viernes, 31 de enero de 2014

"The British Invasion"

www.rollingstone.com
Mick Jagger's Fiery Eyes and 11 More Highlights From 'The Sixties'
How a bunch of twentysomethings changed the world forever
By GAVIN EDWARDS
JANUARY 31, 2014


The Rolling Stones
Terry O'Neill/Getty Images

The Sixties, Tom Hanks' ten-part documentary series on CNN, is slated to start this May. But last night saw the debut of "The British Invasion" episode, presumably to capitalize on the fiftieth anniversary of the Beatles' appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show. The hour kicked off with the Beatles arriving in the States, and as familiar as that story is, we'd pay to see a documentary just on that week: every moment is golden, from the interviews with hysterical fans to the Elvis impersonation by Ringo Starr. Then, armed with a huge budget for rights clearances, the program zipped through classic footage of the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, the Who, the Kinks, the Zombies, the Animals and so forth – the editing was straight out of a Time Life Classics late-night commercial – only with testimonials from Questlove and the Bangles' Susanna Hoffs. Here are a dozen highlights.

Best Beatle Quote
Ringo Starr sitting behind a mixing board, saying, "Something happens on here, you know. I couldn't tell you what, 'cause we have a special man who sits here and goes like this [mimes knob-twiddling]. And the guitar turns into a piano or something. And they you may say, 'Why don't you use a piano?' Because the piano sounds like a guitar."

Runner-Up
"Paul, Ringo, George, John" – the ever-cooperative Paul McCartney, identifying the members of the Beatles at their first American press conference for a throng of journalists unfamiliar with them.

Best Montage
News footage of various British bands (Gerry and the Pacemakers, the Dave Clark Five) literally getting off the plane.

Bassist Who Held His Instrument Closest to the Vertical Axis
Bill Wyman of the Stones, no contest. Watch him at far left during their performance on The T.A.M.I. Show, where they famously followed James Brown.




Greatest Pairing of Two Eternally Youthful Performers in Their Actual Youth
Dick Clark interviewing Little Richard on American Bandstand.

Most Disturbing Visage
A tie between Dave Clark and Smokey Robinson, who both appear to be wearing masks that bear only vague resemblances to their youthful selves.

Most Unlikely Political Debate
Graham Nash of the Hollies arguing with Peter Noone of Herman's Hermits. "You know who start world wars?" Nash asks belligerently. "People that are over forty!"

Most Charming Photo
John Lennon holding a copy of the Rolling Stones' Aftermath.

Most Fiery Eyes
Mick Jagger in the video for "Little Red Rooster."




The Talking Head Who Most Seems Not to Have Liked the British Invasion
Morley Safer of 60 Minutes, who opines, "In the '60s, lyrics are generally infantile. And it's noise, not music."

Artists Who Stretch the Definition of "British Invasion"
The Beach Boys, James Brown and Bob Dylan. But there was excellent footage of all three, so who cares? (The Beach Boys in the studio, James Brown live on The T.A.M.I. Show, Dylan surrounded by irate fans after he went electric at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival.)

Biggest Understatement
Mick Jagger in 1964, marveling that the Rolling Stones have persisted for two years: "I think we're pretty well set up for at least another year."







Review: Beatles 50th anniversary TV special

lefsetz.com
Beatles 50th Anniversary Special
By: bob 
The Lefsetz Letter
2014/01/28

They didn’t shoot high enough.

What separates the good from the truly great is that barely visible edge, you know, the one upon which you skate exquisitely and triumph, or fall down from and are decimated.

It’s absent from music.

It’s evident on cable television. From “House Of Cards” to “Breaking Bad” the rulebook has been burned and creative people are flying on instinct and titillating viewers to the point where staying home all day for a Netflix marathon is de rigueur.

But album sales keep dropping and the only meaning in music is evident on the records of the wannabes who can neither sing nor play but are convinced if we would just give them a listen they’d triumph.

Fat chance.

But the Beatles were different.

Because they were disadvantaged. Their mothers were gone. Paul suddenly started skipping school. When you’ve got nothing, you’ve got nothing to lose. You’d think that today’s underclass would dig deep and whip out gut-wrenching quality, but they’re too busy watching the flat screen and typing on their mobile phones, believing if they just promote themselves, they’ll become famous.

They don’t even know what rich is.

