British entertainment and pop culture news and views!
Beatlefan will have lots of coverage of the “last” Beatles song in Issue #265 in December, but in the meantime we asked some of our regular contributors to weigh in on “Now and Then.” You’ll find their thoughts in the latest post to SOMETHING NEW: The Beatlefan Blog at
Reunited in the “Now and Then” music video. We asked some of our Beatlefan staff members and regular contributors to share their thoughts on The Beatles’ “Now and Then.” In 1996, nearly…
From our Midsomer family to yours, we hope our American fans have a lovely Thanksgiving.
It was 60 years ago today that a British institution was born: "Doctor Who." Here's a shot of the long-running series' 12th Doctor (played by Pete Capaldi) with his time travel companion Clara Oswald (played by Jenna Coleman of later "Victoria" fame) and a couple of Daleks (one of the Doctor's more relentless foes) re-creating another U.K. pop culture milestone a few years later. Note Jenna Coleman's bare feet, which will mean something to those who recall the "Paul is dead" farce. (Tip of the hat to Richard Porter)
From Bill King: I’ve been a Disney fan since I donned a Davy Crockett buckskin jacket and coonskin cap when I was 3 years old, and I’ve been a fan of The Beatles since February, 1964. It’s amazing to me, though, the number of times those two interests have crossed paths. To read about the interweaving of two of my main pop culture interests, check out the latest posting to SOMETHING NEW: The Beatlefan blog.
My introduction to Disney came via Davy Crockett when I was 3 years old. I’ve been Disney fan since I donned a Davy Crockett buckskin jacket and coonskin cap when I was 3 years old, and I& #82…
The Rolling Stones will be back on the road 60 years after their first tour for a 16-city stadium run that kicks off in April.
Mark Rylance and Damian Lewis reprise their roles in Hilary Mantel’s tale of Thomas Cromwell’s thrilling final act, coming to MASTERPIECE.
From Bill King: As the House of Mouse celebrates 100 years, I reflect on what it has meant to be a lifelong Disney fan, from Davy Crockett and the Hardy Boys to “Mulan” and “Toy Story 3,” from Fred MacMurray and Patrick McGoohan to Robin Williams and Tom Hanks, and from “The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh” to the Fab Four. Check out Disney memories from two generations of our family (and counting!) in my latest Quick Cuts blog.
A fan’s reflections on the generation-spanning House of Mouse … I totally was a Disney kid. As far back as I can remember, the creations of the studio first founded by Walt Disney and his brother 1…
'It was a strong face, certainly – the eyes pale grey and very cold, the mouth was hard, the dark hair – grey-streaked now – still fell in the authentic comma over the forehead.'
Have you read John Pearson, Author's 'James Bond: The Authorized Biography'? Our brand-new paperback edition features a new introduction, and celebrates the 50th anniversary of this fan-favourite book.
Find out more and order your copy:
https://www.ianfleming.com/items/james-bond-the-authorised-biography/
The official music video for “Now and Then,” directed by Sir Peter Jackson, is live on The Beatles YouTube channel.
Jackson describes finding “a collection of unseen outtakes in the vault, where the Beatles are relaxed, funny and rather candid. We wove humour into some footage shot in 2023. The result is pretty nutty and provided the video with much needed balance between the sad and the funny.”
“I realised we needed the imagination of every viewer to create their own personal moment of farewell to The Beatles.”
Sir Peter concludes by saying he has “genuine pride” in the finished piece, his first ever music video “and I’ll cherish that for years to come.”
Now and Then's eventful journey to fruition took place over five decades and is the product of conversations and collaborations between the four Beatles that...
In Beatlefan #264, we have on-the-scene coverage of Ringo Starr’s induction into the Musicians Hall of Fame and his concert at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Also in this issue, John Firehammer looks at how the U.K. media covered The Beatles’ rise in the fall of 1963; Kathy Urbanic offers some reflections on being a first-gen Beatles fan while Wally Podrazik examines the band’s relationship with its fans; Al Sussman looks at the pop music scene in the fall of 1973, when the solo Beatles were riding high; Bruce Spizer details the recording of John Lennon’s “Mind Games”; Kit O’Toole marks the 35th anniversary of the Traveling Wilburys; Jude Southerland Kessler looks at one night that proved to be a tipping point in the early Beatles’ career; and Brad Hundt talks with the author of a book on Abbey Road Studios. And, of course, we have the latest news (including some background on The Beatles’ “Now and Then” and news of Ringo’s country EP) and reviews of recent books, music and exhibits!
