The Beatles: The Cavern Club celebrates 55 years (Gossip Monthly)

 

 John Harkin | 17 January 2012 at 09:56 | Comments

Liverpool’s iconic Cavern Club celebrated its 55^th birthday by inviting 200 music students to perform on the same stage as superstars Sir Paul McCartney, Dave Gilmore, Arctic Monkeys and Adele.

Celebrations included a visit from Liverpool’s Lord Mayor, Councillor Frank Prendergastwho met the Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Irene Chamberlain and, along with 200 pupils, presented Cavern Club owners with a giant 55^th Birthday card filled with personal messages.

The birthday marks Solihull Music Services’ annual pilgrimage to The Cavern Club where students, aged between 12 and 18 years old, perform 20-minute sets of their own material on the world famous Cavern Club stage. Solihull Music Services works in partnership with pupils and schools to provide equipment and opportunities for music making.

Cavern Club owner Dave Jones said: “We have an ongoing relationship with Solihull Music Services after they started bringing pupils to visit us almost four years ago. We were extremely impressed with the musical ability we saw and since then we have honoured our commitment to fostering new music talent by inviting them back for our birthday. The Cavern Club isn’t just about Liverpool’s great music legacy but about the music of today and the musicians of the future.

“To mark the occasion we made each performer an honorary member of our new Cavern Club membership scheme. The Cavern started as a members club and we feel that now is the right time to go back to our roots. Those who sign up will have access to exclusive content on our website along with other 'member only' benefits.”

The Cavern club opened its doors on 16^th January 1957 and was Liverpool’s first venue dedicated to live popular music. Over half a century later, The Cavern is still surviving and thriving as a contemporary music venue with resident tribute bands and original acts performing seven days a week.

Liverpool’s Lord Mayor, Councillor Frank Prendergast said: “For 55 years Liverpool’s famous Cavern Club has played a pivotal role in pop music throughout the world. I’m proud and excited to have celebrated this landmark birthday with the owners and some of our future musical stars.”



http://www.gossip-monthly.com/news/308-cavern-club-celebrate-birthday

Martin Scorsese wins Critic's Choice Award (Genesis Publications)

News - 16 Jan 2012

 

George Harrison: Living in the Material World won the Best Documentary Feature, and director Martin Scorsese was chosen as the Music and Film honouree at MTV Critic's Choice awards on Thursday, 12^th January. Bob Dylan paid tribute to Scorsese with a performance of 'Blind Willie McTell', a song featured in his famous The Blues documentary, while Leonardo DiCaprio and Olivia Harrison presented the director with the prestigious awards.

'Marty, it's no wonder musicians and composers revere you, because you illustrate the timeless power of their art. May you continue to influence and inspire, educate filmmakers and film lovers with your extraordinary knowledge and appreciation of music.' - Olivia Harrison
As well as his award winning 2011 George Harrison biopic, Scorsese has made documentaries on The Rolling Stones, Shine a Light, and Bob Dylan, No Direction Home, together with a magnitude of critically acclaimed movies including new release, Hugo.

'Before anything for me, there was music and conversation, and for me they were both the same thing'

 - Martin Scorsese

http://www.genesis-publications.com/News/martin-scorsese-wins-critics-choice-award/1601

Ringo Starr And Dave Stewart Developing New Musical (RTT News)

1/5/2012 3:21 PM ET

RTTNews

Ringo Starr has revealed that he's currently working with former Eurythmics guitarist Dave Stewart on a new musical.

While speaking with Mojo, the former Beatle says that the show could end up either on Broadway or on the silver screen:

"Me and Dave wrote a musical, a complete thing - characters, story, a lot of songs. We wrote it for Broadway, but it will more likely end up [as] a movie . . . and I'm not telling you anything else. It's about other people."

Starr recently connected with the Stewart on his new album Ringo 2012.

The collaboration comes at a busy time for Stewart, who has been active as a producer in recent years. His most popular project of late was for super group Super Heavy, featuring Mick Jagger, Damian Marley and Joss Stone.


http://www.rttnews.com/Content/EntertainmentNews.aspx?Section=2&Id=1792327&SM=1

Justin Bieber Covers Beatles: Should He Have Let It Be? (watch!)

