Mark is doing the world a great service by creating a fuller knowledge of Beatles history. Some of his sources won't exist forever, so it's important to get the information while it's possible.
That was great! In 1963 my first job at the age of 15 was a messenger boy for Fleetway Publications in Farringdon Street. Fleetway launched a magazine called Fabulous ( later Fab 208 ) and The Beatles came to the photographic studio to shoot the front cover of the first issue. I was a huge fan of theirs and followed them all round the corridors of Fleetway House. I then joined the Beatles fan club and was lucky enough to win a ticket to the first fan club convention at Wimbledon Palau’s in December 1963. Me and 3000 girls where crammed into the place and we got to shake hands with all four Beatles, filing past them in the Long Bar. They gave a concert after that and were on stage inside a wire cage for protection. Pandemonium ensued, girls fainting, jelly babies flying and I couldn’t hear a thing. Great memories.
That was a mad awesome story and I admit I get envy with peeps who were able to see the BeaTles live in concert and peeps that got to meet and were able to work with the BeaTles.. I'd sell me soul (well almost😆) to have a job of Mr. Mark Lewisohn to just have the life to write about the BeaTles life Day to day and what they did each day like recording in the studio, doing shows before they stopped touring..making videos of their songs, idk I can't think of doing something better than that (oki the Stones would be mad awesome too😏)
This American Life did a lovely story about the husband-and-wife comedy duo who were on the bill with the Beatles for the first Sullivan appearance. They said at one point a young man they'd never seen before comes into the green room and bums money off them for the vending machine, saying, "Buy us a Coke, love." Only later did they learn it was John Lennon.
Fascinating. “Tune in’ is, without a doubt, the best book written about The Beatles. After reading it I emailed Mark and told him about when I met the group at Bangor, North Wales, and obtained their autographs. He kindly replied and sent me some photos of them all in that very same room I was in. I doubt if I’ll still be here to read volumes 2&3 but I live in hope.....👍🍷
If he never writes another sentence at the very least he took us with THEM every step from school to Hamburg to Liverpool to the brink of stardom no one has seen before or since. He’s all that. Just like his subject matter.
To me the amazing thing was the organic nature of how they came together-what are the odds. Its different when 3 or 4 guys meet up after hanging out in clubs in and this is the 4th or the 14th band for them after they left their little hometown. They all kind of moved up the food chain with each band they were in but here, a 16 year old John meets a 14 year old Paul and a year later, Paul brings his 13 year old friend from school named George over to meet John and poof-the nucleous is formed. All living within a few miles of each other in a region not known for musicality at the time
Lewisohn is a down-to-earth researcher who's doing a superb job. It always a pleasure to hear him speak. I hope I don't die of covid19 (or cancer, etc) until I have the opportunity to read all the trilogy.
It struck me that many of us that were old enough to understand the contemporary world that saw the advent of the Beatles are approaching their "freshness date." That's also known as "good until (some future date)." My curiosity about the Beatles and the transformation of our world is part of my greater need to know "what exactly happened back then" about world events. It's thought that dementia or the loss of the "will to live" are contributors to death. If so, my mind and curiosity will far outlive my bodily functions to learn the truth.
@@gmb858 For me it is a fantastic sensation to see new insights on old friends (songs, books, movies, TV shows) in the era of information. This revisiting is most gratifying. I'm 60 now -- dunno how much longer I have (does anyone?).
Love listening to Mark at any time, so absorbing of information, as he said himself, "he is a sponge" Thank god for the world he is. He deserves his place popular music! 👍😄🎼😇
I hope Mark finishes volume 2 before I depart this mortal coil. My time is running out and I’d be so disappointed not to read the really good bit. Carpe diem Mr Lewisohn. ☮️ & ❤️
I agree with Mark, and have always said to people that The Beatles' story is the best story in the World. The most interesting, exciting and astonishing story I have ever heard - and we are all involved in it in some way or other. A splendid time is guaranteed for all!
@@opticscolossalandepicvideo4879 Please pardon my late reply, I’ve been without WiFi. Yes, in response to your question, I could only speculate, you’d really have to the great man himself. He has mentioned, on certain occasions, his need, “to put food on the table”, and it must be remembered that all these appearances generate interest and demand for the product.
@@joeleigh-corrigan7762 less talking more writing. He has chosen to do this journey entirely by himself which is absolutely foolish there are multitudes of partners one could use here He gets no sympathy. He is really bad about time management. He pisses away thousands of hours to the detriment of the people who want to read his books. He can release year by year accounts instead of releasing a book like its 1980.
