Martin Scorsese’s new film,George Harrison: Living in the Material World had its premiere over the weekend in London. The Beatles and their families turned up for the event. Paul and his fiancee Nancy Shevell, Ringo and Barbara, Yoko, Sean, and of course, Olivia and Dhani. The movie airs on HBO this Wednesday and Thursday at 9:00PM. Set your DVRs. Reviews have been fabulous and this is a film all fans will not want to miss.

We have just received the book, Living in the Material World, and this is one of the best Beatles related books in many years. It is mostly a photo book with quotes from friends and family. We knew that Ringo was a camera buff, but this book shows many of photos George took, from the earliest days of beatlemania, through the tours, and into his post Beatles life. Most of the photos in this book have NEVER been seen before.

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.

What a week it was in Chicago for Beatles Fans. First, there was Paul’s first ever concerts at Wrigley Field, Sun (7/31) and Mon (8/1). He is absolutely incredible and amazing. He is in his finest form and it is mind boggling. It was a truly magical experience to watch him perform for almost three hours. For all of you who were there on the Monday night, you got to see the plane and FEST banner flying around Wrigley before the concert. Paul looked up, saw the plane and read the banner during his sound check. After reading it he said, “We’ll be there!”. Beatles week culminated at our 35th Anniversary FEST FOR BEATLES FANS 2011-CHICAGO. What a super combination of special musical guests – PETER ASHER, JOEY MOLLAND, HENRY McCULLOUGH & MARK HUDSON. The Sunday Musicians’ Forum featured all our guests together and it was a very special hour. Live music was everywhere. LIVERPOOL performed great concerts and the jams were better than ever. Peter’s Musical Memoir shows with his own band were highlights each afternoon. The Winner of the Battle of the Beatles Bands was Mr. Mustard, from the Detroit area. Hundreds of photos from the FEST can be found on our facebook page.

Photo Caption: Carol and Mark Lapidos with Musical Guests Mark Hudson, Peter Asher, Joey Molland & Henry McCullough.

A big congratulations to Susan Hoos, the winner of the Las Vegas Beatles Getaway. With thousands of entries from all across the states, Susan was actually in the Rosemont Ballroom, when we announced the winner, on Sunday, August 7th. It was a very exciting moment as she screemed and rushed towards the stage. Our Social Media Director, Michelle Lapidos was there to greet her and later present her with the certificate. The winners of the giveaway from the NY METRO FEST in March were also in attendance and told us what a wonderful time they had. They went for their anniversary and said they were treated very specially. They also thought The Beatles Love: Cirque du Soleil was amazing and recommends it to all Beatles fans. We thank Cirque du Soleil for providing these getaways for this, their fifth anniversary year of the Love show.

SUMMER SOLO SURVEY RESULTS
Thousands of you entered our facebook Las Vegas Beatles Getaway sweepstakes. We also asked you to let us know your favorite Solo Beatles Album and Solo Beatles Single and here are the results. There are no surprises on the top part of the results, but there are some lower down the lists.

FAVORITE SOLO BEATLES ALBUMS
1. ALL THINGS MUST PASS – GEORGE
2. BAND ON THE RUN – PAUL
3. IMAGINE – JOHN
4. McCARTNEY
5. RAM – PAUL
6. DOUBLE FANTASY – JOHN
7. JOHN LENNON: PLASTIC ONO BAND
8. FLAMING PIE – PAUL
9. WALLS AND BRIDGES – JOHN
10. WINGS OVER AMERICA – PAUL

FAVORITE SOLO BEATLES SONGS
1. IMAGINE – JOHN
2. MAYBE I’M AMAZED – PAUL
3. MY SWEET LORD – GEORGE
4. BAND ON THE RUN – PAUL
5. WHAT IS LIFE – GEORGE
6. WATCHING THE WHEELS – JOHN
7. INSTANT KARMA – JOHN
8. LIVE AND LET DIE – PAUL
9. CALICO SKIES – PAUL
10. ALL THINGS MUST PASS – GEORGE –

TIED WITH  10. WORKING CLASS HERO – JOHN

Here is the complete Press Release announcing this major release coming in early Fall. – Enjoy.

MARTIN SCORSESE’S DOCUMENTARY
GEORGE HARRISON: LIVING IN THE MATERIAL WORLD

FROM GROVE STREET, SPITFIRE PICTURES AND SIKELIA

New York — HBO has acquired the North American broadcast rights to Martin Scorsese’s GEORGE HARRISON: LIVING IN THE MATERIAL WORLD, which will debut in two parts — on October 5 and October 6, 2011 — exclusively on HBO.

