Funny Thing is Paul and Ringo Don’t Add Up to Half of the Beatles     
Jan. 21, 2009 – In a perfect world all four Beatles would be planning a huge comeback tour together and dropping by for chips and beer. A close runner up would be John and Paul doing duo acoustic shows but instead we’re left with Paul and Ringo. Certainly still the show of the year but it still leaves you wishing. Speaking with Barbara Walters, McCartney said he’s desperate to work with Ringo again.

He said, "We don't rule it out - it would be great. He's a great drummer and we're used to each other. Let's hear it for Ringo."

McCartney also came to Ringo’s defense for refusing to sign anymore autographs, "Why doesn't he sign his autographs anymore? I think that is so ballsy. If he doesn't want to spend his day writing to people, he's allowed. I love you Ringo."

 Sir Paul also added that he was proud to have worked with John Lennon, "I look back on it now and I am just very proud to have been John's collaborator. I mean we were just kids. We just lucked into each other. We were just so easy with each other."  - by John Beaudin

Rare Beatles White Album Fetches 30 Thousand on EBAY
Nov. 25, 2008 – Remember that rare numbered Beatles ‘White Album” we told you about? It sold for almost $30,000.00 (U.S.) on Ebay. The album, a 1968 mono copy with the serial # 0000005, was the only one of its kind in existence. The other Beatles had #01-04 copies.

The winning bidder has not come forward but like much Beatles memorabilia, it may be resold at a later date for much more, especially now that so much of us know about the album. According to Record Collector Magazine, this copy of the ‘White Album’ is listed as one of the 200 Rarest Records of All Time. – by Kari Graham

Paul McCartney Wants to Give you More Beatles
Nov. 17, 2008 – If three out of four Beatles say something is crap, is it? The real question is, would you still want to hear it? Paul McCartney hopes so. In an interview with BBC Radio 4, McCartney says he has this 14 minute Beatles jam called ‘Carnival of Light’ that’s improvised, "I said it would be great to put this on because it would show we were working with really avant-garde stuff." The tune is so rare it hasn’t even been bootlegged. Recorded in 1967 for the Electronic Music Festival the Million Volt Light and Sound Rave and only aired once, the tune was deemed “too adventurous” for the anthology package by George Harrison.

"I said all I want you to do is just wander around all the stuff, bang it, shout, play it, it doesn't need to make any sense," says McCartney. "Hit a drum then wander on to the piano, hit a few notes, just wander around. So that's what we did and then put a bit of an echo on it. It's very free."

McCartney now hopes to get permission from Ringo, who is the only other surviving Beatle, John's widow Yoko Ono and George's widow Olivia.

On ‘Carnival of Light’ Lennon and McCartney scream random phrases including "Are you all right?" and "Barcelona!”

According to author Mark Lewisohn, the tune features "distorted, hypnotic drum and organ sounds, a distorted lead guitar, the sound of a church organ, various effects including water gargling. Barry Miles says it’s similar to the Frank Zappa song "The Return of the Son of Monster Magnet." – by John Beaudin

Rare Beatles White Album on Sale on Ebay
Nov. 15, 2008 – Rare and Beatles. That’s a combination that’s bound to cost you lots of money. If you like the Fab Four’s ‘White Album.’ Check out this piece of history. It’s one of only 5 numbered copies of the historic album which has sold over 19 million copies.

John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr each received numbered copies 0000001 to 0000004 but you could own 0000005. This print #5 was named number 1 on the list of the 200 Rarest Records of All Time by Record Collector magazine. The album looks like any other version of the white album, this one is in mono, has an embossed title and stamped serial number.

The auction ends on Nov 23, the day after the 40 year anniversary of the albums release. At press time the bidding was up to £ 2050.00 or 3,046.29 USD. Expect it to get much higher.

Here is what the Ebay seller says about the rare 0000005 ‘White Album.’
Some years ago, this album was taken into the collectors shop named 'Vinyl Revival Records' in Newbury, Berkshire, England by a musician (they did not disclose who) who had visited John in the flat that he shared with Yoko in late 1968 (that was owned by Ringo) at 34 Montague Square, Marylebone, London W.1. The musician saw a pile of White Albums on a table and asked for one. John readily agreed, but said 'Don't take No.1 - I want that'. Instead he took No. 5'.
The album then passed into the hands of Beatles specialist dealer 'Good Humour' who then sold it to its current owner who has now commissioned me to sell it on his behalf.
You can check out the auction here : http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110312162347 – by John Beaudin

Beatles Eleanor Rigby Identity Document for Sale
Nov 14, 2008 – Paul McCartney has gone on record numerous times stating the famous Beatles song ‘Eleanor Rigby’ was about a fictitious character. Maybe not. Now a 97 year old document has surfaced containing clues that Eleanor Rigby did exist and you could buy it for as little as $775,000. The special papers are salary registers from Liverpool City Hospital which contains the name E. Rigby. The value comes in with who recently owned the document – Paul McCartney.

