Allan Williams, Beatles' First Manager, Dead at 86

www.rollingstone.com
Allan Williams, Beatles' First Manager, Dead at 86
Liverpool club owner and promoter drove band to Hamburg in 1960 to begin formative residency in German city
By Daniel Kreps
December 31 2016


Allan Williams, the Beatles' first manager and booking agent during the band's time in Hamburg, Germany in 1960, died Friday at the age of 86. Ellen Piel/K & K Redferns

Allan Williams, the Beatles' first manager and booking agent during the band's time in Hamburg, Germany in 1960, died Friday at the age of 86.

Liverpool's Jacaranda, the Williams-founded coffeehouse/music venue that was frequented by John Lennon when he was a student at the Liverpool Art College, confirmed Williams' death on Facebook, the Guardian reports.
"His legacy has allowed us to remain at the heart of the Liverpool music scene for almost 60 years, and his memory will live on through every band that plays our famous stage," the venue wrote. "Allan, you will be missed. All of our thoughts and wishes go to his family and his wife Beryl."

Today our founder and the man who discovered the Beatles passed away at the age of 86

Allan Williams, you will be missed pic.twitter.com/Mh7sq5Er4q

— The Jacaranda (@jacarandalpool) 30 de diciembre de 2016

From May to August 1960, the Beatles – then John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and bassist Stuart Sutcliffe – played occasional gigs at the Jacaranda and the Blue Angel, another venue owned by Williams.
"I was just glad to have been there in the 60s, at the start of it all. I've always been proud of the Beatles and proud and happy to have been just a small cog in the wheel of the most famous group in the world," Williams told the Liverpool Echo in 2010. "A lot of people have told me 'I would have loved to have been there' and it was a lot of fun - but we didn't know we were making history. It was such a good time, though, and I've got no regrets - they were exciting days. But no one knew the Beatles would go on to achieve what they did."
It was Williams who drove the Beatles to Hamburg in August 1960 to begin what proved to be their formative residency in the German city. With the band in need of a drummer, Williams claimed to have auditioned Pete Best, the band's first drummer.
"We probably met with the van outside Allan Williams' club, the Jacaranda. There were the five of us and then Allan, his wife Beryl and [promoter] Lord Woodbine," Harrison recalled of the journey to Hamburg in The Beatles Anthology. "It was cramped. The van didn't even have seats; we had to sit on our amplifiers. We drove down to Harwich and got the boat to the Hook of Holland."
Williams remained Beatles' booking agent for the beginning of the Hamburg tenure; however, after the band secured their own residency at the city's Top Ten club, they parted ways with Williams over a disagreement over his 10 percent fee.
In 1962, before Brian Epstein became manager of the Beatles, he approached Williams to see whether he had outstanding contractual links to the band. Williams didn't, but he warned Epstein, "Don't touch them with a fucking bargepole; they will let you down," The Beatles Bible writes.
A frequent featured guest at worldwide Beatles conventions, Williams published his memoir The Man Who Gave The Beatles Away in the mid-Seventies. Williams was also responsible for salvaging the 1962 live recording that became Live! at the Star-Club in Hamburg, Germany; 1962 after recovering the tapes from an abandoned office building.

www.PaulMcCartney.com

DEC

29

2016

'You Gave Me The Answer’ - Christmas 2016 Edition…

One of our all-time favourite Christmas traditions here at PaulMcCartney.com HQ is getting to sit down on Paul’s sofa to ask him your questions about all things Christmas! We can tell that Paul enjoys the festive season from the huge smile on his face as he shares some brand new Christmas stories with us… and you!

We kick off this year’s Christmas Q&A with a question from Jake in the UK who asks…
 
Jake: What was the most unique Christmas gift you’ve ever received, and from whom?
 
Paul: I think it’s a silly one! When I was a kid, my Uncle Joe built me a fort. It was like a little den, where I could play with my tin soldiers. And I really loved it. It was like a major, major gift. It was made of wood; he was a plumber, so he was a kind of tradesman. And yeah, he just made this little fort with a little castle. I think it was most unique because in your childhood, you know, things just seem more amazing. And so one Christmas morning, this arrived. So it was my little fort.
 
PM.com: Was that inside or outside the house?
 
Paul: Inside.
 
PM.com: Like a doll’s house?
 
Paul: It was like a boy’s dollhouse. Exactly. That’s what it was!
 

Katrina from Russia asks: What do you put on top of the Christmas tree? A star? An angel? Or something else?
 
