BeatlesLane.com Blog - Beatles Fan Site

It Was 1 Year Ago Today...

2008-09-07T07:20:00.003-05:00

It was 1 year ago today, Sept. 7th, that BeatlesLane.com went online! Nearly each month there are more page views than the month preceding it, so the site is growing slowly but surely. The year has gone by quick. I hope there are many more to come. Thanks for visiting!

Video: The Beatles - "The Long and Winding Road"

2008-08-09T02:25:00.004-05:00

From the Beatles' Anthology DVD this is "The Long and Winding Road" from the 'Let It Be' sessions. Billy Preston is on keyboards.

Video: The Beatles - "Lady Madonna"

2008-08-05T13:41:00.005-05:00

This is the Beatles video for "Lady Madonna" as it appears on The Beatles' Anthology DVD. In March 1968 "Lady Madonna" was released as a single, with "The Inner Light" as the B-Side.

Video: John Lennon "Instant Karma" from 'Top of the Pops'

2008-07-13T16:50:00.005-05:00

This video is of John Lennon's Feb. 1970 performance of "Instant Karma (We All Shine On)" on BBC-TV's `Top Of The Pops'.

This video is also included on the DVD 'Plastic Ono Band' [Amazon link].

Poll Results of "Which is your favorite 'REVOLVER' song?"

2008-06-03T16:23:00.001-05:00

Here are the results from May's poll question "Which is your favorite 'REVOLVER' song?". It's kind of hard to read the graphic (even if you click to enlarge), but it shows that "Eleanor Rigby" had the most votes taking in 25% of the total. "For No One" had 15%, and "Here, There, Everywhere" and "I'm Only Sleeping" took in 12% apiece.

This month's poll is "Which is your favorite 'RUBBER SOUL' song?"

Video: The Beatles "If I Fell" (from 'A Hard Day's Night')

2008-05-25T10:19:00.003-05:00

From the 1964 Beatles movie 'A Hard Day's Night', John sings "If I Fell" to Ringo.

John Lennon's Plastic Ono Band DVD Released on April 29

2008-05-01T18:16:00.010-05:00

Read the BeatlesLane review of the DVD here

[The following is a press release]

JOHN LENNON’S PLASTIC ONO BAND AS PART OF ITS ACCLAIMED “CLASSIC ALBUMS” DVD SERIES RELEASED ON APRIL 29

Eagle Rock Entertainment is proud to announce the April 29 release of Plastic Ono Band by John Lennon.

John Lennon was a tortured individual when he recorded his 1970 solo debut album, Plastic Ono Band. He had been in therapy with Dr. Arthur Janov whose controversial “primal scream” psychiatric techniques were raising eyebrows within the medical establishment. Lennon took the black hole of his depression and poured it into his music via such personalized mantras as “Mother,” “Isolation,” “God,” “My Mummy’s Dead” and nine others. Intense and shocking, Lennon spared no expense in skewering longheld beloved beliefs (“I don’t believe in Beatles”) while openly seething over his own lost childhood (“Mother, you had me but I never had you”).

For its latest “Classic Albums” DVD, Eagle Rock Entertainment has explored the creation of this painful masterpiece via archival footage, detailed analysis and new interviews with Yoko Ono, Ringo Starr and bassist Klaus Voorman, a longtime Lennon friend and confidant. Interview sections are entitled “Remember Remember,” “Working Klaus Hero,” “Well Well Well,” “Well Well Well Hidden Praise,” “Class Divide,” “Yoko Ono/Plastic Ono Band,” “God Is Alive And Living In The Eiffel Tower.” Performances include “Mother” live at Madison Square Garden and “Instant Karma” from the BBC’s “Top Of The Pops.” [Total running time for the extras are 36:43.]

The Classic Album series from Eagle Rock Entertainment takes a comprehensive look into the making of landmark albums that were integral in music history. Along with interspersed live footage, the DVDs feature in-depth interviews with band members, musical peers, relevant fixtures in the music scene and those who were simply a part of the party. Producers also elaborate on and break down studio tracks at the mixing board, further explaining the recording process. Every Classic Album DVD not only tells the story; it binds the pages, paints the picture and ultimately provides the soundtrack to the making of a seminal album.

