June 18, 2000
An online Beatles fan club for and about Beatle fans
Showing posts with label 2000. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2000. Show all posts
Monday, July 25, 2022
Tuesday, February 22, 2022
Wednesday, December 16, 2020
Tuesday, December 15, 2020
Thursday, October 22, 2020
About Flippin' time
October 20, 2000
Could it really have been 20 years since this moment? Stella McCartney wins the VH1 Vogue award and her Dad embarrassed her a bit by showing up with a t-shirt that says "About Flippin Time." This is in response to a slightly similar t-shirt Stella wore when her Dad was inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame.
Really thought --- 20 years already???
Thursday, August 20, 2020
Cirque du Soleil and George
December 16, 2000
I love George taking a selfie with the 2000s era camera.
Tuesday, August 11, 2020
Tuesday, July 14, 2020
20 years ago
I meant to share this photo last week -- oops. Before Ringo was all about peace and love at noon on his birthday, he shared his 60th birthday with Paul and George.
Was this the last time the three of them got together? I'm not sure -- but by the smile on George's face I bet it was an unforgettable party.
Tuesday, February 4, 2020
Wednesday, October 24, 2018
Sunday, January 14, 2018
Paul's visit to Cuba in 2000
On January 14, 2000 Paul McCartney and some members of his family traveled from a winter holiday in the Caribbean to visit Cuba. While there he did a variety of sight seeing, but a guy gets hungry and so he stopped at the El Morro resturnant which is located near Santigo.
He did the usual -- ate his meal outdoors at a table that had a nice very of the water. Finished his meal and posed for a photo for the staff at the resturnant, signed a few autographs and went on his way for more fun on holiday. I would guess that Paul McCartney didn't think anything else about this meal ever again.
However -- the El Morro resturnant will never forget their famous visitor. The scooped up his place setting and saved it, saved the chair he sat in and along with an autograph put these things on display for all to see. Now they have taken it a step farther! The place where Paul once sat now has a Paul McCartney statue in the seat. There is also a chair with a replica of Paul's autograph on it.
All of this is obviously to help with tourism. Who wouldn't want to get their photo snapped with a Paul McCartney statue? And to see these things, you have to go inside the El Morro and if you are going inside, then you might as well have something to eat. I wonder if whatever Paul orderd is now called "The Macca" dish.
Thursday, September 14, 2017
George was the best best man
George was the best man at Joe Brown's 2000 wedding. I love the group photo of the wedding party.
Thursday, July 6, 2017
The brains behind the operation
It was in 2000 that George Harrison himself talked to his friend, Guy Laliberté (who just happened to be the founder of Cirque de Soleil) of an idea he had of doing a Cirque show using dance mixes of Beatles songs. Originally Fatboy Slim was thought to do the music side of things. The idea that George had was for someone else to perform the Beatles hits for the show.
Sadly, when George passed away in 2001, the idea of the Cirque show sort of fizzled out for a while. But it did eventually gain momentum again. I am not sure if Paul McCartney's work with the Cirque performers during his 2002 tour had anything to do with it or not. Eventually, George and Giles Martin decided to rework the original idea and use the Beatles actual recordings instead of someone else.
The Love show opened in 2006 and has been going strong in Las Vegas ever since. I think George would be very proud of what it turned in to. It is easy to forget that it was George Harrison that came up with the idea and planted those originally seeds that bloomed into what it is today. So I wanted to take a moment and give George the credit he deserves.
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Wishing on a Starr
I just love it when I find stories of kids getting to met one of the Beatles as a wish from the Make a Wish Foundation. Of course I wish that such a foundation didn't have to exist, but it is very kind of Paul and Ringo to reach out to these young fans who have a terminal illness. One such fan, Lydia Starr had the wish to meet Ringo Starr. Lydia had brain cancer, so I can just imagine that Ringo was touched by her story and though of his own daughter's brain tumor. It is with much sorrow that I report that Lydia passed away after her 14 1/2 year with brain cancer in May 2013. However, I am happy to share with you her story of meeting Ringo. I found this article in issue #110 of "Working Class Hero Beatles Club" fanzine. It originally was from the Intelligencer Journal newspaper.