By TheImproper, January 1st, 2012

Justin Bieber left pop, rap and dance duties to Pitbull, Nicki Minaj and LMFAO during last night’s Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration and went classic with a cover of The Beatles’ “Let it Be.” Should he have let it be?

Bieber, who sang and played the anthem at the piano, was accompanied by guitar virtuoso Carlos Santana.

The song has significance in Beatles lore because it was written by Paul McCartney, but credited to Lennon–McCartney and became the writing team’s final single. The album by the same name was released after McCartney’s departure and the break-up of the group.

McCartney sang and played Blüthner piano; Lennon played six-string electric bass; Billy Preston played organ and George Harrison and Ringo Starr were on guitar and drums.

Given it’s history, it may have seem a little pretentious to Beatles devotees for Bieber to cover the song, but he does a credible job, and Santana saves it with a solid flourish on guitar.

Justin introduces the song with a little soliloquy. “New York with all your history your spirit has never been broken. We all do the best we can each year. Learning from my past, to do better in the future.

“What’s happened has happened, and what will be, will be. So what I say is…” and with that he launched into the song.

To his credit he was true to the song and lyrics, unlike Cee Lo Green, who changed the lyrics during a performance of John Lennon’s “Imagine.”

Check Justin out below:

http://www.theimproper.com/music/4222/justin-bieber-covers-beatles-should-he-have-let-it-be-watch

Fab Fan Memories earns Grammy nomination ; Beatles News

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- "Fab Fan Memories - The Beatles Bond", a Beatles tribute CD produced and recorded in Nashville, Tenn., has received a Grammy nomination as one of five Grammy nominees in the "Best Spoken Word" category. Official Grammy balloting will begin Today, December 14.

The CD/audio book, features songs, stories, recollections and fond thoughts about The Beatles from celebrities and everyday fans. The project, which was recorded and mastered by Dennis Scott Productions, features narration by George Harrison's older sister, Louise Harrison, with performances by The Liverpool Legends of Branson, Mo., and The WannaBeatles of Nashville.

"The recording helps tell The Beatles' story from the fans' perspective," said Louise, who recently appeared on several national TV programs to reflect on her brother's life. "I hope all who listen will recognize the love and sincerity."


Released on WannaBeats Records, "Fab Fan Memories" was produced by Scott and WannaBeatles band mates Bryan Cumming, David Toledo and Nathan Burbank. The Liverpool Legends, hand selected by Louise and led by Marty Scott, provide several Beatles covers. Heartfelt and amusing introspections are provided by fans, including special guests such as Nancy Lee Andrews, Janis Ian, Phil Keaggy, Melissa Manchester, Ken Mansfield, Alan Menken, Wesley Orbison, Bruce Spizer, Bill Swan, and Rod Davis of The Quarrymen. The WannaBeatles perform original Beatles-flavored songs on the CD.

"Fab Fan Memories" was released in November, just in time for The Beatles' 50th anniversary. John, Paul, George and Ringo formed in 1962, making 2012 the "Year of The Beatles". The project, which is distributed by MDI, is available is available at Amazon and other music retailers. A portion of the proceeds will support Louise Harrison's newly formed organization, Help Keep Music Alive.

"It is quite gratifying to be part of a recording that tells the story of The Beatles through the eyes of their fans," said band member Dennis Scott, who has won two Grammy Awards for various children's projects. "The Beatles are forever. We can't wait to get to the Grammys and, with any luck, get to meet Sir Paul McCartney himself."

Scott added that the CD contains 68 minutes of dialog and music, with fans sharing their most important Beatles memories or experiences. Performances by The Liverpool Legends and The WannaBeatles serve as introductions to the segments and/or act as transitional pieces.

"For almost five decades, I have been known as the 'Global Mum' and 'Hugger-in-Chief' to the many thousands of devoted Beatle People who were born into different cultures all over this Planet," Louise added. "Their reaction to The Beatles' positive message helped them 'Come Together' as one loving Global Family. I was asked to take part in this project, which is dear to my heart."

Check out "Fab Fan Memories", or visit their official website at www.FabFanMemories.com.

