January 30, 2009

"Get Back" 40th Anniversary of Beatles Rooftop Performance

Today is the 40th anniversary of the rooftop performance, as seen in the Beatles film 'Let It Be'. On January 30, 1969, accompanied by Billy Preston on keyboards, The Beatles performed five songs on the rooftop of Apple's headquarters in Savile Row near Piccadilly Circus. Some of the neighbors were unhappy with the "noise", so the police were called in to shut it down.

During the performance of "Get Back" (as seen in a now deleted YouTube video, different than the one I have below), you can see George Harrison turning his amplifier back on. I'm thinking Mal Evans most likely turned it off as he's seen talking to George during the song, probably telling him that they need to stop playing.

After the song, Paul McCartney says, "Thanks, Mo!" in response to the enthusiastic cheering and applause from Ringo's wife Maureen Starkey. Then John Lennon says, "I'd like to say 'thank you' on behalf of the group and ourselves, and I hope we passed the audition!" The dialogue can also be heard on the 'Let It Be' album.

January 28, 2009

Freedy Johnston Covers Two Paul McCartney Songs

I've been a fan of Freedy Johnston for nearly 15 years (has it really been that long?!). Last year I was happy to hear that he was releasing an all-covers CD. On Johnston's CD, "My Favorite Waste of Time", he does not one, but two Paul McCartney & Wings songs; "Listen to What the Man Said" and "Let Em' In". In addition to McCartney he also covers Tom Petty, The Eagles, Marshall Crenshaw, Matthew Sweet, The Hollies and others.

The sessions were recorded in Nashville with bassist Bob Babbitt and drummer Ed Greene, and more than a dozen guest musicians. The CD is available on Freedy's official Website or from Amazon.com

Here's a short sample of both of the two McCartney tunes; "Listen to What the Man Said" and "Let Em' In".