Fame is their goal.

But the Beatles were bitten by the bug. Of Elvis Presley and Buddy Holly. They wanted to be just like them, the way we wanted to be just like the Beatles.

Yes, fifty years ago, our nation was changed literally overnight. Guitar sales burgeoned and barber shops closed. Because we’d all seen the Beatles on Ed Sullivan.

By the time we were exposed to them they’d been writing songs for nearly a decade, and had spent thousands of hours performing in Hamburg, never mind the Cavern Club. And with something to prove, they made our jaws drop.

Today’s kids can’t even play their instruments. But the Beatles were on Ed Sullivan sans hard drives or tapes, and they killed.

They had crooked, chipped, tobacco-stained teeth. Image was important, but songs even more. They were making it up as they went along.

Today we’re just repeating the formula. Established by the four lads from Liverpool fifty years ago. No one’s got skin in the game. And the rogue’s gallery of personalities who invented this business are long since retired, and haven’t been replaced.

The Beatles blew the sixties wide open. They built upon the folk culture (RIP Pete Seeger) and the civil rights movement to empower an entire generation to live free and question authority in a way we would not see again until the dawn of the technological age. What do John Lennon and Steve Jobs have in common? They were both mercurial assholes. And we loved them for it. Because when John emoted and Steve unfurled his latest creation, our souls were touched and we were overcome with the possibilities.

But this was back when we were innocent.

I don’t want to be twenty five again, never mind a teenager, those were horrible years with so many frustrations, but watching last night’s footage on the big screen I was reminded that once upon a time I did not know how the world worked. I saw the glass as half full. I did not question people’s motives. I did not know that PR wagged the tail of the media dog. I thought that we could change the world.

And we did.

But nobody in music is changing the world today.

Katy Perry was so awful, it was the only thing anybody could talk about. I’m sure they’ll fix her vocal before airtime, they have to.

Imagine Dragons did a flawless version of “Revolution” absent all the original’s soul. If you can’t lock on to the groove, you’ve missed the target. It’s not about perfection, but feel.

Ed Sheeran eviscerated all the pathos and soul-searching and world-weary wisdom from “In My Life.” Everybody was painting by numbers. And that way you can replicate a Picasso, but art is about inspiration, not repetition.

But the two guys from the Sullivan show… Testifying as to their exploits back then. Telling stories about rehearsal and Ed coming in on Saturday to meet the reporters, being a giant press hound. This was what we were eating up, this is what we were salivating for.

And was absent too much in this made for TV production.

LL Cool J was the host! What has he got to do with the Beatles other than this show is on CBS?

Anna Kendrick was great in that George Clooney movie, but she wasn’t even born when the band broke big.

But it’s all about ratings baby, and if we don’t entice the young ‘uns, we don’t make money.

And there you have America in a nutshell. Money comes first.

So the techies are on top, the bankers come next, and I’m stuck in the middle with you…nowhere.

We used to have our records, we used to have our art, now we’ve just got our gossip wherein we follow the travails of the Kardashian Klub as they dash for dollars, egged on by their producer, the empty vessel known as Ryan Seacrest.

Did we really need a new Dick Clark? How about a new Wolfman Jack, or Tom Donahue, or Scott Muni…or even a new Cousin Brucie.

But Ryan’s on TV and he’s rich so we’re subjected to his visage.

Didn’t used to be this way.

And then Jeff Lynne and Joe Walsh and Dhani Harrison come out and positively kill “Something.”

Jeff wrings the same wistful emotion from the lyrics as George did.

And Joe pulls off the same notes.

And Dhani plays along and smiles. With a joy not palpable by anybody else his age in attendance.

And then comes Stevie Wonder. Another alta kacher.

I doubt most people under fifty are aware of Stevie’s rendition of “We Can Work It Out.” An exquisite original, Stevie added a funky Hohner intro and a harmonica solo that makes you shimmy and shake and he replicated the number just perfectly last night.

Not the first time through. He missed it. By less than five percent, but…

That five percent means everything. He was the only act who insisted on a do-over. And when he did…

Stevie’s nodding his head, he’s tickling the ivories, and I’m in heaven. Anybody would be, whether you know the original or not.

And then Paul did “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” and the band segued into Ringo singing “With A Little Help From My Friends” and everything was right with the world. Sure, they did the obligatory “Hey Jude” sing-along to conclude the evening, but when you sing the na-nas…all your troubles fall away, you feel a spark inside, that’s the power of music.

