The holiday after the Holiday

 December 26, 2023 -- They are off to have a relaxing time in St. Barts.   Have fun you two!  

Hot times in Brazil

 

December 13, 2023

I am not sure how these fans got the opportunity to meet Paul last week, but good for them!  Way to go fans!

The Red and the Blue

 

Family time

 

I love seeing Ringo play with his Granddaughter.  

"He looks just the same..."

 

Soundcheck in Mexico

 Have any of you seen Paul's tour in Mexico?   How is it?  (Why do I ask -- I know that if you were there, it was amazing!) 

Paul Got Back to signing autographs for fortunate fans in Australia

Photos posted by Trav Holt on Facebook and shared here with his permission 

 We congratulate Travis Holt who was one of 4 lucky fans that met Paul McCartney on November 1, 2023 at a hotel in Brisbane, Australia.   Paul stopped and signed posters for the fans.   Travis has already gotten his in a frame and hanging on a wall in his home.   Way to go Travis!   

"Like a Dream"

Jacqueline Best (teacher), Brid Hennessey, Jordan Johnston, Jacob Wiener, Kaleb Walker, Noah Simpson
Faith Harriman, Daniel Reeves, Livvi Webster and Andy Riek (teacher) meet Sir Paul McCartney. Picture: MPL Communications

 The following story comes from the Sunshine Coast News and was published on November 6, 2023.  I could not find the author of the story.   I want to send my congratulations to these students and their teachers.   What an amazing unforgettable opportunity for them. 

A talented group of students lived a Beatles-worthy dream on Saturday as they rocked out with the legendary Sir Paul McCartney at his Gold Coast concert.

McCartney, a living legend and one of the most influential figures in the history of modern music, welcomed the members of Suncoast Christian College’s Senior Band, a group of eight exceptionally gifted students, to an exclusive meet-and-greet session.

The students had the unique opportunity to share a few moments with the former Beatle, exchanging stories and inspiration with one of the world’s greatest songwriters.

This once-in-a-lifetime experience left a lasting imprint on the young musicians and the entire school community.

“The entire day was like a dream, I couldn’t believe we got to meet such a huge musical legend,” said Jacob Wiener, a piano player and vocalist in the group. “Sir Paul McCartney is my ultimate lifelong musical hero and it was the opportunity of a lifetime!”

Principal Greg Mattiske couldn’t hide his enthusiasm.

“This was an absolute ‘Helter Skelter’ of excitement for all of us here at Suncoast. To meet a living legend like Sir Paul McCartney was a privilege and an honour,” he said.

Music teacher Andrew Reik, who encouraged the group to apply, said he hoped the experience would inspire the students.

“The dedication and hard work of our students paid off brilliantly,” he said. “Meeting Sir Paul McCartney was a major testament to their talent and effort, and I have no doubt our incredible students will go on to achieve great things in the world of music.”

The eight senior students won the prestigious Frontier Touring #GotBackToSchool competition, which granted them a ‘ticket to ride’ into McCartney’s sound check at his Gold Coast concert.

The students’ remarkable rendition of McCartney’s classic Maybe I’m Amazed showcased their talents and dedication, after forming the band and mastering the song in just two weeks.

The band, which includes members who play drums, piano, bass and guitar, along with a lead singer and back-up vocalists, clinched the top prize from a competition pool of more than 40 music classes across the country.

The win included an exclusive photo opportunity with the former Beatle, access to Sir Paul’s sound check and 40 coveted seats at his concert.

“Sir Paul has been a source of inspiration for me as a person and a musician,” Jacob said.

“He’s undoubtedly one of the greatest songwriters of modern times.”

Mr Mattiske expressed his pride in the students.

“This achievement is a testament to the students’ skill, hard work and dedication,” he said.

“We are delighted to see them receive such a well-deserved opportunity to meet a music icon like Sir Paul McCartney.

“It’s inspiring to see artists like Sir Paul encouraging the next generation of students.”

Music teacher Jacqueline Best also shared her enthusiasm.

“This win underscores the dedication, passion and musical talent of our students, and it highlights the incredible opportunities available to students at Suncoast Christian College,” she said.

“This extraordinary experience will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the young musicians and inspire them to pursue their dreams in the world of music.”

Another member of the winning group, Faith Harriman, revealed their aspirations beyond school.

