London May 1968 - A Fan Memory

 

As I remember

By Teri Garrick

Around The Beatles Fan Club newsletter

August 1968

I arrived in London early in the morning on Tuesday, May 21, 1968, determined to see Paul’s house and EMI.  Even if I never saw them (and I was pretty sure I wouldn’t), at least I had to see Paul’s house.  I love all the fellas, of course, but Mr. McCartney holds a special place in my heart.  A week and a half later, I found myself footsore but happy.  I was in Beatleland.  But, as of yet, I had not made it to St. John’s wood and Paulie’s abode.  It was now Thursday, May 30, and the next day would be my last day in London.  It was act now or never.  So, at about 2:30 or 3:00, I hopped on the #159 bus to St. John’s Wood.  I hadn’t a clue as to where I should get off the bus.  I asked several people where I might find Cavendish Avenue and no one knew.  I began to feel as though I were getting the run-around.  Finally, one kind lady said she was sorry she didn’t know, but if I asked the porter in the apartment building she’d just come out of, he should be able to tell me.  I thanked her, and off I went to find the porter.  He was very nice.  He pulled out his little map and directed me to Cavendish Avenue.  I got to Abbey Road to Circus Road, turn left, go two streets down on Circus and that should be it.  It was!  There’s no number in front of Paul’s house, but the writings on the gate clearly indicate where he lives.  There was no one around, and I felt rather conspicuous with that huge camera slung around me.  But I got a picture of the house and Pal’s dark blue Austin Mini.  Then, I got a picture of the street sign.  A couple girls came by and asked if I was waiting for Paul to come out.  I remembered an answer, and they told me he wasn’t home.  They’d spoken to the housekeeper a bit earlier, and Paul and the other three were all at EMI recording.  So, I trotted off to EMI.  As I was standing there, Peter Asher came out and nearly bumped into me.  Then Mal pulled up in the Beatles van.  I got a photo of him too. Some man came out and asked us (a few other girls had begun to arrive) if we were waiting for The Beatles.  If we were, it would be a long wait.  They would not be out until midnight or after

 The next day, Friday, was my last day in London.  Saturday, I’d be leaving for Liverpool.  I got up early and caught the bus to Baker Street and took the tour of Madame Tussauds.  I tried to find Apple, but couldn’t.  After arguing with myself for some time, I decided to go back to St. John’s Wood and see if I could see THEM today.  I parked myself in front of EMI about 1:45 and just waited.  I sat across the street so I could have a full view of the entrance. A little before 3:00 things began to happen.  Cliff Richards went in.   Then Mal came along again.  I saw this terrific-looking bod dressed in a cream-colored Indian outfit come walking along the street.  By the time I realized it was, indeed, John Lennon, he’d disappeared behind the gate of EMI.  I was stunned.  I couldn’t believe it!    Finally, I gathered what was left of my wit and went back across the street.  Pretty soon George Martin arrived in his white sports car.  Next to come was George Harrison in his gorgeous white Mercedes 600.  I hadn’t found my tongue yet, but I did get a picture.  Ringo came next.  He, too, had a Mercedes 600, only his is black and chauffeur driven.  He hopped out of the front seat and headed for the gate.  I finally found my voice and asked for his autograph.  He looked at me a second, then signed – resting his right hand on my left wristlet as he put down those dear letters. 

  By now it was almost 4:00.  I decided I’d wait for Paul (my love) until 4:30. Then I’d go back to the city and try again to find Apple.  Well, 4:30 came and went (Mal had gone too) and I head for the bus.  I took another look at his house, then as I looked over, I recognized the Beatles van, Mal Evans and Paul!  He was dressed in a dark shirt.  That’s all I really got a chance to see.  But he looked wonderful.  He was talking to Mal and kind of looking around.  Well, I could have kicked myself.  I might have spoken to him.  Even got a pic or an autograph.  But I was happy anyway.  I found Apple and went in.  It’s very small and is on 2 floors.  The main floor is trinkets and downstairs is all clothes.  I went downstairs to look around and suddenly heard a female voice say “Hi George.”  I looked and who should be standing next to me but George and Ringo!  After a bit, I decided I shouldn't just stand around and stare, so I went upstairs and out.  But George and Ringo decided to leave at the same time and were right behind me all the way to the sidewalk.  I went to England thinking that I’d never see even a glimpse of one Beatle.  But got so more than a glimpse and I saw all of them.  I never realized how four men could generate so much excitement.  But they do.  Just being in the same general area gives a person a feeling of elation.  I left London feeling so enriched by what I had seen.  Everything was so great.  But my last day was by far the best! 

