John Lennon is singing "Stand By Me" on the radio, which is odd because I'm listening to my favorite sports talk show with Petros and Money, not an oldies rock station. It inspires me to sit down and write something but I'm not sure what. I started reading Philip Norman's biography of Lennon last week and I've been mowing through the 800 pages as if I was reading a John Grisham novel, instead of a John Lennon bio called "The Life." Part of a larger story that never fails to fascinate me. I've read countless books about the Beatles yet there is always more to learn about the greatest musical group in history. Norman's highly detailed account of Lennon perfectly mirrors the Paul McCartney bio by Barry Miles (Many Years From Now)
which I read last year. Its always good to hear both sides of the story. Who knew that folkie Delbert McClinton met Lennon in 1962 and showed him how to play harmonica?
And the story continues every day, even in this digital-I-don't-care world of 2010. What could be further from the idealism of the Beatles than the current narcissist trend which has pervaded our society? Somehow the Beatles survive: all four on CDs and film, Paul and Ringo in the flesh. The latter just released a fine new album called "YNot?" and will be touring this summer at the ripe old age of 70! At his Hollywood Walk of Fame induction last week he looked twenty years younger while announcing his upcoming tour with his All Starr band.
Then within a minute of hearing Lennon on the radio I found out Paul McCartney will be playing the Hollywood Bowl at the end of March and I hope I can get a ticket. Even the dear departed are represented in the modern day Beatle world. Tim Piper is performing to sell out crowds in Studio City as John Lennon in the "Just Imagine" play. George Harrison's spirit will forever live on in the Beatles LOVE show at the Mirage in Las Vegas. He was the one who had the foresight to create this incredible show before his untimely death.
Heck: all the Beatles are alive and well when I put on one of their records. While reading about Lennon's early days as a Beatle, I dragged out my Beatles at the Star Club 2 LP set (vinyl baby!) and listened to the whole thing while reading about the Hamburg days. Then I pulled out the Decca sessions LP and the Tony Sheridan LP. Man o man, I have not heard this stuff in ages
and the book and music really made things come alive.
Oh yeah, Petros and Money had a segment on their show about "things we appreciate."
Like I said, when you're a Beatle fan, there's plenty to appreciate.
And I did get a ticket to see Paul after all. Being a member of his fan club helped me get an $80 ticket at the presale. I'm so happy I won't even complain about the extra $20 in Ticketbastard fees! I missed seeing him and the boys at the Bowl in '64 and '65 but I'll be there March 30th ready to twist and shout.
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