Which we seem to have abandoned in our desire for commerce.

This show will come and go. It will make money and be forgotten. I’d say it will make young kids interested in the Beatles, but despite pandering to them I doubt they’ll watch it, they’re too busy tapping on their devices to take time out.

But their parents…

We live in a word of mouth culture. You can manipulate the media but you’ll never achieve your goal. Which is to stick around, to last.

The reason the Beatles are as big as ever, and everyone knows their music, is because of the baby boomers who were there when it happened all those years ago. They can’t stop talking about it.

We’ve stopped talking about so much more. Dozens of hit acts have been wiped from our memory banks. World events have been shortened to where you were when Kennedy was shot, where you were when Neil Armstrong walked on the moon, there’s no discussion of context, just talk about thinly-sliced events.

But when it comes to the Beatles…

It changed the way you look, the way you thought, you can sing those songs by heart and still do. It was so much more than Ed Sullivan, that was just the beginning.

If we don’t respect our culture, if we don’t grasp for the highest rung, we’re worse off as a society.

This was a decent show, but it could have been so much more.

If it featured Dave Clark, speaking about how it was to compete with the Beatles.

If it detailed the beginnings of the merch business, when everybody had to have an “I Love Paul” button and a Beatle wig.

If it stopped worrying so much about today and hearkened back to yesteryear. If it featured the people who were there the first time around, instead of throwing them on the scrapheap in a desire to placate the younger generation that does not care.

I know the producers don’t like my message. I know I’m raining on their parade.

But the Beatles changed my life. Without them I’m a completely different person. I’m not here writing to you.

And when I hear “Every Little Thing” I think back to every girl I ever touched, whether it be Betsy Kimball back at Camp Laurelwood or Felice Mancini today.

I can tell you about drumming the intro to “Come Together” on the desk of the high school library.

Sitting around the campfire singing “Day Tripper.”

Going to a dance and having not a single conversation but being thrilled when the band played “I Want To Tell You.”

And I am not alone. Our entire lives were permeated by four lads from Liverpool who were bitten by the music bug and could only see the possibilities, who believed “safe” was anathema.

I’ve got thousands of vinyl records, including all the original Beatles LPs, however worn.

Because I couldn’t live without them. They’re as vital to my identity as my DNA.

So when you watch this special, or don’t, know that of all the music from the classic rock era the only slam dunk for survival is that of the Beatles. Not because of the way they looked, or the tally of number ones, but because of the vocals, the changes, the playing. The songs. The records.

You want a goal?

Have that be it. Make it about the music.

If you’re really that good we’ll find out about you.

They were.





jueves, 30 de enero de 2014

Where Will Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr Spend the 50th Anniversary of The British/Beatles Invasion?

www.artistdirect.com
Where Will Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr Spend the 50th Anniversary of The British/Beatles Invasion?
Wed, 29 Jan 2014

Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr are set to spend the 50th anniversary of The Beatles' appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show at the theater where the British/Beatles Invasion took place.

Letterman's show is taped at the Ed Sullivan Theater.

The surviving Beatles will be guests on The Late Show With David Letterman on February 9, which will air the following TV program The Night That Changed America: A Grammy Salute to the Beatles.

It makes us miss the late John Lennon and George Harrison.

Will you be tuning in?

—Maggie Pannacione
01.29.14

Where Will Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr Spend the 50th Anniversary of The British/Beatles Invasion? - Take a guess


miércoles, 29 de enero de 2014

PICTURES : Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr reunite to film historic concert

www.nydailynews.com
Beatles members Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr reunite to film historic concert
'The Night That Changed America: A GRAMMY Salute to the Beatles' got an assist from a star-studded roster including Katy Perry, John Mayer, Alicia Keys, Pharrell Williams, Stevie Wonder, Maroon 5's Adam Levine and Annie Lennox.
BY BONNIE ROBINSON IN LOS ANGELES AND GERSH KUNTZMAN IN NEW YORK / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2014

It’s Been a Long Time, But Now They’re Coming Back Home: Surviving Beatles members Paul McCartney (L) and Ringo Starr reunite on stage onstage during ‘The Night That Changed America: A GRAMMY Salute To The Beatles’ at the Los Angeles Convention Center Monday night.
KEVIN WINTER/GETTY IMAGES
It’s Been a Long Time, But Now They’re Coming Back Home: Surviving Beatles members Paul McCartney (L) and Ringo Starr reunite on stage onstage during ‘The Night That Changed America: A GRAMMY Salute To The Beatles’ at the Los Angeles Convention Center Monday night.

