The Beach Boys and The Monkees will forever be remembered as two of the best pop bands ever — even if they constantly get compared to The Beatles. During their peak era, The Beach Boys and The Monkees had the same number of chart-topping singles. One band managed to have another chart-topper years later.
The Beach Boys and The Monkees both evolved from bubblegum to psychedelia
The Beach Boys did very well for themselves in the 1960s. The Billboard Book of Number 1 Hits says they had three No. 1 singles during that decade. They were “I Get Around,” “Help Me, Rhonda,” and “Good Vibrations.” Those songs encapsulate the band’s pea period pretty well. The first two show off the band’s bubblegum/doo-wop side, while “Good Vibrations” is one of their prime psychedelic experimentations.
During the same decade, The Monkees also had three No. 1 hits. They were “Last Train to Clarksville,...
The Beach Boys and The Monkees both evolved from bubblegum to psychedelia
The Beach Boys did very well for themselves in the 1960s. The Billboard Book of Number 1 Hits says they had three No. 1 singles during that decade. They were “I Get Around,” “Help Me, Rhonda,” and “Good Vibrations.” Those songs encapsulate the band’s pea period pretty well. The first two show off the band’s bubblegum/doo-wop side, while “Good Vibrations” is one of their prime psychedelic experimentations.
During the same decade, The Monkees also had three No. 1 hits. They were “Last Train to Clarksville,...
- 4/27/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Madonna‘s Ray of Light is many things but it’s not a trashy album. Despite this, seven of the songs from Ray of Light might’ve ended up in the trash. One of the producers from the album recalled an experience that terrified him while he was working for the Queen of Pop.
A producer lost a tape with songs from Madonna’s ‘Ray of Light’
Patrick Leonard was one if the power players in Madonna’s career. He co-wrote many important songs with her, including “Frozen,” “Like a Prayer,” “La Isla Bonita,” “Cherish,” and “Live to Tell.” During a 2017 interview with Boy Culture, Leonard recalled something that happened to him when he worked on Ray of Light , the most important techno album of all time. “I had a terrifying experience,” he remembered. “When we were leaving Miami, having written them, I had a cassette that just said ‘M...
A producer lost a tape with songs from Madonna’s ‘Ray of Light’
Patrick Leonard was one if the power players in Madonna’s career. He co-wrote many important songs with her, including “Frozen,” “Like a Prayer,” “La Isla Bonita,” “Cherish,” and “Live to Tell.” During a 2017 interview with Boy Culture, Leonard recalled something that happened to him when he worked on Ray of Light , the most important techno album of all time. “I had a terrifying experience,” he remembered. “When we were leaving Miami, having written them, I had a cassette that just said ‘M...
- 4/26/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In 1969, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr recorded The Beatles song “Get Back.” In 1972, Ringo Starr released a solo song that had some strikingly similar elements to The Beatles’ hit. He admitted he copied part of the song.
Ringo Starr took inspiration from a Beatles song in his career as a solo artist
Much of The Beatles’ experience recording Let It Be was agonizing. Beatles producer George Martin said the album was such an “unhappy” one that he was surprised the band reunited to record Abbey Road (per The Beatles Anthology). Still, there were some bright spots in the recording process. Starr said they enjoyed working together when they felt they were recording a good track.
“‘Get Back’ was a good track. I felt, ‘This is a kick-a** track.’ ‘Don’t Let Me Down’ also,” Starr said. “They were two fine tracks. Quite simple and raw — back to basics.
Ringo Starr took inspiration from a Beatles song in his career as a solo artist
Much of The Beatles’ experience recording Let It Be was agonizing. Beatles producer George Martin said the album was such an “unhappy” one that he was surprised the band reunited to record Abbey Road (per The Beatles Anthology). Still, there were some bright spots in the recording process. Starr said they enjoyed working together when they felt they were recording a good track.
“‘Get Back’ was a good track. I felt, ‘This is a kick-a** track.’ ‘Don’t Let Me Down’ also,” Starr said. “They were two fine tracks. Quite simple and raw — back to basics.
- 4/25/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Who may have popularized guitar smashing, but John Lennon said The Beatles were tearing up the stage long before the other band. Before The Beatles wore neatly matching suits and sang behind gates and police barricades, they played sweaty, chaotic shows. Lennon described these early performances as violent.
John Lennon said The Beatles were tearing up the stage years before The Who did
In The Beatles’ early years, they played in cramped clubs to frenzied audiences. In order to keep up with their grueling performance schedule — it had them playing multiple shows a day — they began taking stimulants. As they combined these with alcohol, they were often as agitated as their audience.
“We were frothing at the mouth,” George Harrison said in The Beatles Anthology. “Because we had all these hours to play and the club owners were giving us Preludins, which were slimming tablets. I don’t think they were amphetamine,...
John Lennon said The Beatles were tearing up the stage years before The Who did
In The Beatles’ early years, they played in cramped clubs to frenzied audiences. In order to keep up with their grueling performance schedule — it had them playing multiple shows a day — they began taking stimulants. As they combined these with alcohol, they were often as agitated as their audience.
“We were frothing at the mouth,” George Harrison said in The Beatles Anthology. “Because we had all these hours to play and the club owners were giving us Preludins, which were slimming tablets. I don’t think they were amphetamine,...
- 4/25/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
As Anthony D’Amato preps backstage at Sony Hall in midtown Manhattan, it’s hard not to notice his six-foot height, horn-rimmed glasses — and the name “Amy” in large black letters on the side of his head. It’s not a tattoo, just black liquid eyeliner easy to wash off, but it suits the occasion. In a few minutes, the New Jerseyan and his 12-piece band will walk onstage, take their places beneath an LED sign lit up with Amy Winehouse’s first name and a simulation of her signature beehive,...
- 4/25/2024
- by David Browne
- Rollingstone.com
The Beatles were the best rock ‘n’ roll band ever, but there was one way in which Michael Jackson surpassed them. The King of Pop was simply a better entertainer than the Fab Four. That is not to say he always made superior music — but the “Thriller” singer had some gifts that The Beatles did not.
1 way Michael Jackson’s era was better than The Beatles’
The Beatles gave the world many of the best and most innovative pop songs of all time, including “Tomorrow Never Knows,” “Strawberry Fields Forever,” and “A Day in the Life.” However, their live performances never quite lived up to the magic they made in the studio. They would play professionally, but they weren’t much for razzle-dazzle. They were a band of their time. The Beatles stopped making music before 1970s acts like David Bowie, Kiss, and Alice Cooper revolutionized live shows and made them more theatrical.
1 way Michael Jackson’s era was better than The Beatles’
The Beatles gave the world many of the best and most innovative pop songs of all time, including “Tomorrow Never Knows,” “Strawberry Fields Forever,” and “A Day in the Life.” However, their live performances never quite lived up to the magic they made in the studio. They would play professionally, but they weren’t much for razzle-dazzle. They were a band of their time. The Beatles stopped making music before 1970s acts like David Bowie, Kiss, and Alice Cooper revolutionized live shows and made them more theatrical.
- 4/25/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Madonna is the Queen of Pop, but that doesn’t mean that everyone is going to respect her as an artist. The writer behind “Like a Prayer” and other Madonna hits revealed what he thought of her as a person and why some singers are labeled “real artists.” He also discussed his issues with the modern music industry.
Madonna’s songwriter revealed his opinion on alleged ‘real artists’
Patrick Leonard is a songwriter who is primarily known for co-writing hits with the Queen of Pop. Leonard’s collaborations with Madonna include “La Isla Bonita,” “Like a Prayer,” “Live to Tell,” “Frozen,” and “Cherish.” You’ll be hard-pressed to find a 1980s nostalgia station that doesn’t play some of those songs. During a 2017 interview with Boys Culture, Leonard discussed his relationship with the Material Girl. “There’s always been mutual respect, and I think that it isn’t often where...
