When artists are compared to The Beatles, it’s usually meant as a compliment. However, Michael Jackson was upset when someone said The Jackson 5 were “the Black Beatles.” He had a point! On top of that, The Beatles and The Jackson 5 left behind very different legacies.
The Beatles and The Jackson 5 both inspired Saturday morning cartoons
Jermaine Jackson was a member of The Jackson 5. In his 2011 book You Are Not Alone: Michael, Through a Brother’s Eyes, Jermaine revealed that Motown had Fred Rice, the same marketing genius who helped The Beatles take over the world, merchandise The Jackson 5. The group inspired toys, clothing, and hair care products.
“He even started talking to New York animators Rankin/Bass, the makers of ABC’s The King Kong Show, about turning us into cartoon characters,” Jermaine wrote. “‘I’m going to have your faces everywhere,’ he said. ‘You’re the Black Beatles.
The Beatles and The Jackson 5 both inspired Saturday morning cartoons
Jermaine Jackson was a member of The Jackson 5. In his 2011 book You Are Not Alone: Michael, Through a Brother’s Eyes, Jermaine revealed that Motown had Fred Rice, the same marketing genius who helped The Beatles take over the world, merchandise The Jackson 5. The group inspired toys, clothing, and hair care products.
“He even started talking to New York animators Rankin/Bass, the makers of ABC’s The King Kong Show, about turning us into cartoon characters,” Jermaine wrote. “‘I’m going to have your faces everywhere,’ he said. ‘You’re the Black Beatles.
- 5/21/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
It’s one of the most famous and beloved clips from the era of Beatlemania, and 60 years later Paul McCartney has finally responded to the lovestruck “Adrienne from Brooklyn.”
“I love the Beatles and I’ll always love them,” says the emotional young girl with the thick New Yawk accent in the 1964 black and white CBS News clip covering the Fab Four’s arrival in America for The Ed Sullivan Show. “Even when I’m 105 and an old grandmother I’ll love ’em. And Paul McCartney if you are listening Adrienne from Brooklyn loves you with all her heart!”
Today, McCartney, whose photographs from the era are on display in a major exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum, gave a response six decades in the making.
“Hey Adrienne, it’s Paul,” McCartney says in an Instagram video posted today. “Listen, I saw your video. I’m in Brooklyn now, I’m in New York,...
“I love the Beatles and I’ll always love them,” says the emotional young girl with the thick New Yawk accent in the 1964 black and white CBS News clip covering the Fab Four’s arrival in America for The Ed Sullivan Show. “Even when I’m 105 and an old grandmother I’ll love ’em. And Paul McCartney if you are listening Adrienne from Brooklyn loves you with all her heart!”
Today, McCartney, whose photographs from the era are on display in a major exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum, gave a response six decades in the making.
“Hey Adrienne, it’s Paul,” McCartney says in an Instagram video posted today. “Listen, I saw your video. I’m in Brooklyn now, I’m in New York,...
- 5/3/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Over the years, the Doctor has met all kinds of legendary cultural and societal figureheads across his Tardis travels: Vincent Van Gogh, Charles Dickens, Rosa Parks, William Shakespeare, and Agatha Christie, to name but a few. But he’s never met the Fab Four – until now. The new series of Doctor Who – the first full series to feature Ncuti Gatwa’s take on the iconic Time Lord, with showrunner Russell T Davies returning to the (galli)fray – will feature an episode titled 'The Devil's Chord', in which the Doctor rock out with The Beatles in Abbey Road. And it’s an idea that’s been a long time coming.
As Davies tells Empire – in a major new joint interview with Gatwa to celebrate the show’s latest regeneration – the notion of doing a Beatles episode has always hit a certain stumbling block. But, that in itself became a source of inspiration.
As Davies tells Empire – in a major new joint interview with Gatwa to celebrate the show’s latest regeneration – the notion of doing a Beatles episode has always hit a certain stumbling block. But, that in itself became a source of inspiration.
- 4/8/2024
- by Ben Travis
- Empire - TV
Once upon a time, before the public knew about their royal rifts Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, Prince William, and the Princess of Wales (formerly known as Kate Middleton) were dubbed the Fab Four of the royal family. The couples were very popular and great for the monarchy as they could connect with younger generations in a way royals hadn’t in the past. But then it all came crashing down.
That plan was never able to materialize and in the years since Meghan and Harry stepped down, relations between the Sussexes and the Waleses have only gotten worse. Now, those early reports of tension that many thought were just rumors at the time are being brought up again proving that perhaps the signs were always there.
Kate Middleton, Prince William, and Meghan Markle attend events to mark the centenary of the Raf | Paul Grover/Pool/Afp via Getty Images The...
That plan was never able to materialize and in the years since Meghan and Harry stepped down, relations between the Sussexes and the Waleses have only gotten worse. Now, those early reports of tension that many thought were just rumors at the time are being brought up again proving that perhaps the signs were always there.
Kate Middleton, Prince William, and Meghan Markle attend events to mark the centenary of the Raf | Paul Grover/Pool/Afp via Getty Images The...
- 3/10/2024
- by Michelle Kapusta
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Beatles made their first of three appearances on CBS’ “The Ed Sullivan Show” on Feb 9, 1964. Sullivan knew he had a really big “shew” that night, telling the audience mainly of teeny-boppers and teenage girls that “our theater’s been jammed with newspapermen and hundreds of photographers from all over the world. And these veterans agree with me that the city never has witnessed the excitement stirred by these youngsters from Liverpool…Now tonight you’re going to be twice entertained by them…Ladies and gentlemen, The Beatles.”
Their fans screamed, cried and grabbed their hair when John, Paul, George and Ringo performed “All My Loving,” “Till There Was You” and “She Loves You.” They came back 35 minutes later in the show to sing “I Saw Her Standing There” and their No. 1 hit “I Want to Hold Your Hand.” The ratings for the episode scored to 23.24 million households. Beatlemania was sweeping America before Feb.
Their fans screamed, cried and grabbed their hair when John, Paul, George and Ringo performed “All My Loving,” “Till There Was You” and “She Loves You.” They came back 35 minutes later in the show to sing “I Saw Her Standing There” and their No. 1 hit “I Want to Hold Your Hand.” The ratings for the episode scored to 23.24 million households. Beatlemania was sweeping America before Feb.
- 2/9/2024
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
Joe Perry of Aerosmith was asked to name his favorite Beatles song and he picked a classic track from The White Album. The tune in question doesn’t sound much like Aerosmith’s hits, but it was innovative nonetheless. Perry also revealed what he thought when he heard that one of The Beatles died.
Aerosmith’s Joe Perry loved a fusion song from The Beatles’ ‘The White Album’
During a 2009 interview with Cleveland.com, Perry named his favorite Beatles song: “Tomorrow Never Knows,” from The White Album. “Tomorrow Never Knows” is one of the most famous examples of raga rock, a genre fusing Indian classical music with Western rock ‘n’ roll. While “Tomorrow Never Knows” is distinct from Aerosmith’s hits, Aerosmith did experiment with raga rock on their album Nine Lives.
Perry explained why the Fab Four are so important. “The Beatles did everything long before anyone else,” he opined.
Aerosmith’s Joe Perry loved a fusion song from The Beatles’ ‘The White Album’
During a 2009 interview with Cleveland.com, Perry named his favorite Beatles song: “Tomorrow Never Knows,” from The White Album. “Tomorrow Never Knows” is one of the most famous examples of raga rock, a genre fusing Indian classical music with Western rock ‘n’ roll. While “Tomorrow Never Knows” is distinct from Aerosmith’s hits, Aerosmith did experiment with raga rock on their album Nine Lives.
Perry explained why the Fab Four are so important. “The Beatles did everything long before anyone else,” he opined.
