Wishing you all the best in 2019!

Well Beatle friends, we sure had another exciting Beatles year, didn't we?   The box sets for John Lennon Imagine, the White Album (and from what I hear) Paul McCartney early Wings were outstanding!     Ringo was knighted and is now and forevermore known as "Sir Ringo."    Some of you were able to see Paul in concert and many of us in the U.S. got to see Ringo (and I got to meet him!).    Yellow Submarine was on the big screen and sold out all over the place.  The Beatles were celebrated in Festivals, concert halls, and conventions around the globe.    Thanks to all of us, they remain on top without any decline. 

2019 has hopes to be another great Beatle year.   I know that I have tickets to see Paul twice in June!  Ringo has announced another tour as well.   Abbey Road will turn 50 this year and so while nothing official has been announced about it, you and I both know that important anniversary isn't going to pass by unnoticed. 

Speaking of important anniversaries:  Meet the Beatles...for Real turns 10 years old in March!   I want to do something special to celebrate this milestone.    I was thinking about having a "party" on Facebook live and giving away prizes and things.   Would any of you be interested in that? 

I am getting the notice that I need to renew this site.   Two friendly folks donated this year towards the renewal and a few of you clicked on the Amazon links that I post, but I still need about $12 to keep the site running.   Not that I mind paying the fee, but many, many of you have asked over the years how you can help.     There is a donation button on the "about me" page.    Any money that I make that goes past the amount needed to keep the site going ad-free will go towards buying contest prizes. 

I hope you all have a great New Year's Eve and stay safe tonight.

Peace and Love
Sara S.

The Top 10 posts of 2018

As another year comes to a close,  I will take some time to do my MTBFR tradition of looking at the yearly stats on the site and seeing what some of the most popular posts were from the past 365 days. 

One this that is for certain:  readership was WAY down in 2018 from previous years.   I don't know why.   And at first, it sort of bothered me.   Are Beatle fans no longer interested in the content I have on this site?    But then I realize that it really doesn't matter.   I am not getting paid for this site, so it isn't like my income went down.    And I do this mainly for fun.  I enjoy doing it.   That hasn't stopped, so what does it matter honestly if I used to get 2,500 hits a day and now I get 1,300?

So let's take a look at the most popular posts of 2018.   It gives us a chance to remember as well as gives you a chance to look at it in case you missed the posts. 

10.  John and Yoko with Tommy

       Posted February 20, 2018

       429 hits

This post is more than just a great 1980 photo of John and Yoko.  It is a search for Tommy, who is photographed with them.   As far as I know, Tommy's former penpal is still trying to find him.  Maybe you can help?

9.  Arrested in Japan

     Posted January 17, 2018

     431 hits

What can I say?   Paul's arrest in Japan in January 1980 is always a popular topic among us fans.  

8.   The Plaza

Posted February 12, 2018  

432 hits

There is nothing I like more than piecing together information to figure out when and where a certain photograph was taken.    Working together, we became certain that this photograph was taken outside the Plaza hotel.   But was it taken on the last day Ringo and John saw each other?    Go back and read through the comments and see what you think.   (Personally, I like to think that it was taken that day).

7.  Arm in Arm

Posted June 11, 2018

441 hits

It is always a special treat when a fan shares a photo with this blog.   Again much thanks have to go to Annette for sharing these special photos of Paul and Jane from 1968. 

6.  Visiting Dylan

Posted November 26, 2018

524 hits

Just a single photograph of George Harrison and Robbie Robertson.  However, it is a great photograph from 1968.  

5.  New Yellow Submarine Contest

Posted July 12, 2018

618 hits

I am not going to even post a link to this one.   Over the summer I ran a contest to win some great Yellow Submarine themed prizes in honor of the 50th anniversary of the film.    It actually was a very popular contest.    Which reminds me:   2019 will be this blog's 10th anniversary and I have some great contests planned, so keep visiting for the upcoming contests!

4.  John Lennon's many wives

Posted April 1, 2018

1120 hits

As you look at the date this was posted, it should be obvious that this was an April Fool's joke.  I sure had a lot of fun writing it and I hope you all got a chuckle.   

3.  Penny Lane Pub

Posted March 4, 2018

1568 hits

One of my all-time favorite photo of all four Beatles with fans.   When I posted this, it had just been unveiled by Mark Lewishon.   Some people on Facebook were saying it was a fake, but come on--- look at it and you will know it is the real deal. 

2.  I met a Beatle...for Real!!!

Posted September 9, 2018

2565 hits

photo copyright by Sara and Coral Schmidt 

Well on September 7, 2018 backstage at the Fox Theater it happened.   I finally met one of the Beatles!  I met Ringo and lived to tell the tale on this blog.   It was a real dream come true.  I gave Ringo a copy of my book and stood there as he flipped through it and made comments.     It truly was the highlight of 2018 for me and maybe even one of the biggest highlights of my life.  

1.  Remembering Paul Goresh

Posted January 15, 2018

4223 hits

It is always sad when the most popular post on this site is because someone passed away.   But I think it really speaks volumes about Paul Goresh that so many people came here after his death in January to pay their respects and share their memories.   And it is an honor for me that my site about fans that met the Beatles is where people come to look for information about Paul and his special relationship with John.  

Something on my mind

One of the perks of having your own Beatles blog is that you get a chance to speak your mind if you want and so I am going to take advantage of that right now.


