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Happy birthday to Donovan!
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Loads of fans
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Nervously waiting
That young man looks so nervous as he waits to Paul to get done with this photo during the 2003 Pride of Britain awards. I sure hope he got the courage to get that autograph!
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Harrison in color
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Truth is stranger than fiction: Melanie Coe
Now and then I am going to be sharing some articles about some strange coincidences that happened in Beatles-dom and I am going to start with one of my favorites, Melanie Coe.
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Paul McCartney was reading the Daily Mail in February of 1967 and read a story about the run-away Melanie and how her parents were looking for her. The story in the paper gave Paul the idea to write "She's Leaving Home." The song is fiction, but the line about how the parents gave her everything money could buy came right from the article.
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Did Paul know that the runaway girl in the newspaper article was the same girl that won a lip sync contest that he judged over 3 years earlier? I would guess he didn't. Melanie looked very different in 1967 than she did in 1963. And Melanie said that while filming Ready Steady Go, she had spent more time chatting with George and Ringo that day than with Paul or John.
In 1963 Melanie Coe was 13 years old and was a dancer on the television show "Ready Steady Go!" She had been part of the show for about a year when on October 4, 1963 the Beatles appeared on the British program. Melanie participated in a lip sync contest. She and three other girls did their best dance and lip sync to Brenda Lee's song, "Let's Jump the Broomstick."
The winner of the lip sync contest got a LP record. But more important than the prize was the judge of the contest. Paul McCartney was the person that chose the winner and he decided that Melanie did the best job (and when you watch the youtube of it, you will most likely agree).
She came forward and received her prize and shook Paul's hand while he congratulated her. And Miss Coe was forgotten and should have just been a cute little moment in Beatles history.
In 1967 Melanie was 17 years old and was a pregnant teenager. She was very scared and feared her mother would severely punish her. She ran off, not with the father of the child, but with another man and they hid away for three weeks until Melanie's parents found them and made her return home and terminate the pregnancy. As Melanie explained in 2008, "As a 17-year-old I had everything money could buy - diamonds, furs, a car - but my father and mother never once told me they loved me."
Did Paul know that the runaway girl in the newspaper article was the same girl that won a lip sync contest that he judged over 3 years earlier? I would guess he didn't. Melanie looked very different in 1967 than she did in 1963. And Melanie said that while filming Ready Steady Go, she had spent more time chatting with George and Ringo that day than with Paul or John.
It is just one of those really strange coincidences in Beatles fandom....
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"You aren't really the piano player, are you?"
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Blowing in the Wind
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At the Dakota
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An interview and an autograph
Much thanks to our good friend, Kevin who pointed me in the direction of these amazing photos! They were taken in 1969 (after July because of Yoko's headband). They were found here where you can get a bit more information about the photos, but not a whole lot.
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Happiness is Seeing the Beatles: Beatlemania in St. Louis: All about my book
Hello friends! Tonight for "Wednesday Reviews" and I going to tell you all about my new book, "Happiness is Seeing the Beatles: Beatlemania in St. Louis." No...I am not reviewing my book, (that would be strange), but I did want to give you, the visitors of the blog the inside scoop.
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A short background first. When I was in the 4th grade, I decided that when I grew up I was going to be an author. When I was 17 I went to my first Beatlefest and went to a discussion where a Beatles author was talking about his book. I remember looking at him and thinking, "I know as much about the Beatle as that guy. I should write a book." And so every year after Beatlefest, I would start to write a Beatles book but would fizzle out until the next Fest. In 2014, after the big 50th anniversary celebrations, I decided that I was going to make my dream come true and write a Beatles book about the Beatles concert in St. Louis. And I am proud that I have accomplished that dream. I am not a writer (which one predominant figure in Beatles fandom has pointed out), but I am a fan. I had so much fun researching and interviewing people for this book. I hope those that read it enjoy it.
