BEATLEMANIA LIVES : "A HARD DAY'S NIGHT" BACK IN THEATERS

www.usatoday.com
BEATLEMANIA LIVES : "A HARD DAY'S NIGHT" BACK IN THEATERS
Whitney Mathesson
USA TODAY
June 23 , 2014

One of this week's most anticipated Blu-ray/DVD releases is the Criterion Collection's beautifully restored edition of A Hard Day's Night. And while I'm sure it'll look fab on my TV, I kind of prefer to see John, Paul, George and Ringo on the big screen — especially since I've never done so before.

Thankfully, next month Janus Films is bringing the classic to more than 90 theaters nationwide. The summer screenings kick off July 4 and mark the movie's 50th anniversary.

I can't say I completely understand the restoration process, but Janus' explanation sounds quite impressive:

Using the latest in digital restoration technology, the Criterion Collection was able to restore A Hard Day's Night from the original 35-millimeter camera negative, which, though incomplete, is in excellent condition. The missing material was taken from two original interpositives. The image was scanned in 4K resolution on a Scanity film scanner to retain the character of the film's original printing stock without any generational loss, and the raw data was carefully treated, using a variety of digital tools, to remove dirt, scratches, flicker and other damage. The final result was approved by director Richard Lester, and is in its original theatrical aspect ration of 1.75:1.
Janus also launched an official Hard Day's Night site, complete with screening info, photos, trivia and more. There, you can learn fun facts like a) the words "The Beatles" are never spoken in the movie; and b) a 13-year-old Phil Collins appears as an extra.

The trailer alone is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. I can think of few other movies that are filled with as much sheer joy as this one.

PICTURE EXCLUSIVE: Sir Paul McCartney, enjoys relaxing Ibiza getaway with wife Nancy Shevell,

www.dailymail.co.uk
PICTURE EXCLUSIVE: Sir Paul McCartney, 72, enjoys relaxing Ibiza getaway with wife Nancy Shevell, 53, as he admits ‘hitting the bottle after Beatles split’
By DAILY MAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 23 June 2014

He has been in recovery after being struck down with a mystery illness during his tour of the Far East in May.
So it’s no surprise Sir Paul McCartney opted to get away on a sunshine break as he was pictured enjoying a day at the beach in Ibiza on Sunday.
The 72-year-old was joined by his 53-year-old wife, Nancy Shevell, and a few pals as they lapped up the sunshine on the Spanish island.


Sunshine break: Sir Paul McCartney opted to get away on a sunshine break as he was pictured in Ibiza with his wife on Sunday

The couple arrived on the beach in casual attire as Sir Paul opted for red swimming trunks while his wife looked stylish in a floral rash vest paired with animal print bikini bottoms.
Paul was keen to make the most of the sunshine as he went for a quick dip in the Mediterranean Sea.
The pair waded in the waves for a short while before making their way back up the beach to lounge with their fellow holiday makers.


Summer vacation: The 72-year-old was joined by his 53-year-old wife, Nancy Shevell, and a few pals as they lapped up the sunshine on the Spanish island


Healing rays: Sir Paul has been in recovery after being struck down with a mystery illness during his tour of the Far East in May

 
Stylish ensemble: Nancy looked chic in a floral rash vest teamed with animal print bikini bottoms and a panama hat

The group enjoyed the heat as they lay on their sun loungers but opted not to lie in direct sunlight.
Fans recently received an insight into the music legend's life thanks to a new excerpt from ‘Man on the Run: Paul McCartney in the 1970s’ by Tom Doyle.
The snippet - published in Esquire -  is focused on a period in the star’s life – following the Beatles split - when he felt he almost had a ‘nervous breakdown’.


Rock on: Nancy seemed to be seeking to catch the attention of someone further down the beach


Cool blue: Paul was keen to make the most of the sunshine as he went for a quick dip in the Mediterranean Sea


Relax: The pair waded in the waves for a short while before making their way back up the beach

 
Time to dry off: American socialite Nancy looked trim and toned in her beachwear

Tom Doyle writes: ‘It was as if he’d suddenly and unexpectedly lost his job, been made entirely redundant. 
‘This was an identity crisis in extremis: Who exactly was he if he wasn’t Beatle Paul McCartney?
Paul is then quoted saying: ‘I hit the bottle. I hit the substances.’