@@opticscolossalandepicvideo4879 I can’t decide what impressed me more, your prompt reply or the assured confidence with which you criticise Mark’s modus operandi. You could well be right about a yearly release and much of the other points you’ve raised. I couldn’t possibly take issue with you, I’m not a writer nor am I researcher, I suspect you might be both. My fear is that fate might intervene and we don’t receive the next two instalments. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed “tune in”, in my humble opinion, it far surpasses all the other histories in my possession. Again, thank you so much for your response, much appreciated.
@@joeleigh-corrigan7762 i am passionate fan like you - I have invested in Mark Lewisohn since 1986 and 1988 recording sessions - I am a fairly well-read and insightful Beatles fan for nearly my entire life - I find Mark Lewisohn endlessly fascinating and amazingly perceptive - I am getting on in age and i have to be critical of a man who is researching and writing these books as if its still 1975 - It is a crime and a shame if this great man doesn't finish - However - my fault with him is not personal - I respect him and his incredible insight and knowledge - But my man - one doesn't write and research with a feather and Quill or pore through microfilm - one changes with the times and Mark has multiple people who can research and help him within the community - Yet - this simple man wants to do it all himself at the risk of his own sanity and further to the detriment of his loyal and passionate fan base - Lewisohn is 63 year old this year - If he has to do another 15 years to finish - That is bad for everyone - I just hope that if the inconceivable happens i.e inability to finish, nervous breakdown, illness -that crown publishing has a back-up plan and we can rely on others in the community - Chip madinger - Ken Womack or Jason Kruppa to carry that weight and finish the job - Mark eloquently stated that the Beatles deserves the greatest musical biography of all time - On that - we can all agree - It just doesn't have to be one person - And that's the name of that tune
Having read the extended edition 3 times i am always struck by their collective belief that something would happen . They seem to have had inklings that they were destined for greatness. Thanks for the books mark . Long live the beatles. Alan hampson
Funny thing, the Wright brothers knew they would fly and all they had to do was figure out HOW!!! some people seem to have that connection to the greater plan or whatever it is.
Graham Nash nailed it in an interview saying we were all doing the circuit together but you could just not stop looking at them they just had something that you could not pull your eyes away from them. Find that such an I interesting observation because The Hollies were very very good themselves. Interestingly their name was derived from Buddy Holly just as The Beatles were with their play on words with a variation to Crickets. Really enjoyed Vol 1 the most definitive but defiantly momentum needed for vol 11 & 111. As to what other bands might of had as their toppermost chant, here's one.. Freddie And The Dreamers : Where we going lads? Response: Dagenham Freddie! 😎👍
Just brilliant. I could listen to this stuff all day! I bought the audiobook of 'Tune In' after watching this interview and have been enjoying it through lockdown and beyond (it is 43+ hours long!). It's fab! 😃
Good luck,Mark.I can't wait to read volumes two and three when they come out.Volume One was superb,so detailed.I plan to buy the extended version of volume one soon as I have heard nothing but good reviews of it.Stay safe.
Mark Lewisohn, I read your book "Tune In", billed as Volume I of what will be a three volume history of the Beatles. The book was brilliant. The research you did was incredible. I'm waiting for Volume I I.
If Mark ever finishes writing all these books, I vow to take long service leave to do nothing but read all editions of it, cos I’ll probably be that old by then and have been in my current job that long-I wish he’d finish the project, but I’m becoming increasingly pessimistic that he ever will unfortunately. I emailed Mark once and he kindly replied but I feel bad now that he must get bombarded by people like me contacting him all the time and stopping him working-I know we’re the ones who buy his books and all but maybe the best thing he could do now, especially during lockdown is just shut out the world even more, bunker down and get the head down to the grindstone ever more and write those bloody books. Otherwise it will just be the stoppermost of the the poppermost story ever :(
Don’t feel badly; I sent him an email and received an answer. The little tidbits of information in no way warranted a response but he responded kindly. He truly embodies the best spirit and energy of the Beatles; the sharing and communal journey. Think of the broadcast around the World in 1967, the moving film of the audience during the filming or Hey Jude, or the dozens of concerts where the boys gave it their all and genuinely connected with their fans.
@@65TossTrap thanks mate, I appreciate your reply and reassurance and the Fabs references you threw in were so apposite and inspiring-I just want Mark to finish and give us the Beatles books we all so badly want and need now, before it all ends up as a Let It Be scenario...stay safe, strong and hopeful of the goods to come!
The Beatles worked there music into my life back in 1964 like the rest of us. After being spellbound by them for 50 something years John Lennon really summed it up the best; We were 'just' a rock band that made it very big. I guess love does really exist.
