Ringo captivates, with a little help from his friends Date February 15, 2013 - 12:02AM Read later Reviewed by Ed Gibbs (SYDNEY MORNING HERALD)

Almost half a century has passed since Ringo Starr last toured these shores.

For all the hysteria that greeted the Beatles' arrival here in 1964, only one of the Fab Four (Paul McCartney) ever returned to play in the years that followed.

Having another former Beatle in town, then, feels like a novelty: a rare treat for musicologists and nostalgia types. Particularly since only two of the four are still with us.

Starr – who will turn 73 in July – looks and sounds absurdly fit. Armed with an infectiously dry, self-deprecating wit, he arrived with the considerable support of his so-called All Starr Band, which includes Toto's Steve Lukather, Gregg Rolie, of Santana and Journey fame, and bad boy Todd Rundgren. And for the adoring throng that all but filled the usually cavernous Hordern Pavilion on Wednesday night, Starr could do no wrong.


Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/ringo-captivates-with-a-little-help-from-his-friends-20130214-2eex0.html#ixzz2Kt9Sa49Q

The Beatles: The Making of A Hard Day's Night

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_KAL2JWW_M&feature=related#

LauraPainting

Victor Spinetti, Star Of Beatles Films, Dies Aged 82 (HUFF POST)

Veteran actor Victor Spinetti, whose notable roles included appearances in three Beatles films, has died at the age of 82.

The Welsh star, who appeared in a string of acclaimed movies as well as taking roles in the West End and on Broadway, died in a Monmouth hospice following a fight with pancreatic cancer, his agent said.


He landed his role in the first of the Beatles' films following the success of the London production of Oh! What a Lovely War which was seen by George Harrison and John Lennon, as well as the director and screenwriter for 1964's A Hard Day's Night, Walter Shenson and Alun Owen.

"I was known to them. But I wasn't prepared for the fantastic and wonderful reception I got from them, which was to be totally accepted," he recalled of their meeting.

Spinetti went on to make more than 30 film appearances including The Return of the Pink Panther and Under Milk Wood.


READ MORE:http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/06/19/victor-spinetti-dies-actor-beatles-films_n_1608495.html