Laid-back: Sir Paul put on a navy shirt after his dip in the sea


Hats off to them: The couple enjoyed the heat as they lay on their sun loungers but opted not to lie in direct sunlight


Can't take the heat: Nancy soon opted to remove her swimming top and revealed a black bandeau bikini underneath

 
Opening up: Fans recently received an insight into the music legends life thanks to a new excerpt from ¿Man on the Run: Paul McCartney in the 1970s¿ by Tom Doyle


Feeling better: In May McCartney had to cancel several dates in Japan and South Korea on his Out There world tour after falling ill with a mystery virus

The singer described how he felt at the time saying it was like ‘a barreling, empty feeling rolling across his soul’ but credited his late wife, Linda as the saving grace that helped him through.
In May McCartney had to cancel several dates in Japan and South Korea on his Out There world tour after falling ill with a mystery virus.
But the dedicated performer has turned a corner health-wise and will hit the road again on July 5 for the North American leg of his show. 


Not so shady: The trio enjoyed a brisk walk across the sand


Shoes off: The couple prepared to leave their location underneath their parasol


Hats off to them: Paul places a tender hand on Nancy's shoulder


Making tracks: The icon and his wife made their way into the cool blue sea

'I’m sorry but it’s going to be a few more weeks before we get rocking in America again. I’m feeling great but taking my docs' advice to take it easy for just a few more days. 
'Look forward to seeing you all soon,' the singer said in a statement on his website at the time.
No doubt the little break away will do the rocker the world of good. At one point, he waded out into the water and carefully got into a dinghy with his wife by his side.


Easy does it: The singer looked a little wary as he negotiated with the dinghy


All aboard: The group made their way to a larger boat


Keeping afloat: The party got ready to make their way to their next destination


He's the champ: The happy rocker gave his best muscle man impression while Nancy took a picture of the view


Getting a tutorial: Concentrating hard, Paul listened to another member of the crew

As they sailed out to a yacht, the pair seemed happy and content with their surroundings, with Nancy taking pictures of the view on her camera and Paul doing a muscle man pose. 
The pair were then spotted relaxing on board and chatting to several members of the crew as they stood in his and hers trilby hats and sunglasses. 
Nancy later stripped off to a pretty blue and white bikini to make the most of the sunny weather. The  two-piece showed off her stunning figure.

NBC's Beatles Series Tripped Up Over Music Rights, Competing Project

www.billboard.com
NBC's Beatles Series Tripped Up Over Music Rights, Competing Project
ARTICLESNEWS
By Yinka Adegoke and Phil Gallo
June 20, 2014

News leaked June 13 that NBC has a team developing an eight-part mini-series on The Beatles. At the outset, it has two big challenges: no music rights and a competing project at Sony Pictures Television.

Marty Bandier, chairman/CEO of Sony/ATV Music Publishing, publisher of all but six of John Lennon and Paul McCartney's Beatles compositions, says he has long pursued a Beatles TV show with the intention of it running on a pay cable outlet like HBO or Showtime.


The Beatles at the BBC Television Studios in London before the start of their world tour, June 17, 1966.
Central Press/Getty Images

"About six months ago, we were working with Sony Pictures TV on a show centered around the journey of the Beatles, and at one point we were talking about working with Baz Luhrmann," says Bandier, noting Sony/ATV hasn't been approached by NBC. "We hadn't taken the next step, which is to reach out to the Beatles. The proposal is still on the table."

NBC has not secured likeness rights from McCartney, Ringo Starr or the estates of Lennon and George Harrison, a source says. "NBC couldn't produce a show without the songs, and we can't produce a show without approaching the Beatles for their likeness rights," says Bandier. (Sony Pictures TV declined comment. Executives familiar with the NBC project say the news report was premature). Filmmakers who have tackled elements of the Beatles story have done so by focusing on their early years: Nowhere Boy, released in 2009, covered Lennon's life from childhood to the formation of the Beatles and included two obscure Fab Four songs. Backbeat, a 1994 film, focused on their time in Hamburg, Germany, when they played all covers. Two of Us, a VH1 film based on a Lennon-McCartney meeting in 1976, had no Beatles music in it.