A genuine George sighting out in the wild

 

Heading to Washington

 

April 28, 1972 - Washington D.C. 

A Chance Meeting in New York

 

April  29, 1977 -  What are the chances?   Paul McCartney is walking in New York City with his wife and Ringo Starr is walking on the same street in New York at the same time with his fiancee?    Well, it happened 45 years ago!   People bump into their old friends all the time, but can you even begin to imagine being one of the fans that witnessed this?   1977 and 2 of the Beatles are just walking down the street chatting with each other?  

Paul has Got (tten) Back!

 April 28, 2022 - Spokane, Washington

I am SO super excited that Paul is back out on the road and waving to his fans during a limo watch this evening!  And look!  There is Brian Riddle.   This right here is my sign that life has gotten back to normal.   

I will be seeing Paul late next month in Orlando.   Anyone else going to that show?   Where are you seeing Paul?   Remember what I always say -- your chances of meeting Paul McCartney go up to about a 1% chance if you are in the same town as him, otherwise it is a .000001% chance.  

Happy Anniversary to Ringo and Barbara -- celebrating 41 years!

 

This photo is from November 21, 1995, during the time that Ringo's daughter was in the hospital because of a brain tumor.  Ringo called off the remaining dates on the All-Starr Band Tour that year to be with her (which stupidly made some people mad at Ringo -- it was his daughter for goodness sakes!  He did the right thing!).   I think this is a lovely photograph of the couple and it is a reminder of how much these two have gone through together during the past 41 years.   

Best wishes to Ringo and Barb.   Peace and Love!

Their new apartment on Bank Street

 April 27, 1972 

Arriving in New York

 April 27, 1977

John looks hot

 Because you know ---   temperature wise.   

Peter Sellers documentary

 

Lennon Writty

 Lennon Writty

By Barb Chappel

Around the Beatle fan club newsletter

January 1968

 

Hello, all you Beatles Friends and Family (BFAF).  Don’t know how to start, but here it goes.  Thank you, Jeri for asking me to write every month.  It’s an honor and you’re a great friend.  Mates, you are now embarking upon my adventures in Jolly Ole and meeting with John, Paul, George, and Ringo – or trying to!  Have you ever tried to catch J.W.L.?  Nearly impossible!  He’s always son the move.  I even had an expected appointment on October 6.  I went up to Johns for the first time on October 2 and was given a ride to his door.  Leave it to John mind you, the front door happens to be the back door!  A bloke answered the door and said he’d tell John I’d be there on Friday.  On October 6 I walked and trekked up his walk.  It was lined with beautiful red flowers.  His housekeeper came to the door and said he wasn’t home again.  I gave her the flowers for Cyn’s birthday and talked to her for 20 minutes.  Then, since I had no way back, she let me use the telephone by the kitchen sink.  I keep pinching myself.  I used his phone!  Bet you’re wondering what John’s house looks like.  Well, it’s indescribable almost.  The living room is dark green with a settee (sofa) chair and stool, and lots o little kittens sleeping.   I saw Mimi, Neil, and Mel.  Mimi is black and white.  Weybridge is a lovely place, peaceful and quiet.  Julian’s cart was by the gate.  Wonder where the white horses were.  I saw Julian at Heath House. There he was sitting as good as gold, his big brown eyes looked at me and I smiled right back.  He takes after his daddy.  We’ve got another John Lennon on our hands.  To top it off, the other day a letter came for me from JOHN.  Imagine that.  Sometimes I can’t believe what’s happening to me.  He told me he was busy on his film and to wait a while before wandering up again.  He was pleased I wanted to come so badly.  Nice to him, huh?  Wonder where he got that idea.  I only went there 7 times…. 