- 1/16/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley‘s Jailhouse Rock includes a rare song with the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll on guitar. He was even more talented than you thought! The Beatles later covered the song in question.
Elvis Presley was high on music during the ‘Jailhouse Rock’ sessions
Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller wrote several songs for Jailhouse Rock, including the title song. In the 2009 book Hound Dog: The Leiber & Stoller Autobiography, Stoller discussed a session with the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. “At the end of the day, Elvis was as high on the music as Jerry and I,” he said. “That was a Wednesday. Elvis didn’t show up at the studio on Thursday, but he was back on Friday to do the fourth song, ‘(You’re So Square) Baby I Don’t Care.'”
Stoller said Elvis went the extra mile with “(You’re So Square) Baby I Don’t Care.
Elvis Presley was high on music during the ‘Jailhouse Rock’ sessions
Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller wrote several songs for Jailhouse Rock, including the title song. In the 2009 book Hound Dog: The Leiber & Stoller Autobiography, Stoller discussed a session with the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. “At the end of the day, Elvis was as high on the music as Jerry and I,” he said. “That was a Wednesday. Elvis didn’t show up at the studio on Thursday, but he was back on Friday to do the fourth song, ‘(You’re So Square) Baby I Don’t Care.'”
Stoller said Elvis went the extra mile with “(You’re So Square) Baby I Don’t Care.
- 12/31/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The final cover of The Beatles‘ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band doesn’t reflect the Fab Four’s original idea. The Beatles removed one star from the image for financial reasons. The star might have made a huge mistake when he corresponded with The Beatles.
An artist said the creation of The Beatles’ ‘Sgt. Pepper’ cover was ‘pretty funny’
Jann Haworth was one of the artists behind the Sgt. Pepper artwork. Famously, the record includes the visages of many celebrities, writers, and historical figures. During a 2017 interview with Good Times, Haworth said The Beatles’ manager, Brian Epstein, decided the band needed permission to use the famous figures’ images late in the creative process.
“And the story as it’s written up is that Emi thought of this, but as it was presented to me it was Brian saying ‘Oh my god, we’ve got to get this straightened out,...
An artist said the creation of The Beatles’ ‘Sgt. Pepper’ cover was ‘pretty funny’
Jann Haworth was one of the artists behind the Sgt. Pepper artwork. Famously, the record includes the visages of many celebrities, writers, and historical figures. During a 2017 interview with Good Times, Haworth said The Beatles’ manager, Brian Epstein, decided the band needed permission to use the famous figures’ images late in the creative process.
“And the story as it’s written up is that Emi thought of this, but as it was presented to me it was Brian saying ‘Oh my god, we’ve got to get this straightened out,...
- 12/19/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Ringo Starr was aware that fans read a lot into The Beatles’ songs. In response, he described his band as just a bunch of buskers. John Lennon made similar comments about The Beatles’ music. He analyzed the Fab Four’s appeal — while also claiming music had medicinal properties!
Ringo Starr said The Beatles didn’t get what music critics were talking about
During a 1981 interview with Rolling Stone, Ringo recalled the way people interpreted The Beatles’ songs. “Anyway, we used to get freaked out by what everyone thought our songs were about, because they’d make up all this madness,” he recalled. “The Sunday Times in London brought all this analyzing into the establishment when someone wrote an article about the ‘decading solances’ [Aeolian cadences] in our music and things like that.” An Aeolian cadence is when a tune composed in a major key resolves on the VI chord.
“We didn’t...
Ringo Starr said The Beatles didn’t get what music critics were talking about
During a 1981 interview with Rolling Stone, Ringo recalled the way people interpreted The Beatles’ songs. “Anyway, we used to get freaked out by what everyone thought our songs were about, because they’d make up all this madness,” he recalled. “The Sunday Times in London brought all this analyzing into the establishment when someone wrote an article about the ‘decading solances’ [Aeolian cadences] in our music and things like that.” An Aeolian cadence is when a tune composed in a major key resolves on the VI chord.
“We didn’t...
- 12/3/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Ringo Starr was aware that fans read a lot into The Beatles’ songs. In response, he described his band as just a bunch of buskers. John Lennon made similar comments about The Beatles’ music. He analyzed the Fab Four’s appeal — while also claiming music had medicinal properties!
Ringo Starr said The Beatles didn’t get what music critics were talking about
During a 1981 interview with Rolling Stone, Ringo recalled the way people interpreted The Beatles’ songs. “Anyway, we used to get freaked out by what everyone thought our songs were about, because they’d make up all this madness,” he recalled. “The Sunday Times in London brought all this analyzing into the establishment when someone wrote an article about the ‘decading solances’ [Aeolian cadences] in our music and things like that.” An Aeolian cadence is when a tune composed in a major key resolves on the VI chord.
“We didn’t...
Ringo Starr said The Beatles didn’t get what music critics were talking about
During a 1981 interview with Rolling Stone, Ringo recalled the way people interpreted The Beatles’ songs. “Anyway, we used to get freaked out by what everyone thought our songs were about, because they’d make up all this madness,” he recalled. “The Sunday Times in London brought all this analyzing into the establishment when someone wrote an article about the ‘decading solances’ [Aeolian cadences] in our music and things like that.” An Aeolian cadence is when a tune composed in a major key resolves on the VI chord.
“We didn’t...
- 12/3/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Beatles‘ “Now and Then” has many fans and critics raving. It’s not just good: it’s the best final single that a Beatlemaniac could dream of and part of that is in its subtext. Here’s a look at why “Now and Then” works as a love song and as a meditation on The Beatles’ place in the world of music.
The Beatles’ ‘Now and Then’ could be about love, fans, or the Fab Four’s friendship
The lyrics of “Now and Then” are so layered. In the 1970s, “Now and Then” might have felt like a love song. Today, when fans have kept The Beatles’ memory alive for over 50 after they broke up, the track could seem directed at the fans, with John Lennon singing that his legacy lives on because of them.
Of course, much modern media about The Beatles emphasizes the friendships between John, Paul McCartney,...
The Beatles’ ‘Now and Then’ could be about love, fans, or the Fab Four’s friendship
The lyrics of “Now and Then” are so layered. In the 1970s, “Now and Then” might have felt like a love song. Today, when fans have kept The Beatles’ memory alive for over 50 after they broke up, the track could seem directed at the fans, with John Lennon singing that his legacy lives on because of them.
Of course, much modern media about The Beatles emphasizes the friendships between John, Paul McCartney,...
- 11/4/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Beatles‘ “Yellow Submarine” was unquestionably a highlight of Ringo Starr’s career but he said it wouldn’t have been as popular if its lyrics were slightly different. He thought fans would have been put off if the submarine was “deep purple.” Interestingly, The Beatles’ “Yellow Submarine” originally started with a 30-second intro that was very different from anything in the final version of the song. Ringo said the tune came from a period in the Fab Four’s career where they were heavily influenced by a very 1960s muse: drugs.
Paul McCartney decided The Beatles’ ‘Yellow Submarine’ should focus on the color yellow
During a 2022 interview with USA Today, Ringo discussed his recollections of The Beatles’ “Yellow Submarine” from 1966. “The boys used to write a song for me and they’d present whatever they thought would be good for me,” he said. “They had this song and they decided to liven it up.
Paul McCartney decided The Beatles’ ‘Yellow Submarine’ should focus on the color yellow
During a 2022 interview with USA Today, Ringo discussed his recollections of The Beatles’ “Yellow Submarine” from 1966. “The boys used to write a song for me and they’d present whatever they thought would be good for me,” he said. “They had this song and they decided to liven it up.
- 10/16/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Once upon a time Prince William, the Princess of Wales (formerly known as Kate Middleton), Prince Harry, and his wife, Meghan Markle were known as the Fab Four in the royal family. But fans soon learned all was not well between them, and the Sussexes decided to step down from their roles and move across the pond.