Hal Blaine played drums on Pet Sounds plus other Beach boy records, and the Crystals, the Ronnetts and lots more. Hal was the drummer in the "wrecking crew"
He was the session drummer who played on Pet sounds and tracks by the Ronnets, plus he was the "wrecking crew" drummer. Played on tracks by the Crystals, Neil Diamond, Frank Sinatra and lots more, the guy was a legend. Only died a few years ago!
I do hope he gets to writing it soon. You can't have every detail in the book, he's bound to miss something. He's also talking about a fourth book in the series going up to 1974 when they signed the final breakup paperwork so good health to you, Mark....
There is a Great RU-vid channel called StuSutcliffe. The guy plays Guitar using vintage Beale instruments and plays along to Pre Capital Beatles recordings .Very interesting to Guitarists like myself or Fans who might like to see the actual fingers in the correct chord sequences along with the Great solo lines from all 3 Beatles & the occasional Stu playing as well !
I used to have that album that they show @ 14:49. It's just interviews various members of the press had with them while they were on tour during Beatlemania. It's some pretty banal conversations but it was also pretty interesting from what I remember. The Beatle's humor always came through. I remember one reporter asking Ringo in total seriousness: "Do you ever get a haircut?" And Ringo: "Of course. It would be down round me ankles if I didn't."
I saw the Hornsey Road show last year and really enjoyed it. I can't understand why no TV producers have come forward to make a programme of it. I'm sure it would be shown on the BBC and would sell on dvd / bluray.
Well, that was fascinating and the three of you chat so easily together. Can we have more, please? Kicking myself that I missed Mark's tour. In 2017 I had a tour of the Casbah Coffee Club with Rory Best, Pete's brother, who was able to give first-hand accounts. It was pretty much as it was back in the late 50s.
Greetings from Sydney Australia. Wow great video guys. I found this by accident. I am so looking forward to Mark's new book. I have the standard and extended editions of "Tune In" and am partway through volume 1 of the extended version. It's an absorbing read, but sadly I haven't found the time to get back into it. I'm working my job still through this pandemic here. I really need resume reading it. BTW the OCD in me wants to straighten out those LP's or at least tilt them back on the shelves. Lol. Cheers guys. 😏
I'd love Mark to do another show like the Abbey road one. I saw him do that in the Epstein Theatre in Liverpool at the end of last year and it was mindblowing for a Beatles fan. I got to meet him afterwards and he was really nice guy. He is the Toppermost of music Historians for me.
i have the real name and address of Billy J Kramer written in his hand in my rolodex. unbeknownst to me my uncle Gus used to do his taxes and he was at my grandmothers funeral .he just sat there answering my questions and just talking. what a cool thing to have happen to a big Beatle fan. he told me to call anytime of which i never did but what a nice guy he was and no doubt still is. he wrote Billy j Kramer in quotes then under it his real name and then his address. to have both on the same paper has to be an anomaly right? this was in 92 btw. im only mentioning it here in celebration of Mr Lewison
Please Everyone, it's really very, very hard to write more than one page a day when all they let you use is a crayon.. The keepers at the home are so strict... Lary
Up till recently I thought I had volumes 1 and 2 already. Turns out it is volume one in two parts, each of which is a ‘special extended edition’ and cost me an arm and a leg on Kindle. I do remember thinking blimey hell really have to skim over the detail of the years 1962-70 in the last third of the book.
The fact is that "The Beatles" never "peaked". They consolidated their position as top in the world by about mid-1965 -- and they continued to grow from there until they broke up.
It's a joy to hear Lewisohn say that The Beatles story is the best story ever. I know people who still don't 'get it', still wheel out that old well-trodden reasoning that the Beatles can't be the greatest because there are far far FAR better musicians in the next street never mind out there somewhere in history. One could end up frothing at the mouth with the hundreds of arguments pro-Beatley to counter that. I tend to simply bring out the quote of Mikhail Gorbachev. Other than that though there are miracles and mysteries and mythologies galore in the story UNLIKE anything else ever in history. Lennon's story alone, let alone The Beatles, is singularly remarkable and without precedents. Except perhaps in the story of Christ. Not that I'm comparing them to Jesus. I'm not saying they're any better or comparing thrm to Jesus as a person or a thing. I just said it....and it was wrong....etc.etc.
I would to find out if the 2:05 mix of I'll Cry Instead is in the vaults of Abbey Road.The mono's been issued here in the States as early as '64 on A Hard Day's Night,Something New and the 45.
Bachdenkel used to say as they drove up towards Paris through the night "we must be getting close to Orleans" whenever the giggling became uncontrollable over some inane comment...
Writing this comment at Xmas 2020. A short preview clip from the forthcoming Peter Jackson ‘Get Back’ film has had 2.5 million views in the last 3 days. It beggars belief really. Tomorrow is the 60th anniversary of the Litherland gig referred to in this podcast.
