in Hamburg. We could wear it on-stage
and off-stage. We basically lived in it. And it enhanced the image we
wanted. When we went back to Liverpool, all the other bands were
still in stage suits and gold army jackets and such. We came in with
cowboy boots, tight jeans, leather jackets and hair grown long,
playing this powerhouse music. It ranked us fairly high in the eyes
of the girls of Liverpool."

The German Polydor single, My Bonnie b/w When the Saints Go Marching In was
released in August 1961 listed as TONY SHERIDAN AND THE BEAT BROTHERS [Polydor
/ 24 673] which became a big top-ten hit for Sheridan in Germany. The U.K. release of
the single was issued January 5, 1962 and listed as TONY SHERIDAN AND THE
BEATLES [Polydor NH 66-833]. Polydor then later decided to release a Tony Sheridan
album aptly entitled My Bonnie in June of 1962 as Polydor LPHM 46-612 [mono] and
Polydor SLPHM 237-112 [stereo]. The band's line-up for the album consisted for the
most part of Tony Sheridan, Pete Best, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison
and featured pianist Roy Young on Sweet Georgia Brown.
About Roy Young: In the late 1950s, Roy Young's electrifying piano performances of
Rip It Up and Tutti Frutti dubbed him with the distinction of being Britain's answer to
"Little Richard." His first encounter with the Beatles occurred during his first trip to
Hamburg in 1961 at Top Ten Club. Then later, on April 13, 1962, Young served as
"double-duty as house-band leader and recruiting agent for up-and-coming English
bands" for the Star-Club located in Hamburg's lively Reeperbahn strip. According to
respected Beatle historian Kristopher Engelhardt in his book "Beatles Undercover", he
reports that Brian Epstein asked Roy "to join The Beatles during their spring 1962
engagement at the Star-Club." Roy Young, in an entirely different report, describes
how he turned the offer down: "I said, 'I don't know, I'll have to think about that one,'"
meaning that he would have to consider his three-year club contract. "I started to walk
away but then I walked back and said: 'I'm going to give you my answer right now. I
have to decline the offer.'" Roy would continue to play and perform at the Star-Club
with such stars as Little Richard, Fats Domino, and Gene Vincent. In the late '60s, back
in England, he formed The Roy Young Band, and performed as a regular at London's
"Speakeasy" club.
Historical Footnote: As once believed and reported by some very respected Beatle
historians, magazine and book publishers, the Beatles version of Swanee River never
appeared on the "Hamburg Twist" EP nor on Tony Sheridan's "My Bonnie" LP. Eric
Krasker, who has recently published a book entitled "The Beatles Fact and Fiction
1960-1962" wrote the following in an English summary manuscript: "While it is
perfectly correct that the Beatles recorded a version of Swanee River with Tony
Sheridan on 24 May 1962, the documents I discovered in the Polydor archives clearly
prove that it cannot be the version included on the My Bonnie LP, as the first pressings
of this album left the record plant in early April 1962." Eric Krasker's seven-year
research effort also made the author come to the realization that The Beatles version
of Swanee River has since either been destroyed or has disappeared altogether from
the Polydor tape archives. Thus, the "Hamburg Twist" EP as provided in Hans Olof
Gottfridsson's book, "The Beatles: From Cavern to Star-Club", you will note that the
name "The Beatles" is credited on the label below each and every song. "The Beatles"
credit for "Swanee River" is incorrect along with the misleading cover sleeve entitled
"THE BEATLES with Tony Sheridian HAMBURG TWIST which presents the song titles for
the EP. Said Eric Krasker: "Gottfridsson was more or less forced to acknowledge this in
the book with a Bear Family box-set reissue of the Polydor recordings....the fact that
Bear Family admitted the only surviving version of Swanee River had no Beatle
involvement."
July 6
Bill Harry publishes "The Mersey Beat" newspaper
John Lennon would give the publisher an interview on how the name "Beatles" came
about: "Many people ask what are Beatles? Why Beatles? Ugh, Beatles? How did the
name arrive? So we will tell you. It came in a vision - a man appeared on a flaming pie
and said unto them, 'From this day on you are Beatles with an "A"'. 'Thank you Mister
Man', they said, thanking him. And so they were Beatles."
July 3
The band returns to England from Hamburg, Germany.
August
MY BONNIE / THE SAINTS (WHEN THE SAINTS GO MARCHING IN) (single) is released
in Germany (Decca Records)
 Hal Fein, an associate of Bert Kaempfert and owner of Roosevelt Music publishing
company recalls that the single did reasonably well. "When the record was released,
the initials sales were about 180,000 copies, a fair-sized hit for Germany," said Fein.
"Due to its success in Germany, it was played on Radio Luxembourg -- one of the most
powerful stations in Europe, beaming in all directions - into Germany, into England,
and south into the continent."
October 28
Brian Epstein's first awareness of the Beatles: My Bonnie record makes its way into
NEMS stores.
Contrary to Epstein's accounting in "A Cellarful of Noise", young Raymond Jones who
supposedly requested the record, remains more fiction than actual fact to this very
day. Alistair Taylor, Epstein's assistant explains: "I got fed up with youngsters coming
in asking for The Beatles record. So I put a name, Raymond Jones, in the order book. I
just made it up. Otherwise Brian wouldn't have paid any attention."
November 9
Epstein visits the Cavern Club to see the band perform.
December 3
Epstein offers to manage Beatles: "Quite simply, you need a manager. Would you like
me to do it?" asked Epstein. "Right, then, Brian, manage us now. Where's the
contract? I'll sign it," retorted Lennon.

**1962**
January 1
Beatles do a test record with Decca Records in London. After audition, Decca decides
not to sign them to a record deal. They were later turned down by just about every
record company except Parlophone. George Martin: "But Brian...got them to sign a
contract because they hadn't got a manager at all that was any worth while...and so
he promised them the earth: 'I'll get you a record contract'. And of course he didn't.
He tried everywhere and everyone turned him down. And they were getting fed up and
thought they were never going to make it. Brian had this unswerving conviction that
they were great and that they were going to make it and I think without that
conviction -- without that sincerity, I don't think that I would have brought them down
from Liverpool to listen to them. And I think it's a tribute to him."
March 8
FIRST RADIO APPEARANCE ON THE B.B.C. LIGHT PROGRAMME'S "Teenager's Turn"
April 8
Beatles leave once again for Hamburg, Germany. They would shortly return back home
after learning of a pending record deal with Parlophone. After receiving the good news
from Brian Epstein, the band wrote back to him...
Paul: "Please wire £10,000 advance royalties."
George: "Please order four new guitars."
John: "When are we going to be millionaires?"
April 10
Stu Sutcliffe dies of a brain hemorrhage
April 23
MY BONNIE / THE SAINTS (USA single) is released (Decca Records)
May 9
Telegram reported in Mersey Beat from Brian Epstein: "HAVE SECURED CONTRACT TO
 RECORDED (sic) FOR EMI ON PARLOPHONE (sic) LABEL 1ST RECORDING DATE FOR
JUNE 6TH - BRIAN EPSTEIN."
May 24
The Beatles Last Recording Sessions for Burt Kaempfert and Polydor Records
Beatles go in and re-record the backing vocals and instrumentals for "Sweet Georgia
Brown" and "Swanee River"
June 4
Brian Epstein and Beatles officially sign record deal with Parlophone/E.M.I.
June 6
The Beatles audition their music with music producer George Martin at Abbey Road
Studios.
June 9
Beatles Welcome Home Show

At the Cavern, The Beatles perform a belated "Welcome Home Show" from 7:00 p.m.
until midnight. For the next 12 days the Beatles under contract would perform at the
Cavern. At this "Welcome Home Show," the Cavern broke an attendance record as 900
fans crowded themselves into the cellar to see the group. Featured on the bill this
night were The Red River Jazzmen; Ken Dallas and The Silhouettes; and the Four Jays.
June 26
Brian Epstein forms NEMS Enterprises
August 16
Pete Best loses drummer role with Beatles
Brian Epstein informs Pete Best of bad news: Ringo Starr is to become the band's new
drummer. Neil Aspinall would later recall how it came about: "...so I drove him (Pete
Best) into town to see him. I was in the record store looking at records, and he came
down and said he had been fired. He was in a state of shock, really. We went over to
the Grapes pub in Matthew Street, had a pint."
 August 18
Ringo Starr joins Beatles as their new drummer. Local Beatle fans protest wanting Pete
Best back into the line-up but Ringo stays.
August 22
"Some Other Guy" as performed by the Beatles is captured on film by Leslie Woodhead
for Granada TV marking it as the first film to be recorded on the Beatles intended for a
public television broadcast. The song was written by Jerry Leiber, Mike Stroller and
Richard Barrett. The soundtrack for this video, according to Eric Krasker, author of
"The Beatles Fact and Fiction 1960 - 1962", was recorded on September 5, 1962 "in
which in can be heard very distinctly at the end of the song somebody shouting "We
want Pete!", the fact remains that indeed they have officially acknowledged Pete Best's
extreme popularity."

Photo: Film director Leslie Woodhead who, after 28-years of service, left Granada in
1989 to become an independent film director.
Leslie Woodhead's astonishing film-making career would come full circle in September
2009, when he directed a fascinating film documentary on the sociological impact that
the Beatles had behind the Iron Curtain. The documentary was aptly titled: "How the
Beatles Rocked the Kremlin" which aired on BBC Four on September 6, 2009. The
documentary was then transmitted in Europe by ARTE in October and then on PBS TV
nationally in the United States on November 9 of the same year which coincided with
the 20th anniversary of the fall of communism. For information on the story behind the
story on how the documentary came about, click here for video details as revealed by
Dr. Yury Pelyushonok.
August 23
John Lennon marries Cynthia Powell.
The marriage took place at Mount Pleasant Register Office in Liverpool
 September 3
The Beatles begin their second recording session at Abbey Road
September 11
The Beatles begin their third Abbey Road session, and record LOVE ME DO
October 5
LOVE ME DO / P.S. I LOVE YOU (single) is released (Parlophone Records).
Featured on this song is John Lennon's harmonica playing which became an integral
part of the Beatles early recordings. According to Beatle author Ray Coleman, Lennon's
harmonica playing was influenced by the American hit "Hey Baby" by Bruce Channel.
October 17
THE BEATLES FIRST TELEVISION APPEARANCE ON "People and Places" (Granada
Television)
Pre-filmed in the Cavern on August 22, the show's producer, Johnny Hamp had this to
say: "I first saw the Beatles in a club in Hamburg. They were very scruffy characters -
but they had a beat in their music which I liked...I got into a lot of trouble over it.
Everyone said they were too rough, too untidy. But I liked them. I put them on again
and again."
October 27
LOVE ME DO (Parlophone single) enters at 48th spot on Melody Maker hit parade
December 17
Beatles leave for their final trip to Hamburg, Germany. The band would play at the
Star-Club for fourteen days.

**1963**
January 1
The Beatles begin their concert tour in Scotland
February 2
The Beatles begin British tour with Helen Shapiro as the top act on the bill
February 4
LOVE ME DO / P.S. I LOVE YOU is released as a single in Canada (Capitol Records)
Historical significance: The first true Beatles single is released in North America.
Paul White, then Capitol Canada record executive, had this to say on why he decided
to release the Beatles first single: "I used to listen to about fifty new records a week.
Then one day I put on "Love Me Do" by a group called the Beatles. I immediately sat
up and took notice. The sound was so different, so completely fresh.
"I'm certainly not going to claim that I could read the future and already knew how big
the Beatles were going to be, but I did like them a lot and wanted Capitol of Canada to
get in on the ground floor. I decided to release Beatles' records in Canada".
February 20
PLEASE PLEASE ME / ASK ME WHY (single) is released in USA (Vee-Jay Records)
March 22
PLEASE PLEASE ME - their first album, is released in England, on Parlophone Records
May 6
FROM ME TO YOU / THANK YOU GIRL (single) is released (Vee-Jay Records)
This single peaked at No. 116 on the Billboard music chart in August.
July 22
SHE LOVES YOU / I'LL GET YOU (single) is released (Swan Records)
July 23
Cohburn & Company prints cover clicks only for "Introducing the Beatles"
On this date, Cohburn & Company print up 6,000 album cover slicks for Vee-Jay's
"Introducing the Beatles" LP but Vee-Jay's manufacturing plans for pressing the actual
vinyl are quickly scuttled. Two reasons that delayed this album release are: 1) On
August 8, Transglobal in America who was a subsidiary of EMI in England, was told by
EMI to legally inform Vee-Jay to "cease production and distribution of all Frank Ifield
and Beatles records" until such times as the royalties were paid up. 2) By September,
Cohburn and Company sued Vee-Jay for over $50,000 owed on the account for various
album cover slicks they had manufactured for Vee-Jay. The end result of this delay
meant that the next issue of either a Beatle album or single on the Vee-Jay label would
not occur until January 1964, just in time to capitalize on "Beatlemania".
August 3
The Beatles appear for the last time at the Cavern Club
September
During this month, George Harrison along with his brother Peter, visits their sister
Louise in Benton Illinois in the USA. While there he would buy a guitar and also sat in
at a few clubs performing with a local band called The Four Vests. George also went
camping with the family and also took in some points of scenic interest in Southern
Illinois. Anxious to get to get the Beatles known in America, George and his sister visit
a local Benton radio station one Saturday and meet up with a very young DJ named
Marsha Schaffer who hosted a 1-hour rock and roll program. There they persuade the
DJ to play "Please Please Me" along with another Beatle single possibly making this the
first time Beatle records are heard over the radio in the USA. Today both record and
the turntable which was used to spin the disc at the radio station are located at the
Hard Day's Night Bed and Breakfast mini-Beatles museum on 113 McCann Street, once
home to Louise Harrison.
November 4
At the "Royal Variety Show," held in Prince of Wales Theatre, London, the Beatles
perform before the Queen Mother, Princess Margaret and Lord Snowdon. John Lennon
humorously tells the audience: "Those of you in the cheaper seats - clap your hands;
and those of you in the more expensive seats - just rattle your jewelry."
 November 22
"With the Beatles" (lp) is released in Britain (Parlophone Records)
Track listing, Side One: 1) It Won't Be Long 2) All I've Got To Do 3) All My Loving 4)
Don't Bother Me 5) Little Child 6)Till There Was You 7) Please Mister Postman
Side Two: 1) Roll Over Beethoven 2) Hold Me Tight 3) You Really Got A Hold On Me 4)
I Wanna Be Your Man 5) Devil In Her Heart 6) Not A Second Time 7) Money
November 25
"Beatlemania With The Beatles" (lp) is released in Canada (Capitol Records)
Historical significance: The first true Beatles album is released in North America that
contained same track listing as "With the Beatles" which was released only a three
days earlier in Britain.
November 29
700,000 advance orders for "I Want To Hold Your Hand" by British fans
December
In Britain, the Beatles Fan Club peaks at 80,000 strong.
A London Times music critic names them "outstanding English composers of 1963."
The Sunday Times critic declares them "greatest composers since Beethoven."
December 6
"BEATLES CHRISTMAS RECORD" is sent out to fan club members
The concept was thought up by their press agent, Tony Barrow who also wrote the
basic script for the first three Christmas records. You can listen to Tony Barrow's lovely
recounting of how the Beatles Christmas Record came about by clicking here.
December 10
CBS News airs a film clip on The Beatles
CBS news anchor Walter Cronkite airs a film about the Beatles phenomenon in England
that was filed by their U.K. correspondent, Alexander Kendrick. The film contained a
clip of the band performing "She Loves You" along with some interviews. The sounds of
this British rock and roll combo performing "She Loves You" had created a strong and
favorable impression on Marsha Albert, a 15-year-old girl from Silver Spring, Maryland.
She would later be acknowledged by the Washington Post as the first Beatle fan who
kick started the whole "Beatlemania" craze on USA radio.
However, while teenagers eventually went crazy over Beatles and their music, Walter
Cronkite recalls his viewpoints as being a little less than favorable with regards to the
English quartet: "In the wake of the [John F. Kennedy] assassination story, nothing
else was happening in the world, at least in the United States -- stuff that was
important, that is. So we actually had an opportunity to use it.
"I was not entirely thrilled with it myself, to tell you the truth. It was not a musical
phenomenon to me. The phenomenon was a social one, of these rather tawdry-looking
guys, we thought at the time, with their long hair and this crazy singing of theirs, this
meaningless 'wah-wah-wah, wee-wee-wee' stuff they were doing."
December 17
Carrol James of WWDC radio in Washington becomes the first DJ in the
United States to play "I Want to Hold Your Hand".
The importance of Beatles music came to Carrol James's attention through Marsha
Albert. She remembered being impressed with the Beatles performance of "She Loves
You" from the CBS news broadcast. Said Marsha: "It wasn't so much what I had seen,
it's what I had heard. They had a scene where they played a clip of 'She Loves You'
and I thought it was a great song. I wrote that I thought [the Beatles] would be really
popular here, and if [James] could get one of their records, that would really be great."
According to the Washington Post, Carrol James "thought maybe the girl was onto
something, and he got the station's promotion director to contact a local agent for
BOAC (now British Airways)" to procure a copy of the band's latest record, "I Want To
Hold Your Hand" which was currently unavailable in the USA marketplace.
James eventually obtains a copy from the local BOAC agent. Said Marsha: "Carroll
James called me up the day he got the record and said 'If you can get down here by 5
o'clock, we'll let you introduce it.' " Which Marsha did: "Ladies and gentlemen, for the
first time on the air in the United States, here are the Beatles singing 'I Want to Hold
Your Hand.' "
A few days later, Capitol Records threatened WWDC radio by suggesting they would
consider using a legal injunction to block airplay of "I Want To Hold Your Hand",
because technically, the song wasn't supposed to be released until January 13 in the
new year. However, both Carrol James and the radio station ignored the threat and
continued to spin the disc over the airwaves. In the end, Capitol never sued WWDC
and decided on more positive course of action.
December 26
I Want To Hold Your Hand/I Saw Her Standing There (Capitol Records) is released
Though scheduled for a January 13 release date, momentum in the airplay of "I Want
To Hold Your Hand" continued. By now Carrol James had already sent out copies of the
Beatle single to a fellow DJ in Chicago and also to a DJ in St. Louis. Sensing the single
is gaining momentum both in terms of airplay and interest from teenagers, Capitol
Records decided to financially capitalize on the opportunity: on this date they rush-
release copies of "I Want To Hold Your Hand/I Saw Her Standing There" into the
marketplace. "I Want To Hold Your Hand" becomes the fastest selling British single in
America.

**1964**
January 1-15
Introducing the Beatles (lp) (version #1 - Vee-Jay) is released
According to Bruce Spizer, author of Songs, Pictures and Stories of the Fabulous
Beatles on Vee-Jay, that Vee-Jay's "invoice summary sheets indicate that 79,169 mono
and 2,202 stereo copies of Introducing the Beatles were shipped to distributors during
the first fifteen days of the year before sales were halted by the temporary injunction
prohibiting Vee-Jay from issuing Beatles product."
On this album, "Love Me Do" and "P.S. I Love You" are listed in this track listing.
However, due to a copyright disagreement with the music publisher Beechwood, these
two songs were later removed and substituted with "Please Please Me" and "Ask Me
Why" in version #2 album of Introducing the Beatles.
Track Listing, Side One: 1) I Saw Her Standing There 2) Misery 3) Anna 4) Chains 5)
Boys 6) Love Me Do
Side Two: 1) P.S. I Love You 2) Baby It's You 3) Do You Want To Know A Secret 4) A
Taste of Honey 5) There's A Place 6) Twist and Shout
Also released on Vee-Jay to distributors during first fifteen days of the new year was
the single: "Please Please Me / From Me To You".
January 3
In the USA, the "Jack Paar Show" airs the Beatles' Bournemouth
performance of "She Loves You" which was originally filmed on November 16, 1963.
"I Want To Hold Your Hand" makes #1 spot on the Australian music charts.
January 15
Beatles perform for three weeks in France at the Paris Olympia
January 18
"I Want To Hold Your Hand" enters at No. 45 on the American Billboard music charts.
January 20
MEET THE BEATLES (lp) is released (Capitol Records)
January 27
MY BONNIE / THE SAINTS (single) is released (MGM Records)
February 1
"I Want To Hold Your Hand" reaches No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard music charts, selling
2,000,000 units ("She Loves You" sells 1,000,000 units in the U.S.)
February 3
THE BEATLES WITH TONY SHERIDAN (lp) is released (MGM Records)
February 5
Beatles return from Paris, France
February 7
Pan Am Yankee Clipper flight 101: Beatles land at Kennedy Airport in the USA. The
lads are greeted by 3,000 screaming fans. New York DJ Murray the "K" heavily
promotes the Beatles records over the radio and provides "live" interviews with John,
Paul, George and Ringo. Murray the "K" would dub himself as "the 5th Beatle." A
reporter for the Saturday Evening Post noted: "Anyone listening to a pop radio station
in New York would hear a Beatle record every four minutes and anyone listening to a
juke box might hear one right after the other." Beatlemania had arrived!!
February 9
Beatles debut on the Ed Sullivan Show in New York; 50,000 apply for 728 available
seats. An estimated 73 million viewers watch that night (or 23,240,000 households,
based on a Nielsen rating)

The Beatles captured in photograph during the last segment of the Ed Sullivan Show

Paul McCartney: "Specific memory of Ed Sullivan: FEAR, FEAR, FEAR! 'Cause you
know, if somebody made the mistake of saying, 'Oh, you know how many people are
watching this?' If someone had mentioned 73 million - Ohhhhhhh! So it was very very
nerve racking. But you know, by then we had so much practice, that the nerves didn't
show. I can see them when I watch it. I can remember it."
 Ringo Starr: "We had no idea what the 'Ed Sullivan Show' meant, we didn't know how
huge it was. I don't think we were nervous because we were doing songs that we knew
how to play, we'd done them before and we'd done plenty of TV. But the idea of just
coming to America was the mind-blower -- no one can imagine these days what an
incredible feat it was to conquer America. No British act had done it before. We were
just coming over to do our stuff, hopefully get recognized and to sell some records. But
it turned into something huge."
Opening spot: 1) ALL MY LOVING; 2) TILL THERE WAS YOU; 3) SHE LOVES YOU
Closing spot: 1) I SAW HER STANDING THERE; 2) I WANT TO HOLD YOUR HAND
See what the reviewers said and a cartoon. For photos, click here.
February 10
"Introducing the Beatles" (lp) (version #2 - Vee-Jay) is released
Version #2 of this album is released on this date but this time with "Ask Me Why" and
"Please Please Me" replacing "Love Me Do" and "P.S. I Love You". Later, on February
29, Vee-Jay's Introducing the Beatles ran nine consecutive weeks at the #2 spot only
to be shut out by Capitol's release of Meet the Beatles.
Track Listing, Side One: 1) I Saw Her Standing There 2) Misery 3) Anna 4) Chains 5)
Boys 6) Ask Me Why
Side Two: 1) Please Please Me 2) Baby It's You 3) Do You Want To Know A Secret 4)
A Taste of Honey 5) There's A Place 6) Twist and Shout
February 11
Beatles first concert appearance in the USA: the Coliseum in Washington, 20,000 fans
attend performance.
February 12
Two concert performances at Carnegie Hall
February 16
Beatles make their second appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show in Deauville Hotel,
Miami Beach, Florida. An estimated 70 million viewers watch that night (or 22,445,000
households based on a Nielsen rating). Songs performed: SHE LOVES YOU; ALL MY
LOVING; THIS BOY; I SAW HER STANDING THERE; FROM ME TO YOU; I WANT TO
HOLD YOUR HAND
February 22
Beatles return to England.
February 23
Beatles 3rd Ed Sullivan Show, New York. The Beatles had taped previously their third
show for Ed Sullivan. Songs performed for the show were: TWIST AND SHOUT;
PLEASE PLEASE ME; I WANT TO HOLD YOUR HAND
February 26
JOLLY WHAT! BEATLES AND FRANK IFIELD (lp) is released (Vee-Jay Records)
March 2
Beatles begin work on their first movie, "A Hard Day's Night". According to Walter
Shenson, producer of the film, the Beatles story line in the movie would portray them
as "prisoners of their success. They go from the airport to the hotel to the theater or
stadium or concert hall back to the hotel back to the airport. In any city it's always the
same. They literally travel in a cocoon of Liverpool. There's the manager, the road
manager, a publicity man, the car, the driver, the guy who carries the equipment.
That's all they see..." Total cost for making the movie: $500,000.
TWIST AND SHOUT / THERE'S A PLACE (single) is released (Tollie Records)
 March 13
CASHBOX CHARTS - Places Beatles songs in top four slots:

1) SHE LOVES YOU

2) I WANT TO HOLD YOUR HAND
3) PLEASE PLEASE ME
4) TWIST AND SHOUT
"MEET THE BEATLES" (lp) is reported by this date to have sold 3,600,000 copies
"CAN'T BUY ME LOVE" their next single, has advanced order sales of 1,700,000 copies
in the USA (Britain would have, by March 17th, advanced sales of 1,000,000 copies)
March 23
DO YOU WANT TO KNOW A SECRET / THANK YOU GIRL (single) is released (Vee-Jay
Records)
"In His Own Write" - Lennon's first humorous off-beat book is published by Jonathan
Cape. The book would sell 100,000 copies during its first printing. The Times Literary
Supplement declared his book being "Worth the attention of anyone who fears for the
impoverishment of the English language and the British imagination." John's
jabberwocky style of penmanship was largely influenced from the literary works of
Lewis Carroll.
March 27
WHY / CRY FOR A SHADOW (single) is released (MGM Records)
March 30
CAN'T BUY ME LOVE / YOU CAN'T DO THAT (single) is released (Capitol Records)
APRIL 6
BILLBOARD CHARTS - Places Beatles songs in top five slots:

1) CAN'T BUY ME LOVE

2) TWIST AND SHOUT
3) SHE LOVES YOU
4) I WANT TO HOLD YOUR HAND
5) PLEASE PLEASE ME
April 10
THE BEATLES SECOND ALBUM (lp) is released (Capitol Records)
April 27
LOVE ME DO / P.S. I LOVE YOU (single) is released (Tollie Records)
SIE LIEBT DICH / I'LL GET YOU (single) is released (Swan Records)
June 1
SWEET GEORGIA BROWN / TAKE SOME INSURANCE OUT ON ME BABY (single) is
released (Atco records)
June 3
RINGO STARR COLLAPSES FROM TONSILLITIS AND PHARYNGITIS
Jimmy Nicol becomes substitute drummer when Ringo enters a London hospital for his
throat problem. The band travels to Holland and three days later perform in
Amsterdam's "Blokker" auction hall. On June 8th, the band would fly to Hong Kong.
June 10
Beatles perform two concerts at Hong Kong Princes Theatre.
 June 12
Beatles begin Australian tour at Adelaide. During this tour, an Adelaide crowd of
300,000 lines up along the motorcade route and watches the band drive by. On June
14, Ringo would reunite with the Beatles in Melbourne after recovering temporarily
from tonsillitis.
June 26
A HARD DAY'S NIGHT (lp) is released (United Artists Records)
AIN'T SHE SWEET / NOBODY'S CHILD (single) is released (Atco Records)
July
SONGS, PICTURES AND STORIES OF THE FABULOUS BEATLES (lp) is released (Vee-
Jay Records)
According to Bruce Spizer, distribution of this album began in late July but "did not
chart until the following October. Royalty statements indicate that 123,635 mono
copies were sold prior to September 30, 1964. Aggressive marketing resulted in
additional reported sales of 216,328 mono and 773 stereo copies during the last
quarter of 1964."
July 10
In Liverpool, a civic reception held for the premiere of "A Hard Day's Night". About
100,000 Liverpudlians pack the streets to see John, Paul, George and Ringo.
July 13
A HARD DAY'S NIGHT / I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN BETTER (single) is released (Capitol
Records)
Historical Footnote for Guitar Players: Ever wonder why you can't faithfully
reproduce on your guitar the same sound the Beatles used for the opening chord on A
Hard Day's Night? It is because three instruments are used together at the same time.
In 2001, Walter Everett, professor of music for Michigan University, published on page
236 from his book - The Beatles As Musicians: The Quarry Men through Rubber Soul -
the following: "The striking ametrical opening chord, with Martin's piano doubling
Harrison's twelve-string above McCartney's bass, is given as example 3.10a." Professor
Everett then notated the guitar, piano, and bass parts in Example 3.10a on the next
page of his book.
July 20
SOMETHING NEW (lp) is released (Capitol Records)
I'LL CRY INSTEAD / I'M HAPPY JUST TO DANCE WITH YOU (single) is released (Capitol
Records)
AND I LOVE HER / IF I FELL (single) is released (Capitol Records)
August 10
Capitol Records issues a series of 45s on their "Oldies" label: DO YOU WANT TO KNOW
A SECRET/THANK YOU GIRL; PLEASE PLEASE ME/FROM ME TO YOU; LOVE ME DO/P.S.
I LOVE YOU; TWIST AND SHOUT/THERE'S A PLACE
August 11
MOTION PICTURE: "A Hard Day's Night" is released (running time: 85 minutes)
Released by United Artists
Screenplay by Alun Owen
Produced by Walter Shenson
Directed by Richard Lester
Musical director and album produced by George Martin
Played in 500 cinemas across the United States, the movie earns 1.3 million in the first
week.
New York's "Village Voice" proclaimed the movie as "the Citizen Kane of jukebox
musicals."
Historical first in the cinema picture industry: 15,000 prints made for world-wide
distribution.
A movie review appeared a month later in Canada's national magazine, Maclean's,
which was written by Wendy Michener. Please click here for her review.
August 24
MATCHBOX / SLOW DOWN (single) is released (Capitol Records)
September 20
"Ed Sullivan Show" - replay broadcast of Beatles February 16th Sullivan appearance
October 1
BEATLES V.S. THE FOUR SEASONS (lp) is released (Vee-Jay Records)
"A Cellar Full of Noise" by Brian Epstein, released on Souvenir Press
October 5
AIN'T SHE SWEET (lp) is released (Atco Records)
November 23
THE BEATLES STORY (double lp) is released (Capitol Records)
I FEEL FINE / SHE'S A WOMAN (single) is released (Capitol Records)
December 1
Ringo Starr has his tonsils removed at the University College Hospital in London
News Item #1:
THE BBC MISREADS RINGO'S TONSIL OPERATION
BBC announcer Roy Williams caused post-traumatic shock for Ringo's fans when he
mistakenly announced: "Ringo Starr's TOENAILS were successfully removed this
morning." The announcement caused the BBC switchboard to jam immediately with
calls from fans. Roy Williams would apologized in a later broadcast and also explain: "I
misread the item. It happens to all of us and I bet Ringo is glad I'm not his surgeon."
News Item #2
FANS DRIVE NEIGHBORS CRAZY! RINGO'S NEIGHBOURS FILE PETITION TO
LANDLORD.
Lathom Gedge, neighbor to Ringo Starr, claimed that "Ringo's tonsil operation has
given us our first peace for months. Teenage girls scream and shriek all day long. They
get hysterical, fight and kick each other and chase every car that arrives in case Ringo
is inside." Ringo's response: "I wish I could do something about it - but I can't control
the fans."
December 15
BEATLES '65 (lp) is released (Capitol Records)
December 18
"ANOTHER BEATLES CHRISTMAS RECORD" is issued to fan club members
GRAMMY AWARDS (1964):
Best New Artist - "The Beatles"
Best Performance by a Vocal Group - The Beatles, "A Hard Day's Night", George
Martin, producer
NORTH AMERICAN (AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 1964) BEATLES TOUR:
San Francisco (August 19); Las Vegas (August 20); Seattle (August 21); Vancouver
(August 22); Los Angeles (August 23); Denver (August 26); Cincinnati (August 27);
 New York (August 28); Atlantic City (August 30); Philadelphia (September 2);
Indianapolis (September 3); Milwaukee (September 4); Chicago (September 5);
Detroit (September 6); Toronto (September 7); Montreal (September 8); Jacksonville
(September 11); Boston (September 12); Baltimore (September 13); Pittsburgh
(September 14); Cleveland (September 15); New Orleans (September 16); Kansas
City (September 17); Dallas (September 18); New York (September 20)
Tour Fact: Because of the "mania", the Beatles seldom ventured outside of their
hotels. One of the band's favorite pastimes during this tour was playing the game of
"Monopoly" in their hotel rooms. Art Schreiber, who was one of five reporters (two
American, three British) designated to follow the Beatles on this North American tour,
recalls how it unfolded: "When we'd arrive at a hotel, I'd no more sooner get in my
room and the phone would ring and it would be John Lennon. He'd say, 'Art, where are
you, we're waiting.' So I'd go to his room and he and George would be sitting there at
the Monopoly board. John always stood up to shake the dice and roll. He wanted so
badly to get Park Place and Boardwalk. He could stand to lose the game, as long as
when he lost he had Park Place and Boardwalk."
During the game of "Monopoly", Schreiber recalls Harrison as being very aloof with a
preoccupation to acquire the B&O Railroad deed. Said Schreiber: "I asked him why he
wanted the B&O so badly and he never did tell me. He never did tell me much of
anything. We'd play until sunrise, and I'd be falling asleep at the table and John would
poke me and say 'one more game, Art.' During this whole time, George would say
practically nothing."