After the famous Sandringham Summit, an agreement with Queen Elizabeth II was reached and the pair carried out their final engagement as working royals on Commonwealth Day 2020. All eyes were on the couples during that service at Westminster Abbey as they came face to face and played on the same team one final time. According to a body language expert, photos from that day showed that things really took a toll on William and Kate.
Prince William, Kate Middleton, Prince Harry, and Meghan Markle attend the Commonwealth Day Service 2020 | Phil Harris – Wpa Pool...
After the famous Sandringham Summit, an agreement with Queen Elizabeth II was reached and the pair carried out their final engagement as working royals on Commonwealth Day 2020. All eyes were on the couples during that service at Westminster Abbey as they came face to face and played on the same team one final time. According to a body language expert, photos from that day showed that things really took a toll on William and Kate.
Prince William, Kate Middleton, Prince Harry, and Meghan Markle attend the Commonwealth Day Service 2020 | Phil Harris – Wpa Pool...
- 8/26/2023
- by Michelle Kapusta
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Anne Murray put her spin on several of The Beatles‘ songs. Murray’s cover of a song from The Beatles’ A Hard Day’s Night outshone the original. Despite this, her version of the Fab Four’s track is terrible and doesn’t fit the song’s lyrics.
1 song from The Beatles’ ‘A Hard Day’s Night’ and Anne Murray’s cover didn’t hit the top 40
The Beatles’ “I’m Happy Just to Dance with You” was barely a hit. It reached No. 95 on the Billboard Hot 100 for a single week. The tune appeared on the album A Hard Day’s Night. That record topped the Billboard 200 for 14 weeks, lasting on the chart for 56 weeks.
Murray’s cover of “I’m Happy Just to Dance with You” was a bigger hit. Her version of the tune peaked at No. 64 on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed on the chart for six weeks. Murray...
1 song from The Beatles’ ‘A Hard Day’s Night’ and Anne Murray’s cover didn’t hit the top 40
The Beatles’ “I’m Happy Just to Dance with You” was barely a hit. It reached No. 95 on the Billboard Hot 100 for a single week. The tune appeared on the album A Hard Day’s Night. That record topped the Billboard 200 for 14 weeks, lasting on the chart for 56 weeks.
Murray’s cover of “I’m Happy Just to Dance with You” was a bigger hit. Her version of the tune peaked at No. 64 on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed on the chart for six weeks. Murray...
- 8/19/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Tl;Dr:
The Beatles’ John Lennon said his band’s popularity ebbed and flowed after their early years. He said the band’s breakup was a huge part of their myth. He discussed the music the members of the Fab Four made after the split.
The Beatles‘ breakup might be the most famous breakup in all of rock history. John Lennon took a minute to imagine what might have happened if the Fab Four had stayed together. Subsequently, he explored the upsides and downsides of leaving the group.
The Beatles’ John Lennon said it’s ‘best to go out when you’re flying high’
During a 1980 interview with the Los Angeles Times, John discussed what could have happened if The Beatles kept going. “I don’t know, it would have probably gone down the tubes and then been resurrected like everything else,” he opined. “I always thought it was best...
The Beatles’ John Lennon said his band’s popularity ebbed and flowed after their early years. He said the band’s breakup was a huge part of their myth. He discussed the music the members of the Fab Four made after the split.
The Beatles‘ breakup might be the most famous breakup in all of rock history. John Lennon took a minute to imagine what might have happened if the Fab Four had stayed together. Subsequently, he explored the upsides and downsides of leaving the group.
The Beatles’ John Lennon said it’s ‘best to go out when you’re flying high’
During a 1980 interview with the Los Angeles Times, John discussed what could have happened if The Beatles kept going. “I don’t know, it would have probably gone down the tubes and then been resurrected like everything else,” he opined. “I always thought it was best...
- 8/6/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Beatles‘ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band changed the history of science when it inspired the name of a famous fossil. A scientist explained why the Fab Four inspired the moniker. In addition, he said using a name from a Beatles song made the fossil iconic.
A song from The Beatles’ ‘Sgt. Pepper’ played during an important expedition
In 1974, paleoanthropologist Donald Johanson discovered the skeleton of a prehistoric ape-like creature of the species Australopithecus afarensis. The female skeleton garnered the name “Lucy.” During a 2014 interview with Scientific American, Johanson discussed why Lucy was named after a Beatles song.
“I knew from the beginning that she would be important,” he said. “But in hindsight, she also got the right nickname. A member of the expedition suggested if she was a female, as we suspected, why not call her Lucy, after the Beatles song ‘Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds,...
A song from The Beatles’ ‘Sgt. Pepper’ played during an important expedition
In 1974, paleoanthropologist Donald Johanson discovered the skeleton of a prehistoric ape-like creature of the species Australopithecus afarensis. The female skeleton garnered the name “Lucy.” During a 2014 interview with Scientific American, Johanson discussed why Lucy was named after a Beatles song.
“I knew from the beginning that she would be important,” he said. “But in hindsight, she also got the right nickname. A member of the expedition suggested if she was a female, as we suspected, why not call her Lucy, after the Beatles song ‘Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds,...
- 7/25/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Tl;Dr:
Lana Del Rey’s “Young and Beautiful” is like a more serious version of one of The Beatles’ songs. Del Rey’s tune is a lot better than the Fab Four’s tune. Del Rey’s track was one of her biggest hits in the United States while The Beatles’ track didn’t chart there.
Lana Del Rey’s “Young and Beautiful” is one of her best songs. It’s lyrically similar to a tune from The Beatles‘ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. Despite this, The Beatles’ track has a typically cute Paul McCartney tone.
Why Lana Del Rey’s ‘Young and Beautiful’ is similar to The Beatles’ ‘When I’m Sixty-Four’
In “Young and Beautiful,” Del Rey asks her lover if he will continue to love her as she ages. It’s a deeply emotional tune and one of the most iconic ballads of the 2010s.
Lana Del Rey’s “Young and Beautiful” is like a more serious version of one of The Beatles’ songs. Del Rey’s tune is a lot better than the Fab Four’s tune. Del Rey’s track was one of her biggest hits in the United States while The Beatles’ track didn’t chart there.
Lana Del Rey’s “Young and Beautiful” is one of her best songs. It’s lyrically similar to a tune from The Beatles‘ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. Despite this, The Beatles’ track has a typically cute Paul McCartney tone.
Why Lana Del Rey’s ‘Young and Beautiful’ is similar to The Beatles’ ‘When I’m Sixty-Four’
In “Young and Beautiful,” Del Rey asks her lover if he will continue to love her as she ages. It’s a deeply emotional tune and one of the most iconic ballads of the 2010s.
- 7/12/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Tl;Dr:
Paul McCartney knew he and his bandmates were attractive when The Beatles’ fans were screaming. The band grew tired of the screaming, and that partly inspired Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. The shrieking fans are an important part of the history of rock ‘n’ roll.
One of the most famous aspects of Beatlemania was the Fab Four’s screaming fans. Paul McCartney said The Beatles enjoyed when their fans screamed at first. Despite this, they came to see this phenomenon as part of their passe bubblegum image.
Paul McCartney said The Beatles wanted to be physically attractive to their fans
During a 2021 interview with NPR, Paul said The Beatles enjoyed it when Fab Four fans screamed. “We were just like most young guys,” he said. “We just wanted to have a girlfriend and basically do as much as we could, was the idea. So as we got fans,...
Paul McCartney knew he and his bandmates were attractive when The Beatles’ fans were screaming. The band grew tired of the screaming, and that partly inspired Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. The shrieking fans are an important part of the history of rock ‘n’ roll.
One of the most famous aspects of Beatlemania was the Fab Four’s screaming fans. Paul McCartney said The Beatles enjoyed when their fans screamed at first. Despite this, they came to see this phenomenon as part of their passe bubblegum image.