This blog is "Meet the Beatles...For Real" and is an attempt to have a modern-day Beatles fan club newsletter online.   The main focus of this site are the photos and stories of people that met one or more of the members of The Beatles in person.     I include stories of anyone who has met one of the Beatles between 1962-today, but by far the most popular stories come from the 1960s and 1970s. 

Life was different for Beatles fans in the 60s and 70s.   The chance to actually meet one of The Beatles and get a photo and/or autograph was pretty good if you were at the right location at the right time.    No one thought a whole lot about safety when it came to seeing the Beatles in those days.   Everything was really innocent and fun.    Of course, all of that changed at 11pm December 8, 1980. 

Prior to that date, there were groups of girls that would hang around the Beatles homes, offices and studios to meet John, Paul, George or Ringo.    I feature a lot of stories about these girls.    Take a moment and realize that they are real people.   I am friendly with many of them and today they are grandmothers that lead good, normal lives.    Many of them visit this site regularly and love seeing their photos and stories shared again.   It reminds them of happier, more innocent times.

Over the past few years, a change has happened.   I used to post these stories and get comments that state, "oh how sweet" and "wish I was there too...great story!"    Now I share them and get comments about the girls being stalkers and comparing them to the imposter that murdered John.    The fans from the 60s-70s were NOT stalkers!   A stalker is someone that intends to do harm to someone else.   They are threatening and intimidating.     It is my belief that none of the fans from around the globe that waited outside of the Beatles homes or studios were wanting to harm any of The Beatles. 

Let's look into WHY they did what they did.   It was a lot more than just meeting one of the Beatles.  It was something they did as a group with their like-minded friends.   Many wonderful memories were made during the hours when the Beatles were inside the building.    While some people in their late teens and early '20s chose to hang out at bars or discos, these individuals chose to hang out outside Columbia Studios or EMI or the Dakota.      Secondly, it was almost a guarantee that they would meet the Beatle they were waiting for.    Since there wasn't a sense of danger, it was common for the guys to stop and chat with the fans, sign autographs and pose for photos.   As a matter of fact, I even believe that the guys enjoyed the fans hanging around.  George wrote a song about a group of girls that hung around EMI/Apple (Apple Scruffs) and it was a lovely song.    John Lennon gave the group hanging around during the making of the Mind Games album a name "The Welcome Committee" and when they made him a t-shirt with "The Welcome Committee" on it, he proudly posed for a photo with the shirt on and that photo is on the piano in the Dakota to this day.   Paul expects to this day for fans to be hanging around -- why else would he do the limo watched before every concert?    Ringo was the only one of the three that seemed to be a little annoyed by the fans hanging around, but even he would talk to girls outside of EMI.

In conclusion, if you don't have anything nice to say about the stories I share, please just scoll by.   

Thank you.

Thank you Beatles fans!

In just a few days, we will be celebrating the 9th anniversary of Meet the Beatles...for Real.   Today I got the bill that I pay once a year to keep this site going.    It isn't very much.   Just $16.00, which I can afford without any problem.

However -- thanks to some of you out there -- WE paid for the site!    Whenever I review a book, CD, film, or whatever I link this blog to Amazon.   Anyone that clicks on that link and orders anything gives me a few cents.   No one HAS to order anything, but if you were going to order from Amazon anyone, I think it is nice to have the link right there available.

I started this in 2017 in over the year I made $18.00 from Amazon purchases.    So I took that money and used it to pay the yearly bill.     And so WE paid to keep this site going for another year.    I wanted to let you all know and thank anyone that bought something from Amazon through this site for the help.      I have never made money from this blog, but it is nice to be able to break even.   

The top 10 viral posts of 2017

One of the things I enjoy doing at the end of each year is look over the stats for this blog and see what has been going on during the year.     In 2017 I surpassed 4 millions hits on this site.     Of course, that has been spread over 8.5 years, so it isn't nearly as impressive as you might think.    Beatle fans come here mostly from the United States but also from the UK, Australia, Brazil, Canada and Germany (and other countries too!).    It still baffles me that all of you have been so invested in this site. 

I realize that most of you do not click on the individual links on this site.   Most of the site is photographs and you don't need to click on the link to see the photographs.    But everyone once in a while, there are some posts that become "viral."    People on facebook, twitter and other social media sites post the links and I see numbers shoot through the roof.   It is cool when that happens, but I know it is just someone looking at one "viral" post and most likely isn't someone that is going to stick around for the long run like so many of you.    But for fun I like to post the most viral posts of  2017.



10.   The Party's Over for the Beatles
        661  views
        March 24, 2017

This is a wonderful article written by Derek Taylor about the break up of the band.    Derek has such an unusual writing style.   



9.  Sara's 10 Best Things for the Fest for Beatles Fans (2017)
          675 views
          March 8, 2017

Here I am with other Beatlew authors at the Fest in New Jersey in March 

I went to the Fest for Beatle fans in New Jersey this past March and I tried to sell my book.    It was a good time and I highlight all the fun things in this post.   However --   I won't be going back.   I am going to stick to the Chicago Fest for a variety of reasons.



8.  Interview with Tommy Smothers
      708 views
      December 5, 2017

This Tommy Smother's interview from the late 1980's was really interesting.   He talks about George and John's lost weekend time and the infamous Troubadour performance.



7.   The Fab 3 and Jimmie in Darwin
      762 views
       February 27, 2017

This is just a photo post, but it is a very, very rare photograph of John, Paul, George and Jimmie Nichol in Darwin during the start of the Australian tour. 


