Posted on Leave a comment

Holding On To The Family, Jules!

Fuji Girl by Julian Lennon
Fuji Girl by Julian Lennon
Fuji Girl by Julian Lennon

Julian Lennon

Though not a book, nor a print item per se, this item which certainly has both Beatle connections and print-related qualities, is a very rare and difficult item to find!

First of all, the Beatles connection is that Julian of course is John Lennon’s son, and being a son of a Beatle gives one the license to post this item here.

In the 80’s, when Julian began his musical career with the excellent Valotte album, little is known that he also signed a contract with Fuji products in Japan to promote some of their products. A rare vinyl promo record was released in Japan only, containing a single track called “Fuji Girl.”

I have followed Julian’s career quite closely over the years but lacked knowledge of this release until I spotted it on an Ebay auction a couple of years ago.  I was both pleased and surprised of learning of its release. This offered further evidence that there are always collecting surprises lurking around out there in Beatle-related circles.

Here are a few photos of my copy of the rare Julian Lennon promo of Fuji Girl!

Fuji Girl
Fuji Girl
Fuji Girl by Julian Lennon
Fuji Girl by Julian Lennon

I have also included a signed print of the cover of his latest LP entitled “Jude.”

Jude by Julian Lennon

Buzz

Posted on 1 Comment

Derek Taylor – Genesis of an Idea

It Was Twenty Years Ago Today
It Was Twenty Years Ago Today

George Harrison – I Me Mine

The king of producing limited edition Beatles-related books is undoubtedly, Genesis Publications Ltd, based in the UK. Since the late Brian Roylance made the arrangements to publish George Harrison’s signed “I Me Mine” volume back in the early to mid 1970’s, the publishers have continued to publish books of intense interest to Beatles fans. At last count, more than 30 Beatles-related Genesis books have been issued.

Beautifully produced and bound in Italy, the mostly leather-bound volumes are superb in the way they are crafted, and the materials used to present them. Many Beatles fans however are skeptical and cynical about the higher prices the limited-edition books command as for many the cost is prohibitive.

The Cover from It Was Twenty Years Ago Today
The Cover from It Was Twenty Years Ago Today

Derek Taylor

Many collectors of Genesis titles may wonder what the rarest Beatles-related title is that they produced. Many people are not aware that the hardest to acquire Genesis Beatles-related title is actually a reprint of what was an already released book by the late Derek Taylor, the Beatles former publicist. His book, “It was Twenty Years Ago Today” was issued as a signed 100 copy issue by Genesis.

The Page Signed by Derek Taylor
The Page Signed by Derek Taylor

The publishers honored my request to allow me to purchase the last numbered copy, number 100, for my personal collection. Many people have asked me why the fascination with the last numbered copy of a limited-edition book. Here is the logic behind the reasoning. Obtaining the first numbered copy is virtually impossible to do as a result of the high demand for that numbered copy of the book. Having what turns out to be the last copy, holds an equally important fascination to me as no more limited-edition copies will ever appear or be made. That is the psychology behind requesting the last numbered copy. That coupled with the excellent writing ability of Mr. Taylor, makes this a book to be treasured.

Derek’s book, marking the 20th anniversary of the release of Sgt. Pepper and Derek’s recollections of the essence of the counterculture of the ’60s make this a wonderful book to have!

Alternative Covers

Alternative Cover #1
Alternative Cover #2
Alternative Cover #2

Buzz

Posted on 1 Comment

Jackie Lomax

Jackie Lomax and George Harrison
Jackie Lomax Heavy Jelly
Jackie Lomax Heavy Jelly

Jackie Lomax

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
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.

The Cast of Musicians Who Contributed
The Cast of Musicians Who Contributed

Buzz

Posted on Leave a comment

The Beatles – A Private View

The Beatles – A Private View by Robert Freeman

Robert Freeman

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"
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.

Letter from the Publisher

Buzz

Posted on Leave a comment

With A Little Help! From Our Friends

Eleanor Bron
Eleanor Bron
Eleanor Bron

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 McKern – Just Resting

Leo played the character Clang/Klang in the movie and Eleanor portrayed the role of Ahme.

Victor Spinetti
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.

Buzz

Posted on 2 Comments

Beatles Graffiti

Graffiti Beatles
Beatles Graffiti
Beatles Graffiti

Beatles Graffiti

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
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.

Buzz