London — Lionsgate Home Entertainment UK announced that it will be releasing the film in the UK on 10th October 2011 in three editions – DVD, Blu-ray and DVD Double play (DVD/ BD combi pack), and a beautifully packaged DVD / Blu-Ray Deluxe Edition, which includes an exclusive CD of previously unheard tracks from George Harrison, and a book of photography to accompany the film.

GEORGE HARRISON: LIVING IN THE MATERIAL WORLD focuses the imaginative and inspired eye of one of cinema’s most pre-eminent filmmakers on one of the world’s most influential men. The film takes viewers on the musical and spiritual voyage that was George Harrison’s life, much of it told in his own words. The result is deeply moving and touches each viewer in unique and individual ways.

Academy Award-winning director Martin Scorsese traces Harrison’s life from his musical beginnings in Liverpool through his life as a musician, a seeker, a philanthropist, and filmmaker. Scorsese weaves together interviews with Harrison and his closest friends, performances, home movies, and photographs. Much of the material in the film has never been seen (or heard) before. The result is a rare glimpse into the mind and soul of one of the most talented artists of his generation and a profoundly intimate and affecting work of cinema.

The film includes interviews with Eric Clapton, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, George Martin, Paul McCartney, Yoko Ono, Tom Petty, Phil Spector, Ringo Starr and Jackie Stewart. They speak honestly and frankly about George’s many talents and contradictions.

The film was produced by Scorsese (through his Sikelia Productions banner), Olivia Harrison (through her Grove Street Pictures banner) and Nigel Sinclair (through Exclusive’s documentary label, Spitfire Pictures). Margaret Bodde served as the film’s executive producer and the film was edited by David Tedeschi (who previously worked with Scorsese, Bodde and Sinclair on the Grammy Award-winning NO DIRECTION HOME: BOB DYLAN and with Scorsese and Bodde on the Rolling Stone concert film SHINE A LIGHT and PUBLIC SPEAKING). Scott Pascucci also served as an executive producer for Grove Street.

Scorsese comments, “Like so many millions of people, I first came to know George through the music, which was the soundtrack of our world. The Beatles’ music, those beautifully lyrical guitar breaks and solos, those unforgettable songs of George’s, like “I Me Mine” or “If I Needed Someone,” and the images, in magazines, on album covers, the TV appearances, the newsreel footage, the Richard Lester movies; and then there was the world after the Beatles, when George and his music seemed to open up and flower. I will never forget the first time I heard All Things Must Pass, the overwhelming feeling of taking in all that glorious music for the first time. It was like walking into a cathedral. George was making spiritually awake music – we all heard and felt it – and I think that was the reason that he came to occupy a very special place in our lives. So when I was offered the chance to make this picture, I jumped at it. Spending time with Olivia, interviewing so many of George’s closest friends, reviewing all that footage, some of it never seen before, and listening to all of that magnificent music – it was a joy, and an experience I’ll always treasure.”

Olivia Harrison notes, “Martin Scorsese’s intuition towards George was evident the first time we met to discuss this project. He sensed what George was about: his music, his strong beliefs, his art, his place in the Beatles story, and his extraordinary life afterwards. Marty’s wonderful film has found all of that and more.”

“This film was an extraordinary journey for all involved and it has been a sheer pleasure working with Martin Scorsese and Olivia Harrison to bring the amazing story and legacy of George Harrison to life,” adds Sinclair.

Additionally, in late September, Abrams Books will publish Olivia Harrison’s George Harrison: Living in the Material World, a personal archive of photographs, letters, diaries, and memorabilia from George’s life that reveals the arc of his life, from his guitar-obsessed boyhood in Liverpool, to the astonishment of the Beatles years, to his days as an independent musician and bohemian squire. The book release is intended to coincide with the release of Scorsese’s film.

HERE IS YOUR SECOND CHANCE! We are very excited to announce, by special arrangement with Cirque du Soleil,  a Free Beatles Getaway to Las Vegas, including 2 VIP Tickets to The Beatles Love, Air Fare, 2 Nights at the Mirage and a VIP Gift Bag. This is one show  all Beatles fans should try to get to. It celebrates its 5th anniversary this year and it keeps getting better and better! This giveaway is very easy to enter. The only place to enter is by going to our facebook page and click enter.  Winner is picked at random. It also asks you for your favorite Solo Beatles Song and Solo Beatles Album. We will publish the results of our first full scale survey in eight years on the solo career in August. In the first giveaway in March, the winner was Dale Haberstich of Waterloo, Iowa. He and his wife are celebrating their 40th Wedding Anniversary this year, so it was a perfect gift.