6.  Who is Aunt Milly and why should she come back?
      782
      June 25, 2017

I am happy to see that one of the articles I wrote made the list!    I spent a lot of time researching this one because I really wanted to find out exactly who "Milly" was in the sign seeing in the All You Need is Love Tv broadcast and who wants her to come back and why.   

5.  John Lennon returns to Mendips???
      783 views
       March 30, 2017

This is another photo post.   However it was a mystery that we worked together to solve.   In the end it was determined that John was not back at Mendips, but visiting Aunt Mimi at Sandbanks.    Great working together to figure out this one!


4.  Sgt. Pepper at the Saville Theater
      788
      June 4, 2017

This was my attempt at debunking the story that Jimi Hendrix heard the song Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club band on a Friday and played it on a Sunday.    I am not sure how much I debunked, but got a good conversation going about the topic -- which is pretty awesome.


3.  The Cutting Edge by Leslie Cavendish:  A Book Review
      855 views
      October 18, 2017

I was fortunate to go on a tour of London with the Beatles' hairdresser, Leslie Cavendish as my guide this summer.    I was so looking forward to his book and it didn't disappoint at all!   Best Beatles book of 2017.   



2.  Intervidew with S. Cardinal - author of a brand new book about Tittenhurst Park
         868 views
         April 5, 2017

I conducted this interview with S. Cardinal who puts out all of collector's books about the Beatles' homes about this project he was working on at the time, Tittenhurst Park.    The book is now available and is being mailed out to those who have ordered.    If you are interested, please order a book from him, and check out this interview again.    http://www.campfirenetwork.com/shop




1.  Remembering David Cassidy
     1,800 views
     November 22, 2017

It might seem silly that a Beatles blog posted something when David Cassidy sadly passed away.   But there were some pretty interesting Beatle connections that I felt were worth mentioning.   I am sorry that a tribute to David Cassidy was the most popular post.   I just hope that it somehow brought a little peace and comfort to David's fans.     While I am not a David Cassidy fan myself, I respect those that are because going through the death of John Lennon  (and even George Harrison), I know the feelings and I empathize with any fan community that as lost a member.   



Honorable Mention

Free Falling
619 views
March 21, 2017

This was my personal favorite post of 2017.    I knew nothing about it until I watched the 3 minute 'documentary' about the guy that got badly hurt at a John and Yoko demonstration.   And it just facinated me.   Check it out if you missed it the first time.   

Happy Crimble!

These are two original John Lennon designed Christmas Cards from 1965-1966 that I added to my Beatles collection in 2017

I wanted to take a little time to wish all of you from around the world that come here to Meet the Beatles..for Real a very happy Christmas!      I have been so blessed by this site and it brings me so much joy.   I just hope that a small part of that joy has been extended to those of you that come here. 

It has been such a blessing for me to meet so many of you at Beatle conventions, my travels and other events.  It still shocks me that people from all around the globe come to this site that me -- this obese middle-age teacher at her little house in Southern Illinois works on.    It is very humbling and I am so honored that you choose to spend a little part of your day or week with me.

All of this brings me back to the reason why we are here:  The Beatles.    The Beatles have given us many gifts over the past 55 years.   Obviously the gift of music is a huge part of that gift.   But they have also given us the gift of friendship.    When those four boys in Liverpool were singing in the Cavern Club, they would have had no idea that the friendship they had with each other would allow so many people from all over the place to become friends.    Take a moment and think about the friends you have that you would not have otherwise if it weren't for the Beatles.      And take a moment and think about the experiences you have had with those people that you wouldn't have had if it weren't for the Beatles.    That special concert, trip to England, a fun time at a convention ... and I am sure the list goes on. 

As fans of John, Paul, George and Ringo we are already all friends.    We have something special in common.  We believe that "All you Need is Love."    We know if you are talking about "Paul" who exactly you are talking about.    We can quote A Hard Day's Night word for word and still laugh at the jokes.   I guess you could say that us Beatle fans all live in a Yellow Submarine, but we have room for more inside.   

This Christmas I want to thank you all for your gift of friendship that you have given me through Meet the Beatles...for Real.    God bless you all.


Sara S.


P.S.  I will be taking just a few days off from the blog for the holiday.   Don't be alarmed. 

Why you need to come to Beatles at the Ridge

I try my best to keep my eyes and ears open to see what Beatle people are talking about on social media.     One topic that has always been a big one that fans  enjoy complaining about is Beatles festivals and conventions.     It seems like more and more fans have jumped on this bandwagon over the past five years.   What do I hear the most?   "It is way too expensive!"   "There isn't enough music."  "There are too many bands and not enough speakers."  


If you are looking for an alternative Beatles festival then you need to seriously consider attending Beatles at the Ridge in Walnut Ridge Arkansas this September 15 & 16.    I really think this festival is the future of Beatles conventions and there is no better time to jump on board than this year.


Here are five top reasons why you need to get yourself to Arkansas next weekend and see for yourself what makes this Beatles festival stand out among the crowd.