Madonna’s songwriter revealed his opinion on alleged ‘real artists’
Patrick Leonard is a songwriter who is primarily known for co-writing hits with the Queen of Pop. Leonard’s collaborations with Madonna include “La Isla Bonita,” “Like a Prayer,” “Live to Tell,” “Frozen,” and “Cherish.” You’ll be hard-pressed to find a 1980s nostalgia station that doesn’t play some of those songs. During a 2017 interview with Boys Culture, Leonard discussed his relationship with the Material Girl. “There’s always been mutual respect, and I think that it isn’t often where...
- 4/25/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Danny Boyle's lo-fi 2002 zombie apocalypse film "28 Days Later" caused a stir in the horror community for its grainy digital photography (shot by Anthony Dod Mantle) and for its introduction of "fast zombies" into the pop vernacular. The zombies in "28 Days Later" were, unlike most movie zombies seen up to that point, fast-moving and vicious rather than mindless and shambling. It is credited for breathing new life into the zombie genre, followed as it was by other zombie hits like the "Dawn of the Dead" remake, George Romero's "Land of the Dead," and the hit 2010 series "The Walking Dead." "28 Days Later" also tapped into a lot of America's post-9/11 ennui, presenting hard-edged images of urban desolation. Everyone felt like the world had ended, and Boyle aesthetically agreed.
"28 Days Later," penned by "Civil War" director Alex Garland, was followed by a sequel in 2007 called "28 Weeks Later,...
"28 Days Later," penned by "Civil War" director Alex Garland, was followed by a sequel in 2007 called "28 Weeks Later,...
- 4/24/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Bohemian Rhapsody should have been the final nail in the music-biopic coffin––instead, its near-billion box-office gross ensured it became Hollywood’s go-to template for a movie in this mold. Going beyond merely emulating its Walk Hard-like adherence to over-simplifying the highs and lows of a career within a neat three-act structure, director Sam Taylor-Johnson’s Amy Winehouse biopic Back to Black goes one further in how it ghoulishly holds the singer accountable for many of the tragedies and misfortunes she suffered. Remember how the surviving band members of Queen came across as responsible family men as the long-departed Freddie Mercury was chastised for addiction issues? Matt Greenhalgh’s screenplay, his second for Taylor-Johnson after the John Lennon biopic Nowhere Boy, goes one further by obfuscating the full extent of the bad influences in her life that heightened her years-long battle with substance and alcohol abuse, depicting the singer as...
- 4/23/2024
- by Alistair Ryder
- The Film Stage
After being discovered in an attic, John Lennon’s famous Help! guitar is headed to auction as part of the upcoming “Music Icons” sale at Julien’s Auctions on May 29 and 30.
Both Lennon and George Harrison played the Framus 12-string Hootenanny acoustic guitar while making Help! — both the album and accompanying film — as well as Rubber Soul. Lennon can be seen strumming it in the performance of “You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away” in the Help! movie, while it’s distinct 12-string shimmer also graced songs like “Help!”, “It’s Only Love,...
Both Lennon and George Harrison played the Framus 12-string Hootenanny acoustic guitar while making Help! — both the album and accompanying film — as well as Rubber Soul. Lennon can be seen strumming it in the performance of “You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away” in the Help! movie, while it’s distinct 12-string shimmer also graced songs like “Help!”, “It’s Only Love,...
- 4/23/2024
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
After decades of creating subversive art and music, Yoko Ono will receive a lifetime achievement award. MacDowell, an organization that offers artists residencies, will honor the artist with its Edward MacDowell Medal at an event in Peterborough, New Hampshire, this summer.
Ono, 91, is not expected to attend the ceremony, though. Her longtime manager, David Newgarden, will accept the award on her behalf during the presentation on July 21. The event will include an opening of MacDowell’s studios.
“It’s an incredible honor that my mother, Yoko Ono, will be awarded the MacDowell Medal,...
Ono, 91, is not expected to attend the ceremony, though. Her longtime manager, David Newgarden, will accept the award on her behalf during the presentation on July 21. The event will include an opening of MacDowell’s studios.
“It’s an incredible honor that my mother, Yoko Ono, will be awarded the MacDowell Medal,...
- 4/22/2024
- by Kory Grow
- Rollingstone.com
Childish Gambino is rolling out a new era of music. On Monday’s episode of his Gilga Radio show, the musician played two new songs featuring Kid Cudi and Kanye West, and also announced an arena run of shows called The New World Tour.
After playing Olivia Rodrigo’s “Obsessed” on the radio show and a voice declaring, “If Childish Gambino wants to do something, you let him do it,” Gambino debuted the new Kanye track, seemingly titled “Say Less.”
“You n—-s talk shit. You n—-s cheapskates. You n—-s talk show.
After playing Olivia Rodrigo’s “Obsessed” on the radio show and a voice declaring, “If Childish Gambino wants to do something, you let him do it,” Gambino debuted the new Kanye track, seemingly titled “Say Less.”
“You n—-s talk shit. You n—-s cheapskates. You n—-s talk show.
- 4/22/2024
- by Tomás Mier
- Rollingstone.com
Fat White Family are arguably best known for their on-stage nudity and confrontational use of Nazi imagery in their work. Their 2019 album Serfs Up!, however, found the South London provocateurs finally putting as much effort into their music as they have their public antics. On Forgiveness Is Yours, the band continues to hone their songwriting and musicianship, with genre pastiches ranging from psychedelic folk (“John Lennon”), orchestral pop (“Religion for One”), conga-driven disco (“Bullet of Dignity”), and danceable post-punk (“Polygamy Is Only for the Chief”). Think Serge Gainsbourg and Leonard Cohen meets Pulp.
Singer Lias Saoudi employs a trendy sprechgesang on tracks like “The Archivist” and “Today You Became a Man.” Impressively, he spends the latter song reading paragraphs’ worth of text, compellingly describing his older brother’s circumcision (without anesthesia) at the age of five, accompanied by skittering percussion and gurgling electronics. Saoudi addresses his Algerian heritage with a typically barbed touch,...
Singer Lias Saoudi employs a trendy sprechgesang on tracks like “The Archivist” and “Today You Became a Man.” Impressively, he spends the latter song reading paragraphs’ worth of text, compellingly describing his older brother’s circumcision (without anesthesia) at the age of five, accompanied by skittering percussion and gurgling electronics. Saoudi addresses his Algerian heritage with a typically barbed touch,...
- 4/22/2024
- by Steve Erickson
- Slant Magazine
John Lennon and the rest of The Beatles were the subject of fan obsession for years. Even today, The Beatles have fans who love to discuss and defend the band. Lennon was always appreciative of his fans, as they buoyed his success. Still, he couldn’t defend some of their behavior. He shared the type of fan he did not like to see at the band’s shows.
John Lennon found a fan irritating at a concert
The Beatles played their shows behind barriers and police protection in order to keep them safe from anyone who might storm the stage. Still, some people managed to get close to the band. Lennon recalled one show in which a fan stole his hat, which he found incredibly frustrating.
“It [the San Francisco show] was wild. Some little lad got my hat,” he said in The Beatles Anthology. “Somebody like him doesn’t really care about the show anyway,...
John Lennon found a fan irritating at a concert
The Beatles played their shows behind barriers and police protection in order to keep them safe from anyone who might storm the stage. Still, some people managed to get close to the band. Lennon recalled one show in which a fan stole his hat, which he found incredibly frustrating.
“It [the San Francisco show] was wild. Some little lad got my hat,” he said in The Beatles Anthology. “Somebody like him doesn’t really care about the show anyway,...
- 4/18/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In 1979, Fleetwood Mac released Tusk, an experimental album that was a stark departure from Rumours. The album was not as commercially successful as its predecessor and, while critics liked it, they didn’t think it stacked up to the band’s 1977 magnum opus. Still, it drew some comparisons to The Beatles. Some critics didn’t use the comparison as a compliment, though.