Paul: An angel. We have a few things that we’ve had for a long time, so there is an angel that always goes on the top. And then we have a few special things, as I say, that have come through the years. It’s like, “Oh! I remember that one!” There’s a little thing Mary made when she was at school, which still comes out every year. And then we buy some new ones to sort of fill it in. Nancy and I bought some lovely ones in New York that are now regular fixtures. But in answer to your question – an angel!
 
Christiana from Milton Keynes asks: Do you sing with the family around the piano during holiday gatherings? And if so, which songs?
 
Paul: I don’t really, that was more my Dad’s thing. I made a record when the kids were little, because I realised it was very hard to buy a record that just had the Christmas songs. You would either get Nat King Cole sings Christmas or Phil Spector’s Christmas record - which I’ve got and we use - but I just wanted straight forward Christmas songs [sings ‘Jingle Bells’ to us].  So I went into my studio and made loads of tracks. I have a little CD actually, called ‘Christmas Songs,’ and it’s just all stuff I’ve made up. I multi-tracked them all in the studio and they’re kind of nice! So rather than sitting around a piano, normally we would play that CD while everyone’s cooking. It’s a nice little CD actually, it’s got a sort of sentimental value because all the kids have grown up with it.
 
PM.com: That must hold amazing memories for the kids?
 
Paul: Yeah, I think so. You know, it’s like, “Oh! Here’s that one again!” But I think they like it. I like it, it’s nice. It means the Christmas season is here! In New York there’s a Christmas radio station that we put on. But no, our equivalent of around a piano would be this little Christmas record I made, which has slightly more than a dozen or so Christmas favourites.
 
PM.com: Did you record that in the 70s?
 
Paul: Yes I did, and I just add one or two a year.
 
PM.com: You know next year, you’ll have to answer, “What are the tracks on this CD? When are you going to release it?”
 
Paul: I have often thought… It’s a fun thing. Anyway, we’ll get into that. Cut! You’re opening Pandora’s box!

 
And sadly that’s where we had to leave it this year! You can learn more about Paul’s favourite festive traditions by reading the ‘You Gave Me The Answer’ Christmas archives below:
 
‘You Gave Me The Answer’ Christmas 2013 – Click HERE
‘You Gave Me The Answer’ Christmas 2014 – Click HERE 
‘You Gave Me The Answer’ Christmas 2015 – Click HERE  

From Paul and all of us here at PaulMcCartney.com, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

P.S. We’d love to hear what you’ll be getting up to this Christmas holidays in the comments below…

Watch Ringo Starr, Kings of Leon, Bob Seger Pay Tribute to the Eagles

www.rollingstone.com
Watch Ringo Starr, Kings of Leon, Bob Seger Pay Tribute to the Eagles
Vince Gill, Juanes, Steve Vai also chipped in at star-studded Kennedy Center Honors event
By Elias Leight
Dec 28 2016




An inter-generational ensemble of musicians convened to celebrate the Eagles and perform several of the band's most famous hits at the 39th Annual Kennedy Center Honors earlier this month. The evening's other honorees included Mavis Staples, James Taylor, Al Pacino and the pianist Martha Argerich. CBS aired the special Tuesday night.

Ringo Starr served as an MC of sorts during the Eagles tribute segment, opening the proceedings with a short speech. "I am honored to be here this evening to honor the Eagles, including my brother-in-law, Joe Walsh, who forced me to do this," he said. He then quickly introduced Kings of Leon, who rollicked through "Take It Easy" with assistance from a soothing group of backing singers.
Next up was Colombian musician Juanes, who delivered a meaty rendition of "Hotel California" alongside guitarists Steve Vai and Steuart Smith. The two players split the first half of the song's signature guitar solo before ripping through the second part in unison, bringing the track to a riff-happy close. Colorful riffs played a central role in Vince Gill's "Peaceful Easy Feeling" as well, even as Gill brought the mood back to tranquil country rock. His sterling pedal steel guitarist repeatedly burst through the song's serene glide with slashing runs.



The evening ended with arena punch and mass sing-alongs: Bob Seger, who co-wrote the Eagles' 1979 single "Heartache Tonight," jabbed his way through the track as the crowd clapped in unison to the heavy beat. All the performers then joined together to sing "Life in the Fast Lane" while Ringo danced goofily in the background.
Though the Eagles were initially slated to be honored in 2015, the band postponed due to the late singer/guitarist Glenn Frey's health problems. Frey died in January.
Speaking at the event, President Obama lauded the varied group for both their talent and wide-reaching impact. "Their legacies are measured not just in terms of works of art but [also] the lives they've touched," he told the crowd.