For me there’s only one other band that could compete to the Beatles in term of historical importance and that’s Grateful Dead, 3 of the original members are still playing live. Apparently Bob Weir has played Madison Square Gardens 250 times as Donald Trump said as he introduced Bob Weir’s band once in 2006. Jerry Garcia was involved in Bluegrass and rock and roll loved Chuck Berry and Bo Diddely also Richie Valens before the Dead going back to the late 1950’s
I like Patti Smith's pre gig chant; "Where do we work? In the fields What do we use? Marshalls WHAT DO WE GROW. Wheat! How do we get itFree! What's this? War! What's this Rock and Roll!"
Just of interest, Mr Hepworth, regarding the album-clad backdrop to your good self in these clips....according to the instructions on the white inner sleeve of a mono Decca album I played earlier, "records should be stored upright with no appreciable pressure against their surfaces and not leaning one way or another." Just saying! :)
personally I think the only british band to channel the beatles is the la's there she goes, listen to the original version and listen to that glorious beatle esque ending
I'd love to go to Paul McCartney's house and have a wander around the place, to see the different artwork that must be on all the walls......and to think he's been there since mid sixties.
There is a video he did not that long ago,...I think it was with the bloke who gets celebrities to have a sing-a-long in their cars...anyhow he visited his old home in Forthlin road.
Love M.L. but his glaring deficiency is his lack of importance of Mona Best, her place the Casbah, her support and financing of Beatles gear, her bookings at her place and the Cavern sort of handing off to Allan Williams. She had Neil Aspinall's kid - and Neil aka the 5th or 6th Beatle if you want to consider G Martin - was tight with the boys AND Pete who finally at LEAST as Mona's kid was "there" and because of the Hamburg gig basically saved and forged what would become the Beatles; and this is aside from ANY bs who was better Ringo or Pete on drums - that's NOT the point (most people don't know Ringo wasn't hired as a full member hence his fear of them "pulling a Pete") the ultimate equal fact is - No Pete - No Beatles. He logged the most time and hours period, the end in a period that if the Beatles DIDN'T get that Hamburg residency then what??? Life moved FAST back then...they had no drummer....Ringo was in a #1 band in Hamburg so you see.... THAT'S my problem with anybody that disagrees with the reality of it and maybe it's because Paul and Ringo are still alive (let alone iced their good friend in thin and thick and never spoke to him again) - I'd almost bet you my life that's why the real truths won't come out from writers with a lot to lose; but nothing I mention here isn't on record as fact. 🥁
I agree. I think that Pete's story/impact/etc. was minimized because he didn't want to compromise his relationship with Paul and Ringo IMO. He was disappointed that his relationship with George Martin ended because he exposed personal details ( quite rightly) Mark told me ( via email) that he is comfortable with what he put in the book and what he did not put in the book regarding Pete Best. I don't buy it. Think about this....what did the Beatles think and feel about "this guy" who lived in a 15 room mansion, had a set of Premier drums, and had a club in his basement in which they could practice and perform. Today in 2020 that would be an absolute dream for a musician to have or be a part of. When I was a kid (1970's) playing in a band I couldn't even imagine having what they had. I know that Pete's story hasn't been told, but deserves much more given that he was a part of the crucible that created the Beatles.Pete's story should have been told with the same care, depth, and due diligence that Mark paid to the other members at least to the point that he was replaced. Ringo was a late add in....don't get me wrong... I can't imagine the Beatles without him. Just saying.
Even though I feel this way, I would still recommend that If you could only read 1 book about the Beatles it has to be his. Both versions. I have, and read, both a couple of times. It's like having a time machine. Absolutely excellent detail, thorough, and a balanced perspective. It's because Mark's work is so amazing that I know that there's a lot more to be said about Pete.
@@paulnicosia9154 Well said, especially the part about the Premieres - when all Richie had was a set of Trixons and then a bastard mix-n-match set w/Premiere kick. After Paul passes some stories might come out...children will come out of the woodwork, books will be written - I just hope people older than dirt like me that lived those years in real time will be alive to have some more puzzle pieces filled in. 👀🎸
Great post what do you guys think about conspiracy theorists who say other writers wrote some of Beatles songs ? Thanks again very enjoyable half hour 👍👍
How about the 23 minute version of Revolution. No offence but why was it recorded with Yoko talking over it? Was it really recorded at the time of the White Album ...Or?
I guess Mark has been working on the research for all three volumes simultaneously, but is he working on the writing of Volume 2 and Volume 3 simultaneously too? The point of this question being - will the gap between the publication of Volumes 2 and 3 be shorter than the gap between 1 and 2?