Critics compared a ‘Fleetwood Mac’ album to The Beatles
The stormy dynamic that hung heavy over the Rumours recording sessions followed Fleetwood Mac into the studio as they worked on Tusk. Lindsey Buckingham seized creative control and his bandmate’s songs didn’t fit all that snugly into his vision. As a result, the album sounded like a mismatched collection of songs instead of a cohesive whole. This quality, some critics said, evoked The Beatles’ White Album.
“[F]leetwood Mac‘s Tusk represents both the last word in lavish...
Critics compared a ‘Fleetwood Mac’ album to The Beatles
The stormy dynamic that hung heavy over the Rumours recording sessions followed Fleetwood Mac into the studio as they worked on Tusk. Lindsey Buckingham seized creative control and his bandmate’s songs didn’t fit all that snugly into his vision. As a result, the album sounded like a mismatched collection of songs instead of a cohesive whole. This quality, some critics said, evoked The Beatles’ White Album.
“[F]leetwood Mac‘s Tusk represents both the last word in lavish...
- 4/17/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Decades after their fathers last collaborated, John Lennon and Paul McCartney’s sons have put out a new song. James McCartney and Sean Ono Lennon have brought back the famous Lennon-McCartney songwriting credit on “Primrose Hill,” their new single. Here’s what James McCartney — and his father — have said about the song.
John Lennon and Paul McCartney’s sons have a new song
In 2024, James McCartney released “Primrose Hill,” a song he co-wrote with Sean Ono Lennon.
“I had a vision as a child in Scotland, on what was a lovely summer’s day,” he wrote in a post on Instagram. “Letting go, I saw my true love and saviour in my mind’s eye. ‘Primrose Hill’ is about getting the ball rolling with me & finding this person.”
James McCartney and Paul McCartney | Donna Ward/Getty Images
Both Sean and James have worked as solo artists for years, but “Primrose Hill” is their first collaboration.
John Lennon and Paul McCartney’s sons have a new song
In 2024, James McCartney released “Primrose Hill,” a song he co-wrote with Sean Ono Lennon.
“I had a vision as a child in Scotland, on what was a lovely summer’s day,” he wrote in a post on Instagram. “Letting go, I saw my true love and saviour in my mind’s eye. ‘Primrose Hill’ is about getting the ball rolling with me & finding this person.”
James McCartney and Paul McCartney | Donna Ward/Getty Images
Both Sean and James have worked as solo artists for years, but “Primrose Hill” is their first collaboration.
- 4/17/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Today, Disney+ announced that Let It Be, director Michael Lindsay-Hogg’s original 1970 film about The Beatles, will launch exclusively on Disney+ on May 8, 2024. This is the first time the film is available in over 50 years.
First released in May 1970 amidst the swirl of The Beatles’ breakup, Let It Be now takes its rightful place in the band’s history. Once viewed through a darker lens, the film is now brought to light through its restoration and in the context of revelations brought forth in Peter Jackson’s multiple Emmy Award-winning docuseries, The Beatles: Get Back. Released on Disney+ in 2021, the docuseries showcases the iconic foursome’s warmth and camaraderie, capturing a pivotal moment in music history.
Let It Be contains footage not featured in the Get Back docuseries, bringing viewers into the studio and onto Apple Corps’ London rooftop in January 1969 as The Beatles, joined by Billy Preston, write and...
First released in May 1970 amidst the swirl of The Beatles’ breakup, Let It Be now takes its rightful place in the band’s history. Once viewed through a darker lens, the film is now brought to light through its restoration and in the context of revelations brought forth in Peter Jackson’s multiple Emmy Award-winning docuseries, The Beatles: Get Back. Released on Disney+ in 2021, the docuseries showcases the iconic foursome’s warmth and camaraderie, capturing a pivotal moment in music history.
Let It Be contains footage not featured in the Get Back docuseries, bringing viewers into the studio and onto Apple Corps’ London rooftop in January 1969 as The Beatles, joined by Billy Preston, write and...
- 4/16/2024
- by Mirko Parlevliet
- Vital Thrills
Let It Be, the long-unavailable Holy Grail film among Beatles fans, will return for public consumption on May 8 with an exclusive launch on Disney+, the streamer announced today.
Directing by Michael Lindsay-Hogg, the 1970 film about The Beatles has been unavailable for broadcast or public screenings more than 50 years, leaving fans to scrounge around for old low-quality laserdiscs and VHS copies from the ’80s.
First released in May 1970 amidst the swirl of The Beatles’ breakup, Let It Be has been restored and will take its place in the context of revelations brought by Peter Jackson’s docuseries The Beatles: Get Back released on Disney+ in 2021.
Let It Be contains footage not featured in the Get Back docuseries, “bringing viewers into the studio and onto Apple Corps’ London rooftop in January 1969 as The Beatles, joined by Billy Preston, write and record their Grammy Award-winning album Let It Be, with its Academy Award-winning title song,...
Directing by Michael Lindsay-Hogg, the 1970 film about The Beatles has been unavailable for broadcast or public screenings more than 50 years, leaving fans to scrounge around for old low-quality laserdiscs and VHS copies from the ’80s.
First released in May 1970 amidst the swirl of The Beatles’ breakup, Let It Be has been restored and will take its place in the context of revelations brought by Peter Jackson’s docuseries The Beatles: Get Back released on Disney+ in 2021.
Let It Be contains footage not featured in the Get Back docuseries, “bringing viewers into the studio and onto Apple Corps’ London rooftop in January 1969 as The Beatles, joined by Billy Preston, write and record their Grammy Award-winning album Let It Be, with its Academy Award-winning title song,...
- 4/16/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
The songwriting duo of Lennon-McCartney — that is, Sean Ono Lennon and James McCartney, the sons of The Beatles’ John Lennon and Paul McCartney — have unveiled a new song called “Primose Hill.”
“Primrose Hill,” released as a single by McCartney, marks the first time he has collaborated with his “good friend,” Lennon (who served as a co-writer on the track). Take a listen below.
“I had a vision as a child in Scotland, on what was a lovely summers day,” McCartney said of the song. “Letting go, I saw my true love and saviour in my mind’s eye. ‘Primrose Hill’ is about getting the ball rolling with me & finding this person.”
“Primrose Hill” is only the second new song released by McCartney since 2016. Back in February, he put out a comeback single called “Beautiful.”
As for Lennon, he recently released his own new solo album Asterisms. He also received an...
“Primrose Hill,” released as a single by McCartney, marks the first time he has collaborated with his “good friend,” Lennon (who served as a co-writer on the track). Take a listen below.
“I had a vision as a child in Scotland, on what was a lovely summers day,” McCartney said of the song. “Letting go, I saw my true love and saviour in my mind’s eye. ‘Primrose Hill’ is about getting the ball rolling with me & finding this person.”
“Primrose Hill” is only the second new song released by McCartney since 2016. Back in February, he put out a comeback single called “Beautiful.”
As for Lennon, he recently released his own new solo album Asterisms. He also received an...
- 4/15/2024
- by Alex Young
- Consequence - Music
Rank Film (distributor) Three-day gross (Apr 12-14) Total gross to date Week 1. Back To Black (Studiocanal) £2.7m £2.7m 1 2. Kung Fu Panda 4 (Universal) £1.8m £17.3m 3 3. Civil War (Entertainment Film) £1.6m £1.8m 2 4. Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire (Warner Bros) £1.2m £11.9m 3 5. Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (Sony) £787,034 £14.1m 4
Gbp to Usd conversion rate: 1.26
Studiocanal’s Amy Winehouse biopic Back To Black led the UK and Ireland box office this weekend with a £2.7m debut.
