Here's to a happy 2016!

I want to wish each and every viewer of Meet the Beatles...for Real! a very Happy and Healthy New Year!    Regardless if you are a daily viewer, commenter, occasional viewer, or a lurker I appreciate you spending a little bit of your life here.    Starting this blog has been one of the most positive and rewarding experiences of my life.   I am so blessed to have met so many wonderful friends because of this blog.   I also have been honored to help reunite old friends as well as help friends and family heal from the death of a loved one.

2016 promises to be a big year for me.   My book, Happiness is Seeing the Beatles:  Beatlemania in St. Louis will be published later in the year.  As of today, the book is complete and has been edited.  I have gotten the first chapter to review for layout and will be working with the layout designer next.   I will keep you all up dated as the book gets closer to publication.  

Meanwhile---2016 brings us to the 50th anniversary of my all time favorite Beatle year, 1966!  I am excited to see what great things I can find to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Far East Tour, North American tour, Revolver, How I won the War, Paperback Writer/Rain and so much more!

Please continue to visit in 2016, which will be the blog's 7th year for more rare Beatles photos, stories, contests, reviews and fun!

Peace and Love,
Sara S.

A cold Cavendish day

Here's to a good new year!

John Lennon ride the Monorail

I have mentioned many times that my two favorite things are the Beatles and Disney Parks so whenever I can mix the two together, I am a happy person.

We have always known that John, May and Julian went to Orlando, Florida in December 1974 and went to Walt Disney World.   At that time there was only one park on the property, The Magic Kingdom.   They stayed on site, at the Polynesian Hotel.    To get from the Polynesian (both then and today) to the park, the best way to travel is by Monorail.   The train stop is actually right inside of the hotel so that guests do not have to go outside to enter the train.  

Here is what John's room at the Polynesian might have looked like

Photos found at http://www.tikimanpages.com/poly/history/1970s

A couple of shots from 1974 of the monorail entering and exiting the Polynesian

So obviously John and his crew took the Monorails to get to the Magic Kingdom.   Below is a story that I have heard for years about what took place by one of the cast members.

"I met John Lennon at Disney World while working as a monorail operator. He, Julian and May Pang

rode in the front of the monorail on two different occasions with me. I allowed him and Julian to operate the train. The second day John

 came out to the station and actually ask if I was working. He and Julian waited until I arrived in the train and again rode with me and

 drove the train. May Pang took a lot of pictures that day. As they left the train that day John ask if I would like to take some pictures and

 waited while I retrieved a camera. I have a great 8×10 of John Lennon and I together." -Cast Member Hal East

And thanks to the wonderful folks at the John Lennon Lost Weekend Facebook page, that photograph has magical appeared!

You see cast member, Hal standing there in his monorail costume and who is most likely Adam Levey in the background.  Perhaps May Pang took the photo?

May has an interesting tidbit of a memory on one of the rides back to the Poly during that trip:

Riding the Disney World monorail back to our hotel, I overheard a father tell his son he had heard a Beatle was visiting. “Which Beatle?” The father said, “George Harrison." I burst out laughing. John asked why. We then all started laughing so hard that the Dad turned around. It then registered which Beatle was at the park that day - and why we were laughing. “It’s O.K.," John jokingly said, "we all look alike.” -- May Pang

Beatles New Year Cake

I have to give a big thank you to Ted Hutchens who did ALL of the research on this story!   He kindly sent me the information that he found as he was researching it.    I would like to point out that Ted has a really neat Beatles display currently available for viewing at the Springfield, Missouri Library.   It has some one of a kind items, including the clarinet case that three of the Beatles autographed for a young fan while they were at Reed Pigman's ranch.    If you live in the area, it would be well worth your time to go see the exhibit.  I hope I can make it out there before it is taken down.  

Ted also runs a facebook page called "MO Beatles" which is about the Beatles in Missouri (a topic that I love---since I have written an entire book basically on this topic!)   

On New Years' Eve of 1964, a radio station from KICK radio station in Springfield, Missouri decided the best way to get the Beatles' to perform a concert in their area in 1965 was to send a cake to Liverpool.    Now I am not sure what they really expected to happen since the Beatles themselves hadn't lived in Liverpool for at least 3 years by 1965, but maybe they thought the fan club located in Liverpool would eat the cake and spread the message to the Fab 4.   Or maybe it was just a publicity stunt for the radio station....