A sample issue costs $10 in the U.S. or $14 abroad. U.S. funds only. If you want the latest issue, be sure to specify #264. For more information, email [email protected] or go to beatlefan.com. Send to 3009 Delcourt Drive, Decatur GA 30033. A year's subscription in the U.S. costs $41 for six issues or $46 if sent First Class Mail in an envelope. Canadian subscriptions cost $52 per year and for Mexico the cost is $59. International subscriptions to all other countries around the globe are $65 (sent Air Mail). U.S. funds only. CREDIT CARDS AND PAYPAL ACCEPTED ([email protected]). For credit card orders, you can call 404-713-6432 or e-mail [email protected].
COMING NEXT TIME: “Band on the Run” at 50! Check it out!
From Bill King: In the latest post to SOMETHING NEW: The Beatlefan Blog, I look back 45 years to a couple of nights in October 1978. An idea I’d had for a while about publishing a news magazine for fans of The Beatles kicked into high gear after I had dinner with Mark and Carol Lapidos, who provided encouragement, and then Leslie and I decided to go ahead with what became Beatlefan. To read about the birth of the magazine, the Atlanta Beatlefest and what else was going on with the Fabs in 1978, click below.
Me and Leslie about 10 years after we started Beatlefan. Our magazine, Beatlefan, was born on a walk through my parents’ neighborhood on the night of Oct. 21, 1978. Actually, the gestation period f…
After the evident success of the first James Bond movie Dr. No and rising star Sean Connery, United Artists quickly greenlit the return of 007. The EON producers, Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman, soon swung into action. They had already
“I keep saying I’m going to retire. Well I am now,” Caine told BBC. “You don’t have leading men at 90.”
The miniseries premieres this December.
From Bill King: Like many other teenage boys, I fell head over heels in love with Olivia Hussey when I saw Franco Zeffirelli's 1968 film "Romeo and Juliet" in a local theater. Of course, one of those boys, Dino Martin, was able to do something about it and was married to Hussey for a while. Actually, I first had seen Hussey and Leonard Whiting, who played her Romeo, in a live rehearsal segment from Rome as part of the worldwide telecast "Our World" that included The Beatles recording "All You Need Is Love." Anyway, I kept up with Hussey's career through the years, from playing Mary in "Jesus of Nazareth" to Norman Bates' sc**zo and ill-fated mom in "Psycho IV: The Beginning" to starring in the little-seen "Mother Teresa of Calcutta" to various voiceovers in the DC animated universe. (I think that's what they call range.) I got to interview her by phone once in the 1980s, when she was in the miniseries "The Last Days of Pompeii," and while the production itself wasn't very memorable, getting to talk to one of your youthful movie star crushes always is a good day. I've watched "Romeo and Juliet" quite a few times through the years, and I still think it's the best film adaptation of that Shakespeare classic. Anyway, late last year Hussey and Leonard Whiting filed a $500 million lawsuit against Paramount Pictures for sexual exploitation, sexual harassment, and fraud, regarding the n**e scene in "Romeo and Juliet," which was filmed when Hussey was 16 and Whiting was 17. New York magazine updates their story in its latest issue.
https://www.vulture.com/article/romeo-juliet-olivia-hussey-leonard-whiting-paramount-lawsuit.html?fbclid=IwAR18tjl3MymVtKi2lSWdFwEsGwIGPzZ0TyYQxIJjD2ETBRfVV06ZtdENMc0
In 1968, Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting were the most famous teenagers in the world. Fifty-five years later, they sued Paramount for child abuse.
"Harry Potter" co-stars of Sir Michael Gambon, who played Professor Albus Dumbledore in six films, are among those paying tribute to the stage and screen legend after his death aged 82.
https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-66949848.amp?fbclid=IwAR2xCqRV5bYPbO6bFr9mW7X5ykwgaPw3_hLiJcxdsKQb09rs2osqKlAFel0
The actor, a four-time Bafta award winner, was best-known for playing Dumbledore in the hit film series.
A new arrival at Skeldale House, some sweet and rambunctious animals, and more! We have the delightful first trailer for "All Creatures Great and Small" Season 4 and are thrilled to share it with you. While we're all counting down to the Season 4 premiere on Sunday, January 7, 2024, 9/8c, we invite you to share this trailer with your friends, family, social media followers, and even your pets!
It's the spring of 1940 and change is on the horizon for everyone in Skeldale House. Season 4 premieres on Sunday, January 7 at 9/8c.
Sad news. David McCallum, who achieved international stardom as Illya Kuryakin, the sidekick in "The Man From U.N.C.L.E." during the '60s spy craze, and who spent the latter part of his career as Ducky on the popular, long-lasting "NCIS," has died at 90. I interviewed him by phone once, and a few years later Leslie did another phone interview with him for Anglofile. A very nice man and talented actor.
In a way, McCallum has been a part of our daily life for years — the "U.N.C.L.E." movie poster below hangs on the wall of our downstairs den.