Paul McCartney said The Beatles wanted to be physically attractive to their fans
During a 2021 interview with NPR, Paul said The Beatles enjoyed it when Fab Four fans screamed. “We were just like most young guys,” he said. “We just wanted to have a girlfriend and basically do as much as we could, was the idea. So as we got fans,...
- 7/12/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Beatles’ steady rise to the top in England stood in contrast to their explosion of popularity in the United States. They went from unknown to the country’s most popular band virtually overnight. Their records flew off shelves. Young fans like Bruce Springsteen bought whatever Fab Four merchandise they could get their hands on. That included one Beatles song that Springsteen said was a rip-off that he listened to constantly anyway.
Bruce Springsteen said ‘My Bonnie’ was a ‘rip-off’ and ‘not great,’ but he listened to it anyway
The Boss was one of the millions of young music fans bowled over by The Beatles when they arrived in the U.S. in 1964. Those scores of fans helped the band place 64 songs in the Billboard top 100 between 1964 and 1970. Even the Fab Four’s self-professed lousy songs performed well in the U.S.
Springsteen fell hard for The Beatles when he...
Bruce Springsteen said ‘My Bonnie’ was a ‘rip-off’ and ‘not great,’ but he listened to it anyway
The Boss was one of the millions of young music fans bowled over by The Beatles when they arrived in the U.S. in 1964. Those scores of fans helped the band place 64 songs in the Billboard top 100 between 1964 and 1970. Even the Fab Four’s self-professed lousy songs performed well in the U.S.
Springsteen fell hard for The Beatles when he...
- 6/25/2023
- by Jason Rossi
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Mick Jagger said The Rolling Stones would never record a song like The Beatles’ “Please Please Me.” In addition, he revealed what he and Keith Richards thought of the Fab Four. Some of his comments don’t make sense.
Mick Jagger called The Beatles’ ‘Please Please Me’ an ‘adolescent love song’
According to the book 50 Licks: Myths and Stories from Half a Century of The Rolling Stones, Jagger contrasted his band with The Beatles in 1977. “We were not The Beatles,” he said. “The Beatles were a pop band … and, though we liked them … you know … I mean … Keith and Brian sort of liked them, but I didn’t really.”
He said The Beatles made music that was poppier than The Rolling Stones’. “I mean they were sweet and all that, but we were a blues band,” he said. “We played blues and we played in clubs and we didn’t...
Mick Jagger called The Beatles’ ‘Please Please Me’ an ‘adolescent love song’
According to the book 50 Licks: Myths and Stories from Half a Century of The Rolling Stones, Jagger contrasted his band with The Beatles in 1977. “We were not The Beatles,” he said. “The Beatles were a pop band … and, though we liked them … you know … I mean … Keith and Brian sort of liked them, but I didn’t really.”
He said The Beatles made music that was poppier than The Rolling Stones’. “I mean they were sweet and all that, but we were a blues band,” he said. “We played blues and we played in clubs and we didn’t...
- 6/18/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Shooting Stars might be labeled a sports drama, but at its core, the biographical film released on Peacock June 2 about Lebron James’ high school basketball team from 1999-2003 is about hard work, perseverance and triumph over the obstacles life throws at you.
Chris Robinson (Atl, The New Edition Story) is the director who was tasked with showcasing the talent and tenacity that made James (played here by Marquis “Mookie” Cook) and his teammates — Dru Joyce III, Willie McGee, Sian Cotton and Romeo Travis at St. Vincent–St. Mary High School in his hometown of Akron, Ohio — successes on and off the court. And more importantly, lifelong friends.
“Can you imagine being 15 and the whole world is having a conversation about you?” asks Robinson as he reminisces about the hype around James and his core teammates known as the Fab Four in junior high, and eventually the Fab Five as Travis...
Chris Robinson (Atl, The New Edition Story) is the director who was tasked with showcasing the talent and tenacity that made James (played here by Marquis “Mookie” Cook) and his teammates — Dru Joyce III, Willie McGee, Sian Cotton and Romeo Travis at St. Vincent–St. Mary High School in his hometown of Akron, Ohio — successes on and off the court. And more importantly, lifelong friends.
“Can you imagine being 15 and the whole world is having a conversation about you?” asks Robinson as he reminisces about the hype around James and his core teammates known as the Fab Four in junior high, and eventually the Fab Five as Travis...
- 6/14/2023
- by Brande Victorian
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Paul McCartney said The Beatles’ “When I’m Sixty-Four” was meant to be a joke. In addition, he explained how The Beatles’ producer changed the song to give it some vitality. Notably, the tune was the Fab Four’s best foray into a certain genre.
Paul McCartney | Mike Coppola / Staff Paul McCartney said The Beatles’ ‘When I’m Sixty-Four’ was a joke and a love song
In the 1997 book Paul McCartney: Many Years From Now, Paul recalled adding “When I’m Sixty-Four” to the tracklist of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. “‘ When I’m Sixty-Four’ was a case of me looking for stuff to do for Pepper,” he said.
“I thought it was a good little tune but it was too vaudevillian, so I had to get some codlines to take the sting out of it, and put the tongue very firmly in cheek,” Paul added. “‘Will you still need me?’ is still a love song.
Paul McCartney | Mike Coppola / Staff Paul McCartney said The Beatles’ ‘When I’m Sixty-Four’ was a joke and a love song
In the 1997 book Paul McCartney: Many Years From Now, Paul recalled adding “When I’m Sixty-Four” to the tracklist of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. “‘ When I’m Sixty-Four’ was a case of me looking for stuff to do for Pepper,” he said.
“I thought it was a good little tune but it was too vaudevillian, so I had to get some codlines to take the sting out of it, and put the tongue very firmly in cheek,” Paul added. “‘Will you still need me?’ is still a love song.
- 6/12/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Practically since his career began, LeBron James has been not merely a great basketball player but a media industry generating a seemingly endless array of products.
The latest example is this new Peacock original film based on his 2009 memoir co-written with Buzz Bissinger (Friday Night Lights), recounting the story of his early years and friendship with his high school teammates known as the “Fab Four,” later expanded to become the “Fab Five.” The story was already told in the 2008 documentary More Than a Game, but that won’t stop the Goat’s fans from wanting to see this lovingly rendered adaptation that covers all the early career highlights, albeit sometimes in sanitized form.
The story begins with James (Marquis “Mookie” Cook, a top-ranked amateur basketball player making an impressive screen debut) playing in a youth league in Akron, Ohio, along with his three best friends: Lil Dru (Caleb McLaughlin, Stranger...
The latest example is this new Peacock original film based on his 2009 memoir co-written with Buzz Bissinger (Friday Night Lights), recounting the story of his early years and friendship with his high school teammates known as the “Fab Four,” later expanded to become the “Fab Five.” The story was already told in the 2008 documentary More Than a Game, but that won’t stop the Goat’s fans from wanting to see this lovingly rendered adaptation that covers all the early career highlights, albeit sometimes in sanitized form.
The story begins with James (Marquis “Mookie” Cook, a top-ranked amateur basketball player making an impressive screen debut) playing in a youth league in Akron, Ohio, along with his three best friends: Lil Dru (Caleb McLaughlin, Stranger...
- 6/1/2023
- by Frank Scheck
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
It’s not how you start the game. It’s how you finish. Peacock is taking it to the hoop today with the Shooting Stars trailer, depicting LeBron James‘s meteoric rise from the high school basketball court to becoming one of the greatest players ever to play the game. Shooting Stars is based on the book by LeBron James and the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Friday Night Lights, Buzz Bissinger. According to today’s official press release, Shooting Stars “is the inspiring origin story of a basketball superhero, revealing how LeBron James and his childhood friends become the #1 high school team in the country, launching James’s breathtaking career as a four-time NBA Champion, two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.”
