Meet the Beatles for Real: Paul McCartney

Monday, April 1, 2024

Three Beatles together

Photo taken by Linda McCartney

Photo by either Linda or May

Photo by May Pang

April 1, 1974 - This is an important day in Beatles history because it is the last time John Lennon and Paul McCartney were photographed together (at least that we know of -- who knows, there could be private photos out there of the 2 of them photographed together at a later date in the 70s). It is often overlooked that Ringo was there as well, as you can see in the photos. Sadly, I have never seen any photos of the 3 Beatles together that day, which seems odd. With so many there who have taken photos (May, Linda, Mal, Keith Moon's friend, etc.) on that day, you would have thought that at least one person would have taken a photograph of John, Paul, and Ringo together.

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

Johnny Gentle and the Beatles: A Book Review

Not too long ago, I posted about the recent death of Johnny Gentle and said how I discovered that his book, Johnny Gentle and the Beatles, which has been out of print for a long time, was available as an ebook. I warned that I would be reviewing it soon -- and yes -- I have finished the book and am ready to tell you my thoughts.

I was extremely impressed with this book. It was very well written and researched. For a book that is about just a few weeks in the life of The Beatles, it was detailed and interesting.

Johnny Gentle was an early 1960s "crooner" who was fairly popular in the UK in 1960. He just never quite made it big. He had some hit songs, but they never moved up the charts. He was talented and could sing rock and roll but was pegged as a singer of ballads. However, teenage girls loved him, and he was very popular in Teenage Magazines. This was where Johnny Gentle was at the time The Silver Beatles auditioned for Larry Parnes and were hired to tour Scottland for one week as Johnny Gentle's back-up band.

What I guess I didn't realize (or maybe forgot) was that after Johnny's set with the Beatles backing him, the Beatles went and did their own concert. It is great to read about the Beatles' setlist and how it changed during the tour and how the reaction to The Beatles just got better and better. Even without a hit record or any exposure, teenagers who came to hear Johnny Gentle absolutely LOVED the Beatle's music.

One of my favorite stories in the book told the story of when The Beatles were hungry and went to a beach because they figured they'd find food cheap there. Some girls who had seen them at the Johnny Gentle concert recognized them and invited them to come to one of their houses for lunch. So there she had The Beatles in her house eating sandwiches. I bet that is a story those girls told years later!

Check out this book if you are someone who doesn't mind reading an ebook.

https://amzn.to/3vjA632

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