The book is 81/2 x 11 in size and has 9 chapters. Here is a little bit about each chapter--
Chapter 1: A Beatle in Benton
In this chapter you read all about when George Harrison came to Benton, Illinois in 1963. The interview he gave, the guitar he bought, the performances he did with the 4 Vests, and what he did for fun. It also has information about saving the house that Louise lived in and how Louise helped promote the Beatles in 1963.
Chapter 2: Beatlemania Hits St. Louis
This chapter covers 1964-1965. There is a lot of information about the top 40 radio station in St. Louis, KXOK 630am and the DJ, Johnny Rabbitt. You will read about fans watching the Beatles on Ed Sullivan, The close circuit concert, A Hard Day's Night and Help! There is also information about the St. Louis Beatles fan club from the 1960's. There are a lot of great stories from fans and what they experienced.
Chapter 3: The Beatles in the Show Me State
This chapter is about the 1964 North American Tour. You will read about the St. Louis fans that went to the concert in Kansas City and their memories of the press conference and the concert itself. Then you will read about the Beatles time on Reed Pigman's ranch.
Chapter 4: The Beatles in the Windy City
Chapter 4 covers the 1965 tour stop in Chicago. This chapter details the winners of the Johnny Rabbitt contest that traveled up to Chicago to see the Beatles live. You also will hear the stories of some fans that got into the Chicago press conference. Great fan stories in this chapter!
Chapter 5: The Stress-filled tour of '66
John's Jesus state and how the St. Louis teenagers reacted to it kick off this chapter. Read here about the Beatles burning that took place in St. Louis. This chapter features information about all of the opening acts for the '66 North American tour and a brief overview of the tour. There is detailed information about the instruments and gear used on the tour. The chapter ends with fans and insiders accounts of what happened in Cincinnati the day before the Beatles came to St. Louis.
Chapter 6: Meet the Beatles in St. Louie
The big chapter! This one kicks off with information about Busch Stadium and then goes into all about who brought the Beatles to town and ticket sales. It details the arrival with a great story from a fan that watched the Beatles land at the St. Louis airport and more stories from fans that watched the arrival into the stadium. Insiders gave me details about what went on backstage at the Busch Stadium. Then you will read about the clothing the Beatles wore that rainy night in 1966. There was a local band that opened up the show followed by a lot of rain. Read about how the fans reacted to the rain and how the Beatles got moved up to the middle of the show. Great details about the concert itself can be found in this chapter as well as how the guys left the stadium that night.
Chapter 7: Dark Horsing Around
Changes to St. Louis radio begin this chapter and onto how St. Louis radio was part of the "Paul is Dead" conspiracy. Moving onto when John Lennon met St. Louis legend on the Mike Douglas show and John and Yoko's brief stopover in St. Louis in 1972. Paul McCartney was interviewed on St. Louis radio in 1974. And the chapter ends with details from fans about the George Harrison concert on the Dark Horse tour that came to the Arena.
Chapter 8: Beatlemania Returns to St. Louis
This chapter focuses on Beatlemania in the 1990's. All three of Ringo's concert stops from that decade (1992, 1995 and 1997) and highlighted as is Paul's concert at Busch Stadium in 1993. The St. Louis Beatles fan club is discussed and the Anthology. Paul and Linda came back to St. Louis in 1994 to promote Linda's frozen veggie meals.
Chapter 9: The Beatles in the new millennium
This of course focuses on 2000-today. Paul's concert in 2002 and 2012 are remembered and Ringo's concerts in 2001 and 2014. Find out why Ringo didn't come back to St. Louis for 13 years!
If you would like to purchase a copy of "Happiness is Seeing the Beatles: Beatlemania in St. Louis," They cost $25.00 plus $3.25 for shipping in the United States. Shipping to Canada is $10.00 and everywhere else is $20.00.
If you would like to purchase an autographed copy of the book, you can send your payment through paypal to me at beatlesbusch66@gmail.com . Or email me (using the same address) and I can send you my address to send a money order.
