I was just overwhelmed, I was taken by their music. As soon as I heard their sound, I loved it." recalled Chula Vista's Maria Castro. Castro, a member of CT, was describing her reaction to the Beatles landmark February '64 appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show. It was just one of many Beatle memories shared by an estimated 1,000 fans who turned out for the club's fourth annual BeatleFair at Mission Valley's Double Tree Hotel.
BeatleFair has become an event that rivals Beatlfests held in cities across the country and the world. CT president Carmen Salmon wore a big grin most of the day, Despite bearing much of the organizational responsibility for the huge event. "I just enjoy seeing the expressions on everyone's face, especially all the kids as the come through," Salmon said.
As they entered the hall, scads of nostalgic baby boomers and the more recently converted children and grandchildren were greeted by familiar strains of various Beatle masterpieces. In fact, participants were treated to almost continuous live music from 11 AM to 8 PM. The line-up included Arthur, Rockola, The MopTops, The Two of Us, Gordon Waller, Billy Hinsche, and Joey Molland..
Arthur, a southern California-based combo, played generous sets for those enjoying the fresh air and sunshine of the outdoor dining area. The group boasts two female members in bass player Jennifer Orris and keyboardist Alisa Curran. Together with their three male counterparts, they covered a wide range of Beatle tunes.
While Arthur and the Two of Us delighted the outdoor audience, on the main stage San Diego's own Rockola masterfully performed some of the Beatles most challenging songs from their later albums . Songs like "Savoy Truffle" and Lady Madonna" benefited from the inclusion of a four-piece brass and sax section. Rockola demonstrated again why they perennially head the list of San Diego's most popular club bands.
While enjoying the music, those on hand inspected the Beatle-related wares of approximately 50 dealers. Highly prized autographed Fab Four guitars and albums fetched thousands of dollars, but for the less affluent, there were CD's, T-shirts, pins puzzles, books, watches and virtually anything you might imagine that could bear the image of Liverpool's most popular export.
While the three remaining Beatles rarely appear in public, various Beatle insiders are frequently featured at these gatherings. This years event provided another interesting pair. Gordon Waller of Peter & Gordon and Joey Molland of Badfinger. Both had interesting vantage points from which to observe the Beatles and both enjoyed top-selling hits and the despair of seeing much of their resulting fortunes squandered by a combination of mismanagement, incompetence and greed.
BeatleFair's day-long festivities concluded with a splendid performance by L.A.'s MopTops. Not only did they play and sing flawless renditions of the Beatles' early hits, they also dressed, looked and acted like the Beatles, capturing them from the period when they were introduced to America 34 years ago. And, while their performance obviously struck and emotional chord with those in the audience who remember that cherished time, it should be noted that children born decades later were also belting out every song.
Joey Molland
Discovered by Beatles road manager, Mel Evans and signed to their Apple label, the group originally known as the Iveys were given a new name and the hit single "Come and Get It" by Paul McCartney. They quickly found however, that topping the pop charts did not always produce a life of wealth and privilege. Their business naivete along with a nightmare of mismanagement, deceit and legal entanglements combined to quickly derail Badfinger just when it appeared destined for greatness. The profound despair of the predicament was more than they could stand.
"Our manager was hopeless, just hopeless," Molland recalled. "He had no concept. This guy admits in videos and documentaries now that he was riding around in limos and not even reading the contracts we were signing," At the same time, the band , cut off from most its recording royalties, was practically starving, "The results of it were Peter's death (by suicide in '75) and a few years later, Tommy's, when he did the same thing." Of their premature deaths Molland Says, "These people try to farm it off on some kind of gray area. The reality is that they were directly responsible for it."
While still angry over the tragedy that befell Badfinger, Molland continues to record and perform and is finishing a book about his involvement in one of the saddest chapters of rock & roll history. He also frequently enlivens Beatles gatherings with his stories of the Fab Four's final days as a band and the aftermath.
Recording in the Beatles' studio made quite and impression on the then young (22) and impressionable Molland. "What a great place! It had all these cupboards with the Beatles' stuff in them. We rubbed their anvil (no doubt, the one used on "Maxwell's Silver Hammer") for good luck and we looked around for something we could pinch without anybody knowing. It was flabbergasting to be working with the same equipment as the Beatles".
IMAGINE THAT!