**1965**
February 11
Ringo Starr marries hairdresser Maureen Cox at the Caxton Hall registry office. Brian
Epstein worries about negative female reaction as Ringo gives up his eligible bachelor
status to Maureen. George Harrison went on to say: "I don't think the Beatles' image
could stand another marriage." The couple honeymooned in a secluded spot near
Brighton but fans show up!
February 15
EIGHT DAYS A WEEK / I DON'T WANT TO SPOIL THE PARTY (single) is released
(Capitol Records)
February 18
Northern Songs Ltd becomes listed on the London Stock Exchange
February 22
Beatles start filming (in the Bahamas for tax reasons) their second film, "Help!"
March 22
THE EARLY BEATLES (lp) is released (Capitol Records)
April 19
TICKET TO RIDE / YES IT IS (single) is released (Capitol Records)
June 14
BEATLES VI (lp) is released (Capitol Records)
Two rock 'n' roll cover versions recorded by George Martin and the Beatles are not
intended for the British marketplace but instead are slated specifically for Capitol's
"Beatles VI" album: "Recording especially for the North American market, John Lennon
steered the group through raucous renditions of two of his favourite songs...'Dizzy Miss
Lizzy' and 'Bad Boy'", wrote historian Mark Lewisohn regarding the May 10th recording
session at EMI's Studio Two. "Minutes after the final recording, mono and stereo
 remixes were made of both, to be dispatched the next day by air freight to Capitol
Records in Los Angeles." The song 'Dizzy Miss Lizzy' would later appear on
Parlophone's "Help!" LP while 'Bad Boy' would make its debut in 1966 on a Beatles'
album from the same label entitled "A Collection of Oldies."
June 24
"A Spaniard In the Works" - Lennon's second humorous off-beat book is published by
Jonathan Cape. John Lennon: "There is something about changing words that I love.
Instead of saying 'Walked to the door' I write 'I warped to the door', that's good. It
works. It says something."
July 19
HELP! / I'M DOWN (single) is released (Capitol Records)
August 13
HELP! (lp) is released (Capitol Records)
August 15
56,000 fans show up at Shea Stadium, New York.
This was the Beatles' largest crowd on any tour, and
also the largest rock concert attendance to that point in time.

Fan appreciation: Beatle fan Marc Catone was actually at the Shea Stadium concert
in '65 and he e-mailed a scanned image of his ticket stub. If you click on the ticket
you'll get a larger view along with the flip side of the stub describing the terms and
conditions for a rain check. Said Marc: "Note that the Shea had a rain date of 8/16
which probably accounts for early books on The Beatles incorrectly stating that they
played two concerts at Shea in 1965."
August 23
MOTION PICTURE: "Help!" is released (running time: 92 minutes)
Released through United Artists
Screenplay by Marc Beham and Charles Wood based on a story by Marc Behm
Produced by Walter Shenson
Directed by Richard Lester
Musical Score by Ken Thorne
Album produced by George Martin
Walter Shenson reported total cost of Help! came in at $1,250,000.00
Richard Lester: "They (the Beatles) said about Help! 'It wasn't our film. We felt like
guest stars and extras in our film.' I think that was true. But it had to be true, because
not wanting to repeat this film...you had to make a film which didn't deal with their
work, which is concerts, television, theatre, and all that....We had to create this huge
baroque fantasy through which they passed....I'm very proud of Help because I think
Help is as successful as A Hard Day's Night in terms of making four people enormously
attractive to the audience. I think that a lot of the things that they did and the way
they did them, the feeling of it - they were so bloody endearing..."
 September 12
"The Ed Sullivan Show" - Taped earlier on August 14 before a live studio audience at
Studio 50 in New York, this taped performance is "aired live" on this date. The Beatles
perform: 1) I Feel Fine 2) I'm Down 3) Act Naturally 4) Ticket to Ride 5) Yesterday 6)
Help!
September 13
YESTERDAY / ACT NATURALLY (single) is released (Capitol Records)
September 25
Beatles TV Cartoon Series aired in the USA by King Features Syndicate for the
American Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). Production highlights: Artist Peter Sander,
drew the Beatle characters on "templates" for other animators to follow; Episodes were
made in London, Canada and Australia; American actor Paul Frees did the voices of
John and George while British comic actor, Lance Percival did the voices of Ringo and
Paul. The last Beatle cartoon aired on a US network was April 20, 1969.
October 11
Capitol Records issues a series of 45s on their "Starline" label: Love Me Do/P.S. I Love
You; Please Please Me/From Me To You; Do You Want To Know A Secret/Thank You
Girl; Roll Over Beethoven/Misery; Boys/Kansas City
October 16
Beatles receive MBE (Member of the Order of British Empire) medals at Buckingham
Palace. Former British Prime Minister Harold Wilson (Member of Parliament for
Liverpool), in 1982 interview with author Ray Coleman, had this to say: "I saw the
Beatles, as having a transforming effect on the minds of youth, mostly for the good. It
kept a lot of kids off the streets. They introduced many many young people to music,
which in itself was a good thing. A lot of old stagers might have regarded it as
idiosyncratic music, but the Mersey sound was a new important thing. That's why they
deserved such recognition."
Author Nicholas Schaffner of "The Boys From Liverpool - John, Paul, George, Ringo"
wrote the following regarding the political fallout over the Beatles receiving their MBE
awards: "About a dozen of the queen's most distinguished subjects sent back their own
medals in a huff as soon as they heard about the Beatles' getting them. Paul Pearson,
a former Royal Air Force squadron leader, claimed he did so "because it had become
debased." A Canadian politician said he no longer wanted his MBE because it "put him
on the same level with vulgar nincompoops." John replied that most of the complainers
had earned their medals "for killing people. I'd say we deserved ours more. Wouldn't
you?""
December 6
RUBBER SOUL (lp) is released (Capitol Records)
WE CAN WORK IT OUT / DAY TRIPPER (single) is released (Capitol)
Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys becomes inspired to out-do the new Beatles album
and composes Pet Sounds, which later inspires Paul McCartney to come up with Sgt.
Pepper. Brian Wilson: "...the Beatles had cut Rubber Soul, and I really wasn't quite
ready for the unity; Rubber Soul was a collection of songs - of folk songs; it was like a
folk album by the Beatles that somehow went together like no other album made
before, and I was very impressed. It really blew me out. I had to go in there (the
studio) and experiment with sounds. I really felt challenged to do it good, and I
followed through with it. And I actually did it."
John Lennon: "We were just getting better, technically, and musically, that's all.
Finally we took over the studio. In the early days, we had to take what we were given,
we didn't know how you can get more bass. We were learning the technique on Rubber
Soul. We were more precise about making the album, that's all, and (we) took over
the cover and everything."
December 17
"THE BEATLES THIRD CHRISTMAS RECORD"
NORTH AMERICAN (AUGUST 1965) BEATLES TOUR: New York (August 15);
Toronto (August 17); Atlanta (August 18); Houston (August 19); Chicago (August 20);
Minneapolis (August 21); Portland (August 22); San Diego (August 28); Los Angeles
(August 29-30); San Francisco (August 31)
Tour Fact: Larry Kane, author of "Ticket to Ride" and who was one of the reporters
designated to accompany the Beatles during these tour dates, states in his book that
when the Beatles landed in Houston Texas by plane, the fans managed to swarm the
tarmac while the propellers on the plane were still running. This was a dangerous
scene not only for the fans but also for the Beatles. Not only did they swarm the
tarmac but when the engines of the planes were finally turned off, some of the older
fans managed to climb onto the wings of the plane with lit cigarettes in their hands
waving to the entourage inside. Fortunately for all concerned, the situation did not end
in a tragic explosion!

**1966**
January 21
George Harrison marries Patricia Anne Boyd at Epsom registry office. Couple then
honeymoons in Barbados.
February 21
NOWHERE MAN / WHAT GOES ON (single) is released (Capitol Records)
March 4
Journalist Maureen Cleave, Evening Standard, decides to ask a religious question
outside the norms of regular pop interviews. Lennon is asked his opinion on the Church
and God to which he responds: "Christianity will go. It will vanish and shrink. I needn't
argue with that; I'm right and I will be proved right. We're more popular than Jesus
now; I don't know which will go first - rock 'n' roll or Christianity. Jesus was alright but
his disciples were thick and ordinary. It's them twisting it that ruins it for me." Four
months later, John's comments made their way into American "Datebook" whereupon
the "Ku Klux Klan" and the southern "Bible belt" in the USA would denounce John's
"anti-Christ" statements.
April 6
Beatles begin recording REVOLVER at Abbey Road studios
May 27
PAPERBACK WRITER / RAIN (single) is released (Capitol Records)
June 6
"Ed Sullivan Show" - Beatles "Paperback Writer" & "Rain" aired for television
June 14
Alan W. Livingston, President of Capitol Records (USA), decides to pull the "butcher
cover" Yesterday & Today album which depicted the Beatles dressed up in white
smocks with red raw meat and decapitated heads from baby dolls. Livingston issues
the following statement: "The original album cover, created in England, was intended
as pop art satire. However, sampling of public opinion in the United States indicates
 that the cover design is subject to misinterpretation....For this reason...Capitol has
chosen to withdraw the lp and substitute it for a more generally accepted design." The
"butcher cover" album would become one of the most sought-out prizes by Beatle
collectors. Note: According to the 1995 edition of "The Official Price Guide to the
Beatles" Perry Cox and Joe Lindsay would list a "first issue, first state butcher cover"
(Capitol ST-2553) is appraised at $7,000.

June 15
YESTERDAY AND TODAY (lp) is released (Capitol Records)
July 3
Beatles arrive in Manila, Philippines
July 4
Beatles perform at the Manila's National Football Stadium - 50,000 fans in attendance.
Later, the President of Manila would feel "stiffed" by the Beatles for them not showing
up at his children's party. The band gets kicked, punched as they leave Manila and
Epstein is forced to give back all the concert.
July 29
Lennon's "We're more popular than Jesus" comment appears in "Datebook"
On this date, Lennon's interview with Maureen Cleave makes its appearance in the
American teenage magazine, "Datebook". Within days of publication, anti-Beatle
sentiment builds up and American disc jockeys in the southern States encourages a
God-fearing youth to destroy their Beatle records and memorabilia at bonfire rallies.
Also enforced was a radio ban on Beatle records that was started by a Birmingham,
Alabama D.J. The ban picked up momentum by other radio stations in the southern
Bible belt. By August 6, thirty US radio stations have banned all Beatles records from
airplay.
World reaction to John's remarks:
South Africa: Piet Myer of the South African Broadcasting Corporation temporarily
banned Beatles records from being played and noted that "The Beatles arrogance has
passed the ultimate limit of decency. It is clowning no longer."
 Spain: Three radio stations immediately bans the airing Beatle records.
Holland: One radio station bans the airing of Beatle records.
The Vatican had a somewhat different view on Lennon's remarks: John's remarks were
made "off-handedly and not impiously...the protest the remark raised showed that
some subjects must not be dealt with lightly and in a profane way, not even in the
world of beatniks."
August 6
Brian Epstein holds a special press conference
Before the band would commence with a third American tour on August 12, at the
Chicago International Amphitheatre, Brian Epstein holds an evening press conference
in New York's Manhattan's Sheraton Hotel, to effect damage control over John
Lennon's "anti-Christ" remarks. The following statement was made by Brian Epstein
with approval from John: "The quote which John Lennon made to a London columnist
nearly three months ago [sic] has been quoted and misrepresented entirely out of
context of the article, which was in fact highly complimentary to Lennon as a person
and was understood by him to be exclusive to the Evening Standard. It was not
anticipated that it would be displayed out of context and in such a manner as it was in
an American teenage magazine." Epstein also commented: "Lennon didn't mean to
boast about the Beatles' fame. He meant to point out that the Beatles' effect appeared
to be a more immediate one upon, certainly, the younger generation. John is deeply
concerned and regrets that people with certain religious beliefs should have been
offended."
August 8
REVOLVER (lp) is released (Capitol Records)
YELLOW SUBMARINE / ELEANOR RIGBY (single) is released (Capitol Records)
August 11
Lennon meets with American press - attempts to explain
what he meant by his "We're more popular than Jesus" remark
In a hotel room on the 27th floor of the Astor Towers Hotel in Chicago where
unrelenting pressure from the American press was seeking out a public apology from
John Lennon, the Beatle is recorded on film as saying: "If I had said that television is
more popular than Jesus, I might have got away with it. It's a fact, in reference to
England, we meant more to kids than Jesus did, or religion at that time. I wasn't
knocking it or putting it down. I was just saying it, as a fact and it's true, more for
England than here. I'm not saying we're better or greater or comparing us with Jesus
Christ as a person or God as a thing, or whatever it is, you know, I just said what I
said and it was wrong, or was taken wrong, and now it's all this!"
Interestingly, the questions fielded by the press on this very subject alone lasted
between 5-10 minutes before moving onto other topics. Tony Barrow, the Beatles
personal publicist who had witnessed the event, recalls how John Lennon had reacted
to the situation: "The arrival in Chicago was auspicious from John's personal point of
view because, that night in the hotel, for the first time perhaps, he personally faced
the press....He was taking great responsibility for something he felt terribly bad about
and was greatly concerned that this thing, taken completely out of context, should
rebound. He did not blame, for instance, Maureen Cleave in the least because of the
way he had told it to her. He was concerned that this whole thing could rebound on
The Beatles. He was more frightened, really scared stiff, that night, more than at any
other time I've seen him, because the whole thing fell on his shoulders."
Tony Barrow's comments are supported by Cynthia Lennon in her book, "A Twist of
Lennon": "[I]n an interview John likened the Beatles to Jesus Christ. His truly honest
assessment of their popularity offended the God-fearing, clean living Americans who
lived in the Bible belt of America. His views were totally misconstrued. John was very
bewildered and frightened by the reaction that his words created in the States. Beatle
albums were burnt in a mass orgy of self-righteousness indignation. Letters arrived at
the house full of threats, hate and venom."
August 15
THIS IS WHERE IT STARTED (lp) is released (Metro Records)
August 29
Beatles final U.S.A. performance held in San Francisco's "Candlestick Park"
September 19
John Lennon flies to Spain to star in the movie "How I Won the War." John would play
the part of Private Gripeweed. The film is directed by Richard Lester.
September 20
George Harrison in India; studies sitar with Ravi Shankar
October 17
THE AMAZING BEATLES (lp) is released (Clarion Records)
November 6
John Lennon visits the Indica Gallery in London where he meets Yoko Ono who is
displaying her art
November 24
Beatles begin recording SGT. PEPPER'S LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND
December 13
"LOOK" magazine European Editor interview by Leonard Gross is released. Interview
was done during the filming of "How I Won The War". Lennon provides the journalist
with more insight on what he really meant by saying the Beatles being more popular
than Jesus. "I believe Jesus was right, Buddha was right, and all of those people like
that are right. They're all saying the same thing - and I believe it. I believe what Jesus
actually said - the basic things he laid down about love and goodness - and not what
people say he said....If Jesus being more popular means...more control, I don't want
that. I'd sooner they'd all follow us even if it's just to dance and sing for the rest of
their lives. If they took more interest in what Jesus - or any of them - said, if they did
that, we'd all be there with them."
December 16
"BEATLES FOURTH CHRISTMAS RECORD - PANTOMIME: EVERYWHERE IT'S
CHRISTMAS" is issued to fan club members
GRAMMY AWARDS (1966):
Song of the Year: "Michelle"
Best Contemporary Pop Vocal Performance - Paul McCartney, "Eleanor Rigby"
Best Album Cover Design - "Revolver" by Klaus Voorman
NORTH AMERICAN (AUGUST 1966) BEATLES TOUR: Chicago (August 12); Detroit
(August 13); Cleveland (August 14); Washington (August 15); Philadelphia (August
16); Toronto (August 17); Boston (August 18); Memphis (August 19); Cincinnati
(August 20); St. Louis (August 21); New York (August 23); Seattle (August 25); Los
Angeles (August 28); San Francisco (August 29)
Tour Fact: "We'd done about 1,400 live shows and I certainly felt this was it," said
George Harrison commenting on their last American concert at Candlestick Park. "It
was nice to be popular, but when you saw the size of it, it was ridiculous, and it felt
dangerous because everybody was out of hand. Even the cops were out of line....It
was a very strange feeling. For a year or so I'd been saying, "Let's not do this
anymore.' And then it played itself out, so that by 1966 everybody was feeling, 'We've
got to stop this.' I don't know exactly where in 1966, but obviously after the
Philippines we thought, 'Hey, we've got to pack this in.'"

**1967**
January 1
Beatles resume work on SGT. PEPPER'S LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND;
session ends April 2
January 21
Brian Epstein decides to merge with the Robert Stigwood Organization which controls
such bands as The Who, The Merseys and Cream. Brian would retain sole control over
the Beatles.
February 13
STRAWBERRY FIELDS FOREVER / PENNY LANE (single) is released (Capitol Records)
Noted Atlanta psychiatrist Tom Leland would lament upon this single and the
subsequent album, Sgt. Pepper, by describing Beatles new compositions as "speaking
in an existential way about the meaninglessness of actuality."
March 11
446 recorded cover versions of "Yesterday" by various artists - Disc & Music Echo
reports.
May 1
EMI publicly announces total world sales of Beatle records, including LP's, singles and
EP's, have reached 200 million.
May 15
Paul McCartney meets his future wife, Linda Eastman, at the Bag O'Nails.
May 20
Advanced copies of SGT. PEPPER are sent to the B.B.C. radio service. The B.B.C.
decides to ban "A Day In the Life" from broadcast because it contained drug
inducement themes in the song.
June 2
SGT. PEPPERS LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND (lp) is released (Capitol Records)
Sunday Times reporter Derek Jewel hails Pepper as "a tremendous advance even in
the increasingly progress of the Beatles. Some of the words are splendid urban poetry
- almost metaphysical..."
(Cost to make Pepper: $100,000; studio time used to record the lp: 700 hours)
The Beatles comment about the album...
Ringo Starr: "The original concept of Sgt. Pepper was that it was going to be stage
show - you know, we start with clapping and people shouting and then I come on - and
we were going to do it like theater; we'd do it in the studio and simulate it. We didn't
in the end. We did it for the first couple of tracks and then it faded into an album - but
it still made it a whole concept."
Paul McCartney: "...it doesn't have to be us, it doesn't have to be the kind of song
you want to write, it could be the kind of song they might want to write...you could
write a song about Lovely Rita, meter maid...Paul McCartney might not have...but
these people could, so it was very liberating and that's how we looked at the whole
thing."
George Harrison: "Klaus Voorman had a harmonium in his house, which I hadn't
played before. I was doodling on it, just playing to amuse myself, when "Within You"
started to come. The tune came first, then I got the first sentence. It came out of what
we'd been discussing that evening."
John Lennon: "People just have this dream about Sgt. Pepper. It was good for then,
but it wasn't that spectacular when you look back on it. I prefer some tracks off the
double album and some tracks off Abbey Road. When you think back on Pepper, what
do you remember? Just "A Day in the Life." You know, I go for individual songs, not for
whole albums."
Beatles record producer, Sir George Martin (excerpt prologue from his book
"Summer of Love"): "With Sgt. Pepper the Beatles held up a mirror to the world. And
in this looking-class the world saw a brilliant reflection of its kaleidoscopic 1967 self. It
saw not the shambolic and often absurd cavortings of the hippie movement, but its
perfect image - an elegant ideal; not the sordid gutter land of drug addiction, but the
intriguing possibility of creative substance abuse."
June 19
Paul announces to the media he has taken LSD four times. The Daily Mirror quotes
Paul as saying: "I don't regret that I've spoken out. I hope my fans will understand..."
June 21
American evangelist Dr. Billy Graham slams Paul's use of drugs: "I am praying for Paul
that he finds what he is looking for...he has reached the top of his profession and now
he is searching for the true purpose in life. But he will not find it through LSD."
June 25
ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE is seen live by satellite by 400 million viewers in 24 different
countries, marking the first international satellite broadcast.
July 20
ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE / BABY YOU'RE A RICH MAN (single) is released (Capitol
Records)
July 24
The Beatles and Brian Epstein all sign their names to a full page advertisement in The
Times declaring "the law against marijuana is immoral in principal and unworkable in
practice." The list of names also included a variety of authors, painters, and politicians.
July 28
"THE FAMILY WAY" movie premieres in New York with music from Paul McCartney and
arranged by George Martin.
August 25
Beatles leave London's Euston Station and arrive at Bangor, North Wales for mediation
with the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.
August 27
Brian Epstein dies in his home on 24 Chapel Street, Belgravia, London, from drug
overdose of sleeping pills.
Panic in the band quickly settles in. John Lennon would later lament: "The Beatles
were finished when Eppy died. I knew, deep inside me, that that was it. Without him,
we'd had it." Paul McCartney, according to Beatles press agent Tony Barrow, felt that
the Beatles might not be together and so Paul quickly planned the "Magical Mystery
Tour" film project.
 September 11
The band begins filming "Magical Mystery Tour"
October 17
Memorial service for Brian Epstein at the New London Synagogue. All four Beatles
attend.
October 27
HELLO GOODBYE / I AM THE WALRUS (single) is released (Capitol Records)
November 8
"HOW I WON THE WAR" (movie) premieres in New York, starring John Lennon who
plays the part of Private Gripeweed.
November 27
MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR (lp) is released (Capitol Records)
With Parlophone in England issuing a two disc EP package of Magical Mystery Tour
listing all of the tracks especially recorded for the movie, the Capitol release in America
not only contained those songs but also the additional hit singles from the band that
made up the B-side of the album: "Hello Goodbye," "Strawberry Fields Forever,"
"Penny Lane," "Baby You're A Rich Man," and "All You Need Is Love." Those additional
tracks made for a more complete album. It turned out to be a successful marketing
strategy in the USA selling 2 million copies of the LP. The success would eventually
make Parlophone release the American version in England. Said American Beatle
researcher Bruce Spizer: "Nine years after the release of Capitol's Magical Mystery
Tour LP, Parlophone issued the same album, even using the same Capitol master
tapes, which included duophonic mixes of three of the songs! (When the album was
issued on CD, true stereo mixes were used for all of the songs.)" The Capitol LP
version was finally issued by Parlophone on November 19, 1976. The CD version was
digitally re-mastered and released by Parlophone in 1987.
December 4
"Apple Boutique" opens selling trendy hippie fashions. Shop is managed by former
Quarryman Pete Shotton.
December 17
BEATLES CHRISTMAS RECORD: "CHRISTMAS TIME IS HERE AGAIN" is issued to fan
club members.
December 26
MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR , a "made for television" film by the Beatles, is released in
England only and is seen by some 15 million Britons on television in monochrome.
A London newspaper slams film in their review as "blatant rubbish" and other pundits
viewed it as "chaotic", "appalling", and "a colossal conceit." As a result, the American
million dollar deal for broadcast rights was pulled.
GRAMMY AWARDS (1967):
Album of the Year - Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, George Martin, producer
Best Contemporary Rock 'n' roll Album - Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band,
George Martin, producer
Best Engineered (non-classical) Recording - Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band,
Geoff Emerick, engineer
Best Album Cover - Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Peter Blake, John Haworth,
art directors.

**1968**
 February 16
John and George leave for Rishikesh, India and were followed four days later by Paul
and Ringo for more meditation with the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi
March 18
LADY MADONNA / THE INNER LIGHT (single) is released (Capitol Records)
May 15
"The Tonight Show" (US television program) - Beatles announced the launching of
their own new business: "Apple Corps"
May 31
The Beatles begin recording THE BEATLES. Session concludes October 14.
July 17
In England, John, Paul and George attend premier of animated movie "Yellow
Submarine" at the London Pavilion, featuring a Beatle soundtrack.
July 29
Recording sessions begin for "Hey Jude" in Trident Studios in Soho. The Beatles would
use the 8-track facility for the song up until August 1 when it was finally completed.
July 31
Apple Boutique "blowout" - stock given away, one free item per customer. Shop closes.
Paul would be quoted the next day in the Daily Mail: "We always make our mistakes in
public."
August 11
THINGUMYBOB (single) is released by the Black Dyke Mills Band (Apple Records)
August 16
THOSE WERE THE DAYS (single) composed by Gene Raskin, is released by Mary
Hopkin (Apple Records). The single becomes Apple's first major hit. The hit track is
produced by Paul McCartney; it sells 4 million copies world-wide.
August 22
Ringo Starr walks out on the band while recording the "White Album"
To commence on this day, the recording of "Back In the U.S.S.R." However, before the
sessions would start, Ringo Starr decides to walk out on the band leaving John, Paul
and George to record the track. Said Ringo: "I left because I felt two things: I felt I
wasn't playing great, and I also felt the other three were really happy and I was an
outsider." Ringo would rejoin the group on September 3rd. As a welcome back gesture
from Mal Evans, flowers were decked out all around Ringo's drum kit before he arrived
at the studio. Ironically, when he did return, there was nothing scheduled for him to
do. On September 4th, Ringo and the other three Beatles are filmed by director
Michael Lindsay-Hogg to promote their forthcoming single, "Hey Jude" b/w
"Revolution". But Starr's actual studio performance at EMI did not occur until
September 5th, adding drums and maracas for George Harrison's "While My Guitar
Gently Weeps."
August 23
Cynthia Lennon sues John Lennon for divorce
August 26
HEY JUDE / REVOLUTION (single) is released (Apple Records) sells 6 million copies
world-wide
Paul McCartney explains the origins of Hey Jude: "I'd known Cynthia for a long time,
she was a good friend. When people like that are getting divorced you can't just blank
the wife...I'd got this little thing of "Hey Jules". I was thinking of a nickname for Julian.
'Hey Jules, don't make it bad, take a sad song and make it better.' You Know, don't be
too brought down by this divorce, lad, it'll be all right, kind of style."
Cynthia Lennon: "Paul was devastated by the break-up. He brought me a rose and
offered marriage, as a joke. 'We'll show 'em, won't we, Cyn?' It was very touching, and
on the way to the house he had written Hey Jude. It always brings tears to my eyes,
that song."
August 28
SOUR MILK SEA (single) is released by Jackie Lomax (Apple Records). This George
Harrison composition features Paul McCartney on bass, Eric Clapton on lead guitar,
Ringo on drums, George and Jackie on rhythm guitars with Nicky Hopkins on piano.
September 8
Beatles perform HEY JUDE on David Frost TV show in England. Frost chidingly dubs
them as the "greatest tea-room orchestra in the world."
September 14
New Musical Express reports gross sales for HEY JUDE at $2,000,000
September 20
ATV buys close to 50% of Northern Songs publishing company
October 6 & 13
"Smothers Brothers Show" (USA) - re-broadcasts "Hey Jude" and "Revolution" from
David Frost Show
October 18
John & Yoko's flat is raided and they are charged with possession of cannabis
November 8
Cynthia Lennon is granted her divorce from John
Cynthia (in a much later reflection on their divorce) had this to say: "...John had at last
found his soul mate...Yoko did not take John away from me, because he had never
been mine. He had always been his own man and had always done his own thing, as I
had learned to do. I had grown to be independent of John. I was shocked, shattered
and lost, but not weak."
November 11
UNFINISHED MUSIC NO. 1 - TWO VIRGINS (lp) by John & Yoko, is released (Apple)
November 13
Motion Picture "Yellow Submarine" is released (running time: 87 minutes)
A United Artist Release
An Apple film presentation
Screenplay by Lee Minoff; Al Brodax; Jack Mendelssohn and Erich Sigal
Chief Designer: Heinz Edelman
Animation Directors: Jack Stokes and Robert E. Balser
Special effects: Charles Jenkins
Production Coordinator: Abe Goodman
Filmed in color by Deluxe
The voices of Dick Emery, Lance Percival, Paul Angelus and Sheila Danille
Based on a suggestion from John Lennon in a 3:00 a.m. phone call conversation with
Al Brodax: "Wouldn't it be great if Ringo was followed down the street by a yellow
submarine?"
November 25
THE BEATLES (double lp, aka "WHITE ALBUM") is released (Apple Records)
Paul McCartney: "The White Album. That was the tension album. We were all in the
midst of the psychedelic thing, or just coming out of it. In any case, it was weird.
Never before had we recorded with beds in the studio and people writing for hours on
end; business meetings and all that. There was a lot of friction during that album...we
were about to break up. And that was just tense in itself."

Some interesting facts about the White Album:

• Advance orders of the White Album numbered 1.9 million copies. The album would
eventually go on to sell over 6.5 million copies making it the best selling double-
album of all time.

•The album's cover design was thought up by Richard Hamilton with the name The
Beatles embossed on the original releases. Later editions of the White Album saw the
groups name appearing in light grey.

• Paul McCartney states in The Beatles Anthology book that the idea of having each
album individually numbered was Richard Hamilton's idea. "...he had the idea to
number each album, which I thought was brilliant for collectors. You'd have 000001,
000002, 000003, and so on. If you got, for example, 000200 then that would be an
early copy -- it was a great idea for sales." The Beatles Anthology reports that Ringo
Star owns the first copy of the White Album.

December 2
WONDERWALL MUSIC (lp sound-track for the movie "Wonderwall") is released by
George Harrison (Apple)
George Harrison: "Joe Massot, the director, asked me would I do the music for his
film...I decided to do it as a mini-anthology of Indian music because I wanted to help
turn the public on to Indian music."
December 17
CANDY (movie) featuring Ringo Starr is premiered in New York
 December 20
"BEATLES 1968 CHRISTMAS RECORD" is issued to fan club members