If you do not want an autographed book, you can purchase it from Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Happiness-Seeing-Beatles-Beatlemania-Louis/dp/0986153672/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1463018421&sr=8-1&keywords=happiness+is+seeing+the+beatles
I also have two great photographs of the Beatles performing at Busch Stadium for sale. One is of John and Paul and the other is Ringo, George and Paul. The photos come in 4 x 6 ($3.00) or 8 x 10 ($8.00)
Thanks to each and every one of your for your support this past year as I have been working on the book.
Peace and Love!
Sara
A short background first. When I was in the 4th grade, I decided that when I grew up I was going to be an author. When I was 17 I went to my first Beatlefest and went to a discussion where a Beatles author was talking about his book. I remember looking at him and thinking, "I know as much about the Beatle as that guy. I should write a book." And so every year after Beatlefest, I would start to write a Beatles book but would fizzle out until the next Fest. In 2014, after the big 50th anniversary celebrations, I decided that I was going to make my dream come true and write a Beatles book about the Beatles concert in St. Louis. And I am proud that I have accomplished that dream. I am not a writer (which one predominant figure in Beatles fandom has pointed out), but I am a fan. I had so much fun researching and interviewing people for this book. I hope those that read it enjoy it.
The book is 81/2 x 11 in size and has 9 chapters. Here is a little bit about each chapter--
Chapter 1: A Beatle in Benton
In this chapter you read all about when George Harrison came to Benton, Illinois in 1963. The interview he gave, the guitar he bought, the performances he did with the 4 Vests, and what he did for fun. It also has information about saving the house that Louise lived in and how Louise helped promote the Beatles in 1963.
Chapter 2: Beatlemania Hits St. Louis
This chapter covers 1964-1965. There is a lot of information about the top 40 radio station in St. Louis, KXOK 630am and the DJ, Johnny Rabbitt. You will read about fans watching the Beatles on Ed Sullivan, The close circuit concert, A Hard Day's Night and Help! There is also information about the St. Louis Beatles fan club from the 1960's. There are a lot of great stories from fans and what they experienced.
Chapter 3: The Beatles in the Show Me State
This chapter is about the 1964 North American Tour. You will read about the St. Louis fans that went to the concert in Kansas City and their memories of the press conference and the concert itself. Then you will read about the Beatles time on Reed Pigman's ranch.
Chapter 4: The Beatles in the Windy City
Chapter 4 covers the 1965 tour stop in Chicago. This chapter details the winners of the Johnny Rabbitt contest that traveled up to Chicago to see the Beatles live. You also will hear the stories of some fans that got into the Chicago press conference. Great fan stories in this chapter!
Chapter 5: The Stress-filled tour of '66
John's Jesus state and how the St. Louis teenagers reacted to it kick off this chapter. Read here about the Beatles burning that took place in St. Louis. This chapter features information about all of the opening acts for the '66 North American tour and a brief overview of the tour. There is detailed information about the instruments and gear used on the tour. The chapter ends with fans and insiders accounts of what happened in Cincinnati the day before the Beatles came to St. Louis.
Chapter 6: Meet the Beatles in St. Louie
The big chapter! This one kicks off with information about Busch Stadium and then goes into all about who brought the Beatles to town and ticket sales. It details the arrival with a great story from a fan that watched the Beatles land at the St. Louis airport and more stories from fans that watched the arrival into the stadium. Insiders gave me details about what went on backstage at the Busch Stadium. Then you will read about the clothing the Beatles wore that rainy night in 1966. There was a local band that opened up the show followed by a lot of rain. Read about how the fans reacted to the rain and how the Beatles got moved up to the middle of the show. Great details about the concert itself can be found in this chapter as well as how the guys left the stadium that night.
Chapter 7: Dark Horsing Around
Changes to St. Louis radio begin this chapter and onto how St. Louis radio was part of the "Paul is Dead" conspiracy. Moving onto when John Lennon met St. Louis legend on the Mike Douglas show and John and Yoko's brief stopover in St. Louis in 1972. Paul McCartney was interviewed on St. Louis radio in 1974. And the chapter ends with details from fans about the George Harrison concert on the Dark Horse tour that came to the Arena.