5.    The Music 
Of course we who attend Beatles events are ultimately there for one reasons -- to celebrate the music of the Beatles!   So what would a Beatles festival be without music?     The featured musical attraction is Liverpool Legends -- straight from Branson, MO.   They are a very professional Beatles tribute act and I would bet their Sgt. Pepper segment will be outstanding this year.   But they aren't the only music act!   On Friday night Alan Bernhoft will be performing a tribute to John Lennon that those of us who love John won't want to miss.       Also on Friday night two bands will rock the outdoor side stage, so make sure to bring your lawn chairs.      On Saturday Cameron Hicks will host a Beatles sing a long ala "All you need is love."  Everyone is encouraged to wear their favorite hippie gear and sit on the floor like Mick Jagger!      Meanwhile outside on Saturday there will a talnet show competition that everyone is welcome to watch as well as a variety of bands performing.   One of the bands that I am familar with, Jeffery and the Pacemakers play a great set of 1960's British Invasion songs.  



4.   The Authors
"How many Beatles books does a person need?"   Well I guess that depends on who you are!   A vareity of Beatles authors will be on hand with their books for sale and giving presentations throughout Friday and Saturday.    Authors will include:   Lanea Stagg, Kit O'Toole, Terri Whitney, Kenneth Womack and yours truly, Sara Schmidt.     Make sure you drop by and talk to the authors, even if you dont' want to buy a book.    Nothing is worse to me than sitting at a table all alone all day while fun is happening around me.   Please please come and drop by and chat Beatles with me.   No pressure to buy a book, I promise!

3.  Family Friendly and Fun for everyone!

Everyone is welcome at Beatles at the Ridge!   It doesn't matter your age, gender, race, religion, political standings, or ablitiy.    If you love the Beatles--- you need to be there!    If listening to authors speak or bands perform isn't your thing because you have children, do not worry!  There is plenty available for kids.    The theme this year is the "summer of love" and there will be face painting and fun things happening all weekend.    There is a special story and donut time early Saturday morning for the kids as well as an art happening with artist Enoch Jetter just for elementary school kids and a seperate one for middle and high school kids as well.       There is a matatial arts demo and a dance troop that will perform.   Saturday is an outdoor festival atmosphere with food trucks, crafts for sale and plenty of freebies to be had at various booths.    Bring some sunscreen and the whole family!


2.  The Experts

Beatles at the Ridge has some very impressive Beatles experts speaking this year.     Jude Southerland Kessler will be interviewing to of the stewardesses that traveled with the Beatles during the 1964 North American tour.     I can't wait to meet these ladies and hear their memories!       She will also have a preview of her newest book in the John Lennon Series and you will have the opportunity to pre-order it  (something I really need to do!).     The featured guest for the weekend is Bruce Spizer who's new Sgt. Pepper book has really gotten people talking.    There will be a party to celebrate this new book and Bruce will have a Sgt. Pepper presentation afterwards.   Bruce is an amazing Beatles speaker and hearing him talk about the Beatles is always entertaining and educational.  


1.  It's FREE!

I have been telling fans about this festival for years and they always ask, "Alright---so how much are the tickets?"   And I say, "It's free."   They stand there with their mouth wide open in shock.    There aren't any tickets to attend Beatles at the Ridge because everything I mentioned is completely and totally FREE.     No one is paid to be there -- it is all volunteer.    Just let that set in for a moment.


Now there is plenty of great things to spend your money on since there isn't a ticket to buy.   Besides the Beatles books, there are vendors selling Beatles items and as well as crafts and non Beatles things.  There is a great little store called "Imagine" that sells the cutest handmade Beatles stuff plus a variety of other Beatles collectables.  (I bought a vintage Beatles autograph doll there last year---it is awesome!).    


If food tucks aren't for you,  I recommend the local Mexican resturant that is next to the small outdoor stage.    And for dessert, you can't beat the "Dark Side" for frozen yogert.  



I realize that I just spend my Wednesday Review space doing a commerical.   However, I honestly would love for all of you readers to be able to come to Beatles at the Ridge.   It is just such a nice, positive atmosphere that I know you all will appreciate and enjoy.    Beatle fandom has gotten negative over the past few years and you just don't get that at this festival.   I have met Beatles fans at any Beatles event I go to, but I can honestly say that the people I have met at this one are my friends.


I truly hope to see you there.  

Why I still love going to the Fest for Beatle fans

I have been going to the Fest for Beatles fans (also known as Beatlefest) in Chicago since 1994.   When I started going in the mid 1990's--- it was the boom years of the Fest.   Between  8,000 - 10,000 fans were there over the three day weekend.   It was so crowded!     There were two large rooms that sold Beatles memorabilia, including bootleg Cds.   This was right before Ebay took off and so Beatlefest was the only place to see most of these items.


Over the years, things have changed.   Many of the special guests have passed away, and  attendance has dropped way down.   I would guess about 3,000-4,000 people come over the weekend.   There is almost nothing left to buy in the vendor area.   The prices of the ticket to the Fest and the hotel have gotten very expensive.   And yet the Fest weekend remains my favorite time of my whole year and I wouldn't miss it for anything.   Why?


Before you roll your eyes at me and mumble something about "Oh -- she is a Beatles author now, so she gets paid to say this."   Let me make this clear.   None of the authors get paid to be at the Fest for Beatle fans.    If you buy a table to sell your wares at the Fest, it will cost as much as a 3-day ticket.   You do not get free hotel rooms or free meals or even a free t-shirt.    This year at the Fest I gave a presentation and was on two panels.    I still had to buy a 3-day ticket and wait in line just like everyone else.


So while so many people are on Facebook complaining about how the Fest isn't what it once was and vowing to never return---why do I enjoy it so much??


5.   The special guests are still pretty special.

It was a Wings reunion -- well sort of!

Leon Wildes -- I just love that man!