To learn more about the organization Help Keep Music Alive, visit www.HelpKeepMusicAlive.org.

http://www.beatlesnews.com/news/the-beatles/201112141650/fab-fan-memories-earns-grammy-nomination.html

Paul McCartney Gets Back to Beatlemania With Rolling Stone Ron Wood, on Tour

By Robert Heller - Dec 6, 2011 7:00 PM ET

 

 

There’s granddad up there, rockin' away,” jokes Paul McCartney, addressing the crowd at London’s O2.

The sprightly 69-year-old, who bounds on the stage with all the zest of a newly-wed (he married for the third time in October), reveals that his grandchildren, who are in the 20,000-strong audience, want to hear “Back in the U.S.S.R.”

The blistering version that follows is a memorable moment of a 2½-hour, 35-song set. McCartney also sings three Beatles-era tunes for the first time at a U.K. concert, covers Jimi Hendrix’s “Foxy Lady” and runs through an indulgently scuzzy rendition of “Get Back” with grizzled Rolling Stone Ron Wood.

The star the U.K. tabloids have nicknamed “Macca” will be playing Stockholm, Helsinki, Moscow and Manchester before a hometown show in Liverpool on Dec. 20. A ticket would be a perfect pre-Christmas treat for anyone remotely interested in music.

It’s difficult to imagine him doing a poor show. Together with John Lennon, McCartney’s responsible for arguably the greatest collection of songs ever written. Having a repertoire that includes “Drive My Car,” “Paperback Writer,” “Let It Be”and “Yesterday” (all of which McCartney and his four superb band members play) would benefit the most mediocre of performers.

McCartney is dressed in an exquisitely cut dark suit with a cut-away collar, as one would expect from the father of a leading fashion designer. When not singing, he’s chatty, amusing and sweetness incarnate. Taking off his jacket to reveal a white shirt, he quips it will be the night’s only wardrobe change.

Vanderbilt, Rigby

Following “Mrs. Vanderbilt,” he notes, with eyebrow raised, that the song has been voted “the No. 1 McCartney song in the Ukraine.” He follows it with “Eleanor Rigby,” as if to emphasize the point.
There are a few imperfections. Songs earlier in the set are laden with a weightier rock sound than they can bear. The use of keyboards is mawkish and graceless. A loose connection somewhere spoils the otherwise excellent sound with a high-pitched whine.

There are many perfect moments to make up for that.“Blackbird,” played solo with acoustic guitar, is rendered even more exquisite by McCartney’s explanation of how it was written to inspire those involved in the 1960s civil-rights struggle.

“Here Today”, written in memory of Lennon, captures the personal, prosaic grief for a man mourned by millions.

Beatles Treats

“Helter Skelter” is a wild rock ride; “Sing the Changes,”a song from the recent Fireman project, an understated alternative-rock anthem; “The Night Before,” “The Word” and“Come and Get It” are treats for dedicated fans who lapped up the luxuriously expensive “Beatles in Mono” boxed set.

McCartney takes to a grand piano and plays “Live and Let Die” for every ounce of its bombast. Each chorus comes with enough pyrotechnic explosions to fuel a James Bond finale. It’s a bigger showstopper than offered by many arena rock tours. McCartney, after complaining that the bangs are too much for his aging ears, follows it with something bigger.

“Hey Jude” is still the greatest singalong ever written.

“Oh, you know the words,” he quips, smiling broadly as 20,000 people “na-na-na” to their hearts’ content, overjoyed at the opportunity to see this master of the popular song happily at play.


Bloomberg

Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr may perform for London Olympics opening ceremony

London 2012: 4 billion to watch ceremonies

The Associated Press

Last modified: 2011-12-04T17:44:51Z

Published: Sunday, Dec. 4, 2011 - 9:44 am

Copyright 2011 . All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

LONDON -- London 2012 organizers say more than 4 billion people will watch the opening and closing ceremonies for next year's Olympics and Paralympics.

About 20,000 people will perform in the four ceremonies but the local organizing committee has yet to announce the headline performers.

British media have speculated that Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr may perform.   

Advertising executive Martin Sorrell says the huge audience means the ceremonies are worth $3.2 billion in advertising to Britain.
Sorrell adds that "with regards to perception of London and the UK and a tourism legacy, you could say that they will be priceless."