I love this quote from his son Peter: “After returning from the hospital to their apartment, I asked my mother if she was OK before she went to sleep. Her answer was simply, 'Yes. But I do wish we had had a chance to grow old together.' She is 79, and dad just turned 90. The honesty in that emotion shows how vibrant their beautiful relationship and daily lives were, and that somehow, even at 90, Daddy never grew old.”
https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/david-mccallum-dead-ncis-man-from-uncle-1235734772/?fbclid=IwAR0KO82D0roJod-tGTBj_wUMt-yfTEluqlrI9jblFrz36_WvsRUZavLezuk
"Baking Show" returns to Netflix Sept. 29.
Tune in to MASTERPIECE on Sunday, March 17, 2024, for the premiere of the all-new miniseries "Nolly," starring Helena Bonham Carter and based on the true story of Noele Gordon, one of British TV's most famous faces in the ’60s and ’70s.
Nolly, based on the true story of Noele Gordon, one of British TV's most famous faces in the '60s and '70s, premieres Sunday, March 17, 2024.
Ian McKellen: Anthony Hopkins and Sean Connery Turned Down Gandalf First
The classically-trained actor says he hopes his contemporaries “feel silly” for passing on the role now.
With just a month to go until the publication of our brand new editions of three classic Bond titles, we're delighted to share the new covers, as well as an interview with the designer who took on the challenge of giving these texts a fresh new look!
See them here 👇
https://bit.ly/NewEditionsCovers
Two Mystery Favorites Return on Sunday
Preview: Unforgotten Season 5
Unforgotten Season 4 left us breathless, and now we're more than ready for the summer return of this critically acclaimed cold case series. Don't miss the Unforgotten Season 5 premiere Sunday, Sept. 3, 9/8c, only on MASTERPIECE. Watch on air, online, and on the free PBS app.
Stream all episodes of Unforgotten Season 4 through Saturday, Sept. 2, ET (U.S. only) and read about what's ahead in the new season.
https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/clips/unforgotten-s5-trailer/?subscriber=true&list_id=general
Preview: Van der Valk Season 3
Commisaris Van der Valk, the street smart, unapologetic Dutch detective, is back for an all-new season of crime fighting in Amsterdam. The intrigue begins this Sunday, Sept. 3, 10/9c on MASTERPIECE.
Plus, catch up on previous seasons of Van der Valk and other memorable MASTERPIECE shows when you watch with PBS Passport.
https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/clips/van-der-valk-s3-preview/?subscriber=true&list_id=general
More danger, suspense, murder, and even some magic are coming your way in the new season premiering Sunday, September 3 at 10/9c.
It's time to mark your calendars as upcoming airdates have just been announced for some beloved MASTERPIECE shows. New seasons of All Creatures Great and Small and Miss Scarlet and The Duke begin on Sunday, January 7, 2024! Read the full announcement for more details, what to expect in the new seasons, and see the first images just released.
The fourth seasons of the two fan favorite series will premiere Sunday, January 7, 2024, on MASTERPIECE on PBS.
Elton John was hospitalized after suffering “a slip” while at home Sunday night.
The "Rocket Man" singer was in his Mont Boron villa outside of Nice, France, when the minor accident occurred. The 76-year-old was taken to Princess Grace Hospital in Monaco and kept overnight for observation.
A representative for John tells PEOPLE in a statement that the music legend is now home and in “good health.”
Sir Elton John is back home after being hospitalized Sunday night following “a slip” at his home in France
Attention "Midsomer" fans ...
Something's cooking (and it's not one of Joyce Barnaby's specialities!), an official Midsomer Murders podcast is brewing behind the scenes...
Watch this space for questions from our producers Pam or Ellie! 🎙
Ringo Starr Announces New EP
Rewind Forward
To Be Released October 13, 2023
TITLE TRACK AND LEAD SINGLE OUT THIS FRIDAY AUGUST 25, 2023
Pre-Order/Pre-Save Here
Cover Photo by Scott Robert Ritchie
Tuesday, August 22, 2023 – Today Ringo Starr announced details for his 4th EP, Rewind Forward, available to pre-order today, ahead of its release on October 13, 2023 on digital, cassette, CD, and 10” vinyl. The title track will be available to stream or purchase everywhere this Friday August 25, 2023 HERE.
The EP features 4 new songs:
1. Shadows On The Wall
2. Feeling The Sunlight
3. Rewind Forward
4. Miss Jean
“Rewind Forward was something I said out of the blue - it's just one of those lines like a Hard Days Night. It just came to me. But it doesn’t really make sense,” Ringo said with a laugh about the title. “I was trying to explain it to myself and the best I can tell you about what it means is: sometimes when you want to go forward you have to go back first.”