**1969**
January 1
Beatles begin filming LET IT BE
January 10
George Harrison walks out on the band while working on "Let It Be"
While it remains true in the film that Paul McCartney seemed to have gotten to George
Harrison over a dispute in how to play chords on a number ("I'll play what you want
me to play. Whatever it is that will please you, I'll do it," said Harrison) the real reason
why George left (according to an October 2000 edition of Mojo magazine) was because
of "John's obsession with Yoko deeply insulted Harrison. Lennon repeatedly refused to
participate in group planning; on January 10, Harrison told Lennon he was leaving the
band immediately." George would reconcile their differences a week later on the
condition that they don't do a live concert abroad and to stop filming at the dreary
Twickenham studios.
January 13
YELLOW SUBMARINE (lp) is released (Apple Records)
January 18
John Lennon announces to Disc and Music Echo that APPLE RECORDS is in financial
chaos: "Apple is losing money. If it caries on like this, we'll be broke in six months..."
January 20
Beatles resume filming the "Let It Be" sessions but this time at Apple Headquarters, 3
Savile Row in their studio basement.
January 30
The Beatles last "live" public appearance held on the roof of the Apple building at 3
Savile Row. (The rooftop performance was based on an idea two days earlier by
engineer Glyn Johns.)
Excerpt from Apple's Deluxe "The Beatles Get Back" book describes atmosphere on the
roof: "With the wind sweeping the roof and blowing through the Beatles' hair, it
seemed as if the roof concert were occurring on ship deck, Paul stomping the wooden
planks, middle aged men and women on an adjoining roof waiting for the boat to
arrive, boys and girls on nearby buildings lying against the roof slopes and waving, the
Beatles smiling and singing to each other in the wind: 'You can syndicate any boat you
row.'" The Beatles performance ran about 40 minutes before the police arrived to stop
the noisy noon disturbance.
February 3
Allen Klein appointed to look after the Beatles' affairs by John, George and Ringo. Paul
McCartney rejects the appointment, preferring Lee Eastman, Linda Eastman's father.
March 12
Birth of the APPLE SCRUFFS. Female fans stalk 3 Savile Row, Abbey Road, Trident and
Olympic recording studios and the Beatles homesteads waiting for an appearance of a
Beatle. Recalls Apple Scruff Wendy: "We only wanted to know them as people really, it
was never a groupie kind of thing. We didn't know what sex was all about....I thought
these are my Beatles and one day I'll be in the right place at the right time and it'll be
wedding bells."
George & Pattie Harrison's home is raided and they are charged with possession of
cannabis.
Paul McCartney marries Linda Eastman at St. John's Wood Church in London. Reverend
Noel Perry-Gore presides.
March 20
John & Yoko married in Gibraltar by Cecil Wheeler in the British Consulate building
March 25 - 31
John & Yoko hold "Bed-in" in room 902 at Amsterdam Hilton
John Lennon: "Our life is our art. That's what the bed-ins were. When we got
married, we knew our honeymoon was going to be public anyway, so we decided to
make a statement. We sat in bed and talked to reporters for seven days. It was
hilarious."
March 31
George & Pattie Harrison fined in court for possession of cannabis
April 1
John & Yoko appear in "a bag" while in Vienna
Playboy (1980 interview): "What about the reports of you making love in a bag?"
Yoko Ono: "We never made love in a bag. People probably imagined we were making
love. It was just, all of us are in a bag, you know. The point was the outline of the bag,
the movement of the bag: how much we see of a person. Inside there might be a lot
going on. Or maybe nothing's going on." See Bagism.
April 3
Billy Preston, brilliant keyboardist signs on with Apple
George Harrison would later produce his first two albums on Apple: "That's The Way
God Planned It" and "Encouraging Words". Billy would be used on the LET IT BE and
ABBEY ROAD albums. George Martin would later acknowledge that Billy's musical
contribution to those albums would act as "emollient" to buffer the on-going friction
between band members.
George Harrison: "It's interesting to see how people behave nicely when you bring a
guest in because they don't really want anybody to know that they are so bitchy...and
told him [Billy] to come into Savile Row which he did. Straight away it just became 100
percent improvement in the vibe in the room."
Billy Preston (reflecting on how it all happened): "I was with Ray Charles in London
and George was in the audience and he recognized me and called me the next day and
invited me over to see the guys. When I went over, they were in the studio, you know,
recording and filming and they asked me to sit in with them. It was a thrill enough just
being there and playing with them. And I really didn't know about the label credit until
the record was out," said Billy. "The record was a big surprise. I was at the Beatles'
office, and John said, 'Look, Willy,' and he showed me the record. I looked, and it was
great. Wow! It was really something to do that for me."
May 5
GET BACK / DON'T LET ME DOWN - featuring Billy Preston, (single) is released (Apple
Records).
May 25
John & Yoko arrive in Toronto and are temporarily detained by Canadian Immigration
authorities for over two and a half hours because of Lennon's previous drug conviction.
Canadian Immigration decides to grant Lennon a 10-day stay in the country. While in
Canada, the couples activities spans from May 25 to June 5 and are headlined in major
newspapers, television media and radio.
 May 26
John & Yoko hold "Bed-in" at Hotel La Reine Elizabeth, room 1742, in Montreal
ELECTRONIC MUSIC (lp) is released by George Harrison (Zapple Records)
UNFINISHED MUSIC NO. 2 - LIFE WITH THE LIONS (lp) is released by John & Yoko
(Zapple Records)
June 1
John & Yoko record "Give Peace A Chance" which would become John's first solo record
but still credited as a "Lennon/McCartney" song.
See: Rabbi Feinberg joins Beatle in song.
June 3
The Lennons visit Ottawa
At about 5:30 p.m., John and Yoko convenes for a peace seminar at the Ottawa
University Arts Building organized by Allan Rock, who today is now an Ambassador to
the United Nations (previously he held several Canadian cabinet positions including
Minister of Health, Minister of Justice and Minister of Industry.) A lively discussion on
peace was held including panelist Prof. Colin Wells, vice-dean of the university of arts
faculty along with Canadian actor Bruno Gerussi and Martin Loney, president of the
Canadian Union of Students.
See details of their visit to Ottawa with 15 rare exclusive photographs,
and follow in John's and Yoko's footsteps on a tour of Ottawa in 2001.
John and Yoko's visit to the city would only last several hours. The couple boards a
train at 11:30 p.m. on this evening at the Ottawa Train station. They arrive the next
morning at 6:30 a.m. at the Union Station in Toronto where the couple stayed at the
Windsor Arms Hotel.
John is seen here carrying Yoko's 5-year old daughter Kyoko.
 Photo: Jim Huber Click the pic for story
June 4
BALLAD OF JOHN & YOKO / OLD BROWN SHOE (single) is released (Apple Records)
June 5
John and Yoko leaves Canada
On this date, John Lennon and Yoko Ono check out of the Windsor Arms Hotel in
Toronto to catch a 9 p.m. flight to London, via Frankfurt. "We are very happy with the
results of our visit and the Montreal bed-in," said John Lennon to reporter Ritichie
Yorke for the Globe and Mail. "You can't change things overnight, but I believe we've
made a lot of people think about peace. We're going to keep plugging away."
Yesterday's activities saw the Lennons head down to Niagara Falls to do a "film
documentary footage on his visit to North America," wrote Yorke. Meanwhile, Allan
Klein reported that The Ballad of John and Yoko had already sold 900,000 copies in the
United States and was Number 10 on the English charts in one week.
July 1
Beatles begin recording Abbey Road album
July 7
GIVE PEACE A CHANCE / REMEMBER LOVE (single) is released by the Plastic Ono Band
(Apple Records)
John Lennon: "We all have Hitler in us, but we also have love and peace. So why not
give peace a chance?"
August 20
The last time all four Beatles would record together in studio.
According to author Barry Miles in his book "Many Years From Now", the last track
recorded by the band as a unit was "I Want You (She's So Heavy)"
August 22
Last photographic session of the Beatles together.
September 5
Allen Klein successfully re-negotiates contracts with EMI for Canada, Mexico, and the
USA. The band would now earn 58 cents per album up until 1972 and then it would
jump to 72 cents after that. Part of the new EMI contractual agreement required the
Beatles to release at least two albums per year until 1976. Prior to this re-negotiated
agreement, the Beatles 1966 contract with EMI had them earning 39 cents per album
and when the Beatles first signed up with EMI, they only made 6 cents per album.
September 13
CONCERT: "LIVE PEACE IN TORONTO"
John & Yoko's second visit to Canada. At the Varsity Stadium in Toronto, the couple
perform live with Eric Clapton, Klaus Voorman, and Alan White. Together, at this
performance, the band records an Apple album later released as "The Plastic Ono Band
-- Live Peace in Toronto 1969"
Mal Evans, the Beatles roadie recalls the event in an interview with Beat Publications in
1969: "It was the first show I had roadied for three years and I was really loving every
minute of plugging the amps in and setting them up on stage, making sure that
everything was right. Everyone wanted the show to go particularly well because Allan
Klein, who had flown over, had organised for the whole of John's performance to be
filmed. This was on top of it being video-taped by Dan Richter.
 "Finally, at midnight, the compare, Kim Fowley, who is a well-known singer, producer
and songwriter in his own right, went on stage to announce the Plastic Ono Band. He
did a really great thing. He had all the lights in the stadium turned right down and then
asked everyone to strike a match. It was a really unbelievable sight when thousands of
little flickering lights suddenly shone all over the huge arena, " said Evens.
"Then John, Yoko, Eric, Allan and Klaus were on stage, and lined up just like the old
Beatles set-up. Bass on the left, lead guitar next, then John on the right with the
drummer behind. Each guitarist had two big speakers, one on either side of the stage,
and the sound was really fantastic right from the moment they began. But just before
they launched into their first number, John said quickly into the mike "We're just goin’
to do numbers we know, as we've never played together before". That was all. Just a
brief word to put everyone in the picture.
"The whole show was recorded for a special album...and you will hear all this on the
LP. After that, the boys gave a ten minute Press conference."
Mal Evans noted in the interview to Beat Publications that after they left Varsity
stadium, the band piled into four cars and drove two hours until they reached the
estate of Mr. Eaton, a wealthy Canadian businessman whose son had picked the band
up after the show. The next day, for fun they got into golf-carts exploring the huge
landscape that surrounded the estate. Ritchie Yorke, pop reporter for Toronto's Globe
and Mail later wrote that John and Yoko spent a total of 36 hours in Canada before
flying back to England.
September 17
"Paul Is Dead Hoax" starts up in America
Originating from Des Moines Iowa when Tim Harper, a college editor, writes an article
for the schools "Drake Times-Delphic" entitled: "Is Beatle Paul McCartney Dead?" On
October 12, WKNR-FM picks up on the story from a phone caller revealing "hidden
clues" in Beatle songs. The Chicago Sun-Times later covers the story on October 21.
Paul would later appear on the front cover of LIFE Magazine (November 7) with an
interview by John Neary entitled "The Case of the 'Missing Beatle': Paul is still with us."
September 20
John Lennon announces to the others that he is leaving the band
Author Barry Miles in his book "The Beatles: A Diary" explains that as Paul attempted
to discuss Beatle matters, John Lennon kept saying "No, no, no" to everything Paul
suggested. Paul asked John what he meant by "no". John replied: "I mean the group is
over. I’m leaving. Allen was saying don't tell. He didn't want me to tell Paul even. So I
said 'It’s out.' I couldn’t stop it, it came out. Paul and Allen both said that they were
glad that I wasn't going to announce it, that I wasn’t going to make an event out of it."
Lennon's announcement never made it to the press because of their newly negotiated
royalty contract they signed with EMI.
October 1
ABBEY ROAD (lp) is released (Apple Records)
October 6
SOMETHING / COME TOGETHER (single) is released (Apple Records)
Contrary to the popular belief that Something was released as a money-maker, the
real reason for giving George Harrison his first A-side to this single was to inspire him
on as a composer. For in 1990, Beatle historian Mark Lewisohn received a letter from
Allen Klein which reads as follows: "It was done on purpose, not to make money but to
help the guy," wrote Klein. "Lennon wanted to help him. He knew that for all intents
and purposes for a period of time they weren't going to be working together anymore.
Something was a great song. But to make money? Not a chance. It was really to point
out George as a writer, and give him courage to go in and do his own LP. Which he
did."
October 20
WEDDING ALBUM (lp) is released by John & Yoko (Apple Records)
COLD TURKEY / DON'T WORRY KYOKO (single) is released by the Plastic Ono Band
(Apple Records)
November 26
John Lennon returns his M.B.E. to the Queen. He does this as a political protest against
Britain's involvement in Biafra and also because his solo single, "Cold Turkey" was
quickly slipping down the music charts
December 12
The Plastic Ono Band: LIVE PEACE IN TORONTO 1969 (lp) is released by John & Yoko
(Apple Records)
December 16
John and Yoko arrive in Canada at Toronto's International Airport. The Lennons third
visit to Canada was brokered by Ritchie Yorke. In his book, "Axes, Chops & Hot Licks -
The Canadian Rock Music Scene" that was published in 1971, he recalled how the
arrangement came about: "In London, in December 1969, I found myself in the office
of John and Yoko Lennon discussing their forthcoming peace campaign in Canada. The
Lennons needed somewhere to stay during their visit to Toronto, and I suggested the
Hawkins estate. Lennon needed a quiet spot, well away from the never ending assaults
of the press; he enjoyed the company of rock 'n' rollers; and it appeared that the visit
might provide the attention needed to get Hawkins' career back into the orbit
internationally."
For the next 6 days, John and Yoko become houseguests with pop rock star Ronnie
Hawkins. "Ah'm friends with the people promoting this peace festival," said Hawkins in
his Arkansas accent. "And John and Yoko don't like hotels, so they phoned me from
London an' asked if they could stay here while it was being organized. They were
wonderful, great. Ah was very honored."
Hawkins would refer here to the proposed Mosport Peace Festival that was to be held
from July 3-5. The event was being organized by rock promoter John Brower, the same
person who had John and Yoko perform at Varsity Stadium in Toronto.
Also on this date, John Lennon and Yoko Ono decide to put up on eleven billboards in
major cities from around the world, the following slogan:
 Click on the above image for a larger picture. Used with permission from Michael
McLuhan.
Pop journalist Ritchie Yorke lamented on the historical importance of the peace
campaign: "John totally believed that love could save us. He thought that if one person
really stood up, things could be changed. I've never seen anyone so committed to a
cause, regardless of the cost. If he thought his actions would serve a purpose, he
didn't give a damn if they cost a lot of money or if they offended anyone's sensibilities.
The guy was amazingly open-minded; we used to sit around thinking of things to do in
the peace campaign, and he never ruled out anything. At one point, somebody decided
that the way dates were broken up into B.C. and A.D. was ridiculous, that we should
start all over with YEAR ONE A.P., which was AFTER PEACE. John didn't think that was
too far fetched; he threw himself into the campaign."
Click here for a photo of John and Yoko.
December 19
"BEATLES SEVENTH CHRISTMAS RECORD" is issued to fans club members
December 22
John Lennon and Yoko Ono arrive by train and arrive in Montreal "just to say hello". A
press conference is held at Chateau Champlain Hotel. There it is revealed that the
Lennon spent $72,000 anti-war billboards and that he would "send the bill for his ads
and posters to U.S. President Richard Nixon," wrote the Canadian Press.
And although not known to the Montreal press at the time, probably the real reason for
John and Yoko arriving in Montreal was to hold talks with two representatives from the
Le Dain Commission of Inquiry into the Non-Medical Use of Drugs: Ian L. Campbell and
Dr. Heinz Lehmann.
 The Le Dain Commission of Inquiry was the Canadian government's response to the
concern over the use of illicit drugs and the need to obtain more information about
some of them, in particular cannabus, LSD, and prescription drugs such as
tranquillizers and amphetamines. The inquiry was officially announced in the House of
Commons on May 1, 1969, by John Munro, Minister for Health and Welfare. (see also:
January 19 and May 17, 2003, entry in this timeline for John Lennon's official
testimony.)
December 23
John & Yoko meet with Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau which lasted 50
minutes. John declares to the Canadian press about his pro-active peace movement:
"Peace is no violence, no frustration, no fear," John Lennon said in a C.B.C. interview,
"If I smile at you, you're liable to smile back. We're smiling at the world."
Both John and Yoko on this date would later fly back to Toronto from Ottawa and while
on board the plane, they accidentally meet Lester B. Pearson, a former Canadian Prime
Minister and Nobel Peace Prize recipient for his diplomatic achievement: the proposal
of sending United Nations peacekeeping force to the Suez Canal area. Shortly after
arriving in Toronto, the couple head back to England by plane.
GRAMMY AWARD (1969):
Best Engineered (Non-Classical Recording) - The Beatles "Abbey Road", Geoff Emerick,
engineer.

**1970**
February 11
THE MAGIC CHRISTIAN (movie) featuring Ringo Starr and Peter Sellers premieres in
New York.
February 20
John Ono Lennon with The Plastic Ono Band: INSTANT KARMA (WE ALL SHINE ON) /
WHO HAS SEEN THE WIND (single) is released (Apple Records)
February 25
Mosport Peace Festival Canceled
"After an argument over whether or not a charge should be made for admission, John
and Yoko disassociate themselves from the planned Toronto Peace Festival, due to
take place 3-5 July. It doesn't," wrote Mark Lewisohn in his book "The Beatles Day by
Day."
Interestingly enough, printed on March 25 for newsstand sales until April 16, 1970,
RollingStone Magazine gives John Lennon's response about the cancellation after a
query was made to him from the publisher. "In the early stages we weren't sure
whether the show would be free or not," said Lennon. "There was a lot of talk about
the Stones' disaster and we were swayed into thinking maybe if it's free, people would
have less respect or some such bullshit. However, Brower and Yorke persuaded us to
come to Canada and 'announce the peace festival,' which we did in our usual way.
"Later, when we were in retreat in Denmark, we began thinking, 'Why shouldn't it all
be free? Surely they can hustle some big firms or something to put up the money,"
exclaimed Lennon. "And anyway, it looked like the national and local government were
interested. Wouldn't it be a great plug for 'Young Canada' -- and the tourist trade?"
However, promoter John Brower on at least on particular point disagrees about the two
levels of government cooperating together for the Mosport Peace Festival: "We had
tremendous problems with the Ontario government at the time," he said to William
Ruhlmann of Goldmine Magazine, "which was a Conservative [Party] government, as
 opposed to the federal government, which was Liberal [Party]. And since the prime
minister of Canada was Liberal and had met with Lennon, therefore the Conservative
government was against the festival, because they felt that if it was staged in Ontario
it would make the Liberal prime minister look good, and they didn't want to do that."
Brower also went on to say that Lennon "gave us every opportunity to 'Get it together,
man,' so to speak, and when we were not able to get a site together and we were not
able to consummate financing that would allow us to put the festival on in a way that
John felt was most appropriate, he walked away from it."
February 26
HEY JUDE (THE BEATLES AGAIN) (lp) is released (Apple Records)
March 1
"Ed Sullivan Show" - From the Let It Be movie, two film clips are presented to the
viewing audience: "TWO OF US" and "LET IT BE"
March 11
LET IT BE / YOU KNOW MY NAME (LOOK UP THE NUMBER) (single) is released (Apple
Records)
April 10
Paul McCartney publicly announces he has left the Beatles because of "..personal,
business and musical differences"
April 20
McCARTNEY (lp) is released by Paul McCartney (Apple Records)
April 24
SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY (lp) is released by Ringo Starr (Apple Records)
May 4
IN THE BEGINNING (Circa 1960) (lp) is released (Polydor Records)
May 11
THE LONG AND WINDING ROAD / FOR YOU BLUE (single) is released (Apple Records)
The orchestral score for "The Long and Winding Road" was conducted and arranged by
Richard Hewson and not scored by Phil Spector as some Beatle fans would assume.
Hewson also did the orchestral score for Mary Hopkin's "Those Were The Days",
"Goodbye" and her album "Postcard". He would later do the same for McCartney's
"Thrillington" album.
"The Long and Winding Road" single sells 1,200,000 copies within two days.
May 18
LET IT BE (lp) is released (Apple Records) (before its release, the album had
3,700,000 advance orders)
 May 20
MOTION PICTURE: "Let It Be" is released (running time: 80 minutes).
An Apple production released through United Artists
Produced by: Neil Aspinall
Directed by: Michael Lindsay-Hogg, Yoko Ono, Linda Eastman
Photography: Tony Richmond, Les Parrott and Paul Bond
Edited by: Tony Lenny and Graham Gilding
Sound Technicians: Peter Sutton, Roy Mingaye and Ken Reynolds
Sound Engineers: Glyn Johns, Malcolm Evans
Filmed in 16mm and blown up to 35mm for commercial distribution
Filmed in Technicolor
MPAA rating: G
Cast: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Billy Preston and
Yoko Ono
The Beatles comment on how the band had broken up:
John Lennon (interview with David Wigg, PBR Records): "The Beatles were
disintegrating slowly after Brian Epstein died - and it was a slow death. It was
happening: it was evident on "Let It Be"...it was evident in India when George and I
stayed there and Paul and Ringo left. And it was evident on the "White Album, you
know..."
Paul McCartney (interview from Musician & Player on "When did the Beatles
bubble burst?"): "About a year before the Beatles broke up, I suppose...friction came
in, business things came in, relationships between each other. We were all looking for
like...people in our lives, like, John had found Yoko. It made it very difficult. He wanted
a very strong intimate life with her, at the same time, we always reserve the intimacy
for the group. So we're starting to find those things flashing at you - with Yoko. You
had to understand, he had to have time with her. But, does he have to have that much
time with her was the sort of feeling in the group. And, uhm, so these things started to
create in movable objects and pressures that was just too big."
Ringo Starr (interview from Anthology): "You know Allan, a lot of days even with
all the craziness it really works still. Instead of working every day, it worked like two
days a month, you know, and then there were still good days, we were still really close
friends, then it would split up again into some madness."
George Harrison (interview from Anthology): "I just like spent like the last six
months producing an album of the fellow Jackie Lomax and hanging out with Bob
Dylan and The Band in Woodstock and having a great time and for me to come into the
Winter of discontent with the Beatles in Twickenham was very unhealthy and very
unhappy....I thought I'm quite capable of being relatively happy on my own and if I'm
not able to be happy in this situation, you know, I'm getting out of here."
Beatles record producer, Sir George Martin (excerpt from Canadian Music
Week, television broadcast, 1998): "John got very heavily into drugs and his
relationship with Yoko was very disruptive with everybody because...I mean, at one
point she was always at the sessions -- her very presence was disturbing. She wasn't
even introduced to me until four weeks into this, you know. At one point she was ill
and John insisted on bringing her bed into the studio so she could lie there ill and
watch us make records, and that isn't the best atmosphere to make a record." And,
"What upset me most of all, wasn't the fact that I was losing control, which I was, but
the fact that they were fighting so much amongst each other. I mean, at one point,
John and George actually hit each other - they had a fist fight. And it was very sad
because they were such mates. And John was acting very strange at that time...the Let
It Be thing..."
Footnote: Despite their "ill-will feelings" towards each other during filming of Let It Be
and under their more "amicable" recording sessions of Abbey Road, unknown to Beatle
fans, Paul McCartney instructs Neil Aspinall to collect all past TV newsreels about the
Beatles to be culled from around the world: "You should collect as much of the material
that's out there, get it together before it disappears." Recalls Neil: "So I started to do
that, got in touch with all the TV stations around the world...got news footage in...we
edited something together." In 1996 at the 2nd Annual Ottawa Beatle Convention,
Louise Harrison revealed that her brother George had discussed with her back in 1970,
the plans for a future Beatle project tentatively called: "The Long And Winding Road*".
It would be 25 years later before the project would be realized and under a completely
different name: "The Beatles Anthology". Note: Ian MacDonald's book, "Revolution in
the Head" claims Neil collected 100 minutes worth of video material from various news
sources. An eyewitness to the project was Apple's house-hippie, Richard DiLello,
author of the "The Longest Cocktail Party" who wrote in his book said that "a massively
ambitious cinematic Beatle document that chronicled their rise from the Cavern to
Savile Row" was being overseen by Neil Aspinal. "With his two assistants, Tony and
Graham, he had amassed all existing footage of the Beatles...the entire gamut of
Beatlogical film history..."
December 18
BEATLES CHRISTMAS ALBUM is issued to fans club members only. Compiled on the
album were all the previous holiday greetings (45 r.p.m. singles) done by the group
and becomes the final yuletide gift. This album was distributed by "Beatles (U.S.A.)
Limited, Headquarters of the Beatles Fan Club." The fan club's central registry was
Radio City Station, PO Box 505, New York, N.Y. 10019.
December 30
Paul McCartney begins legal procedures to end the Beatles partnership. The band is
estimated to be worth about $100 million at the end of the year.
GRAMMY AWARD (1970):
Best Original Score Written for A Motion Picture or TV Special, The Beatles "Let It Be."
Note: Only Paul and Linda McCartney appeared on stage at the Grammy's to pick up
the awards on behalf of the Beatles

**1971**
 January 2
Beatles "divorce" starts to get testy... In a Associated Press report, Lennon accuses
McCartney of "starting to take over" the group after Epstein's death. "We broke up
then... That was the disintegration."
Note: By February, the nastiness would peak. According to "Apple to the Core", a book
by Peter McCabe & Robert D.Schonfeld, headlines would start "exploding across...the
British papers: "BEATLE'S FIRM IN GRAVE STATE!" , "PAUL IS A SPOILED CHILD --
RINGO!" "BEATLES AND THE SPONGERS -- BY LENNON."
January 19
Lawyer David Hirst, filed papers demanding legal dissolution of the Beatles on behalf of
Paul McCartney. The suit is filed against John Lennon, Richard Starkey (Ringo Starr),
George Harrison and manager Allen Klein on three grounds: 1) The group no longer
performs together; 2) Much against Paul's wishes, Allen Klein was appointed as
business manager by the other three Beatles; 3) Paul never saw audited accounts of
the bands revenue after Klein was brought on board to manage the group.
April 15
MOTION PICTURE "LET IT BE" GETS AN OSCAR!
On this date the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences gives the nod to the
Beatles and awards them with an Oscar for "Best Film Music-Original Film Score". This
is the only time the Beatles ever won an Oscar and this feat has never been duplicated
during their individual solo careers. The award was presented at the Dorothy Chandler
Pavilion in Los Angeles.

**1973**
March 31
Allen Klein's contract and his company ABCKO with John, George and Ringo
expires and is not renewed
April 2
THE BEATLES / 1962-1966 (double lp) is released
THE BEATLES / 1967-1970 (double lp) is released
June 28
Allen Klein and ABCKO sue John Lennon for a total of $508,000 over allegedly
unrepaid loans
November 2
Three Beatles sue Allen Klein
Unhappy with the past business management practices by Allen Klein, John, George
and Ringo decide on legal proceedings against their former manager. According to
Allen J. Wiener, author of "The Beatles - The Ultimate Recording Guide" wrote that the
three Beatles "fired Allen Klein and sued ABKCO (his company) in High Court over
payments due The Beatles. Klein then countersued for $19 million claiming that he was
due unpaid fees. When the suits were settled on Jan 10, 1977, Klein paid The Beatles
$800,000 and The Beatles paid ABKCO between $1 million and $5 million. Klein had
also sued Paul for $34 million, but that suit was thrown out of court. Klein was later
sentenced in New York to two months in prison and a $5,000 fine for tax offences.
Klein's approaching departure from Apple ushered in a period of renewed goodwill
among The Beatles."

**1975**
 January 9
Judge rules in McCartney's favor and the Beatles are "officially dissolved."
July 17
Ringo Starr and Maureen Starkey are divorced
GRAMMY AWARDS: "Hall of Fame" - The Beatles

**1976**
May 7
Beatles bodyguard and roadie, Mal Evans, dies tragically from police gunfire
May 31
GOT TO GET YOU INTO MY LIFE / HELTER SKELTER (single) is released (Capitol
Records)
June 11
ROCK 'N' ROLL MUSIC (double lp) is released (Capitol Records)
This album becomes the largest promotion campaign ever made by Capitol and
Parlophone records. Album cover is "slammed" by the Beatles as cheap looking -
Capitol would later redo artwork and issue both albums separately.
September 20
Sid Bernstein - a promoter for the early Beatle tours in America - publicly offers the
Beatles $230 million dollars if they would re-unite to do a concert for charity. John,
Paul, George and Ringo turn down the offer.
November 8
OB-LA-DI; OB-LA-DA / JULIA (single) is released (Capitol Records)

**1977**
May 4
THE BEATLES AT THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL (lp) is released (Capitol Records)
George Martin, Beatles record producer: "Those of us who were lucky enough to be
present at a live Beatle concert - be it in Liverpool, London, New York, Washington, Los
Angeles, Tokyo, Sydney or wherever - will know how amazing, how unique those
performances were. It was just not the voice of the Beatles; it was expression of the
young people of the world." - from 'The Beatles at the Hollywood Bowl' back cover
album write-up, released by Capitol/EMI.
June 9
George and Pattie Harrison are divorced
June 13
THE BEATLES LIVE! AT THE STAR-CLUB IN HAMBURG, GERMANY: 1962 (double lp) is
released (Lingasong Records)
October 21
LOVE SONGS (lp) is released (Capitol Records)

**1978**
April
"BEATLEMANIA" - A Broadway show with Beatle look-a-like musicians, opens in New
York at Winter Garden Theater
August 14
SGT. PEPPER'S LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND - WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS
/ A DAY IN THE LIFE (single) is released (Capitol)
 September 2
George Harrison marries Olivia Arias
October
Paul Is Dead Retrospective Is Aired

Located in Brampton, Ontario, CFNY-FM becomes the first radio station ever to re-
broadcast the "Paul Is Dead" hoax that was created by WKNR. The show is hosted by
DJ Dave Marsden who interviews John Small, former WKNR radio personality and who
was one of the three DJ's at WKNR who had directly participated in the hoax. The
Marsden program not only provided highlights from the actual WKNR on-air broadcast,
but also insights from John Small on how they went about putting together the various
clues for radio listeners.
Click on the above CFNY-FM logo and listen to the original broadcast that Dave
Marsden did with John Small!
December 1
THE BEATLES COLLECTION (LPs) is released (Capitol Records)
A Boxed Set of 12 Original British Albums which included one new bonus disc

**1980**
January 16
Paul McCartney arrested in Japan. He is jailed for 10 days for possession of marijuana
March 24
RARITIES (lp) is released (Capitol Records)
November 28
John Lennon legally supports
"The Long and Winding Road project"
Keith Badman's book entitled: "The Beatles After The Breakup: 1970-1980" states that
John Lennon, just shortly before the fateful day of December 8, submitted a sworn
deposition against the producers of "Beatlemania" citing his personal interest regarding
his future plans to involve himself with a Beatles documentary entitled "The Long And
Winding Road" (later renamed as: "The Anthology" as suggested by George Harrison)
along with a reunion concert as a tie-in to that project. Keith Badman reports that on
Friday, November 28, 1980: "As part of a legal deposition for Apple Corps against the
producers of the 'Beatlemania' stage show, John states today that: 'I and the three
other former Beatles have plans to stage a reunion concert', an event to be filmed and
included as the finale to The Long and Winding Road, an official Beatles produced
documentary to be released in the mid-Eighties. (John's deposition will not be made
public until the case is settled on June 4, 1986-see entry)."
December 8
John Lennon is tragically gunned downed by a deranged fan
(sentenced to life imprisonment on August 21, 1981)
 WHAT THE IMMEDIATE BEATLE FAMILY SAID:
YOKO ONO: "Sean cried. He also said, "Now Daddy is part of God. I guess when you
die you become bigger, a part of everything." "John loved and prayed for the human
race. Please do the same for him."
CYNTHIA LENNON TWIST: "I would like to say how terribly upset we are at the
sudden and tragic death of John Lennon. I have always had the deepest affection for
John since the divorce and have always encouraged his relationship with Julian, which I
thought was the best. Julian, of course, is particularly upset about it. It came so
suddenly. Julian remained very close to his father in recent years and is hoping to
follow a career in music. He was looking to his father for guidance. Julian was hoping
to see his father shortly. We don't know what will happen now."
PAUL McCARTNEY: "I can't take it at the moment. John was a great guy. He's going
to be missed by the whole world."
GEORGE HARRISON: (George was incommunicado, but used a spokesperson) - "We
are deeply shocked here and I imagine George is, too."
RINGO STARR: (Too upset to talk to the press, he too, used a spokesperson) - "He is
extremely shocked. He doesn't want to say anymore."

WHAT THE FAMOUS SAID ABOUT JOHN:

CHUCK BERRY: "He had a white face but a black man's soul".
MICK JAGGER: "...shattered...I knew and liked John for eighteen years. But I don't
want to make a casual remark now at such an awful time for his family, millions of
fans and friends."
SID BERNSTEIN: "...so brilliant, so gifted, so giving. He was Bach, Beethoven, the
Rachmaninoff of our time."
DAVID GEFFEN: "This is a great loss in every possible way. John Lennon was a great
artist, a wonderful father and a wonderful husband."
PRESIDENT JIMMY CARTER: "John Lennon helped create the mood and the music of
the time...I am saddened by his death and distressed by the senseless manner of it."
MAYOR EDWARD KOCH OF NEW YORK: "John Lennon profoundly affected his
generation. His music and that of the Beatles was worldwide in importance. Every
death of someone of John Lennon's stature intensifies this trauma. We mourn his loss."
ELLIE GREENWICH (who wrote "Be My Baby"): "It's a sin he was taken away
from us. He was a tremendous talent. What he gave to the world can't be
comprehended."
NORMAN MAILER: "We have lost a genius of the spirit."
FRANK SINATRA: "It was a staggering moment when I heard the news. Lennon was
a most talented man and, above all, a gentle soul."
MURRAY THE "K": "The thing that impressed me about John Lennon in particular was
his honesty. He was truthful. He told you what you felt. The man also had a
tremendous amount of empathy. I remember when I was having a few problems. I had
been Murray the K, a celebrity in my own right, for years before the Beatles came
along. Now it seemed that everyone identified me only with them. John and I had a
long talk about it. He encouraged me a lot. I also remember John's courage. He came
out against the Vietnam War before most other entertainers. He also fought a
deportation hearing because he wanted to stay in America. I was proud to be with him
in that battle."
HOWARD COSELL: "I'll tell you something that no one should forget about John
Lennon: he was never, ever a hypocrite about anything he ever did or said or believed.
With his family, his music, his ideals and his opinions, he was a man of conviction and
commitment. I am proud to have known him."
Read also: Lennon dreamed for us all + 5000 in Ottawa say farewell

**1981**
April 27
Five years after his divorce, Ringo marries actress Barbara Bach

**1982**
February 2
American radio DJ Murray The "K" Kaufman who was responsible for promoting the
Beatles over the New York airwaves, passes away from a long fight with cancer
March 22
REEL MUSIC (lp) is released (Capitol Records)
MOVIE MEDLEY / I'M HAPPY JUST TO DANCE WITH YOU (single) is released (Capitol
Records)
October 11
20 GREATEST HITS (lp) is released (Capitol Records)

**1985**
August 10
Michael Jackson buys up publishing rights of the Beatles music for $47 million

**1988**
March 7
PAST MASTERS VOLUME 1 & 2 (cd) is released (Capitol Records)

**1989**
GRAMMY AWARD: Lifetime Achievement Award, John Lennon

**1990**
VIDEO: "THE BEATLES FIRST U.S. VISIT"
APPLE/MPI Home Videos release an 83 minute video which includes the first three Ed
Sullivan shows
GRAMMY AWARD: Lifetime Achievement Award: Paul McCartney

**1994**
John Lennon is inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame, performers category
November 30
THE BEATLES LIVE AT THE B.B.C. (double cd) is released (Apple Records)
December 30
Maureen Starkey (ex-wife of Ringo) passes away.

**1995**
 March 20
BABY IT'S YOU / I'LL FOLLOW THE SUN / DEVIL IN HER HEART / BOYS (single) is
released (Apple Records)
April 4
Radio personality Kenney Everett, 50, dies of AIDS in London. Kenney had the
privilege of interviewing the Beatles on numerous occasions for the BBC and had the
honor of editing the last two Official Beatle Christmas fan club singles.
September 8 - 10
The first Ottawa Beatles Convention, organized by Alan Chrisman.
This triggered the founding of the Ottawa Beatles Site in 1996.
November 19, 21, 22
THE BEATLES ANTHOLOGY
The BBC, and United States ABC television present mini-series special. The special
would been seen in 94 different countries.
George Harrison: "It's difficult when four people are telling a story 'cause it's...it's
actually four different stories. I mean, you must realize it's got to be somewhat of a
compromise when four people are involved. But we're trying to just say how felt to
us."
Derek Taylor: "The Beatles Anthology is a collection of reminiscences by the
individual members of the Beatles including John."
November 21
THE BEATLES ANTHOLOGY VOL. 1 (double cd) is released (Apple Records)
December 12
FREE AS A BIRD / I SAW HER STANDING THERE / THIS BOY / CHRISTMAS TIME (IS
HERE AGAIN) (single) is released (Apple Records). Single achieves Gold Record status.
Paul McCartney (reaction to the recording): "At first a couple of pundits were kind of
saying "They shouldn't attempt this", so it was really nice when we got the idea to try
and take a 'John track' because it was much more satisfying. It was like, "Oh, John's
goanna be there! Oh, thank God for that! It's goanna be all right now...we're all
together again." Once we got that part of the equation, it was actually very easy and
joyous. It was really a good laugh. We had a laugh with each other, and it was really
good to reunite and to see your old mates again and to be making music together."
Rumors of a "Beatle Tour?"
Paul responds (taken from Canadian broadcast with Dick Bartley - "Beatles '95"): "I
don't think so. You know, we've had like a major humongous offer from America to do
ten dates across the country and the money is just ridiculous - you know, it's like
scandalous! But to me with the three of us on our own isn't as exciting as the four of
us and seeing that the Beatles were always four and people will say: "Why wouldn't
you get Julian or Sean to sort of help or something" it's still not the same. The Beatles
was the Beatles. The minute you got two of them or three of them, it's not the
Beatles."

**1996**
March 5
REAL LOVE / BABY'S IN BLACK / YELLOW SUBMARINE / HERE, THERE, AND
EVERYWHERE (single) is released (Apple Records).
Single achieves Gold Record status
 March 19
THE BEATLES ANTHOLOGY VOL. 2 (double cd) is released (Apple Records)
(Beatles "Anthology, Vol. 1 and 2" go on to sell 13 million double albums)
June 15
"Sir George Martin" Queen Elizabeth gives a title of nobility to Beatles Record
producer, George Martin
Here is how Sir George Martin reacted to the honor: "When I got the bop on the lobe
and was made a knight, I was completely shattered. In fact, according to my wife,
when I got the letter notifying me, I went very pale and had to sit down. So I passed
her the letter. She went went white and sat down, too. It's a great honor. But in the
end, you're still the same person."
October 29
THE BEATLES ANTHOLOGY VOL. 3 (double cd) is released (Apple Records)

December 30
"Sir Paul McCartney" Queen Elizabeth gives a title of nobility to Paul McCartney
along with composer Andrew Lloyd Webber.
GRAMMY AWARDS (1996):
Best music video (short-form): "FREE AS A BIRD"
Best music video (long-form): "BEATLES ANTHOLOGY"
Best pop performances by a duo or group: "FREE AS A BIRD"

**1997**
September 8
After a lengthy illness, Derek Taylor, The Beatles Press Officer, passes away in his
Suffolk home at the age of 65.
September 13
GEORGE MARTIN PRODUCES HIS 13th U.K. NUMBER #1 HIT SINGLE
While this production by George Martin was not a Beatle track, "Candle in the Wind"
which was Elton John's tribute to Diana, Princess of Wales, becomes a milestone for
George Martin: On this date, 600,000 copies of the song are sold in England making it
the first single in history to enter the U.K. charts at No. 1. Internationally "Candle"
sold at least 8 million copies. Said George Martin: "It became my last No. 1 and
probably my last single. It's not a bad one to go out on."