In 1990 Annie Mawson was trying to raise some cash for her charity the Sunbeams Music Trust (www.sunbeamsmusic.org), "I wrote ... to Paul and asked him for half a million pounds. But by the end of the letter I just said 'Look, I know you're a very caring person and I feel it's a privilege to share my story with you," says Mawson.

She adds, "Nine months later, in June 1990, this amazing envelope arrived in the post. It was nine months after I'd written to him, which was part of the mystery because you always think it ended up in the waste paper basket."

In the letter was the salary register containing the name of E. Rigby who according to the song died alone with no one to mourn her.

Interestingly, a grave was discovered in the churchyard of St. Peter's in Woolton, Liverpool baring her name. The gravesite is close to where McCartney met John Lennon in 1957.

Ted Owen, managing director of the Fame Bureau that is auctioning off the manuscript says, "I wonder just how much Paul McCartney meant to unmask when he passed it on.”

Beatles Lend Their Music To Video Game but Will It Be Like Rock Band?
Oct. 31, 2008 – It’s official. The Beatles announced a deal yesterday allowing their music to be used in a new interactive video game. MTV, Harmonix and the Beatles’ Apple Corps. LTD are banding together for a game which will take players through the entire Beatles catalogue, "This game will take you on a journey from the Beatles first album 'Please Please Me' until the last album at 'Abbey Road',” said Apple Corps CEO Jeff Jones. Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Yoko Ono and Olivia Harrison all helped out in creating the game which will offer an “experiential journey” of the band. Rumours have leaked that it will be similar to the popular Rock Band or Guitar Hero, games in which players actually play the tunes but so far there has been no confirmation of that. McCartney said in a statement. “I like people having the opportunity to get to know the music from the inside out.” The Beatles video game will be available before the end of 2009. No other details were given on the concept or rules of the game. – by Kari Graham

Beatles Ready To Monopolies Your Christmas
Oct. 27, 2008 – It only makes sense that the most popular board game in history would team up with the most popular band of all time. The Beatles are getting their own Monopoly game. The Beatles Collector's Edition of Monopoly celebrates Music and, of course, love, because to win, you need to collect love, not money. The more love you collect the more Beatles albums you get, not real estate. Six collectible Beatles themed tokens are included - Hammer, (Maxwell's Silver Hammer), Strawberry (Strawberry fields forever), Walrus (I Am the Walrus), Sun (Here Comes the Sun), Raccoon (Rocky Racoon), Octopus (Octopus's Garden). No word if there’s a section where Paul tells George how to play guitar or Yoko invents the term, “Five’s a crowd.” The game is available now. – Robbie Steiner

Ringo Starr Is sick of Your Mail
Oct. 13, 2008 – Ringo Starr seems scared to collect his mail these days. The former Beatle says he doesn’t have time to read or respond to mail anymore. On his website the famous drummer said, “I want to tell you after the 20th of October please do not send fan mail to any address you have. Nothing will be signed after the 20th of October.” Ringo says he means it, “If that is the date on the envelope, it's going to be tossed. I'm warning you with peace and love. I have too much to do. So no more fan mail. Thank you, thank you. And no objects to be signed. Nothing. Anyway, peace and love, peace and love." Honestly if I was a famous musician who got 500 pieces of mail every day I’d seriously change my name to Ashlee Simpson.

There have been fickle fan stories surrounding Ringo Starr recently. When the 68 year old said in an interview that he rarely visits his famous hometown of Liverpool, fans turned on him. Then when asked if he would ever move back to Liverpool the singer seemed disgusted causing some fans to revolt on blogs. What’s wrong wit these people? I think Ringo can live wherever he wants. By the way the name of his latest albums is ‘Liverpool 8.’ – by John Beaudin

Lennon’s Killer Feels Ashamed
Aug. 25, 2008 – Oh, here we go, Mark David Chapman, the man who killed John Lennon says he feels ashamed for killing him. Oh, really? The New York parole board released transcripts of his hearing and Chapman says he now sees the gravity of what he did. He also told them he clearly can see how it affected his wife, children and the rest of the world. Chapman said, "I recognized that 25-year-old man, I don't think he really appreciated the life that he was taking, that this was a human being. I feel now at 53 I have grown into a deeper understanding of what a human life is. I have changed a lot." Chapman claims he was seeking fame when he killed the Beatle, "I would be something other than a nobody, and that was my reasoning at the time." He killed John Lennon on December 8, 2008. He was denied parole last week. – by John Beaudin

Mark David Chapman: Lennon's killer denied parole
Aug. 12, 2008- Everyone knows what 9/11 is, same goes for December 8, 1980 – the day John Lennon was killed. Like a tragic Kennedy moment most of us remember what we were doing when we heard of Lennon’s death. Today the New York State Division of Parole denied the release of Lennon’s killer Mark David Chapman. The statement said it was, "due to concern for the public safety and welfare." Even Yoko Ono, Lennon’s widow has said in the past that she would fear for her life if Chapman were released, she went on to say she though Chapman’s life would also be in danger. Read more

Paul McCartney Enjoying Route 66
August 8, 2008 – Can you imagine cruising down the classic Route 66, wind in your hair, you turn to the car next to you and there’s Paul McCartney waving hello? It could happen. Sir Paul and new girlfriend Nancy Shevell are taking a road trip down the old highway in a classic 1989 Ford Bronco on route to Nancy’s home in the Hampton’s, New York.