Sacramento Bee

Read more: http://www.sacbee.com/2011/12/04/4098708/london-2012-4-billion-to-watch.html#ixzz1fcKRqbgp

'Ticket to Ride': Beatles play 'Backbeat' to hit Toronto after London

The Beatles, clockwise from top left, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, John Lennon, and George Harrison are shown on an album cover in 1965. A music-infused play about the birth of the Beatles has a “Ticket to Ride” to Toronto. Mirvish Productions says it plans to bring “Backbeat,” adapted from the 1994 film of the same name, to the Royal Alexandra Theatre next summer. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Robert Freeman-Copyright Apple Corps Ltd.) ** NO SALES **

Victoria Ahearn, The Canadian PressNov 30, 2011 14:44:00 PM

TORONTO - A music-infused play about the birth of the Beatles has a ticket to ride to Toronto.

Mirvish Productions says it plans to bring "Backbeat," adapted from the 1994 film of the same name, to the Royal Alexandra Theatre next summer.

"We saw the show and kind of fell in love with it and think that it's quite special and it would do quite well here," John Karastamatis, director of communications at Mirvish Productions, said Wednesday in a telephone interview.

"We would like to do this show in Toronto, making it the North American premiere of this production."

Co-penned by Iain Softley, who directed and co-wrote the film, "Backbeat" details how the Beatles came together in Liverpool and then chased success in the seedy red-light district of Hamburg.

The story focuses on the relationship between John Lennon, his best friend and original Beatles bassist Stuart Sutcliffe (a.k.a. the fifth Beatle), and German photographer Astrid Kirchherr.

"It wasn't what I expected when I went to see it," said Karastamatis, notinghe and the Mirvish producers saw the show for the first time last week in London.

"I thought I was going to get a fairly traditional musical about the Beatles and instead I got this very compelling, very poignant story about the triangle between John Lennon, Stuart Sutcliffe and Astrid."

"Backbeat," which includes tunes by the Beatles and other groups, debuted in Glasgow, Scotland in February and began performances in London's West End in September.

The London run was originally slated to close in March but producers announced Wednesday that it will now finish Feb. 18, 2012 so they can make changes to the show.

Karastamatis said producers want to tour the show around the U.K., but he's not sure if that would happen before or after the Toronto run.

Toronto's Royal Alexandra Theatre is available to stage the play next summer but nothing is in stone, he added.

"Nobody knows. This is being created as we go along," said Karastamatis.

"With any luck, all this will happen. It may not happen on the schedule that we want because that may not be possible —we may want more time — but that's our desire and our intention."

Karastamatis also said Mirvish doesn't know whether the Toronto run would feature the London cast or a homegrown one. They also aren't sure if the show will move to Broadway after Toronto.

"It's kind of like 'Mamma Mia,'" he noted. "When we did 'Mamma Mia' here in 2000 there was no talk of Broadway. We were the entry point for 'Mamma Mia' to North America and the original London producers and us, we just wanted to see how the show would do, how it would fare here before anything happened and with that production it fared really well."

680 news radio

George Harrison: City marks 10 years since his death

28 November 2011 Last updated at 19:50 ET

Flags will fly at half-mast for George Harrison on two public buildings in Liverpool

Two concerts will take place in Liverpool later to mark the 10th anniversary of George Harrison's death.

The lead guitarist of The Beatles, who also had a notable solo career, died aged 58 from cancer.

The concerts will take place at 14:00 GMT at St George's Hall, and at 20:00 GMT at The Cavern Club where the Fab Four often played.

Flags will also fly at half-mast at both the Liverpool City Hall and St George's Hall.

Performers at the concerts will include two acts that Harrison signed to The Beatles' Apple label - Brute Force and The Radha Krishna Temple.

Other guest performers will include Jeff Slate, The Mersey Beatles, Singh Strings, The Liverpool Ukulele Orchestra, The Rebels, Tsema and Andre Barreau from The Bootleg Beatles.

Fans are also being invited to call in at Liverpool Anglican Cathedral for a special ceremony and asked to bring a "paper flower or dove or another symbol of peace or love with perhaps the words of a prayer or lines from one of George's many tunes."

BBC News Liverpool