Chapter 8: Beatlemania Returns to St. Louis
This chapter focuses on Beatlemania in the 1990's. All three of Ringo's concert stops from that decade (1992, 1995 and 1997) and highlighted as is Paul's concert at Busch Stadium in 1993. The St. Louis Beatles fan club is discussed and the Anthology. Paul and Linda came back to St. Louis in 1994 to promote Linda's frozen veggie meals.
Chapter 9: The Beatles in the new millennium
This of course focuses on 2000-today. Paul's concert in 2002 and 2012 are remembered and Ringo's concerts in 2001 and 2014. Find out why Ringo didn't come back to St. Louis for 13 years!
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| Here I am at the St. Louis Indie Book Fair! |
If you would like to purchase a copy of "Happiness is Seeing the Beatles: Beatlemania in St. Louis," They cost $25.00 plus $3.25 for shipping in the United States. Shipping to Canada is $10.00 and everywhere else is $20.00.
If you would like to purchase an autographed copy of the book, you can send your payment through paypal to me at beatlesbusch66@gmail.com . Or email me (using the same address) and I can send you my address to send a money order.
If you do not want an autographed book, you can purchase it from Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Happiness-Seeing-Beatles-Beatlemania-Louis/dp/0986153672/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1463018421&sr=8-1&keywords=happiness+is+seeing+the+beatles
I also have two great photographs of the Beatles performing at Busch Stadium for sale. One is of John and Paul and the other is Ringo, George and Paul. The photos come in 4 x 6 ($3.00) or 8 x 10 ($8.00)
Thanks to each and every one of your for your support this past year as I have been working on the book.
Peace and Love!
Sara
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Make way for the Magic Christian
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Birthday Buddies
The Beatles and Mary Wells with young fan, Karen Spence on October 10, 1964. Karen and John had both celebrated their birthdays the day before.
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Living in the Material World
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The Fabulous Beatles are now showing
What are they showing in this theater? It doesn't look like a Hard Day's Night or the Washington concert, and it sure isn't Help!
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Look at the man in the mirror
The ebay auction for this photo says that it was taken in Pittsburg, PA, however the Beatles performed in Pittsburg in the summer so why would there is a Christmas card in the dressing room? Anyone have any clue about this photo?
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Goodbye to Tony
Several years ago I was excited that Tony Barrow was listed as a guest at the Fest for Beatle fans in Chicago. I was excited about hearing him speak. I had to many questions about the Beatles press conferences in 1965-66 and I knew that I wouldn't get to ask him the questions directly, but he could touch on them during his interviews during the weekend. Sadly, Tony had to cancel due to health reasons and I never did get to hear him talk expect for interviews on Beatles documentaries.
When I woke up to the news that Tony Barrow had passed away this morning, I could help but thing, "we lost another one." Tony was the Beatles press officer and traveled with the band. He had some amazing stories, that thankfully he wrote in his book, but still it isn't the same as hearing it directly from the man himself.
Here are some photos of Tony doing what he did best--- facilitating a Beatles press conference.
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Tony will also be remember as the guy that Paul McCartney asked to tape record the Beatles last performance at Candlestick Park. The tape ran out right at the start of Long Tall Sally. Somehow the tape mysterious leaked out to the fans, and boy am I glad that it did!
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Thanks for the memories, Tony---you will be missed!
When I woke up to the news that Tony Barrow had passed away this morning, I could help but thing, "we lost another one." Tony was the Beatles press officer and traveled with the band. He had some amazing stories, that thankfully he wrote in his book, but still it isn't the same as hearing it directly from the man himself.
Here are some photos of Tony doing what he did best--- facilitating a Beatles press conference.
Tony will also be remember as the guy that Paul McCartney asked to tape record the Beatles last performance at Candlestick Park. The tape ran out right at the start of Long Tall Sally. Somehow the tape mysterious leaked out to the fans, and boy am I glad that it did!
Thanks for the memories, Tony---you will be missed!
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Mister Bass Man
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Catch of the day
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| Photo by Ringo Starr |
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BEATLES
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Four guys that made it big
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