Using the band's songs is always expensive: Steve Van Zandt cut a deal for David Chase's 2012 film Not Fade Away and got four non-Sony/ATV-published Beatles master recordings for about $250,000 apiece.

www.PaulMcCartney.com

JUN

20

2014

‘Save Us’ Fan Video

Today PaulMcCartney.com publishes a new fan lyric video for Paul’s song ‘Save Us’.  

We recently asked you to pick a line from Paul’s song ‘Save Us’ then represent that lyric in a creative way. We received thousands of entries! Though we expected a big response we were still astonished by the volume, quality and originality of your photos. Thank you!

After carefully selecting our favourites (this was no easy task!) we put them all together to create the first Paul McCartney fan lyric video.

Watch it below...

We loved seeing how Paul’s lyrics were visually interpreted in so many different ways. Paul has previously said:

“I do love that thing about songs - when you release them they become ‘people's property’; they’re not mine anymore. If someone puts a meaning on one of my songs that suits them, then that’s great, I can only be complimented by that.”

We love that you made 'Save Us' your own with your photos!

Paul was so impressed with your creativity he has asked that we put our thinking hats on and come up with some more exciting ways to involve you in one of his next projects. So if your photo doesn’t appear this time, remember there will be more chances in the future!

On behalf of Paul, we would like to say a big thank you to everyone who sent in photos. We can’t wait to see what we do next…

Video created by Sarah Randell

"The chemistry is just incredible": Ringo Starr on perhaps his best All-Starr Band ever

somethingelsereviews.com
"The chemistry is just incredible": Ringo Starr on perhaps his best All-Starr Band ever
BY SOMETHING ELSE!
JUNE 17, 2014

As Ringo Starr continues touring with a lineup that’s becoming his longest-ever tenured All-Starr Band, he’s done whatever he can to keep a great thing going.

“Usually, I do one tour and then breakup the All Starrs,” Starr tells the Atlantic City Insider. “With this band, I’m trying so hard to keep it together that, you know, we’ve done half the world. We have so much fun that I’m working hard to keep the band together.”

Sharing stages since 2012, this tight-knit group includes Steve Lukather, Gregg Rolie and Todd Rundgren. Richard Page and Gregg Bissonette have been with Starr since 2010. Rundgren, part of earlier lineups in 1992 and ’99, has called it the best Starr’s ever assembled.

His boss, the Beatles legend, tends to agree: “I’ve played with a lot of great players, and this band in particularly,” Starr said. “Everyone is just incredible, and it just happened — the chemistry between us all is just incredible. There’s a lot of love, there’s a lot of support. We all just have a good time.”

They begin a two-night stand at New York City’s Beacon Theatre tonight, with dates continuing through July 19, 2014 at the Greek in Los Angeles.








wcbsfm.cbslocal.com
Concert Review: Ringo Starr and the All-Starr Band Play New York’s Beacon Theatre
By Brian Ives 
June 18, 2014


Steve Lukather, Warren Ham and Ringo Starr (photo credit: Maria Ives)

Last night, Ringo Starr and his latest All-Starr Band – featuring former Santana keyboardist/singer Gregg Rolie, guitarist/singer Todd Rundgren, Toto guitarist Steve Lukather and Mr. Mister bassist/singer Richard Page with drummer Gregg Bissonette and saxophonist/keyboardist Warren Ham – played the first of two nights at New York’s Beacon Theatre. As one would expect, there were  lots of fans singing along to Beatles classics, as well as hits from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s courtesy of the rest of the band, and plenty of chants of “peace and love, peace and love!” from Ringo. 
This particular iteration of the All-Starrs has been playing together since 2012 (with Ham filling in for usual sax player Mark Rivera, currently occupied with Billy Joel’s shows). They, in fact, play more like a band than like a conglomeration of “all stars.” While everyone on the stage clearly reveres Ringo, there is a clear mutual respect and a warm rapport between all the players (Rundgren promised that they’d all “make sweet passionate love on stage” but Lukather later pointed out “I’m a virgin”). Ringo seems equally at home as the frontman and as the drummer (it’s somehow a bit bizarre – but fun – to watch him play drums on ’80s hits like “Rosanna” and “Kyrie”). As he once told this writer in an interview, “I’m a ‘band guy,’” an he proves it with this particular band. Here are a few takeaways from last night’s concert: 



The early songs that the Beatles covered might sound dated, but they’re timeless. Ringo – still a huge Carl Perkins fan after all these years, and rightfully so – covered the man twice. The show opened with “Matchbox,” which packed the punch of the best garage rock from this or any other era. Later on, they played “Honey Don’t,” which still sounds great, and ditto for the Shirelles’ “Boys.” 