**1998**
 April 17
Linda McCartney (wife to Paul) passes away.
September 18
Paul McCartney's lyrics to HEY JUDE are auctioned off at the Hard Rock Cafe, London,
for $167,700 (£100,000). The auction was overseen by Sotheby's.
October 20
SIR GEORGE MARTIN RELEASES FINAL ALBUM: "IN MY LIFE"
Sir George Martin, Beatles record producer and now 72 years old, releases "In My Life"
-- a swansong of Beatle cover versions on the MCA label.
Regarding media reaction over his final album, Sir George Martin had this to say in an
interview with Jane Stevenson of the Toronto Sun: "In England, when it first came out,
we had a hostile reaction from some elements of the press. One or two of the rock
people said, "How can George Martin do this? It's like strangling his own children."
They didn't get the point of it. I love Beatles music. I never regarded it, however, as
The Holy Grail."
December 25 & 26:
The Brian Epstein Story - A BBC-2 television docu-drama portraying the history of the
Beatles manager is aired, in two parts, in England. The film ran 150 minutes and had
won the BAFTA Award in England. Later, a poorly "watered-down version" of only 48
minutes is presented on the Arts & Entertainment network in the United States on
September 19, 1999. It is on this BBC broadcast where Paul McCartney officially
announces and gives his past manager the nod: "If any one was a 5th Beatle, it was
Brian."

**1999**
Sir George Martin is inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame, non-performers
category;
Sir Paul McCartney is inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame, performers category.
August 30
300,000 fans show up with 150 different bands performing music to help launch
"Yellow Submarine Day" in Liverpool
September 18
YELLOW SUBMARINE SONG TRACK (cd/movie) released (Apple/Capitol) (MGM-movie)
Yellow Submarine movie is refurbished. Roger Catlin of the Los Angeles Times reported
that restoration expenses to the movie reached the allotted $1-million budget and for
the first time, the Beatles release a theatrical remix DVD version using 5.1 Surround
Sound
September 30
Twenty lines of John Lennon's "I Am the Walrus" lyrics are auctioned off at Christie's
for $129,000 to an anonymous telephone bidder. Also, George Harrison's 1962
Rickenbacker guitar is also sold at Christie's to an anonymous bidder for $92,000
December 30
GEORGE AND OLIVIA HARRISON ARE ATTACKED
3:00 a.m.: George Harrison and his wife Olivia are awoken by the shattering of glass.
While George begins to proceed down to the ground floor room to investigate, Olivia
alerts the staff on the intercom. George discovers that a 33-year-old knife-wielding
intruder has entered his Friar Park mansion. George confronts the attacker first in an
exchange of words but cannot determine the intruders identity. Harrison then tackles
the intruder in an effort to subdue him but gets stabbed in the chest. George slumps to
the floor and screams out. Upon hearing the screams, Olivia runs downstairs while
their son Dhani emerges. The attacker spots Olivia on the landing and steps over
George’s body and starts to move toward her. At this point, Olivia picks up a very
heavy brass base -- a lamp, and yelled at the attacker. She manages to take the lamp
and smashes it across the assailants head, but in the exchange, Olivia receives cuts to
her forehead and hands. Miraculously, Olivia's blow to the assailants head was hard
enough to cause him to stagger up to the landing where he collapsed and allowing
them to detain the attacker. By this time, the police are well on their way to Friar Park
after a staff member alerted authorities by phone. Thames Valley Police arrive and
they arrest the suspect. George and Olivia are rushed to the Royal Berkshire Hospital
in Reading. Olivia is treated for minor injuries and is released but George Harrison
would be transferred just before 3:00 p.m. to the Harefield Hospital in west London
where he would be treated for a minor collapse of the right lung. There, George would
remain in stable condition with Olivia and their son Dhani staying by his bedside during
the night. George Harrison would be released from hospital on January 1. The suspect
is formally charged with two counts of attempted murder. His next court appearance
would be scheduled for February 11.
WHAT THE IMMEDIATE BEATLE FAMILY SAID:
Sir Paul McCartney: "Thank God that both George and Olivia are all right. I send
them all my love. I have no further comment to make."
Ringo Starr: "Both Barbara and I are deeply shocked that this has occurred. We send
George and Olivia all our love and wish George a speedy recovery."
Sir George Martin: "I am shocked and naturally appalled by this....George leads a
very quiet life...He’s very down to earth. He likes nothing more than doing his
garden....George is a very peaceful person who hates violence of any kind."
Yoko Ono: "My heart goes out to George, Olivia and Dhani, and I hope he will recover
quickly."
Update: The attacker's date for his first trial hearing was postponed so that a more in-
depth psychiatric assessment could be made of the accused. The attacker eventually
pleads not guilty by reason of insanity. The actual trial date commenced on November
14, 2000, at Oxford Crown Court and lasted for two days. During the hearing, medical
testimony was submitted from three different psychiatrists supporting their position
that the attacker was suffering from paranoid schizophrenia since 1990. Based on the
evidence presented during the hearing, Judge Michael Astill instructed the jurors to
find the accused innocent by reason of insanity. The jurors acquiesced to the judges
request. Judge Michael Astill then ordered the assailant to be held in a mental hospital
"without time restriction" and must gain the approval of a mental health tribunal if he
seeks release.
December 31
At the Dome in Greenwich, London, the Beatles song "All You Need Is Love" is sung by
performers to herald in the New Millennium. The Domes' creative director Mark Fisher
claims the song was chosen since "It expresses the sentiment we all share for the
future of the planet, our children and ourselves."

**2000**
January 5
SIR PAUL McCARTNEY DONATES MILLION IN MEMORY OF LINDA The Arizona Cancer
Center was given $1 million (£625,000) for research named in honors for his late wife
Linda who died of cancer. Sir Paul also donated another 1 million to the Memorial
Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York.
 August 1
THE BEATLES BECOME THE TOPPER MOST OF THE POPPER MOST:
"THE FAB FOUR STAND FIRM AS HIGHEST CERTIFIED ARTISTS!"
Reporter Christina Saraceno of Rolling Stone.com writes: "Forget all the rock/rap
hybrids and teen pop that are ruling the Soundscan charts -- more than forty years
after their formation, the Beatles have six albums that hit new multi-platinum (sales of
one million) heights, according to the Recording Industry Association of America's July
certifications.
"The White Album" led the pack at eighteen million, making it one of the seven highest
certified albums of all time. Right behind The Beatles ("The White Album") are The
Beatles 1967-1970 at fifteen million, The Beatles 1962-1966 at fourteen million,
Magical Mystery Tour at six million, Revolver at five million and Love Songs at three
million. The July certifications bring the Beatles' totals up to 113.5 million units,
solidifying their spot as the highest certified artists in history.
October 5
"THE BEATLES ANTHOLOGY" book is released
With 340,000 words and 1,300 images spread out over 368 pages, The Beatles first
memoir is released by Chronicle Books on this date. Matt Hurwitz of Good Day
Sunshine magazine in an interview with Edna Gundersen of USA Today, reports the
Anthology as "a well-put-together book that certainly worth the price. The four most
important pop-culture icons of the past several decades finally tell their own story and
set the record straight," he says. "Funny thing is, they have different recollections."
In that same report, leading Beatle historian Martin Lewis had this to say about the
Beatles Anthology book: "It's an absolute joy to possess....It's an auto-chronology, in
the tradition of an oral history. People react differently when responding in spoken
word to posed questions. It's the difference between recollection and reflection. The
Beatles have made such a deep impact on society and history and culture, they owe it
to themselves to place their immense contribution in perspective."
The USA Today report revealed that 75% of attendees at Los Angeles and New York
Beatle Conventions are under the age of 25. With such a captivating interest held
today by the younger generation regarding The Beatles and their music, Martin Lewis
related that this group of Beatle fans will also embrace the new book: "Cynics, all
these Blue Meanies, claim The Beatles appeal only to boomers", Lewis says, "But
young people like the music and understand the message. You can be Dionysian, like
the Stones or Eminem, and be negative and aggressive, or you can be Apollonian, like
The Beatles, and engage with the noblest part of the human spirit. That never goes out
of fashion, because it's natural to yearn for things to be better."
October 14
"THE BEATLES ANTHOLOGY" tops New York Times bestseller list
As reported in Rolling Stone.com by Andrew Dansby: "Anyone who thinks Beatlemania
died with the birth of the Seventies is mistaken. The Beatles Anthology hit stores a
week ago to reams of press and scores of eager buyers, enough to send the book to
the top of the New York Times bestseller list. A sixty dollar price tag for the coffee-
table book didn't seem to have any affect on Anthology's sales as the book outsold all
non-fiction hardcovers on the Times' Oct. 22-28 bestseller list, even besting the debut
of Stephen King's latest book, the anticipated On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft.
With an initial printing of 300,000...the book has been moving in numbers large
enough to put it atop Barnes & Noble.com's list of bestsellers. A more telling statistic is
the book's life in independent bookstores. One of New York City's finest independent
booksellers, Coliseum Books, reports that they've sold more than half of their initial
shipment and after one week, they've placed an additional order for more copies,
describing the early sales for such a pricey book as "quite strong."
October 17
Walter Shenson, producer of the first two Beatle movies, "A Hard Day's Night" and
"Help!" passes away at the age of 81.
October 26
PAUL McCARTNEY HAS NEW LOVE
On an Independent British television program where Heather Mills was being
interviewed, Paul made a surprise guest appearance. Said the show's producer, Will
Hanrahan, "Sir Paul and Heather are quite clearly madly in love and we are delighted
to have been part of that."
Paul McCartney expressed that his year-long relationship with Heather Mills has put
"romance back into my life. I love her, and I get a lot of pleasure from that." Paul also
acknowledged that his relationship to Mills had helped him overcome the pain of losing
his wife Linda, who died two years ago as a result of breast cancer (Linda and Paul
were happily married together for more than 30 years up until that point.)
November 13
THE BEATLES 1 (double-lp; CD; cassette) is released (Apple/EMI Records)
With a collection of 27 all-time chart-topping hits assembled on an album, The Beatles
1 becomes the 15th U.K. No.1 record by John, Paul, George, and Ringo. A report dated
November 22 from the Reuters news agency, declared the album as being officially
certified as the fastest-selling album in Britain. A spokesman for the three surviving
Beatles said: "The record has sold more than 319,000 copies in Britain in its first week.
Robbie Williams sold 313,000 albums earlier this year, so the Beatles have topped
him." In that same report, a spokesman for Tower Records in Britain mentioned: "Teen
bands seem to knock each other off the charts week after week....They don't seem to
have staying power, but the Beatles certainly do." In the United States, since the
albums first debut, a November 22 report in Billboard Magazine claimed the album had
sold 595,000 copies. Capitol president Roy Lott said "1" is also tops in 16 other
countries to date, including such key markets as Japan, Germany, Britain, France,
Canada, Australia and Spain. Towards the end of November, a revised figure from
Reuters news agency revealed that the new album actually "has hit number one in 19
countries in its first week of release". The same report went on to say that Japan's fans
led the way, buying up 750,000 copies of the Beatles' greatest hits album.
By the end of the third week, Beatles 1 became the No. #1 album in 28 different
countries. Having thus sold 12 million copies within those first three weeks, the disc is
recorded by the press as the fastest seller ever in the pop music industry.

Also on this date "THE BEATLES 1" official website is launched

Executive producer for the site is Neil Aspinall
 Click on the Beatles 1 album cover above...the link will transport you to another
historical magical mystery tour of the band filled with rare photos of The Beatles and
slick high-tech computer animation!
November 17
THE BEATLES REVOLUTION
"The Beatles helped bring down communism in Russia"
ABC Television in the United States broadcasts a two-hour documentary called "The
Beatles Revolution". The show was televised on Friday between 8:00 - 10:00 p.m.
which attracted 8.7 million viewers.
Milos Forman, director of Academy Award-winning "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest,"
said: "It sounds ridiculous but I'm convinced The Beatles are partly responsible for the
fall of Communism."
His claim is backed up by Dr. Yury Pelyushonok, a Canadian based Doctor of Soviet
Studies in Medicine and author of "Strings For A Beatle Bass" who grew up in the
former USSR in the 1960s: "The Beatles had this tremendous impact on Soviet kids.
The Soviet authorities thought of The Beatles as a secret Cold War weapon," he said.
"The kids lost their interest in all Soviet unshakable dogmas and ideals, and stopped
thinking of an English speaking person as the enemy."
As the interview progressed, Milos Forman also added in: "That's when the
Communists lost two generations of young people ideologically, totally lost. That was
an incredible impact." Rolling Stone Keith Richards suggests that the music of the
1960s played a big part in bringing about the end of Communism: "After those billions
of dollars, and living under the threat of doom, what brought it down? Blue jeans and
rock 'n' roll."
Interestingly enough, the ABC television program pointed out that today there is a
special "Yellow Submarine Ride" with Beatle cartoons located at what was once known
as "Check-point Charlie" at the Berlin wall. The ride is used to help to bridge and mend
the differences between East verses West societies. "All You Need Is Love" cartoon was
featured as the younger children in the ride watched on.
See letter to The Guardian from Dr. Yury Pelyushonok. Also, The Ottawa Citizen did an
interview with Dr. Pelyushonok entitled: "He loves them, yeah, yeah, yeah".
Plus, an Ottawa Beatle Site special presentation: John Lennon Wall in Prague, circa
July, 20, 2000, with photo and brief write-up presented by Jean-Pierre Allard, Ottawa
Freelance Sports Writer.
December 18
The Beatles Get Back where they belong
Ananova.com reports that the Beatles 1 album has "become 2000's biggest-selling
album - in only five weeks. The album "1" overtook Moby's Play at the weekend by
breaking 1.3 million sales. It is at the number 1 in the UK chart for the fifth
consecutive week, the longest run by the Beatles since Abbey Road in 1969."
The Ottawa Citizen reported (December 16) that the CD is "not just No. 1 in Canada
and the U.S. It is at the top of the charts in 35 other countries."

**2001**
March 27
CURTAIN CALL FOR BEATLE STAGE
The stage of St. Peter's Church in Woolton where John Lennon met Paul McCartney
some 44 years ago, is to be demolished and replaced with a new "parish centre suited
to modern needs." The decision was made by Cannon John Roberts of St. Peter's
Church who said: "We are not here to run a museum. The present interior is not
designed to fit the present day activity of a lively parish."
Cannon John Roberts' announcement quickly gave rise to hostile reaction when, in a
BBC News article dated April 13, reported that the clergyman was receiving "hate mail"
from Beatle fans in an attempt to prevent the destruction of stage. "I have received
hate mail. These people are ignorant. I have gone out of my way over the years to
welcome Beatle fans."
Later, in article from the "Daily Post" dated June 18, reveals the Church Council had
been in discussion the night before and have given consideration to sell off pieces of
the stage during an auction. The amount of money the church could collect from a
future auction is unknown but Paul Wane, owner of Trax, a Beatles memorabilia
company suggested parts of the stage could be "mounted on plaques" and auctioned
off: "This is what we did with the bricks from The Cavern Club and The Empire. If the
church decides this is what they want to do with the stage, then we would be very
interested in selling it."
Meanwhile, in the same article, the Daily Post goes on to say that "Liverpool City
Council is pleading with the church not to destroy the stage." In spite of the Council's
pleas, the church attempts to auction off the stage on November 27, 2001, at
"London's Sticky Finger's Cafe" but fails to sell it for £50,000.
May 3
BBC NEWS REPORTS:
"EX-BEATLE HARRISON TREATED FOR CANCER"
In a statement from George Harrison's solicitors, George visited the Mayo Clinic in the
United States which specializes in cancer treatment to remove a cancerous growth
from one of his lungs. George's solicitors claim that the former Beatle made an
"excellent recovery" and the pop star was "in the best spirits and on top form -- the
most relaxed and free since the attack on him in 1999. He is now enjoying a holiday in
Tuscany."
June 29
LIVERPOOL AIRPORT TO HONOR JOHN LENNON
On this day, the city announced that "Liverpool Airport" will be renamed "Liverpool
John Lennon Airport" sometime during 2002 when a new terminal opens.
According to CCN.com news, the new terminal hub will have a self-portrait of John
Lennon along with the words "above us only sky" -- words which were forever made
popular by Lennon in his classic peace song, "Imagine".
Said Yoko Ono: "I was honored and delighted when I first heard of the proposal to
name the airport in Liverpool after John.
"As a gateway to the region this will be seen by millions of passengers and it is a fitting
tribute to the memory of my late husband."
Mike Storey, city councilor said: "His legacy and his huge talent will always be
remembered, but it is fitting that here, in the city of his birth, there will be such a
permanent tribute to his memory."
July 9
BBC NEWS REPORTS:
"HARRISON FINE AFTER CANCER TREATMENT"
Reports emerge that George Harrison had been treated for a brain tumor by Swiss
cancer specialist Franko Cavalli at the San Giovanni hospital in Bellinzona. Franko
 Cavalli refused to give any further statements to the press with regards medical
condition of Harrison except to say that ex-Beatle claims he is "feeling fine."
August 24
BEATLES THEMED HOTEL WITH FINE ART BY SHANNON PLANNED FOR
LIVERPOOL
At a cost of £8M, 120 beds will be created for holidaymakers wishing to experience a
truly unique Beatle-connection while visiting Liverpool. The resort is to be called A
Hard Day's Night hotel. It will be connected at the basement level to the Cavern Club
thereby allowing fans to explore related attractions in and around the Cavern Quarter.
Architect, John Tweedie will be in charge of overseeing the regeneration of the
building which is located at Central Buildings, North John Street in the Castle Street
conservation area in the heart of Liverpool. Construction will include the renewal of
windows, electrical system, air conditioning and the addition of bedrooms with patios.
As the rooms are completed, over 120 artistic murals will be added by world renowned
artist Shannon. Her fine art illustrations have been "Paul, George and Ringo approved"
and will take about a year to complete for the hotel.
Cavern City Tours Ltd will manage the hotel with conditions of their contract to be put
forth by Horwath U.K., special consultants in tourism, hotel and leisure industries.
According to a BBC report, the hotel should open in 2003 and visitors can expect to
pay £60-a-night for accommodation.

Artist Shannon has also done paintings for MGM, Disney, Universal, Trump
Casinos. Her celebrity clients have included: Sylvester Stallone, Billy Idol,
Van Halen, No Doubt and Cheap Trick.
Special Note: The Ottawa Beatles Site wishes to give special thanks to Shannon for
allowing us to e-publish her "Seven Faces of John...Paul, George and Ringo" art murals
in our discography section. Thanks, Shannon!
September 20
DOUGIE MILLINGS PASSES AWAY
In a report by the Times Newspaper Limited dated October 3, 2001, Dougie Millings,
the "tailor who made the distinctive round-collared suits in which the Beatles began to
conquer the world in 1963," passes away at the age of 88. The Times Newspaper went
on to say that "Within a year or so of his first encounter with the Fab Four, Millings was
playing a self-mocking role as a miserable tailor in the film A Hard Day’s Night, while
pop stars, aristocrats, barristers and foreign diplomats lined up for suit fittings at his
small workshop in the heart of Soho." The article also acknowledged the fact that
Millings made the special costumes for Paul McCartney's 1972 "Wings" tour as well as
the specials suits used in the photography shoot for the "Band on the Run" album
cover. Paul McCartney released the album on December 5, 1973. The album went on
to receive a Grammy Award for "Best Engineered Recording" in 1974.
November 7
BBC NEWS HEADER READS:
HARRISON "BACK IN HOSPITAL"
On this date, the BBC News services publishes some very sad news that George
Harrison is looking "very frail and gaunt" after checking into the Staten Island
University Hospital in New York. Under the care of Dr. Gil Lederman, a specialist who
works with advanced cancer cases, used a treatment on George that is called
"stereotactic radiosurgery" which "attacks tumors with high doses of radiation but with
minimal damage to surrounding tissue" the BBC reported.
The Staten Island University Hospital helped George get his appetite back up which he
had lost before. Though Dr. Gil Lederman would not state whether or not George
would live as a result of the treatment, it is suspected by fans that the prognoses not
looking good for the former Beatle.
In a report from Australia's News.com.au dated November 21, states that both Paul
McCartney and Ringo Starr had an "emotional reunion with George Harrison" and that
Paul had "broken down in tears when the three surviving Beatles got together in New
York last week."
November 25
APPLE DISCUSSES A STAGE PRODUCTION
WITH INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED "CIRQUE DU SOLEIL"
The Sunday Times report that Apple Records is currently in discussion with "Cirque du
Soleil" regarding a theatric stage production of "Yellow Submarine." The show would
include acrobats, clowns, and aerial contortionists featuring the cartoon music from the
Beatles "Yellow Submarine" film.
In an article from Launch.com, they report that: "The negotiation process has been
slow moving due to the complexity of the Beatles' business affairs. Others involved in
the talks include Yoko Ono, on John Lennon's behalf, and Michael Jackson, who co-
owns many of the copyrights to the Beatles' songs."
When the contract is signed, it is expected that the "show will be at the heart of a
themed entertainment complex in London, according to sources close to Cirque du
Soleil."
November 26
ABC NEWS HEADLINE: "FADING STAR"
ABC News.com reports the following on George Harrison:
"No Luck With Radical Procedure -- Harrison, 58, left New York's Staten Island
University Hospital last week after undergoing an experimental type of radiosurgery.
That process reportedly did not stop Harrison's brain tumor from spreading. He flew
from New York to UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles to treat the inoperable
malignancy with the more conventional chemotherapy.
"Harrison is said to be weak and near the end of his life. But Sunday People said the
rock star is not giving up."
November 29
 A "LIGHT THAT HAS LIGHTED THE WORLD" IS NO MORE:
GEORGE HARRISON PASSES AWAY
After a brave and valiant fight, George Harrison, known as "the quiet Beatle",
succumbs to cancer. The 58 year-old songwriter, musician, reportedly died at 1:30
p.m. (9:30 p.m., U.K. time) on Thursday in the Los Angeles home of his friend and
noted security expert on celebrities, Gavin de Becker. According to Geoff Boucher, Los
Angeles Times staff reporter noted in their November 30th on-line edition that
"Harrison's wife, Olivia Arias Harrison, and son, Dhani, were with him at the time of his
death, which was not announced until early Friday morning."’
While George was dying in Becker's Studio City mansion that Thursday, the Sunday
Telegraph reported that both Olivia and Dhani "were at his side and with two Hare
Krishna friends, Shayam Sundara and Mukunda, they sang soft chants as he died
serenely." The Daily Record reported that "Within hours, he was cremated in a private
Hare Krishna service.
"His ashes will be scattered in the holy River Yamuna, 40 miles from the Taj Mahal in
India." (Note: More details were slowly surfacing over the weekend as to where
George's ashes would be scatterd. In a Fox News report dated December 3, reveals
George's ashes were "to arrive in India on Monday and be sprinkled in the Ganges
River in the northern city of Varnasi....They were also to be scattered in Allahabad,
where hindu's three holiest rivers -- the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati -- converge."
-- end of quote.)
The Harrison family, upon reacting to the immediate outpouring by all those who loved
and enjoyed George Harrison for his friendship, music, and spiritual beliefs, released a
statement which was picked up by the news media including "Ananaova.com" on
December 2. The following was read to the press by their friend, Gavin de Becker:
"We are deeply touched by the outpouring of love and compassion from people around
the world," said Mr. Harrison's wife Olivia and son Dhani.
"The profound beauty of the moment of George's passing - of his awakening from this
dream - was no surprise to those of us who knew how he longed to be with God. In
that pursuit, he was relentless."
Mr. de Becker said: "Olivia and Dhani invite you to join them in a minute of meditation
in honour of George's journey, wherever you are on Monday at 1:30 p.m. PST (1830
GMT)."
George leaves behind his wife, Olivia who is 53, and his beautiful son Dhani, who is 24.
He is also survived by his brothers Harry, Peter and sister Louise. George is also
survived by his first wife, Pattie Boyd, who met each other on the filming set of "A
Hard Day's Night" in 1964, the Beatles first motion picture.
WHAT THE IMMEDIATE BEATLE FAMILY SAID:
OLIVIA HARRISON (issued their first statement to the press on behalf of the
family through Gavin de Becker): "He left this world as he lived in it, conscious of
God, fearless of death and at peace, surrounded by family and friends.
"He often said, 'Everything else can wait but the search for God can't wait, and love
one another'."
DHANI HARRISON: "We're truly grateful for the tremendous support we've received
from friends and from the very many members of the public whom we don't know
personally, but who thought of us and send us good wishes."
SIR PAUL McCARTNEY (speaking from his St John's Wood home, north-west
London): "I am devastated and very, very sad.
"We knew he'd been ill for a long time. He was a lovely guy and a very brave man and
had a wonderful sense of humour.
"He is really just my baby brother."
RINGO STARR (from Vancouver, Canada): "George was a best friend of mine. I
loved him very much and I will miss him greatly.
"Both Barbara and I send our love and light to Olivia and Dhani.
"We will miss George for his sense of love, his sense of music and his sense of
laughter."
YOKO ONO: "George has given so much to us in his lifetime and continues to do so
even after his passing, with his music, his wit and his wisdom."
"His life was magical and we all felt we had shared a little bit of it by knowing him.
"Thank you, George - it was grand knowing you."
SIR GEORGE MARTIN: "George was a wonderful musician and a fine human being.
"He was the baby of the Beatles, and unlike Paul and John, he had a hard time
developing his songwriting talent and making his music alone.
"But he worked hard, and with enormous patience, building his music meticulously,
and he eventually came to write one of the greatest love songs of all time -
Something.
"George was a true friend, intensely loyal, caring deeply for those he loved and he
inspired much love in return. Now I believe, as he did, that he has entered a higher
state. God give him peace."
NEIL ASPINALL (Head of Apple Records): "This is a very sad day for Apple and for
all Beatles fans worldwide.
"It was my privilege to have been a friend of such a very special man - he will be
greatly missed by us all."
PATTIE BOYD (George's first wife said with tears streaming from her eyes): "I
am just so, so sad. Of course, we've been expecting it, but when it actually happens it
is still a great shock and I'm terribly upset."
CYNTHIA LENNON: "This is a very sad day for myself and everyone who knew and
loved George. He was part of my teenage years, he was part of my marriage to John,
in fact, a very important and unforgettable part of my life. He was part of my family."
JULIAN LENNON: "It is a sad day for all of us, I loved George very much. He was the
kindest of men. Our time together, though little, was always memorable. He was a
man to be inspired by and he certainly touched my heart and millions of others. He will
be missed, but I believe that after all the pain he has endured, he is finally at peace.
My heart goes out to Olivia and Dhani, but I know that George is still with them in
spirit and will be guarding them every day of their lives until they meet again. George
you are beautiful.
Luv Ya Always,
Julian x"
WHAT THE FAMOUS SAID ABOUT GEORGE:
TONY BLAIR, PRIME MINISTER OF BRITAIN: "He wasn't just a great musician, an
artist, but did a lot of work for charity as well. He'll be greatly missed around the
world."
GERRY SCOTT, LIVERPOOL'S LORD MAYOR: "He was one of the greatest
Liverpudlians. He was a warm, peace-loving man who was much more than a talented
musician.
QUEEN ELIZABETH II (a spokesperson, representing the Queen, announced):
"The Queen was saddened by the news of George Harrison's death."
BADRUDDOZA CHOWDHURY, PRESIDENT OF BANGLADESH (on remembering
George's August 1, 1971 "Bangla Desh" benefit concert): "The people of
Bangladesh consider Harrison as their beloved man, who felt for them in 1971 during
their days of agony and distress."
KHALEDA ZIA, PRIME MINISTER OF BANGLADESH: "George Harrison will be
remembered forever by the people of Bangladesh.''
JEAN CHRETIEN, PRIME MINISTER OF CANADA: "He was a great personality. The
Beatles were, for a lot of people, extremely important and they made a big impact at
that time and it was a great group."
LIONEL JOSPIN, PRIME MINISTER OF FRANCE (declared George as): "...one of
the great figures of pop music" and "an impressive and masterful guitarist."
BOB DYLAN: "He was a giant, a great, great soul, with all of the humanity, all of the
wit and humor, all the wisdom, the spirituality, the common sense of a man and
compassion for people. He inspired love and had the strength of a hundred men. He
was like the sun, the flowers and the moon and we will miss him enormously. The
world is a profoundly emptier place without him."
MICK JAGGER (of the Rolling Stones): "I am very saddened by George's death and
will miss him enormously. As a guitarist, he invented many classic lines that were
much copied by others and he wrote several very beautiful songs that we will always
remember."
ALLAN WILLIAMS (Beatles' first manager): "He was a loveable person. I would
say he was the major cog in The Beatles at that time. He kept them together probably
because of the calming effect he had."
PETE BEST (the Beatles original drummer): "It is a tragic loss of life, a tragic loss
of a great musician."
GERRY MARSDEN (of "Gerry and the Pacemakers" who shared the Cavern
spotlight on stage with the Beatles): "This is a black day...he was always trying to
find his own way. By the end, he had."
JAMES BROWN (the "godfather of soul"): "George Harrison was one of the world's
few good men, one of the better people I ever met. I will and the world will miss him.
He was truly loved."
DENNY LAINE (who played in Paul McCartney's post-Beatles group, Wings):
"It was an uncanny feeling....George was a very special person. I know you all loved
him. I loved him. God bless you George."
PHILIP NORMAN (author of Beatles biography "Shout" stated it was an "awful
shock"): "There was a certain bitterness about him, but later in life he realized what
good fortune he had enjoyed.
"He had a happy marriage and a son and realized there was more to life than being a
Beatle."
JEFF HEALEY (who did a cover version of George's "While My Guitar Gently
Weeps"): "I never had occasion to meet the man, unfortunately. I definitely would
have loved to.
"George's work with the Beatles is probably my favourite.
"He was a wonderful writer and a great guitar player as well and he wasn't given credit
enough for that. His general positive attitude towards things will be missed. However,
it's still present in the music that he made."
MARY HOPKIN (former Apple recording artist and who, until recently, lived
near him in Henley-on-Thames, said): "It was not a surprise but was nevertheless
tragic news. I hadn't seen him for some time, not since his illness, and it's a great loss
especially as he had such enormous talent."
CILLA BLACK (songstress from the Cavern days who later had enormously
successful string of hit songs composed by the Beatles, said): "I am deeply
saddened and shocked to hear the news about George. My sympathies are with Olivia
and Dhani and the rest of the family at this very sad time."
PETE TOWNSHEND (from "The Who" rock group): "Goodbye sweet man. ATMP."
BRYAN ADAMS (Canadian singer/guitarist, performed with George in 1998 at
the Prince's Trust charity concerts at Wembley Arena in London): "It's a sad
day, because we don't need fewer people that make such beautiful music."
JEFF LYNNE (member of George's "Traveling Wilburys" and music producer):
"You always knew where you stood with George, he was totally honest. I feel blessed
to have been so close to him. He was a great friend. He wrote brilliantly original songs,
played the greatest slide guitar and had the most amazing sense of humor. He really
had the 'Inner Light' and always will. Some of the happiest days of my life were spent
in the studio with George."
BRIAN WILSON (from the '60s rock group "The Beach Boys"): "I am horribly
saddened by the death of George Harrison. While we were not personal friends, I think
that just like everybody in the world, I have always considered all the Beatles to be my
friends. Their arrival in America in 1964 was electrifying, one of the most exciting
things that ever happened in my life, and their music has always and will always mean
so much to me."
TONY BARROW (Beatles press officer from 1962-68): "George was certainly the
friendliest Beatle from the very beginning.
"He had the reputation for being the quiet one. He hated all of the Beatlemania thing.
When I was arranging interviews for George I had to be very selective because sit him
down in front of an interviewer who wants to know about his collection of instruments
and he would talk all day.
"He was a fastidious musician - before a performance he'd often be putting not only his
own guitar in tune but also the instruments of the other lads....He was a fine musician,
and if he had not lived under this overbearing shadow of Lennon and McCartney he
would have been recognized as a great songwriter rather earlier.
"This is a very sad day."
BOB WOOLER (The Cavern's compère who introduced the Beatles on stage):
"George had to fight all the way to get the recognition he deserved.
"The others really asserted themselves, and of course, eventually found the winning
formula which was Lennon and McCartney.
"But in those early days it would have been wrong to talk in terms of the Mersey
Sound, because all the Beatles sang in strict rotation, and mostly cover numbers made
famous by other artists.
"This meant that George, who always stood on the left, looking at the stage, sang
quite a lot."
MICHAEL PALIN (former Monty Python comedian): "I was amazed and delighted
he was such a Python fan.
"He enabled us to make Life of Brian and other films like A Private Function - none of
these would have happened without his enthusiasm.
"George had a great sense of humour - some of the best laughs I've had have been
with George."
JOOLS HOLLAND (one of the last musicians to work and record with George):
"I'm deeply saddened to hear of the loss of my dear friend George.
"We've not only lost one of the most important figures in popular music, but more
importantly one of the friendliest, most generous and funniest of people I've ever
met."
(Note: It is believed that George's final recording was on October 1, 2001, at his Swiss
home. He cut vocal to the track "Horse to the Water" which is co-written by his son,
Dhani. George, knowing the eventual fate of his own mortality, used his dark humour
and credited the song to "RIP Ltd 2001." The album -- "Small World Big Band" --
contains George's new composition and made its debut in the final week of November,
coming in at 18th spot on the U.K. charts.)
MARTIN LEWIS (Beatle historian): "As a guitar player, he was exemplary. So many
musicians talked about how they wanted the George Harrison sound. The group the
Byrds, in America, listened to Harrison and said, 'I want to be like that.' So many
guitar players today emulate Harrison's guitar playing. You listen to his playing in the
'60s, he doesn't sound out of date at all. It is as contemporary today as it was then."
ALLAN KOZINN (Beatle historian and New York Times reporter): "...he served
as an anchor for the quartet, leading the others on a spiritual quest toward Eastern
philosophy that influenced their music in the latter part of the 1960's, epitomized for
millions of fans by the sitar he played on "Norwegian Wood."
RAVI SHANKAR (sitar virtuoso): "George was my student. But on the other hand
he was a very close friend. His death has been a tremendous shock to me which
cannot be expressed in words....I pray to God that his soul to rest in peace."
KEITH RICHARDS (of the Rolling Stones): "To me, George was, always will be,
above all, a real gentleman, in the full meaning of the word...Let's hope he's jamming
with John."
Hari Scruffs presents:
The GEORGE HARRISON - Rec.Music.Beatles Book of Condolences
 www.hariscruffs.com/georgeb.html
Web page created by Ian Hammond
and
Diana of Hari Scruffs
December 2
GEORGE HARRISON SECRETLY RECORDED FINAL CD:
"PORTRAIT OF A LEG END"
The Times of London reports that George Harrison was secretly recording in his final
months on an album entitled: "Portrait of a Leg End." The project's title is inspired on a
parody taken from "a squashing foot graphic" found in the opening sequence of the
Monty Python television series.
It is believed that there are 25 tracks that have been recorded. George, apparently,
played the tracks on CD format to family and friends -- just four days prior to his
death. There are a few tracks that date back to the early '80s but the Times of London
reported that the bulk of material is more recent and is an attempt by George to put
his musical legacy in order. Actually, taking care of his musical legacy really began
when he re-released "All Things Must Pass" not too long ago which contained a new
recording of "My Sweet Lord" and several other bonus tracks.
Jim Keltner, long-time friend and musician who drummed on a lot of Harrison's solo
tracks including "Portrait of a Leg End" said that "It was fantastic to be in the studio
with him again. Some of the new songs are very poignant concerning his life in the
past few years. It will be obvious when you hear them what they are about. There is a
certain soulfulness about George's music that doesn't need a lot once he has put that
voice on."
Keltner also went on to say: "I saw him last Sunday night. It was a great gift to us that
he was so beautiful. He looked fantastic. He looked like a prince. He didn't look like a
person suffering from cancer. His skin was shining and he was smiling."
The Times of London also believes that Eric Clapton and a host of other musicians
played on the tracks.
December 22
BEAT BROTHER ROY YOUNG TELLS ALL!
 Photo: © Greg Malo, Thunder Bay Blues Festival, 2004. Used with permission.

