Dear Beatles Friends and Customers,

It has been another gear Beatles year with Paul and Ringo each doing two tours! In fact, Paul just finished up on Tuesday with a concert in his home town of Liverpool! Paul has announced a new album of standards + two newly written songs, coming out on Feb 7th in time for Valentine’s Day. One of the new songs is written for his new bride Nancy Shevell, called My Valentine. Ringo has a new album being released on January 30th, called Ringo 2012.

Wherever you are or whatever you are doing, please remember the powerful message of Peace and Love that The Beatles believed in so much. John and George will always be physically missed, but their spirit lives on in all Beatles Fans around the world.

Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year.

Peace and Love,

Mark, Carol, Michelle and Jessica Lapidos

Attention all last minute shoppers looking for Beatles items as gifts (or for yourself). We are now all caught up and all orders placed today (Sunday) will ship on Monday to arrive before Christmas at no extra shipping charges (except if you are on the West Coast, where some additional charges MAY be incurred). The webstore is up to date so if we are sold out of an item, it shouldn’t show up for sale. Orders placed by Monday 3:00PM EST should also be going out on Monday. More updates tomorrow. Thanks for shopping with us.

Today is the saddest day on The Beatles calendar. 31 years has passed by since the day John Lennon was assassinated. Volumes have been written about John since 1980 (and some very good ones, too), but the truth of the matter is John expressed his thoughts, feelings, emotions, love, hate, peace in his music so well, that all we have to do is listen to his music to better understand what John was all about. As we reflect today, we can only suggest you pick out a Beatles album or two or a couple of solo albums and let John personally lift your spirits. He will always be missed but his music is permanently with us. Our thoughts are with Yoko and Sean, and Julian today. All You Need Is Love.

FINALLY! DONOVAN P. LEITCH, one of the great artists of the 1960s, has been elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Donovan, who’s many hits include Sunshine Superman, Mellow Yellow, Colours, Catch The Wind, Season of the Witch, Atlantis, was one of our all time favorite FEST guests – in 2003 in the NY Metro and Chicago FESTS and in Las Vegas in 2008. Donovan was a vital part of the swinging 60s scene in London and was close friends with The Beatles. He went to India with them in 1968. His stories are fascinating, but his music is even better. We are thrilled for Donovan for the great honor. Congratulations.  Now the HOF needs to honor Harry Nilsson, Billy Preston, Moody Blues and, of course, WINGS!

Pictured is Donovan performing at our Las Vegas FEST.