Trip brings two Starrs Together
By Paula Holzman
It took nearly two years for Lydia Starr's wish to come true -- two years she didn't think she had. The 14 year old flew to Denver last month through the Make-A-Wish-Foundation to meet Ringo Starr, the drummer who has been her lifelong inspiration.
A Beatles fan since she can remember, Lydia (no relation to Ringo) has transformed her Columbia bedroom into a shrine to the Fab Four -- from an "Abbey Road" sign above the door to a "Sgt. Pepper" blanket draped across her bed.
"For years, I was like 'Ringo played the drums, and I want to do that.' I also wanted to bel ike him and be famous, I kind of wanted to be a part of it all," she said.
But Lydia through her wish would remain just that when, in November 1998, she was diagnosed with a rare-germ-cell brain tumor.
Soon after beginning chemotherapy at Hershey Medical Center, Lydia met a social worker who introduced her to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, a group that grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses.
She decided upon her wish, but months passed and the request remained unfulfilled. Lydia went through more grueling chemotherapy and radiation treatments, spending most of seventh grade in the hospital.
The treatments robber her of most of her sign in one eye and hearing in one ear. At one point during the ordeal, one of her lungs collapsed. Still no Ringo.
But Lydia hung on, and her treatments ended July 7, 1999 -- which she later discovered was Ringo's birthday.
A little more than a year later, a white stretch limo pulled up outside the Starr's house to take them to the airport and then to Denver to see Ringo and his All-Starr band in concert at Red Rocks.
Trip brings two Starrs Together
By Paula Holzman
It took nearly two years for Lydia Starr's wish to come true -- two years she didn't think she had. The 14 year old flew to Denver last month through the Make-A-Wish-Foundation to meet Ringo Starr, the drummer who has been her lifelong inspiration.
A Beatles fan since she can remember, Lydia (no relation to Ringo) has transformed her Columbia bedroom into a shrine to the Fab Four -- from an "Abbey Road" sign above the door to a "Sgt. Pepper" blanket draped across her bed.
"For years, I was like 'Ringo played the drums, and I want to do that.' I also wanted to bel ike him and be famous, I kind of wanted to be a part of it all," she said.
But Lydia through her wish would remain just that when, in November 1998, she was diagnosed with a rare-germ-cell brain tumor.
Soon after beginning chemotherapy at Hershey Medical Center, Lydia met a social worker who introduced her to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, a group that grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses.
She decided upon her wish, but months passed and the request remained unfulfilled. Lydia went through more grueling chemotherapy and radiation treatments, spending most of seventh grade in the hospital.
The treatments robber her of most of her sign in one eye and hearing in one ear. At one point during the ordeal, one of her lungs collapsed. Still no Ringo.
But Lydia hung on, and her treatments ended July 7, 1999 -- which she later discovered was Ringo's birthday.
A little more than a year later, a white stretch limo pulled up outside the Starr's house to take them to the airport and then to Denver to see Ringo and his All-Starr band in concert at Red Rocks.
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Advertising on Abbey Road wall
Do they still advertise upcoming releases on the walls of Abbey Road? I think this is an interesting idea.
Monday, September 24, 2012
Best Man George
We always knew that George was one of the best men ever, but in 2000 he played the part of the Best Man at Joe Brown's wedding when he married one of the Vernen Girls. Here is George at the reception. Who is the red headed lady that George is looking very friendly with?
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Charles meets Paul in 2000
I love it when readers submit a Beatle meeting to me! Charles shared this story of briefly meeting Paul during a book signing in December 2000. He is looking for anyone who has a photo of him with Paul that he knows was taken that day by press photographers. If you have seen a photo of him and Paul please let me know!
I had enjoyed the music of The Beatles, and John Lennon & Paul McCartney solo, for as long as I have a memory. So when I saw a full page advertisement of a McCartney book signing to be held the following day, I instantly knew that I would attend.
