New book by Klaus Voormann to be revealed

Klaus Voormann's new book (Photo courtesy Klaus Voormann)

Klaus Voorman has announced he'll be revealing details of a new book called "It Started In Hamburg" on April 10 on his website.  (Thanks to John Bezzini for the alert.)

Fab 4 Music Festival to take place June 9

Liverpool Productions' Fab 4 Music Festival festival honoring The Beatles will be held on June 9 to celebrate the 50th anniversaries of "The Beatles (White Album)" and the movie "Yellow Submarine." The event will be held at the Toyota Oakdale Theater in Wallingford, CT. Hours are from 1 to 10 p.m. There will be two stages of performances with 20 groups performing indoors and outdoors.

Advance general admission tickets are $19.68. There are also V.I.P. tickets available. Admission will be higher at the door. Advance tickets available at Ticketmaster. For more information, click here.

RIP: Beatles expert Bruce Hamlin

Some sad news: Bruce Hamlin, one of the pre-eminent Beatles authorities in Australia, has died. Don't know if his name was that well known in the States, but he was very well known in Australia and was responsible for The Beatles Information Record Service there.

RIP...

RIP - Kenneth Haigh, cast member in 'A Hard Day's Night'

The New York Times reported Feb. 15 that British actor Kenneth Haigh died Feb. 4 in the UK at age 86. For those who don't know the name, Haigh played the very memorable role of Simon Marshall in one of the best scenes in "A Hard Day's Night." He was the man who didn't recognize George Harrison as he lectured him on how he was supposed to be hip to "Susan." "Oh, that posh bird who gets everything wrong," George snapped at him.  But his other roles included playing Brutus in "Cleopatra" with Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton,

Here's the dialogue from the scene with George Harrison and Kenneth Haigh.  You can see the scene at the bottom. 

     SECRETARY  

  (proudly) 

  Will this do, Simon?  

    SIMON 
   (looking at George) 
  Not bad, dolly, not really bad. 
   (he motions to George) 
  Turn around, chicky baby. 

 GEORGE does so.

    SIMON 
  Oh yes, a definite poss. He'll look good 
  alongside Susan. 
   (he indicates the girl on the poster) 
  All right, Sunny Jim, this is all going to be 
  quite painless. Don't breathe on me, Adrian.

 ADRIAN has recognised GEORGE and is trying to stop SIMON.

    GEORGE 
  Look, I'm terribly sorry but I'm afraid there's 
  been some sort of a misunderstanding.

    SIMON 
   (sharply) 
  Oh, you can come off it with us. You don't have 
  to do the old adenoidal glottal stop and carry 
  on for our benefit.

    GEORGE 
  I'm afraid I don't understand.

    SIMON 
  Oh, my God, he's a natural.

    SECRETARY (anxiously) 
  Well, I did tell them not to send us any more 
  real ones.

    SIMON 
  They ought to know by now the phonies are much 
  easier to handle. Still he's a good type.

 He now speaks to GEORGE in the loud voice that the English reserve for 
 foreigners and village idiots.

    SIMON 
  We want you to give us your opinion on some 
  clothes for teenagers.

    GEORGE 
  Oh, by all means, I'd be quite prepared for 
  that eventuality.

    SIMON
  Well, not your real opinion, naturally. It'll 
  be written out and you'll learn it. 
   (to secretary) 
  Can he read?

    GEORGE 
  Of course I can.

    SIMON 
  I mean lines, ducky, can you handle lines?

    GEORGE 
  I'll have a bash.

    SIMON 
  Good. Hart, get him whatever it is they drink, 
  a cokearama?

    GEORGE 
  Ta.

    SIMON 
  Well, at least he's polite. Tony Show him the 
  shirts, Adrian.

 A collection of shirts are produced and GEORGE looks at them. While he 
 is doing this SIMON briefs him.

    SIMON 
  Now, you'll like these. You really "dig" them. 
  They're "fab" and all the other pimply 
  hyperboles.

    GEORGE 
  I wouldn't be seen dead in them. They're dead 
  grotty.

    SIMON 
  Grotty?

    GEORGE 
  Yeah, grotesque.