Sam Taylor-Johnson’s feature, starring Marisa Abela as the late singer, opened in 719 cinemas – the widest of the year so far – making for a £3,853 location average.
It is...
Gbp to Usd conversion rate: 1.26
Studiocanal’s Amy Winehouse biopic Back To Black led the UK and Ireland box office this weekend with a £2.7m debut.
Sam Taylor-Johnson’s feature, starring Marisa Abela as the late singer, opened in 719 cinemas – the widest of the year so far – making for a £3,853 location average.
It is...
- 4/15/2024
- ScreenDaily
Michael Jackson‘s “Beat It” proved that the King of Pop could be the King of Rock when he wanted to be. While “Beat It” has an iconic music video, it isn’t Jackson’s best rock tune. It might not even be his second-best rock tune. Here’s a look at Jackson, the rock star.
Michael Jackson’s ‘Beat It’ isn’t as good as ‘Give In to Me’
“Beat It” is musically violent, but it’s a song about pacifism. That’s an oddball choice if there ever was one. When John Lennon sang about nonviolence, he wrote folk ditties and pop ballads. Meanwhile, Jackson tries to instill peace, love, and understanding in his listeners while hitting them over the head with Eddie Van Halen’s guitar. In its own strange way, “Beat It” works beautifully, but it’s hard to accept Jackson as the sort of person...
Michael Jackson’s ‘Beat It’ isn’t as good as ‘Give In to Me’
“Beat It” is musically violent, but it’s a song about pacifism. That’s an oddball choice if there ever was one. When John Lennon sang about nonviolence, he wrote folk ditties and pop ballads. Meanwhile, Jackson tries to instill peace, love, and understanding in his listeners while hitting them over the head with Eddie Van Halen’s guitar. In its own strange way, “Beat It” works beautifully, but it’s hard to accept Jackson as the sort of person...
- 4/15/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Director Sam Taylor-Johnson and her husband, actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson, went all black for the world premiere of Back to Black, a film about the late singer Amy Winehouse, at the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square in London.
The couple twinned in fashionable outfits. Sam stunned in a black dress while Aaron sported black from shoulders to shoes.
Last year, Sam, 57, shared photos of her and Aaron, 33, doing poses together during their end-of-summer vacation getaway.
The couple has been married since 2012. Despite their decades-long age difference, they are happy together. They share two daughters, Wylda and Romy.
In an exclusive interview with uInterview in 2009, Sam revealed why she cast Aaron as John Lennon in her film Nowhere Boy – and then fell in love with him.
“I saw a lot of people, and no one really came to the audition with that ability to carry such a role, and I knew that Aaron...
The couple twinned in fashionable outfits. Sam stunned in a black dress while Aaron sported black from shoulders to shoes.
Last year, Sam, 57, shared photos of her and Aaron, 33, doing poses together during their end-of-summer vacation getaway.
The couple has been married since 2012. Despite their decades-long age difference, they are happy together. They share two daughters, Wylda and Romy.
In an exclusive interview with uInterview in 2009, Sam revealed why she cast Aaron as John Lennon in her film Nowhere Boy – and then fell in love with him.
“I saw a lot of people, and no one really came to the audition with that ability to carry such a role, and I knew that Aaron...
- 4/13/2024
- by Gianna Stephens
- Uinterview
Madonna‘s live performances take a lot of inspiration from the theatrical rock of the 1970s, so it makes sense that her “provocative performances” started with one song by The Who. In middle school, she performed one of The Who’s most famous songs in school and was shunned by her peers. Eventually, that sort of controversy would work out in her favor. However, this doesn’t mean Madonna ever looked at herself as cool or a trendsetter.
Madonna said her brothers introduced her to songs by The Who and The Rolling Stones
During a 2009 interview with Rolling Stone, the Queen of Pop revealed that she has a rockin’ side. “Everyone thinks I was born in a disco,” she said. “My older brothers were in the basement listening to The Who and The Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan, [Led] Zeppelin’s ‘Whole Lotta Love,’ The Who’s ‘Baba O’Riley.'...
Madonna said her brothers introduced her to songs by The Who and The Rolling Stones
During a 2009 interview with Rolling Stone, the Queen of Pop revealed that she has a rockin’ side. “Everyone thinks I was born in a disco,” she said. “My older brothers were in the basement listening to The Who and The Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan, [Led] Zeppelin’s ‘Whole Lotta Love,’ The Who’s ‘Baba O’Riley.'...
- 4/11/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
When Sam Taylor-Johnson started working on her Amy Winehouse biopic, Back to Black, she asked screenwriter Matt Greenhalgh to listen to one of Winehouse’s tracks, “Tears Dry on Their Own,” before he started writing. “I kept saying in those early days, ‘I feel like this song is our path to understanding her,’ ” Taylor-Johnson says.
In the deceptively upbeat single about Winehouse’s tumultuous relationship with her on-again, off-again love, Blake Fielder-Civil, she sings, “It’s my responsibility/And you don’t owe nothing to me.”
For Taylor-Johnson, 57, that line spoke to something largely misunderstood about Winehouse, the English singer who died of alcohol poisoning in 2011: Just 27, she left behind an outsize cultural impact. Winehouse’s defining album, Back to Black, sold more than 16 million copies worldwide, and her unique mix of jazz and soul with punk-era defiance would go on to influence artists like Adele, Lady Gaga and Billie Eilish.
In the deceptively upbeat single about Winehouse’s tumultuous relationship with her on-again, off-again love, Blake Fielder-Civil, she sings, “It’s my responsibility/And you don’t owe nothing to me.”
For Taylor-Johnson, 57, that line spoke to something largely misunderstood about Winehouse, the English singer who died of alcohol poisoning in 2011: Just 27, she left behind an outsize cultural impact. Winehouse’s defining album, Back to Black, sold more than 16 million copies worldwide, and her unique mix of jazz and soul with punk-era defiance would go on to influence artists like Adele, Lady Gaga and Billie Eilish.
- 4/10/2024
- by Rebecca Keegan
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
For her “unofficial” 2009 John Lennon biopic Nowhere Boy, Sam Taylor-Johnson had so little music to work with that the opening chord of “Hard Day’s Night” pretty much had to carry the whole movie. You might think that history would repeat for Back to Black, the short but fast-lived story of Amy Winehouse, who rose to international fame in her teens and never saw 28, never mind 30. Surprisingly, the Winehouse estate is all in, and although one might argue that the singer’s trainwreck notoriety has been slightly snow-washed to protect the living, there’s still a surprisingly hard edge here, in a rare film that gives rock ’n’ roll agency to a woman for once, like a reverse-angle Sid & Nancy.
In a way, any music biopic is off to a bad start, since there’s always going to be the curse of symmetry: everything must square with what we already know,...
In a way, any music biopic is off to a bad start, since there’s always going to be the curse of symmetry: everything must square with what we already know,...
- 4/9/2024
- by Damon Wise
- Deadline Film + TV
Sam Taylor-Johnson’s best film to date is more interested in romance and creativity than demons or blame
‘Her demons were probably worse’: does Back to Black reveal the real Amy Winehouse?
The last time Sam Taylor-Johnson directed a movie about drugs it was A Million Little Pieces in 2019, based on James Frey’s notoriously inauthentic memoir of addiction – and the last time she made a film about a music legend it was Nowhere Boy in 2009, about John Lennon.
Now she brings the two together in what’s easily her best work so far: an urgent, warm, heartfelt dramatisation, scripted by Matt Greenhalgh, of the life of Amy Winehouse, the brilliant London soul singer who died of alcohol poisoning at 27 in 2011. It’s a movie with the simplicity, even the naivety, of a fan-tribute. But there’s a thoroughly engaging and sweet-natured performance from Marisa Abela as Amy – though...
‘Her demons were probably worse’: does Back to Black reveal the real Amy Winehouse?