On this date, Beat Brother Roy Young gives an exclusive interview with Ottawa Beatles
Site proprietor, Tony Copple. Roy Young, famous for his boogie woogie piano talents
throughout the music industry, reminisces about his days when he performed on stage
in Hamburg with John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Tony Sheridan and
Pete Best. Roy provides the reader with his observations about the musical growth of
those band members and also comments on those famous Polydor recording sessions
they did for Burt Kaempfert.
Roy Young also brings us up-to-date on his latest recording project entitled "Now and
Then." It is during this section of the interview when discussing his musical tributes
from the album that we learn about Roy's most heartfelt reflections on the passing of
his former band mates John Lennon and George Harrison.
For the complete text interview with RealPlayer audio files, please click on
following link:
http://www.ncf.ca/beatles/roy.html

**2002**
February 7
HISTORIC BEATLE STAGE SAVED
Liverpool City Council reaches an agreement with church authorities: The stage at Saint
Peter's Church Hall in Woolton will be put into storage "in an undisclosed location while
talks are held to find a permanent home," reports the BBC.
While the church attempted last year to sell the stage at London's "Sticky Finger's Cafe," it
failed to do so because a buyer could not be found to match the £50,000 price tag they were
asking for.
With the failed auction, Liverpool City Council quickly moved in to rescue the historic
stage: "The days are long gone when the city council turned a blind eye to its heritage by
allowing places like the Cavern to be demolished," said Councillor Mike Storey. "We will
never let that happen again. It was on this very spot that one of the most successful musical
partnerships in history first began."
Mike Storey concluded by saying: "This stage is an important part of The Beatles legend -
Liverpool without the Beatles would be like Stratford without Shakespeare."
February 8
EMI RECORDS TO BE SCRAPPED
On this date, the BBC News reported the following: "Troubled music company EMI Group
is to reshuffle its artists and staff in a move that will mean the EMI record label will cease
to exist.
The EMI Group will merge its labels into two global brands, Virgin and Capitol."
Surprisingly, the origins of EMI happened under similar conditions: to avoid bankruptcy,
the Gramophone Company and its arch-rival the Columbia Graphophone Company merged
in April 1931 to form Electric and Musical Industries when the Great Depression hit.
BOB WOOLER -- THE CAVERN CLUB'S COMPÈRE -- PASSES AWAY
After a lengthy illness, Bob Wooler, the man who introduced the Beatles nearly 400
times between 1961 and 1963 in the Cavern Club, passes away at the age of 76 in the
Royal Liverpool hospital.
Liverpool music promoter, Joe Flannery -- who was a personal friend to Bob Wooler
since 1950, made the following comments about the loss of his friend: “He was the
gentleman of the Cavern. He was so loved by everybody.” Flannery also added that
“Bob never cashed in on being such a vital part of the Beatles scene, but his name will
remain forever a vital part of that story.”
Bob Wooler, who was restless working as a clerk in the railway dock offices in Garston,
entered the music business in 1956 by managing skiffle acts. His job involved booking
skiffle acts (such as the Kingstrums) into different club venues where he soon found
himself introducing his acts as a way to warm up the audiences. The next natural
progression in Bob Wooler's music career saw himself taking on the additional role
of "Disc Jockey" at those clubs. Bob would play records between performance breaks
while the next act was getting ready to perform. By 1960, his name became
synonymous within Liverpool's music scene thus allowing him to have a solid
foundation to work from.
Bob Wooler first met Paul McCartney and George Harrison at a bus stop at the
Holyoake Dance Hall in Liverpool during the month of December in 1960. Upon noticing
that both Paul and George were carrying guitars, he offered them a booking at the
Litherland Town Hall on December 27, 1960 for a £6 fee. Paul McCartney singles out
the December 27 date in his Who’s Who entry as being the "first important appearance
as the Beatles."
Shortly after the Litherland Town Hall venue, Wooler booked the band’s first residency
at the Cavern Club on February 9, 1961. Wooler would later witness the first contract
offer made to the Beatles on December 3, 1961, from Brian Epstein who became the
group's manager.
The Cavern Club's compère became the first writer to predict just how successful the
Beatles were to become. In August, 1961, Bob Wooler wrote down this observation in
the Mersey Beat edition concerning the Beatles: "Truly a phenomenon. I don’t think
anything like them will ever happen again." Perhaps Wooler's best summation about
the local success of the Beatles during that period can be found in a one catch-phrase
slogan that he came up with. He declared the phenomenon of Cavern-era Beatles as
being "The Stuff That Screams Are Made Of."
February 26
ROYAL LINE-UP CONFIRMED FOR QUEEN'S GOLDEN JUBILEE
Dubbed as a 3-day "Party At the Palace," it is announced that Sir Paul McCartney is
scheduled to perform at the Queen's Golden Jubilee concert on June 3. Among others
confirmed in the line-up are: "Eric Clapton, Brian Wilson, Phil Collins, Aretha Franklin,
Queen, S Club 7, Tom Jones and Pop Idol winner, Will Young," writes a Dotmusic.com
news source.
And in a much later report filed by Ananova.com on May 17, revealed that Sir Paul
McCartney "plans cheeky song for the Queen. The star will perform The Beatles song
Her Majesty - originally a hidden track at the end of the Abbey Road album."
Sir George Martin who was chosen as musical director for the entire jubilee (including
a "classical tribute" slated in the program for June 1st) made the following comment:
"The artists today represent the greatest composers and performers of their
generation."
"Thousands will relish the chance to see them perform together live on stage at
Buckingham Palace."
He added: "No country has a finer tradition in producing great talent than ours, and we
should be very proud of the enormous contribution that British artists and composers
have made to the world of entertainment over the last fifty years."
It was decided that 24,000 tickets be made available to the general public for the
Queen's Golden Jubilee. The tickets were distributed evenly in the following regions: all
of England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Isles and the Isle of Man.
March 4
PAUL McCARTNEY TO WED
The Daily Post reports that Sir Paul McCartney announced yesterday that he will marry
his 34-year-old fiancée Heather Mills during the month of June.
While the wedding location was to be kept secret from the media, the Daily Post article
did find out what kind of wedding dress the bride-to-be was planning to wear:
"Heather has already decided on a off-white Chantilly lace and silk traditional wedding
dress with a corset-style bodice, veil and train." The Daily Post also mentioned that
Heather was "adamant to design the dress herself."
BEATLES PHOTOGRAPHER HERBERT DIES AGE 89
Emma Gunby of Liverpool Echo, writes: "One of the Beatle's first official photographers
has died.
"Herbert Hughes, 89, from Birkenhead, was employed by the Fab Four's manager
Brian Epstein to take a photo of the band on December 17, 1961."
March 14
YOKO ONO BUYS JOHN LENNON'S CHILDHOOD HOME
In a C.B.C. Arts Now news report, Yoko Ono has bought her late husbands "childhood
home and donated it to Britain's National Trust."
Arts Now revealed that Yoko Ono paid a little "more than ₤150,000 ($340,000 Cdn.).
"The home is located at 251 Menlove Avenue and has long since been regarded as a
historic cultural landmark in Liverpool -- the place being where the Beatles rehearsed
and wrote their first big hit "Please, Please Me."
John was raised in the Menlove home by his Aunt Mimi.
Said Yoko Ono: "I think Menlove Avenue has an important place in Beatles history, and
it saddened me to think that it might be lost. The fact that this is happening in the
same week that Liverpool airport is officially opened as Liverpool John Lennon airport
would have made my husband very happy."
March 15
LENNON STATUE UNVEILED AT LIVERPOOL AIRPORT
A beautiful bronze statue created by Liverpool sculpture Tom Murphy was unveiled by
Yoko Ono, widow of Beatles icon, John Lennon.
The unveiling of the statue was used to commemorate the renaming of "Liverpool
Airport" to "Liverpool John Lennon Airport" after completing a new 30 million pound
($43 million) terminal.
The statue stands seven-foot (or 2.15 meters) high and resembles the "songsmith in
his New York days, striding out with long hair swept back," reported Reuters news
services. The statue also contained the inscription "Above us only sky" -- a phrase that
was immortalized in John Lennon's classic hit-song: Imagine.
At the special unveiling ceremony, Yoko Ono said: "The world needs communication
and this Liverpool John Lennon Airport will promote the growth of international
communication for Liverpool and for the world.
"Communication and exchanging will lead to understanding and understanding will
create love and peace. And the world needs peace.
"I think the statue is brilliant. It captures John and shows him moving, alive, rather
than standing still like some statues."
March 21
BEATLES "1" COMPILATION
STILL A STRONG CONTENDER IN SALES
Phil Gallo from Variety in Hollywood, reports the following USA sales figures: "Capitol's
Beatles' 1 compilation...has now sold more than 8.1 million units and continues to sell
about 9,000 per week."
April 12
HMV's £600m FLOTATION OFFERS EXIT ROUTE TO EMI
A report emerges from The Guardian that HMV Group has announced plans for a
floatation deal to raise £600m. HMV, a music, video and book retailer, would like to
see the owner of Waterstone's book stores obtain an eventual "market capitalization of
more than £1bn while offering troubled music group EMI the chance to sell part of its
43% stake."
The £600m raised by HMV would allow the company to expand in Japan -- a key
marketplace for the company -- from 34 to 100 retail stores. Also in the plan would be
a growth of retail outlets in Britain from 135 to 200. Waterstone agreed that money
will also be used in restoration of older stores, about £20m.
"Named after the trademark image of a dog listening to His Master's Voice on a
gramophone," writes the Guardian, "HMV was part-sold by EMI in 1998 to US venture
capital group Advent which now controls 40% while management controls a further
17%.

"EMI had been considering a trade sale of HMV but is expected to hang on to
a small stake in the group post-flotation."
April 13
PAUL McCARTNEY PRAISES CANADIAN LEADERSHIP!
On this date, Paul McCartney performs the only Canadian date from his "Driving USA"
tour at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto.
In a Canadian Press interview, Paul continued promoting his public relations campaign
for an international ban on land mines and had some kind words for Canada:
"I would be very keen at the moment on banning land mines, and seeing as Ottawa is
the place where the treaty is from, you guys have been leaders on this," he said.
"But unfortunately, places like the States haven’t signed it. We’re very keen on that
issue and cleaning them up. There's countless millions still in the ground."

At the Air Canada Center, 16,000 fans saw Paul play tributes to deceased band mates
John Lennon and George Harrison. Paul selected "Here Today" -- a beautiful ballad he
wrote in memory of John from his 1982 solo album "Tug of War." In a tribute to
George, Paul chose "Something", a beautiful composition from George which became
the songwriters only #1 hit single when he was a Beatle. That single was released in
the USA marketplace on October 6, 1969 and became the second-most covered
version of a Beatles' song done by other artists, including Frank Sinatra, placing it just
behind Paul's "Yesterday." Paul performed George's number by using a ukulele which
was one of Harrison's favourite musical instruments.
Apart from performing "Something", Paul's set-list included additional Beatle songs:
Hello Goodbye; All My Loving; Getting Better; Blackbird; We Can Work It Out; Mother
Natures Son; You Never Give Me Your Money/Carry That Weight; Fool On the Hill;
Eleanor Rigby; Here, There and Everywhere; Back In the U.S.S.R.; Can't Buy Me Love;
Let It Be; Hey Jude; Long and Winding Road; Lady Madonna; I Saw Her Standing
There; Yesterday; Sgt. Pepper Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise); and The End.
McCartney also performed selected numbers from his Wings and solo era: Jet; Coming
Up; Let Me Roll It; Lonely Road; Driving Rain; Loving Flame; Every Night; Vanilla Sky;
Band on the Run; C Moon; My Love; Freedom; Live and Let Die.
Interestingly enough, this Toronto tour date would see the first-performance only of
"Mull of Kintyre" -- this song, not originally listed in the 36 song set-list when the tour
began, was backed up by the Peel Regional Police Pipe Band of Ontario.
April 19
OVERPRICED BEATLE MEMORABILIA:
EUROPEAN COMMISSION SAYS CHRISTIE'S AND SOTHEBY'S FIXED PRICES
In what might explain for over-inflated prices of popular Beatle memorabilia, Reuters
reporter David Lawsky revealed that both Christie's and Sotheby's auction houses had
formed a "secret duopoly in the world of art" from 1993 to 2000 and colluded in price
fixing. The European Commission who is currently investigating the "duopoly"
declared: "We have collected evidence that the two leading auction houses have
colluded to fix commissions and on other aspects of the trade." Reuters David Lawsky
writes that the statement comes "more than one year after the United States convicted
them of the same offence" and that "Sotheby's Holdings agreed...to pay out $45
million in criminal fines in the United States."
Christie's, who was the first to blow the whistle on the duopoly, was granted immunity
by the US Justice Department avoiding $45 million in criminal fines. However, while
Sotheby's paid $45 million in criminal fines, both Christie's and Sotheby's auction firms
agreed to pay out damages of $512 million to clients and $70 million to shareholders.
The European Commission further proclaimed that "in addition to raising commission
rates, the companies agreed to other trading conditions including advances paid to
sellers, guarantees given for auction results and payment conditions." This collusion by
both auction houses, according to Reuters David Lawsky, impacted on much sought-
after treasures by collectors ranging from artistic works of Van Gogh, Monet, to
popular memorabilia items such as Princes Diana's evening dress and even "signed
copies of Beatles albums."
Behind the mastermind scheme is 78-year-old Alfred Taubman, of Sotheby's Holdings
who "is facing a maximum three-year term in a US prison and is expected to pay $87.6
million in fines, twice the sum sellers were overcharged." (French billionaire Francois
Pinault owns Christie's auction house.)
Lawsky reported that European Commission spokeswoman Amelia Torres had "no
estimate" of how long "the investigation might take or what punishment might be."
 April 26
PAUL McCARTNEY ANNOUNCES THAT
GEORGE HARRISON'S "PORTRAIT OF A LEG END" IS STILL IN THE WORKS!
In an interview with Paul McCartney conducted by Plain Dealer Pop Music Critic, John
Soeder, had asked Paul whether he would do some sort of "posthumous collaboration"
for the album that George more or less finished before he had passed away. Paul
responded with: "I don't know about that. I do know he (George) had a lot of good
material. I heard some of the songs. I do know at some point something will be
coming out. I understand there is a little bit of work going on about it. But I don't
know if people want it known yet. So I'm not gonna go blabbing....And if someone
asked me to do something on it, I'd be honoured."
April 29
BEATLES' 'HEY JUDE' LYRICS BARRED FROM AUCTION!

Paul McCartney was granted an injunction by Justice Laddie at London's High Court
preventing Christie's auction house from selling a draft manuscript of "Hey Jude."
The lyrical manuscript's estimated value is $116,000 but the sale was successfully
blocked by Paul's lawyer, Richard Meade. According to Reuters, the injunction was
granted because at issue in the case is a "man identified in court only as Monsieur
Tessier" and whether or not he is the rightful owner of those lyrics. The news report
went on to say that Monseiur Tessier "bought them in the famous Portobello Road
street market in London when he was a student in 1971 or 1972." Richard Meade,
lawyer for McCartney argued that the lyrics disappeared during one of the numerous
break-ins that occurred in Paul's St. John's Wood home. In Justice Laddie's decision, a
BBC news report claims the judge "halted the sale because the lyrics could end up
going abroad if sold in auction, making a future decision about ownership much
harder."
Reuters declared in their news report that 'The court order will be a major blow to
Christie's auctioneers, who billed the "Hey Jude" lyric as the centerpiece of Tuesday's
pop memorabilia sale.'
April 30
NEW GEORGE HARRISON BIOGRAPHY OUT IN MAY
Ananova.com reports on this day that the Editors of Rolling Stone magazine will
release a new George Harrison biography in May. The book will contain a special
heartfelt forward written by Olivia Harrison.
But in an early release to the Canadian marketplace, this writer discovered that the
biography also contains many personal family photographs by the Harrisons along with
past photography work of Jurgen Vollmer; Max Scheler; Astrid Kircherr; Harry Benson
and many others. The book includes Rolling Stone interviews with George; a special
discography section exploring the musician's iconic pop writing abilities; and a review
of George's guitar artistry as covered by Andy Babuik, author of the highly acclaimed
book, "Beatles Gear."
The biography also includes some nicely written tributes from Bob Dylan; Mick Jagger;
Keith Richards; Yoko Ono; Tom Petty; Elton John and Paul Simon.
The hardbound book is published by Simon & Schuster, Incorporated.
May 10
LIVERPOOL'S "BEATLES STORY MUSEUM" TO OPEN EXHIBIT ON BAND'S
QUARRYMEN DAYS
"This is...Pop!" reports that The Beatles Story museum in Liverpool will present an
special exhibit called: "The Quarrymen and Skiffle -- the U.K. Years." The opening date
for the exhibit is May 16 and will run to November 1, 2002.
The exhibit which is apparently the first of its kind in Liverpool "reveals the fascinating
yet forgotten story of how a new musical craze sweeping across Britain led to one of
the biggest stories the music industry has known," cites the report.
"On display at the exhibition will be several of the original instruments used by the
group - including a banjo that John Lennon played, Colin Hanton's first drum kit - still
with its sticks and brushes and a record of Lonnie Donegan's Rock Island Line, which
Lennon sold for 2 shillings and sixpence to Rod Davis." The exhibit will also display
some recent photographs of the Quarrymen and will offer an historical accounting of
how skiffle music became the catalyst for rhythm and blues, rock 'n' roll, and pop
music in general.
The Beatles Story Museum will also be showcasing John Lennon's upright Steinway
piano, the one John used to compose his classic hit song Imagine. George Michael
bought the piano on October 17, 2000, through a Hard Rock Cafe auction organized by
Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac. Michael's successful purchase bid of £1.45 million
(or $2.1 million in US currency) caused Guinness Book of Records to list the Steinway
as being the most expensive piano in the world.
May 18
LIVERPOOL STILL THE NUMBER ONE HIT CITY
David Roberts, editor for the newly released Guinness Book of Hit Singles, claims that
"Liverpool is responsible for almost 6 percent of all the number one hits to enter the
charts in the past 50 years."
In making his announcement, Roberts spoke of a full-page dedication on Liverpool's
musical success story that is listed in the new Guinness Book of Hit Singles. He
explain the rational for the full-page entry this way: "There are 17 number ones
from The Beatles, but there is a real diversity of talent out of Liverpool, which has
stretched from Lita Roza in 1953 right through to Atomic Kitten.
"And of course since last year, when we announced Liverpool as the Capital of Pop,
there have been two more number ones, a second from Atomic Kitten and George
Harrison's My Sweet Lord."
The Daily Post, who filed the report, added that The Lord Mayor, Jack Spriggs, is to be
presented with several copies of "new Guinness pop bible to be distributed to the city's
libraries."
Beaming with pride, The Lord Mayor proclaimed: "It was fantastic to get a world record
last year and now to think that people all over the planet will be reading about us in
this new book is very exciting. We really are a music city."
May 22
GLUM MUSIC INDUSTRY OUTLOOK PLAGUES EMI
Reuters news services files a report indicating that the EMI Group saw year-end profits
slump by "40% in adjusted pre-tax profit." News of the post-results meeting with
investors saw EMI stock fall by 7 percent casting doubts as to whether or not
"substantial improvements" for EMI would likely occur by the end of this year.
Martin Dobson, head dealer at Natwest Securities in London, provided Reuters with an
explanation for EMI's poor profit woes: "(EMI) faces so much of a struggle with piracy
and they need to find a way to protect themselves. Sales are falling and there are a
number of factors to take into consideration, such as the HMV float not going well."
In an effort to boost profitability, EMI had announced a restructuring plan last March
that would see 1,800 job cuts along with 400 artists scrapped from its roster. Said
EMI's CEO Alain Levy in a news report last month with USA Today: "Not having star
power tends to take the margins out of the music commodity. We've cut the artist
roster a lot, but it was still pretty bloated." Later, Alain Levy would do just a little bit
of an about-turn on his comment: Levy now "wanted to find five stars topping five
million global sales in the next three years", he told Reuters, "and two or three topping
10 million" to help increase EMI's profit margins.
EMI's restructuring plan has come at a cost -- 240 million pounds, for savings 98.5
million pounds. While the total restructuring of job cuts won't fully impact until
September of this year, Alain Levy hopes to improve EMI's profit margins from the
5.1% expected this year to 13% percent in three years.

Some interesting facts about EMI:

• EMI is the third-biggest music group with its financial statement in 2002 boasting of
some 70 different labels.

•EMI is the No. 5 record company in the USA with 9.3% of album sales so far in
2002.

•EMI has not had a hit album to rival their 2000 release of Beatles "1" which sold 22
million units worldwide.

•On February 6, 1967, EMI reported that the Beatles combined world-wide record
sales when converted into single units (i.e.: an LP being the equivalent to six singles
and EP to two) was now in excess of 188,000,000 units.

May 30
THE LIVERPOOL LENNONS
On this date, Julian Lennon announces at Joe Johnsons' on-line Beatle Brunch, that the
Official Website of the Liverpool Lennons has been launched. The site traces the
history of the Liverpool Lennons from the 1800's and right up to the present. This
excellent site by Julian Lennon boasts of some never-before seen family memorabilia.
Said Julian: "...items like the ‘Sgt Pepper’ gold disc and Dad’s afghan coat from
‘Magical Mystery Tour’. And much more." The site is well researched and very user-
friendly...definitely a-must-see!

Click on the photo and link to the Official Website of the Liverpool Lennons!
June 3
ROCK ROYALTY AT QUEEN'S JUBILEE
Marking Elizabeth II's 50 year reign as queen from 1952 to 2002, the BBC production
of Party at the Palace highlighted a special celebration of popular music with
performances from: Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Cliff Richard, Eric Clapton, Phil Colins,
Roger Daltry, Rod Stewart, Bryan Adams, Ricky Martin, Tom Jones, Shirley Bassey,
Ozzy Osbourne, Aretha Franklin, Emma Bunton, Steve Winwood, Atomic Kitten, Mis-
Teeq, Queen, Joe Cocker, Brian Wilson and Sir Elton John (who was pre-recorded on
video tape.)
An estimated 1 million people had lined up in Trafalgar Square, the Mall, and parks to
watch the performances from huge video screens while 12,000 lucky ticket-holders
converged at the queen's back garden. There, pop/rock royalty showcased their
numbers before a swaying crowd.
Sir Paul McCartney sang homage to Elizabeth II by selecting compositions from the
Beatles' musical cannon: Her Majesty; Blackbird; All You Need Is Love; The End; Hey
Jude; and a vocal duet with Eric Clapton on While My Guitar Gently Weeps
In an interview the night before the gala event, Sir Paul explained his rational for
choosing All You Need Is Love: "I still believe that love is all you need," said Sir Paul.
"I don't know a better message than that."
 June 11
PAUL McCARTNEY MARRIES HEATHER MILLS
A very special day in the lives of Heather Mills and Paul McCartney: the couple marry
in St. Salvator's church in County Monaghan, Ireland. The church was built in the 17th
century and is located on Castle Leslie's 1,000-acre estate. The wedding commenced
at around 4 p.m. (11 a.m. EDT) and was conducted by the Venerable Cecil Pringle,
Archdeacon of Clogher. The service was finished when the church bells rang out at
5:20 p.m. (12:20 p.m. EDT).
According to a report filed by USA Today: "McCartney's brother, Mike, who was best
man when Paul married Linda Eastman in 1969, was best man again Tuesday. John
Eastman, Linda's brother, along with Paul's children, Stella, James, Mary and
stepdaughter Heather, were on hand, but not part of the ceremony." Mike's 19-year-
old son Joshua was in charge of the box of rings at the wedding.
Mike McCartney, recounting later in an exclusive interview with The Sun said of his
brothers marriage: "Over there I was just feet away from two people who love each
other - that's all you want in life. If you're lucky and you both love each other, that is
all anybody needs."
Mike said that Paul, 59, felt lucky before the wedding because he had spotted a bright
double rainbow the previous day.

And for extra luck he wore a "magic buttonhole" to marry former model Heather, 34.

"Not only did he have a pink McCartney rose but he had a sprig from Dad's lavender
bush and Mum's favourite flowers - two buttercups - in his lapel.

TO PAUL AND HEATHER,

OUR OTTAWA BEATLES SITE SPECIAL THOUGHT TO YOU:
"Of all the music that reached farthest into heaven, it is the beating of a
loving heart." -- Henry Ward Beecher
"That lavender bush came from our family home in Forthlin Road, Liverpool. All our
lives we had lavender around us.
"Mum would put it in little sachets and leave it in drawers and Dad would burn it in his
ashtray."
Heather's bridal dress was made of ecru lace, designed by Heather but with assistance
from London fashion house Avis & Brown. Her hair was styled by Amanda Amos from
Brighton and her make-up was by Mathew Alexander of Michael John.
Paul McCartney's publicist, Geoff Baker, described the ceremony as "joyful and
moving. Heather captured the hearts of the congregation when, overcome by the
emotion of the occasion, she briefly faltered and wept tears of joy whilst making her
vows." Heather was given away by her sister Fiona Mills. While traditional hymns were
used at the service, "Praise My Soul," "The King of Heaven" and "Lord of All
Hopefulness", the couple also selected "Heather", a song written recently by Paul and
was used as Mills entered the St. Salvator's church while carrying a bouquet of 11 pink
McCartney roses. As Heather and Paul made their way back down the church aisle, an
organist played the "Wedding March" which Paul had wrote in 1966 for the hit movie
"The Family Way."
Apart from the immediate family members in attendance, an estimated 300 guests
were also invited to Paul and Heather's wedding. Some of the famous notables
present were: ex-Beatle Ringo Starr, the band's producer Sir George Martin, Pink
Floyd's front-man David Gilmour, Jools Holland, 60's pop model Twiggy, Chrissie
Hynde, and actor Steve Buscemi.
On Thursday, June 13, the newly weds flew to the Seychelles from Belfast to
honeymoon on one of the Indian Ocean archipelago's private islands.
After the honeymoon is over, the couples future plans will include co-hosting the
"Adopt-A-Minefield Second Annual Dinner" to be held on September 18 at the Century
Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles. It is expected that Paul McCartney will perform with other
musicians while Jay Leno emcee's the event.
June 14
PETER BLAKE RECEIVES KNIGHTHOOD IN QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY HONOURS LIST
Peter Blake, responsible for the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album
cover, receives a knighthood in the Queen's Birthday Honours list. Sir Peter Blake was
the first fine artist as opposed to a record-cover designer to transcended himself into
the art world...Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band became the pride in the homes
of millions of record-buyers during the Summer of Love in 1967 -- remembered not
only for its groundbreaking music, but also for its exceptional art work and cover
design. This was the first time in the history of pop where both music and art
combined together and became one.
Said Sir Peter Blake: "It's a wonderful time to get this, as I celebrate my 70th
birthday next week.
 "I started at the Royal College of Art the year of the Queen's coronation in 1953.
"And it's funny to be getting a knighthood at the same time as Mick Jagger - we lived
50 yards away from each other. It's nice that two Dartford boys are getting honours
simultaneously."

Some interesting facts about the Sgt. Pepper album:

•In Britain, the album sold 250,000 units within a week of its release and 500,000
units within a month.

• In the United States, the album had advance sales of 1 million units and within
three months sold 2.5 million units.

•By mid-1987, the album's twentieth anniversary, Sgt. Pepper had sold 15 million
copies.

•Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band was the first pop record to contain the lyrics
on the back of an album cover.

June 24
BEATLES EARN £34.2M
The Beatles "accrued a stunning £34.2M fortune after selling 11M copies of '1', their
singles compilation, in the US last year. Significant revenue from publishing earned a
substantial income for Apple Corps, the group's American holding company", reports
the Daily Post.
The article also mentions Sir Paul earning "at least £8M from his recent American tour"
with "tickets for the show fetching up to £1,000 each on the black market."
June 28
RINGO STARR HELPS RAISE MONEY FOR THE DAVID SHEPHERD WILDLIFE
FOUNDATION
In an effort to both raise money and the profile of critically endangered mammals in
Africa and Asia, Ringo Starr and his wife Barbara Bach turned up before a large crowd
in their hometown of Cranleigh, England, to lend support to The David Shepherd
Wildlife Foundation. Ringo Starr encouraged the crowd to buy David Shepherd's
special sketches and prints, each one being autographed by the artist himself. The
charity event saw £6,000 raised on opening day. The former Beatle is expected to
show up with celebrities the following day for the "Cranleigh Carnival and Fun Day".
July 4
HARRISON'S ATTACKER RELEASED ON CONDITIONAL DISCHARGE
In a statement from the Mersey Care National Health Service Trust which oversees the
Scott Clinic in Rainhill, Merseyside, George Harrison's attacker "has been given a
conditional discharge today by a mental health review tribunal." The attacker who
suffers from schizophrenia, received fortnightly injections under the direct care of the
Scott Clinic to control his illness. While the conditions of the patient's release were to
"remain confidential" to "ensure the safety of the public", both Olivia and her son
Dhani Harrison were not notified of his release by officials. As news quickly travelled
to the Harrison family concerning the attacker's release, Olivia and Dhani provided an
interview July 5th with the BBC and said: "We can never forget how brutally close [he]
came to killing dear George and myself, nor the trauma inflicted on our son and
family." The Harrisons declared the "vicious" attack on George, who died of cancer last
November, had robbed him of the vital energy he needed to maintain his health.
Then, on July 9, a report emerged in Hello! magazine indicating that Olivia Harrison
has decided that she will "sell Friar Park". The 120-room mansion is located in
Oxfordshire and was purchased by George Harrison on January 14, 1970. In
December of 1999, it was here that Olivia Harrison fought off a knife-wielding intruder
who tried to kill her husband. Olivia's decision to sell the £20M property was based on
the new information about the attacker's release back into the community. Said a
family friend: "[His] release just reinforces her decision to sell. Olivia and Dhani didn’t
want to hold on to a property that, among some very good memories, also held some
pretty dreadful ones."
July 11
FUTURE DVD RELEASE OF THE CANADIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION'S
PRODUCTION
OF "JOHN AND YOKO'S YEAR OF PEACE" PLANNED
 John and Yoko's Year of Peace, which originally aired in Canada to commemorate
Lennon's 60th birthday on C.B.C. television, will be released in DVD format in the
United States on September 17, 2002. In a report from the Music News Industry
Network claims that Image Entertainment will distribute the DVD.
When they were producing the special, the C.B.C. made extensive use of its own
archival film from 1969. Interestingly, Yoko Ono also contributed to show not only by
way of providing exclusive interviews, but donated photographs and rare film footage
which resulted the show being praised by The Globe and Mail as "a brilliant
documentary". It also also won a finalist certificate at the New York Festivals. Doug
Thompson, the brainchild behind the program enlisted Paul McGrath as the producer
and Alan Lysaght as the programs director for the show. Both gentlemen were
responsible for chronicling the Lennons three visits to Canada in the special. Definitely
an excellent program worth picking up a copy for yourself!
July 25
QUEEN VISITS LIVERPOOL FOR BEATLE TOUR
On this date, Queen Elizabeth II attends two very special functions in Liverpool: The
Queen is present for the official 10:50 a.m. opening of a new airport terminal recently
built and renamed as the "Liverpool John Lennon Airport". There, the Queen unveiled a
special plaque with Yoko Ono present. The second function saw the Queen leave at
11:20 a.m. to visit the city's Walker Art Gallery which is currently displaying Paul
McCartney's art work.
Paul McCartney, who gave Queen Elizabeth a tour of his paintings, noted: "I think she
liked them. She said they were very colourful and I took that as a great compliment."
Commenting on the ceremonies at the airport, Yoko Ono said this about the Queen: "It
is such an honour to meet the Queen. John would have been very proud and
honoured." Yoko later watched a cultural parade from the balcony of the Liverpool
Town Hall. The Queen also had a chance to meet with Tom Murphy, the sculptor of the
statue of Lennon that is found in the check-in hall at the airport.
September 9
GEORGE HARRISON'S "BRAINWASHED" LP SET FOR RELEASE!
EMI announces that the last material recorded by George Harrison will be released on
November 18. The album, whose provisional working title was "Portrait of a Leg End" is
now to be called "Brainwashed". According to Billboard writer Jonathan Cohen, there
are "11 Harrison originals and an as-yet-unannounced cover."
The tracks were produced by George Harrison along with his son, Dhani. Overseeing
the final production aspects of the album is George's long-time musician friend and
record producer of Electric Light Orchestra fame, Jeff Lynne.
The album will be released on Dark Horse records and distributed through EMI. David
Munns, vice chairmain of EMI Recorded Music told the Daily News that "EMI is thrilled
to have this new affiliation with Dark Horse.
"George Harrison is an absolutely legendary artist and this is an extraordinary record
and a testament to his genius. We are proud to offer this album to the world."
It is anticipated that "Brainwashed" could give George a posthumous number one
album on the first anniversary of his death.
September 10
FOR THE FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF THE 9/11 TRAGEDY, YOKO ONO PLEADS
"GIVE PEACE A CHANCE"
Marking the first anniversary of the September 11 attacks, Yoko Ono releases a new
re-mixed version of "Give Peace A Chance" that includes lyrical references to the
tragedy. Accompanying the re-mix is a short film that was released on MTV music to
promote the idea of peace and not war. Said Yoko in a statement: "Let's create peace,
unity and light. I think John's words are needed just as much now as when they were
written -- 'Imagine all the people living in peace' and 'Give Peace A Chance'. Like all of
us, I'd like to see the human race survive, living in health and in love with each other."