    SIMON 
   (to secretary) 
  Make a note of that word and give it to Susan. 
  I think it's rather touching really. Here's 
  this kid trying to give me his utterly 
  valueless opinion when I know for a fact within 
  four weeks he'll be suffering from a violent 
  inferiority complex and loss of status if he 
  isn't wearing one of these nasty things. Of 
  course they're grotty, you wretched nit, that's 
  why they were designed, but that's what you'll 
  want.

    GEORGE 
  But I won't.

    SIMON 
  You can be replaced you know, chicky baby.

    GEORGE 
  I don't care.

    SIMON 
  And that pose is out too, Sunny Jim. The new 
  thing is to care passionately, and be right 
  wing. Anyway, you won't meet Susan if you don't 
  cooperate.

    GEORGE 
  And who's this Susan when she's at home?

    SIMON 
   (playing his ace) 
  Only Susan Campey, our resident teenager. 
  You'll have to love her. She's your symbol.

    GEORGE 
  Oh, you mean that posh bird who gets 
  everything wrong?

    SIMON 
  I beg your pardon?

    GEORGE 
  Oh, yes, the lads frequently gather round the 
  T.V. set to watch her for a giggle. Once we 
  even all sat down and wrote these letters 
  saying how gear she was and all that rubbish.

    SIMON 
  She's a trend setter. It's her profession!

    GEORGE 
  She's a drag. A well-known drag. We turn the 
  sound down on her and say rude things.

    SIMON 
  Get him out of here!!

    GEORGE 
   (genuinely surprised) 
  Have I said something amiss?

    SIMON 
  Get him out of here. He's knocking the 
  programme's image!!

 The underlings hustle GEORGE to the door.

    GEORGE 
   (smiling) 
  Sorry about the shirts.

 He is ejected through the door.

    SIMON 
  Get him out. 
   (he stops in mid-shout) 
  You don't think he's a new phenomenon, do you?

    SECRETARY 
  You mean an early clue to the new direction?

    SIMON 
   (rummaging in his desk) 
  Where's the calendar? 
   (he finds it) 
  No, he's just a trouble maker. The change isn't 
  due for three weeks. All the same, make a note 
  not to extend Susan's contract. Let's not take 
  any unnecessary chances! 

'Concert For George' to be reissued in new configurations for George Harrison's birthday - press release

Copyright Concert For George

CELEBRATE THE LIFE AND MUSIC OF GEORGE HARRISON,

WITH A SPECIAL REISSUE OF CONCERT FOR GEORGE

AVAILABLE FOR THE FIRST TIME ON STREAMING PLATFORMS, AND ON VINYL —

AS A 180-GRAM 4-LP BOX SET, AND A LIMITED-EDITION DELUXE BOX SET

THE LEGENDARY TRIBUTE CONCERT, FEATURING PERFORMANCES BY ERIC CLAPTON,

JOE BROWN, DHANI HARRISON, JOOLS HOLLAND, JEFF LYNNE, PAUL McCARTNEY, TOM PETTY, MONTY PYTHON, RAVI & ANOUSHKA SHANKAR, RINGO STARR AND MORE

SET FOR RELEASE ON FEBRUARY 23, 2018

• 2-CDs
• 2-CD, 2 DVD package
• 2 CD/Blu-ray package

In honor of George Harrison’s 75^th birthday (February 25), the Grammy^®-winning, 8-times platinum release CONCERT FOR GEORGE, will be available for the first time on vinyl, released as a 4-LP Box Set, as well as a Limited Edition Deluxe 10-disc Box Set via Concord Music.

Says Olivia Harrison, “We will always celebrate George’s birthday and this year we are releasing Concert for George in a very special package in memory of a special man.”

The Deluxe Box Set (limited to 1,000 pieces worldwide) features the complete sound and film recordings from the concert (on 4 180-gram audiophile LPs, 2 CDs, 2 DVDs and 2 Blu-rays), a 12”x12” hard-bound 60-page book, plus an opportunity to own a piece of the historic event, by way of a cutting from the original hand-painted on-stage tapestry used as the backdrop at the Royal Albert Hall on November 29, 2002. The package is housed in a gold-colored, fabric-wrapped box with a die-cut mandala window to display the unique stage fabric (which is mounted on an individually numbered card, suitable for framing). Includes a note from Olivia Harrison, explaining the story behind the tapestry. The 1,000 Limited Edition Deluxe Box Sets are only available on ConcertForGeorge.com. Click here to pre-order: http://found.ee/CFG-deluxe-r

The 4-LP Box Set includes the complete sound recordings from CONCERT FOR GEORGE, on 180-gram audiophile vinyl, featuring a special, mandala-design etched on side-8. This is the first time that all songs from the performance have been available on an audio configuration. The album will also be made newly available via streaming platforms, track listing mirroring that of the vinyl.