The last time Sam Taylor-Johnson directed a movie about drugs it was A Million Little Pieces in 2019, based on James Frey’s notoriously inauthentic memoir of addiction – and the last time she made a film about a music legend it was Nowhere Boy in 2009, about John Lennon.
Now she brings the two together in what’s easily her best work so far: an urgent, warm, heartfelt dramatisation, scripted by Matt Greenhalgh, of the life of Amy Winehouse, the brilliant London soul singer who died of alcohol poisoning at 27 in 2011. It’s a movie with the simplicity, even the naivety, of a fan-tribute. But there’s a thoroughly engaging and sweet-natured performance from Marisa Abela as Amy – though...
- 4/9/2024
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
Fans regularly make film biopics about famous musicians successful, but they also love to nitpick the results. Or to misquote Ian Curtis, the lead singer of Joy Division and the subject of a rather good musical biopic (Control), love will tear apart any work of fan service if it screws up the story, paints the subject in too unflattering a light or, worst of all, mangles the music with impersonations that barely rise above the level of karaoke. (Consider, if you dare, Kevin Spacey as Bobby Darin in Beyond the Sea.)
On the other hand, there’s also something irksome about biopics that have actors lip sync to the original songs, like Naomi Ackie did for I Wanna Dance With Somebody or, much less successfully, Dennis Quaid in Great Balls of Fire! Especially if that means access to the original recordings or even rights to the songs in the first...
On the other hand, there’s also something irksome about biopics that have actors lip sync to the original songs, like Naomi Ackie did for I Wanna Dance With Somebody or, much less successfully, Dennis Quaid in Great Balls of Fire! Especially if that means access to the original recordings or even rights to the songs in the first...
- 4/9/2024
- by Leslie Felperin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Donovan’s “Sunshine Superman” isn’t just a classic rock song — it’s a song with an incredible backstory. Donovan collided with The Beatles and Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin when he recorded the tune. Page went on to help Donovan record another one of his classics.
‘Sunshine Superman’ singer Donovan, The Beatles, and Led Zeppelin were at Abbey Road
During a 2016 interview with Billboard, Donovan discussed the recording of “Sunshine Superman.” “Mickie Most, my producer, asked, ‘What do you want on it.’ I said, ‘Harpsichord. I want jazz guitar.’ He said, ‘Ok, I’ll bring a great guitar player, a jazz band and classical instruments.’ John Cameron arranged it. We arrived at the session at Abbey Road, and next door was The Beatles.”
Subsequently, a future member of Led Zeppelin played on the track. “We started the session, and in walks Jimmy Page,” the Hurdy Gurdy Man said. “I couldn’t believe it.
‘Sunshine Superman’ singer Donovan, The Beatles, and Led Zeppelin were at Abbey Road
During a 2016 interview with Billboard, Donovan discussed the recording of “Sunshine Superman.” “Mickie Most, my producer, asked, ‘What do you want on it.’ I said, ‘Harpsichord. I want jazz guitar.’ He said, ‘Ok, I’ll bring a great guitar player, a jazz band and classical instruments.’ John Cameron arranged it. We arrived at the session at Abbey Road, and next door was The Beatles.”
Subsequently, a future member of Led Zeppelin played on the track. “We started the session, and in walks Jimmy Page,” the Hurdy Gurdy Man said. “I couldn’t believe it.
- 4/9/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Director Sam Taylor-Johnson and her husband, actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson, arrive for the world premiere of her film, Back To Black, held at the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square on Monday (April 8) in London, England.
Also at the event that day were the film’s stars, Marisa Abela, who portrays the late Amy Winehouse in the film, as well as Jack O’Connell and Eddie Marsan.
Here’s the official synopsis: The extraordinary story of Amy Winehouse’s early rise to fame from her early days in Camden through the making of her groundbreaking album, Back to Black that catapulted Winehouse to global fame. Told through Amy’s eyes and inspired by her deeply personal lyrics, the film explores and embraces the many layers of the iconic artist and the tumultuous love story at the center of one of the most legendary albums of all time. Watch the trailer here!
Aaron, 33, recently responded...
Also at the event that day were the film’s stars, Marisa Abela, who portrays the late Amy Winehouse in the film, as well as Jack O’Connell and Eddie Marsan.
Here’s the official synopsis: The extraordinary story of Amy Winehouse’s early rise to fame from her early days in Camden through the making of her groundbreaking album, Back to Black that catapulted Winehouse to global fame. Told through Amy’s eyes and inspired by her deeply personal lyrics, the film explores and embraces the many layers of the iconic artist and the tumultuous love story at the center of one of the most legendary albums of all time. Watch the trailer here!
Aaron, 33, recently responded...
- 4/8/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
The Beatles‘ The White Album is their most eclectic record. In spite of its mix of styles, one rock star said he influenced 75% of the album — and he has a quote from George Harrison to back that up. Notably, the star recalled helping John Lennon write an emotional ballad for the album.
The Beatles’ ‘White Album’ was inspired by the guitar playing style of another rock star
Donovan is a singer known for folk tunes like “Catch the Wind,” “There Is a Mountain,” and “Colours,” as well as psychedelic tracks like “Sunshine Superman,” “Hurdy Gurdy Man,” and “Mellow Yellow.” He was there during The Beatles’ storied trip to India to learn about meditation from the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. During a 2013 interview with Performing Songwriter, he discussed how he influenced The Beatles at that time.
“John looked at me playing guitar one day and said, [imitating Lennon] ‘How do you do that?...
The Beatles’ ‘White Album’ was inspired by the guitar playing style of another rock star
Donovan is a singer known for folk tunes like “Catch the Wind,” “There Is a Mountain,” and “Colours,” as well as psychedelic tracks like “Sunshine Superman,” “Hurdy Gurdy Man,” and “Mellow Yellow.” He was there during The Beatles’ storied trip to India to learn about meditation from the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. During a 2013 interview with Performing Songwriter, he discussed how he influenced The Beatles at that time.
“John looked at me playing guitar one day and said, [imitating Lennon] ‘How do you do that?...
- 4/7/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In India, The Beatles were not regular tourists. They stayed at an ashram (monastery) in the holy city of Rishikesh to learn about spirituality from the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the founder of Transcendental Meditation. One of The Beatles’ companions said the Fab Four had issues with the press. The Indian Army intervened, but even they couldn’t get rid of all of the reporters.
A guru got a local army in India to help The Beatles
Several other celebrities were present during The Beatles’ trip. They included actor Mia Farrow, Mike Love of The Beach Boys, and folk singer Donovan. Donovan had a string of hits between 1965 and 1969. They included “Hurdy Gurdy Man,” “Sunshine Superman,” “Catch the Wind,” “Mellow Yellow,” and “There Is a Mountain.”
During a 2016 interview with Vulture, Donovan shared some anecdotes from Rishikesh. “No press managed to break into the ashram when we were all there,” he said.
A guru got a local army in India to help The Beatles
Several other celebrities were present during The Beatles’ trip. They included actor Mia Farrow, Mike Love of The Beach Boys, and folk singer Donovan. Donovan had a string of hits between 1965 and 1969. They included “Hurdy Gurdy Man,” “Sunshine Superman,” “Catch the Wind,” “Mellow Yellow,” and “There Is a Mountain.”
During a 2016 interview with Vulture, Donovan shared some anecdotes from Rishikesh. “No press managed to break into the ashram when we were all there,” he said.
- 4/7/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Beatles were often seen as some of classic rock’s greatest rebels — but what were they rebelling against? Different fans will give different answers, but one of the other rock stars from the 1960s has his own feelings on the matter. He said that Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen had the same mindset as the Fab Four.