The 35th Annual CHICAGO FEST is in 3 weeks (8/5-7) at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Rosemont, IL.  The winner of the Las Vegas Package is going to be picked live on stage on Sunday at 9:00PM CDT. You do not have to be in attendance to win.

July 7th. Ringo Starr turns a young 71 today, while he is in the middle of his European Tour. Tonight he is playing in Hamburg, Germany, the home of much early Beatles history.

54 years ago today, a most magical moment happened at a small church in Liverpool that forever changed the world. It was the day two teenagers met –  John Lennon and Paul McCartney. They were introduced by a mutual friend Ivan Vaughan at the Church fete where John’s group The Quarrymen were playing. A seismic alert went around the world so huge, it can still be felt today! We are so grateful to have had The Quarrymen to our FESTS a number of times over the years to fill in the gaps of how that moment went down. Books have been written, paintings have been commissioned, but make no mistake, it was one of the most significant moments of the 20th century. We just didn’t know about it until well after The Beatles appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show on February 9, 1964, almost 7 years later. Shown is a recently found photo from that day. It was taken by band member Rod Davis’s dad.

JUNE 25, 1967 – The Beatles performed a brand new song, All You Need Is Love Live from London and was broadcast to over 400 million people around the world, 44 years ago today. What made this so significant was that it was the first time there was an international  LIVE TV broadcast, EVER! In an age where there is instant live news, information, music and skypeing from the remotest points on the planet, it is important to reflect on the steps it took to get to this point. And this one was HUGE. 40 countries were involved. Each one was asked to select something to reflect their country. The UK asked The Beatles if they would do it and they said yes. John then proceeded to write one of the most (if not the most) beloved anthems to Love ever written. Those words reverberated all around the world in an instant and The Summer of Love had begun. We may never know for certain if John had already written the song before learning of the TV event or just after, but timing is everything and the planets aligned for this song at that moment in time! Give it a listen today. Feel the magic of it on this day. You can even watched the colorized version on The Beatles Anthology DVD .

June 18th. We wish Paul a very Happy Birthday. Most people start to slow down at 69, but not PAUL McCARTNEY! He just completed is Up and Coming Tour in Las Vegas last weekend, and he immediately announced his new On The Run Tour, beginning at Yankee Stadium, July 15 & 16. Go to paulmccartney.com to see the tour dates. He is the only artist in the world who can announce one show at a time, since they all sell out immediately. So far, he has added Detroit, Montreal, Cincinnati and Chicago. More to come.It looks like tickets are only going to be offered through his site. At the 5th Anniversary of The Beatles Love/Cirque du Soleil Show at the Mirage in Las Vegas. Paul and fiancee Nancy Shevell, Yoko and Sean, Olivia and Dhani, and George and Giles Martin were all on hand (Ringo is on tour in Europe and sent a video message). They were all interviewed by Gayle King on the Oprah Network. Find it if you can. It is a very good series of interviews.

Photo from the Lost Beatles Photgraphs: The Bob Bonis Archive.

After graduating college a few weeks earlier, my friend Bob and I went to Europe for two months, beginning in London. The first stop was 3 Savile Row, Apple’s Headquarters. John & Yoko were there, so we waiting outside for 2 1/2 hours when a truck pulls up and opens its doors to reveal a Fireplace!. A few minutes later John comes out by himself to have a look at it. I said hello and shook his hand. I even offered him my passport as it was just after the Montreal Bed In for Peace and he wasn’t allowed int he U.S. at that time. There were about a dozen fans waiting, including three Apple Scruffs, but I was the only one he spoke to. I asked him if I could take some photos, which I did and also got his autograph on Apple stationery (occasionally show the autograph and photos in the Art Museum at the FESTS, At that moment, I decided I wanted to work for The Beatles. That didn’t happen, but I ended up selling Beatles records at Sam Goody for four years before thinking up the idea of Beatlefest, met with John and 37 years later, still going…It has been a wild and special ride. Thanks for joining.

The image is from the Bob Bonis Archive.