"Give Peace A Chance 2002" was available as free download from Mindtrain Records.
September 14
PAUL McCARTNEY PLANS TO RELEASE UNPUBLISHED BEATLE TRACK:
"CARNIVAL OF LIGHT"
Predating John Lennon's Revolution 9, the Beatles recorded Carnival of Light on
January 5, 1967, during the Sgt. Pepper period and will be heard for the first time in
35 years. The 14-minute track, according to their record producer Sir George Martin, is
"...one of those weird things. It was a kind of uncomposed, free-for-all melange of
sound that went on." According to press reports, Carnival of Light will be used as a
"soundtrack to a film montage of his late wife Linda's photographs."
Music historians consider Carnival of Light as the first avant-guard piece of recorded
material done by the Beatles and was the mastermind of Paul McCartney. This is
confirmed later in an interview held on September 26 with Professor Glenn Gass who
teaches a course on Beatles music at the Indiana University. He is interviewed by
David Pencek of Norwich who is covering Paul's latest tour across the U.S.A. Here is
what Professor Glenn Gass had to say: "He [Paul McCartney] was the most eager to
experiment. He was more avant-garde than he gets credit for. People see Paul as
sentimental and John as cutting edge. That's not fair, and Paul gets a bit defensive
about it."
Carnival of Light had last been played at a London avant-garde festival in 1967.
 September 23
"THE BEST OF FELLAS - THE BOB WOOLER STORY"
In an exclusive to the Ottawa Beatles Site, Joe Robinson shares his personal
reminiscences of Bob Wooler. Joe had the unique opportunity of having met Bob
Wooler in person on several occasions. This enabled Joe to personally assist Bob
Wooler in developing his memoirs regarding his days as the DJ in the most famous of
all beat cellars: "The Cavern".
Joe Robinson's excellent write-up provides readers with "a taster of things to come"
with the pending release of Spencer Leigh's new book: "The Best of Fellas - The Bob
Wooler Story" which is to be published on November 7, 2002, by Drivegreen
Publications. The book will be full of Bob’s first hand accounts taken from his personal
memoirs.
Click on the link with exclusive photos of Bob Wooler along with a personal letter Bob
had sent to Joe...
http://www.ncf.ca/beatles/robinson.html
A HARD DAY'S NIGHT DVD COLLECTORS EDITION IS RELEASED
Miramax releases in 1.66:1 anamorphic widescreen, A Hard Day's Night, the DVD
Collectors Edition. The DVD sound quality is remastered in Dolby Digital 5.1, similar to
the theatrical re-release from a few years ago.
DVD Talk critic Aaron Beierle claims the quality of the film is "a remarkably clean
presentation, considering the age of the film. Obviously, considerable work has been
done....No major wear & tear is seen at all." He also had praise for the soundtrack:
"...the new 5.1 soundtrack hits the ears wonderfully from the opening moments with
the title music. The music sounds terrific throughout the picture, with a warmth and
clarity that impressed me."
The Hard Day's Night DVD Collector's Edition also an extra bonus: The DVD boasts up
to 30 different people interviewed who were directly involved in the making of the
movie. Beatle historian Martin Lewis interviewed 29 of those 30 people which included
Richard Lester and George Martin. Unfortunately, about the only thing that is missing
is an on-camera commentary from the Beatles themselves, otherwise, the DVD should
prove to be a another winner for Beatle fans and for the money coffers at Apple.
October 2
SIR GEORGE MARTIN RELEASES HIS NEW BOOK: "PLAYBACK"
Premiering his book at the Hard Rock Cafe in Melbourne, Australia, Sir George Martin
announces his limited edition autobiography entitled Playback. The book, which has a
run of 2000 copies are each individually autographed by Sir George Martin and
contains a CD. While the autobiography comes with a hefty price tag of $880.00, it
does contain previously unseen documents, diaries and recording notes that Sir George
Martin made at EMI studios while he worked with John, Paul, George and Ringo.
Playback also lists his favourite Beatle albums, in order: Abbey Road, Revolver, Sgt
Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, and Rubber Soul.
In an interview with Simon Plant of Herald Sun, Sir George Martin had this to say
about choosing favourite albums: "I love them all, really. It's a bit like asking, 'Who's
your favourite child?' "
Four decades later, the great importance of the Lennon-McCartney partnership is not
lost in Sir George Martin's mind as to their writing abilities of Beatles songs: "[W]hen
they worked together they produced something a little bit bigger than the sum of the
individual parts. It wasn't just a collaboration, it was a rivalry as well. I don't think
either of them really achieved the heights they did as Beatles in their solo careers.
They needed each other," he told The Age press. "I'm sure Paul misses John very
much. And George."
And what of the Lennon-McCartney legacy? Well, Sir George Martin feels pretty
confident that John and Paul's musical collaboration is indeed secured in the history
books: "I'm not saying it's as good as Ravel or Beethoven -- though it might be -- but
there is no other form of musical art in the late 20th century that is any better," he
told the Herald Sun.
Sir George Martin has won five Grammy awards and holds the British record for
producing 30 number 1 hit singles. Playback is being published by Hedley Australia.
November 3
Lonnie Donegan, "King of Skiffle" Music, Dies
Lonnie Donegan, who has been acknowledged by The Beatles as a major influence on
their early musical careers, died in Peterborough, England, at the age of 71. Lonnie,
whose real name is Anthony James Donegan, introduced "skiffle music" to England in
the 1950's. He is best remembered for his hit song "Rock Island Line" which lasted 22
weeks on the British charts. It was that song that inspired both George Harrison and
John Lennon to pick up a guitar. Said George Harrison in his autobiography, I, Me,
Mine: "Lonnie Donegan was a much bigger influence on rock than he was ever given
credit for. He was a big hero of mine."
Pre-dating rock 'n' roll, Donegan's "skiffle music" comprised of the following musical
instruments: a guitar, a washboard, jugs, a snare drum, and a stand-up bass with a
broom handle attached to an empty tea chest - and two chords that created a gritty
mixture of folk, jazz, gospel and blues. According to Hunter Davies, author of "The
Quarrymen", states that by 1957, an estimated "5,000 skiffle groups" existed in Britain
(in 1956, London alone had 1,000 skiffle groups!) The music was joyous and yet
simple enough to create that caused John Lennon to form his own skiffle group, the
Quarrymen, around the time when Lonnie Donegan was at his peak.
Lonnie Donegan's other notable hit songs were: Does Your Chewing Gum Lose Its
Flavor (on the Bedpost Overnight); My Old Man's a Dustman and Puttin' on the Style.
His accomplishments over the years eventually led him in receiving a lifetime
achievement award: the Ivor Novello in 1997. Lonnie was also made a Member of the
Order of the British Empire in 2000.
November 19
George Harrison's final album "Brainwashed" is released!

"There’s nothing magic about this," said George Harrison. "It’s acoustic guitars played by
musicians into a microphone that leads to a tape recorder." George, in a video, was
referring to the demo tapes he made that would be used in the making of his new album,
"Brainwashed".
Full credit should be given to George’s son, Dhani, for encouraging his father to record as
much of the material as possible: "He used to say, 'Oh, you're going to have to finish all
these songs.' I'd be like, 'Well, not if you do it first -- get off your arse and finish them!' "
Dhani laughs.
It was no secret to friends and musicians who were closest to George that when he re-
mastered and recorded bonus tracks for "All Things Must Pass", it became the catalyst for
George to write and record new songs which ultimately appeared on George's final album.
Jeff Lynne, who co-produced and finished up the tracks with Dhani, said in an interview
with the Toronto Star: "It wasn't the first time I'd heard these songs. George had played
them all for me live on his ukulele. I knew he'd been working on them in the studio, and
we'd been talking about producing them together when we found the time. I had no idea
how much work George had actually done in the studio until I opened the tape boxes four
months after he died," he says. "The album was more or less complete, though it was in
demo form."
In a tribute to George's final songs, Capitol Records general manager, Mark DiDia,
threw a "listening party" for Harrison's "Brainwashed" album and had this to say:
"These aren't songs that were left behind on the cutting-room floor -- these are from
his heart and soul." And, interestingly enough, Geoff Emerick who had been working in
an adjacent studio where Capitol Records were throwing the "listening party",
expressed some of his fond memories he had about George: "People don't realize it,
but George had a great sense of humour. He was also such a gifted musician. On
"Taxman," from the Revolver album, I can remember him writing the guitar parts
backwards to get the effect. He could do anything. At first, John and Paul didn't realize
how well he could write songs. But then they saw what he could do."
Advance press reviews of "Brainwashed" had Fox News heralding the album as a
"bona-fide success" while Colorado’s Rocky Mountain News in their write-up described
it as an album that "echoes the sonic trademark of his classic work, Brainwashed
doesn’t sound dated; it sounds timeless."
The album features some very respected musicians in the pop music industry: Jim
Keltner and Ray Cooper on drums; Mike Moran and Marc Mann on keyboards; Jools
Holland on piano; Herbie Flowers, bass and tuba; Joe Brown, acoustic rhythm guitar.
The album's co-producer, Jeff Lynne, plays bass, piano, guitar, keyboards and supplies
backing vocals while Dhani Harrison plays electric and acoustic guitars, Wurlitzer and
contributes backing vocals.
Said Jeff Lynne on Dhani's performance for this album: "Dhani's a great guitar player, and
he matched his dad perfectly," says Lynne. "He's an incredibly talented young man, a
musician, a painter, charming and knowledgeable. He's in no rush to become a pop star.
He's very quiet and wise, much like his father."
U.S. retailers predict that "Brainwashed" might debut in the top-10. Said Dave Alder, vice
president of marketing and promotion for Virigin Megastores: "It's a perfect time for
George's album. We'll be featuring the album at the front of all of our stores," he told
RollingStone.com. "There's a curiosity among Beatles fans about George's last album."
COST CUTTING MEASURES RETURNS EMI TO PROFIT LEVELS
After a massive program of job cuts and a reduction of poorly performing singers from
their repertoire, the BBC reports that EMI "is back in the black." The company saw
"£174.8m" return to profit during the first half of this year. Apart from job cuts and
reduction of musical artists from its organization, EMI also sold off their stake with Viva
Media and part of their stake with the HMV record chain which aided in the recovery. The
report, which was announced by EMI Group Chairman Eric Nicoli, added that the company
is still tackling concerns affecting profit margins: the decline of album sales and musical
piracy in Latin America, South Asia and in Southern Europe as well as digital piracy. That
part of Nicoli's announcement sent negative ripples into marketplace as "EMI's shares fell
from 10% to 165 pence shortly after the London stock market opened", the BBC reported.
However, Nicoli was confident that EMI's financial ledgers will improve "at all levels of
profitability" as they continue to sell off their remaining interests in HMV. Also, he
anticipates that with newly acquired pop superstar, Robbie Williams, should increase EMI's
record sales thereby improving the company's profit margins: "We not only profit from
album sales," said Nicoli, "but also participate in revenue generated through other music-
related activities such as touring and merchandise." EMI is anticipating that all of the
combined measures outlined will help the media giant maintain their strong financial
position well into 2003.
November 27
Year One: A.P. (After Peace)
With 15 new photos of John and Yoko's visit to Ottawa and Montreal

By special arrangement with the Montreal Gazette and the National Archives of
Canada, the Ottawa Beatle Site proudly presents a special photo essay on John and
Yoko's visit to Canada. The feature includes an exclusive interview from Timothy
Porteous, Prime Minister Trudeau's Executive Assistant who was present during the
historic 50-minute meeting when the Lennons met with Canada's Prime Minister on
December 23, 1969. Also included on the same page is an exclusive interview with
André Perry who produced "Give Peace A Chance" and "Remember Love" for the
Lennons. The interview was conducted by Andrew Croft, publisher of the highly
acclaimed Beatlology Magazine. Click on the above image to gain access to both of
these excellent interviews and the photo collection.
November 29
"Concert for George at the Royal Albert Hall"

Marking the first anniversary of George's death, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Eric
Clapton, Billy Preston and other close friends who knew and performed with the ex-
Beatle, showcased a memorial concert in his honour at London's Royal Albert Hall. The
concert, which was described by Ringo Starr as "a reflection and celebration", was
organized by Olivia Harrison with Eric Clapton as musical director.
Ravi Shankar, who opened the show with a combination of Indian and Western musical
influences, presented a prayerful introduction which included "The Inner Light", told
the audience: "I strongly feel that George is here tonight. I mean how can he not be
here when all of us who loved him so much have assembled all together to sing for him
and play music for him." And Eric Clapton, whom George regarded as one of the
finest guitar players in the pop music industry, had this to say about the concert: "It's
a beautiful occasion for me because I can share my love of George with you, his wife
Olivia and son Dhani can experience and witness how much we loved him through his
music."
The sell-out crowd of 5,000 -- which included Sir George Martin -- saw performances
from the two surviving Beatles: Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney. Ringo paid tribute by
performing "Photograph", a song that he and George had written together in 1973. For
this number, Ringo was accompanied on guitar by George's son, Dhani. The ex-Beatle
also did "Honey Don't" which was an old Beatles' cover version the band recorded on
October 26, 1964. Fans most familiar with the number will readily attest that some
very fine guitar picking by George Harrison can be heard on that recording -- so
raucous was the session that an overjoyed Ringo Starr shouted on the track: "Ah, rock
on George, one time for me!" Perhaps it was the fun-filled memories of that recording
session that made Ringo choose "Honey Don't" -- and it certainly brought back lots of
memories for George's fans!
For Paul's tribute, he chose three of George's songs: the classic "For You Blue" which
was one of the big highlights from the "Let It Be" album and "Something" from the
Abbey Road album. Paul also did a duet with Jeff Lynne on "All Things Must Pass", the
title track from Harrison's first solo album since leaving the Beatles. Of all the three
songs that caught the most media attention, was "Something." The Independent news
reported that McCartney's "solo ukulele version of 'Something' glided beautifully into
Clapton's reliably note-perfect guitar solo" which caused the "song's symphonic
grandeur" to shine "brightly." On stage, Paul made mention that his heartfelt
performances were "a tribute to a beautiful friend."
The memorial concert also saw fervent appearances from Jools Holland; Gary Brooker;
Tom Petty; Sam Brown; Dhani Harrison and Joe Brown on "Here Comes the Sun". Billy
Preston performed "My Sweet Lord" and did a duet with Eric Clapton on "Isn't It A
Pity."
Proceeds from the concert will go to the "Material World Charitable Foundation, funded
by Mr. Harrison since 1973, to support the arts, music, education and people with
special needs," reported the Daily Telegraph.
December 8
Beatles '1' -- Fastest Selling Album Ever!
On this date, This is London reports the following: "The compilation album of the
Beatles' number one hits - '1' - was the fastest selling in history." This fact is also
acknowledged by Guinness World Records when they declared " '1', [which was]
released on November 13, 2000, sold 13.5 million copies around the world in the first
month, making it the fastest selling album." Sales of Beatles '1' continue to prove to
be quite lucrative for its shareholders when accounts filed by Apple saw the company's
"pre-tax profits for the year [2002] to last January soared to £18.4m", wrote This is
London. Sir Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, George Harrison's widow Olivia, and John
Lennon's widow Yoko Ono also made £7.5m each for "promotional services charged to
the company as well as payments for the use of their name and likenesses".
 Special Note of Interest: Guinness World Records also states that "The Beatles have
amassed the greatest sales for any group. All-time sales have been estimated by EMI
at over one billion discs and tapes to date."
December 10
John Lennon's 'Imagine' -- Centerpiece
of New Amnesty International Campaign for Human Rights
With usage rights from Yoko Ono, Amnesty International will re-record John Lennon's
legendary anthem 'Imagine' featuring an international children's choir. The recording is
to be produced by Academy Award winning composer, Hans Zimmer and will be used
over the next two years by Amnesty International as a campaign "to reach out across
generations to rally support for human rights," wrote the U.S. Newswire services.
In a statement from Yoko Ono: "The 'Imagine' campaign is such a beautiful campaign.
I'm just enthralled by it. Bringing this 'Imagine' campaign all over the world, and by
asking children of different countries to sing the song, it's a way of getting children --
and adults -- to come together. It will mean so much to today's world for children to
sing this song."
The campaign includes a CD to be released in the Spring of 2003, a music video,
television ads, print and radio as way to get their message out. Advertising for the
'Imagine' campaign had already commenced in a December 8th edition of the New
York Times and a "a four-page insert" will be included "in the December 23 issue of
The New Yorker" according to the press report. Amnesty International USA (AIUSA)
has also commenced with an interactive on-line website with a special interview from
Yoko Ono: http://www.amnestyusa.org/imagine
Curt Goering, senior deputy executive director for AIUSA, explained why the
organization chose 'Imagine' for their crusade: "John Lennon's vision was of a world in
which the needs and rights of every single person were respected and people
everywhere lived in peace and harmony. His lyrics challenged people to imagine and
act -- the same challenge Amnesty International has issued for 40 years. With ongoing
and impending conflicts around the globe, Amnesty International calls on people
everywhere to join us not only in imagining a better world, but also in working to
protect human rights and create a more secure and just world."
Since its founding in 1961, Amnesty International has freed more than 45,000
prisoners.
December 22
Sir Paul McCartney gets his own coat of arms
 "Sir Paul McCartney has sealed his move from rock star to pillar of the Establishment
with a coat of arms to go with his knighthood. The arms - with a guitar and a Liver Bird
symbolising his music career and Liverpool roots - use a formula that dates back to the
15th century," wrote Mark Ludlow of The Sunday Times. "The shield features two black
flaunches, or curved emblems. Each is divided in two and the resulting four shapes,
resembling beetles' backs, symbolise McCartney and his fellow Beatles John Lennon,
George Harrison and Ringo
Starr. Two circles refer to records and CDs, and guitar strings pass over them." At the
bottom of the coat of arms contains the motto: "Ecce Cor Meum" and is Latin for
"Behold My Heart" which is the title of an oratorio he composed.
Queen Elizabeth II gave Paul the title of nobility on December 30, 1996. He then
applied for the coat of arms but the design and approval was delayed when Linda
McCartney, Paul's first wife, died from cancer in 1998. The shield was finally granted
by the College of Arms (part of the royal household) and was "delivered to McCartney
after payment of a £3,500 fee," wrote The Sunday Times.
Only two other pop stars have their own coat of arms: Sir Cliff Richard and Sir Elton
John.

**2003**
January 7
The Beatles Book Monthly folds
After a 40-year publication run, Sean O'Mahony, founder of the Beatles first fanzine --
"The Beatles Book Monthly" -- has printed its final edition this month. Publication of
the London-based fanzine first began with approval from Brian Epstein, the Beatles
manager, in August, 1963. According to David Charters of the Daily Post Staff, The
Beatles Book Monthly had long been revered as "a bible to followers of the most
famous group in the history of popular music" noted for covering topics such as "the
early chart success of the Mop Tops, through the crazy years of mystical discovery and
psychedelia to the acrimonious break-up, and then the tragic deaths of John and
George."
At the peak of success, sales of The Beatles Book Monthly in the U.K. alone was in
excess of 330,000 copies while at the same time overseas distribution figures ran well
into the "hundreds of thousands", wrote the Daily Post. But several factors were cited
(including from its founding editor) for the demise of the publication: 1) Recent sales
of the publication have dwindled to about 10,000; 2) "The number of things the former
Beatles are doing gets less and less as the years go on", exclaimed Sean O'Mahony.
But perhaps the most significant point was summarized best by David Charters of the
Daily Post when he wrote: "...the Beatles Book Monthly is to cease to publication,
simply because it has said all that need be said."
Each issue of the Beatles Book Monthly ran 48 pages long with a retail value of £3 and
contained news, merchandise and articles on the Beatles. Beatle song titles such as
"Junk", "The Void", "Not Guilty", and "What's The New Mary Jane" first surfaced in The
Beatles Book Monthly magazine via articles and reports from those who worked very
closely inside the Beatles inner circle, i.e. Tony Barrow, the Beatles PR Officer from
1962 to 1968. Tony Barrow had ghosted many articles for Mal Evans and Neil Aspinall.
January 10
Get Back Tapes Recovered!
Led by the International Federation of Phonographic Industry (IFPI), London and Dutch
detectives have recovered 500 reel-to-reel tapes of the famous "Get Back" sessions
which eventually became the creation of the "Let It Be" album. The anti-piracy swoop
ended a 30-year disappearance of the recordings (most Beatle fans never knew that
the tapes were stolen in the first place.) According to New York Times reporter Allan
Kozinn, the tapes "are monaural recordings made on a pair of Nagra tape recorders for
reference purposes by a film crew that was documenting the sessions for a proposed
television documentary" and each tape runs about 16 minutes each. The investigation
included London and Dutch detectives which led to the arrest of five suspects, two in
West London and three in an undisclosed location South of Amsterdam. The scam was
exposed when the West London pair, a man and woman who are suspected of being
"employed in the Beatles' Abbey Road studios at the time" of the "alleged theft in the
early 1970s", attempted to sell the tapes to an undercover detective posing as a
representative from EMI. The amount the suspects were demanding from EMI was
$672,000. Part of the money was shown to the West London pair by the undercover
detective while the other three suspects in South Amsterdam were shown the rest of
the money at the same time by "undercover officers from the Netherlands police," the
Daily Telegraph reports. "When the man in London and the Dutch people agreed by cell
phone to complete the sale, police moved in. Three people were arrested in Holland.
No money was paid out."
Michael Ellis, head of the IFPI's western European unit, could not over-emphasize
enough the importance of the these recordings: "We were always interested in finding
these tapes. The tapes were made in 1969 and they represent a significant part of the
heritage of the British music industry. It was like a priceless painting being stolen."
January 12
The Best of Fellas' -- A Tribute to Cavern compère Bob Wooler
at the Philharmonic Hall Liverpool
 Click on the above image for Joe Robinson's excellent Bob Wooler tribute!
Liverpool's Joe Robinson, who attended "The Best of Fellas -- A Tribute to Bob Wooler",
salutes the legendary Cavern compère through his personal reminiscences of the
various musicians and friends who participated at the festive occasion. Joe's exclusive
photography that he took that night at Philharmonic Hall is presented in his
tribute. And, published for the first-time ever, Joe provides us with the complete track
listing of songs that were performed in honour of Bob Wooler.
The "The Best of Fellas" tribute night was used as an opportunity for the "Roy Castle
Lung Foundation" to raise money -- a charity which Bob Wooler had been a long
supporter of. Proceeds of ticket sales went directly to the charity. During the program,
Mark Scragg, son of Roy Scragg from the Denisons, presented a cheque of £1,800
which topped-up the ticket sales. Cheryl and Norman Williams of "The Roy Castle Lung
Foundation" had organized the event.
January 15
Geoff Emerick to Receive "Technical Grammy Award"
Geoff Emerick, the Beatles recording engineer who has received Grammy Awards for
Revolver, Sgt. Pepper and Abbey Road, will be adding another to his prestigious list:
"The Technical Grammy Award". The Grammy "is presented to individuals and/or
companies who have made contributions of outstanding technical significance to the
recording field," reported Business Wire.com. The award will also be presented to
Shure Incorporated who has been world leader in audio electronics since 1925 (the
company invented the first practical stereo phono cartridge!)
"The creative fearlessness of Geoff Emerick and the immeasurable contribution that
Shure Incorporated has made to the world of audio are the achievements of true
visionaries," said Producer & Engineers Wing Director Leslie Lewis. "Emerick's
groundbreaking and skilful techniques continue to inspire generations and Shure's
audio equipment consistently sets the standard for excellence. The world would have
sounded very different without the contributions of our honourees."
The Grammy Awards are to be presented on February 23rd at New York's Madison
Square Gardens between 8 -11:30 p.m. (PST/EST) on CBS Television.
 January 19
An Ottawa Beatles Site Exclusive!
Le Dain Commission of Inquiry into the Non-Medical Use of Drugs -- "The
Private Testimony of John Lennon"
When questioned about his LSD usage, John Lennon once told Jann Wenner in 1971 in
the book, "Lennon Remembers", that "It went on for years. I must have had a
thousand trips." Wenner asks Lennon, "Literally a thousand trips or a couple of
hundred?" to which Lennon responds back with: "Lots. I used to just eat it all the
time." That was the very public John Lennon talking with much bravado for the Rolling
Stone interview. But then there is the very private John Lennon who, only two years
before, was certainly not bragging about his LSD usage. For in December 1969, John
Lennon and Yoko Ono testified at the "Le Dain Commission of Inquiry Into the Non-
Medical Use of Drugs" where John declared his reasons for stopping his LSD
consumption: "I think it probably does burn your head off, because -- I stopped using
it because it did burn my head off, and, of course, now there's bad drugs going 'round.
You can't even trust the drugs that come because people are selling acid that has got
God knows what in it, you know."
John Lennon's testimony is 76 pages long and as you might expect from the pop star,
he delves into the many themes relevant to him and the "hippie movement" of the late
'60s. The interview was conducted by two representatives from the Le Dain
Commission, Dean I.L. Campbell and Dr. Lehmann, in Montreal.
The publication of the "Private Testimony of John Lennon at the Le Dain Commission of
Inquiry Into the Non-Medical Use of Drugs" was the result of a 5-½ month
investigative effort made by John Whelan, the Ottawa Beatle Site's Chief Researcher.
Lennon's interview has never been published before until now.
Click on the following link for John Lennon's interview:
http://www.ncf.ca/beatles/lennon_inquiry.html
March 25
Ringo Starr releases "Ringo Rama" CD featuring a tribute song
to George Harrison

In a very candid interview in a Beverly Hills hotel, Ringo Starr reveals to Jane
Stevenson of the Toronto Sun why the ex-Beatle wrote "Never Without You", a new
song in memory of his late former band mate, George Harrison: "I was happy to do it,
because it was a great way to express joy and loss, and it was the best way I could do
it -- with a song.
"We started the album last year, in February, three or four months after he died, so it
was to the fore that he'd gone. But where we started the song (starts singing), 'We
were young, it was fun ...' it automatically went to the group, to The Beatles.
"And then I was trying to put John Lennon in to say 'Hi, John,' and Harry Nillson. But it
just got too messy and George was on my mind. So we decided, 'Let's stop all this.
Just make this for George.'
"And when we decided that, then we could tailor it more. Then I put in all those lines
that George wrote. 'Within you, without you,' is from his song. And so we took artistic
licence, which expressed more than I could ever say. And that's how it was. And it was
really a great way to have some closure."
NME.com wrote that Eric Clapton, a close friend to George, was chosen by Ringo and
given the task of providing a solo guitar break in the song. Said Ringo: "I wanted Eric
to come and play that solo because I only wanted people on the track who George
knew and loved."
Ringo Rama contains 14 tracks (the last one, "I Really Love Her", has Ringo performing
on all of the instruments) and comes with a "Limited Edition Bonus DVD" (over 40
minutes long) with interviews from Ringo and The Roundheads with session
appearances from David Gilmour, Eric Clapton, Willie Nelson, Charlie Haden, Timothy
B. Schmit and Van Dyke Parks.
March 27
LENNON'S CHILDHOOD HOME IS TO OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
The childhood home in which John Lennon grew up in between the ages of five to 23
(1946 - 1963) with his Aunt Mimi, is to open to the public on Saturday, March 29. The
announcement was made today by both Yoko Ono and Britain's National Trust.
'Mendips', a pebble-dashed mock Tudor 'semi' located on 251 Menlove Avenue, was
purchased last year by Yoko Ono for £150,000 when the previous owner died. Yoko
then donated Mendips to the National Trust who then restored it to the homey
ambience that Lennon grew up in. Said Ono: "When John's house came up for sale I
wanted to preserve it for the people of Liverpool, and John Lennon and Beatle fans all
over the world. The house resonates with a special atmosphere. It was after all, where
some of John's songs that we now hold so dear were born....And it gives me great
pleasure to see Mendips restored as a permanent memory of a place that formed him
and his amazing talents."
Advising on the decor of the home was Mike Cadwallader, a cousin of the family who
use to visit Aunt Mimi and John Lennon. Catherine Jones, reporter for IC Liverpool,
best described John's 10ft by 7ft bow-fronted bedroom as "that of a 50s teenager who
has discovered girls and rock 'n' roll. Pictures of Elvis and Brigitte Bardot are tacked on
the walls, 45s by Lonnie Donnegan are strewn around the eiderdown-covered bed, and
books by the much-loved Lewis Carroll sit open on a desk."
Some of Lennon's earliest writings were created at Mendips: "John used to formulate
his songs in the bedroom," Yoko Ono told the British Times On Line. "He told me that
when he was writing in his diary, sometimes Mimi used to look into it, and he found
out about that, so he started to write in gobbledegook...and so even before surrealism
appeared in his songs, it was there."
Interestingly, other areas of the home were as equally important from a historical
perspective: Reuters reported that the "porch of the house is where Lennon formed his
first band, The Quarrymen, and later rehearsed with Paul McCartney". While the porch
was only big enough for John and Paul standing, strumming their guitars, The
Observer wrote of a different location the twosome used where a "tiled floor and glass
created the boomy 'bathroom' acoustic the lads coveted, and here they practised and
germinated such songs as 'Please Please Me', 'I Call Your Name' and 'I'll Get You.'"
Fiona Reynolds, director-general of the National Trust, described today's special
announcement as "extraordinary and exciting". Ms. Reynolds declared that "John
Lennon made a tremendous contribution to 20th century popular culture. The National
Trust is delighted that, as a result of Yoko's generosity, we have been able to protect
Mendips and open it to the public. Through his music and words John touched the lives
of millions of people, and it is exciting for us to be able to present the place in which it
all began."
Tours of Mendips are being offered by the National Trust and is combined with a visit
Paul McCartney's old house in Forthlin Road, Allerton, Liverpool. Fees are £5 for
members, £10 for non-members, by pre-arranged minibus only.
March 31
The Beatles Anthology is released in DVD format!

On this date, the "Beatles Anthology" is officially released in DVD format in Britain and
issued the following day in Canada and the United States. The Anthology set boasts a
total of 5 DVD discs: the first four discs presents the original 10-hour documentary
that came out in VHS format in 1996 while the fifth disc contains 81 minutes of Beatle
material, almost all of which has never been seen before.

Here is a breakdown of the important highlights from this new DVD:

• A rare June 23, 1994 jam session filmed at George Harrison's home features Paul,
George and Ringo doing snippets of "Raunchy"; "Blue Moon of Kentucky"; "Thinking
of Linking" (a McCartney song that Paul wrote when he was 16); "What Do You Want
Me To Do" and "Ain't She Sweet". These short snippets makes for about 10 minutes
of unheard music with Paul and George on acoustic guitars while Ringo used brushes
on the drums. Other songs saw Paul and George on the ukuleles while Ringo slapped
his legs to keep the beat!
• A May 1995 film recording shows the Beatles producer, George Martin, Paul, George
and Ringo, play back and discuss the multi-track tapes of "Golden Slumbers" and
"Tomorrow Never Knows".

• "Free As A Bird" and "Real Love", which were the Beatles first recordings in 25
years to be released as CD singles in 1995 and 1996, contain short documentaries
from Paul, George, Ringo and producer Jeff Lynne in how those recordings were
made. There is even an interview from Joe Pytka, director of the "Free As A Bird"
promotional video who provides intriguing insight into how the Grammy award-
winning video was created. And of course, the actual "Real Love" video is included
here for the first time which didn't appear in the original VHS format.

