Category: Buzz’s Beatles Book/ Print Blog

John Buzz Bezzini

The blog is designed to feature both old and new Beatles-related print material including books, magazines, posters, or correspondence with people that have a Beatles connection or association. The blog will also feature books from people that have worked with the individual members of the group during their solo careers! Looking forward to seeing you here! Looking forward to your participation and feedback on the blog!

John “Buzz” Bezzini has one of the world’s largest collections of Beatles books and he will share his thoughts and opinions on some of the more rare and unusual Beatles titles.

John taught a course in 1984 called “The Beatles in Retrospect” marking the 20th anniversary of the Beatles’ arrival in America.

John also holds a Master’s Degree in Communication.

Enjoy Buzz’s Beatles Book Blog.

The images shared here are part of John’s private collection and are shared under Fair Use/ Fair Dealings. If you have any questions, contact the administrator.

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Don’t forget that there are hundreds of Blog Posts here, so check them out on the Index at the bottom of the page!

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Posted on 10/04/202409/07/2024 by Buzz — Leave a comment

THE CAVERN CLUB – A FEW FAMOUS DENIZENS

Patrick (Paddy) Delaney – The Cavern Club doorman

Pat Delaney’s signature:

Paddy Delaney's Autograph — Paddy Delaney’s Autograph

A story about Mr. Delaney from none other than Bill Harry that was found Online

MerseyCats – The Liverpool R ‘N’ R Childrens Charity-Paddy Delaney on the Door, Ted Knibbs gives it all away

Paddy’s obituary written by Spencer Leigh in 2009

Paddy Delaney: Doorman at the Cavern Club during its Sixties heyday | The Independent | The Independent

A YouTube Interview with Paddy Delaney

The Beatles and the Cavern Club: Interview with Paddy Delaney and George Harrison’s Parents – YouTube

Interview with Paddy Delaney and George Harrison’s Parents

Although Allan Williams did occasionally visit the Cavern, he was a very independent and headstrong individual. He had opened his own club, the Jacaranda, and had his hands in the operation of numerous Liverpool venues. He signed this EP by The Big Three along with Cavern compere Bob Wooler on the back side of the EP. The Big Three were acknowledged as possibly being the best rock musicians in Liverpool even at the time of the Beatles. Their lack of songwriting ability was the apparent drawback to a bigger claim at fame. This perception was passed on to me by none other than Tony Bramwell, a friend of the Fabs!

The signatures of the Beatles first manager along with the Cavern compere:

Signatures of Allan Williams and Bob Wooler

Cavern Owner: Ray McFall

Pictured: Bob Wooler – Cavern compere with the owner of the Cavern – Ray McFall. Wooler appears in the background. Ray McFall was instrumental in achieving the transition from what was viewed as primarily a jazz club, to a rock ‘n’ roll club. Hesitant at first, the success of the Beatles forced his hand as his business instincts directed him to make the change in the focus of the club!

Ray McFall – obituary (telegraph.co.uk)

A Ray McFall signed Cavern contract in 1964 for a group to appear at the Cavern called the “Redcaps” which I purchased from the UK company entitled TRACKS.

You saw the Bob Wooler signature on THE BIG THREE EP above and here is a photo of a book written about Bob Wooler by Spencer Leigh. We all know that Bob literally introduced the Beatles at the Cavern well over 100 times. Bob was beaten up at Paul McCartney’s 21st birthday party by John Lennon when he attempted to make a joke about Lennon’s trip to Spain with Brian Epstein in 1963. A financial settlement was reportedly worked out between John and Bob Wooler.

Thought a great way to end this post is this immortal Granada TV Cavern appearance (colorized) that appears on YouTube with Bob Wooler’s intro of the Beatles! Hope you enjoy!

The Beatles – Some Other Guy (LIVE at The Cavern Club) [*COLORIZED*] – YouTube

The Beatles at The Cavern

Buzz

If You Want To Know More About The Cavern Club

Cavern Club – The Inside Story

This first-hand account of Debbie’s teen years frequenting and eventually helping to run the original Cavern Club is the authentic inside story of the Beatles launch pad, full of triumphs and failures – and surprise celebrity encounters.

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Posted on 08/04/202409/07/2024 by Buzz — Leave a comment

The Beatles North American Fan Club

SECOND GENERATION BEATLES FAN HAS PUBLISHED 2ND BOOK

After thoroughly enjoying reading Sara Schmidt’s first book about the Beatles playing in St. Louis, I was so happy to learn she was planning a new Beatles book. Well, it is now here!!! Published in April of 2023 it is the story of the Beatles North American Fan Club from beginning to sad end. I love books like this that deal with the direct impact the Beatles had on their fanbase. Published in both hardcover and softcover and features fantastic illustrations by noted artist, Eric Cash. This book proves that the labels of First Generation and Second Generation Beatle fans have little or no meaning or significance in the love that we all share for that fabulous group from Liverpool. A job well done, Sara!!!