Donovan said The Beatles and other rock stars felt ‘a mass generational angst’
Donovan is a psychedelic folk singer who is known for hits such as “Mellow Yellow,” “There Is a Mountain,” and “Hurdy Gurdy Man.” He also crossed paths with The Beatles many times. Donovan famously influenced much of the music of The White Album.
During a 2018 interview with Goldmine, Donovan discussed the social issues that cast a shadow over the 1960s counterculture. “The rivers were being poisoned as was the air,” he said. “Two world wars and a depression were produced.
Donovan said The Beatles and other rock stars felt ‘a mass generational angst’
Donovan is a psychedelic folk singer who is known for hits such as “Mellow Yellow,” “There Is a Mountain,” and “Hurdy Gurdy Man.” He also crossed paths with The Beatles many times. Donovan famously influenced much of the music of The White Album.
During a 2018 interview with Goldmine, Donovan discussed the social issues that cast a shadow over the 1960s counterculture. “The rivers were being poisoned as was the air,” he said. “Two world wars and a depression were produced.
- 4/7/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Beatles wrote many songs about themselves but they rarely wrote about other rock stars. One of the songs from The Beatles’ The White Album is reportedly a lighthearted spoof of one of the rockers the band knew personally. Despite this, Paul McCartney said the song had a very different meaning.
A song from The Beatles’ ‘White Album’ may be about a star who worships Mother Nature
Donovan is a folk-rock singer who explored hippie mysticism through songs like “Atlantis,” “Season of the Witch,” and “There Is a Mountain.” He famously accompanied The Beatles on their trip to Rishikesh, India, to study meditation under the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. According to a Variety article, The Beatles were gently poking fun at Donovan with “Mother Nature’s Son,” one of the folk tunes from The White Album.
Modern cultures mainly use Mother Nature as a symbol for the earth. However, the ancient...
A song from The Beatles’ ‘White Album’ may be about a star who worships Mother Nature
Donovan is a folk-rock singer who explored hippie mysticism through songs like “Atlantis,” “Season of the Witch,” and “There Is a Mountain.” He famously accompanied The Beatles on their trip to Rishikesh, India, to study meditation under the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. According to a Variety article, The Beatles were gently poking fun at Donovan with “Mother Nature’s Son,” one of the folk tunes from The White Album.
Modern cultures mainly use Mother Nature as a symbol for the earth. However, the ancient...
- 4/4/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Paul McCartney is addressing Beyoncé’s cover of “Blackbird,” featured on her new album Cowboy Carter.
“Blackbird” comes from the double album by The Beatles also known as The White Album. The song was written by Paul and John Lennon, and was inspired by the Civil Rights movement in America in the ’50s and ’60s.
Keep reading to find out more…
“I am so happy with @beyonce’s version of my song ‘Blackbird’. I think she does a magnificent version of it and it reinforces the civil rights message that inspired me to write the song in the first place,” he said on social media.
“I think Beyoncé has done a fab version and would urge anyone who has not heard it yet to check it out. You are going to love it!”
“I spoke to her on FaceTime and she thanked me for writing it and letting her do it,...
“Blackbird” comes from the double album by The Beatles also known as The White Album. The song was written by Paul and John Lennon, and was inspired by the Civil Rights movement in America in the ’50s and ’60s.
Keep reading to find out more…
“I am so happy with @beyonce’s version of my song ‘Blackbird’. I think she does a magnificent version of it and it reinforces the civil rights message that inspired me to write the song in the first place,” he said on social media.
“I think Beyoncé has done a fab version and would urge anyone who has not heard it yet to check it out. You are going to love it!”
“I spoke to her on FaceTime and she thanked me for writing it and letting her do it,...
- 4/4/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
During an interview about great songs, Bob Dylan discussed the effects that two Beatles songs had on him. He said one makes him feel like he’s levitating. The other gives him a clear picture in his mind’s eye. Interestingly, John Lennon wasn’t interested in co-writing one of those songs.
Bob Dylan said this Beatles song could be played many ways and still amaze him
In 2022, Dylan released his fascinating book, The Philosophy of Modern Song. In an interview on his website, he discussed his idea of musical greatness. “I think a great song has the sentiments of the people in mind,” he said. “When you hear it, you get a gut reaction and an emotional one at the same time.
“A great song follows the logic of the heart and stays in your head long after you’ve heard it, like ‘Taxman,’ it can be played with...
Bob Dylan said this Beatles song could be played many ways and still amaze him
In 2022, Dylan released his fascinating book, The Philosophy of Modern Song. In an interview on his website, he discussed his idea of musical greatness. “I think a great song has the sentiments of the people in mind,” he said. “When you hear it, you get a gut reaction and an emotional one at the same time.
“A great song follows the logic of the heart and stays in your head long after you’ve heard it, like ‘Taxman,’ it can be played with...
- 4/4/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Over the course of his life, Paul McCartney has been the subject of countless books about his life and time with The Beatles. Few upset him more than a book by longtime Beatles confidante Peter Brown. With writer Steven Gaines, Brown published The Love You Make, a book that spanned from the band’s teenage years to shortly after John Lennon’s death. McCartney took his copy of the book and burned it.
Paul McCartney felt betrayed by a book about The Beatles
In 1983, Brown and Gaines published The Love You Make, which pulled from Brown’s experiences as well as interviews with Beatles associates and the band themselves. Though many were happy to help with the book, the final product rankled. It detailed Lennon’s alleged sexual relationship with Beatles manager Brian Epstein and claimed McCartney had an illegitimate son, among other things. Brown sent out copies of the...
Paul McCartney felt betrayed by a book about The Beatles
In 1983, Brown and Gaines published The Love You Make, which pulled from Brown’s experiences as well as interviews with Beatles associates and the band themselves. Though many were happy to help with the book, the final product rankled. It detailed Lennon’s alleged sexual relationship with Beatles manager Brian Epstein and claimed McCartney had an illegitimate son, among other things. Brown sent out copies of the...
- 4/3/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
John Lennon was both the dreamer who wrote “Imagine” and someone with a dark side. One of his fellow 1960s rock stars discussed John’s “positively vitriolic” behavior at length. He still defended the former Beatle.
A rock star said John Lennon had a ‘dark side’ but Liverpool did too
Donovan is a rock star who evolved from Scotland’s Bob Dylan into a psychedelic mystic in a very short period of time. Donovan crossed paths with The Beatles several times during the 1960s. The Billboard Book of Number 1 Hits says he helped write The Beatles’ “Yellow Submarine,” which makes sense because many of Donovan’s songs feel like oddball nursery rhymes. In a way, Paul McCartney returned the favor by contributing vocals to Donovan’s own yellow-themed hit “Mellow Yellow.”
For some time, John has had a dual public image as both a troubled man and a saintly peace activist.
A rock star said John Lennon had a ‘dark side’ but Liverpool did too
Donovan is a rock star who evolved from Scotland’s Bob Dylan into a psychedelic mystic in a very short period of time. Donovan crossed paths with The Beatles several times during the 1960s. The Billboard Book of Number 1 Hits says he helped write The Beatles’ “Yellow Submarine,” which makes sense because many of Donovan’s songs feel like oddball nursery rhymes. In a way, Paul McCartney returned the favor by contributing vocals to Donovan’s own yellow-themed hit “Mellow Yellow.”
For some time, John has had a dual public image as both a troubled man and a saintly peace activist.
- 4/3/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
John Sinclair — the celebrated counterculture icon, poet, and political activist who advocated for cannabis and rock & roll and managed the MC5 — died on Tuesday at the age of 82. Matt Lee, a representative for Sinclair, confirmed to The Detroit News that he died of congestive heart failure.
The Flint, Michigan native became known for his fight to legalize marijuana and as co-founder of the White Panther Party, the anti-racist socialist group that served as a counterpart to the Black Panthers.
“He was on the forefront of the marijuana movement,” Lee told the newspaper.
