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Film Festival
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Truth is Stranger than fiction: Eleanor Rigby
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| Sheet music for Eleanor Rigby, drawn by Klaus Voorman |
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the song, Eleanor Rigby. It is a song that is still much loved among fans of the Beatles as well as music fans in general. Paul McCartney sang it in his 1984 film "Give my Regards to Broadstreet" and continues to perform the song in concert to this day.
Paul began writing the song earlier in 1966 and explained to Hunter Davies in a 1966 interview how he got the idea:
‘I was sitting at the piano when I thought of it. Just like Jimmy Durante. The first few bars just came to me. And I got this name in my head – Daisy Hawkins, picks up the rice in the church where a wedding has been. I don’t know why. …
So as the legend goes---Eleanor Rigby started off as Daisy Hawkins. However, that doesn't really fit with the tune and Paul was looking for another name. He didn't have to look far---he was acquainted with a woman named Eleanor, as he explains,
We were working with Eleanor Bron on ‘Help!’ and I liked the name Eleanor…I’d seen her at Peter Cook’s Establishment Club in Greek Street, then she came on the film ‘Help!’ so we knew her quite well, John had a fling with her…it was the first time I’d ever been involved with that name.”
So the first name of the lonely woman in his song was set, but how about that last name, Rigby?
In January of 1966, Paul was visiting Jane in Bristol when she was doing a play and saw a wine and spirits shop with a good name
I was in Bristol when I decided Daisy Hawkins wasn’t a good name. I walked round looking at the shops and I saw the name Rigby. You got that? Quick pan to Bristol. I can just see this all as a Hollywood musical ...
‘Then I took it down to John’s house in Weybridge. We sat around, laughing, got stoned and finished it off. I thought of the backing, but it was George Martin who finished it off. I just go bash, bash on the piano. He knows what I mean.
And that is the story Paul has always told about Eleanor Rigby. He even says in his 1966 interview with Hunter Davies,
‘All our songs come out of our imagination. There was never an Eleanor Rigby.
But Paul was very wrong about that. There WAS an Eleanor Rigby and she lived in Liverpool. She was born in 1895 and died at the age of 44 in 1939, before any of the Beatles were even born. The odd thing about this is not that Ms. Rigby had lived in Liverpool and died there, the strange thing is that she was buried at the cemetery located next to St. Peter's church in Woolton.
Her grave stone is actually very close to John Lennon's uncle George's grave. Of course this was the very church where Paul McCartney first met John Lennon during the church fete. Who would have ever thought that the place where Lennon and McCartney met had on the grounds the name "Eleanor Rigby?" Surely Paul had seen the name on the tombstone and wrote the story around the name?
Paul has always denied this has he said in 2000,
"It was either complete coincidence or in my subconscious, “I suppose it was more likely in my subconscious, because I will have been amongst those graves knocking around with John and wandering through there. It was the sort of place we used to sunbathe, and we probably had a crafty fag in the graveyard…but there could be 3000 gravestones in Britain with Eleanor Rigby on. It is possible that I saw it and subconsciously remembered it…So subconscious it may be – but this is just bigger than me. I don’t know the answer to that one. Coincidence is just a word that says two things coincided. We rely on it as an explanation, but it actually just names it – it goes no further than that. But as to why they happen together, there are probably far deeper reasons that our little brains can grasp.”
I have always just thought this was a really, really strange coincidence and just chalked it up to yet another "strange but true" story of the Beatles.
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Concert in Japan
George Harrison performing in Japan on November 28, 1991.
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Ringo and friends with Thomas
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Should have read--"Read Ivor's Column"
My first thoughts: George looks like a vampire! My second thoughts: I know the guy that really wrote the articles using George's name! If you haven't read Ivor Davis' book---you need to get it!
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The Beatles score with Fire Prevention!
This photo was taken during the press conference in Philadelphia on September 2, 1964. What is great about this is that George is pointing to the "Be Safe" part of this Fire Prevention Week poster with a cigarette. The fire chef seems to not even notice and is just happy to have photo with the Beatles for promotional things. So funny!
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That'll be the day
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Three Beatles on the stage
Something about this photo seems really iconic.
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Kicking Back
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Gordon's Gin
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James McCartney at the Bootleg in St. Louis -- concert review
I have always liked James McCartney. From way back, when he was young and I would see photos of him with his parents, I always had a tiny crush on him. And of all of the "Beatle sons" James' music is my favorite.