Dear Beatle People: The Story of The Beatles North American Fan Club Hardcover – April 3, 2023

by Sara Schmidt (Author), Janet Davis (Editor), Eric Cash (Illustrator)

The back cover of the book:

Sara’s first book:

Sara also loves to collect Beatles books that are titles about them in various cities and countries around the globe which is a great collecting concept!

Sara also runs an excellent website entitled “Meet the Beatles for Real” which features many rare and obscure Beatles-related photos. Both of her books are available through Amazon! At least one of her titles is also available through the Beatles Bookstore!

Beatlemania in St. Louis — Beatlemania in St Louis

You should get these books, they are fantastic! And definitely check out Sara’s website “Meet The Beatles For Real” too.

Buzz

New At The Beatles Bookstore – Art and Craft

Art & Craft

Original art and craft related to Liverpool and the Beatles

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Posted on 05/04/202412/08/2024 by Buzz — 1 Comment

RINGO STARR, HILARY, AND BARBARA

Acquired this book recently from the estate of Ringo Starr’s late business manager, Hilary Gerrard. Hilary was born on January 17, 1933 in London, UK and he died on January 11, 2023 in Monaco, just prior to his 90th birthday!
This item was received by Hilary as a birthday gift for his 74th birthday from Ringo Starr and Barbara Bach!

About this Item

First edition, first printing, inscribed on the front free endpaper by Ringo Starr to his business manager, “Dear Hill, Have a great 74th, Happy Birthday, Love Ringo xxx”, additionally signed “Barbara xxxx”. Provenance: from the collection of Hilary Gerrard, Ringo Starr’s business manager from the early 1970s and a director of the Beatles Apple Corps Limited. Stone’s memoir discusses his experiences in the 1960s counterculture, including encounters with Ken Kesey, Neal Cassady, Allen Ginsberg, and Jack Kerouac from his time spent travelling with them.

The front cover of the book: it was a nice birthday gesture for Ringo to give his friend and legal advisor a book about the sixties which simultaneously was a decade hard to forget, and for some, a decade hard to remember!!!

Remembering the Sixties – by Robert Stone, published by Ecco in 2007

About this Item – the inscription page where both Ringo and Barbara wish Hilary a happy 74th birthday!

Though the following are not my items, they do indicate the respect the other Beatles had for Ringo’s legal representative and friend:

A Drawing Of Hilary Gerrard, by John Lennon on artnet

Created by John in 1974 – this indicates to me that Hilary was probably respected and appreciated by the other Beatles as well!

Bonhams also indicated that George Harrison liked and respected Hilary:

Bonhams: George Harrison A Collection of Greetings Cards to Hilary Gerrard, 8

This photo appears on the wonderful Sara Schmidt’s “Meet the Beatles for Real” website. I do not know who the photographer is for this photo, but it features Hilary, Ringo and Barbara! Obviously, three great friends!

Hope you enjoyed this – someone universally appreciated by all four Beatles.

Buzz

Posted on 01/04/202409/07/2024 by Buzz — 4 Comments

Julian Lennon and his Collaborative Musical Work

Even though Julian Lennon often spends significant amounts of time between his own album releases, he stays active as he continues to make music collaborating with a multitude of other artists. I love Julian’s contributions to many of these recordings and I would like to take the opportunity to highlight a few excellent examples on this blog entry. Julian’s musical legacy is far greater than just the albums he has personally released as his contributions to other people’s work is often superb and outstanding!

Here is a link to Julian Lennon’s website which features many of the collaborations Julian has been involved with over the years:

Collaborations – Julian Lennon

The first collaboration I want to mention here is a composition written by Julian Lennon, his good friend, the late Mark Spiro along with his wife Leslie. It is the environmental classic entitled “Saltwater.” Mark Spiro sadly passed away on his birthday in March of 2024 after a long illness. He has collaborated on several numbers over the years with Julian and he will be missed!

Julian Lennon – Saltwater (1991, Official Music Video) – YouTube

Mark’s solo rendition of the song:

Mark Spiro – Saltwater – YouTube

As a special tribute to the late Mark Spiro, here is Julian and Mark performing the song Someday in 2013 at the NightBird Recording Studios:

Julian Lennon – “Someday” Live Acoustic Performance @ NightBird Recording Studios – YouTube

Julian Lennon and a few collaborative highlights:

Here is a recording of a song that Julian is listed as a co-writer on that is posted on Youtube

That is followed by the orchestral scoring for the song published by the White Feather Foundation

Phil Naro, Julian Lennon, Brian May: ” Falling in Love” – YouTube

This is another song featuring Julian as a co-writer and one in which he is featured as lead singer