In addition to the vinyl formats, the release will also be presented as a 2-CD set, as well as newly issued 2-CD + 2-DVD, and 2-CD + 2-Blu-ray combo packages. The 2-CD set features sound recordings from the concert. The 2-disc DVD and Blu-ray sets also include the complete filmed concert on the first disc, with a second disc containing the original theatrical version featuring concert highlights, interviews with the performers, rehearsals and behind-the-scenes footage. Exclusive to the Blu-ray format, the second disc includes an interview segment featuring Ringo Starr, Jim Keltner and Ray Cooper, entitled “Drummers.”

Pre-order the Deluxe Box Set: http://found.ee/CFG-deluxe-r

Pre-order the 4-LP Box Set: http://found.ee/CFG-LP-r

Pre-order the 2-CD + 2-DVD Combo Pack: http://found.ee/CFG-CDDVD-r

Pre-order the 2-CD + 2-Blu-ray Combo Pack: http://found.ee/CFG-CDBR-r

Pre-order the 2-CD: http://found.ee/CFG-CD-r

On November 29, 2002, one year after the passing of George Harrison, Olivia Harrison and longtime friend Eric Clapton organized a performance tribute in his honor. Held at London's Royal Albert Hall, the momentous evening featured George's songs, and music he loved, performed by a lineup that included Clapton, Joe Brown, Dhani Harrison, Jools Holland, Jeff Lynne, Paul McCartney, Monty Python, Tom Petty, Billy Preston, Ravi and Anoushka Shankar, Ringo Starr and many more.

Directed by David Leland (whose credits include the feature Wish You Were Here, HBO’s Band Of Brothers and the Traveling Wilburys video “Handle With Care”), CONCERT FOR GEORGE captures stunning renditions of some of the most significant music of the 20th century, including “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” (featuring Clapton on guitar, McCartney on piano and Starr on drums), “Taxman” (performed by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers) and “The Inner Light” (covered by Jeff Lynne and Anoushka Shankar). Lynne, Harrison’s longtime friend and collaborator, produced the audio elements of the concert, while Clapton oversaw the entire proceedings as Musical Director.

CONCERT FOR GEORGE has been certified 8-times platinum by the RIAA since its initial release as a 2-DVD set in November 2003 and earned a 2004 Grammy^® Award for Best Long Form Music Video.

"The sweet, solemn music of George Harrison... has rarely sounded more majestic than in the sweeping performances of the enlarged star-studded band that gathered in London at Royal Albert Hall on Nov. 29" - The New York Times

"The event's warmth sweeps the audience along." **** Guardian

"The fondness that everyone in Eric Clapton's all-star band has for the former Fab shines throughout a tribute that retains the sincerity and simplicity of Harrison's music." **** Empire

"It’s hard to think of a more fitting tribute to a man who, despite being in the world’s biggest band, spent so much of that time in the shadows of his fellow players. George’s songs take centre-stage here, lovingly arranged by musical director Eric Clapton to accommodate as many famous friends as possible." **** Record Collector

For more information about CONCERT FOR GEORGE, please contact Todd Brodginski or Aaron Feterl at Reckoning PR: todd@reckoningpr.com,  aaron@reckoningpr.com, or visit the online media kit: http://mediakits.concordmusicgroup.com/p/concert-for-george/

CD TRACK LISTING:

Disc 1:

1. Sarve Shaam – Traditional Prayer
2. Your Eyes (Sitar Solo) - Anoushka Shankar
3. The Inner Light - Jeff Lynne & Anoushka Shankar
4. Arpan - Conducted by Anoushka Shankar

Disc 2:

1. I Want To Tell You - Jeff Lynne
2. If I Needed Someone - Eric Clapton
3. Old Brown Shoe - Gary Brooker
4. Give Me love (Give Me Peace On Earth) - Jeff Lynne
5. Beware Of Darkness - Eric Clapton
6. Here Comes The Sun - Joe Brown
7. That’s The Way It Goes - Joe Brown
8. Taxman - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
9. I Need You - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
10. Handle With Care - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers with Jeff Lynne & Dhani Harrison
11. Isn’t It A Pity - Billy Preston
12. Photograph - Ringo Starr
13. Honey Don’t - Ringo Starr
14. For You Blue - Paul McCartney
15. Something - Paul McCartney & Eric Clapton
16. All Things Must Pass - Paul McCartney
17. While My Guitar Gently Weeps - Paul McCartney & Eric Clapton
18. My Sweet Lord - Billy Preston
19. Wah Wah - Eric Clapton and Band
20. I’ll See You In My Dreams - Joe Brown

DVD & BLU-RAY TRACK LISTING

Disc 1 (Complete Concert)

1. Your Eyes - Anoushka Shankar
2. The Inner Light - Jeff Lynne & Anoushka Shankar
3. Arpan - Conducted by Anoushka Shankar
4. Sit On My Face – Monty Python
5. The Lumberjack Song – Monty Python with Tom Hanks
6. I Want To Tell You - Jeff Lynne
7. If I Needed Someone - Eric Clapton
8. Old Brown Shoe - Gary Brooker
9. Give Me Love - Jeff Lynne
10. Beware Of Darkness - Eric Clapton
11. Here Comes The Sun - Joe Brown
12. That’s The Way It Goes - Joe Brown
13. Horse To The Water – Jools Holland & Sam Brown
14. Taxman - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
15. I Need You - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
16. Handle With Care - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers with Jeff Lynne & Dhani Harrison
17. Isn’t It A Pity - Billy Preston
18. Photograph - Ringo Starr
19. Honey Don’t - Ringo Starr
20. For You Blue - Paul McCartney
21. Something - Paul McCartney & Eric Clapton
22. All Things Must Pass - Paul McCartney
23. While My Guitar Gently Weeps - Paul McCartney & Eric Clapton
24. My Sweet Lord - Billy Preston
25. Wah Wah - Eric Clapton & Band
26. I’ll See You In My Dreams - Joe Brown

Disc 2 (Theatrical Version)

1. I Want To Tell You - Jeff Lynne
2. If I Needed Someone - Eric Clapton
3. Old Brown Shoe - Gary Brooker
4. Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth)- Jeff Lynne
5. Beware Of Darkness - Eric Clapton
6. Here Comes The Sun - Joe Brown
7. That’s The Way It Goes - Joe Brown
8. Taxman - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
9. I Need You - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
10. Handle With Care - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers with Jeff Lynne & Dhani Harrison
11. Isn’t It A Pity - Billy Preston
12. Photograph - Ringo Starr
13. Honey Don’t - Ringo Starr
14. For You Blue - Paul McCartney
15. Something - Paul McCartney & Eric Clapton
16. All Things Must Pass - Paul McCartney
17. While My Guitar Gently Weeps - Paul McCartney & Eric Clapton
18. My Sweet Lord - Billy Preston
19. Wah Wah - Eric Clapton & Band
20. I’ll See You In My Dreams - Joe Brown

Plus interviews, rehearsals and behind the scenes footage, including: 

• Ravi’s orchestra rehearsals
• Monty Python backstage
• George’s band rehearsals
• Interviews with musicians
• Photo gallery
•  “Drummers” featurette (on the Blu-ray only, not included on the DVD)

4-LP VINYL TRACK LISTING

Side 1

1. Sarve Shaam – Traditional Prayer
2. Your Eyes - Anoushka Shankar
3. The Inner Light - Jeff Lynne & Anoushka Shankar

Side 2

1. Arpan - Conducted by Anoushka Shankar

Side 3

2. The Lumberjack Song – Monty Python with Tom Hanks
3. Sit On My Face – Monty Python
4. I Want To Tell You - Jeff Lynne
5. If I Needed Someone - Eric Clapton
6. Old Brown Shoe - Gary Brooker
7. Give Me Love - Jeff Lynne 

Side 4

1. Beware Of Darkness - Eric Clapton
2. Here Comes The Sun - Joe Brown
3. That’s The Way It Goes - Joe Brown
4. Horse To The Water – Jools Holland & Sam Brown
5. Taxman - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

Side 5

1. I Need You - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
2. Handle With Care - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers with Jeff Lynne & Dhani Harrison
3. Isn’t It A Pity - Billy Preston
4. Photograph - Ringo Starr