Freed of the constraints of radio, Steve Lukather enjoys stretching out Toto’s biggest hits into lengthy jams: if you haven’t seen “Rosanna” and “Africa” performed live, you might not think of them as guitar workouts. Ditto for Richard Page’s Mr. Mister songs, particularly “Broken Wings,” which saw Ringo sitting on, and playing, a cajon. 
Don’t sleep on Ringo’s solo material! He performed two songs from his latest album, 2012′s Ringo 2012, which he introduced rather sheepishly. When some audience members cheered for the new songs, he said, “And all five people who bought the album are here!” But “Wings” (which he originally recorded for 1977′s Ringo the 4th and re-recorded for 2012) and “Anthem” are worthy additions to his solo catalog. 



It’s easy to understand why Todd Rundgren didn’t become a huger star, but it’s still disappointing. He’s wonderfully wacky, but It’s hard to know what to make of him: on one hand, he writes beautiful pop songs like “I Saw the Light,” a huge contrast to some of his weirder material. On the other, he doesn’t always like playing his hits: Ringo mentioned that Rundgren never wants to play “Bang the Drum All Day” (but clearly Starr put his foot down and forced the issue, it’s obviously a song that he feels an affinity for). But with his two toned hair (white on the top, jet black on the bottom), his psychadelic garb, his witty stage banter and his fab dance moves, it’s a blast to watch him on stage. 



The reunion of the original Santana band can’t come quickly enough. Gregg Rolie led the band through “Evil Ways,” “Black Magic Woman” and “Oye Como Va,” maybe the most powerful (non-Beatles or Ringo) songs of the evening. His voice hasn’t aged at all, and while it was a blast to hear Lukather and Rundgren sink their teeth into the guitar parts, the idea of watching Rolie playing those songs with Carlos Santana and Neal Schon is tantalizing. 



But, at the end of the day, there’s nothing like Beatles songs. When Ringo plays any of them – from “Don’t Pass Me By” (which he started on the piano) to “Yellow Submarine” to (especially) “With a Little Help From My Friends” – the joy from the crowd, which had a surprising age range, was palpable. When Ringo sings his 1973 hit “Photograph” – “I want you here to have and hold/As the years go by and we grow old and gray,” has a lot more poignancy now than it did 41 years ago. Ditto for “All I’ve got is a photograph/And I realize you’re not coming back anymore.” Happily, Ringo and his merry band return to the Beacon for a second show tonight. And here’s hoping that the seemingly ageless drummer returns for many years to come. (Perhaps the next All-Starr Band can include artists from the ’90s/’00s: a whole new generation might start showing up for a band that included, say, Meg White, Ryan Adams and Fountains of Wayne’s Adam Schlesinger. But the possibilities are endless and fun to think about.) 
(All photos by Maria Ives) 

Paul McCartney at birthday party at The Ivy

www.dailymail.co.uk
From rock royalty, a toast to Sir Paul at 72: McCartney joined by Ringo Starr's wife, George Harrison's widow and members of The Eagles at birthday party at The Ivy
By SAM CREIGHTON
PUBLISHED: 18 June 2014

Sir Paul McCartney saw in his 72nd birthday with just a little help from his friends.
The former Beatles frontman was pictured outside an exclusive private members’ club on Tuesday night, the eve of his birthday, and looked in fine health despite last month’s hospital stay in Japan which saw him cancel tour dates.
Hugging his devoted third wife Nancy Shevell, 54, outside The Club at The Ivy in central London, Sir Paul crowded his close friends around him for a photo at the end of their evening.