Let You Go (feat. Julian Lennon) – YouTube

Handwritten lyrics are followed to the song with Julian signing the lyric sheet that is framed

Here are a few more favorites of my favorite Julian collaborations

“Hope”

1) “Hope”- a song written by Nick Wood and co-sung with Julian about a tsunami that hit Japan:

HOPE(HD) – Nick Wood feat. Julian Lennon, Tetsuya Komuro, and BEYOND Tomorrow Students – YouTube

“Rain in England”

2) “Rain in England”- a wonderful song co-sung by Tony Mortimer and Julian Lennon. I can picture being pelted by a soft rain in the UK as this song is playing:

Rain in England (Radio Mix) – YouTube

“Sleep Now”

3) A beautiful tune co-sung by Kristina Train and Julian called “Sleep Now.” which features a tune written by Brian Byrne and words by literary great James Joyce:

Sleep Now (feat. Kristina Train & Julian Lennon) – YouTube

“The High Road”

4) Another beautiful duet. This wonderful song was written by Brent Bourgeois and Julian alternates singing the verses with Brent: “The High Road”

The High Road – YouTube

“December Sky”

5) Another example to be cited here in this post is a song entitled “December Sky.” This is the rehearsal of the song written by Tomi Swick which features harmony vocals by Julian. It is not a coincidence that this rehearsal was recorded on Dec 8, 2010.

Tomi Swick – December Sky Recording Session with Julian Lennon – December 8 2010 (Full Clip) – YouTube

I know Julian focuses primarily on his photography because it is far more relaxing for him not being compared with his dad. However, he has a golden voice and I would love to see more frequent musical releases by him. I know that I am not alone in that desire!!!

“Cole’s Song”

Appearing in the closing credits of Mr. Holland’s Opus – this is a beautiful number written by Michael Kamen with lyrical contributions from Julian along with a splendid vocal performance by Jules. This movie must have been an emotional and poignant moment for Julian to come to grips with. If you remember the plot of the film, you will know what I am referring to!

Hope you have enjoyed some of the Julian Lennon collaborations that have been highlighted in this post!

Do you have a favorite? If so, what is it and why? Let me know in the comments below.

Buzz

Posted on 30/03/202409/07/2024 by Buzz — 1 Comment

It’s The Beatles by Belmo – “Great Scott!”

Beatles by Belmo? When one uses the term “Great Scott” in the United States, it is often an expression of surprise and amazement. That term also applies to the Beatles books written by Scott Belmer!

Scott Belmer also known as “Belmo” has produced an excellent catalog of Beatles-related books. His primary expertise lies in the discovery, description, and examination of unauthorized Beatles recordings (Bootlegs).

Beatlegs

However, he certainly is not limited to discussing the rare and unissued Beatles recordings, as is indicated by the various titles presented below. One of the sets of books pictured below is the excellent two-book Anthology of Scott’s Beatle fanzine/ magazine entitled Belmo’s Beatleg News.

Beatles Novelty Records

Another book deals with Beatles novelty records and cover versions of their songs over the years. One book details the Beatles’ two concert appearances in Cincinnati back in the sixties. Another title deals with the making of the Sgt Pepper album. My experiences with Scott have always been fascinating and rewarding as I continue to learn from him new tidbits of the fascinating Beatles story. With Scott’s books, I have never been disappointed!

We are about to highlight some of his work below. Hope you enjoy!

The Beatles Discovered Paperback – January 1, 2005

by Belmo(Author) Published Beatlology, Inc.

A listing of Beatles songs performed by other artists, More than 500 tribute albums with complete recording information; reviews of notable tribute albums by artists such as the Billy Preston, Chipmunks, and the Hollyridge Strings. Also, a listing of 600 tribute bands worldwide is included.

In addition, a history of nearly one thousand comedy, novelty, and cash-in records is provided. There are more than 300 parodies of Beatles’ jacket sleeves by other artists, and other Beatle parodies found in print and on television, and hundreds of illustrations of rare album cover art. You will truly be entertained by this great collection! Most of the titles can be found on Amazon, at Abe Books or at Ebay!

Belmo’s Beatleg News: The Complete Anthology Volumes 1 & 2 Paperback – October 8, 2019

Independently published (October 8, 2019)

From 1987 through 2001 “Belmo’s Beatleg News” was an underground fanzine/magazine that focused on the Beatles bootleg releases on vinyl, compact disc, and VHS tapes. Belmo has compiled all of the original issues into a 2 volume book collection! Serves a great function for the completist collector who wants or needs to have “all” of the issues!

The Beatles Invade Cincinnati Paperback – February 13, 2016

by Scott (Belmo) Belmer(Author)

Publisher ‏ : ‎ CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

The Beatles performed in Cincinnati in 1964 and 1966 and both events are extensively covered in this book:

Beatles Not for Sale: The Beatles Musical Legacy As Archived on Unauthorized Recordings Paperback – Belmo–Collectors Guide Pub

A wonderful listing and description of unauthorized Beatles recordings that have appeared in the underground marketplace over the years!

