Abbeyrd Beatles Page news headlines for 9/14/03

Update (9/14/03) from Beatle News Briefs

- Update: Johnny Cash and John Ritter dead: More Beatles connections and some rare pics

- Update: Apple suing Apple Computer again: More links.

- McCartney Red Square concert to air this fall: Video online.

- Update: Beatles chart news

- "The Beatle Years" -- upcoming shows

- Quick news links: Fall fashion takes a hint from "A Hard Day's Night."

Abbeyrd Beatles Page news headlines for 9/13/03

Update (9/13/03) from Beatles News Briefs

-- George Harrison among 2004 nominees for Rock Hall of Fame

-- Update: Apple suing Apple Computer again: Statement from Apple

-- "Let It Be" . . . finally?: It's on. Really ...

-- OT: Johnny Cash and John Ritter dead: Beatles connections

-- Paul and Heather news: Another pic of Paul and Heather

-- Quick news links: Yoko supports gay high school

George nominated for Rock Hall of Fame

George Harrison is among the 2004 nominees for the Rock Hall of Fame, along with Prince, John Mellencamp, Jackson Browne, the Sex Pistols, Gram Parsons, Black Sabbath, Bob Seger, the Stooges and Traffic, reports the Cleveland Plain Dealer. George is already in the Hall as a member of the Beatles, but this nomination is for his solo work. Paul McCartney and John Lennon are already members of the Hall for their solo work. If Harrison is admitted, only Ringo won't be a member for his solo career.

All we can say is...it's about time for George...now, how about Ringo?

Beatles sue Apple Computer

The news we posted this a.m. about a possible lawsuit by the Beatles against Apple has now been confirmed. Here's a statement issued by the Beatles today:

APPLE CORPS LTD TODAY RELEASED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT

"Apple Corps Ltd, the company owned by Mrs Lennon, Sir Paul McCartney,
Richard Starkey and the Estate of George Harrison confirms that legal proceedings
were commenced on 4th July in the High Court, Chancery Division, in London
against Apple Computer Inc, seeking damages and an injunction to enforce the terms
of an agreement made in 1991. The Agreement was concerned with the future use
of the name "Apple" and use of the companies' respective well known logos of
apples. Specifically complaint is made over the use by Apple Computer of the
word "Apple" and apple logos in conjunction with its new application for
down-loading pre-recorded music from the Internet."

"Let It Be....Naked" ... is on...

We've just been reassured by a source close to the Fabs that the "Let It Be" CD is indeed on and will be released Nov. 18.

We can all breathe a sigh of relief...

Johnny Cash ... John Ritter

I woke up this a.m. to the stunning news that both Johnny Cash and John
Ritter have passed away. Johnny Cash, an artist I dearly loved, had been ill
for some time. Never got to see him in concert, unfortunately, though I'd
always wanted to. But I loved his work, especially his albums for the
American label. I recommend them highly. The most recent one, his fourth for
them, has a cover of "It's My Life" on it. Cash had been ill for some time,
and his death wasn't totally a surprise. But what was really sad, and
probably led to his death, was the sudden recent death of his wife, June
Carter, with whom he performed on stage.

You can't think of John Ritter and not think of "Three's Company." It was a
popular show, even if it wasn't TV at its most intellectual. The sad thing
here is Ritter was only 54....

Our condolensces to both families.

Cash obit: http://www.cnn.com/2003/SHOWBIZ/Music/09/12/cash.obit/index.html
Ritter obit: http://www.cnn.com/2003/SHOWBIZ/TV/09/12/ritter.obit/index.html

steve

Abbeyrd Beatles Page news headlines for 9/12/03

Update (9/12/03) from Beatle News Briefs

- Paul planning new album: Paul working at Abbey Road Studios?

- Report: Apple suing Apple Computer again

- Paul on "Larry King" show Saturday

- Ringo 2003 All-Starr Band tour news: Link.

- McCartney Red Square concert to air this fall: Newspaper review.

- Magazine alerts: paulmccartney/fm

- Quick news links

Abbeyrd Beatles Page Beatle News Briefs news headlines for 9/11/03

Update (9/11/03) from Beatle News Briefs

- "Let It Be" . . . finally?: Is it on or off?

- The Concert for George news reports: Links.

- Quick news links: Autographed "Double Fantasy" lawsuit

To the RIAA: Lawsuits aren't the answer

Now that the RIAA has begun filing lawsuits against alleged file sharers -- the same people who they would like back as customers (interesting customer relations!) -- isn't it time they wised up and did what they really should be doing?

The answer is simple: Create an industry sponsored peer-to-peer site. Give the customers what they want. The customers will get the music they want, and the industry will get money for their music.

It's so simple. You'd think one of those million-dollar industry execs would think of this instead of making lawyers rich and filing lawsuits that create nothing but bad will. Some people are now saying they will never buy CDs anymore. That's not what the industry wants to hear. It's a kind of spin they'd rather avoid.