By Nennette Pacheco
At first glance you might think that Imagine is sitting next to the cut out figures of Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg, Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman. In reality it was a fantastic night they would all remember. It all started with Mr. Hanks planning his 10th wedding anniversary party. He requested videos of Beatle tribute bands. After viewing the top 12 videos in the nation, he chose Imagine. None of the band members knew their agent had sent a video to Merv Griffin Productions. Greg Piper, manager of Imagine broke the news casually by saying "Oh, by the way, we're playing for Tom Hanks and company in Malibu next month". The guys were ecstatic!
When the group arrived at the party they were quickly separated and hidden away form most of the guest (sound familiar). Mr. Hanks decided Imagine would be the surprise band towards the later half of the party. They were allowed to walk around the back but no one seemed to take notice of them in their round collar suits and ties.
Finally, the moment of truth. The band was led on to the stage where Tom Hanks jumps up and introduces Imagine. From that point on the place was ready to rock. A page from history was reborn when the girls started screaming and the night air sent you back into 1964. The guests included such names as Ted Danson, Ron Howard, Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell, Steve Martin, Martin Short, Rob Reiner, Garry Marshall, Penny Marshall, Melissa Etheridge, Jon Lovitz, Paul Reiser, Sally Field, Aaron Spelling, and many more.
What happened next can only be said in Imagines own words. Neal Burg (Ringo) "I was shocked. I couldn't believe it. The appreciation the guest showed us and the way they made us feel, as if we were the stars. As far as I know this is one of the biggest things that had ever happened to a Beatle tribute band".
Tim Piper (John) " The most outstanding part of the show was when Tom Hanks jumped up on stage and sang "That thing you do" with the band". Tim also recalls Tom giving them the thumbs up while he was on the dance floor. "They (all the guests) were very relaxed and enjoyed the music just like regular folks. We didn't have to ask to take a picture of them, they wanted pictures with us".
Jeff Tockynski (Paul) "After singing in front of Steven Spielberg you don't have stage fright anymore". Another memorable moment was when Tom Hanks gave us all hugs. The people were down to earth and made us feel welcomed".
Greg Piper (Manager) "Everyone there was so friendly, it was as if we were among our very own friends".
The party was a success. The guests danced the whole night away and Mr. Spielberg caught the moments on his video camera. There was even room for a special song request by Tom's wife Rita Wilson (Glad all over by the Dave Clark 5). Even Melissa Etheridge got into the excitement of the evening and joined the band singing Twist and Shout.
Although that special evening ended the surprises kept coming. While being interviewed on the Jay Leno show Tom Hanks mentioned the group by name, he also mentioned the Beatle tribute band to Rosie O'Donnel.
There are times when memories are made that will never fade away. For Imagine this night will live forever in their hearts and in the music.
BEATLES IRELAND EXCLUSIVE
SIR GEORGE MARTIN & JULIAN LENNON COME TOGETHER
This rare meeting took place on Saturday May 23, 1998 on the R.T.E.'s "Kenny Live" TV Show , in Dublin Ireland.
To commemorate this special occasion Julian and Sir George were each presented with souvenirs from Ireland, by Pete Brennan, President of the Ireland Beatles fan club, and each cordially accepted and invitation to become Executive Patrons of Beatles of Ireland.
Sir George showing his usual charm when accepting our Patronship responded " I'm dying to be a member of your club"!!
You can read the entire story in the July issue of Beatles Ireland magazine.
BENEFIT FOR JOE POPE
A Benefit for Joe Pope (who is fighting cancer) was held at the Princess Pub on Sunday June 7. Cindy Noe, Joe's wife made an announcement thanking everyone for their participation and support of Joe. We also saw a video taped message from Joe, who was not well enough to attend. Approximately 30 club members were able to raise $175.00 through admission and raffle ticket sales.
Carmen, collected many great raffle prizes , including posters, collectible pins, C.D.'s and tee shirts. Rosie hicks won the Grand Prize of two tickets to Paul McCartney's "Standing Stone" concert in L.A. and a great "Arise, Sir Paul" tee shirt.
The "Two of Us" provided the music for the day, and they did an outstanding job. Fred Shaffer ,(a.k.a. "The Hairy One") and Craig Chojnowsai (a.k.a. "The Other Hairy One") sport flowing locks and furry faces, and are actually postal workers by day. But these mailmen really "delivered" great harmony as they played our favorite Beatles' songs! They also delighted us with tunes you don't often hear, such as "One After 909", "Mother Nature's Son" and "A Fool On The Hill". Craig plays Rhythm guitar, while Fred picks out tunes on both lead and 12 string guitars as well as playing harmonica and tambourine. The "Two of Us" took their name from the song with that title from the "Let It Be" album because, as Craig put it, "It fit". And they do a nice job of their theme song, by the way. Their mellow sound is not hard on the eardrums, and is perfectly suited for a small to medium size area like the Princess Pub, the patio at BeatleFair or even a house party. They've only been playing music together for about a year. It all came about one day when Craig asked Fred if he had any suggestions for improving the post office and Fred replied, "Yeah, how about some Beatle music?!" It was then that they discovered a shared interest in Beatle music and began having jam sessions just for fun. They'll be performing again a The Camelot Sat. Aug. 15. (hope you were able to make the show).