As you may recall, I saw James in concert in 2013 and enjoyed it. So when I heard on facebook that he was coming back to the same venue, I bought tickets the same day. They were only $15, which is extremely cheap for a concert if you ask me.
So I took my own advice from the last James McCartney concert I went to. I did not bring anything with me that was Paul McCartney or Beatles related. I knew that James is uncomfortable in front of crowds and I didn't expect a lot of banter between songs.
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I got to the Bootleg in St. Louis (previously known as The Demo) when the door opened. There were only about 4 people there. As I sat and enjoyed my Diet Coke, I was shocked to see James McCartney walk through the venue. He was alone and was carrying a guitar and had a backpack on his back. I was sitting there star-struck and everyone else that was there wasn't paying any attention.
James got on the stage and started setting up the amps. I then realized that unlike the previous concert, where James had roadies and a security guy, James was there totally alone. I tried to sneak a photo of him setting up the stage, but it didn't turn out.
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A guy from St. Louis, whose name I can't remember, was the opening act. He also was just there with a guitar and played folk-country music. By this time only 13 people were inside of the club. After the opening act, James came out and started right in on performing. He was dressed in all black and took his backpack off on stage.
He played the same electric guitar all night and sang every song from his new album "Blackberry Train" as well as a few from the JaMEs McCartney album.
James' music shows his grunge roots, which I enjoy because James is just a year younger than me and so we were teenagers at the same time and both listened to grunge bands. He is a very talented musician, although I think for this harder music a backing band would have been a better choice than doing it alone. James' voice has a good sound to it and I especially enjoyed it on some of the slower songs like "Ring ring a roses" and "Peace and Stillness."
James seemed much more relaxed performing than he had before. He interacted with the audience some. Said how it was good to be in "St. Louie, America." He was having some issues with the amp and the guitar and must have apologized 10 times for the issues. He joked a bit about how it was really hot. While stage presence is still not his strong area, he has shown improvement. Besides---do we go to a concert to hear live music or hear someone talk?
About 30 people were there for this concert, which is unfortunate because it really was a good show. But those of us were there had a great time.
After the concert, James came out to sell Cds and books. I had waited until the concert to buy "Blackberry Train" and bought it directly from James and asked him to sign it. But, just like at the last concert the CD wasn't opened and what did I do once again??? Handed it to James to open for me!
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He couldn't get it opened and so I told him that I would come back for him to sign it. Then I asked if I could get a photo with him, to which he said "of course! Come around the table!" I can't stress enough that James was very kind and polite and just a nice guy. You can tell that he had good parents that raised him well (wink wink).
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So I sat down and worked on getting my CD open and went back into the short line for him to sign it. The ladies ahead of me in line were getting photos taken with him and they asked him if he would smile for the photos. He said "I can fake a smile if you want. Maybe that is a bit nicer than the plain face I usually have."
I told him that I got the CD opened and asked if he could sign it. I told him that I look forward to hearing the CD because I enjoy his music. He looked up at me and said, "thank you." I know there is a big controversy right now about James writing his name as just a squiggle mark. I wasn't sure what type of signature I would get. I don't know why sometimes he only makes a squiggle mark. I am sorry for those of you that bought CDs online and didn't get a full signature. If you look at the signature I got, he made the squiggle mark and then signed his name.
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When I left the club, he was still at the table. I called out "Bye James!" He he looked up and sort of smiled and waved goodbye to me.
I know James gets a lot of bad press from Beatle fans and that I a lot of fans don't really like him. I still believe that he is working through personal issues of anxiety and depression. And as someone that has been going through a lot of those issues the past year, I have empathy for that. James is not his Dad. Sure he looks a LOT like him, but they aren't the same. James will never put on a show even close to what his Dad does.
Even if you have no desire to see James in concert (which is too bad), you really should get his new album "Blackberry Train." Dhani Harrison plays guitar on it and it is a great album.
*all photos (even the bad ones) were taken by Sara or Coral Schmidt. Please ask before posting any of them on your blog or page.
As you may recall, I saw James in concert in 2013 and enjoyed it. So when I heard on facebook that he was coming back to the same venue, I bought tickets the same day. They were only $15, which is extremely cheap for a concert if you ask me.
So I took my own advice from the last James McCartney concert I went to. I did not bring anything with me that was Paul McCartney or Beatles related. I knew that James is uncomfortable in front of crowds and I didn't expect a lot of banter between songs.