While taking a rest stop last Saturday the famous pair almost lost their ride. While stopping at the Joliet Area Historical Museum, Illinois, they parked illegally and were almost towed. Can you imagine being the guy who towed Paul McCartney? Not a good calling card. Read more

Paul and Ringo Want “Let it Be’ to Disappear
August 6, 2008 – If you’ve ever seen the Beatles film ‘Let it Be’ you’ll remember it depicts 4 guys who don’t really seem to like each other anymore. The film is the quintessential glimpse of a band on its last leg, maybe not musically but personally. The two surviving Beatles, also the two members actually first shown in the movie, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr would rather the film just go away. The pair wants the re-release of the 1970 film to be derailed.

An insider said, "There has been talk of 'Let It Be' finally being released but now there has been a change of heart. The Beatles are still a massive global brand and it's felt it won't be helped if the public sees the darker side of the story. Read more

Paul McCartney Set to Party in Quebec
July 4, 2008 – It doesn’t get much better than this! Paul McCartney is attending a huge birthday party for Quebec’s 400th. Even better, it’ll be a free concert on the Plains of Abraham.

The ex-Beatle gave this message via video tape - "I am doing a gig, a big gig, in Quebec City on July 20 to help Quebec celebrate their 400th Anniversary. That is a long time.” – by John Beaudin

Rare Beatles Interview To Air on BBC
July 3, 2008 – Beatles fan Richard Jeffs struck gold when he discovered a rare interview with the Beatles in a garage 44 years after it was first recorded. The TV interview had lost its video but the audio was still good and the BBC plans to air the rare clip on Tuesday. Paul McCartney and John Lennon talk about their song writing partnership on the 9 minute tape. Scottish Television recorded the clip in April 1964 during the height of the first wave of Beatlemania. – by John Beaudin

People We Love to Hate – Heather Mills, Ignored at Party.
June 9, 2008 – Ever get the feeling Heather Mills loves attention? Ever notice no one cares? The former Mrs. Paul McCartney was speaking at an event this past weekend and no one seemed to notice. Mills reportedly went nuts on the crowd when most of the attendants continued to speak over her speech on cruelty to puppies at a New York party. One source says she said, 'Listen up at the back. I haven’t been up for 24 hours and flew here from London to be ignored.' She was later quoted as saying “People go to these events, have a drink and leave." more

Paul McCartney is King
June 2, 2008 – It was a McCartney love-in yesterday in Liverpool as the king of all music came home. Appropriately, McCartney’s new girlfriend multi-millionaire heiress (at least this one’s not after his money) Nancy Shevell cheered him on during the show. Shevell sat with Paul’s kids Mary, 38, Stella, 36 and James, 30. After all the drama with Heather Mills it seems the whole world wants Sir. Paul to just be happy and he seemed that way touring Liverpool with Nancy. He also introduced her to George Harrison’s widow, Olivia Harrison and John’s widow, Yoko. Go have some fun you crazy kids. – by John Beaudin

Paul McCartney and Foo Fighters Dave Grohl Together!
May 30, 2008 - Can this get any better? On Sunday, Paul McCartney is set to play in his hometown at Liverpool FC's Anfield stadium. Sir Paul says playing to the folks that really know him is always special and Foo Fighters Dave Grohl will play a new tune with the famous Beatle. Remember we all loved John Lennon's primal screams that gave the Beatles a real edge but Paul was also a rocker and this could be the start of something bigger. These two guys will probably sound fantastic together. Stay tuned. - by John Beaudin

Who Says Paul McCartney Hates Mick Jagger?
May 6, 2008 – Like an old tired urban legend there’s always been a belief that Paul McCartney has had this on-going rivalry with Mick Jagger. True? Well, in the sixties there could have been some competition between the Beatles and Rolling Stones which probably made both bands work harder. It’s all good now, however, McCartney considers Jagger one of his closest friends so it seems fitting that one would ask the other for advice. McCartney who is ready to kick off a world tour later in the year asked Jagger for tips on touring while in your sixties. A source close to the story confirmed that first the two are close friends and secondly there was advice exchanged, "Mick has advised him to take a relaxing break before he embarks on the tour and then to try and factor one or two days more than usual between shows if possible. He said that it is the travelling that is the really tiring thing."

The Stones ended a long tour last August when Jagger was 64 and McCartney turns 66 next month. - by John Beaudin

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