Special thanks go to all who helped to make this benefit for Joe Pope such a successful and enjoyable event. We especially appreciate "The Two of Us" for contributing their delightful blend of talent for our entertainment. And of course many thanks also go to Brenda, the owner of the Princess Pub for generously offering the us the use of the back room.
UPDATE ON JOE POPE
Joe called me on July 27 and he thanked CT for the benefit and all out thoughts, he said that is one of the reasons he is doing so much better. He had just returned from the doctors and was told that he is in REMISSION! He feels good and is in hardly any pain. Thank you Joe for the update, remember you are always on our minds and we all send you the very best.
SPECIAL GIFT FOR THE MOPTOPS
We at Come Together love the Moptops and to show our appreciation we made a smaller version of or Cavern that we use as a backdrop at our BeatleFair each year.
Kathi Rothe did the layout and Pam Telles and I helped with the painting. We did this at Kathy's house ( she has a large enough room to lay the whole thing out).
We had told the guys that we would do this for them last year after the BeatleFair, but as most people know the time just flew by.
We were finally able to present the Cavern to the Moptops at the La Jolla Festival of Art on June 13, 1998.
The guys were very pleased to receive it, and said they will be using it as much as possible.
They are a great bunch of guys, if you ever get a chance to see them perform don’t miss it.
beatlenews
PAUL
Happy Birthday to Mary McCartney turned 28 on August 28th. Maybe we will be seeing (or hearing) a Wings Anthology one of these days.
Linda's new cookbook "Linda on Tour" is expected to be issued is September. It contains recipes that were collected from all around the world on tour with Paul from '72 to '93
Linda also sponsored her own male all vegetarian cycling team who will compete this summer in Europe.
Linda was busy writing songs over the last twenty years and we may get to hear them, Paul may do a tribute album with many of these songs included.
JOHN
Julian Lennon's "Photograph Smile" released in the UK on May 18th. the first single CD was "Day After Day".
Julian has filmed a pro video for "Day After Day" Julian has recorded the soundtrack for a future IMAX film called "Eyes of the Soul", a film about dolphins and whales.
Julian did a concert in Rome on May 1st and Germany on May 18. Hopefully he will travel to our shores for some concert dates.
ATTENTION ALL ASPIRING SONGWRITERS: The John
Lennon Songwriting Contest sponsored by Maxell and Yamaha is underway for all amateur as well as professional songwriters. Entries must be postmarked by Aug. 31 and entries are allowed in different areas. For more info look up internet www.jlsc.com
GEORGE
Happy Birthday to Dhani Harrison who turned 19 on August 1st. George has expressed interest in using several Carl Perkins' song's on the next Wilbury's album. The songs being considered include "One of these Days" and "You Can't Run Away from the Blues". George then visited Carl's son, Stan in LA this past February and left with four master tapes mentioning that he would like to use them on the next Wilbury's album. Which may be recorded this year.
RINGO
Ringo's UK tour announced....he will play at Shepherd's Bush Empire in London Aug. 21st. The band line-up is the same as last's year's USA tour: Peter Frampton, Jack Bruce Gary Brooker, Simon Kirke and Mark Rivera.
Other concert destinations include:Germany, Denmark, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Belgium, Portugal, Ireland, Russia and Monte Carlo.
Rumors of a Japanese tour are just that......RUMORS. as of now.
Mercury records held a contest to win a trip for two to see Ringo in London.
The new video "Ringo Starr and His Fourth All Starr Band" is scheduled for release July 28th from MPI Home Video for $19.95 Ringo performed with Elton John at an Aids benefit for AMFAR in Cannes, France May 21st. They were joined by actress Sharon Stone at one point who "helped sing" "Great Balls of Fire" and "Twist & Shout" Happy Birthday to Barbara Who will turn 51 on Aug. 27 and Jason Starkey who will turn 30 an Aug. 19th.