But anyhow....a cake that was 8 foot 3 inches was baked and decorated in what was called a "Kaleidoscope of pastel colors"   It appears that the cake had drawings of each of the Beatles in circles and wished the guys a Happy New Year for 1965.     It was then put into a gold painted wooden box with Red letters that once again wished the Beatles a Happy New Year and had the names of the DJ's from KICK.    It was locked up with 7 padlocks and the keys were mailed to Liverpool separately from the cake. 

It then was loaded onto a Campbell 66 truck and was taken to the airport in St. Louis.

From St. Louis it flew on a T.W.A. flight to New York City, where it was to be put on the Queen Elizabeth and float over to Liverpool.    However---the Beatles cake never left the dock in New York.  At the time, people were told that a "shipping technicality"  stopped it from boarding the liner and that it would be kept in "cold storage" until the ship arrived back in New York on January 20th.   However, one person from that time recalls that there was a shipping strike going on during that time period and the Beatles cake "wasted away on the docks there and never made it to Britain."

The Best of Wednesday Reviews (part 2)

Last Wednesday I listed 8 of the most viewed reviews from the past 6.5 years of this blog and tonight I give you numbers 7-1.



7.  James McCartney (concert review)
From June 6, 2013
614 views

In June of 2013 I saw Paul McCartney's only son, James, perform in concert in St. Louis.    It was my first (and so far only) time seeing one of the "Beatle sons" perform.  It was an interesting experience that left me with mixed emotions.   I still enjoy James' music and I would see him in concert again if he came to town, but I wanted to be honest with readers out there about what to expect. 



6.  My Kid Brother's Band (book review)
From October 22, 2014
676 views

When I started adding reviews to this blog, I decided right off that I was going to post honest reviews and not sugar coat things that I didn't like.    That I was going to say both positive and negative things in my reviews because that is what I want to read whenever I read a review of something.     My review for Louise's Harrison's book, My Kid Brother's Band is one of the few reviews that was mostly negative.   Louise's book was one of the most difficult books for me to get through.   I didn't mind that much of the book was about her life and I did enjoy what she wrote about George, however her personal and political views were shoved into the book in the strangest places.  Her negative words about Dhani and Olivia (which she never called by name) made it even harder to read.   For a long time my review of this book was the only one that wasn't glowing but slowly since I wrote it more and more honest reviews have popped up.  

5.  Give me a Chance (book review)
From January 9, 2012
701 views

  This is the story of every day Beatles fan, Gail, who heard that John was in her town, Montreal for a bed in and decided to interview him for her school paper.   Well she interviewed him and was asked back for eight days!   She spent eight days with John and Yoko in their hotel.  She was there during the writing and recording of "Give Peace a Chance."   She looked after Kyoko, answered the telephone oh and she watched "A Hard Day's Night" on television with John Lennon!   What an experience!   


4.  Sara Finally Meets a Beatle for Real (concert review)
From May 28, 2013
850 views

Alright so I didn't actually MEET Paul McCartney, but as this concert review from Paul's Memphis show on May 26, 2013 shows, I got as close as I could possibly get when Paul read my sign aloud in concert and made direct eye contact with me as he spoke to me.   I love re-reading this review from  two days after the event because I can read the excitement I still had jumping off the screen.   My idea was to give readers a review of a Paul concert from the 4th row center, but I think the review was more about my emotions and feelings than about Paul McCartney.

3.  The Lost Beatles Photographs (book Review)
From April 24, 2011
1051 views

From what I can tell, this is the first book review I wrote for the blog.  By now I think most fans are familiar with the Bob Bonis photo archives book, The Lost Beatles Photographs.     But if you have never gotten this book, you really owe it to yourself to have it in your collection.    The color and black and white photos of the boys during the U.S. tours are outstanding.   Plus there are photos of Brian, Mal and Neil among others that really add to the story.   


2.  Beatles at Shea  (book Review)
From December 30, 2013
1099 views

Every Beatles fan love the Beatles Shea Stadium concert, right?    So what isn't there to love about a book about the topic?    Dave Schwenson wrote this amazing book that focused on the Beatles' Shea Stadium show with insights from insiders and fans that were there and lived it.  But what I really found fascinating was the inside information about the TV special.    Another great book for those of us who can't get enough information about the Beatles touring years.