The Flint, Michigan native became known for his fight to legalize marijuana and as co-founder of the White Panther Party, the anti-racist socialist group that served as a counterpart to the Black Panthers.
“He was on the forefront of the marijuana movement,” Lee told the newspaper.
- 4/2/2024
- by Althea Legaspi
- Rollingstone.com
The Beatles were the most popular and important act of the British Invasion, but no classic rock fan should ignore the achievements of Donovan. Notably, John Lennon was a big fan of one of Donovan’s songs, and he played it over and over. The “Hurdy Gurdy Man” singer revealed what he thought of John as a person. John felt that he and Donovan were on a similar wavelength.
John Lennon loved 1 of Donovan’s folk songs
Donovan is known for two types of songs: psychedelic ditties like “Mellow Yellow,” “Atlantis,” and “Sunshine Superman,” and folk tunes such as “Colours,” “Catch the Wind,” and “Universal Soldier.” A 2018 article from Goldmine says John was taken with Donovan’s folk song “Turquoise.” He had a vinyl copy of the song and played it repeatedly on a personal jukebox he brought with him on tour.
The “Season of the Witch” singer revealed what...
John Lennon loved 1 of Donovan’s folk songs
Donovan is known for two types of songs: psychedelic ditties like “Mellow Yellow,” “Atlantis,” and “Sunshine Superman,” and folk tunes such as “Colours,” “Catch the Wind,” and “Universal Soldier.” A 2018 article from Goldmine says John was taken with Donovan’s folk song “Turquoise.” He had a vinyl copy of the song and played it repeatedly on a personal jukebox he brought with him on tour.
The “Season of the Witch” singer revealed what...
- 4/2/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Beatles‘ “Something” is one of George Harrison’s masterpieces. He probably couldn’t have made it alone. Another 1960s rock star taught George a musical trick that helped him write “Something.” John Lennon would later say that “Something” differed from all of George’s previous compositions.
The Beatles’ ‘Something’ was inspired by someone who was there with them in India
Donovan is a folk/psychedelic rock singer who became famous for 1960s tunes such as “Atlantis,” “Hurdy Gurdy Man,” “Sunshine Superman,” “Mellow Yellow,” and “Season of the Witch.” He famously went on The Beatles’ trip to India to study meditation. Donovan’s personal website says that he taught George a descending chord pattern that the Beatle would later use on the ballad “Something.”
Gold reports that, during a 2024 interview with Record Collector Magazine, Donovan discussed his influence on the “My Sweet Lord” singer. “I became George’s mentor for songwriting,...
The Beatles’ ‘Something’ was inspired by someone who was there with them in India
Donovan is a folk/psychedelic rock singer who became famous for 1960s tunes such as “Atlantis,” “Hurdy Gurdy Man,” “Sunshine Superman,” “Mellow Yellow,” and “Season of the Witch.” He famously went on The Beatles’ trip to India to study meditation. Donovan’s personal website says that he taught George a descending chord pattern that the Beatle would later use on the ballad “Something.”
Gold reports that, during a 2024 interview with Record Collector Magazine, Donovan discussed his influence on the “My Sweet Lord” singer. “I became George’s mentor for songwriting,...
- 4/2/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Donovan was there during The Beatles‘ trip to India. He and the Fab Four were having the sort of heady conversation people should have at a spiritual retreat. Donovan and the Fab Four had some very similar opinions.
Donovan and The Beatles discussed ‘the inner world’ in India
During a 2013 interview with Performing Songwriter, the “Sunshine Superman” singer explained how he became interested in meditation. “Reading Jack Kerouac and hearing the word ‘Zen’ and going on to Buddhism, then rediscovering the Eastern philosophies and the word’ meditation,’ I realized that there was an actual technique for finding the inner world that we’d lost in the West.”
The “Hurdy Gurdy Man” star felt that the world needed more spirituality. “The great teachers — Carl Jung, Sigmund Freud, Joseph Campbell — spoke of being able to enter the inner world, where all things come from and all things return,” he said. “Not a religion.
Donovan and The Beatles discussed ‘the inner world’ in India
During a 2013 interview with Performing Songwriter, the “Sunshine Superman” singer explained how he became interested in meditation. “Reading Jack Kerouac and hearing the word ‘Zen’ and going on to Buddhism, then rediscovering the Eastern philosophies and the word’ meditation,’ I realized that there was an actual technique for finding the inner world that we’d lost in the West.”
The “Hurdy Gurdy Man” star felt that the world needed more spirituality. “The great teachers — Carl Jung, Sigmund Freud, Joseph Campbell — spoke of being able to enter the inner world, where all things come from and all things return,” he said. “Not a religion.
- 3/31/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Even The Beatles didn’t always knock it out of the park. Case in point: John Lennon once said that George Harrison wasn’t hip anymore. Here’s a look at whether he was right.
John Lennon said George Harrison was ‘out’ the way The Beatles once were
The book Lennon on Lennon: Conversations With John Lennon features an interview from 1975. In it, John said he wasn’t impressed with one of George’s live shows. “Now it’s always The Beatles were great or The Beatles weren’t great, whatever opinion people hold,” he said. “There’s a sort of illusion about it. But the actual fact was The Beatles were in for eight months, The Beatles were out for eight months.
“The public, including the media, are sometimes a bit sheeplike and if the ball starts rolling, well, it’s just that somebody’s in, somebody’s out,...
John Lennon said George Harrison was ‘out’ the way The Beatles once were
The book Lennon on Lennon: Conversations With John Lennon features an interview from 1975. In it, John said he wasn’t impressed with one of George’s live shows. “Now it’s always The Beatles were great or The Beatles weren’t great, whatever opinion people hold,” he said. “There’s a sort of illusion about it. But the actual fact was The Beatles were in for eight months, The Beatles were out for eight months.
“The public, including the media, are sometimes a bit sheeplike and if the ball starts rolling, well, it’s just that somebody’s in, somebody’s out,...
- 3/31/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
President Jimmy Carter was asked to pick his favorite Beatles song, and he chose a song from John Lennon’s solo career. The former president discussed how much the tune in question affected audiences around the globe. John once said some listeners didn’t understand the tune’s message.
President Jimmy Carter likes a John Lennon song that’s against nationalism
During a 2007 interview with The News–Times, Carter was asked to name his favorite Beatles song. The song in question was not actually a Beatles tune, but it fits in with the band’s hippie image. “My favorite is ‘Imagine,'” he said. “When I go to a strange country, Cuba and other places, in some of those nations, ‘Imagine’ has become a national anthem. If you go to Havana, for instance, you’ll see a statue of John Lennon.” Carter was referring to Lennon Park in Cuba.
Carter...
President Jimmy Carter likes a John Lennon song that’s against nationalism
During a 2007 interview with The News–Times, Carter was asked to name his favorite Beatles song. The song in question was not actually a Beatles tune, but it fits in with the band’s hippie image. “My favorite is ‘Imagine,'” he said. “When I go to a strange country, Cuba and other places, in some of those nations, ‘Imagine’ has become a national anthem. If you go to Havana, for instance, you’ll see a statue of John Lennon.” Carter was referring to Lennon Park in Cuba.
Carter...
- 3/30/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
If anyone in Hollywood knows The Beatles‘ songs, it’s Evan Rachel Wood. She was in one of the biggest Beatles movies. She named her favorite Beatles song and named some others that might have influenced Radiohead.
Evan Rachel Wood’s favorite Beatles song that was in her movie ‘Across the Universe’
Wood’s first major movie role was as Lucy (get it?) in the Fab Four jukebox musical Across the Universe. One of the most famous musical numbers in the movie is a hallucinogenic staging of “Happiness Is a Warm Gun.” During a 2007 interview with The News-Times, Wood was asked to pick her favorite Beatles songs.