Here’s the official synopsis:
In the 1990s, a young LeBron James and his three best friends — Lil Dru, Willie McGee, and Sian Cotton—called themselves the “Fab Four,...
Here’s the official synopsis:
In the 1990s, a young LeBron James and his three best friends — Lil Dru, Willie McGee, and Sian Cotton—called themselves the “Fab Four,...
- 5/19/2023
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
The John Lennon and Paul McCartney songwriting partnership churned out hits for The Beatles. How good were they? One of their unreleased songs hit No. 1 when another band recorded it. So it’s no surprise two Lennon-McCartney songs spent 29 weeks on the chart for another group.
(l-r) Paul McCartney and John Lennon | Val Wilmer/Redferns The Fourmost spent 29 weeks on the chart with a pair of John Lennon and Paul McCartney songs
Even before they became synonymous with chart-topping hit songs, Paul and John weren’t shy about giving away songs they wrote to other artists. They let The Rolling Stones take on “I Wanna Be Your Man” before The Beatles recorded it. John and Paul gave up on the song “That Means a Lot,” handed it to American singer P.J. Proby, and he turned it into a modest success.
The Fourmost did much more than achieve middling success...
(l-r) Paul McCartney and John Lennon | Val Wilmer/Redferns The Fourmost spent 29 weeks on the chart with a pair of John Lennon and Paul McCartney songs
Even before they became synonymous with chart-topping hit songs, Paul and John weren’t shy about giving away songs they wrote to other artists. They let The Rolling Stones take on “I Wanna Be Your Man” before The Beatles recorded it. John and Paul gave up on the song “That Means a Lot,” handed it to American singer P.J. Proby, and he turned it into a modest success.
The Fourmost did much more than achieve middling success...
- 5/7/2023
- by Jason Rossi
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Peacock’s first teaser trailer for Shooting Stars features NBA superstar LeBron James looking back with fondness on his formative years in high school. Based on the book by James and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Buzz Bissinger (Friday Night Lights), the film explores LeBron’s friendship with four talented high school players and how they rose from obscurity to become national champs.
Marquis “Mookie” Cook stars as a young LeBron, Caleb McLaughlin is Lil Dru Joyce III, Avery S. Wills, Jr. is Willie McGee, and Khalil Everage plays Sian Cotton. Wood Harris plays Coach Dru Joyce II, Sterling “Scoot” Henderson is Romeo Travis, and Dermot Mulroney stars as Keith Dambrot.
Chris Robinson directed and Frank E. Flowers (Metro Manila), Tony Rettenmaier (Space Jam: A New Legacy), and Juel Taylor (Creed II) adapted James and Bissinger’s book. LeBron James, Maverick Carter, Rachel Winter, Spencer Beighley, Jamal Henderson, and Terence Winter served as producers,...
Marquis “Mookie” Cook stars as a young LeBron, Caleb McLaughlin is Lil Dru Joyce III, Avery S. Wills, Jr. is Willie McGee, and Khalil Everage plays Sian Cotton. Wood Harris plays Coach Dru Joyce II, Sterling “Scoot” Henderson is Romeo Travis, and Dermot Mulroney stars as Keith Dambrot.
Chris Robinson directed and Frank E. Flowers (Metro Manila), Tony Rettenmaier (Space Jam: A New Legacy), and Juel Taylor (Creed II) adapted James and Bissinger’s book. LeBron James, Maverick Carter, Rachel Winter, Spencer Beighley, Jamal Henderson, and Terence Winter served as producers,...
- 4/25/2023
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
You’d be hard-pressed to find many musicians who wouldn’t trade places with Paul McCartney. Decades of fame and dozens of hit songs pushed his net worth over $1 billion. Still, Paul was jealous of The Rolling Stones — specifically their differing wardrobes — even though The Beatles were the most popular band in England.
(l-r) Charlie Watts, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Bill Wyman, and Brian Jones in 1966; Paul McCartney | Ted West/Central Press/Getty Images; David Redfern/Redferns Paul McCartney was jealous that The Rolling Stones didn’t have to wear matching clothes
The Beatles striding across a zebra-striped pedestrian crossing for the Abbey Road cover is one of the most recognizable music photos ever. Paul, John Lennon, Ringo Starr, and George Harrison wore different outfits that foreshadowed the individual paths they took when the band broke up after that 1969 album.
But it wasn’t always that way.
The Fab Four...
(l-r) Charlie Watts, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Bill Wyman, and Brian Jones in 1966; Paul McCartney | Ted West/Central Press/Getty Images; David Redfern/Redferns Paul McCartney was jealous that The Rolling Stones didn’t have to wear matching clothes
The Beatles striding across a zebra-striped pedestrian crossing for the Abbey Road cover is one of the most recognizable music photos ever. Paul, John Lennon, Ringo Starr, and George Harrison wore different outfits that foreshadowed the individual paths they took when the band broke up after that 1969 album.
But it wasn’t always that way.
The Fab Four...
- 4/20/2023
- by Jason Rossi
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Beatles found inspiration from the earliest rock ‘n’ roll pioneers, and they showed it. Before Paul McCartney and John Lennon grew into prolific songwriters (while being called idiots by a singer who then recorded one of their songs), the Fab Four covered songs by Ray Charles, Little Richard, Carl Perkins, and Buddy Holly. Yet Elvis Presley might have been the biggest influence. We’re ranking The Beatles’ four Elvis covers from worst to best.
(l-r) Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, George Harrison, and John Lennon of The Beatles; Elvis Presley | Stanley Bielecki/Asp/Getty Images; Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer/Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images The Beatles covered several Elvis songs during BBC Radio sessions in the early 1960s
They became perhaps the most covered band in the world later, but The Beatles played other people’s songs to fill their set lists in the early days.
John had a strange way of...
(l-r) Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, George Harrison, and John Lennon of The Beatles; Elvis Presley | Stanley Bielecki/Asp/Getty Images; Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer/Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images The Beatles covered several Elvis songs during BBC Radio sessions in the early 1960s
They became perhaps the most covered band in the world later, but The Beatles played other people’s songs to fill their set lists in the early days.
John had a strange way of...
- 3/7/2023
- by Jason Rossi
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In the late 1950s, before The Quarry Men became The Beatles, and years before Ringo Starr joined the band, completing what would become the Fab Four, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Colin Hanton, and John “Duff” Lowe recorded their first-ever recording.
Although some might think “In Spite of All the Danger” is an early John song, Paul initiated it with George’s help. Therefore, it is the only song with a “McCartney-Harrison” writing credit.
The Beatles | Hulton Archive/Getty Images How The Quarry Men formed
In the late 1950s, John formed a skiffle group called The Quarry Men, named after his school, Quarry Bank High School. Later, in July 1957, the band performed at the Woolton Village Fête at St Peter’s Church. They were playing The Del-Vikings‘ “Come Go With Me” when Paul arrived.
Eric Griffiths was on the guitar, Colin Hanton played the drums, Rod Davies a banjo,...
Although some might think “In Spite of All the Danger” is an early John song, Paul initiated it with George’s help. Therefore, it is the only song with a “McCartney-Harrison” writing credit.
The Beatles | Hulton Archive/Getty Images How The Quarry Men formed
In the late 1950s, John formed a skiffle group called The Quarry Men, named after his school, Quarry Bank High School. Later, in July 1957, the band performed at the Woolton Village Fête at St Peter’s Church. They were playing The Del-Vikings‘ “Come Go With Me” when Paul arrived.
Eric Griffiths was on the guitar, Colin Hanton played the drums, Rod Davies a banjo,...
- 3/4/2023
- by Hannah Wigandt
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Beatles‘ music videos went to some strange places. These clips paved the way for music videos to become a more dominant art form in the 1980s. While The Beatles’ music videos influenced later generations, some of them are loaded with 1960s psychedelic imagery.