While the list of guests that are possible to speak at a Beatles convention is sadly getting smaller and smaller, the people that are left still have great stories to share about the Beatles.    They still have funny antidote and they still have music to share.      This year I loved hearing Leon Wildes talk.   I did get to hear him in New Jersey, but I didn't get to hear his whole talk because I was trying to sell books and couldn't leave my table for very long.    

 Wings (Denny Seiwell, Steve Holly, Denny Laine, and Lawrence Juber) was fun to watch perform.   Denny Laine's voice didn't sound very good on several of the numbers and maybe someone else should have sang a few of the songs in stead of Denny.  But---- it was still really awesome.


4.  Beatles sing alongs

With social media being such a big part of the Beatles fandom these days, the need to physically be around other fans isn't as dire as it was 20 years ago.     But there is one thing you can't do on social media that you can do at a Beatles convention:   join in a group Beatles sing along.     I can't explain how thrilling it is to sing along to the B side of Abbey Road with people that also know all the words.  To sing B-sides of Beatles or solo singles and everyone there is smiling, dancing and enjoying it.   The Chicago Fest is known for the large groups of people sitting around the hotel with every instrument you can think of singing Beatles songs into the wee hours of the morning.  



3.   Beatles art work 

Brian Epstein by Allison Boron

Every year there is a big art contest at the Fest for Beatle fans.    I can't get over how creative and imaginative Beatle fans are!    I think as fans, we express our love for the guys in different ways and I am also super impressed by the artwork fans submit into the art contest each year.     I love going into the art room and looking at each piece up close.   Eventually before Sunday comes, I will vote for my top three favorites, but honestly--- they are all winners!


2.  Letting my Beatle geek shine

Panel about 2nd and 3rd generation Beatle fans 

I really think it is fun being on a Beatles panel, but I also enjoy hearing the other  panels and AV presentations.     It isn't every day that I get to hear people talk  about the importance of Sgt. Pepper or the origins of Penny Lane.    I think about this geeky Beatles stuff every day, and finally when I get to the Fest, I get to let it all spew out with other people that have had similar thoughts (or opposing thoughts--that's fun too).     I get to learn new Beatles things and my appreciation for the band grows even more.


1.  Beatle friends

When I was in high school, I was made fun of for dressing in tye-dye and loving the Beatles.   When I went to my first Beatlefest, I finally found other people that were like me!    Luckily, with the internet, our world has gotten smaller and it is easier to find other Beatles fans out there.   But--- it is not the same as spending some in person time with other fans.   And where else can you go to meet new friends than at a Beatles convention?   You know that you have something in common with everyone there, so you are starting out on a common ground.     I often think of Beatlefest as going to summer camp.    You go there to see your old friends that you only see once a year.     I often wonder if the guys in the Beatles have any clue about the amazing friendships that have happened because of their music.  




And so that is why I keep going to the Fest for Beatle fans and why I will keep going until they close the doors on the event.     I hope there will always be events for those of us who love the Beatles can gather to share thoughts, creations, music, and stories with each other in person.    Beatlefest has a lot of flaws, but the spirit of the Fab 4 is alive and well in those of us that still go -- and that makes it worth the money for me.

See you at the Fest!

I will be at the Fest for Beatle fans (aka Beatlefest) in Chicago (aka Rosemont), Illinois for all three days this weekend.    If you are going to be at the Fest, PLEASE say hello if you see me around.   I am always happy to talk to viewers of this blog.   Sometimes I forget that real people actually visit this blog, so it is actually pretty amazing anytime I meet someone that says they visit the blog and like it!


I am not going to the Fest this time as an author.   So I did not pay for a table to sell books.  I bought just a regular ticket and I will be around having a good time.   However, I am going to be on two panels and doing one presentation.     This is where I am will be:


Saturday:
2:30pm in the Paperback Writer Room-  Beatles Historians Panel on "Who was the 6th Beatle?"
Moderated by Susan Ryan with panelists Sara Schmidt (that's me!), Dr. Kit O'Toole, Allison Boron, Erika White & Tina Kukla

8:50pm in the A/Bbey Ballroom-   Presentation on "The Beatles in St. Louis."    I will give my audio/visual presentation based on my book, "Happiness is Seeing the Beatles:  Beatlemania in St. Louis."    As far as I am concerned, this is my last time to do this presentation.  So if you haven't ever seen it (or even if you have) PLEASE come and see it!   I am worried sick that no one will come see this presentation because I am do not have a table.    My biggest fear is giving this presentation to an empty room.      Also at the end of the presentation, I will ask a few easy trivia questions and the winners will get a set of Beatles in St. Louis  8 x 10 photos!   These photos were taken directly from the original negative of a press photographer that was up close.   So come to my presentation and hopefully you will win a photo!   I have been selling these for $8 each, so that is a $16 value!



Sunday:
3:30 in the Paperback Writer Room -  Panel discussion on "Beatles Fandom:  The Next Generation"
Moderated by Allison Boron with panelists Sara Schmidt (again--that's me!),  Erika White, Vivek Tiwary, & Tess Yarbrough.       This is a new panel discussion abot 2nd and 3rd generation Beatles fans.   It should be pretty interesting!