What a line up: Marjorie Bach (1), sister of Ringo Starr's wife Barbara Bach (2); Glenn Frey (3) of The Eagles; Sir Paul (4) with wife Nancy Shevell (5); George Harrison's widow Olivia (6); The Eagles' Joe Walsh (7), husband of Marjorie Bach; Cindy Millican (8), Glenn Frey's wife

Gazing lovingly at her husband, who had a hit in 1967 with With a Little Help From My Friends, Miss Shevell painted the picture of a doting wife. 
While they only married in 2011, she has long been there to comfort him: first after the death of Linda in 1998 and then during his messy seperation from Heather Mills.
Their friendship turned to love and the pair starting dating in 2007, shortly before Sir Paul’s divorce to Mills was finalised in 2008.
Miss Shevell was not the only wife of a Beatles member to be on the guest list, with Barbara Bach, 66, wife of Ringo Starr, and Olivia Harrison, 66, widow of George also attending.
Miss Bach was accompanied by her sister Marjorie and, sharing an embrace, the sisters look a picture of health and happiness, a contrast to their youth when they both struggled with substance abuse.


Romantic stroll: Earlier in the day the couple were seen wandering around north London

Speaking to Sir Paul’s status as musical royalty, Glen Frey, 65, and Joe Walsh, 66 – who is married to Marjorie Bach – of US rock band The Eagles took time out of their UK tour for the party.
While he is known to have taken drugs during his musical heyday– once spending nine days in a Japanese prison after being arrested carrying marijuana in 1980 – The Wings guitarist’s stories pale in comparison to those of The Eagles, known for their debauched antics involving drugs, girls and explosive confrontations.
A recent documentary about the band shows Mr Frey at a 1980 charity gig threatening to kill the group’s guitarist, Don Felder, on stage and organising a fight for after the show.

Paul McCartney and Nancy Shevell begin his 72nd birthday with a romantic stroll

www.dailymail.co.uk
The Long And Winding walk! Sir Paul McCartney and Nancy Shevell are in high spirits as they begin his 72nd birthday with a romantic stroll 
By JASON CHESTER
PUBLISHED: 18 June 2014

He’s on the road to recovery after being struck down with a mystery illness during his tour of the Far East in May. 
Stepping out on Wednesday, Sir Paul McCartney looked decidedly chipper as he began his 72nd birthday with a stroll close to his London home. 
Sporting a hooded blue top and black Adidas tracksuit bottoms, the former Beatle had a spring in his step as he greeted onlookers with a cheerful smile – although he resisted the urge to offer the thumbs up gesture he’s renowned for.


High spirits: Sir Paul McCartney had a spring in his step as he stepped out with wife Nancy Shevell on Wednesday, his 72nd birthday

McCartney was accompanied by third wife Nancy Shevell, the wealthy American socialite he married in October 2011, and she appeared to match his optimistic mood as they strolled arm in arm.
The 53-year-old looked rather sporty in a hoodie and bleached jeggings, matching them with a pair of black Nike trainers. 
In May McCartney had to cancel several dates in Japan and South Korea on his Out There world tour after falling ill with a mystery virus.


Make way, coming through: Sir Paul and Nancy pass a young musician who appears not to notice the Beatles legend in his midst

 
At large: The couple were in arm in arm as they kick-started Sir Paul's 72nd birthday with a sedentary stroll close to their London home


Well, hello there: Macca greeted onlooker with a chirpy smile on Wednesday

But the dedicated performer has turned a corner health-wise and will hit the road again on July 5 for the North American leg of his show. 
'I’m sorry but it’s going to be a few more weeks before we get rocking in America again. I’m feeling great but taking my docs' advice to take it easy for just a few more days. 
'Look forward to seeing you all soon,' the singer said in a statement on his website at the time.


Chipper: The musical legend's mood was decidedly upbeat during his latest outing

 
The long and winding walk: The former Beatle is on the road to recovery after being struck down with a mystery illness during his tour of the Far East in May 


Low-key: The couple opted for decidedly casual ensembles for their latest day out in London on Wednesday

The Out There tour showcases an eclectic array of songs from Paul's solo career and his time in both the Beatles and Wings.
The avid vegetarian is also a passionate campaigner for his Meat Free Monday movement, which urges people to skip meat at the beginning of the week. 
The campaign is backed by Paul's daughters with his first wife, the late Linda McCartney, Stella and Mary and has just celebrated its five year anniversary. 'Thank you to everyone who supports the campaign. 
'Eating more fruit and veg, and less meat, is good for our health and good for the planet. With diet-related diseases on the rise, Meat Free Monday is more important now than ever,' Paul wrote on his website of the milestone on Monday.


That hits the spot: Macca enjoys a breath of fresh air