“It’s hard, because it depends on where you are in your life and what day it is, because they really covered everything,” she replied. “So right now, hmm, recently, I would sing ‘Happiness Is a Warm Gun.’ I got into that because of Across the Universe.
Evan Rachel Wood’s favorite Beatles song that was in her movie ‘Across the Universe’
Wood’s first major movie role was as Lucy (get it?) in the Fab Four jukebox musical Across the Universe. One of the most famous musical numbers in the movie is a hallucinogenic staging of “Happiness Is a Warm Gun.” During a 2007 interview with The News-Times, Wood was asked to pick her favorite Beatles songs.
“It’s hard, because it depends on where you are in your life and what day it is, because they really covered everything,” she replied. “So right now, hmm, recently, I would sing ‘Happiness Is a Warm Gun.’ I got into that because of Across the Universe.
- 3/30/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Sam Taylor-Johnson has backed her husband Aaron Taylor-Johnson to be the next James Bond.The 33-year-old actor is rumoured to be lined up to take over from Daniel Craig after The Sun newspaper reported he had been handed a "formal offer" from Bond bosses but Aaron has yet to confirm or deny the rumours and there's still no hint over whether he would accept the job - and now his director wife Sam has weighed in and insisted he would be a good fit for the role.During an appearance on 'The Jonathan Ross Show', Sam was asked about rumours suggesting she has an interest in the next Bond film and she joked: "You mean that I might direct a Bond film? The first woman director."Sam then added: "Carry on speculating. He’d be great."The director has worked with Aaron on two films - 2009 John Lennon...
- 3/29/2024
- by Louise Mary Randell
- Bang Showbiz
Considering the complexity of The Beatles‘ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, it makes sense that Paul McCartney has some difficulty singing one of its songs. He said he was instrumental in writing the song. John Lennon might have told a different story.
1 ‘Sgt. Pepper’ song is a vocal challenge for Paul McCartney
During a 2017 interview with Rolling Stone, the “Silly Love Songs” star discussed performing a Sgt. Pepper song live. “I also like doing ‘For the Benefit of Mr. Kite!’ [sic] that’s nice to do,” he said. “With ‘Mr. Kite,’ the thing about it is, it’s quite challenging cause the bass part goes somewhere that the vocal doesn’t go. So it’s like you’ve got to split your body in half and send one half to do the vocal and send the other half to do the bass part. That’s good to do; it’s quite hard to do.
1 ‘Sgt. Pepper’ song is a vocal challenge for Paul McCartney
During a 2017 interview with Rolling Stone, the “Silly Love Songs” star discussed performing a Sgt. Pepper song live. “I also like doing ‘For the Benefit of Mr. Kite!’ [sic] that’s nice to do,” he said. “With ‘Mr. Kite,’ the thing about it is, it’s quite challenging cause the bass part goes somewhere that the vocal doesn’t go. So it’s like you’ve got to split your body in half and send one half to do the vocal and send the other half to do the bass part. That’s good to do; it’s quite hard to do.
- 3/29/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
“Mellow Yellow” by Donovan is the most beloved 1960s song with the word “yellow” in the title that wasn’t released by The Beatles. During an interview, the “Atlantis” singer opined that his catalog was a lot more diverse than The Beatles’, to the point where he sounded like a completely different artist from song to song. Donovan also said something about his background made him similar to George Harrison, John Lennon, and Paul McCartney. While “Mellow Yellow” might be one of the most unusual hits of the period, it wouldn’t be the same without a little help from Paul.
Donovan said ‘Mellow Yellow’ and ‘Barabajagal’ were more original than any Beatles songs
During a 2016 interview with Best Classic Bands, a reporter asked Donovan why “Mellow Yellow” was so different from the rest of his catalog. “Why were they all so different?” he replied. “I displayed more of the painterly,...
Donovan said ‘Mellow Yellow’ and ‘Barabajagal’ were more original than any Beatles songs
During a 2016 interview with Best Classic Bands, a reporter asked Donovan why “Mellow Yellow” was so different from the rest of his catalog. “Why were they all so different?” he replied. “I displayed more of the painterly,...
- 3/27/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Mick Jagger’s girlfriend once wrote a juicy memoir with many interesting anecdotes about classic rock stars from the Swinging ’60s. For example, she revealed what it was like hearing The Beatles’ “Strawberry Fields Forever” for the first time. She didn’t think it lived up to another song The Beatles released at the same time.
Mick Jagger’s girlfriend preferred The Beatles’ ‘Penny Lane’ to ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’
Marianne Faithfull was Jagger’s girlfriend. She had two hits in the United States: the Jagger/Keith Richards ballad “As Tears Go By” (which The Rolling Stones later recorded themselves) and a cover of The Beatles’ “Yesterday.” She’s far more prominent in her native United Kingdom.
In her 2007 book Memories, Dreams & Reflections, the “As Tears Go By” singer recalled meeting Paul for the first time. “He was just as the photographs,” she said. “Only he’d grown a mustache. His hair was shorter too.
Mick Jagger’s girlfriend preferred The Beatles’ ‘Penny Lane’ to ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’
Marianne Faithfull was Jagger’s girlfriend. She had two hits in the United States: the Jagger/Keith Richards ballad “As Tears Go By” (which The Rolling Stones later recorded themselves) and a cover of The Beatles’ “Yesterday.” She’s far more prominent in her native United Kingdom.
In her 2007 book Memories, Dreams & Reflections, the “As Tears Go By” singer recalled meeting Paul for the first time. “He was just as the photographs,” she said. “Only he’d grown a mustache. His hair was shorter too.
- 3/27/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Pattie Boyd was the subject of love songs by both George Harrison and Eric Clapton. She married each musician and collected piles of love letters from them. Recently, Boyd decided to place several of these letters up for auction. Here’s why she came to this decision and the amount of money the items are expected to bring.
Pattie Boyd has compiled her love letters from George Harrison and Eric Clapton
After years of carefully storing photographs and love letters from her time with Clapton and Harrison, Boyd has decided to auction them off to the public.
“I’m sure I would not like these to go on sale while I’m on my deathbed,” she said, per The Independent. “I think the time is right. I’ve lived with them for 40, 50 years or more and it’s time to move on to let other people share my treasures.”
She...
Pattie Boyd has compiled her love letters from George Harrison and Eric Clapton
After years of carefully storing photographs and love letters from her time with Clapton and Harrison, Boyd has decided to auction them off to the public.
“I’m sure I would not like these to go on sale while I’m on my deathbed,” she said, per The Independent. “I think the time is right. I’ve lived with them for 40, 50 years or more and it’s time to move on to let other people share my treasures.”
She...
- 3/26/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Drake Bell was as much of an icon to 2000s kids as John Lennon was to the children of the 1960s. During an interview, the Drake & Josh star explained why he had a tattoo inspired by one of John’s most famous quotations. The quotation appeared in one of the former Beatle’s most enduring songs.
Drake Bell has tattoos inspired by John Lennon and The Beach Boys
During a 2011 interview with PopSugar, Bell discussed his tattoos. “‘War Is Over,’ it’s from John Lennon, it spoke to me,” he said. “I’m a huge fan of Lennon. The feather on my arm means a lot of things, depends on what the day is and which mood I’m in. I have Lennon’s glasses on my back. They have a broken lens, which is something that spoke to me.” Yoko Ono famously included John’s bloodied glasses on the...
Drake Bell has tattoos inspired by John Lennon and The Beach Boys
During a 2011 interview with PopSugar, Bell discussed his tattoos. “‘War Is Over,’ it’s from John Lennon, it spoke to me,” he said. “I’m a huge fan of Lennon. The feather on my arm means a lot of things, depends on what the day is and which mood I’m in. I have Lennon’s glasses on my back. They have a broken lens, which is something that spoke to me.” Yoko Ono famously included John’s bloodied glasses on the...
- 3/26/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
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