1.  Ringo Starr and the All Starr Band -- Sara's VIP concert review
From July 6, 2014
1140 views

This is a review that I wrote from when my mom and I saw Ringo Starr and the All Starr Band in Tunica, Mississippi on July 3, 2014 with VIP seats.     I wanted fans who might not have been to a Ringo concert in recent years to learn what they were missing out on.     It was a great show and I am glad that so many people liked my review of it.   Heck Ringo pointed to my mom's "Ringo rocks" t-shirt in the middle of singing "Yellow Submarine" so it was a special night.  



Thank you again to everyone for all of the support towards the "Wednesday Reviews."   If there is a book you would like for me to review or if you recently read a Beatles book and would like to be a guest blogger for Wednesday Reviews, I would love to read it.   I am wanting to read older Beatles books and review them today---maybe even compare them to a review written in a fanzine.   Suggestions are appreciated!

Rest and Relax

What more do you need in 1968?

Beatles poster, Bobby Kennedy poster, map of the world, turn table with a Beatles record playing and a chair---what more do you need???

Pole hanging

Thank Mo! -- We still love you 21 year later!

It was on this date in 1994 that Ringo's former wife, Maureen Cox lost her battle with leukemia  and passed away in a Seattle hospital with her entire family (including Ringo) by her side.   Maureen was and still is a much loved "Beatle girl" not only because of her beauty and style but for her dedication and devotion to her husband, Ringo during the Beatle years.     Maureen first met Ringo at the Cavern Club while he was a drummer for Rory Storm and the Hurricanes.   The couple dated for several years until Maureen found out she was pregnant and Ringo proposed to her.    Maureen was the ideal wife in many ways.  She was very supportive of her husband's career.   When Ringo came home from the recording studio in the middle of the night, Maureen would have diner waiting for her husband.   And of course who on the rooftop was applauding and cheering the loudest?   Maureen!    And while their romance was rocky and did end in divorce, Maureen and Ringo had three children together and they did an amazing job of co-parenting.  Ringo included his ex-wife in parties and events and never once spoke badly about her.     Ringo went on to marry Barbara and Maureen married Isaac Tigrett,  the former couple still remained friend.  Ringo even included the daughter Maureen and Issac had together whenever there was a family gathering.  

Because of Maureen's class and kindness Beatle fans all around the world were devastating when learning that Maureen had passed away.   Paul McCartney wrote the beautiful song, "Little Willow" in memory of his friend, Maureen.    And 21 years after her death, fans still adore Maureen.

Bagism cira 1964

Wings and Friends

It is thought that this photo was taken by Paul McCartney (which makes sense since he is the only person missing in the photograph!)

Interview Autograph?

That's a wrap

Stuck between two drummers

Merry Christmas!

John Lennon's Christmas card drawing from 1968

I am so thankful for this blog and the friends I have made through it.   I want to wish all of you regular readers of "Meet the Beatles...for Real" a very happy Christmas!    I thank you for making this little blog part of your daily or weekly online routine.   Merry Christmas to you one and all!

Love,
Sara S.

Apple Christmas card of 1969

The folks at Apple had no idea when this card was sent out in 1969 what was in store for 1970!  Isn't it a tad bit odd that the Beatles aren't pictured?

Recording Happy X-Mas

John and Yoko teach the The Harlem Community Choir the words to Happy X-mas (War is Over), which should have been pretty easy for them to learn!  This photo appears on the back of the single picture sleeve.  I am not sure what John is doing!

There is also out there this colorized version of the same photo--and I think it was poorly done.

War is over (if you want it) 2015 edition

 

 

When I look at all of the things John and Yoko did over the years, I honestly can say that I don't understand most of them.  But the one that I do understand and totally stand behind is War is Over (If you Want it).    Yoko must also think highly of this campaign as she has brought it, or some form of it, back many times over the years.  

For me, War is over (if you want it) is an opportunity for me to take time to think about changes I need to personally make in my life.   Who have I gone to "war" with this year?   Who do I need to make amends with?   Who do I need to show extra love or compassion towards.    Who needs to be forgiven?   I am not sure if that was John or Yoko's intentions or thoughts back when they started this in 1969, but it is what I do each and every year.    I am just one person and I alone cannot stop a war, but I can make changes within myself.     I hope this holiday season you take a little time to ask yourself similar questions.   Just think if everyone made a few minor changes and reached out in love to one another instead of hate, what a big difference that would make in the world.   I think John and Yoko would agree.

Apple Christmas

Not sure if the Christmas Apple and the apple hanging in the Apple offices are one in the same, but they are close!  