In the end, will they satisfy the customers? Will record stores dwindle even more than they already have? Only time will tell.

One thing's for sure: Consumers want their music. And they'll get it, despite the lawsuits.

Abbeyrd's Beatles Page news headlines for 9/10/03

Update (9/10/03) from Beatle News Briefs

- Paul planning new album: More tidbits

- Ringo 2003 All-Starr Band tour news: First San Diego tour finale fan review

- The Concert for George news reports: Movie-DVD press release.

- Update: Stella marries on Scottish isle: Stella's wedding music.

- Update: Ringo selling live CD of Casino Rama show: OK, where is it? An answer from the source.

- "Let It Be" . . . finally?: We won't "Let It Be."

- Quick news links: BBC recalls "Yesterday."

It's a Simon and Garfunkel reunion ...

Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel announced today they're doing their first tour in over 20 years beginning Oct. 18 in Detroit.

I don't know about you, but outside of fantasizing for a Beatles reunion which can never happen, this is probably the greatest news we could ever hope to get.

In the '60s, Simon and Garfunkel were one of those groups (the Byrds were another) who represented the same all-around musical excellence the Beatles achieved. And where there were four Beatles, there was only two members of Simon and Garfunkel. That excellence was balanced on both shoulders.

Forget that Simon wrote most of the songs. Even though he gained a measure of solo success later on (part of the reason that Simon and Garfunkel split was Simon's determination to go solo), it wasn't the same. The sound, the combination of talents, was missing. It wasn't Simon and Garfunkel.

So, welcome back, Simon and Garfunkel. There are no more sounds of silence as far as your fans are concerned. You're back -- and we're cheering.

steve

Concert for George press release

Here's the text for the Concert for George film release (and later DVD). Thanks to Amber H.:


New Documentary Film Celebrates the Music of George Harrison Through Performances by Legendary Musicians

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 9, 2003 -- Concert For George in U.S. Theatres Oct. 3
for Limited Theatrical Release; Musical Director Eric Clapton Performs with Harrison's Closest Friends

Rock music's most celebrated musicians gathered at Royal Albert Hall in London on Nov. 29, 2001, to pay tribute to one of their own, the legendary George Harrison, on the one year anniversary of his death. On that magical night, Harrison's closest friends gathered to perform a collection of his music for a
live audience. Concert For George is far more than a concert film; it is a soulful cinematic tribute to a musician whose vision transcended the ordinary and whose talents contributed to a revolution in the music industry.

Under the musical direction of Harrison's longtime friend Eric Clapton, the film captures an emotional gathering of musicians such as Jeff Lynne, Paul McCartney, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Billy Preston and Ringo Starr. Truly a rare moment in music history, this documentary showcases these legends of
music not likely to perform together on the same stage again. Concert For George is masterfully directed by famed British director David Leland, whose credits include Wish You Were Here (BAFTA winner), HBO's Band of Brothers television series and The Traveling Wilburys video Handle With Care. The film transports
viewers to Royal Albert Hall, beautifully shot, digitally remastered and recorded in 5.1 surround sound.

The film will open theatrically on Oct. 3 in New York, Los Angeles and select regional markets.

"The Concert For George was all I hoped it would be. The glue that held it
together was our love for George. I don't think I've ever heard a band play with
so much emotion and respect," said Olivia Harrison.

"All I wanted to do was really share our love for George and his music," said
Eric Clapton of his vision for the Concert For George.

"George kept up a relationship with everybody on that stage like old friends,
old pals on stage, hanging out in rehearsals and backstage with everybody. It
was a great way of getting closure, because we all had our stories and our
memories and our laughter and our sad points of view, and it was just so great
to be around all these people for me, that you could laugh and cry about, you
know different moments in our life that George had touched," said Ringo Starr.

All proceeds from the concert, the film and the DVD will go to The Material
World Charitable Foundation, founded by Harrison in 1973.

About The Production

A @radical.media Production, produced by Ray Cooper, Harrison's longtime film
producing partner, Olivia Harrison and Jon Kamen, the documentary is meant as
a celebration and tribute to George Harrison's extraordinary musical career.

Under the direction of Leland and Director of Photography Chris Menges, the
film captures the beauty of Royal Albert Hall from more than a dozen camera
locations. The film was shot in High Definition and digitally mastered with sound
recorded in 5.1 surround. The entire producing team was aware that the
concert had an intimate feel that night -- a feeling that required non-intrusive
camera points and discreet filming. The result is a unique experience that truly
makes viewers feel as if they've taken a seat in Royal Albert Hall and have an
emotional connection to the music and the performers. The legendary Eric
Clapton, who created a palette of music spanning Harrison's entire career, oversaw
the complete musical effort as Musical Director. Harrison's longtime music
producing partner, Jeff Lynne (also of The Traveling Wilburys), performed as
well as collaborated on audio elements of the concert. A few special interviews
and backstage moments are woven into the film, giving viewers a sense of the
extraordinary bond Harrison shared with his friends and family, and how deeply
they felt for him.