 

P.S.  Anyone going to John’s go before 2pm, before he goes out. 

Paul is so goofy isn't he?

 

Magical Mystery kickline

 

Young blood

 

April 26, 1963 - Shewsbury

Contact with The Beatles

 After seeing photos of The Beatles with the Maharshi in Wales in August 1967, I wondered about the fans that are in these photos.  Were they there to listen to the Maharishi too?  Were they local fans?   I was happy to discover this story written by an unknown fan that was there that day.  It was written right after seeing them during that time.  The printing on this article in the newsletter was hard to read (I sort of enjoy it because I feel like I am breathing new life into this story).  There is one word that I just couldn't make out, but it doesn't take away from the story at all. 

Contact with the Beatles

As told by an anonymous girl in Wales

Around the Beatles fan club newsletter

October 1967

We left the house at about half-past six the same night, and we made our way to the college.  We came up to the main gates where a crowd of only 15 people were there.  We saw Marianne Faithful across the courtyard, but we weren’t satisfied at only being outside the college.  We walked along the road by the college.  We walked along the road by the college and found a small path going alongside the college.  This path led to an archway just about 50 feet from the building in which THEY were in.  We dared not go any farther as there was a policeman with an absolutely huge ______ guarding the door.  We waited there for about half an hour and decided to ask one of the men if the Beatles would be coming out soon.  He was very nice and said that the Beatles would be coming out before long to go to a lecture in a hall about 100 yards away.  We dashed along to the hall to find that we were the first there.  The crowd gathered before long, but it was only a small crowd of about 60. 

I had a present for Paul.  It was a huge fluffy flower on a stick.  I had inscribed on the stick “TO PAUL FROM DILLYS”.  The followers of Maharishi began to come to the hall.  We had a talk from a lady, warning us that The Beatles were here not for singing but for meditating.  And that we shouldn’t’ scream or mob them.  I was beginning to get nervous by now and wishing that I wasn’t in the front row of the queue.  But suddenly there was a blaze of flashbulbs and I heard a cry from my sister, “Oh isn’t Ringo good looking!”  And there walking towards us were John and Ringo.  They both said “Hello” to us and they were so close that we could have rubbed shoulders.  They walked slowly by – they are so better looking than their photos.  John was clean-shaven, but Ringo had a mustache.  George followed them.  He also said “Hello” and flashed a quick smile which showed those gorgeous white teeth.  George had a mustache and his hair was almost reaching his shoulders.  And following George was Paul!  His tall slim figure was easily recognizable.  His pictures do not do him any justice at all.  He walked slowly up by me.  I clutched my present in a shaky hand and I told myself that it would be now or never.  I took a deep breath and I put my present in his hand.  He turned around and looked at me. He is so good-looking.   His hair is black and shiny, his eyes slant, and are gentle.  He said, “Oh, is this for me?”  I said, “Yes, it’s a present for you.”  He said in a sincere voice, “Are you sure you don’t’ want it back?”  I could just about manage to say, “No, you can keep it.  It’s a present.”  He clutched the stick to him, took one step forward, looked back again and smiled (and oh what a gorgeous smile), and said, “Thanks love” in that gorgeous Liverpudlian accent.  For the next five minutes, I could only say “He spoke to me.  He spoke to me.”

  After the crowd had dispersed my sister and I went to the large windows of the hall.  We went to the nearest window by the stage and watched and listened to Maharishi talking to The Beatles and his followers.  Maharishi and the Beatles sat on the stage, and the followers sat on seats in front of the stage.  Paul wore an ice blue Chinese-style shirt, green trousers, and brown leather shoes.  He sat most of the time with his right leg crossed over the left and his hands clutched his right knee. George wore a multi-colored shirt and orange trousers and only sandals on his feet.  Ringo wore a multi-colored shirt, green corduroy trousers, and mustard-color suede boots.  John also wore a multi-colored shirt, white trousers, and only sandals on his feet.  Paul noticed us once and smiled.  But George was the worst.  He kept looking at us through the corner of his eyes every five minutes.  We arrived home at about eleven o’clock that night.