After work, I went to Waterstones bookshop in Piccadilly, London. There were already a few people in the line. I went home, had an early supper, and dressed warmly. I arrived at the bookstore at about 9pm, and the line had already lengthened quite a lot. I walked to a phone booth around the corner, and phoned in "sick" for the next day at work. At about 10 pm, a Waterstones staff member came out with a clipboard, and took our names, in order. I was number 33 in line. The night passed slowly, and we lay along the wall of the store. I was lucky, as I was in the door of a Boots chemist, and the recess of the door brought some shelter from what was to be a very cold night. We found some large sheets of cardboard from the shops nearby, and lay under those. I decorated mine with a little note : "Will work for food and shelter." There was a coffee shop near to the famous Eros statue, and it was open all night long. We took it in turns to go and get hot tea or coffee. I got along well with the people near me in the line. A friendly man, Tim. Two brothers, Stefan and Luigi.They were from Wales. A lovely girl from Canada. The time passed, having people to talk to. I managed to get a little sleep under my cardboard shelter. It was cold, but at 3am, the clouds above cleared, and the temperature plunged. My feet were now numb, and I thought of going home to a warm bed. Then I thought, "You will regret it if you leave." This was Paul McCartney's first ever book signing, and we had no way of knowing if he would do more in the future. People may find it strange, spending a December night on a freezing pavement, just to meet someone for a few minutes. I didn't find it strange. Why not endure a little discomfort, to have a memory forever ?
The night dragged on. It is surprising how much activity takes place in a busy city like London. The street cleaning machines drove by. 5 am. A Boots delivery truck arrived, and the delivery man looked alarmed to find the normally bare pavement so crowded. The temperature was so low, that our breath came out in clouds of vapour. I made a trip to the coffee shop at about 7am. By now, the streets were getting busier, and the sunlight started creeping over the grand old buildings. The 7am to midday time moved so slowly. By now, the crowd went back as far as we could see. Hundreds of people were lined up. The crowds of passersby grew as well, to see what was going on. By 12.30, Piccadilly was jammed with traffic brought to a standstill. A large black car pulled up, and there was Paul McCartney. He had on a heavy jacket, and a lot of security with him. He was rushed into the bookshop , through the crowd.
At 1pm, a few Waterstones staff were at the entrance, and we were to be admitted in groups of 5 at a time. My turn came. Five of us were let into the door, which was then locked again. Our names were checked against the list. A security man said: "If any of you even think of doing anything funny, we will be on you in a second. Understood?" We walked down to a screened off area. Each of us were handed one book of "Paintings." Paul had published a book of his recent artwork. Then, to my dismay, all our cameras were taken away. There was no time to argue. I rounded the corner into the signing area. A woman ahead of me was getting very emotional, telling Paul all about her Beatles record collection. Then he looked up, and I was next. I approached, and shook his hand. It was a moment that felt dreamlike. Here I was right up close to Paul McCartney. Suddenly the chilly night all seemed so worth it. He opened the book, and I asked if he could sign it To Charles. "To Charles. " he repeated as he wrote. I said to him:" I am so glad to hear that you have found some happiness again, after the sadness you have had." He stopped writing, looked up, and said: "Oh, thank you very much." The photographers there must have seen something, as the cameras went wild. Dozens of flashes went off. The moment was over too soon. I shook his hand again, he said :"Take care." in that wonderful Liverpool accent, and off I walked. I had probably been at the table one minute. A minute I will never forget. I paid for the book, got my camera back,and looked across at the line of people waiting, and tried to get a picture with him behind me. The Canadian girl took it. When I had the film developed, the result was not good. Anyway, what an experience. People were crying. I had never seen anything like this before. Truly a strange experience.
I got the underground tube home, and was exhausted, but too hyped to sleep. I phoned home and told my brother and mother about it. They were astounded. I can honestly say that 13 December 2000 is a day that I will often think about. Over the years, I have tried so hard to track down photos of myself at the signing table, but with no luck. Many photographers did not keep their negatives of that event. Also, many picture agencies are not bothered to even search their archives for such an old event. The following year, I saw Paul at a poetry event at the Queen's theatre in Soho. It was mayhem at the stage door. People were hanging out of windows, were up light poles, anywhere to get a look. I imagine that any event to do with The Beatles will attract a huge crowd, for many years to come. That is the price of true greatness, I suppose.
I had enjoyed the music of The Beatles, and John Lennon & Paul McCartney solo, for as long as I have a memory. So when I saw a full page advertisement of a McCartney book signing to be held the following day, I instantly knew that I would attend.