I got to the Bootleg in St. Louis (previously known as The Demo) when the door opened. There were only about 4 people there. As I sat and enjoyed my Diet Coke, I was shocked to see James McCartney walk through the venue. He was alone and was carrying a guitar and had a backpack on his back. I was sitting there star-struck and everyone else that was there wasn't paying any attention.
James got on the stage and started setting up the amps. I then realized that unlike the previous concert, where James had roadies and a security guy, James was there totally alone. I tried to sneak a photo of him setting up the stage, but it didn't turn out.
A guy from St. Louis, whose name I can't remember, was the opening act. He also was just there with a guitar and played folk-country music. By this time only 13 people were inside of the club. After the opening act, James came out and started right in on performing. He was dressed in all black and took his backpack off on stage.
He played the same electric guitar all night and sang every song from his new album "Blackberry Train" as well as a few from the JaMEs McCartney album.
James' music shows his grunge roots, which I enjoy because James is just a year younger than me and so we were teenagers at the same time and both listened to grunge bands. He is a very talented musician, although I think for this harder music a backing band would have been a better choice than doing it alone. James' voice has a good sound to it and I especially enjoyed it on some of the slower songs like "Ring ring a roses" and "Peace and Stillness."
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| If anyone knows how to brighten photos like these so they aren't grainy---let me know! |
James seemed much more relaxed performing than he had before. He interacted with the audience some. Said how it was good to be in "St. Louie, America." He was having some issues with the amp and the guitar and must have apologized 10 times for the issues. He joked a bit about how it was really hot. While stage presence is still not his strong area, he has shown improvement. Besides---do we go to a concert to hear live music or hear someone talk?
About 30 people were there for this concert, which is unfortunate because it really was a good show. But those of us were there had a great time.
After the concert, James came out to sell Cds and books. I had waited until the concert to buy "Blackberry Train" and bought it directly from James and asked him to sign it. But, just like at the last concert the CD wasn't opened and what did I do once again??? Handed it to James to open for me!
He couldn't get it opened and so I told him that I would come back for him to sign it. Then I asked if I could get a photo with him, to which he said "of course! Come around the table!" I can't stress enough that James was very kind and polite and just a nice guy. You can tell that he had good parents that raised him well (wink wink).
So I sat down and worked on getting my CD open and went back into the short line for him to sign it. The ladies ahead of me in line were getting photos taken with him and they asked him if he would smile for the photos. He said "I can fake a smile if you want. Maybe that is a bit nicer than the plain face I usually have."
I told him that I got the CD opened and asked if he could sign it. I told him that I look forward to hearing the CD because I enjoy his music. He looked up at me and said, "thank you." I know there is a big controversy right now about James writing his name as just a squiggle mark. I wasn't sure what type of signature I would get. I don't know why sometimes he only makes a squiggle mark. I am sorry for those of you that bought CDs online and didn't get a full signature. If you look at the signature I got, he made the squiggle mark and then signed his name.
When I left the club, he was still at the table. I called out "Bye James!" He he looked up and sort of smiled and waved goodbye to me.
I know James gets a lot of bad press from Beatle fans and that I a lot of fans don't really like him. I still believe that he is working through personal issues of anxiety and depression. And as someone that has been going through a lot of those issues the past year, I have empathy for that. James is not his Dad. Sure he looks a LOT like him, but they aren't the same. James will never put on a show even close to what his Dad does.
Even if you have no desire to see James in concert (which is too bad), you really should get his new album "Blackberry Train." Dhani Harrison plays guitar on it and it is a great album.
*all photos (even the bad ones) were taken by Sara or Coral Schmidt. Please ask before posting any of them on your blog or page.
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The Wings Girl
I don't know about all of you, but I get tired of the same old same old when it comes to who gets picked to go up on stage to meet Paul. I am tried of seeing the same people up there. I am tried of seeing pretty girls that want tattoos. I am tried of engagements. And I am tried of young girls who "picked between a new car and Paul". (Really? Paul concert and a new car should never cost the same amount).
What I love to see is new and fresh ideas make it onto the stage. The guys a few years ago that had the Abbey Road and asked Paul to join them---that was awesome. But this lady's costume is the best yet! In Paris during the One on One Tour, a beautiful fan created the costume of the "Wings Girl." She is seen predominately on the "Wings Greatest Hits" LP, but you also see her in the background of "Back to the Egg." Cosplay isn't usually a "thing" in Beatle fandom, but maybe it needs to be, because this is just amazing! I am so glad that she got her chance to show off her costume to everyone and to meet Paul in the process.