They got by with a little help from their friends.

The two surviving Beatles — Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr — rocked out Monday night to mark the 50th anniversary of their British Invasion in a tribute concert featuring the two lads from Liverpool, plus newer legends such as Stevie Wonder, John Legend Pharrell Williams, Joe Walsh, John Mayer, Annie Lennox, Dave Stewart, Katy Perry and Alicia Keys.

Just Like Old Times: McCartney (l.) and Ringo Starr performed as part of a celebration honoring the 50th Anniversary of the Beatles’ historic trip to the United States and Feb. 7 performance on the Ed Sullivan Show.
KEVIN WINTER/GETTY IMAGES
Just Like Old Times: McCartney (l.) and Ringo Starr performed as part of a celebration honoring the 50th Anniversary of the Beatles’ historic trip to the United States and Feb. 7 performance on the Ed Sullivan Show.

The four-hour concert will be aired on CBS on Feb. 9 — the actual day of the Beatles historic performance on the Ed Sullivan Show a half-century ago. The event and concert are dubbed "the night that changed America" — and it was, yesterday and today.
"When I was asked to do this show, I was wondering if it was the right thing to do," Sir Paul said from the stage. "Was it seemly to tribute yourself? Then I saw a couple of American guys and they said, 'You don't understand the enormous impact that show (the Ed Sullivan performance) had on America.' So then I understood and I decided to show up."

Katy Perry, who once sang backing vocals for Mick Jagger, completes her collection by  performin on stage for the surviving Beatles members.
KEVIN WINTER/GETTY IMAGES FOR NARAS
Katy Perry, who once sang backing vocals for Mick Jagger, completes her collection by performin on stage for the surviving Beatles members.

And he kicked into the late Beatles classic, "Get Back."

"Are we going straight through"? Paul asked the audience, which responded with a thunderous round of applause, as he broke into "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart Club's Band."

Joe Walsh, Dave Stewart, Adam Levine, Dave Grohl, John Legend and Paul McCartney give McCartney some support.
KEVIN MAZUR/WIREIMAGE
Joe Walsh, Dave Stewart, Adam Levine, Dave Grohl, John Legend and Paul McCartney give McCartney some support.

McCartney then moved on to "I Saw Her Standing There."

After that, Starr joined McCartney on stage, marking the first time the pair has performed together in five years. Naturally, they broke into, "With A Little Help from My Friends"

The all-star audience included aActors Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, musicians Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, Barbara Bach, Yoko Ono, musician Sean Lennon, and model Charlotte Kemp Muhl.
LESTER COHEN/WIREIMAGE
The all-star audience included aActors Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, musicians Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, Barbara Bach, Yoko Ono, musician Sean Lennon, and model Charlotte Kemp Muhl.

"So now we have to mention that we were in a band of four people called The Beatles," said McCartney, paying tribute to his fallen bandmates, John Lennon and George Harrison. "And whenever we play, John and George are always with us, So tonight we're remembering our beautiful friends, John and George."

Pharrell Williams, Stevie Wonder, Peter Frampton and Annie Lennox lend their pipes to the festivities.
KEVIN MAZUR/WIREIMAGE
Pharrell Williams, Stevie Wonder, Peter Frampton and Annie Lennox lend their pipes to the festivities.

Starr's wife, Barbara Bach, and McCartney's spouse Nancy Shevell were on hand, as were widows Yoko Ono and Olivia Harrison.

Sitting nearby, were a universe of film and music stars, including Tom Hanks, Jared Leto, Adam Levine, Amy Adams, Jane Fonda and record producer.

John Mayer, left, and Keith Urban perform at The Night That Changed America: a Grammy salute to the Beatles Monday night.
ZACH CORDNER/ZACH CORDNER/INVISION/AP
John Mayer, left, and Keith Urban perform at The Night That Changed America: a Grammy salute to the Beatles Monday night.

The crowd sang along lustily when Starr turned "Yellow Submarine" into a singalong. "This is for a special young girl in England," he said before inviting everyone to all join in.