Joe Walsh and Ringo Starr

Paul McCartney's Christmas treat for fans? A bumper wordsearch

www.telegraph.co.uk
Paul McCartney's Christmas treat for fans? A bumper wordsearch
By  Hannah Furness
Arts Correspondent
28 DECEMBER 2016


Paul McCartney's fans can swap rock and roll for a wordsearch puzzle CREDIT: REUTERS/BENOIT TESSIER

In their Sixties heyday, fans were famous for screaming, fainting and offering their knickers in a frenzy that coined its own enduring nickname: Beatlemania.

But devoted followers of Sir Paul McCartney are a little more sedate these days, it appears.

For the musician’s latest offering to his fans? A spectacular Christmas wordsearch.

Sir Paul has teased admirers with a 42-clue word search, burying the titles of his best-loved songs in a bumper puzzle.

A few days earlier, he released a special Christmas colouring-in sheet, with a pencil-effect drawing of him on stage with his guitar ready to be decorated.


The wordsearch contains 42 song titles CREDIT: PAUL MCCARTNEY

The puzzles are part of Sir Paul’s web strategy, which sees him interact with fans regularly as they send in their completed images for him and his team to enjoy.

Introducing the new quiz, the 74-year-old musician’s website said: “This year has been quite the ride! So, for a bit of fun, we've made up a new wordsearch featuring highlights from Paul's past 12 months.”

As it launched the colouring challenge, it added: “Around this time of year we love to relax with family and friends and enjoy the festive season.


Fans can also colour in an image of their idol CREDIT: PAUL MCCARTNEY

“But as wonderful as Christmastime is, sometimes it's nice to also have a bit of time to yourself to relax, and what is more relaxing and zen than colouring in?”

It is not known whether Sir Paul himself has yet completed the word search after authorising it.

He was photographed spending Christmas Day on a beach in St Barts with his wife Nancy Shevell and daughter Stella.

We’ve hidden 42 words. How many can you find? Download the full wordsearch from https://t.co/eEFPgd3GIu today! https://t.co/rxLWHKp1y1 pic.twitter.com/hHOoXuKVtV

— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) 27 de diciembre de 2016

The musician has previously spoken of his family connection with puzzles, with his father a big fan of crosswords and his cousin Bert going on to compile them professionally.

His fellow rock stars have not been shy in confessing their own pastimes in older age.

Ronnie Wood, of the Rolling Stones, has an array of jigsaw puzzles at home, with his wife Sally Wood telling The Telegraph: “We like them because they are very good for the brain.”

Download brand new colouring in images of Paul HERE! https://t.co/taTX2vtd2P #FanArtFriday pic.twitter.com/OWzB9dHkAB

— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) 23 de diciembre de 2016

When on tour, she disclosed, the band indulge in an ongoing backgammon tournament.

Wood is also reported to be an enthusiastic philatelist, sharing the hobby with the late Freddie Mercury and John Lennon.

Bill Wyman, meanwhile, is a metal detectorist, while Charlie Watts listens to Radio 3 at home and Keith Richards has a passion for Second World War history books.


The Beatles perform at the Seattle Centre Coliseum during their US tour, 1964

Rod Stewart is known to be collector of model trains, once calling his December 2010 cover of Model Railroader "a major career milestone... getting on the front of Rolling Stone had nothing on this”.

Sir Elton John collects porcelain and photography, the late David Bowie played chess, Eric Clapton is a lover of fly fishing and Roger Daltry once appeared on the cover of TV Times advertising his trout farm.

When asked previously about his hobbies, Sir Paul has said: “I do have some nice guitar picks from over the years and some nice books too.”


The Beatles receive a silver disc from George Martin in 1963

If his fans are giving in to age, there seems to be little sign of Sir Paul doing the same. He has spent much of the year on tour and playing at festivals.

In an interview in August, he joked the idea of being on tour at the age of 40 had once seemed “unimaginable - and unseemly”, and admitted his teenage self had pitied a 24-year-old for being “so old”.

“People say age is a number,” he told Rolling Stone. “It's a big number the older you get. But if it doesn't interfere, I'm not bothered. You can ignore it. That's what I do.”

Sir Paul’s word search is available on his website and via his social media pages now.

