It was 37 years ago today, I headed out early to the Commodore Hotel in NYC to get ready for the first Beatlefest. I don’t think I was ever so nervous as that day. So many details going through my brain – will everything get set up in time? Will everybody show up? Did I forget some details? Will the programs arrive on time? It wasn’t until around noon (we opened at 1PM) when Apple’s representative showed up – VP Tony King. He come to my suite (the Presidential Suite where Hoover actually stayed while he was president!) and showed me the instruments of The Beatles donated for the Charity that John had chosen. Tony also brought the films, along with 6 signed copies of John’s books for the Auction. He then gave me a 7th copy that John signed for me. Seeing that book personalized somehow calmed me down and I realized it was really happening. I proceeded to go down to the ballroom just after 1PM, went up to the balcony and looked out to see the entire ballroom completely filled with fans. The adrenalin shot through me as I realized all of these Beatles fans were gathered in one place to honor the greatest rock and roll band of all time, because of an idea I had almost a year earlier. It was to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of The Beatles arrival in America, and I had the gumption to think I could get The Beatles to support it. The convention was the Cover Story of Rolling Stone (10/24/74). We held one the following year and then started going to other cities. Today, exactly 37 years and 115 National FESTS later, I thank all of you who have been along for the ride all these years. Friendships have begun there that have lasted a lifetime, Couples have met there and later married. They returned with their children, and yes, grandchildren too! If you were in attendance at the first one, we would love to hear your memories from that weekend.
Peace and Love,
Mark
Image is one of the two original Posters designed for the event. This one was created by Karni Krikoryan.
Hello Mark,
Congrats on this magnificent achievement! I well recall the Beatlefests that I attended ( five in all, in Chicago) What a great experience meeting Lawrence Juber, Cynthia Lennon ( in Toronto and Ruth McCartney), larry williams,and Harry Nilsson. Great shows & great times! Keep up the great work. All the Best!
Congratulations Mark! So glad you followed your dream! My daughter and I have attended 5 Fests in New Jersey and are all reserved for 2012. There is a magnet on my fridge for every year. We loved Cynthia Lennon , Chris Montez and all the great guests that inform and entertain us. My favorite event was the opportunity to see Peter and Gordon– a memory I will never forget! Thanks to you and your family for all you do to keep the spirit glowing and growing!
I wasn’t at the first beatlefest but I went to three, two in las vegas, one in chicago next year I will be going to my fourth Beatlefest and my second Chicago fest
I was there(still have that poster somewhere).First time I ever saw Magical Mystery Tour.I remember Mae Pang as a guest,don’t remember if there were any other guests.Just remember being amazed at all the cool stuff the had.Missed some years in the 70’s and 80’s but have been to everyone since 1994.
Congrats…Went to Beatlefest in’87…Still have the sweatshirt from there. Keep up the good work
Congrats…Went to Beatlefest in’87 held in Philadelphia…Still have the sweatshirt from there. Keep up the good work
Mark,
Congrats!!! I have been going to the NJ Fest since 1990! I love it! Met so many cool guests over the years!The Fest always has a great vibe and I enjoy coming every year. Please keep it going!
Nick D.
I attended my first Fest in August 2001 in Chicago–it was a weekend I will never forget! Had always wanted to attend one since 1990, this is one of the best conventions I have ever seen and plan to attend more in the near future. It would be great to have them streamed live (if they aren’t already), so those who cannot attend in person can see what they’re all about.
As The Fabs visited Detroit in 1964 & 1966, how about having one Fest there? I’m sure other Michigan-based fans like myself would love to have one in the Motor City. If you have been considering it and need help, would be more than glad to. Til then, keep up the good work!
Mark….as an attendee of the great Chicago Fest for over 20 years I can’t imagine a summer without it! It is amazing that the Fest started right when all 4 solo Beatles were in their prime- 73-74 doesn’t get much better for the solo Fabs! All the best and many many more years!
Was at Beatlefest 75, with Mal Evans.
Hi, Mark thank you for all you have done.i was at the commadore in 1974 it was quite a scene.I don t recall which beatlefest it was when you had Mal E vans and Jim Kerr-I got some good pictures with mal-got to ask him some questions about the white album it was great.May paing ,cynthia tiny tim so many memeories!! Hope to shake your hand someday!congrats good shows good times.Vinnie
I am a lifelong Beatle fan!! I have loved them since I saw their first appearance on the Ed Sullivan show. I was jumping up and down on my parent’s bed and screaming. I was watching them on a 13″ black & white set. How funny is that!! I am finally going to attend my FIRST Beatle fest (NJ/2012). Everyone who knows me cannot believe I waited this long (neither can I!!). I am so excited. As far as I’m concerned, besides my family, the Beatles have always brought nothing but joy in to my life. I will love them forever. xoxoxoxo
I was at the Commodore with you. I still have the xeroxed program we were handed as we waited for the doors to open. I was just a kid and had never even seen a Beatle before. Times have changed but my love for them has grown over the tears. Thank you Mark for an amazing memory!
dear mark,
pretty sure I was at the first one….or the second at the Commodore Hotel….. man that place was run down. But how amazing was the vibe back then….you couldn’t even watch a film because of all of the screaming. You were the original “superfan”. Thanks….keep on keepin on
I was there for the first convention(I think it was the 1st)at the Commodore hotel. What a thrill it was!!! I remember sitting & watching all the films & promos & then walking around. I met a beautiful blonde girl who held my hand(without me asking)as we walked through the various items for sale. But the thing that completely blew me away was walking into Mal Evans. I said Hi & he shook my hand. Since then I have attended a few more, met Klaus Voorman, Neil Innes, the Quarrymen, Sam Leach, Sid Bernstein & the man himself Mark Lapidos. Continued good luck Mark…
hi Mark
I was at the Commodore. In fact, I bought a lovely drawing of John that Karni did….treasure it! Please send my regards to her. Wonderful memories.
-Linda D.
Hi Mark-
I was at the first Beatlefest in 1974. I had a tatle there and sold pen and ink drawings that I had drawn. I sold prints of the Beatles from the White Album and a large portrait of John and Yoko.
I think you included them in the main art exhibit.
I only attended one more in 1978 I think.
My friends and I hung out with David Peel for a short time and I met Mal Evans. A real nice man.
Good luck in the next one.
Cheers.
Brian
I have an original 1974 Beatlefest poster (puzzle with one part of each of the Beatles face forming central image.
Hi Mark,
I ( high school student) went to the Beatle Fest at the Commodore in74′ My boyfriend and I won George Harrison’s Tabla drum from”, Within Without You” with a letter on Yellow Submarine stationary from John Lennon because George forgot. And he wrote ” George forgot to write so Go ahead and Beat it” ( drum reference) Love John, with his John Lennon drawing!!!!!! A memory I take with me always. Thank you so much
Hi Jana,
I remember it well. John’s aide brought them to the hotel and told me that George & Paul never sent anything because they didn’t know. So he put together instruments of theirs that he had and put those notes together. Would you mind taking a photo of the Tabla and John’s note for my files?
Peace and Love,
Mark mark@thefest.com