I also want to announce that I will have a few copies of my book "Happiness is Seeing the Beatles:  Beatlemania in St. Louis" with me in my bag.   I have marked the price down from $25 to $20.    Since you will be getting it directly from me,   you won't have to pay for taxes or shipping (I will cover the taxes out of my pocket).    So you can't beat this deal.    I only have 90 books left and when they are sold, they are gone forever.      Don't miss out!     You might think my book is just for people from St. Louis, but I have heard over and over again from people from around the world that they enjoyed it.     I also will have what is left of my stock of Beatles photos (ones you haven't seen before--I promise!) for $3 each.    



No pressure to buy anything from me---if nothing else---please just stop me and say hi.  

The winner of the Summer of Love Contest is....

Paul checks MTBFR to see if he was a winner---sorry Paul!

The winner of the 2017 Summer of Love contest is----

Scott Relf!!  

Scott picked "Within you, Without you" as his favorite summer of 1967 song.

Congratulation Scott!  Please email me your mailing address.  


42 fans entered the contest this time and the most popular song choices were:  Whiter Shade of Pale, A Day in the Life and All you need is Love.


Thank you for participating and look for another contest in the near future.


I will be gone to England and The Netherlands from June 16-27 and so I won't be updating the blog like I typically do.  Please don't get concerned or stop visiting!  

I plan on setting a few special photos up on the "scheduler" feature (which took me 6 years of having this blog before I learned about it!)  to pop up a few times while I am away.  

A Special Easter Treat

I want to wish all of the readers of Meet the Beatles...for Real a very happy Easter, or just a happy Sunday if you don't celebrate.


Traditionally I take this day off from blogging to spend time with family.   Tonight I am taking the day off to spend time with James McCartney.

It was 8 years ago today

Exactly eight years ago I posted this photo and thus began the "Meet the Beatles...for Real" blog.   When I posted a series of photos of the Beatle arriving at EMI, I had no idea just how many people would be reached.  

I just thought myself and a few close friends would look at it.   Boy was a wrong!

I want to take a little time to thank every single one of you who have become part of the MTBFR family over the years.   Even those of you who lurk and I have no clue who you are (hi!), are part of what makes this place special for so many others.     Together we are becoming part of Beatles fan history.

I hope that at some point over the past eight years, this blog has made you smile, laugh and maybe even cry.  

Beatles 4-ever!

Peace and love,
Sara S.

MTBFR 2017 Winter Contest!

Hello everyone!

If you joined me this afternoon for my live Facebook event, you will know that I announced the 2017 MTBFR winter contest.    For those of you that missed it, no big deal---I will tell you all about it in a few.

I quickly want to let you know that I am starting to run out of "Happiness is Seeing the Beatles:  Beatlemania in St. Louis" books.    I have about 100 books left and I am not getting them re-printed.  So if you want a book, go over to www.stlbeatles.com and order one.  

Next I wanted to let you know that I have contributed to a great book called "A is for Apple Volume 2"  It is a great series of books all about the Beatles Apple years.  It is in full color with a load of photographs and everything you will ever need to know about the Beatles at Apple.   If you are interested in pre-ordering the book go over to www.aisforapplebook.com.

Last commercial, I promise!   I will be at the Fest for Beatle Fans in New Jersey from March 3-5, 2017 with my book.   This is going to be my last big thing for the book and I will be speaking on several panels and giving a presentation.   If you are going to the at the Fest any of the day, PLEASE stop by and say hi!   I don't care if you have no interest in my book.   I get so bored just sitting there at these things and I would love to chat Beatles and say hi to anyone who is a blog viewer.  

Some of you have been wondering what the results were from the MTBFR survey from the beginning of the year.   Here are the results.    100 people participated in the survey.

1,  How long have you been visiting MTBFR-- most people have been coming here between 2-5 years!  Thank you for your loyalty!

4-5 years 31%
2-3 years 27%
6-7 years 17%
1 year 12%
under a year 7%
just started 6%


2.  What is your age range?  Looks like most visitors are 1st generation fans.   But 2nd generation fans aren't too far behind.

50-59:  34%
60-69:  24%
40-49   21%
30-39     9%
20-29     6%
13-19     5%
70 or older 1%  (Paul or Ringo---is that you???)


3.  How long have you been a Beatles fan?    Surprisingly,  the highest amount are people who became fans after the Beatles broke up followed closely by our 1964 first generation folks.

Since the 1970's:  26%
Since 1964:           21%
Since the 1980's    16%
Since the 2000's    10%
Since 1963 or earlier:  9%
Between 1965-1970:  8%
Since the 1990's        7%
I am a new fan           3%  (welcome!)


4.  What is your gender?  When I started this blog, I thought it would attracted more female fans because the topic of meeting the Beatles seemed to me to be something girls would be more interested in.  However, the male fans have rated higher than female consistently since day 1.


Male:  56%
Female:  44%


5.  In what country do you live?   No surprise that United States is the most.    But I think it is neat to see that fans from all around the globe come to MTBFR.   (2 people skipped this question)

United States:            62%
United Kingdom        8%
Germany                    4%
Canada                       3%
Spain                          3%
New Zealand              3%
Netherlands                 2%
Australia                     2%
Ukraine:                     2%
Mexico                       2%
Italy                            1%
Indonesia                    1%
Israel                           1%
Ireland                         1%
Finland                         1%
Brazil                            1%
Belgium                        1%
Austria                           1%

6.  Who is your favorite Beatle?  It was a tie!

John:                 29%
Paul                  29%
I don't have a favorite 24%
George;                   16%
Ringo                        2%  (sorry Ringo!  We still love you though!)