THE BEATLES
Rumor that Paul & George will play in a charity concert in Calcutta, India, on Sept. 5th to commemorate the first anniversary of the death of Mother Teresa, is just that.
"Your True Love", a rare acetate which the Beatles and Carl Perkins played together in 1964 was discovered. Perkins duetted with George. Apparently Perkins dropped by the day the Beatles recorded "Matchbox" on June 1, 1964. (from Record Collector magazine)
Petition to have Brain Epstein introducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (as non-performer) has been started by Martin Lewis, known to many BeatleFest conventions. A petition is on-line for you to sign at www.martinlewis.com/mbe. For more info write ME! P.O.Box 461378, Los Angeles, CA 90046
The Beatles on a US stamp...can you believe it? Well you better since they were one of the top vote getters in the recent campaign from the postal service to get the publics input for subjects to be featured on the 1960's stamp.
McKee's Beatle Museum opened in July in Virginia Beach, VA. Owned by Michael & Lynn McKee, features an extensive photo collection, memorabilia, concert tickets, tour programs and rare recordings of Beatle songs. Check out their web site. www.beatlesmuseum.com
George Martin has released his final album "George Martin: In My Life". For more info: www.echo.co.uk
RINGO ON THE TONIGHT SHOW
A BIG kiss and thank you to Doddie Gigantie and her beautiful daughter Denise!!!!! They woke up at 3 am on Monday June 15th and drove all the way to Burbank, stood in line to get free tickets for the Jay Leno Tonight Show, and then camped out at the front doors of NBC studios, all of this to get tickets to see Ringo Starr who was the special guest that night.
I couldn't leave early but Doddie offered to leave early and get my ticket. If it wasn't for Doddie and Denise, Beverly and I would never have made it. Beverly(Mathewson) and I finally arrived at the studios around 12 noon and made our way up to the front of the line where Doddie was camping out. Also in line were CT members Cora and John Bernett and CT friend Peter Palmieri.
Then they let us into the lobby, where we had to wait another 30 minutes or so. Then they let us go sit on the wooden chairs right in front of the set. How exciting, this was the first time I had ever been to the Tonight Show, and believe me I would go back. We were seated right smack dab in front of the couch Ringo would sit in. Jay Leno then came out before the show began to warm up the crowd. He looks better in person than on TV. He was calling members of the audience up with him and he called Doddie & Denise up and took a snap shot of all three of them. Then he called up Beverly, and she proceeded to give Jay one of her famous bear hugs!.
Then the time came, Jay introduces Ringo and of course we all clapped and screamed. What a thrill to see him and to hear him banter with Jay. Jay kept saying how he couldn't believe that he had a Beatle on his show, he was obviously very thrilled (as we all were). Ringo looked really snazzy, he looked Great. During a commercial break we held up our infamous sign that we take to all the Ringo concerts "Can We Take A Photograph With You" He read it and pointed at us, then sprinted out of his chair and came down an shook our hands!!!! What a surprise, I thought Doddie and Bev were going to faint!! Then Ringo sang his newest song off his Vertical Man album "LaDeDa" It was so intimate, such a great way to see Ringo perform. What a wonderful and exhilarating day. And all I can say is again, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!DODDIE & DENISE!!!!!!!
BY CARMEN SALMON
MAKING STRIDES AGAINST BREAST CANCER FROM THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY
On Sunday October 25, 1998 over 5,000 people will leave big city
commotion behind and find that fighting for life is just a walk
in the park.....Balboa Park that is.
We at Come Together want
to make a strong show of support for the society and in the
memory of Linda McCartney make this walk a fan club event.
In 1998, 19,150 California women will hear the devastating news
that they have breast cancer, and 4,545 mothers, wives, sisters
and friends will lose their battle with the disease. Although
these numbers are appalling, due to early detection and recent
breakthroughs in research, fewer women are dying each year.
Despite this progress, the scope of this tragedy is totally
unacceptable and the challenge persists.
Please check the
hotline or our web page for more information (619) 687-3687
www.angelfire.com/ca2/ctbeatlesfanclub/index.html
EX-BEATLES COME TOGETHER TO MOURN
The three surviving members of the Beatles were reunited Monday June 8, 1998 in a tribute to Linda McCartney. Although the band did not perform together as an act, the crowd of 700, which included former members George Harrison, Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney, sang "Let It Be" in Linda's memory.
The memorial service was held at the historic Church of St. Martin's on the Fields, in London's Trafalgar Square. The last time the Beatles sang together in public was in 1969, when the group gave the impromptu rooftop concert atop their record company's headquarters.