The Beatles | John Pratt / Stringer 5. ‘Penny Lane’
“Penny Lane” is one of The Beatles’ most psychedelic No. 1 singles, so it makes sense it gave us one of their most psychedelic music videos. Some of the clip makes the titular area of Liverpool look cool, just like the song, but the video ends with the Fab Four at a quirky outdoor tea party. They wear identical red outfits that probably deserve to be more iconic.
It’s not a literal interpretation of the song’s lyrics, paving the way for artists like Nirvana and Lady Gaga to take their music videos in similar non-literal directions.
4. ‘Something’
“Something...
The Beatles | John Pratt / Stringer 5. ‘Penny Lane’
“Penny Lane” is one of The Beatles’ most psychedelic No. 1 singles, so it makes sense it gave us one of their most psychedelic music videos. Some of the clip makes the titular area of Liverpool look cool, just like the song, but the video ends with the Fab Four at a quirky outdoor tea party. They wear identical red outfits that probably deserve to be more iconic.
It’s not a literal interpretation of the song’s lyrics, paving the way for artists like Nirvana and Lady Gaga to take their music videos in similar non-literal directions.
4. ‘Something’
“Something...
- 3/1/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
There probably aren’t any music fans who would confuse Led Zeppelin or The Beatles with The Weeknd. Zep and the Fab Four wrote classic rock songs that have resonated for decades. The Weeknd comfortably flits between genres but usually lands near the nexus of R&b, electronica, and pop, and fans can’t get enough of it. As proof, The Beatles and Led Zeppelin just welcomed The Weeknd to an elite club when it comes to record sales.
(l-r) Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Bonham, and John Paul Jones; The Weeknd | Koh Hasebe/Shinko Music/Getty Images; Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Live Nation The Weeknd just earned his fifth RIAA diamond single
If the legion of fans don’t prove that The Weeknd is one of the most popular musicians around, then the sales figures do. The Beatles had numerous No. 1 hits, and The Weeknd does,...
(l-r) Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Bonham, and John Paul Jones; The Weeknd | Koh Hasebe/Shinko Music/Getty Images; Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Live Nation The Weeknd just earned his fifth RIAA diamond single
If the legion of fans don’t prove that The Weeknd is one of the most popular musicians around, then the sales figures do. The Beatles had numerous No. 1 hits, and The Weeknd does,...
- 2/24/2023
- by Jason Rossi
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Rolling Stones‘ songs sometimes sounded like The Beatles’ songs. John Lennon once called a Rolling Stones song a Beatles rip-off. On the other hand, Keith Richards and Mick Jagger didn’t give much of an answer when someone asked if the Fab Four influenced one of their albums.
The Rolling Stones’ Mick Jagger | Joe Bangay / Stringer 5. ‘She’s a Rainbow’
The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band is a psychedelic album that came out in 1967. The Rolling Stones’ Their Satanic Majesties Request came out a few months later. Many fans felt The Rolling Stones were taking influence from The Beatles.
According to the 2013 book 50 Licks: Myths and Stories from Half a Century of The Rolling Stones, Keith Richards wasn’t sure if Sgt. Pepper inspired Their Satanic Majesties Request. Mick Jagger said he wasn’t sure either, since he didn’t remember anything that happened in 1967. Regardless,...
The Rolling Stones’ Mick Jagger | Joe Bangay / Stringer 5. ‘She’s a Rainbow’
The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band is a psychedelic album that came out in 1967. The Rolling Stones’ Their Satanic Majesties Request came out a few months later. Many fans felt The Rolling Stones were taking influence from The Beatles.
According to the 2013 book 50 Licks: Myths and Stories from Half a Century of The Rolling Stones, Keith Richards wasn’t sure if Sgt. Pepper inspired Their Satanic Majesties Request. Mick Jagger said he wasn’t sure either, since he didn’t remember anything that happened in 1967. Regardless,...
- 2/22/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Tl;Dr:
Producer George Martin called The Beatles’ “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” a “typical John song.”Martin discussed the public reaction to the track.Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band was a huge hit in the United States and the United Kingdom. The Beatles | John Pratt / Stringer
Producer George Martin worked on The Beatles‘ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. He revealed what he thought of The Beatles’ “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.” Subsequently, he hated when the song was used in a program about LSD.
George Martin said people thought The Beatles’ ‘Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds’ was the ultimate drug song
The book The Beatles: Paperback Writer includes an excerpt from Martin’s 1979 book All You Need Is Ears. In the latter book, Martin discussed John Lennon’s songwriting.
“Compared with Paul’s songs, all of which seemed to keep in...
Producer George Martin called The Beatles’ “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” a “typical John song.”Martin discussed the public reaction to the track.Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band was a huge hit in the United States and the United Kingdom. The Beatles | John Pratt / Stringer
Producer George Martin worked on The Beatles‘ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. He revealed what he thought of The Beatles’ “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.” Subsequently, he hated when the song was used in a program about LSD.
George Martin said people thought The Beatles’ ‘Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds’ was the ultimate drug song
The book The Beatles: Paperback Writer includes an excerpt from Martin’s 1979 book All You Need Is Ears. In the latter book, Martin discussed John Lennon’s songwriting.
“Compared with Paul’s songs, all of which seemed to keep in...
- 2/18/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Some of The Beatles‘ songs that became huge hits are mostly forgotten today. On the other hand, some of The Beatles’ songs that remained album tracks are as popular as ever. Notably, a very famous Beatles album track has its own music video.
The Beatles | Bettmann / Contributor 5. ‘A Day in the Life’
“A Day in the Life” is one of The Beatles’ most acclaimed songs and one of the most important songs in the history of psychedelia. It even had a star-studded music video featuring appearances from Mick Jagger and Mike Nesmith. Despite this, the song was never actually a single.
Fans can find a lot in the song by reading between the lines. Much of the song’s lyrics revolve around mundane things like going to the movies or combing one’s hair. The music turns horribly sinister at several points in the track. Perhaps the song is about...
The Beatles | Bettmann / Contributor 5. ‘A Day in the Life’
“A Day in the Life” is one of The Beatles’ most acclaimed songs and one of the most important songs in the history of psychedelia. It even had a star-studded music video featuring appearances from Mick Jagger and Mike Nesmith. Despite this, the song was never actually a single.
Fans can find a lot in the song by reading between the lines. Much of the song’s lyrics revolve around mundane things like going to the movies or combing one’s hair. The music turns horribly sinister at several points in the track. Perhaps the song is about...
- 2/16/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The “Fab Four” are also fathers, with each Beatles member getting married and having at least one child. When Ringo Starr has his first son with Mo Starkey, he chose a name that sounded “western” — even if he didn’t think it was a cowboy name.
Here’s what the drummer said about his child’s name.
Which members of the Beatles have children? The Beatles’ Ringo Starr, His Son Zak, And His Wife Maureen | Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images
All four Beatles members were married at one point, the first of whom was John Lennon. He wed his college sweetheart after she became pregnant with their first son, Julian.
The couple eventually divorced (with Paul McCartney writing “Hey Jude” for Lennon’s son), and Lennon had a second child with Yoko Ono.
McCartney has five children — Heather, Mary, Stella, James and Beatrice McCartney. Four of those were with his late wife,...
Here’s what the drummer said about his child’s name.
Which members of the Beatles have children? The Beatles’ Ringo Starr, His Son Zak, And His Wife Maureen | Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images
All four Beatles members were married at one point, the first of whom was John Lennon. He wed his college sweetheart after she became pregnant with their first son, Julian.
The couple eventually divorced (with Paul McCartney writing “Hey Jude” for Lennon’s son), and Lennon had a second child with Yoko Ono.
McCartney has five children — Heather, Mary, Stella, James and Beatrice McCartney. Four of those were with his late wife,...