The next day we went to see them again on Sunday.  We were allowed to wait outside the door this time.  We had only been waiting for 10 minutes when John came running out before anyone could ask for an autograph.  Paul was the next to come out, his stepsister Ruth was holding his left hand, and in his right hand, he had a load of newspapers.  I was a bit nervous of asking him for an autograph as he had his hands full.  But I went up to him and asked, “Paul, please may I have your autograph?”  He smiled and said “Sure, love.”  As he signed my book on top of all his newspapers, I told him that my present looked like a large fluffy flower and not like a duster as some people had thought.  He laughed and said that he had thought that my present looked like a flower.  As soon as he had given my autograph book and pen back, he was surrounded by pressmen.

  I couldn’t get to Ringo as he was also surrounded by pressmen.  George was only talking to one man, therefore I ran up to him to ask for his autograph.  But it was evident George was arguing with the man.  I stood by George’s elbow for five minutes listening to the argument.  When they had finished talking, George was in such a temper that he didn’t see me and walked away and opened a door and slammed it behind him!  I’m glad I didn’t follow as I might now have a broken nose!  I went home feeling very happy. 

  But that happiness did not last for long, as that night we heard of the tragic death of Brian Epstein.  I deiced to go up to the college and try to see The Beatles and say how sorry I was.  But on the road to the college, I saw a big, black car passing and sitting in the back was Paul.  He looked pale and his face expressionless.

 

 

Polka-dots on Paul

 

Wings I

 April 1972 

Astrid's George and John

All photos taken by Astrid Kirchherr

 April 1962 -- these are some of the most haunting photos of John and George.  Astrid really knew how to capture the mood of a person in her photography.   These photos were taken around the same time as the fun Star Club photos I posted yesterday, but wow what a contrast.     

This is a real photo

 

10 years ago this week I posted this photo of John and some people at the NYC bar that John and Yoko frequently went to called "Home".    The photo was taken at some time in 1977.    It is a great photo, but really I didn't think too much of it after the original fun of seeing a "new" John photo wore off. 

Fast forward to April 2022 and this photograph has taken Facebook Beatle groups by storm with 100s of people claiming that it is "photoshopped."   "Look at the coloring -- look at the size of John's head..."   And on and on they go about how the photo is fake.   As you might know,  nothing irritates me the way that people assume that Beatles photos are photoshopped.   Very few Beatles photos are actually fake. Sure, there are some out there, but the majority of them are not.  What purpose would there be to fake a photo, like this one of John?   

Anyhow -- I am 100% certain that this is a REAL photo.   Here is my proof.  Here is a screenshot from the Facebook page of Scott Heller.   From what I gather, Home was owned by Richard Ross until 1978, when he sold it to Scott and two other guys.   Scott is in this photo along with Phil, who also owned the bar in 1978.     Scott is the guy with the beard and glasses and Phil is behind him with the mustache. The Black man standing in the back with a mustache is named Willie Carpenter.   Scott posted his original photo on Facebook in 2010 (2 years before I shared it on this site).   I also included his friends' comments, you can see Scott say how the photo was taken the night before he "took over." There is another friend who stated he recognized Scott and Philly in the photo.     

This is a screenshot from Scott's Facebook page.  A photograph taken of his original photo.

This also explains WHY John is at Home and maybe why the photo was taken in the first place.  John had spent a lot of time there in 1972 during the Elephants Memory Band era.   After being introduced to the original owner, Richard Ross, he and John formed a lasting friendship.    John came up with the slogan "A Moment in Your Life" and had that printed on the back of some of the t-shirts for the bar.   Richard was battling cancer and in 1978 made the decision to sell the bar because of his health issues. 

Scott, one of the "new" owners says that this photo was taken the night before he "took over."   That would mean that this photo was taken the last night Richard Ross was the owner.   It makes logical sense that John would want to go wish his friend well on his last night there.    

There is another Facebook comment that I didn't screenshot from where Scott shared this photo again in 2015 from someone that said he remembered Scott calling him up and saying "Get down here,  We got John Lennon's here" and this guy did not believe him and did not go.   After seeing this photo, he regrets it. 

So --- will this nonsense about Photoshop and this photograph please stop.  What more evidence do you all need?