• The DVD is upgraded and digitally mixed by engineers at Abbey Road Studios, with
picture noise, film and dirt scratches removed. The Beatles Anthology DVD comes in
three sound options: Dolby Digital 5.1 surround; DTS 5.1 surround and
uncompressed PCM stereo.

David Munns of EMI Recorded Music said: "We are really pleased to be releasing 'The
Beatles Anthology,' which tells the story of their lives and careers in the medium of
DVD. This was always a great series and the Special Features Disc will be a huge
addition to the collection of any music lover and Beatles fan -- it provides an intimate
and fascinating chapter to the story that continues to captivate the world."
April 4
PAUL McCARTNEY BUYS RIGHTS TO CARL PERKINS' CATALOGUE
Paul McCartney's music company, MPL Communications Inc, announces on this date
that a long-term publishing deal has been arranged for worldwide administration of 23
classic rock 'n' roll songs written by the late Carl Perkins. Of those 23 classics, the
Beatles in their heyday did three cover versions of his work: "Matchbox"; "Honey
Don't" and "Everybody's Trying to Be My Baby". John Lennon in his solo career
recorded "Blue Suede Shoes" found on the "Live Peace In Toronto 1969" concert (the
original 1956 recording by Perkins, sold 2 million copies before Elvis Presley made it
into a major hit for himself.)
Carl had always remained good friends with the Beatles both during and after the
bands break-up. George Harrison and Ringo Starr appeared with Carl Perkins on a
cable TV special in London called: "Carl Perkins and Friends: A Rockabilly Session" and
in 1982, Carl performed electric guitar and vocals on Paul McCartney's "Get It" from
the "Tug of War" album.
The Rockabilly King in an interview once said about the Beatles: "George Harrison told
me 'Man, you wrote your songs, you sang your songs, you played guitar. That's what
we wanted to do.'" Perkins had even publicly declared that both the Beatles and the
Rolling Stones took rockabilly further than he ever anticipated. "They advanced it so
much," said Carl. "That rockabilly sound wasn't as simple as I thought it was." In
another interview, Perkins noted that "They put a nice suit on rockabilly. They never
strayed from the simplicity of it. They just beautified it."
Today's announcement from MPL Communications included a statement from Paul
McCartney: "Carl Perkins was one of my earliest influences; I am quite simply a fan of
his." A recent cover version of "Matchbox" appears on Paul McCartney's "Back in the
U.S." concert film while "Honey Don't", a solo performance from Ringo Starr appears
on the highly acclaimed "Go, Cat, Go" CD released in 1996 by Perkins.
The inclusion of the Carl Perkins musical catalogue expands MPL Communication's
growing list of music publishing rights that includes Buddy Holly, Jerry Herman, Frank
Loesser and Meredith Wilson.
April 11
The Beatles Anthology DVD Debuts at Number 1
The Beatles continue to astound the music industry by establishing a new record within
the DVD medium: "The Beatles Anthology DVD, released April 1, 2003, debuts at the
number one position on Billboard's DVD Music Video Chart and on the Music Video
Chart, having sold nearly 59,000 units in the first week," reported PRNewswire. "This is
the biggest Music Video DVD boxset debut in the soundscan era."
"Like all great artists, The Beatles' music is timeless and their story continues to be
relevant to all music lovers," says Capitol Records President and CEO Andrew Slater.
PRNewswire also revealed that "The Beatles catalogue has taken major jumps on the
Billboard Pop Catalog Chart this week, including the return to the #1 chart position for
the Beatles 1 CD, with sales now approaching 9 million copies in the US alone."
April 12
Former Beatle Pete Best survives a horrifying motorway accident
While traveling back to Liverpool after a show, the six members of "The Pete Best
Band" - which included Pete Best and his brother Roag - narrowly walks away from
death with only cuts and bruises after a lorry had hit their minibus. The incident
occurred Saturday morning while driving on the M6 near Stoke.
In an April 15th publication by the Liverpool Echo, Pete Best, 61, revealed to reporter
Nicky Tabarn, how the accident unfolded: "I was dozing when the next thing I knew a
wagon had clipped us and we were smashing into the barriers. Everything was in slow
motion and it seemed like an eternity. We managed to climb out of the wreckage and
did a head count to make sure everyone had got out ok. Someone really must have
been watching over us."
Roag Best, 40, who was driving the minibus, told Nicky Tabarn how he lost control of
the van: "We spun right round and hit the railings on the hard shoulder. The roof
caved in, the driver's door was ripped off and the windscreen flew out." The shattering
of glass had injured members of "The Pete Best Band".
"The police at the scene said we must lead charmed lives," said Roag Best. "I really
thought we were going to die."
May 11
Tens of thousands flock outside Rome's Coliseum
A very noteworthy entry into this Beatles Timeline: On this date, Paul McCartney
performs a free concert before an unprecedented crowd of "around 500,000" at the
Coliseum in Rome. Said Paul, "I'm completely blown away - it was one of the most
fantastic evenings of my life and I'm so chuffed that at my stage in the game this was
the biggest show of my entire career," wrote the Daily Post. The day before, Paul held
a charity concert at the Coliseum before a crowd of 400 people who paid up to $1,485
in an internet auction for tickets. Proceeds of $285,000 were raised from the concert
and will go towards "Adopt-A-Minefield" and to archaeological projects in Rome.
 May 17
Lennon on drugs: the Beatles' secret testimony on marijuana in Canada
In a major news article by the Ottawa Citizen, veteran music reporter Norman
Provencher reveals the circumstances as to why John and Yoko's drug testimony was
held in "secrecy" before the Le Dain Commission of Inquiry into the Non-Medical Use of
Drugs. Provencher interviewed several key participants who were involved with the Le
Dain Commission including former Health Minister John Munro. For the article, please
click on the active link: Lennon on Drugs
May 24
Paul McCartney Rocks in Moscow's "Red Square"
"We find it absolutely senseless and blasphemous to hold rock concerts in a graveyard
of a special kind where Stalin, Lenin, Brezhev, Gagarin and other prominent
personalities are buried. A rock concert on Red Square has a covert political meaning
and would require the use of a significant number of police and security forces. You
may find yourself in the very center of a serious political scandal."
- Message to Paul McCartney and Moscow mayor Yuri Luzhkov in a final plea to hold
the concert elsewhere in Russia. It was signed by deputies Alexei Mitrofanov, Nikolai
Bezborodov, Sergei Reshulsky, Tatyana Astrakhankina, Yuri Nikiforenko and others as
reported in a May 13, 2003, Interfax press release.
Backtrack: Based on a study by his Minister of Culture and fearful that it would only be
corruptive on Soviet youth, Nikita Khrushchev in the early 1960's denounces Western
popular music: "The youth of the Soviet Union do not need this cacophonous rubbish.
It's just a small step from saxophones to switchblades." The statement made by
Khrushchev ushered in a ban on all "Beatle records" in the U.S.S.R. when the group
became popular in the West.
"By using the saxophone as an example of Western decadence, he was lumping
together all pop music instruments, especially electric guitars. That instrument was
deemed the cause of most of the corruption among young people in the Soviet Union,"
wrote Dr. Yury Pelyushonok, author of Strings for a Beatle Bass - The Beatles
Generation in the U.S.S.R. and who grew up in the Soviet Union while under
communistic rule. "It went without saying that the Beatles, who seemed to be armed
with electric guitars, would be totally forbidden." Interestingly, the ban on "Beatles
music" would later include recordings of Paul McCartney's 1970's band "Wings". It
would be a very long time coming before "Beatles" and "Wings" records were approved
for commercial distribution by the Russian government*, let alone even a rock concert
performed by Paul. For his part, the former Beatle actually wrote to Leonid Brezhnev in
1980 asking if he could perform during the Moscow Olympic Games but was turned
down.
[*Editorial: By March 1986, "Melodiya", the Soviet recording company would officially
release two Beatle albums at the same time in Russia: "A Hard Day's Night" and "A
Taste of Honey". The album tracks for "A Taste of Honey" were culled from three
different British Beatle albums: "Please Please Me", "With the Beatles", and "Beatles
For Sale". Regarding Paul McCartney's "CHOBA B CCCP", the album was issued twice
by "Melodiya": a rare unauthorized version was issued on October 31, 1988, contained
11 tracks and a yellow cover back with notes by Andrei Gavrilov. The authorized
version from McCartney was released on December 24, 1988, contained 13 tracks with
a white cover back with notes by Roy Carr that were taken from the New Musical
Express.]
Fast-forward: On March 19, 2003, the Associated Press covers Paul's official
announcement to perform in Russia and headlines it with: "McCartney to Play Open-Air
Gig in Moscow" (in the "Red Square", May 24). In the news article, Paul said, "I've long
wanted to play in Russia, but for a number of years when the communists were in
power, they didn't want me to." The former Beatle added: "I've never even visited
Russia as a tourist, so it's exciting for me now to be getting to perform there with a
band and finally be singing 'Back in the U.S.S.R.' and all these other songs for people,
who, I've got a feeling, might be ready for it."
In spite of the natural optimism coming from Paul, on April 15, Russia's Interfax web
media announces some government dissention concerning Paul's visit to Moscow.
Alexei Mitrofanov, a representative of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDPR) "believes
that it is 'inappropriate' to hold a concert on Red Square", wrote Interfax. The politician
wanted to discuss his request addressed to the Russian president to prevent
McCartney from performing on the Red Square, but was turned down by the State
Duma Council (Russia's "Lower House") on Tuesday.
Mitrofanov told Interfax: "Such concerts should not be held on Red Square, and it is
essentially an unprecedented event, as artists have given concerts on this square only
on holidays, for example, City Day."
Sergi Mitrokhin, deputy head of Yabloko parliamentary faction, was surprised by
Mitrofanov's initiative. "He [McCartney] won't be doing a strip-tease," he told Interfax.
And Andrei Vulf, a member of the Union of Right Forces faction, called the upcoming
concert "a wonderful idea....Millions of Russian's have waited for this moment for 30
years, and I don't doubt that McCartney has at least twice as many fans in Russia as
the number of supporters of the most popular political parties."
On May 24, Vulf's comments about how Russian fans have long-awaited for a rock
performance from Paul McCartney, was confirmed by Moscow Beatle fan Sacha
Gorbachev: "I was a Beatles fan under Communism when I was young. I wore a
Communist badge with Marx, Engels and Lenin on it, but I changed it to show John
Lennon. The authorities did not like it and threw me out of college", he said. "I have
been waiting 30 years for this concert." Gorbachev's comments appeared in the Sky
News Media.

"A massive stage has been erected just yards from Lenin's mausoleum for the
event - the first time a rock concert has been held in Red Square." -- Source:
Sky News
Paul McCartney Becomes Professor of St. Petersburg Conservatory, May 22: On this
date, Reuters announces that Paul McCartney has been awarded a diploma of Professor
of Honour of St. Petersburg Conservatory. McCartney, speaking in Russian, said:
"Hello! I am glad to be here. This is a great honour for me. Thank you." Then,
speaking in English, McCartney pointed to his doctorate and said: "It's really exciting
to be in the same school that such great composers as Tchaikovsky came to. It's
fantastic to be here. And receiving this diploma is the icing on the cake."
During the award ceremonies, Valentina Matviyenko, President Vladimir Putin's
regional envoy to the North-western Federal District, proclaimed McCartney as a great
musician and idol for millions of fans: "Your music showed that there is no music for
the elite, but music for everyone."
The Red Square Concert by Paul, May 24: After access had been opened up just 1.5
hours before the show, Reuters news service reported an estimated 20,000 spectators
had finally gathered onto Red Square to hear a three hour concert from Paul
McCartney. Days before the concert began, 17,000 tickets were sold and prices had
ranged from 1,000 to 6,000 rubbles, with 10,000 tickets destined to the VIP zone. To
put some kind of monetary value in terms of dollars, the Associated Press in their
report said that "Tickets ranged from about $30 to $300. With the average [Russian]
monthly wages around $140, the concert was a splurge for many." Some Russian fans
bought the cheapest tickets available just to see Paul McCartney perform. Those who
didn't have tickets for the show "gathered behind the barricades and listened," wrote
the Associated Press. The fans were treated to many classic Beatle tunes including
"Back in the U.S.S.R." and many other hits from McCartney's solo era.
Earlier in the day, McCartney met with Russian President Vladimir Putin for tea and
guided tour in the Kremlin. McCartney revealed to the press that when he had his
meeting with the Russian president, he did a private performance of "Let It Be." Putin
told his guest that Beatles' music "was considered propaganda of an alien ideology. It
did not seem to some people that art was beyond ideology." The Russian president
also went on to say that the music had been a symbol of freedom. Putin, who had
been a former KGB agent, had always been a fan of the pop star's music since his
youth had welcomed the McCartney concert: "I'm very excited that after all this time
of the Beatles banned in Russia that we can finally come and do this show."
Said Paul McCartney about the Russian folk: "I always suspected that people had big
hearts. Now I know that's true."
Click here for photos of the days activities.
September 18
The Last Great Beatle Story is Told: "Paul McCartney in Red Square" airs on
A&E
Preface: "No respectable American commentator will state the real reason that the
Soviet coup failed. They talk tediously about the bureaucratic ineptitude of the
plotters, or how glasnost had gained surprising support. They never mentioned the
power that actually smashed the Communist Party and the KGB. The most potent force
on earth is not our military or CIA, but low-life American culture: fast food, blue jeans,
T-shirts and rock'n'roll." -- Ed Quillen, journalist, Denver Post, September 1, 1991.
"Though recordings by The Beatles were banned during the Soviet era, the band's
music made it through the Iron Curtain in small doses, giving many here their first
taste of rock 'n' roll." -- Ira Iosebashvili, journalist, Moscow Times, October 3, 2003.
On this date, the Arts and Entertainment network airs a documentary exploring how
Russian Beatle fans were deprived from witnessing firsthand, Beatlemania while under
the control of the communist ideology. The documentary featured special interviews
with President Vladimir Putin, former President Mikhail Gorbachev, Russian Defence
Minister Sergie Ivanov, and many other Russian nationals whose lives were changed as
result of experiencing Beatles music. It also featured some of Paul McCartney's finest
musical works both as a Beatle and solo artist.
Many of the Russian testimonies given on the program confirmed that Beatles music
meant more to them than perhaps to the Western generation because of the covert
ways they had to listen to the music. Andre Makarevich, founder of the Soviet pop
group, "Time Machine", declared on the program: "The Beatles [meant] more [to us]
than the Beatles for any other country because in any other country, people could feel
that they're not far from them. One day they come to their town and play their show
and you can go to the shop and buy a new record. We understood that we lived on a
separate planet and they will never come here -- never see the albums in the shop.
That's why it was much more important for us."
How did official Beatles albums and official Beatle singles end up being banned in the
60s in Russia? It started under the leadership of President Nikita Khrushchev who was
one of the strongest supporters of communism. He publicly made it known through the
Russian media that he viewed rock 'n' roll music as decadent Western culture and that
it was subversive and a corruptive influence on Russian youth which might lead to the
hollowing out of communism. To that end, Russia's "Ideological Department of the
Central Committee" - a bureaucratic department who supported "pure thought" on
communism, reviewed all arts, languages and national upheavals -- those big scale
things that would impact negatively on communism. The review on the arts included
rock 'n' roll music from the West and the music of the Beatles. As each and every new
Beatle album and single was being released either by Parlophone or by Apple records
in Britain at that time, Russia's "Ideological Department of the Central Committee"
decided to ban the "official" British releases, denying The Beatles an entry into the
Russian marketplace. However, the first Beatle track that did appear in Russia,
occurred under the most oddest set of circumstances: According to Reuters news
services "Beatles tracks began to appear anonymously on Soviet anthology LP's. The
song Girl turned up as early as 1967 on an disc called "Stars of Foreign Variety" and
that the groups name remained unidentified on the disc and simply credited as a
"Vocal-Instrumental Ensemble (England)". When I recently spoke with Dr. Yury
Pelyushonok, author of "Strings for a Beatle Bass - The Beatles Generation in the
U.S.S.R.", he confirmed the Reuters report is correct and that Girl sounded very much
like a Russian "folk-song" as opposed to "decadent rock 'n' roll", a musical piece that
the Russian people just "melted over" which is why it became the only Beatle track
allowed into the Soviet Union during the 1960's.
But the ban on the Beatles, as a musical ensemble and their "official" British releases,
continued on until sometime into 1973 when a series of Beatle EP's were released in
Russia on the Melodiya label. While the songs of themselves were credited as "J.
Lennon-P. McCartney", once again the group's name remained "unidentified" on the
discs and simply credited as a "Vocal-Instrumental Group." It wasn't until 1975 when
Melodiya finally decided to include the group's name, "BEATLES", on an EP. Said
Reuters news agency in 1975: "...it is the first time that Beatles' authorship has been
acknowledged on the record label. The latest pressing from the state Melodiya record
factory has 'Beatles' - or 'Bitlz' as it is spelled in Russian - emphatically printed on its
pink label. The seven-inch disc contains three Beatles numbers - Let It Be, Across the
Universe and I, Me, Mine."
As already mentioned in this Beatles Timeline, the first official album release of the
Beatles occurred in March 1986 on the Melodiya label. But in between these EP
releases and album releases, the Beatles music was illicitly distributed throughout
Russia's black market. One form of distribution was known as "disc on bones". Artemy
Troitsky, who appeared on the program and who is a published author of "Rock and
the Rest of the World" explained in his book how out of necessity that music was
transferred onto X-ray film: "Records and tape recorders were in catastrophically short
supply. This led to the birth of a legendary phenomenon -- the memorable records 'on
ribs'. These were actual X-ray plates -- chest cavities, spinal cords, broken bones --
rounded at the edges with scissors, with a small hole in the centre and grooves that
were barely visible on the surface.... People bought them by the hundreds from
hospitals and clinics for kopeks, after which grooves were cut with the help of special
machines (made, they say, from old phonographs by skilled conspiratorial hands.)" I
asked Dr. Yury Pelyushonok what kind of shelf life did those X-ray sheets have after
they transferred Beatle music onto them. From what he revealed is that they could
play "disc on bones" up to 200 times on a record player before it would diminish and
become useless. In terms of sound quality, they would hear some sort of background
"hiss" normally associated when using this type of X-ray film, but, he said, the sound
quality of the music itself was always good, at least good enough for the listener to get
the feel for what was being played back through the record player.
The documentary also heard first-hand testimony that the title track from Paul's
album, "Band on the Run" had been banned and the program also suggested that a
Russian urban legend sprung from their passionate interest in the Beatles music: that
the Beatles allegedly performed a concert at a Russian airport in 1966!
Beatle fans can look forward to a possible DVD release of the program next year.
Earlier in the day, during a MSN web chat, Paul McCartney said: "Because it's going to
be on TV first I'm holding off on putting together the DVD as I would like it to be a
major TV event around the world. However once we've done that, I would love to take
up some of the offers we've already had to make a DVD out of the show. This will also
mean that we can take some time to put together all of the exciting extras you can get
on DVD. So I would estimate sometime next year."
We're all looking forward to the documentary DVD release, Paul!
For more information on Russian "censorship" and the impact of the Beatles music on
Russian culture, please read "You Say You Want a Velvet Revolution? John
Lennon and the Fall of the Soviet Union" which is a "Grad Paper" written by Dave
LaFontana of Harvard University.
See also: Confessions of a Soviet Moptop

SBS Radio-Australia journalist Natasha Cuculovski

Update December 8, 2004: On this date Natasha Cuculovski, journalist of "World
View" for SBS Radio - Australia, interviews Glenn A. Baker - Music/Rock historian, Alex
Menglet - Beatles fan, actor, Russian - Australian and Dr. Yury Pelyushonok on a
program entitled: "The Anniversary of John Lennon's Death." This 10 minute audio
interview eloquently examines how the Beatles own pop music created a cultural
revolution behind the Iron Curtain. You can listen to the program either in RealPlayer
media audio (click here) or in Windows media audio (click here).
Additional update, February 13, 2009: "Beatles in the U.S.S.R." - a documentary
by Paul Gambaccini, was broadcasted on this date by the BBC World Service radio. The
program features Dr. Yury Pelyushonok and another Russian guest. The complete
Broadcast is presented in RealPlayer media audio (click here). Running time:
approximately 23 minutes.
Sept 24
Beatle Families turn up at the "Concert for George" World Premier
Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Yoko Ono, turns up with Olivia and Dhani Harrison for the
World Premier "Concert for George" at the Warner Brothers Studio in Los Angeles. The
"Concert for George" was performed at London's Royal Albert Hall in November of
2002. The 90-minute film includes performances from some of George Harrison's
closest friends and musicians that covered such songs as: "Taxman," "While My Guitar
Gently Weeps," "Give Me Love," "My Sweet Lord" and "Isn't It A Pity." The film is
slated to appear in three dozen U.S. cities on October 3 and slated for DVD release in
November. For photo coverage, click here.
Sept 25
Yoko Ono to issue new Lennon DVD:
"Lennon Legend"
"This is as definitive a collection as it is possible to be," says Yoko Ono. "John’s life was
an amazing one, and one that I feel privileged to have been part of. Compiling this
DVD has been a very emotional experience: unearthing rare footage, watching it
increase in clarity before my eyes, reliving hundreds of memories that were part of our
lives and which are now being passed on to a new generation."
According to Chartattack, the "Lennon Legend" DVD will be released in Canada on
November 4. It will feature rare film footage of Lennon from Yoko's personal archives.
For example, the DVD will include a 1968 never-before-seen excerpt performance of
the couple culled from John and Yoko's Film #6 ("Everybody Had A Hard Year"). New
videos on "Working Class Hero" and "Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)" are presented on the
DVD. Yoko also promises that the DVD will contain John Lennon's performance of
"Imagine" which appeared on the "Salute To Lew Grade" show in 1975. It will also
include the couples famous Montreal "Bed-In" along with their performance of "Give
Peace a Chance." "Lennon Legend" will highlight the famous December 14, 1980 vigils
that were held for the pop star in Liverpool, London and New York.
November 18
Let It Be...Naked
Track listing, Disc 1: Get Back, Dig A Pony, For You Blue, The Long And Winding Road,
Two Of Us, I've Got A Feeling, One After 909, Don't Let Me Down, I Me Mine, Across
The Universe, Let It Be
Bonus Disc 2: Sun King, Don't Let Me Down, One After 909, Because I Know You Love
Me So, Don't Pass Me By, Taking a Trip to Carlolina, John's Piano Piece, Child of
Nature, Back In the U.S.S.R., Every Little Thing, Don't Let Me Down, All Things Must
Pass, She Came In Through the Bathroom Window, Paul's Piano Piece, Get Back,
Maggie Mae, Fancy My Chances With You, Can You Dig It? Get Back
Prior to this release date, John Harris of The Guardian was one of the first reporters to
have an advance listening of "Let It Be...Naked". The Guardian published his review on
October 19 and declared "Let It Be...Naked" as "a 35-minute, 11-track album that a)
sounds like a coherent work rather than a patched-up postscript, and b) stays true to
McCartney's original idea of abandoning the studio alchemy that had so defined the
psychedelic Beatles and re-emphasising the fact that they were a four-piece rock group
(often augmented here by Billy Preston on keyboards)."
Harris is quite correct in suggesting "Let It Be...Naked" is a back-to-basics rock album
by The Beatles and it is the way Paul McCartney originally intended the album to be
released, the most obvious being is the removal Phil Spector's "Wall of Sound" and the
studio chatter which appears on the original album. Though some of the changes on
this new album are rather significant, one track in particular should delight Beatle fans.
"Most striking of all is the new mix of "Across the Universe", said Harris. "Here it
sounds like a stargazing companion to 'Julia', Lennon's heart-stopping acoustic piece
from The Beatles."
Other significant changes on this new Beatle album are: "The Long and Winding Road"
- this version differs from the "Let It Be" and "Anthology 3" LP/CD release and it has
John Lennon on bass guitar; George Harrison's "I Me Mine" is minus the orchestral
arrangement; "Let It Be" is taken from the film which features George Harrison's
original solo break. There are other surprises: Gone are "Maggie Mae" and "Dig It"
from the original album and substituted with John Lennon's "Don't Let Me Down". Also
presented on the new album are cleaned up versions of "For You Blue"; "One After
909" and "Get Back".
With the Beatles new release of "Let It Be...Naked", the band has in effect, now come
around full circle once again. So too, has this writer as this is now the last entry to be
made into this Beatles Timeline.
The Beatles have had an illustrious musical career and their songs will be long
remembered as The Classics of Pop Music. The obvious gems come to mind:
"Yesterday", "In My Life", "Strawberry Fields Forever", "Hey Jude" "Let It Be", "Here
Comes the Sun" and "Something" will always be embraced by music lovers even 250
years from now. But the legacy of John, Paul, George and Ringo is much deeper and
broader than just those gems alone...their albums reflected and captivated the
generation of their times: The first two Beatle albums, "Please Please Me" and "With
the Beatles" spun the world upside down on its head as it helped to fuel "Beatlemania"
-- but those were fun innocent times for fans. However, the real change came with the
release of "Rubber Soul" and as Lennon once said it was all about getting smart and
hip when they recorded that album! Their music was changing and so too were their
fans and pop groups that followed their lead. "Sgt. Pepper Lonely Heart's Club Band"
would only help to inspire the golden "Summer of Love" in 1967 with the hippies, all
for peace and free love, as in "All You Need Is Love". On "Abbey Road" the Beatles
produced a flawless album both technically and musically speaking. From it the Beatles
were inviting everyone for one last time to "Come Together" as the '60s were drawing
to a close.
It can be said that the Beatles created a musical genre that has thus far remained
unmatched and unsurpassed. Their compositions have become "timeless" for music
aficionados, or, as Derek Taylor once pined that the Beatles "were the twentieth
century's greatest romance." If, for example, the recent sales figures of Beatles "1" is
any indication, that Beatles romance which Derek described has now carried on into
the twenty-first century. "1 - released three years ago - has helped to recruit more
young fans to their music," wrote the Daily Post on October 9 of this year. "Crucially
there has been a huge surge in the number of teenagers and young adults who have
bought it. Prior to the release 18 percent of Beatles buyers were 24 or under. But for
Beatles 1 the number soared to 32 percent. Those aged 40 and upwards remained the
same at just under 40 percent. But for Beatles 1 the number soared to 32.7 percent."
The Daily Post also reported that Beatles "1" has sold more than 25 millions copies
around the world. With enormous success of "1", it is anticipated that "Let It
Be...Naked" should scale to the top of the music charts around the world and become
another million-seller for The Beatles!
Postscript:
Pamela Wallin: "What did you see that no one else did? I mean, when they came
knocking on your door they had been to every record label in London. Everybody said:
"Go away." You even sent your assistant to the first session and they had to come and
grab you and take you back. What did you see?"
George Martin: "The first time I met them, I wasn't aware of any great musical
quality. I mean they hadn't written anything (outstanding). But I fell in love with them.
They had tremendous charisma. They were fun to be with."
"I was famous for them at the time because they knew I had made all the Peter
Seller's (and) Goon records and they loved this kind of thing. They had that same kind
of humour. But they had this charm -- they had the quality (that) when you were with
them, you felt richer for being with them and when they left the room, you felt
diminished. You know what I mean? And I thought to myself: 'If they have that affect
on me, they're going to have that affect on other people on the stage', so I signed
them."
Pamela Wallin: "You said about changing the music, I mean even those first hits,
Please, Please Me, and all that was back to the drawing board: Change the rhythm,
change the tempo, all of that. So did you have something in your mind that you were
creating?
George Martin: "Well, I knew we had to find a hit song and Love Me Do wasn't it -- I
knew it straight (away) and it didn't make very many inroads."
Pamela Wallin: "Gee, I really like it!"
George Martin: "Well, it did o.k. It got to number 17 but it wasn't the blockbuster we
were looking for. And Please, Please Me had been around but it was a very slow
drudgery tune, a kind of Roy Orbinson mournful ballad. I said to them: 'Double the
tempo and we might get something out of it.' So we tried that: We added harmonica
and so on and it worked beautifully. And in fact at the end of it I said: 'Gentleman,
you've just got your first Number 1.' And it was. It was o.k. And then after that they
kind of inspired to start writing and think about writing...they learnt their craft very
quickly. And what was great about them was that every song that they produced
wasn't a carbon copy of the one before. It was something new. They never gave me
Star Wars III, you know, it was always something new coming along which was great."
Pamela Wallin: "So they were not as John once said: 'Just a band that happened to
make it very big'? I mean, there was a unique chemistry..."
George Martin: "They were more than the sum of their parts, there was a fusion of
the four that made them shine more brilliant. It was like a...like a nuclear explosion,
almost."
Interview aired, 5 March 1998,
C.B.C. Newsworld
Brian Epstein (in New York, Nov. 1963, laying down the promotional
groundwork for the Beatles assault): "The Beatles have broken every conceivable
entertainment record in England. They are the most worshipped, the most idolized
boys in the country," he told the New Yorker at the Regency Hotel. "They have
tremendous style and a great effervescence which communicates itself in an
extraordinary way. Their beat is something like rock 'n' roll but different from it. They
are quite different from the big English rock 'n' rollers in that they are not phoney.
They have none of that mean hardness about them. They are genuine. They have life,
humour and strange, handsome looks...they have been called a working-class
phenomenon but I disagree with the sometimes expressed notion that their appeal is
sometimes to the working classes. The Beatles are classless. We get fan letters from
public schools as well as from working-class people. Mummies like the Beatles, too --
that's the extraordinary thing. They think they are rather sweet. They approve."
With riotous scenes of Beatlemania having occurred in Britain during 1963, Epstein, in
the same interview boasted that the groups British record sales now stood at $5
million. As the interview was winding down with the New Yorker, Epstein parted with a
final shot where he blazingly predicted: "I think that America is ready for the Beatles.
When they come, they will hit this country for six."
Interview published, 28 December 1963,
New Yorker magazine
 "The depth of the Beatles song writing,
or of John & Paul's contribution to the
Beatles, in the late Sixties was more
pronounced; it had a more mature, more
intellectual -- what ever you want to call
it -- approach. We were different. We
were older. We knew each other on all
kinds of levels that we didn't when we
were teenagers. The early stuff -- the
"Hard Day's Night" period -- was the
sexual equivalent of the beginning
hysteria of a relationship. And the "Sgt.
Pepper - Abbey Road" period was the
mature part of the relationship. And
maybe, had we gone on together, maybe
something interesting would have come
of it."

-- Excerpt quoted directly from a Playboy

interview: "John Lennon & Yoko Ono -
the Final Testament" , August 1981, by
G. Barry Golson, published by Berkley
Publishers.

"I think we gave hope to the Beatle

fans. We gave them a positive
feeling that there was a sunny day
ahead and there was a good time to
be had and that you are your own
person and that the government
does not own you. There were those
kind of messages in a lot of our
songs.

"The bottom line is, as John (Lennon)

said, it was only a little rock 'n' roll
band. It did a lot and it meant a lot
to a lot of people but, you know, it
really didn't matter that much."

Excerpt quoted directly from the

Ottawa Citizen: "His Guitar Gently
Weeps", by Bruce Ward, published in
the Citizen's "Saturday Observer
Section" on December 1, 2001.