In other highlights:
* Mayer and Keith Urban sang “Don’t Let me Down.”
* Ed Sherran sang the Lennon classic, “In My Life.”
* Imagine Dragons sang “Revolution.
* Keys and John Legend sang, “Let it Be” — with Peter Frampton on guitar.
* Perry sang “Yesterday.”
* Lennox and Stewart reunited to sing “The Fool on the Hill.”
* Dave Grohl sang “Hey Bulldog.” “This is for my Mom’s favorite band, for my favorite band and now my daughter’s favorite band,” he said.
* Walsh and Jeff Lynne sang Harrison’s biggest hit, “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.” Johnny Depp had introduced the duo.

Alicia Keys poses for a picture with Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr.
KEVIN MAZUR/WIREIMAGE
Alicia Keys poses for a picture with Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr.

Academy Award winner, Sean Penn, put the Beatles in their proper context at the outset.

"A hundred years from now, these songs will comfort the broken hearted and amplify the joy of them," he said.

The show concluded with "Hey Jude," with McCartney on the piano and Starr, obviously, on the drums. At the end, McCartney hugged and kissed all of his musical mates.

"What can I say about this evening?" he said. "It's just amazing.


martes, 28 de enero de 2014

Ringo Starr and his band add more dates to U.S. tour

www.usatoday.com
Ringo Starr and his band add more dates to U.S. tour
The tour starts on June 6 and wraps on July 19.
Korina Lopez, USA TODAY
January 28, 2014

Ringo Starr and his All Starr Band are gearing up for another round of performances. They'll kick off on June 6 in Ontario and wrap up on July 19 in Los Angeles with stops in Chicago, Dallas and New York.

Ringo will celebrate his 70th birthday on July 7. He'll be in Los Angeles and is extending an invitation to everyone on the planet to join him at a Peace & Love party. More details on that to come.

For this leg of the tour, he'll bring the same backing musicians that he took out on the road in 2012 — Steve Lukather, Richard Page, Gregg Rolie, Todd Rundgren and Gregg Bissonette.

"I love playing with this band," Ringo said in a press release. "And I can't wait to get back out and play with them again."

JUNE

6 Ontario - Ontario Rama Casino
7 Canandaigua, N.Y. - Sands Pavilion
8 Williamsport, Pa. - Community Arts Theater
10 Albany - Palace Theater
11 Westbury, N.Y. - Theater at Westbury 
12 Vienna, Va. - Wolftrap 
14 Oakdale Theater, Wallingford, Conn. 
15 Providence - Performing Arts Center
17 New York - Beacon Theater
18 New York - Beacon Theater
20 Red Bank, N.J. - Count Basie Theater
21 Atlantic City - Caesars Circus Maximus 
22 Durham, N.C. - Durham PAC
24 Buffalo - ArtPark
25 Verona, N.Y. - Turning Stone Casino
27 Detroit - DTE Energy Center
28 Chicago - Chicago Theater
29 Cleveland - Jacobs Pavillion Nautica

JULY

1 Toledo - Toledo Zoo Ampitheater
3 Tunica, Mo. - Horseshoe Casino 
5 Dallas - Windstar World Casino 
9 Albuquerque - Sandia Pavillion
11 San Diego - Humphrey's
12 Santa Barbara, Calif. - Santa Barbara Bowl
13 San Jose - City National Civic of San Jose
15 Vancouver - Hard Rock 
16 Woodenvile, Wash. – Chateau Ste Michelle
19 Los Angeles - Greek Theatre

RINGO0668_59371554
Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band perform at a press event to promote an upcoming tour of South America ending in Las Vegas.
(Photo: Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY)

ringostarrband.jpg
Ringo Starr and his All Star Band are coming to Metro Detroit in June.
Photo courtesy of Photo by Rob Shanahan

lunes, 27 de enero de 2014

Paul Takes Home Four GRAMMYs

www.PaulMcCartney.com

Sunday night saw Paul taking home five awards from this year's GRAMMYs, his biggest ever win at the ceremony.
 
Paul was nominated for and won:

   *  'Best Rock Song' for 'Cut Me Some Slack' which he co-wrote with Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic and Pat Smear.
   *  'Best Boxed or Special Limited Edition Package' for last year's 'Wings Over America' re-issue.
   *  'Best Surround Sound Album' for 'Live Kisses'.
   *  'Best Music Film' for 'Live Kisses'.