A Wonderful Christmas time

Best of "Wednesday Reviews" part 1

When I started this blog in 2009, my idea was to have a modern day version of a Beatles fanzine from the 1970's.  I used the fanzine "The Write Thing" as my model and I tried to sort of copy what Barb Fenick did back then, but with a 21st century flare to it.    As the years went by I started adding more to this blog of things that I found in the fanzines:   contests, reproductions of old magazine articles, fan stories and photos (obviously) and reviews.    At first I reviewed books, concerts and movies now and then, but then I started to have more and more things to review and I decided to organize it so that those things were posted on Wednesdays.      I have gotten great feedback from readers and authors like about my "Wednesday Reviews."    I have reviewed close to 40 books and a handful of festivals, events, movies and concerts.    

For the next two Wednesday I am going to share the top 15 best reviews on this blog in case you missed them the first time around or want to re-read them.     The "best" reviews are the ones that had the most "hits" according to blogspot's data.  


15.  A Life in Parts  (Book Review)
From January 23, 2013
388 views 

I recently spoke in person to the author of this book about a woman who is an amputee and got a load of support from Heather Mills and met Paul along the way.    This is the book that single handily changed my views on Paul's second wife and the author agreed with me completely.    While this book doesn't have a strong Beatles theme, it is a great book about a woman with courage and a willingness to face life head on when faced with tragedy.    The Paul stuff in the book is pretty amazing too---she went into Paul's house and saw his handwritten lyrics for Yesterday!   It is worth reading for sure.


14.  Who's the Redhead on the roof?  (Book Review)
From June 17, 2015
396 views

 

 

 Who's the Redhead on the roof is the amazing story of Kevin Harrington, who worked at Apple and was Mal Evans right hand man.   He is one of those faces Beatle fans have seen in the background of video and photos and never knew who he was until now!   Kevin wrote a great e-book about his experiences with the Beatles and now it is available in a hard copy book!   You can order it here!


13.  Love me Do (Book Review)
From April 27, 2014
399 views

This classic Beatles book was a great read for the Beatles' 50th anniversary.  I had never read it before, but was surprised how well it held up as a book so many years later.    It is one that definitely should be on every Beatle fan's bookshelf.

12.  Be My Baby (Book Review)
From April 29, 2015
415 views

I didn't originally plan on reading this whole book or reviewing it for the blog.   When I borrowed it from my local library, I just wanted to read the part about why Ronnie Spector didn't tour with the Beatles in 1966.  However, I found her autobiography to be so compelling and full of Beatles tidbits, that I could not put it down and ended up reading the entire book cover to cover.   A very good book for sure!

11.  Yesterday:  Memories of a Beatles Fan  (e-book Review)
From July 22, 2015
464 views

One of the best Beatles books I have read.   Seriously---this little e-book is in my top 20 best Beatles books of all times.   It is the story of Margaret who was an early fan from the Cavern days.   I loved reading her story of the Beatles' early days because it helped me fill in some gaps from that time period.  Of course the fact that Marg is a John Lennon fan didn't hurt things for me either.   Only available as an e-book, but one that every fan needs to read.

10.  Desperately Seeking Paul McCartney (movie review)
From July 22, 2012
482 views

This was an interesting movie about a girl named Ruth that interviewed Paul McCartney at a press conference in 1966 where Paul asked he to marry him.    The movie is about the adult Ruth trying to meet Paul McCartney again in 2007 and the camera follow her around as she tries to meet Paul one more time.   Sadly much of this documentary seemed staged and fake and I disliked how Ruth was made fun for for being an over the top Beatles fan.   The only genuine person in the movie was Ruth herself. 

9.  Friar Park A Pictorial History (book review)
From December 10, 2014
494 views

This is a must have book for anyone who is interested in learning about George Harrison's home, Friar Park.   Lots of photos and information about the property.  And while it has very little about George himself, it is interesting to see the place that George called home for 31 years.

8.  The Guitar's alright as a hobby, John (book review)
From May 11, 2014
505 views

This charming little book about John Lennon's aunt, Mimi Smith, is another great one.   Aunt Mimi has been portrayed in films as somewhat of a heartless woman, but Kathy Burns shows Mimi in a much different light and shows the human side of the woman that raised John.   Through Burn's book you can begin to understand more about Mimi Smith and the relationship she had with John's fans. 


Stay tuned next Wednesday for the rest of the list and more Wednesday reviews in 2016!   I would like to review more "classic" Beatles books from the 1970's and 1980's .  If you have any suggestions, please let me know!

I'm the Greatest!