- 2/15/2023
- by Julia Dzurillay
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
George Harrison said people wouldn’t want to see “three old men hobbling around the stage pretending to be the Fab Four.” He was sick of people asking him if The Beatles would ever reunite.
George Harrison | KMazur/Getty Images George Harrison didn’t like how much fans wanted the Fab Four to reunite
The spiritual Beatle always appreciated the fans, but he didn’t understand why some of them never let go of The Beatles. He had a problem with the people who wanted the band to continue or reunite. During a 1974 press conference (per George Harrison on George Harrison: Interviews and Encounters), George said he realized The Beatles filled a space in the 1960s and that the group meant a lot to people.
However, he also knew that some people were too attached. “I can understand that the Beatles did nice things and it’s appreciated that people still like them,...
George Harrison | KMazur/Getty Images George Harrison didn’t like how much fans wanted the Fab Four to reunite
The spiritual Beatle always appreciated the fans, but he didn’t understand why some of them never let go of The Beatles. He had a problem with the people who wanted the band to continue or reunite. During a 1974 press conference (per George Harrison on George Harrison: Interviews and Encounters), George said he realized The Beatles filled a space in the 1960s and that the group meant a lot to people.
However, he also knew that some people were too attached. “I can understand that the Beatles did nice things and it’s appreciated that people still like them,...
- 2/13/2023
- by Hannah Wigandt
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Some of The Beatles‘ songs are among the best rock tunes of all time. Despite this, they released some garbage here and there. Notably, their final No. 1 single was tripe.
The Beatles | Getty Images 5. ‘The Long and Winding Road’
“The Long and Winding Road” and “For You Blue” were released as a double A-side single. According to The Billboard Book of Number 1 Hits, those songs were the band’s final No. 1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100.
“The Long and Winding Road” was a terrible ending to the Fab Four’s saga. After innovating for years, the band left us with a sappy easy-listening ballad that could easily have been written by Barry Manilow or Michael Bolton. The track was also a bridge between Paul’s work with The Beatles and Wings’ worst tendencies. There’s a reason why “Yesterday” and “Something” remain standards while “The Long and Winding Road” was mostly left in the dust.
The Beatles | Getty Images 5. ‘The Long and Winding Road’
“The Long and Winding Road” and “For You Blue” were released as a double A-side single. According to The Billboard Book of Number 1 Hits, those songs were the band’s final No. 1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100.
“The Long and Winding Road” was a terrible ending to the Fab Four’s saga. After innovating for years, the band left us with a sappy easy-listening ballad that could easily have been written by Barry Manilow or Michael Bolton. The track was also a bridge between Paul’s work with The Beatles and Wings’ worst tendencies. There’s a reason why “Yesterday” and “Something” remain standards while “The Long and Winding Road” was mostly left in the dust.
- 2/11/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Beatles and Marlene Dietrich had an awkward first meeting while performing at the Royal Variety Performance, the U.K.’s most prestigious charity event, in 1963. The group and singer performed for Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, and Princess Margaret, alongside some of the best acts of the time.
The Beatles and Marlene Dietrich | Pa Images/Getty Images George Harrison didn’t understand why The Beatles performed alongside world-renowned artists like Marlene Dietrich
Performing at the Royal Variety Performance was an honor for The Beatles but also a bit of a hindrance. George Harrison told the press that he struggled to understand why The Beatles performed alongside world-renowned artists like Dietrich. He also wondered if their performance was fair for fans who couldn’t afford tickets.
“I don’t want to sound ungrateful, but why are the Beatles on the same stage as a mass of show business greats? . . . We...
The Beatles and Marlene Dietrich | Pa Images/Getty Images George Harrison didn’t understand why The Beatles performed alongside world-renowned artists like Marlene Dietrich
Performing at the Royal Variety Performance was an honor for The Beatles but also a bit of a hindrance. George Harrison told the press that he struggled to understand why The Beatles performed alongside world-renowned artists like Dietrich. He also wondered if their performance was fair for fans who couldn’t afford tickets.
“I don’t want to sound ungrateful, but why are the Beatles on the same stage as a mass of show business greats? . . . We...
- 2/10/2023
- by Hannah Wigandt
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Ringo Starr’s Beatles bandmates often overshadowed the drummer. The timekeeper born as Richard Starkey shined on several occasions, but John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison took the spotlight much of the time. Ringo got it wrong when he said young drummers would never get anywhere listening to his playing. But he always got it right with his Fab Four beats. Ringo also got it right when he praised his drumming on The Beatles’ song “Get Back” while giving John Lennon’s guitar playing a backhanded compliment.
John Lennon (left) and Ringo Starr | David Redfern/Redferns Ringo Starr praised his drumming on ‘Get Back’ and gave John Lennon’s guitar playing a backhanded compliment
The Beatles were barely holding it together when they convened for the Get Back sessions, songs that surfaced as their final album, Let It Be.
Paul pushed (and pushed and pushed) for a cohesive return to the band’s roots.
John Lennon (left) and Ringo Starr | David Redfern/Redferns Ringo Starr praised his drumming on ‘Get Back’ and gave John Lennon’s guitar playing a backhanded compliment
The Beatles were barely holding it together when they convened for the Get Back sessions, songs that surfaced as their final album, Let It Be.
Paul pushed (and pushed and pushed) for a cohesive return to the band’s roots.
- 2/9/2023
- by Jason Rossi
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Tl;Dr:
Nancy Sinatra’s Boots has covers of songs by The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, and Bob Dylan.Her Dylan cover immediately precedes “These Boots Are Made for Walkin'” on the album tracklist.She made a major change to a controversial Beatles track. The photo on the cover of Nancy Sinatra’s ‘Boots’ | Gab Archive/Redferns
Many of Nancy Sinatra’s most famous songs, including “Somethin’ Stupid” and “Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down),” are covers. Notably, her album Boots featured several covers of classic rock songs. Notably, she gender-flipped a controversial Beatles track.
4. The Rolling Stones’ ‘As Tears Go By’
“As Tears Go By” is a Mick Jagger-Keith Richards-Andrew Loog Oldham composition. Marianne Faithfull put out her version and then The Rolling Stones put out theirs. Both renditions are devastatingly sad.
Sinatra’s “As Tears Go By” is closer to bossa nova or...
Nancy Sinatra’s Boots has covers of songs by The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, and Bob Dylan.Her Dylan cover immediately precedes “These Boots Are Made for Walkin'” on the album tracklist.She made a major change to a controversial Beatles track. The photo on the cover of Nancy Sinatra’s ‘Boots’ | Gab Archive/Redferns
Many of Nancy Sinatra’s most famous songs, including “Somethin’ Stupid” and “Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down),” are covers. Notably, her album Boots featured several covers of classic rock songs. Notably, she gender-flipped a controversial Beatles track.
4. The Rolling Stones’ ‘As Tears Go By’
“As Tears Go By” is a Mick Jagger-Keith Richards-Andrew Loog Oldham composition. Marianne Faithfull put out her version and then The Rolling Stones put out theirs. Both renditions are devastatingly sad.
Sinatra’s “As Tears Go By” is closer to bossa nova or...
- 2/8/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Everyone knows The Beatles’ debut appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1964 established the band in the United States. They matched their European fame in North America and became the most popular band on both sides of the Atlantic. But that groundbreaking show wasn’t The Beatles’ first time on American TV. Eagle-eyed fans saw John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr on TV long before George shared that the pleasure of touring wore off for the group.
(l-r) Ringo Starr, George Harrison, Ed Sullivan, John Lennon, and Paul McCartney on Feb. 9, 1964 | Express Newspapers/Getty Images The Beatles broke through in the United States because of ‘The Ed Sullivan Show’
It was only a matter of time before The Beatles made it big in the U.S. Ed Sullivan just helped the process.
