This is technically not a print product like a book or a magazine but it can hold tangential interest to Beatles fans on a number of fronts just the same.
This recording was released in 2014 on the Angel Hair label. It had previously been unreleased though it did appear previously on a bootleg recording. The recording was made back in 1970 while Apple Records was beginning to go through its disintegration. Despite being the first artist to sign with Apple Records, Jackie Lomax became aware, as Allen Klein came into the picture, that perhaps Apple was no longer the nirvana that people had envisioned.
Track List
Contributing Musicians
Not officially released during his lifetime, Jackie’s family was able to finally negotiate a posthumous release of the LP on cd. Of additional interest to Beatles fans, Pete Ham and Tom Evans, Apple artists from the group Badfinger, sing backing harmonies on track 8 and Bobby Keys and Jim Price, horn players who have backed John, George and Ringo also played on this LP.
There are many differing views about limited edition Beatles books and records. Some collectors like to own items not easily available to others. They take pride in the exclusivity of the product that they may have. Others may resent both the expense of the item and their lack of ability to obtain one.
Cover for Robert Freeman’s Book
Limited Edition
I must say, as a collector I truly enjoy these limited-edition books very much if there is something special and unique that is present only on the limited edition. The boxset you see here is a limited-edition slip-cased version of noted Beatles photographer, Robert Freeman’s book, “The Beatles: A Private View.” This edition was one of 2,500 copies.
Special Feature
The special feature of this book was a signed print of Robert Freeman’s submitted photo collage that would have been the cover of the LP “Revolver” if the Beatles had not chosen Klaus Voormann’s cover instead. A bit of historical trivia for Beatles fans. It has been speculated that Robert Freeman’s wife was the inspiration for the John Lennon song, “Norwegian Wood.”
The Collector’ Edition Promotion
The Alternative Revolver Cover
Robert Freeman’s Idea for “Revolver”
The book was published by Big Tent Entertainment; Limited edition (Oct. 25 2003)
The following letter accompanied the book, from the publisher.
Three books from a few of the character actors in the Beatles movie, “Help!”
Leo McKern, Eleanor Bron, and Victor Spinetti
Leo McKern – Just Resting
Leo played the character Clang/Klang in the movie and Eleanor portrayed the role of Ahme.
Victor Spinetti
Victor had the role of the conniving Foot
Victor’s Book
Leo McKern’s book was published by Methuen in 1983, Bron’s book was published by Jonathan Cape in 1985. Spinetti’s book was published in 2006 by Pavilion Books.
It is amazing the variety of Beatles-related book titles that have appeared over the years. This one holds a special place in my heart for several reasons.
A while back I came across an Online Kickstarter campaign designed to help finance the sale and distribution of what I saw as a very special Beatles-related book. A gentleman named Jonathan Armstrong was assisting a lady named Jo Holden to publish a book of Beatles graffiti that appeared on the famous Abbey Road wall outside the EMI studios. Jo’s husband, photographer Martin Holden had spent 12 years photographing the various postings of Beatles grafitti on the wall because he was fascinated with the worldwide impact of the group and how fans still maintained their intense interest in them
To quote Marton Holden’s friend, Jonathan Armstrong:
“In October of 2018, Martin was diagnosed with Stage 4 brain cancer. Despite this prognosis, he continued to visit the studios and remained determined to keep the project going. He lost his battle in August 2019, and now Martin’s widow Jo is committed to finishing his work, both as a tribute to him and as closure to the long personal journey they took together.”
Sketch on Abbey Road Wall
As a special feature for the people that contributed to the Kickstarter campaign to finance the book, an artist would draw a little sketch like the walrus shown below and a message written by the pledge donor would accompany the sketch on the Abbey Road wall. The artist would photograph it before it was washed away the following month. My contribution to that book is presented in the middle panel of the picture below the book cover. The artist that did the walrus drawing for my post and I believe the person that took the photograph is named Robert Rubbish. People that purchased this book were also contributing to brain tumor research.
Buzz’s Walrus
I believe there is a website where interested parties can still find and purchase this book if they are interested! I was so happy to have been able to acquire a copy of this wonderful title which encapsulates the continuing importance of the band to our culture.
Pattie Boyd signed and titled the lyrics that Eric Clapton wrote for her in the dynamic song, “Layla.” The lyrics were based on an ancient Persian poem.
Lyrics to “Layla”
Pattie Boyd, of course, was married to George Harrison at the time of the song’s creation. The pictures below the lyrics are the books that Pattie has produced about her storied past. The newest book is a photographic history of her life. The earlier work was her biography! Pattie’s musical legacy was to have been the muse for quite a few memorable classic songs.
Both Pattie Boyd and Yoko Ono were two of the backing female vocalists on the Beatles song, “Birthday.”
Signed twice-Julian Lennon Beatles Memorabilia Flyer for an Exhibition held in Gibraltar
Most of us are aware of the often-tumultuous relationship between Julian Lennon and his dad. Though this is not a book product it is a print item twice signed by Julian at an exhibition of his Beatles memorabilia in Gibraltar. Julian, unfortunately had to buy back many of these items in auctions as many were not inherited or left to him directly after John’s passing. It is good to see that in recent years Julian seems to have forgiven his dad for his feelings of being abandoned when he was a young child.