“Sir Paul McCartney is a huge inspiration to all of us, and this win has motivated many of us to consider pursuing careers in music beyond our school days,” she said.

The new song

 

I love the new song, Now and Then.   It isn't the best song.  I personally like "Real Love" the best of the three post-Beatles era songs.  But I like the work that was done on it, especially how clear John's voice sounds.   More than the actual song itself, I love the fact that it is 2023 and we have a new Beatles song out and the world is talking about it.    But just for the record -- this has to be the worst Beatles cover ever!  Did people say that about the White album when it was first released?   I will take a plain white cover over this cover anytime. 

Lennon and McCartney meet Paul

 Paul called up two kids named Lennon and McCartney onto the stage during an Australian soundcheck.  

Meeting Debbie

photo taken by Linda (Eastman) McCartney 

 

Paul McCartney met Debbie on October 25, 1968 at the Cavern Club.  I met Debbie on April 1, 2023 in New Jersey.   

Paul's work on a Yellow Submarine Mural

 October 24, 2023 

Beatle Bros

 

I love the family bond the children of the Beatles have with one another.   I love how much they support one another.  This photo was taken after Julian saw Dhani perform in London.   It reminds me of the photo taken of Sean and James from a few years ago. 

Paul talks to Australian Fans

On October 17, 2023, Paul spoke to a small group of fans in Adelaide Australia.   Know who one of those fans happened to be?   And who got to ask Paul a question?  None other than former Beatles Photo Blog creator, Miss Tammy!    I am so happy for him!   Way to go Greg!   
 

The party's over (for now)

 

Now that Ringo's All Starr Tour 2023 is over and Paul's Got Back tour has begun, I hope everyone that has seen or is seeing a Beatle in concert in 2023 has enjoyed every song and every moment.   Enjoy the fact that it is 2023 and both Ringo and Paul are performing.    

Hug a drummer day!

 Someone grab thes two guys and give them a squeeze. 

So much to "Love" about Paul!

 Last week, when Paul was in Las Vegas, he stopped by The Beatles "Love" show to apparently show off his flexibility.  

Two more happy fans!

 Paul McCartney at CenterStaging Rehearsal Studios, Los Angeles September 28 2023 Photo Niko Gutierrez

I wish I knew the story behind this photo.  Who are these two guys and how did they get to meet Paul?  Is Paul eating a salad in this photo?   

Ringo Starr and the All Star Band's Fall 2023 Tour : A Review

Photos taken by Sara Schmidt 

I had the wonderful privilege of seeing Ringo Starr and the All Starr Band this past Saturday night at the Fabulous Fox Theater in St. Louis, Missouri.   Ringo puts on a really fun show and it is well worth going to see him and the All Starr Band perform. 

Ringo has a lot of energy and his bandmates are right there with him.   The entire band plays their hit songs with a few little Beatle song snippets thrown in here and there.   Playing with Ringo this time around is Edgar Winter, who does a great version of his hit song, "Free Ride."   Also on the tour are Men at Work's Colin Hay, Steve Lukathur from Toto and Hamish Stewart (who you might remember from Paul's 1993 tour and the Off the Ground album).    And I can't forget Gregg Bissonette, who is such a fun drummer to watch. 

But the real "starr" of the show is of course our man, Ringo!   As with all All Starr concerts, he alternates between singing out front, singing at the drums, and playing drums with the band.  There is about two (very long) songs where he leaves to "drink juice."    And just like the other times I have seen Ringo, I was mesmerized by watching him play the drums.   I always want to enjoy the music the others are playing, but I just can't keep my eyes off Ringo.   The absolute highlight for me was "Octopus' Garden."  I know he has been playing it for about a year or so now, but it was my first time ever hearing him perform this classic song from Abbey Road and it was great!   I also especially loved hearing Ringo perform "I'm the Greatest" and mention that John wrote it for him.   

You hear a lot of talk about Paul's voice and sadly Ringo's voice is also not able to hit all of the notes the way he used to.  He sort of "talk sings" through some of the more difficult parts (especially in that song I enjoyed, I'm the Greatest), but he is undoubtedly Ringo and he is still promoting peace and love.

If you aren't someone who goes to Ringo concerts because you have already seen him.   Why not change that decision for this tour?    His show is a really fun night out and I am sure you won't regret seeing one of The Beatles live and in person.   Have fun out there!  

Look who is peeking in the door