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Paul's letter to Jean
This letter and record from 1962 that Paul McCartney sent to a fan named Jean is up for auction through the Darlington Auction House later this month. How fun it must have been to have been a Beatles fan during those early days when the lads would write back to you.
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Paul---teach our child guitar!
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The white turtleneck
George rehearsing for the concert at the Royal Albert Hall on April 5, 1992. I always think of Beatle guys wearing black turtleneck shirts. The white one is throwing me off.
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The Beatles stay at Holdsworth House
On John's birthday, October 9, 1964, the Beatles performed at the Gaumont Theater and stayed the night at what at the time was called the Cavalier Country Club. They slept in the bedrooms of the owners and two Beatle fan girls. One of those girls shared her story in 2011 to the Yorkshire Post.
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John and Ringo Slept in my bed
John and Ringo Slept in my bed
It’s an occasion that Gail – and Kim – will certainly never forget. The beautiful old house at Holmfield on the outskirts of Halifax, now a hotel and restaurant, was owned by the girls’ late parents Freddie and Rita Pearson back then and was known as The Cavalier Country Club. The Pearsons’ good family friend just happened to be Stanley Corbett, the Beatles’ road manager.
“They had been playing at the Gaumont Theatre in Bradford and they needed a place to stay,” recalls Gail, who was 14 at the time – and very much a fan. “My father told me a couple of days before they arrived that they were coming and I think it was probably the hardest secret I have ever had to keep. I didn’t tell anyone though, not a soul and I remember when it had all happened and I went back to school, hardly anyone was talking to me,” she laughs.
The night in question was Friday, October 9, 1964 – John Lennon’s 24th birthday – and Gail recalls how it was around 11pm when the four Liverpool lads arrived after a bit of a diversion and the help of a police escort to keep their destination a secret – a plan which worked.
The original restaurant bill reveals that they tucked into prawn cocktail, melon, smoked trout and turtle soup, followed by steaks and duckling. Including the chauffeur’s dinner, the entire bill came to £17 6s (£17.30) – more than a week’s wages at the time.
The bar bill, including whiskies, stouts and pints of Whitbread, came to £2 15s (£2.75) but it was only Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr who unwound in the bar until 1am – John Lennon had a toothache and went to bed early.
Because the business was just a country club and not a hotel, the Pearsons had to find beds for their visitors.
“They actually ended up using ours. Can you imagine that?” says Gail.
“John and Ringo slept in what was mine and my sister’s room (room 20, now the general manager’s room) and Paul and George slept in my parents’ bedroom. They borrowed twin beds especially.
“I remember we had set up for them to have breakfast the following morning and they didn’t come down. I was walking up and down the corridor waiting. Eventually my mother grabbed me by the hand, knocked on the bedroom door where Paul and George were sleeping and thrust me inside. ‘My daughter has been waiting all morning to see you’ she said and left me there. I don’t know how she dared.”
Gail adds that George offered her a cigarette “which I refused” and asked if the old house was haunted. We’d been to Ibiza on holiday and I was chatting to Paul about that.
Kim, just eight at the time, admits the visit was “a little over my head”.
“I was very shy and remember not wanting to meet them so I hid in the ladies’ cloakroom under a dressing table. All of a sudden this hand came through the curtains, a hand with rings on practically every finger. It was Ringo and he just said ‘come out and meet the lads’.”
The girls had their photos taken each sitting on McCartney’s knee. “Kim’s came out but unfortunately mine didn’t,” says Gail.
Because it had been Lennon’s birthday the girls gave him a Cavalier Country Club tie.
“I don’t know if he ever wore it but he did remember the visit because he sent us a copy of his book In His Own Write.
Once news of the visit became public, the Pearson family was inundated with requests for souvenirs.
“We still have the brass bedsteads which were on the beds they slept in and at one time the little gold knobs on the top used to disappear from time to time,” says Gail.
“Guests at Holdsworth House today are still intrigued by the visit. We’ve had lots of famous people and celebrities stay with us over the years but The Beatles – well they were huge weren’t they?”
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Chatting with the new couple
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The Yellow Sub press preview
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Three guys in Central Park
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Buds
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