I'll Follow the Sun

(John Lennon-Paul McCartney)
One day, you'll look to see I've gone -
For tomorrow may rain, so I'll follow the sun.
One day, you'll know I was the one -
But tomorrow may rain, so I'll follow the sun.
And now the time has come and so my love I must go...
And though I lose a friend, in the end you will know.
Oh, one day, you'll find that I have gone -
But tomorrow may rain, so I'll follow the sun.
Yet tomorrow may rain, so I'll follow the sun.
© Copyright by Northern Songs, Ltd., 1964
Acknowledgements
Research material used for the Timeline:
"Beatle: The Pete Best Story," Pete Best & Patrick Doncaster, published by Plexus Publishing, 1985
"Beatles '95," Canada Post Corporation & Blockbuster Video (radio broadcast), 1995
"John, Paul & Me Before the Beatles", by Len Garry, published by CG Publishing, 1997
"The Brian Epstein Story," (televised BBC2 broadcast), 1998
"The Beatles Forever," by Nicolas Schaffner, published by McGraw-Hill Book Company, 1978
"The Beatles & Some Other Guy: Rock Family Trees of the Early Sixties" by Pete Frame, published by
Omnibus Press, 1997
"The Ottawa Citizen & Canadian Broadcasting Corporation" news articles, 1969
"Revolution in the Head" by Ian MacDonald, published by Pimlico, 1994
"Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Music's Gold Bugs: The Beatles" article by Alfred G. Arnowitiz, published by the
Saturday Evening Post, 1964
"Time Magazine" article on Sgt. Pepper, 1967
"ABC News Services", 1998
* Louise Harrison, sister of George Harrison, guest speaker during "question and answer session" at the
2nd Annual Ottawa Beatles Convention, 1996
"John Lennon" by Ray Coleman, published by Futura, 1985
"John Lennon & Yoko Ono - The Final Testament" Playboy Interviews, Berkley publishers, August, 1981
"The Making of Sgt. Pepper", TV Special, 1992
"Ringo Starr - Straight Man or Joker?" by Alan Clayson, published by Paragon House, 1992
"The Pet Sounds Sessions - The Beach Boys" pamphlet insert, released by Capitol Records, 1996
"John Lennon - All You Need Is Love", special magazine edition published by Mar-Jam Publishing, 1980
"The Ottawa Sun Newspaper" and "Associated Press", 1999
"Yellow Submarine Resurfaces" by Roger Catlin, Los Angeles Times, 1999
"And In the End...The Beatles," Mojo Magazine, October, 1996
"Apple to the Core" by Peter McCabe & Robert D. Schonfeld, published by Sphere Books Limited, 1973
"Shout! The True Story of the Beatles" by Philip Norman, published by Elm Tree Books, 1981
"The First Golden Beatles Album" by Charles Hanson publication, 1965
"The Beatles - In Richard Lester's A Hard Day's Night" by J. Philip Di Franco, published by Penguin
Books, 1978
"The Fabulous Story of John, Paul, George and Ringo" published by Octopus in association with
Phoebus, 1975
"The Paul McCartney Story" by George Tremlett, published by Futura Publications Limited, 1975
"The John Lennon Story" by George Tremlett, published by Futura Publications Limited, 1976
"Strawberry Fields Forever: John Lennon Remembered" by Vic Garbarni, Brian Cullman with Barbara
Graustark, published by Delilah Books and Bantam Books, 1980
"Anthology Video #8," Mallo Film Video / Apple
"Wonderwall" sleeve insert from CD, George Harrison, Apple Records, 1992
"Canada Music Week" interview with George Martin, 1998 (interview was held at "The Weston Harbor
Castle" in Toronto)
"Much Music of Canada" interview with George Harrison
"The case of the Missing Beatle: Paul is still with us" - LIFE Magazine, November 7, 1969
"Lennon: A Memory" publisher, ARDA, Incorporated, 1980
"Rolling Stone Magazine", January 22, 1981
"Many Years From Now", Barry Miles, published by Vintage, 1998
"The Beatles Get Back", by Apple Publishing, printed by Garrod and Lofthouse International Limited,
1969
"The Beatles Tapes from the Dave Wigg Interviews," PBR International, 1978
"McCartney Interview as recorded for Musician: Player & Listener", CBS Records, 1980
"John Lennon, The Life & Legend - Some Days In the Life," by Mark Lewisohn, published by The Sunday
Times, 1980
Interview with Alistair Taylor, The Independent, November 16, 1999
"The Official Price Guide To The Beatles - Records & Memorabilia," by Perry Cox and Joe Lindsay,
published by House of Collectibles, 1995
"Fifth Beatle Has His Swan Song Covered," Toronto Sun interview with Sir George Martin, by Jane
Stevenson, October 16, 1998
"Summer of Love," by George Martin and William Pearson, published by Pan Books, 1995
"Beatles at the Hollywood Bowl," Liner Album Notes, Capitol Records, 1977
"A Hard Day's Write," by Steve Turner, Carlton Books, 1994
www.vakart.co.uk/everettweb/ "Kenny Everrett" web site
www.tvclassics.com/mkbio.htm/ TVClasics.com, "Murray the K"
http://user.tninet.se/~elp720i/ The Unofficial Beatles Lyric Archive, by Stephan Augustsson
www.rarebeatles.com/mainmenu.htm/ Songs, Pictures, & Stories of the Beatles, by Mitch McGeary
www.martinlewis.com/mbe/ Official Brian Epstein Web Site, by Martin Lewis and Dave Haber
"The Beatles - A Diary: An Intimate Day By Day History" by Barry Miles, published by Omnibus Press,
1998
"The Beatles" by Hunter Davies, published by Norton paperback, 1968
"The Beatles A To Z" by Goldie Friede, Robin Titone, and Sue Weiner, published by Methuen, 1980
"The Beatles, A Day In the Life" by Tom Schultheiss, published by Quick Fox, 1981
"The Pianist Who Turned Down The Beatles", John Goddard, published by The Ottawa Citizen, May 16,
1998
"With A Little Help From My Friends" - header found on "original fax transmission" by Kristopher K.
Engelhardt received by the Canadian Abuse Prevention Foundation, "Re: Roy Frederick Young", dated
November 21, 1996
"Beatles Undercover", by Kristopher Engelhardt, published by Collectors Guide Publishing Incorporated,
1998
"Harrison Attack Deliberate", BBC News, December 30, 1999
"George Stabbed Within Inch Of His Life" by Ikimulisa Sockwell, Kieran Crowley and Tracy Connor, NY
Post.com, 1999
"Former Beatle, wife, fight off knife-wielding intruder", by Joanna Bale and Daniel McGrory, The Ottawa
Citizen, December 31, 1999
"Summary of Events" by Diana (Amaranth56@aol.com), published on Rec.music.beatles, December 30,
1999
"Sir Paul: Thank God they're OK", BBC News, December 31, 1999
"Harrison Leaves Hospital", BBC News, January 2, 2000
"George Harrison Discharged From Hospital - Alleged Attacker Remains in Psychiatric Custody", APB
Celebrity News, Jan. 2, 2000
"Beatles anthem is millennium song", BBC News, December 18, 1999
"Sir Paul Donates Million Dollars In Memory of Linda", published by Excite U.K., January 5, 2000
"The Beatles After The Breakup: 1970-1980" by Keith Badman, published by Omnibus Press, 1999
"The Fab Four Stand Firm as Highest Certified Artists" by Christina Saraceno, published by Rolling
Stone.com, August 1, 2000
"For $60, a ticket to read" by Edna Gundersen, USA Today website, dated October 5, 2000
"Beatles Anthology Tops Bestseller List" by Andrew Dansby, RollingStone.com, October 14, 2000
"George Harrison Attacker Acquitted" by the Associated Press news agency, published by the Las Vegas
Sun, November 15, 2000
"The Beatles Revolution", ABC television broadcast, aired on November 17, 2000
"Beatles helped bring down communism in Russia", published by Ananova Ltd, November 17, 2000
"New Beatles release, 1, fastest-selling album in Britain" by Reuters news agency and appeared in the
Ottawa Citizen, Nov. 22, 2000
"Beatles' 1 Shoots Straight To No. 1" by Jonathan Cohen, Billboard.com, published November 22, 2000
"Industry surprised by "1" sales", Reuters News Agency, dated November 23, 2000
"Beatles' 1 tops charts in 19 countries", Reuters news agency; copy of the article made its appearance
on Rec.Music.Beatles, November 29, 2000
"1" Fastest Seller Ever; may become biggest", from The Sun in the United Kingdom; copy of article
made its appearance on Rec.Music.Beatles dated December 6, 2000
"Beatles Fans Anger At Stage Sell off", from the BBC News, April 13, 2001
"Church Plan to Axe Beatles Stage", from the Daily Post, June 18 2001
"Liverpool Airport to Honour Lennon", from CNN.com, June 30, 2001
"Ex-Beatle Treated for Cancer", from the BBC News Services, May 3, 2001
"Beatles at Harrison's bedside", from Australia's "News.com.au", dated November 21, 2001
"Circus Plans To Relaunch Beatles' Yellow Submarine", from the Sunday Times, November 25, 2001
"Fading Star", from ABC News.com, November 26, 2001
"Stage is Set to for Beatle Fans", from the Liverpool Echo, November 27, 2001
"The Beatles' 'Yellow Submarine' to become Cirque du Soleil?", by Launch.com, November 27, 2001
"Former Beatle George Harrison Dies", from the Los Angeles Times, November 30, 2001
"George Loses Cancer Battle", from the Liverpool Echo, dated November 30, 2001
"'Devastated' McCartney leads tributes", from CNN News, November 30, 2001
"Sir Paul Leads Tributes As World Mourns George", from the Liverpool Echo, dated November 30 2001
"Liverpool Sends Sympathy to Harrison's Family", from Ananova.com, November 30, 2001
"Beatles' Circle Mourns Harrison", from the BBC News, dated November 30, 2001
"Tributes Pour in for Harrison", BBC News, November 30, 2001
"Jeff Lynne's Official Comments", Courtesy the ELO Showdown Mailing List, dated November 30, 2001
"World Mourns George Harrison", from Billboard, November 30, 2001
"Harrison Mourned Around the World", from the BBC News, dated December 1, 2001
"Hope He's Jamming with John", Toronto Star, December 1, 2001
"Quotes About George Harrison's Death", from Associated Press, November 30, 2001
"The Love You Make", from ABC News, November 30, 2001
"George Harrison 1943-2001: He Left This World As He Lived In It -- Conscious of God, Fearless of
Death and at Peace...Surrounded by His Family and Friends - Gavin de Becker", from the Daily Record,
December 1, 2001
Bob Dylan's remarks about George Harrison dated December 1, 2001, culled directly from Bob Dylan's
Official Web Site http://www.bobdylan.com/
Cynthia and Julian Lennon comment on the passing of George, quotes culled directly from Julian
Lennon's Official Web Site: http://www.julianlennon.com
Pete Townshend comments on the passing of George, quotes culled directly from Pete Townshend's
Official Web Site: http://www.petetownshend.co.uk/
"Denny Laine, Others Honor Harrison", AP news via "Excite News", dated December 1, 2001
"George Harrison, 'Quiet Beatle' and Lead Guitarist, Dies at 58", New York Times, dated December 1,
2001
"Bangladesh Mourns George Harrison", AP news via "Yahoo News", dated December 1, 2001
"He Was My Brother", from Mega Star news, dated December 1, 2001
"Canucks Mourn 'Quiet Beatle'", The Ottawa Sun, dated December 1, 2001
"World Mourns 'Our Sweet George'", from the Ottawa Citizen, dated December 1, 2001
"'Quiet' Beatle Dead at 58", from the Toronto Sun, dated December 1, 2001
"Friends, Fans Remember", from the Globe and Mail, December 1, 2001
"His Guitar Gently Weeps", from the Ottawa Citizen, December 1, 2001
"The World weeps for Harrison", from the Times of India, December 1, 2001
"'Minute of Meditation' Plea for Harrison", from Ananova.com, dated December 2, 2001
"Harrison's Widow, Son to Scatter Ashes in India", from the Ottawa Citizen, December 2, 2001
"Harrison Secretly Recorded Final CD", from the Ottawa Citizen, December 2, 2001
"Harrison's Ashes to be Spread in India", from Fox News services, December 3, 2001
"The Complete Beatles Chronicle", by Mark Lewisohn, published by Hamlyn, 2000
"EMI History", by Bob and Susana Kerstein, proprietors of Scripophily.com, published at the Ottawa
Beatle Site, June 7, 2000
"McCartney has new love", from the South African Financial Gazette, Reuters news report dated October
26, 2000
"Faith in Lennon -- George Michael Buys Lennon Piano", from ABC News, Wire Reports published
October 18, 2000
"Cavern Club Compere Succumbs To Long Illness", by Archer and Valerie's Beatles Pages, published
February 8, 2002
"Obituary - Bob Wooler", London Times, published February 9, 2002
"Royal Line-up Confirmed", by Dotmusic.com, published February 26, 2002
"McCartney names the day", from the Daily Post, published March 4, 2002
"Beatles Photographer Herbert Dies Age 89", from the Liverpool Echo, March 4, 2002
"Yoko buys John Lennon's childhood home", by the CBC News Arts Now, published March 14, 2002
"Lennon airport statue unveiled" by CNN.com, published March 15, 2002
"Let it be Liverpool John Lennon airport - Yoko", published by Reuters press, March 15, 2002
"EMI Back In Fashion", by Phil Gallo of Variety in Hollywood, published on March 21, 2002
"Ex-Beatle Paul McCartney speaks about personal grief and Canadian connections", by Mike Oliveira,
reporter for the Canadian Press, published April 13, 2002
"EU Says Christie's, Sotheyby's Fixed Prices", by Reuters press reporter David Lawsky, published April
19, 2002
"Sir Paul's discourse on life, death, music, marriage and...a princely affair?", by John Soeder, Plain
Dealer Pop Music Critic, published on April 26, 2002
"Liverpool Beatles museum opens exhibit on band's Quarrymen days", published by This is...Pop!, 2002
"Harrison" - The Editors of Rolling Stone, published by Simon and Schuster, published in 2002
"Beatles' 'Hey Jude' Lyrics Barred From Auction", from Reuters press, published April 29, 2002
"Sir Paul Stops Hey Jude Lyrics Auction", from the BBC news services, published April 29, 2002
"Macca-L set list info on Driving USA Tour" http://www.macca-central.com/macca-
events/tour/2002/setlist.asp, published 2002
"Paul McCartney plans cheeky song for the Queen", from Ananova.com, published May 17, 2002
"EMI to close CD manufacturing Plant in Swindon, England and Open Facility in Netherlands", from AP
news services, March 8, 2002
"EMI cuts mean 400 artists may be singing the blue", by David Lieberman, USA Today, dated March 21,
2002
"EMI to chart progress of music revamp", by Reuters news services, May 19, 2002
"Glum Music Industry Outlook Plagues EMI", by Reuters, dated May 22, 2002
"Liverpool still the number one hit city", by the Daily Post, dated May 29, 2002
"HMV's £600m flotation offers exit route to EMI -- Stock market waits on biggest offering since July",
The Guardian, April 12, 2002
"TV Schedule for the Queen's Jubilee celebrations", the Ottawa Citizen, news feed from the Canadian
Press, June 1, 2002
"McCartney Wings Into The Palace", by SkyNews, June 2, 2002
"McCartney tops concert bill", by SkyNews, June 3, 2002
"McCartney, Clapton at Queen's Jubilee", Yahoo Headline News, news feed by Associated Press, June 3,
2002
"On the Queen's Jubilee, Rocking at the Palace", by the New York Times, June 3, 2002
"Osbourne rocks at royal Jubilee -- Pop concert to honor queen attracts up to 1 million watchers",
MSNBC, news feed from Associated Press services, June 3, 2002
"Party At The Palace", by SkyNews, June 3, 2002
"Queen to set the nation singing", Yahoo Headline News from U.K. and Ireland, June 3, 2002
"Mystery surrounds Macca wedding", from This Is London, June 5, 2002
"Who's Who of Rock in Ireland for McCartney Wedding", by Reuters, June 10, 2002
"Rock royalty readies for McCartney wedding", Yahoo Headline News from U.K. and Ireland, June 11,
2002
"Wedding day for McCartney", MSNBC news services, June 11, 2002
"Star fly in for McCartney wedding", Yahoo News Headlines, U.K. and Ireland, June 11, 2002
"Macca to tie the knot today", by SkyNews, June 11, 2002
"Paul McCartney and Heather Mills marry before family, rock stars and Irish castle," Associated Press,
June 11, 2002
"McCartney, Mills get hitched", by Olivia Barker and Ann Oldenburg, reporters for USA Today, dated
June 11, 2002
"All You Need Is Love", CBC news services, June 11, 2002
"Fireworks, friends and frayed nerves", from CNN, June 11, 2002
"Paul and Heather To Host Adopt-A-Minefield Dinner", by Archer and Valerie, proprietors of The Beatles
Pages, June 12, 2002
"Starr comes out for McCartney's big day", IC Liverpool Echo, June 12, 2002
"Sir Paul ties the knot in £2m love me do", by Sarah Hall of the Guardian, June 12, 2002
"A Very Beatle Wedding", E-Online, June 12, 2002
"Paul McCartney and Heather Mills marry before family, rock stars at Irish castle", from New Jersey On-
line, AP news service feed, dated June 12, 2002
"Sir Paul and Heather on honeymoon", from This Is London, Associated Newspapers Ltd., June 12,
2002
"Paul McCartney and new bride in Seychelles for their honeymoon", Associated Press, June 14, 2002
"It's great Macca's happy", by Charles Yates, reporter for the The Sun, dated June 16, 2002
"Blake: Leading light of pop art", BBC news services, June 14, 2002
"It Was Twenty Years Ago Today" (Subtitlted as "An Anniversary Celebration of 1967") by Derek Taylor.
A Fireside Book, published by Simon & Schuster, 1987
"Arise, Sir Peter, creator of Sgt Pepper album cover", by IC Liverpool Echo, dated June15, 2002
"Records - General Sales", by Greg Sandell, proprietor of Beatle Money, 2002
"The Walrus Was Paul" by R. Gary Patterson, published by Fireside, 1998
"Sleep tight in The Hard Day's Night", from the BBC, published August 24, 2001
"Beatles Themed Hotel", by SteveMcGriskin, Marketing Director of the Hard Days Night Hotel , published
August 24, 2001
"Beatles earn £34.2M", from the Daily Post, published June 24, 2002
"A Starr turn for charity", from the Surrey Advertiser, June 28, 2002
"Man Who Stabbed Ex-Beatle Harrison Discharged", from Reuters via web report from ABC News, dated
July 4, 2002
"Insulting release of Harrison knifeman", from This Is London, published July 5, 2002
"George Harrison's widow to sell their U.K. mansion", from Hello! magazine, published July 9, 2002
"Image Entertainment Gives Peace Another Chance With John Yoko's Year Of Peace Documentary On
DVD And VHS", from Music Industry News Network, published July 11, 2002
"Queen gets Mystery Tour", by IC Liverpool, published July 24, 2002
Queen on Beatle Tour", by the BBC news services, published July 25, 2002
"Final George Harrison Album Due In November", by Jonathan Cohen, Billboard Magazine, September 9,
2002
"Yoko Ono Pleads 'Give Peace a Chance' on 9/11" - Reuters news services, September 10, 2002
"Harrison album could hit No. 1", from the Daily Post, via IC Liverpool, September 10, 2002
"McCartney to Release Lost Beatle Track", Reuters services, September 14, 2002
"Bob Wooler - Cavern DJ: Merely Spinning Discs and Nearly Spilling the Beans" - by Joe Robinson,
published by the Ottawa Beatles Site, September 23, 2002
"The Beatles Recording Sessions", by Mark Lewisohn, published by Prospero Books, 2000
"A Hard Day's Night: Collectors Edition", by Aaron Beierle, published by DVD Talk, September 23, 2002
"A Hard Day's Night DVD supplemented by countless interviews", by Bruce Dancie, Sacramento Bee,
September 24, 2002
"The cute one: Paul McCartney keeps the music of the Beatles alive", by David Pencek, Norwich Bulletin,
September 29, 2002
"A Quiet Audience with Sir George", published by The Age in Australia, October 2, 2002
"Honorary Beatle recalls Yesterday", published by The Herald Sun, by Simon Plant, October 2, 2002
"Skiffle King who inspired rock generation dies", AP news, published by the Canadian Press, November
4, 2002
"King of Skiffle Lonnie Donegan Dies at 71", by Paul Majendie, Reuters, published at Reuters.com,
November 4, 2002
"King of Skiffle Dead", by Colin Devenish, published by RollingStone.com, November 4, 2002
"The Quarrymen" by Hunter Davies, published by Omnibus Press, 2001
" 'Skiffle king' Donegan dies", by the BBC news, November 4, 2002
"Lonnie Donegan Dies; His 'Skiffle' Music Inspired a Generation', AP news published by the Washington
Post Company, Nov. 5, 2002
"Harrison's guitar gently weeps again," Toronto Star, November 9, 2002
"Harrison's last album is stunning" by David Bauder, AP news, November 12, 2002
"Exclusive: George Harrison's New Album", by Roger Friedman, Fox News, November 14, 2002
"Behind George's Brainwashed - Harrison called the shots on his final album", by Jenny Eliscu,
Rollingstone.com, November 14, 2002
"Harrison bids us a warm goodbye" by Mark Brown, Denver Colorado Rocky Mountain News, November
15, 2002
"George and son, Harrison's last album is also his child's loving tribute", by Phil Sutcliffe, Los Angeles
Times, November 18, 2002
"EMI warns over music sales", by the BBC news services, November 19, 2002
"Surviving Beatles honor memory of George Harrison in music," by Jane Wardell, Associated Press,
November 29, 2002
"Beatle Celebration", by Sky News, November 29, 2002
"Paul and Ringo reunited for Harrison tribute", by Ananova.com, November 29, 2002
"George Harrison Tribute, Royal Albert Hall, London," by Gavin Martin, the Independent, November 30,
2002
"Harrison leaves all to wife and son", by David Sapsted and Hugh Davies, The Daily Telegraph,
November 30, 2002
"Remaining Beatles lead Harrison tribute concert", by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation,
November 30, 2002
"Paul and Ringo's heartfelt Harrison tribute", by CNN Europe, November 30, 2002
quot;Stars and friends remember Harrison", by the BBC News, November 30, 2002
"£18m boost from Beatles top seller" by Jon Rees and Martin Tomkinson, This is London, December 8,
2002
"Biggest All-Times Sales for a Band", Guinness World Records, 2002
"John Lennon's 'Imagine' Given New Voice As Centerpiece Of New Amnesty International Campaign For
Human Rights", by U.S. Newswire, December 10, 2002
"Ex-Beatle granted coat of arms" by the BBC, December 22, 2002
"McCartney gets guitar coat of arms" by Mark Ludlow, The Sunday Times, U.K., December 22, 2002
"People In The News: McCartney gets coat of arms", AP article, published by Amarillo Globe-News,
December 23, 2002
"Shield for Macca" by The Sun Newspaper, U.K., December 29, 2002
"Don't Keep Me Waiting Here: The battle to release Beatles studio outtakes", by John Winn, originally
posted in Rec.Music.Beatles.Moderated, May, 1998
"After a 40-year run, the Beatles' first fanzine folds", by David Charters, Daily Post, January 7, 2003
"Raids Recover Original Beatles Tapes", by AP news services, January 10, 2003
"Lost Beatles Tapes Found?", RollingStone.com, January 10, 2003
"Lost Beatles tapes get back to where they once belonged", by John Steel, The Daily Telegraph, January
11, 2003
"The Best of Farewells" by Lew Baxter, Daily Post, January 13, 2003
"Seized Beatle Tapes are a trove, If Familiar", by Allan Kozinn, New York Times, January 13, 2003
"Geoff Emerick and Shure to Receive 2003 Technical GRAMMY Awards", by Business Wire.com, January
15, 2003
"Le Dain Commission of Inquiry. The Private Hearing of John Lennon", by Health Canada, December 23,
1969
"Lennon Remembers", by Jann Wenner, published by Popular Library, 1971
"Ringo's Stars" by NME.com, January 31, 2003
"Ringo's Tribute", by Jane Stevenson, the Toronto Sun, March 17, 2003
"Yoko Ono Opens Lennon's Childhood Liverpool Home", by Reuters news services, March 27, 2003
"Let It Be at John's house", by Bill Mouland of the Daily Mail, published in This Is London,March 28,
2003
"And there are places I remember", by Catherine Jones, published by IC Liverpool, March 28, 2003
"Mendips Opens To Public", Archer and Valerie of The Beatles Pages, March 28, 2003
"Beat Goes on in Lennon's childhood home", by the British On Line Times, March 28, 2003
"There are places I remember", by The Observer, March 30, 2003
"At Last 'The Beatles Anthology' on DVD by PR Newswire, February 18, 2003
"3 Beatles in secret reunion" by Derek Brown, The On-line Sun, February 18, 2003
"Anthology': Let It Be Even Longer", by Allan Kozinn, the New York Times, March 30, 2003
"Beatle Fans Get A New Fix", by Bernard Perusse, the Montreal Gazette, April 1, 2003
"The Beatles Anthology", by Michael Clark, the Gwinnett Daily Post, April 4, 2003
"Carl Perkins - We'll Always Remember - A Rock Obituary Web Site", by Joh Lang, (publication date not
indicated on web site)
"McCartney Buys Rights to Carl Perkins' Catalogue", by Reuters, April 4, 2003
"The Beatles Anthology DVD Debuts at Number 1", by PRNewswire, April 11, 2003
"Beatle Madness", by Martin A. Grove, published by Manor Books, 1978
"Motorway drama for Pete Best", by Nicky Tabarn, Liverpool Echo, April 15, 2003
"The Beatles off the Record", by Keith Badman, Ombunis Press, 2000
"A Twist of Lennon", by Cynthia Lennon, A Star Book publication, 1978
"McCartney to Play Open-Air Gig in Moscow", by the Associated Press, March 19, 2003
"LDPR member wants McCartney concert on Red Square cancelled", by Interfax, April 15, 2003
"McCartney to teach Music Seminar in Russia", by Launch Yahoo.com, April 17, 2003
"Tickets for McCartney's concert in Moscow already available", by Interfax, May 1, 2003
" Official Album Releases" Paul McCartney by Christian Henriksson, December, 1998
"Choba b -- Russian vs. American release", by Alexander Gusakov, Rec.music.beatles, April 5, 1995
"Sir Paul Plays Historic Colosseum Show", by the BBC, May 11, 2003
"Half a million fans in Rome blow Sir Paul away", Daily Post, May 13, 2003
"Duma deputies opposed to McCartney concert Red Square", Interfax, May 13, 2003
"McCartney Becomes Professor of St. Petersburg Conservatory", by Pravda news agency, May 22, 2003
"McCartney becomes honorary doctor of St. Petersburg Conservatory", by Interfax, May 22, 2003
"Ex-Beatle McCartney Gets Russian Diploma", by Reuters, May 22, 2003
"McCartney in Russia: 'my dream come true'", by AP news and appeared on Russia's Journal Daily, May
23, 2003
"Russia is mad for Macca" - Sky News media, May 24, 2003
"Back in the (ex)-USSR: thousands on Red Square for McCartney", by AFP, May 24, 2003
"Ex-Beatle Paul McCartney Rocks Red Square", by AP news, May 24, 2003
"McCartney Serenades Putin, Rocks Red Square, Reuters, May 24,2003
"39 Years ago, Newsman Had Frontrow Seat to Beatles History", by Rick Nathanson, Albuquerque
Journal, August 22, 2003
"Strings for a Beatle Bass - The Beatles Generation in the USSR", by Yury Pelyushonok, PLY publisher,
1996, 1998
"Paul McCartney MSN webchat" September 18, 2003
"Rock and the Rest of the World", by Artemy Troitsky, Faber and Faber, 1988
"It's Only Rock and Roll" by Ed Quillen, the Denver Post, 1991
"Paul McCartney in Red Square", by the Arts and Entertainment network, Sept 18, 2003
"A Conversation with Dr. Yury Pelyushonok at his Ottawa residence" interviewed by John Whelan, Sept
24, 2003
"John Lennon DVD Extravaganza Due Before The Holidays" by Manuela Spizzirri of Chartattack.com,
Sept. 25, 2003
"The Lennons and the rock'n'roll revival" by Ritchie Yorke for the Globe and Mail, September 20, 1969
"Paul And Ringo At Premiere of George Harrison Film" by Launch Radio Networks, Sept. 26, 2003
"It's not mania but...'Bitlz' finally make it in Soviet Union" by Reuters news in Moscow, June 17, 1975.
"Beatles Remembered in Anniversary Show" by Ira Iosebashvili, Moscow Times, October 3, 2003
"George Martin: "In My Life" - interview with Pamella Wallin" C.B.C. Newsworld, March 5, 1998
"The Man Who Made the Beatles" by Ray Coleman, published by Viking, 1989
"The Beatles Band of the Century" by Q Magazine, 1999
"Songs, Pictures and Stories of the Fabulous Beatles Records on Vee-Jay", by Bruce Spizer, published by
498 Productions, 1998
"Back-to-basics Beatle music proving a big hit with new generation", by The Daily Post, October 6, 2003
EMI Japan website: Official Track Listing for "Let It Be...Naked", October, 2003
"The Beatles, Let It Be...Naked", by John Harris, published by The Guardian, October 19, 2003
"Ticket To Ride", by Larry Kane, published by Running Press Book Publishers, 2003
"Our Hearts Went Boom - The Beatles Invasion of Canada", by Brian Kendall, published by Viking, 1997
"The Beatles Fact and Fiction 1960-1962" [English summary manuscript accompanied with book], by
Eric Krasker, published by Atlantica-Sequier, 2003
"Helping Hand - She Triggered Beatlemania in 1963 But Prefers Her Role to Be Unsung", by Richard
Harrington, The Washington Post, January 26, 2004
"How the US met the Beatles", by Billboard, January 30, 2004
"It Was 40 Years Ago Today: Beatles Win Grammy for Decades of Inspiration", Beatles Press Release on
Grammy Win, Feb. 9, 2004
"The Boys From Liverpool - John, Paul, George, Ringo", by Nicholas Schaffner, Methuen Inc., 1980
"The Beatles and in the end", by Mojo Magazine, October 2000
"The Ultimate Beatles Quiz Book II" by Michael J. Hockinson, St. Martin's Press, 2000
"The Beatles - The Ultimate Recording Guide" by Allen J. Wiener, Bob Adams Inc., 1986
"Preston happy to get back to the world of the Beatles", by John Grochowski, Chicago Sun-Times,
August 20, 2004
"He Helped Create the Beatles - Producer George Martin speaks today in Lexington", by Walter Tunis,
Lexington Herald, Sept 25, 2004
"The Beatles - 10 Years That Shook the World", a book by Mojo magazine, contributing writers: Johnny
Black; Mark Lewisohn, published by Darling Kindersley, 2004
"The Beatles As Musicians: The Quarry Men through Rubber Soul", by Walter Everett, published by
Oxford University Press, 2001
"Capitol Albums Finally Coming Out on CD", by Bruce Spizer, published at AbbeyRd Beatles Pages, 2004
"A Quiet Day in the Lennon's life," by Ritchie Yorke for the Globe and Mail, June 5, 1969
"Lennon Passes Up Visa - Flies Home," by Ritchie Yorke for the Globe and Mail, June 6, 1969
"Lennon and Ono bring message for youth to Canada," by Ritchie Yorke for the Globe and Mail, May 27,
1969
"Live Peace In Toronto" by editor Johnny Dean, Beat Publications, November, 1969
"The Beatles Day by Day. A chronology, 1962-1989" by Mark Lewisohn, Harmony Books, 1990
"The Beatles Digest" by Goldmine magazine, published by Krause Publications, 2000
"The Ballad of John and Yoko," by the editors of Rolling Stone, published by Rolling Stone Press, 1982
"Axes, Chops & Hot Licks - The Canadian Rock Music Scene," by Ritchie Yorke, M.G. Hurtig Ltd,
Publishers, 1971
"The Best Man: Only Three People Alive Can Say They Were Beatles. Pete Best Was One of Them," by
Wallace Baine, Stanta Cruze Sentinel, August 11, 2005
"Before He Was Fab - George Harrison's First American Visit," a book review by Ladyjean of
AbsoluteElsewhere.net, 2002
"Hard Day's Nite: Bed and Breakfast, Beatles mini-museum up for sale," by Andrea Hann, The Southern,
June 19, 2005
"Nobody's Child: The Tony Sheridan Story" - manuscript written by Joe Sunseri
"Tony Sheridan/The Beatles" by the Encyclopedia of Popular Music, published by Muze UK Ltd. 1989 -
2004
"Cunard Yanks," e-mail correspondence to John Whelan from Bill Harry, December, 2005
"Saturday Club (a Title and Air Dates Guide)," by John Lavallie, August 14, 2005
"The Best of Fellas - The Story of Bob Wooler," by Spencer Leigh, Drivegreen Publications Ltd., 2002

SPECIAL TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE:

Brad Howard, past publisher of the World Beatles Forum who provided the American movie release
dates to all Beatle movies.
Diana (Amaranth56@aol.com, your friendly, cheerful "Apple Scruff" at Rec.music.beatles) who
researched and provided clarification as to whether the 1965 Ed Sullivan Broadcast was "live" or a "pre-
recorded" performance. She also provided for me the closest possible date on Sir George Martin's
knighthood, as well as research material for when John Lennon announced he was leaving the band.
Visit Diana's Hari Scruffs George Harrison Fansite (www.hariscruffs.com).
Judy (namariee@excite.com) and webmaster of the Hey Jude Beatle web site who helped clarify the
actual date for Ringo's tonsil operation.
Marcus (marcus1950@webtv.net) for providing research material concerning the only film clip that was
presented in the Jack Paar show and for the date on when it was filmed (Marcus actually remembers
seeing the Jack Paar show when he was thirteen and got hooked on the Beatles from that point
forward). He also suggested that I highlight the Beatles performance of August 15, 1965 (Shea
Stadium) into the Timeline since it was the largest crowd ever to attend a Beatle concert. Believe it or
not, Marcus was actually at that concert.
Chris Wilson (chriswil@camtech.net.au) from Adelaide who provided additional background research for
the June 12, 1964 tour date. Chris also provided some interesting information in his e-mail to me on
how the Adelaide date finally made into the Beatles tour schedule: "The original tour did not include
Adelaide, but after a huge petition was organized by a local radio station, Adelaide was included to have
4 performances at Centennial Hall, capacity 3000. Then it was off to Melbourne to join Ringo and the
rest of the Australia/New Zealand tour."
Tom Bowers who provided the correct release date for the Tony Sheridan "My Bonnie" album.
Special thanks to Bruce Spizer for the "heads-up" on the Vee-Jay discography.
Special thanks to Marc Catone for graciously providing the Shea Stadium ticket stub.
A sincere thanks to Pat Mancuso, former President of the Official George Harrison Fan Club for providing
information on the precise time when George Harrison was born. Pat tells me the information was
culled directly from George's mother herself and that contrary to some reports, George never had a
middle name.
Thank you Brad, Diana, Judy, Marcus, Tom, Chris, Bruce, Marc and Pat. Your assistance was deeply
appreciated!
Finally, to my buddy and pal, Dave (and his wonderful wife Lucy) in Toronto, who both double-checked
and did the proof-reading for this Timeline. Dave and myself date back to our high school days where
we use to slag off every weekend, singing and playing Beatles records together. Our close relationship
remains intact to this very day because of the Beatles music, so thank you John, Paul, George and Ringo
for those wonderful times!! Top of page
FROM RUSSIA: THE OZ -
'PUNK OPERA CHE
LENNON'
'THE McCARTNEY
Click here for the Ottawa
YEARS'
Beatles Site review of
the exciting new album FEATURES
from The Oz EXCLUSIVE
COMMENTARY,
BEHIND THE
SCENES FOOTAGE,
TITLE: 'THE BEATLES – OVER 40 MUSIC
MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR VIDEOS AND TWO
MEMORIES' HOURS OF HISTORIC
RELEASE DATE: 25 AUGUST LIVE
2008 PERFORMANCES

Click here for details

Click here for a review of the
new DVD from the Ottawa
Beatles Site
 THE BEATLES’ ENTIRE
ORIGINAL RECORDED
CATALOGUE REMASTERED
BY APPLE CORPS LTD. AND
EMI MUSIC
FOR WORLDWIDE RELEASE
ON SEPTEMBER 9, 2009

Click here to read the

techniques utilized for the
remastering process.

Copyright 2000 - 2010

by John Whelan.
Counter started January 1, 2000
All rights reserved.
You are Beatles Time Traveller No:
Other web sites
by the author: Hit Counters

Expo 67