During the ceremony, which took place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Paul was joined on stage by Ringo Starr to perform his single 'Queenie Eye', taken from the 'NEW'album released last October.

Paul was also honoured in an award recognising The Beatles' contribution to popular music. Presented by actress Julia Roberts, the band received the Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award collected by Ringo Starr. To read producer Danger Mouse's tip of the cap to The Beatles on the GRAMMYs website click HERE!

Monday evening will also see The Beatles honoured at 'The Night That Changed America: A GRAMMY Salute To The Beatles' which will be broadcast on CBS Sunday 9th February at 8pm, exactly 50 years to the day, date and time of the band's first game-changing appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1964. For more info on the TV special click HERE!
Photos of Paul with his band and Ringo Starr taken at the GRAMMYs rehearsals on Saturday by MJ Kim.

Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr Share Grammy Stage for Rare Performance

www.rollingstone.com
Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr Share Grammy Stage for Rare Performance
Two onetime Beatles perform Macca's “Queenie Eye” during star-packed ceremony
JANUARY 26, 2014

As many fans hoped, a Paul and Ringo reunion happened on the Grammy stage tonight. After being introduced by Julia Roberts, McCartney sat down on a psychedelic-painted piano with Starr on drums and the pair of onetime Beatles performed “Queenie Eye” from Macca’s latest album, New. The tempo was upbeat, McCartney commanded the vocals like a legend and in the crowd Yoko Ono danced along.


Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr perform at the Grammys.
Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

Earlier in the broadcast, Starr performed solo and played “Photograph” from his 1973 album, Ringo. Backed by a massive full band, he bounced around the stage while old black-and-white photographs showed on a big screen behind him.

Tonight’s reunion is one of only a handful of times McCartney and Starr have performed together. On the red carpet earlier, Starr mentioned that the two had played together just last week. Before then, known performances include Starr’s 70th birthday bash in 2010 and at a David Lynch benefit in New York City back in 2009. Rumors have persisted since the Grammy performances were leaking out that they’d reunite for a performance, but nothing was confirmed until tonight.

McCartney has won 16 Grammys: 10 with the Beatles (including Best New Artist in 1965 and this year's Lifetime Achievement Award, which he shares with Starr), four as a solo act and two with Wings. Earlier in the evening, he won the Grammy for Best Rock Song for "Cut Me Some Slack," his song with Dave Grohl, Pat Smear and Krist Novoselic.

The two will continue celebrating the Beatles’ 50th anniversary of their U.S. debut when they tape The Night That Changed America: A Grammy Salute to the Beatles, set to air on February 9th on CBS. Rolling Stone recently profiled how their performance on the Ed Sullivan Show was a landmark moment in America’s pop culture history.



domingo, 26 de enero de 2014

Photos: Ringo and Yoko at Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award

www.dailymail.co.uk
With a little help from his friends! Ringo Starr hangs out with Yoko Ono before Beatles receive Lifetime Achievement Award
MailOnLine
26 January 2014

She was once blamed for the break-up of The Beatles and it was said that Yoko Ono was resented by her former husband John Lennon's bandmates.
But nowadays, Yoko is rather chummy with the likes of Ringo Starr, and the pair showed what good friends they are at an event on Saturday. 
The Beatles are being honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2014 Grammy Awards and Ringo looked quite exuberant in light of his recognition.

Dynamic duo: Ringo Starr and Yoko Ono received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of The Beatles at the Special Merit Awards Ceremony in Los Angeles on Saturday
Dynamic duo: Ringo Starr and Yoko Ono received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of The Beatles at the Special Merit Awards Ceremony in Los Angeles on Saturday

The 73-year-old attended the Special Merit Awards Ceremony in Los Angeles and sat next to Yoko.
The former Beatles drummer went for a typically edgy look in an all black ensemble consisting of a jacket, shirt, and jeans.
Ringo, who was looking incredibly youthful, dressed down his look with trainers that boasted red laces.