“Rewind Forward” was written with his engineer and oft co-writer Bruce Sugar. "We've been writing a song now for every EP," said Ringo. The other tracks find Starr collaborating with old and new friends - including longtime All Starr Steve Lukather and his Toto bandmate Joe Williams who wrote the opening track “Shadows on the Wall;” Paul McCartney, who wrote “Feeling the Sunlight;” and for the final track, “Miss Jean,” Heartbreaker’s Benmont Tench and Mike Campbell, who wrote the song and who also enlisted Ian Hunter, a former All Starr. In addition the EP features contributions from Joe Walsh, Steve Dudas, Lance Morrison, as well as Matt Bissonnette, Torrance Klein, Weston Wilson, Kip Lennon, Marky Lennon.
All songs were recorded at Ringo’s home studio in Los Angeles (except for “Feeling the Sunlight” which was largely recorded in the UK).
Ringo and his All Starr band will begin their Fall tour on September 17, 2023 at Toyota Arena in Ontario, CA playing shows in the Southwest, Midwest and Southeast before ending on October 13, 2023 in Thackerville, OK.
Full tour dates listed below.
RSASB Fall 2023 Tour
September
15 Stateline, NV Lake Tahoe Arena Outdoors at Harvey’s
16 Modesto, CA The Fruit Yard Ampitheater
17 Ontario, CA Toyota Arena
19 Tuscon, AZ Linda Rondstadt Theater
20 Albuquerque, NM Rio Rancho Center
22 Kansas City, MO The Uptown
23 St Louis, MO The Fox
24 Nashville, TN Ryman Auditorium
26 Clearwater, FL Coachmen Park
27 Atlanta, GA The Fox
29 Indianapolis, IN The Murat Theater at Old National Centre
30 Milwaukee, WI Miller High Life Theatre
October
1 Minneapolis, MN Mystic Lake
3 Grand Rapids, MI DeVos Performance Hall
5 Chicago, IL Chicago Theatre
6 New Buffalo, MI Four Winds Casino
7 Detroit, MI Masonic Temple
9 Charleston, WV Charleston Coliseum
10 Columbus, OH Mershon Auditorium
12 Little Rock, AR Simmons Bank Arena
13 Thackerville, OK Lucas Oil Live at WinStar World Casino and Resort
2023 has already seen Ringo and his All Starr Band complete a Spring tour. Ringo recently celebrated his birthday on July 7 with his annual Peace & Love celebration in Beverly Hills where he was joined by family, friends and fans and a musical tribute by Silversun Pickups, Blake Mills and King Tuff as well as peace & love celebrations in 25 countries around the globe and into the universe via NASA who spread the message from Barstow California based station in the Deep Space Network. Last year Ringo released EP3 on September 16, 2022 and on November 18, 2022 EP3 was issued on 10” vinyl and blue cassette and accompanied with a new music video, “Everyone and Everything.” On November 25, 2022 Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band Live at the Greek 2019 (Roccabella via BFD/The Orchard) was released on Blu Ray, DVD, CD and a special yellow double vinyl. Ringo also toured with his All Starr Band with both Spring and Fall tour dates. Additionally, Ringo created 500 life sized “Peace and Love” sculptures of his iconic hand symbol. These were sold exclusively through Julien’s Auctions to benefit the Lotus Foundation.
For more information please visit:
www.RingoStarr.com
From MASTERPIECE: Just In: "World on Fire" Season 2 Trailer
We know you've been waiting, and now we have the first extended preview of "World on Fire" Season 2. Get ready for the new season of the epic World War II drama hailed as "totally gripping" by the Guardian (UK). Jonah Hauer-King, Lesley Manville, and an ensemble cast return in Season 2, premiering Sunday, September 3 at 9/8c.
Jonah Hauer-King, Lesley Manville, and an ensemble cast star in the acclaimed World War II drama as seen on MASTERPIECE on PBS.
Beatlefan #263 covers Paul McCartney’s appearances in New York and London to talk about his Beatles photo book “1964: Eyes of the Storm,” and has a report on the recently discovered Beatles concert performance made available at the British Library. Also in this issue, Tom Frangione suggests a second volume of the Best of Apple Records, Al Sussman retraces the Rutles saga, John Firehammer looks at the fall 1973 solo Beatles albums and he also offers a ’73 playlist. Plus, Jude Southerland Kessler discusses the meaning of “Come Together” and Bill Harry shares some of his Mersey Memories. And, of course, you'll find the latest news (including the upcoming “last” Beatles record) and reviews of recent books, music and stage events! For more information on how you can get this issue, or subscribe to Beatlefan, email [email protected] or go to beatlefan.com.
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The rumors are true. It has been announced officially that Paul McCartney is touring Australia!
Paul has announced that his phenomenal Got Back tour will be coming to Australia later this year, kicking off in Adelaide on October 18th. From there, the tour will travel across the country, making stops in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane, and for the first time, Paul will perform in Newcastle and...
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