After work, I went to Waterstones bookshop in Piccadilly, London. There were already a few people in the line. I went home, had an early supper, and dressed warmly. I arrived at the bookstore at about 9pm, and the line had already lengthened quite a lot. I walked to a phone booth around the corner, and phoned in "sick" for the next day at work. At about 10 pm, a Waterstones staff member came out with a clipboard, and took our names, in order. I was number 33 in line. The night passed slowly, and we lay along the wall of the store. I was lucky, as I was in the door of a Boots chemist, and the recess of the door brought some shelter from what was to be a very cold night. We found some large sheets of cardboard from the shops nearby, and lay under those. I decorated mine with a little note : "Will work for food and shelter." There was a coffee shop near to the famous Eros statue, and it was open all night long. We took it in turns to go and get hot tea or coffee. I got along well with the people near me in the line. A friendly man, Tim. Two brothers, Stefan and Luigi.They were from Wales. A lovely girl from Canada. The time passed, having people to talk to. I managed to get a little sleep under my cardboard shelter. It was cold, but at 3am, the clouds above cleared, and the temperature plunged. My feet were now numb, and I thought of going home to a warm bed. Then I thought, "You will regret it if you leave." This was Paul McCartney's first ever book signing, and we had no way of knowing if he would do more in the future. People may find it strange, spending a December night on a freezing pavement, just to meet someone for a few minutes. I didn't find it strange. Why not endure a little discomfort, to have a memory forever ?
The night dragged on. It is surprising how much activity takes place in a busy city like London. The street cleaning machines drove by. 5 am. A Boots delivery truck arrived, and the delivery man looked alarmed to find the normally bare pavement so crowded. The temperature was so low, that our breath came out in clouds of vapour. I made a trip to the coffee shop at about 7am. By now, the streets were getting busier, and the sunlight started creeping over the grand old buildings. The 7am to midday time moved so slowly. By now, the crowd went back as far as we could see. Hundreds of people were lined up. The crowds of passersby grew as well, to see what was going on. By 12.30, Piccadilly was jammed with traffic brought to a standstill. A large black car pulled up, and there was Paul McCartney. He had on a heavy jacket, and a lot of security with him. He was rushed into the bookshop , through the crowd.
At 1pm, a few Waterstones staff were at the entrance, and we were to be admitted in groups of 5 at a time. My turn came. Five of us were let into the door, which was then locked again. Our names were checked against the list. A security man said: "If any of you even think of doing anything funny, we will be on you in a second. Understood?" We walked down to a screened off area. Each of us were handed one book of "Paintings." Paul had published a book of his recent artwork. Then, to my dismay, all our cameras were taken away. There was no time to argue. I rounded the corner into the signing area. A woman ahead of me was getting very emotional, telling Paul all about her Beatles record collection. Then he looked up, and I was next. I approached, and shook his hand. It was a moment that felt dreamlike. Here I was right up close to Paul McCartney. Suddenly the chilly night all seemed so worth it. He opened the book, and I asked if he could sign it To Charles. "To Charles. " he repeated as he wrote. I said to him:" I am so glad to hear that you have found some happiness again, after the sadness you have had." He stopped writing, looked up, and said: "Oh, thank you very much." The photographers there must have seen something, as the cameras went wild. Dozens of flashes went off. The moment was over too soon. I shook his hand again, he said :"Take care." in that wonderful Liverpool accent, and off I walked. I had probably been at the table one minute. A minute I will never forget. I paid for the book, got my camera back,and looked across at the line of people waiting, and tried to get a picture with him behind me. The Canadian girl took it. When I had the film developed, the result was not good. Anyway, what an experience. People were crying. I had never seen anything like this before. Truly a strange experience.
I got the underground tube home, and was exhausted, but too hyped to sleep. I phoned home and told my brother and mother about it. They were astounded. I can honestly say that 13 December 2000 is a day that I will often think about. Over the years, I have tried so hard to track down photos of myself at the signing table, but with no luck. Many photographers did not keep their negatives of that event. Also, many picture agencies are not bothered to even search their archives for such an old event. The following year, I saw Paul at a poetry event at the Queen's theatre in Soho. It was mayhem at the stage door. People were hanging out of windows, were up light poles, anywhere to get a look. I imagine that any event to do with The Beatles will attract a huge crowd, for many years to come. That is the price of true greatness, I suppose.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Figi 2000
George poses with some fans in early 2000 while taking a holiday in Figi. It is amazing to think that George had been severally attacked just weeks before this photo was taken.
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