The Beatles Artifacts – Belmo-Book description is provided on the back cover shown below- Self published in 2004 (Only 300 copies were issued)

Black Market “Beatles” by Jim Berkenstadt and Belmo

A wonderful Book put together by two excellent writers and researchers, Jim Berkenstadt and Scott Belmer (Belmo)
Collector’s Guide Publishing; First Edition edition (1995-10-01). The subject matter of course is an exploration of theBeatles underground recordings that have circulated in the marketplace.

George Harrison: His Words, Wit & Wisdom

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Belmo Publishing; First Edition (January 1, 2002)

One of the more difficult titles written by Belmo to find (out of print)

The Beatles Christmas BookEverywhere it’s Christmas Paperback – January 1, 2008 by Belmo (Author) and Garry Marsh (Author)
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published 2008- Number 9 Books

Everything you want to know that is associated with the Beatles and Christmas:

The Beatles: Christmas Time Is Here Again Hardcover – July 20, 2022by Belmo and Garry Marsh (Author), Independently published (July 20, 2022)
Scott produced an initial edition of 50 hardcover copies of which he hand numbered the first 25 copies. The hardcover edition had significantly more material than the original softcover edition. Hardcover copies are still available on Amazon.

The Making of Sgt Pepper by Belmo-Collector’s Guide Publishing-1997

Scott’s book about the making of the Sgt Pepper album-cd sized book filled with very interesting material about the creation of the famous LP.

The wonderful world of “Belmo”! What an incredible bounty of Beatles Books.

Buzz

Posted on 23/03/202402/09/2024 by Buzz — 4 Comments

JULIAN LENNON AND THE GOOD OLD “HAPPY DAYS”

Julian Lennon with the cast of Happy Days

When Julian Lennon met the Fonz!

Every generation seemingly has the need of portraying the time in which they grew up as the “best time” and their generation as being the best and the most exciting. We all have the tendency as we get older to enhance the good times and to minimize the bad ones in which we came of age. Even the music we listened to while growing up holds special memories and has special associations with momentous events in our lives. I want to share with you an item that I actually purchased twice in my years of collecting.

Julian and the Fonz

The same photo as the one shown below that did not include Julian’s signature was given by me as a gift to Julian Lennon at a book signing at a Barnes and Noble in New York City. The original photo was signed by Henry Winkler only, the actor who played “The Fonz” in the TV show “Happy Days.” Julian stared at the photo when I handed it to him, broke into a wonderful smile, and motioned to his personal assistant and said, “Look, it’s me and the Fonz.” He thanked me for the gift and gave it to his PA for safekeeping.

Years later, I had the opportunity to purchase another signed photo. This time the photo was also signed by Julian, along with Ron Howard, the award winning director and actor, and actors Henry Winkler, Anson Williams and Don Most. Ron Howard was to go on to direct the special film that dealt with the Beatles touring years entitled “Eight Days a Week.”

Happy Days

The photo below was taken the first year of “Happy Days” production. John Lennon, May Pang and Julian visited the cast members on the set when this photo was taken. Could not resist getting this one as a permanent part of the collection because of all of the signatures present on the photograph.

Having Julian’s signature on this photo is of special importance to me, knowing that he was having a great time with his dad during this time frame!

Will have this one professionally framed.

Photo Signed by: Henry Winkler, Ron Howard, Don Most, Anson Williams & Julian Lennon

Julian Lennon with The Fonz and cast of Happy Days

EIGHT DAYS A WEEK-RON HOWARD

To The Good Old Days!!!

Julian Lennon singing lead vocal on a nostalgic song written by Styx lead singer Dennis DeYoung. The two singers do a great job on this song of “looking back.”

A SONG OF NOSTALGIA “TO THE GOOD OLD DAYS”

To The Good Old Days by Julian Lennon

Julian Lennon + Dennis DeYoung – “To The Good Old Days” (Art Track) – YouTube

The best way for me to conclude this post is to say growing up in the 50’s and 60’s in particular WAS the most exciting time to be around and to come of age. There was so much change occurring in the culture and so many things going on challenging previously held beliefs that it made you wonder, “What Was Coming Next?” I will argue this point with all subsequent generations!!! Be prepared for a peaceful battle if you disagree with my assessment! LOL! in either case, be healthy and happy!

Finally, this is the song that really tugs on the heartstrings as it features Julian Lennon singing a rare song about his dad. Someone posted this radio performance of Julian singing this obscure number on YouTube! Julian at the time of this performance was touring (in the 90’s) and performed this number only a few times on the radio! What a heartfelt beautiful song this is!

Julian Lennon – Loving Is Easy When You Don’t Count The Costs – YouTube