Poll Results of 1 Hour Private Conversation Question

2008-05-01T14:18:00.003-05:00

April's poll question was "If you could spend 1 hour in private conversation with one of the Beatles, which one would you choose"? As you can see, John Lennon was the number one answer with 53%. One the other end, Ringo received one vote. I think it was from his wife, Barbara Bach :)

Please take a second to vote in this month's poll "Which is your favorite 'REVOLVER' song?"

Poll Results of the "Fifth Beatle" question

2008-04-03T00:02:00.004-05:00

The results of the March poll show overwhelmingly that Beatles producer George Martin is the person whom most deserves the "Fifth Beatle" title. I'm pleased with the results as he was my first choice also. His production and arranging skills were vital to the great sound of their recordings. He also occasionally played piano on some of their songs.

This poll was the most voted on so far on this blog. Please take a couple of seconds to vote on this month's poll (near the top right of the page). The question is: If you could spend 1 hour in private conversation with one of the Beatles, which one would you choose? Of course with John and George, it would have to be considering they were still alive these days.

Video: May Pang talks about John Lennon on CBS's "Up To The Minute"

2008-03-26T04:48:00.006-05:00

In this video, May Pang talks about photography and John Lennon with Meg Oliver on CBS's "Up To The Minute" (3/26/08). Pang is the author of the book "Instamatic Karma", a book of photographs, published in 2008.

Lennon and Pang had a relationship during the 18 months that John and Yoko were separated (between 1973 and 1975).

Neil Aspinall, longtime Beatles friend and business associate, has died

2008-03-24T16:43:00.010-05:00

Sadly, Neil Aspinall has passed away at age 66. Neil was a childhood friend of Paul McCartney and George Harrison and over the years served as the Beatles' driver, road manager, personal assistant and later as head of The Beatles' company Apple Corps. He was fiercely loyal to the band and is interviewed in the 'Beatles Anthology' DVD set.

Aspinall fathered a child by Mona Best: Vincent "Roag" Best (born in July 1962). Mona is the mother of ex-Beatle Pete Best.

In a statement released on behalf of surviving Beatles Sir Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, the company described him as a "great man" who would be missed.

Read news article.

Paul McCartney Featured on the PETA Web Site

2008-03-12T04:16:00.006-05:00

Posing in PETA's "Eat No Animal" shirt, Paul McCartney describes the first time it hit him that animals value their lives just as much as humans do. Veggie Testimonials.

Paul's late wife Linda was a vegetarian and he has been one since 1975.

First Ever Free to Read Online Beatles Book is Launched

2008-03-11T17:48:00.005-05:00

[Press release from author Bob Neaverson]

The first ever free to read online Beatles book has just been launched. Bob Neaverson, author of The Beatles Movies (Cassell, 1997) and co-author (with former Apple Film boss Denis O’Dell) of At the Apple’s Core, has just launched a Beatles Movie website, www.beatlesmovies.co.uk. The site is dedicated to celebrating the importance of the group’s five forays into film, and includes a re-vamped version of his first book, the highly acclaimed The Beatles Movies, a critical history of the band’s films which includes interviews with such key movie personnel as former Apple boss Denis O’Dell, film director Richard Lester, and the group’s favourite actor, Victor Spinetti.

It is the first time a major Beatles book has been made available completely free to read online to fans. Along with the book, there is much else for Beatles film fans to enjoy, including videographies, quizzes, a discussion of the group’s promo output and other items of fascinating trivia. Bob explains that ‘I want the site to blossom and grow and have a strong interactive element. Rather than simply re-publishing the book in hard copy form, it seemed more exciting to put it out on the web, where it can be read by everyone for free. I’m not getting any royalties, so I’m hoping that the site will eventually sustain itself through advertising, but there really is no catch…It’s the world’s first free to read Beatles book!’

Beatles Wallpapers : Beatle-fy your desktop!

2008-03-09T05:50:00.005-05:00

Beatles Wallpapers have been added to the site. Get them here and Beatle-fy your desktop!

Poll Results of "Which Decade Did You Become a REAL Beatles Fan"?

2008-03-01T07:03:00.004-06:00

The February poll was "Which Decade Did You Become a REAL Beatles Fan"?. That poll is now closed, and thank you to those who voted. The results show that the majority are original fans! The 1960's, the decade the Beatles were together, changing the world and creating all of that great music, is the top answer of the poll.

This month's poll is at the top right of this page, and the question is: "Who Best Qualifies as the "Fifth Beatle"?" You can choose more than one person in this poll. Thanks for voting, it only takes a couple seconds.