Proud moment: The 73-year-old musician onstage during the ceremony
Proud moment: The 73-year-old musician onstage during the ceremony

Speech: Ringo spoke to the audience
Speech: Ringo spoke to the audience

Fantastic four: Olivia Harrison the widow of George Harrison, Ringo, Yoko, and The Recording Academy President/CEO Neil Portnow at the ceremony
Fantastic four: Olivia Harrison the widow of George Harrison, Ringo, Yoko, and The Recording Academy President/CEO Neil Portnow at the ceremony

Ringo accessorized with a silver pendant around his neck and a pair of sunglasses. 
Meanwhile the 80-year-old former wife of John Lennon channeled androgynous chic in a form fitted black blazer paired with sleek black pants, and a top hat to top it off. 
She too topped off her look with sunglasses - and was seen wearing large round ones as well as a narrower rectangular cut ones.

Old pals: Ringo sat next to Yoko
Old pals: Ringo sat next to Yoko

Candid snap: The two looked chummy together
Candid snap: The two looked chummy together

Husband and wife: The 73-year-old musician was with his wife, 66-year-old former Bond girl Barbara Bach
Husband and wife: The 73-year-old musician was with his wife, 66-year-old former Bond girl Barbara Bach

Edgy chic: The former Beatles drummer wore an all black ensemble - jacket, shirt, and jeans - with a pair of multicolored sneakers
Edgy chic: The former Beatles drummer wore an all black ensemble - jacket, shirt, and jeans - with a pair of multicolored sneakers

Finishing touches: The former Beatles drummer accessorized with a silver pendant around his neck and a pair of sunglasses
Finishing touches: The former Beatles drummer accessorized with a silver pendant around his neck and a pair of sunglasses

Honored: Ringo will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of the Beatles, along with Paul McCartney
Honored: Ringo will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of the Beatles, along with Paul McCartney

Coming up: Ringo will be performing at the Grammys on Sunday
Coming up: Ringo will be performing at the Grammys on Sunday

Ringo was also pictured on the red carpet alongside his wife, 66-year-old former Bond girl Barbara Bach - the two flashing peace signs.
The Lifetime Achievement Award honors those who have made outstanding contributions to the recording industry.
The Beatles are this year's most well known recipients, which also includes Clifton Chenier, the Isley Brothers, Kraftwerk, Kris Kristofferson, Armando Manzanero, and Maud Powell.

Androgynous chic: The 80-year-old former wife of John Lennon wore a form fitted black blazer paired with sleek black pants, and a top hat to top it off
Androgynous chic: The 80-year-old former wife of John Lennon wore a form fitted black blazer paired with sleek black pants, and a top hat to top it off

Classy cool: Kris Kristofferson, who will also be honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award, attended the ceremony in a black trench coat and black pants
Classy cool: Kris Kristofferson, who will also be honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award, attended the ceremony in a black trench coat and black pants

Ringo and fellow Beatles band member McCartney will be performing at the Grammys on Sunday. 
Meanwhile, Paul was pictured at the Grammy Charities Signings in Los Angeles on Saturday.  
The 71-year-old musician looked dapper in a crisp dark suit jacket over a striped blue and white button up shirt, teemed with a pair of jeans.

Meanwhile: Paul McCartney was pictured at the Grammy Charities Signings in Los Angeles on Saturday
Meanwhile: Paul McCartney was pictured at the Grammy Charities Signings in Los Angeles on Saturday

Classy: The 71-year-old musician wore a crisp dark suit jacket over a striped blue and white button up shirt, teemed with a pair of jeans
Classy: The 71-year-old musician wore a crisp dark suit jacket over a striped blue and white button up shirt, teemed with a pair of jeans

Flashback: Ringo pictured drumming with the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show back in 1964
Flashback: Ringo pictured drumming with the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show back in 1964

Back in the day: Paul pictured on the set of the Ed Sullivan Show in 1964
Back in the day: Paul pictured on the set of the Ed Sullivan Show in 1964

One big happy family: The Beatles pictured in 1964 during their first US tour
One big happy family: The Beatles pictured in 1964 during their first US tour

sábado, 25 de enero de 2014

GRAMMYs on Music's Biggest Day! Live streaming coverage from everything

www.cbs.com
Live streaming coverage from everything 
GRAMMYs on Music's Biggest Day!

GRAMMY Awards
Sunday, Jan 26 8/7c

Schedule of Events

• Noon ET / 9 am PT:
GRAMMY Week Events Recap

• 2pm ET / 11 am PT:
Gig Of A Lifetime

• 3pm ET / Noon PT:
Live From The GRAMMY Red Carpet!