About The Performance

Each musician in the Western lineup had a personal friendship with George,
and many from the Indian orchestra were chosen because of their history with
George. The group spent three emotional weeks rehearsing George's songs and
collectively grieving the loss of their dear friend.

Eric Clapton led the performers through music from George Harrison's spanning
much of George's career. Clapton led the band with Jeff Lynne singing "I Want
To Tell You," "Inner Light" and "Give Me Love." Tom Petty performed "Taxman"
and "I Need You" along with the Wilburys' number, "Handle With Care." Ringo
Starr brought the crowd to an emotional peak with "Photograph," a song he
co-wrote with Harrison. Paul McCartney played a bit of ukulele, one of Harrison's
favorite instruments, and joined the band for "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" and
"For You Blue." The audience was treated to the Monty Python team performing
some of Harrison's favorite skits, including participation from surprise guest
Tom Hanks. The show also pointed to Harrison's spiritual side with Anoushka
Shankar and a 16-piece orchestra of Indian musicians performing a special
composition by her father and Harrison's mentor, Ravi Shankar. The piece was
entitled Arpan, meaning offering.

Joe Brown closed the evening with the old standard, "I'll See You In My
Dreams," a loving and appropriate sentiment.

About The Material World Foundation

The Material World Charitable Foundation was established by George Harrison
in 1973 to sponsor diverse forms of artistic expression and to encourage the
exploration of alternative life views and philosophies. The Foundation also
supports established charitable organizations with consideration to those with
special needs. Funds for the activities of the Foundation have and will continue
to come from copyrights donated by George Harrison.

Concert For George will be distributed internationally by ArenaPlex LLC. The
DVD of Concert For George will release in November 2003 worldwide. For more
information, please also visit www.concertforgeorge.com

Abbeyrd Beatles Page news headlines for 9/9/03 from Beatle News Briefs

Update (9/9/03) from Beatle News Briefs

- Paul planning new album: A new producer?

- Ringo 2003 All-Starr Band tour news: New tour pics, first Phoenix review, L.A. guest performer identified.

- Update: Ringo selling live CD of Casino Rama show: OK, where is it?

- "Let It Be" . . . finally?: "Get Back" to basics.

- The not so magical mystery of Brazil's Paul McCartney "Sold" album

- Sad news: Warren Zevon passes away

- Magazine alerts: Daytrippin'

- Quick news links: A license for Lennon.

steve

Sad news: Warren Zevon passes away...

Warren Zevon, the musician best known for the song "Werewolves of London," passed away Sunday at his home in Los Angeles from lung cancer, reports the Associated Press. He was 56. His wry, morbid sense of humor made him a joy to listen to. We will miss him.

Don't let it be, Apple!

The recent postponement of the much awaited "Let It Be" DVD (which, dare I say it, is more anticipated than "Let It Be Naked," as they calling the CD version that didn't get postponed) sparked a flurry of emails to us ruminating about various reasons and bemoaning Apple all over again.

There's really no point to that, is there? It's been proven time and again that Apple will do what they want when they want and not a minute before ... and certainly not in answer to pleas from us lowly Beatles fans.

Still, you'd think after all this time Apple might ... we say, might just get things together. It does seem, as one letter writer pointed out, that every time a really great project is in the works, it gets pushed back.

Maybe if they didn't announce things until they were almost upon us, as happened with the BBC album. (Which they strangely took out of print shortly after so it wouldn't compete with the Anthology ...huh?? It's back, now, but why deprive fans of it for that reason?)

But no one can keep a secret ... not when there's a tour to promote or a solo album to sell.

Here's hoping we see that "Let It Be" DVD sometime in this century.

By the way, certainly someone at Apple must be tearing their hair out over the fact that "Let It Be Naked" (stupid name) AND "The Concert For George" DVD are coming out the very same day. Hopefully, Olivia won't be forced to change her date. The more stuff the merrier, we always say...

Comments: Send 'em here.

Abbeyrd Beatles Page news headlines for 9/8/03 from Beatle News Briefs

Update (9/8/03) from Beatle News Briefs

- Paul and Heather news: Report: Heather and Stella patch things up

- Update: Allan Williams rushed to hospital after fall: Getting better.

- Ringo 2003 All-Starr Band tour news: Universal Amphitheater, Los Angeles, fan review.

- Update: Benton, Ill.,benefit cancelled.

- Update: Stella marries on Scottish isle: Honeymoon pic

- "Breakfast With the Beatles," hosted by Dennis Mitchell -- the latest show online

- Quick news links: Strange Paul album listing.