Video: George Harrison performing "My Sweet Lord"

2008-02-24T21:04:00.003-06:00

This video is George Harrison performing "My Sweet Lord" during the Concert for Bangladesh, August 1, 1971.

Happy Birthday, George! (born Feb. 25, 1943)

Video: Which of The Beatles Was Born Richard Starkey? (1 vs. 100 Question)

2008-02-08T10:07:00.000-06:00

From the Feb. 1, 2008 episode of the NBC game show "1 vs. 100", the question was "Which of The Beatles Was Born Richard Starkey?". The contestant doesn't appear to be much of a Beatles fan as he seems to just take a guess at the answer.

1 vs. 100 is hosted by Bob Saget.

Video: NBC Today Show > "Lost" Beatles Tapes

2008-02-05T02:09:00.000-06:00

This video is from the Feb. 2, 2008, NBC Today Show. It features DJ Jeffrey Collins (aka Little Jeff) talking about the "Lost" Beatles Tapes recorded in Hamburg, Germany, supposedly during Ringo Starr's first gig as a Beatle.

Poll Results of "What's Your Favorite Beatles Movie?"

2008-02-02T08:07:00.000-06:00

The January poll was "What's Your Favorite Beatles Movie?". That poll is now closed, and thank you to those who voted. The results show "A Hard Day's Night" as the landslide winner with more than 53% of the votes. "Magical Mystery Tour" received NO votes!

This month's poll is at the top right of this page, and the question is: "During Which Decade Did You Become a REAL Beatles Fan?". Thanks for voting, it only takes a couple seconds.

John Lennon's "Bigger Than Jesus" Remark & Controversy

2008-01-26T00:07:00.000-06:00

This is a VH1 clip about Beatle John Lennon's "Bigger Than Jesus" remark and controversy in 1966, and the ensuing backlash.

Video: Ringo Starr performing "Liverpool 8" on 'Late Show with David Letterman'

2008-01-22T00:54:00.000-06:00

Here's Ringo Starr's performance of "Liverpool 8" on 'The Late Show with David Letterman', Jan. 21, 2008.

Since 1993, Late Show with David Letterman tapes in the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City. This is the same place where The Beatles had their historic February 9, 1964 performance, as well as a few subsequent appearances.

Video: Pete Best & Mona Best Interview (short excerpt)

2008-01-13T13:14:00.000-06:00

This is a short clip (1:40) of an interview with former Beatle Pete Best and his mother Mona. The interviewer asks them why was Pete kicked out of the Beatles.

Mona Best owned The Casbah Coffee Club, which was located in her cellar, were The Beatles frequently played, even back in their Quarrymen days. The club was opened in August 1959 as a place for young people to meet and listen to records and live bands. Mrs. Best was helpful in the Beatles' early career and development.

Video: Ringo Starr in a Shriners Hospitals for Children Commercial

2008-01-07T18:40:00.000-06:00

This video features Ringo Starr in a short commercial for Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Shriners Hospitals for Children - Main site

"Favorite Beatle Poll" Results...

2008-01-01T15:24:00.000-06:00

Thanks to those who voted in the "Who's Your Favorite Beatle?" Poll. The poll has ended and the results are George: 11 votes, Paul: 10 votes, John: 9 votes, and Ringo: 5 votes. It's a bit surprising to see that George beat out John and Paul. Good for him! I may run the same poll again in the future as it's an interesting one.

This month's poll is at the right. What's Your Favorite Beatles Movie? Technically "Magical Mystery Tour" was a TV special, but we'll consider it a movie.

By the way, if you're torn between more than one movie, you can vote for more than one :)

Video: Julian Lennon "When I'm Sixty-Four" (Allstate Commercial)

2007-12-31T21:33:00.001-06:00

This is the 2002 Allstate Commercial featuring Julian Lennon covering "When I'm Sixty-Four".

From clubjulesrules.com/news I've found a quote from Julian and one from Paul McCartney about Julian's recording this song for the commercial. Julian says, "It's funny how all my life I have been asked to record John Lennon songs and impersonate my father, now out of the blue, I get a request to sing a Beatles song. When I'm 64, originally recorded by Paul, is a song that I never imagined myself performing, but because the idea was so quirky and the fact that I saw a great deal of humor in doing it, I thought - why not!"

Paul says, "It's a dumb move on the publishing company's part because I don't think it helps the songs in the long run. But if anybody's going to do it I'd rather it be Julian. I've got to laugh at that."