The band had three No. 1 singles, a No. 2 in “Please Please Me,” (per the Official...
(l-r) Ringo Starr, George Harrison, Ed Sullivan, John Lennon, and Paul McCartney on Feb. 9, 1964 | Express Newspapers/Getty Images The Beatles broke through in the United States because of ‘The Ed Sullivan Show’
It was only a matter of time before The Beatles made it big in the U.S. Ed Sullivan just helped the process.
The band had three No. 1 singles, a No. 2 in “Please Please Me,” (per the Official...
- 2/8/2023
- by Jason Rossi
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Beatles were professional songwriters and, sometimes, amateur actors. In 1964, the Fab Four starred in the music film A Hard Day’s Night, creating the movie in England instead of Hollywood. Here’s what Paul McCartney said about their choice to stay in the UK for this project.
The Beatles released their music film ‘A Hard Day’s Night’ Rock band The Beatles in ‘A Hard Day’s Night’ released in 1964 | Lmpc via Getty Images
The Beatles are the chart-topping artists behind A Hard Day’s Night — the 1964 full-length album featuring “Can’t Buy Me Love,” “And I Love Her,” and “If I Fell.” McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr also acted in a movie of the same title.
The 1964 music film, according to its IMDb description, followed the Beatles over two ‘typical’ days. The performers acted as themselves, with McCartney’s grandfather causing trouble with their upcoming live performance.
The Beach Boys...
The Beatles released their music film ‘A Hard Day’s Night’ Rock band The Beatles in ‘A Hard Day’s Night’ released in 1964 | Lmpc via Getty Images
The Beatles are the chart-topping artists behind A Hard Day’s Night — the 1964 full-length album featuring “Can’t Buy Me Love,” “And I Love Her,” and “If I Fell.” McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr also acted in a movie of the same title.
The 1964 music film, according to its IMDb description, followed the Beatles over two ‘typical’ days. The performers acted as themselves, with McCartney’s grandfather causing trouble with their upcoming live performance.
The Beach Boys...
- 2/6/2023
- by Julia Dzurillay
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Tl;Dr:
The Rolling Stones’ “Paint It Black” and The Beatles’ “Paperback Writer” both came out in May 1966.Keith Richards explained why these songs came out in the order that they did.One of the songs appeared on an album that spent over 500 weeks on the Billboard 200. Paul McCartney and Mick Jagger | Victor Blackman / Stringer
The Beatles’ “Paperback Writer” came out days after The Rolling Stones‘ “Paint It Black.” Subsequently, Keith Richards said this was intentional. Notably, one of these tracks was ever so slightly more popular in the United States.
The Beatles’ ‘Paperback Writer’ came out the year the band started smoking pot instead of drinking
According to the 2015 book Conversations with McCartney, Paul was asked what made 1966 a special year for The Beatles, The Byrds, The Beach Boys, and Bob Dylan. “The main thing is, people were getting high,” he said.
“It was the shift from drink to pot,...
The Rolling Stones’ “Paint It Black” and The Beatles’ “Paperback Writer” both came out in May 1966.Keith Richards explained why these songs came out in the order that they did.One of the songs appeared on an album that spent over 500 weeks on the Billboard 200. Paul McCartney and Mick Jagger | Victor Blackman / Stringer
The Beatles’ “Paperback Writer” came out days after The Rolling Stones‘ “Paint It Black.” Subsequently, Keith Richards said this was intentional. Notably, one of these tracks was ever so slightly more popular in the United States.
The Beatles’ ‘Paperback Writer’ came out the year the band started smoking pot instead of drinking
According to the 2015 book Conversations with McCartney, Paul was asked what made 1966 a special year for The Beatles, The Byrds, The Beach Boys, and Bob Dylan. “The main thing is, people were getting high,” he said.
“It was the shift from drink to pot,...
- 2/6/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Many of The Beatles‘ songs were original Lennon-McCartney compositions. Despite this, the band still performed many covers. Notably, one of the Fab Four’s covers has the distinction of being one of the shortest tunes ever recorded by the band.
The Beatles | Bettmann / Contributor 5. ‘Maggie Mae’
The title track of Let It Be remains one of the most famous and beloved songs in The Beatles’ catalog. It’s emotive, simple, and powerful. And it’s immediately followed by a cutesy cover of the traditional folk song “Maggie Mae.”
The recording lasts a total of 40 seconds, making it feel like an unnecessary joke. It puts an end to the song “Let It Be” in the same annoying, irreverent fashion that “Her Majesty” put an end to Abbey Road. “Maggie Mae” and “Her Majesty” are not the group’s best work, but they encapsulate their humor.
4. ‘Boys’
The Beatles often had to...
The Beatles | Bettmann / Contributor 5. ‘Maggie Mae’
The title track of Let It Be remains one of the most famous and beloved songs in The Beatles’ catalog. It’s emotive, simple, and powerful. And it’s immediately followed by a cutesy cover of the traditional folk song “Maggie Mae.”
The recording lasts a total of 40 seconds, making it feel like an unnecessary joke. It puts an end to the song “Let It Be” in the same annoying, irreverent fashion that “Her Majesty” put an end to Abbey Road. “Maggie Mae” and “Her Majesty” are not the group’s best work, but they encapsulate their humor.
4. ‘Boys’
The Beatles often had to...
- 2/3/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Beatles were professional musicians, and, according to one interview, mediocre actors. These artists starred in Help, with John Lennon even saying the Fab Four were “no good” acting in this comedy film. Still, Paul McCartney had one “big ambition” on his mind — playing Catherine in Wuthering Heights.
The Beatles released their music film ‘A Hard Day’s Night’ The Beatles Ringo Starr, John Lennon and George Harrison in a scene from their second movie ‘Help!’ | Michael Ochs Archive/Getty Images
They’re the artists behind “Let It Be,” “Hey Jude,” and “Strawberry Fields Forever.” In addition to creating music, the Beatles released the movie A Hard Day’s Night, which shares the same title as one original song.
This was a groundbreaking project for the band, shifting the music industry and making the band even more marketable, according to the Beach Boys’ Mike Love.
In 1965, the Beatles released the music film/comedy production,...
The Beatles released their music film ‘A Hard Day’s Night’ The Beatles Ringo Starr, John Lennon and George Harrison in a scene from their second movie ‘Help!’ | Michael Ochs Archive/Getty Images
They’re the artists behind “Let It Be,” “Hey Jude,” and “Strawberry Fields Forever.” In addition to creating music, the Beatles released the movie A Hard Day’s Night, which shares the same title as one original song.
This was a groundbreaking project for the band, shifting the music industry and making the band even more marketable, according to the Beach Boys’ Mike Love.
In 1965, the Beatles released the music film/comedy production,...
- 1/28/2023
- by Julia Dzurillay
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Hundreds of long-lost photographs taken by Paul McCartney and capturing the onset of Beatlemania will exhibit at London’s National Portrait Gallery this June.
“Paul McCartney Photographs 1963-64: Eyes of The Storm” features McCartney’s own unearthed and never-before-seen snapshots of the Beatles from December 1963 to February 1964, a three-month stretch that saw the Fab Four playing The Ed Sullivan Show, as well as celebrating George Harrison’s 21st birthday.
According to National Portrait Gallery director Dr. Nicholas Cullinan, McCartney approached the gallery after rediscovering the photographs in 2020. “He said...
“Paul McCartney Photographs 1963-64: Eyes of The Storm” features McCartney’s own unearthed and never-before-seen snapshots of the Beatles from December 1963 to February 1964, a three-month stretch that saw the Fab Four playing The Ed Sullivan Show, as well as celebrating George Harrison’s 21st birthday.
According to National Portrait Gallery director Dr. Nicholas Cullinan, McCartney approached the gallery after rediscovering the photographs in 2020. “He said...
- 1/25/2023
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
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