Even though Linda had been battling breast cancer for two years,
her death shocked the world in a way no one would have expected
when she rocketed to fame 30 years ago.
Then, she was Linda
Eastman, the daughter of a Scarsdale, NY, lawyer and a photographer,
Her images documenting the beginnings of rock-and-roll have drawn
wide critical acclaim, By marrying the last bachelor Beatle, Paul,
she broke the hearts of millions of female fans. The skeptical
music industry predicted the marriage wouldn't last, but the
McCartneys union endured. In almost 30 years of marriage, the
pair spent only 10 nights apart. Never did the bond with the man
who called her the "rock in his life" fade. "I loved her" Paul
said in an interview one year ago. "If anyone asks what the
secret is, that's the secret."
Linda became extremely successful in her own right, running a renowned campaign for animal rights, which led to a lucrative vegetarian food empire.
Outside the church Monday, representatives of all facets of her full life gathered. Animal activists held a candlelight vigil, and fans of the McCartneys' music laid flowers in the square.
But of course, the lion's share of the outpouring of sympathy at the church was focused on Sir Paul, the couple's three children: Mary, 27, Stella, 26 and James, 21, and Linda's daughter from an earlier marriage, Heather, 36.
PARTY FOR JOHN LENNON
Hollywood, CA. John Lennon's birthday will be remembered Friday October 9, 1998 with fans forming a "Candlelight Circle of Love" around both Lennon's Hollywood Walk of Fame Star and an artist's drawing of the Beatles star that fans are now hoping will be placed directly next to Lennon's star. The free- to-the-public celebration will be sponsored by the Alliance for Survival peace group and will take place from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Lennon's star, located at 1750 N. Vine St., in front of the Capitol Records tower Building.
The special event will also include live and taped Lennon and Beatles song and
a cake-cutting ceremony that will immediately follow the 6:30 PM highlighted
"candlelight circle."
The Alliance for Survival and the "Come Together" BFC will have gathered nearly
5,000 signatures since last Oct. 9th supporting a Beatles star to be placed near
John Lennon's star. The petition drive will be finalized at the Lennon birthday.event.
John Lennon would have been 58 on Oct. 9th. Fans will also sing "Happy Birthday" to Sean Lennon who will turn 23 also on Oct. 9th. For further information, call the L.A. Alliance for Survival at (310)399-1000, the CT hotline (619)687-4687 or the CT webpage.
INTERVIEW WITH GORDON WALLER
Mr. Gordon Waller was one of the several guest stars that lit up the stage at the Fourth Annual BeatleFair in San Diego this summer. Billy Hinsche of Dino, Desi & Billy took Peter Asher's place on stage to sing with Gordon, backed up by Rockola. Peter & Gordon ran into each other way back in 1961, when they were both attending Westminster School in London. They began playing together just for fun, then got some gigs in local pubs for free food & beer. They finally landed a regular engagement at a swanky joint called the Pickwick Club. It was a very exclusive club for cowboys people, and that's exactly where they were discovered.
After they'd been there for a few months, the A&R man for EMI approached them. He made then an offer they couldn't refuse, and two new stars were born.
As Gordon recalled, "Before the Pickwick Club, we used to refuse to do auditions, but would say we'd play one night for X amount of dollars. If they liked us, they'd keep us. They usually did."
Gordon is very humble about their success. They really didn't set out to become rock & roll stars. "We started out by playing various clubs in town and thought it might be nice to get a record deal. We weren't really too concerned; we just played around town, then it happened!".
Since Peter Asher's sister Jane was dating Paul McCartney at the time, Peter & Gordon had an in with the Beatles. They recorded four songs penned by Lennon & McCartney: "Nobody I Know", "A World Without Love", "I Don't Want To See You Again", and "Woman".
Peter, Paul and Gordon jammed together on occasion, and Gordon recalls one memorable evening that they stayed up all night with John & Paul trading songs. "I taught them, and I Forgot to Remember to Forget, and they taught me a few new tunes too!".
Gordon's major musical influences are: Bob Dylan, Peter, Paul & Mary, Buddy
Holly, Eddie Cochran, & Elvis Presley.
When asked how many tracks they originally recorded, he replied about 250.
They released about a dozen LP's in 6 years. But mismanagement and a lack of
profits led to the dissolution of the dynamic duo in the late '60s.
"I'd like to write another really great song that would last as long as the songs I've already done", mused Gordon.