7.  Have you ever met a Beatle in person?   Most of us haven't.  (1 person skipped this question)

No:  77%
Yes:  22%

8.  Have you ever met someone connected with the Beatles in person (a wife, Pete Best, etc) (1 person skipped this question)    Most of us have.

Yes:  52%
No:   47%

9.  What is your favorite part of MTBFR?  (1 person skipped this question and you could answer any of the choices).    No surprise---most people like the photos!   They are great, aren't they?

Photos:  76%
Stories:  63%
Articles Sara has written:  19%
Comments form other fans:   19%
Wednesday Review:          15%


10 What is your least favorite part of MTBFR?( 2 people skipped this question and you could answer any of the choices).   Most of you say that you like it all!   Thank you so much.  You are so kind!

Nothing--I like it all:   88%
Comments from other fans:   6%
Stories:                                   4%
Photos:                                    2%
Wednesday Review:                2%
Articles Sara has written          2%



Now---finally---the contest.   I have two prizes I am giving away this time.   In order to be entered, you need to email me with the name of one of your favorite Beatles songs from 1967 to meetthebeatlesforreal@gmail.com by 5pm (Central time) Feb 26.    As always, everyone is welcome to enter, but only one entry per household please.   I will be using screen shots from the live facebook event to show you the prizes.  (so don't click on the arrow).  I will not email you back.   But I will assign you a number and use the random internet number generator to pick the two winners.   If you are a winner, you have THREE DAYS to contact me with your address or you forfeit the prize.  Good luck!

Prize #1:  A Beatles Abbey Road tumbler with straw.  

Prize #2  A set of playing cards with a photograph of John and Paul performing at Busch Stadium on the cards.

MTBFR update for January 2017

Once again I want to wish all of you a very  happy 2017!


I wanted to remind you all of a few things.   The first is that I have Beatles photographs for sale.   You can order them at http://www.stlbeatles.com/photos-for-sale      If you are interested in any photo that says "out of stock" please just let me know that you are interested and I will be able to get a copy made for you.    


If you have any Beatles encounters this year, or have had any in the past that you wouldn't mind being shared on this blog, please email me at Starshyne9@yahoo.com and I will get your story up on this blog to share with the world.   If you have a story and you aren't sure about sharing it, I really want to encourage you to do so.   Each story is a little part of a puzzle for us Beatle fans.  Plus they are so much fun to read.

If you have any suggestions for books or films for me to review for Wednesday Review this year, please email me with them.    I enjoy reading and reviewing the new books, but it is also fun to have a second look back on older titles as well.

Back in 2013 I had a survey to get to know who comes to this blog.    I am having the survey again with almost the same questions to see how things are the same or how they have changed.   Please take this short (only 10 questions) survey and help me out.   I will share what I discover.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BF2B3TY


Peace and love to you all!

Sara S.

Those we have lost---saying farewell to 2016

First and foremost I want to wish each and every visitor of Meet the Beatles...for Real a happy New Year.   I wish you only the best in health and happiness as we enter into 2017.

I am aware that most of you out there had a terrible 2016.    I want to extend my sympathies to you. I hope that this blog was able to bring a little of happiness into the gloom of the year for some of you.  

I had a wonderful 2016 and I feel  a bit guilty saying that.  But it is true.   I was able to see Paul McCartney in concert twice as well as two Beatle sons.    My book, "Happiness is Seeing the Beatles:  Beatlemania in St. Louis" was published and I was on television and radio talking about my book.   It was such an exciting year for me.       A big thank you to each of you who sent me messages and emails and supported me in any way with my book.   I appreciate it.

I hope that all of us have a great 2017.   It will be the 50th anniversary of Sgt. Pepper and the Summer of Love, which should be a lot of fun.     I hope that Paul tours Australia this year because i think our friends Down Under deserve to see him again.  

As we say goodbye to 2016, I wanted to take a moment and remember those in the Beatle world that passed away this year.



1.   George Martin

George Martin passed away on March 8, 2016.    No one can say that George Martin didn't live a long and full life.    However, the death of the Beatles' producer left all of us feeling empty and sad.    His influence on the Beatles' music was huge and I know that we all are thankful for his contribution to their music and especially for taking a chance on them in 1962.     George Martin will never be forgotten.


2.  Tony Barrow

Tony left us on May 14th.    Tony was the Beatles' PR guy for a long time and traveled with them on the 1965-1966 tours.    He was remembered in death as the guy that named the Beatles the "Fab Four."   But I think he did so much more for the Beatles than just that.     I always enjoyed the stories he shared on Beatles documentaries and specials.   He had a unique relationship with the guys.


3.  Sam Leach

As you know, Sam passed December 20th.   Sam was a key figure in booking the Beatles concerts outside of the Cavern Club in the early days.  He was also a fixture on the Liverpool music scene in the early 1960's.    


4.  Henry McCullough

Henry is the only person on this list that wasn't connected to the Beatles, but to one of the guys during the solo days.  But since this blog is about all aspects of the Beatles from birth until today, he needs to be on the list.   Wings guitarist, Henry McCullough passed away June 14, 2016.   He was an amazing guitarist and helped shape Wings.   He will always be remembered for his guitar solo on the song "My Love."  


5.   Al Brodax

Al passed away on Thanksgiving day, November 24th.   I know that his direct connection with the Beatles is a bit far-fetched, but he is a part of the Beatles story.    He was the creator of the Beatles cartoons and the Yellow Submarine.     While he wasn't friends with the Beatles, his Yellow Submarine is an image that is going to live on forever and will always be connected with the Fab 4.