• 4pm ET / 1pm PT:
56th Annual GRAMMY Awards Pre-Telecast Ceremony

• 8pm ET / 5pm PT:
Live Backstage At The 56th Annual GRAMMY Awards!

• 11:30pm ET/ 8:30 pm PT:
Official Wrap-Up Show



http://www.cbs.com/shows/grammys/live/

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland will mark the 50th anniversary of The Beatles in the USA

www.cleveland.com
Meet the Beatles: Rock Hall's special day tied to 50th anniversary of 'Ed Sullivan Show' debut
By Chuck Yarborough, The Plain Dealer 
January 23, 2014

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Beatles gave America “All My Lovin’’’ for the first time on “The Ed Sullivan Show’’ on Sunday, Feb. 9, 1964. Today, 50 years later, the love affair remains.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, quite naturally, has an affection for the Fab Four, and is spotlighting the arrival of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr in the United States – the first wave of the British Invasion – with a series of programs on the exact 50th anniversary of that performance: Sunday, Feb. 9, 2014.

These will include curator-led gallery talks in the Beatles’ wing of the lakefront museum, two films in the facility’s Foster Theatre and special programs for families, including a children’s activity guide.




According to the museum, here is the Feb. 9 schedule:

Continuous screenings of the “The Beatles: The First U.S. Visit.’’ The film documents the band’s two-week trip to the United States in 1964, including “The Ed Sullivan Show’’ performances on Feb. 9, 1964, in New York and on Feb. 16, in Miami, plus a concert in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 11. This will be in the Forest City/RMS Theater on the lower level of the museum’s main hall.

“The Sixties: The British Invasion.’’ Museumgoers can get a sneak peek at one segment of CNN’s 10-part series, which begins in May. The one-hour segment will screen at 10:30 a.m.

Album spotlight: “Meet the Beatles.’’ The band’s first album for Capitol on Jan. 20, 1964.

A personal note: My big sister had a copy, which I conveniently left in the back of our Ford Fairlane, on the platform near the rear window where, before child safety seats, kids used to sleep on family trips. It ended up looking like a Salvador Dali painting. She passed away five years ago, still without forgiving me.

Anyway, Rock Hall educators will deliver a short talk about the album, including the fact that the U.S. and U.K. versions of Beatles albums were different, then visitors can listen to the album in its entirety on the Foster Theater sound system.

“Meet the Instruments! Beatles Edition.’’ This program, geared for kids 4 to 9 years old, uses video of the Beatles and live performances by the Rock Hall education band to help children learn how the instruments work to create a rock band sound. It’s set for 1 p.m. in Foster Theater.

“Tell Me Something Good! Beatles Edition.’’ The art of storytelling in song – with examples from the Beatles and one of their biggest influences, the legendary Chuck Berry – is the focus of a program aimed at kids aged 5 to 10. Best of all, the youngsters will get to act out “Yellow Submarine.’’ This is a 2 p.m. program in the Foster Theater.

“The Beatles and American Rock and Roll.’’ Lauren Onkey, the museum’s vice president of education and public programs, and Jason Hanley, director of education, will deliver a special lecture that explores the impact of American rockers like Berry, Carl Perkins, Eddie Cochran and the Everly Brothers on the Beatles as the Fab Four were discovering just what sound they were seeking. It’ll feature archival recordings, film and photographs. It’s set for 3 p.m. in the Foster.

The Rock Hall’s education team will offer a special live-stream distance learning class at 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 10, to discuss the impact of the American music on the Beatles. Students will be able to email questions to the Rock Hall staff. The stream is free and available at rockhall.com/education.

The Rock Hall is open from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. seven days a week, and until 9 p.m. Wednesdays. Admission is $22 for adults, $18 for adult residents of Greater Cleveland, $17 for senior citizens, $13 for kids 9 to 12 and free for kids younger than that. An additional 6 percent admission tax is added to the price of each ticket, and is used to help support the Cleveland Municipal School District.

Call 216-781-7625 or go to rockhall.com for more information.

Paul McCartney, George Harrison and John Lennon. Ringo Starr
The Beatles perform on the CBS "Ed Sullivan Show" in New York on Feb. 9, 1964. From left, front, are Paul McCartney, George Harrison and John Lennon. Ringo Starr plays drums. (AP file)