Shirtless Paul and daughter Stella soak up some rays as they go for a Christmas Day dip in St Barts

www.dailymail.co.uk
Here comes the sun! Shirtless Sir Paul McCartney, 74, and daughter Stella, 45, soak up some rays as they go for a Christmas Day dip in St Barts
By DAN CAIN FOR MAILONLINE
8 December 2016

Sir Paul McCartney celebrated Christmas Day in style as he took to the beach in St Barts with wife Nancy Shevell and daughter Stella.
The Beatles icon, 74, looked fighting fit as he waded into the turquoise waters in a pair of tropical swimshorts.
He was joined by Stella, 45, in a stylish black one piece for his festive dip, and the pair shared smiles and conversation as they floated off-shore.



Life's a beach: Sir Paul McCartney, 74, celebrated Christmas Day in style as he took to the beach in St Barts with daughter Stella, 45

The pair weren't worried about getting their hair wet as they enjoyed their family bonding time in the Caribbean paradise. 

Nancy, 57, preferred to remain on-shore, showing off her slender frame in a navy vest top and matching skin-tight leggings.
The attractive brunette covered her locks with a beige sunhat and shielded her eyes with shades.


Caribbean Christmas: The pair didn't look to be missing the cooler climes of England



Pop icon: The Beatles icon, 74, looked fighting fit as he waded into the turquoise waters in a pair of tropical swimshorts


Standing tall: Paul's physique was impressive for a man in his seventies



Touching: Paul made a heartfelt tribute to George Michael the day after his trip to the beach


On the lookout: Stella could have benefited from a pair of sunglasses


Walk this way: Stella led the way with Paul only a step behind


In the shallows: The gentles waves lapped against their thighs


Life of luxury: The pair shared smiles and conversation as they floated off-shore


Offshore: Stella wasn't worried about getting her hair wet as she enjoyed her time in the Caribbean paradise

After he'd had enough in the water, Paul returned to the white sandy beach and wrapped a large white towel around his neck.
Stella could be seen cupping her hands around her eyes as she looked for somebody in the distance.
The following day, Paul shared a message of condolence after learning of the death of fellow musician George Michael.


Shining bright: Stella could be seen cupping her hands around her eyes as she looked for somebody in the distance


In the deep: The turquoise ocean certainly looked inviting


Laidback: Stella closed her eyes and floated on her back


Family man: Paul looked delighted to be spending the special day with his daughter

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Deep in conversation: Paul gesticulated as he spoke to Stella

Gobsmacked: Paul had to be careful not to get a mouthful of seawater 

Everything ok? Paul sported a look of concern at one stage

All at sea: Paul and Stella's heads could be seen bobbing on the surface

And breathe: Paul puffed out his cheeks as he floated beside Stella

Just the two of us: The pair weren't bothered by other holidaymakers

Going for a swim: Paul broke into a front crawl, proving he's very much fighting fit

Animated: The Live and Let Die singer looked passionate as he spoke

Laughing out loud: Stella knew how to make her dad laugh

Wet wet wet: Paul spent plenty of time playing with his hair during the dip

Sun in her eyes: Stella looked to be struggling with the glare of the sun

Speaking of the Careless Whisper hitmaker, who died from heart failure on Christmas morning aged 53 at his Oxfordshire home, Paul said: 'George Michael's sweet soul music will live on even after his sudden death.

'Having worked with him on a number of occasions, his great talent always shone through and his self deprecating sense of humour made the experience even more pleasurable.'

Stella McCartney parties with Orlando Bloom & Beth Ditto

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Drying off: After he'd had enough in the water, Paul returned to the white sandy beach and wrapped a large white towel around his neck

Man on the run: Paul was light on his feet as he made his way across the beach

Topping up his tan: Paul will no doubt be well-bronzed by the end of his trip

Back on dry land: Nancy, 57, preferred to remain on shore, showing off her slender frame in a navy vest top and matching skin-tight leggings

In the navy: The attractive brunette covered her locks with a beige sunhat and shielded her eyes with shades

Looking good: Stella looked in fantastic shape as she returned to her sun-lounger

Glistening: Water droplets on Stella's skin glistened in the sunlight

Mr cool: Paul's trendy shades and shorts were proof he moves with the times

Thirsty: Paul kept hydrated by sipping from a bottle of water

Paul and Nancy, who married back in October 2011, regularly support each other at public events with Nancy attending Paul's performances at Desert Trip or 'Oldchella' in California back in October.

The former Beatle joined a star-studded line up which included Neil Young, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan and The Who.

'It's fossil rock,' the singer told Rolling Stone before the performance. 'But it's exciting.' 

Icon: The bass-playing singer cut a cool figure in a black tee and matching cap

Bare-faced: Stella went makeup free for her beach visit