Others we have lost this year that had a Beatles connection:  Leon Russell, Carla Lane, David Bowie, George Michael, and Carrie Fisher.     Prince might not have had a Beatles connection, but we felt the impact of his death in the Beatles community.  

May all of these individuals rest in peace and let their friends and family find comfort in knowing that a community of fans mourn with them.

My best wishes again to each of you for 2017.

Peace and Love,

Sara S.

The top 5 fan stories on MTBFR

Last Wednesday I posted number 6-10 of the top fan stories on this blog since 2009.    Today I will share the top five and they are some good ones!



5.   The Day we met John Lennon
3724 hits
Posted 11-17-09

I personally love this story because the idea of being welcomed into John Lennon's home in 1967 and getting to spend time with him, is just great.   Since I will never have that experience myself, it is fun to live through these stories and this one is a great one!

4.  My Groovy Visit with George Harrison
3807 hits
Posted 1-31-11


This is a story about when George Harrison visited Los Angeles during the "summer of love" told Rodney Bingenheimer.   It was originally published in Teen Set magazine and is a good story if you have never read it before. 


3.  "No You're not" said Little Nicola
4387 hits
posted  12-1-10


One of the highlights of the Beatles, "Magical Mystery Tour" film is the scene with Little Nicola sitting on John Lennon's lap.    Here is a story from the Strawberry Fields Forever fanzine in the early 1990's about Little Nicola herself. 

2.  Invited Inside Friar Park
5465 hits
Posted 4-24-12

Fans can't seem to get enough of Friar Park!   Stories about fans meeting George at Friar Park, especially those who were lucky enough to get inside the gates.   This story is a strange one because it isn't the full story.   I never could find the first part, but even with the beginning missing, George's kind nature towards his fans shine through.

1.  Paul Goresh
13,185 hits
Posted 5-24-10


And here is the number one fan story by a huge landslide (over 10,000 clicks on it!)---the story of how Paul Goresh became friends with John Lennon!    

In 2010 when I originally posted the photos and story from the Summer of 1980 book, I had no idea what happened to Paul Goresh.   Since then, I  have been lucky enough to be friends through Facebook with Paul and see firsthand how much love and respect he has for John and Yoko.   

War is over (if you want it) Happy Christmas from Sara 2016

As this Christmas comes to an end, I hope that all of you visitors of Meet the Beatles...for Real had a wonderful time and if you celebrate this holiday, I hope you were able to spend time with family and friends.  I also hope that Santa was able to sneak a little Beatle goody into your stocking this year.


Every year at Christmas, I think about War is Over (if you want it).   I have expressed on this blog that my feelings are that for there to be peace on earth, we need to start with ourselves and end the wars that are going on in our lives.

I started to think about what wars I have going on and I began to think about my online life.   Having a somewhat popular blog has given me the opportunity to meet so many amazing people both in real life and through emails and messages.   But I also have met some not so nice people.  

I want to publicly apologize to Dirk Bock for being so rude to him for the past 10 years.   He has said some things that have deeply hurt my feelings and just plain annoyed me, but my response to him online and what I have said to others about him  has not been kind.    I hope that Dirk can accept my apology and that we can go into 2017 with a new outlook.    I hope that he will being to post nicer comments and I my responses to him will nice as well.    We are both Beatles fan and we have a lot to share.   Neither one of us knows more than the other---we just know different things.    

How about you?   Have you been kind to everyone in your life both off and on line?    Something to think about as we begin this new year.

I wish each and every one of you a very happy Christmas.  

Peace and Love,

Sara S.

Countdown of best fan stories on MTBFR

It is somewhat of  a tradition here on Meet the Beatles...for Real that on the last two Wednesdays of the year, I take time off from my Wednesday review and count down some of the best things from this blog over the years.    This year we are gong to take a look back on the best of the Beatles fan memories.    This blog is full of amazing stories from so many of you and even stories from fans who have passed away and have left behind their photos and stories.     So this week I am going to share 10-6 of the stories that have gotten the most clicks over the past 7 1/2 years.


10.   Welcome to Crackerbox Palace

1640 clicks
Originally posted 8-20-12

A Great story about a fan named Angela and my friend, Lesley who were able to not just meet George Harrison, but were welcomed into Friar Park and spent time with George and Olivia inside their home in 1977.

9.   Stones and Sgt. Pepper
1951 clicks
Originally posted 1-30-12

This story is actually NOT about a Beatles fan, but about a Rolling Stones fan and how a shirt she made for the Rolling Stones and how that shirt ended up on a Beatles album cover.

8.  Sigourney Weaver meet the Beatles
2203 clicks
Originally posted 2-22-15

This story has picked up views since the Beatles Eight Days a Week film.   It has recently been figured out that the footage of Sigourney Weaver is not from the Hollywood Bowl concert, but actually from footage of fans outside of the Garden Party where the Beatles were shaking hands with the children of celebrities.


7.   Paul and Linda attend George's show incognito
2943 clicks
Originally posted 12-7-09

This is a great story of a fan who spotted Paul and Linda in the audience of a George Harrison concert.  

6.  Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts club Band on the Road
3006 clicks
Originally posted 2-21-14

I personally enjoyed this story about one of the actors from the Sgt Pepper Broadway play and meeting John and Paul during the run of the show.

I hope you all enjoy revisiting these stories and come back this time next week for numbers 1-5!