Side 6

1. Honey Don’t - Ringo Starr
2. For You Blue - Paul McCartney
3. Something - Paul McCartney & Eric Clapton
4. All Things Must Pass - Paul McCartney
5. While My Guitar Gently Weeps - Paul McCartney & Eric Clapton

Side 7

1. My Sweet Lord - Billy Preston
2. Wah Wah - Eric Clapton & Band
3. I’ll See You In My Dreams - Joe Brown

Side 8

Etched vinyl with mandala design

DIGITAL TRACK LISTING

1. Sarve Shaam – Traditional Prayer
2. Your Eyes (Sitar Solo) - Anoushka Shankar
3. The Inner Light - Jeff Lynne & Anoushka Shankar
4. Arpan - Conducted by Anoushka Shankar
5. The Lumberjack Song – Monty Python with Tom Hanks
6. Sit On My Face – Monty Python
7. I Want To Tell You - Jeff Lynne
8. If I Needed Someone - Eric Clapton
9. Old Brown Shoe - Gary Brooker
10. Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth) - Jeff Lynne 
11. Beware Of Darkness - Eric Clapton
12. Here Comes The Sun - Joe Brown
13. That’s The Way It Goes - Joe Brown
14. Horse To The Water – Jools Holland & Sam Brown
15. Taxman - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
16. I Need You - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
17. Handle With Care - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers with Jeff Lynne & Dhani Harrison
18. Isn’t It A Pity - Billy Preston
19. Photograph - Ringo Starr
20. Honey Don’t - Ringo Starr
21. For You Blue - Paul McCartney
22. Something - Paul McCartney & Eric Clapton
23. All Things Must Pass - Paul McCartney
24. While My Guitar Gently Weeps - Paul McCartney & Eric Clapton
25. My Sweet Lord - Billy Preston
26. Wah Wah - Eric Clapton & Band
27. I’ll See You In My Dreams - Joe Brown

The following songs will be available for instant-grat download with digital preorders, as well as on streaming services; CWhile My Guitar Gently Weeps” - Paul McCartney & Eric Clapton (available January 26, 2018), “I Need You” - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (available February 9, 2018).

UK to get Beatles' film 'Yellow Submarine' back on big screen for a day

Copyright Subafilms Ltd. 

Picturehouse Entertainment announced Jan. 15 that The Beatles’ animated hit film "Yellow Submarine" will return to cinemas across the UK and Ireland on July 8. This big-screen revival will give generations of audiences the golden opportunity to revisit Pepperland for the 50th anniversary of the film’s original release.  #YellowSubmarine

Tickets will go on sale April 17. Go to the brand new Facebook page for updates and news about this event: (Note to U.S. readers: Today's announcement concerned only the UK There is no word yet of a U.S. event.)

Ringo vinyl reissues pushed back into February

Capitol/UMe announced Jan. 11 that the release dates for the vinyl LPs for "Ringo" and "Goodnight Vienna" have been pushed back to Feb. 9.

The LPs have been remastered by Ron McMaster at Capitol Mastering for worldwide reissue on heavyweight, 180-gram vinyl LPs. You can preorder both of the albums now at the links above.                                                                                        Track listings:

RINGO STARR: Ringo

I'm the Greatest (John Lennon)
Have You Seen My Baby (Randy Newman)
Photograph (Richard Starkey, George Harrison)
Sunshine Life for Me (Sail Away Raymond) (George Harrison)
You're Sixteen (You're Beautiful And You're Mine)" (Bob Sherman, Dick Sherman)
Oh My My (Richard Starkey, Vini Poncia)
Step Lightly (Richard Starkey)
Six O'Clock (Paul McCartney, Linda McCartney)
Devil Woman (Richard Starkey, Vini Poncia)
You and Me (Babe) (George Harrison, Mal Evans)

RINGO STARR: Goodnight Vienna

(It's All Down to) Goodnight Vienna (John Lennon)
Occapella (Allen Toussaint)
Oo-Wee (Richard Starkey, Vini Poncia)
Husbands and Wives (Roger Miller)
Snookeroo (Elton John, Bernie Taupin)
All by Myself (Richard Starkey, Vini Poncia)
Call Me (Richard Starkey)
No No Song (Hoyt Axton, David Jackson)
Only You (Buck Ram, Ande Rand)
Easy for Me (Harry Nilsson)
Goodnight Vienna (Reprise) (John Lennon)