The last week Wings recorded.

Paul tells what the Dentist did to him

Another meeting of Paul found in the "Write Thing" in the April/May1979 issue. Another one written by the lucky and talent George Tebbins.

It seems when Paul records in London there are two things you can count on: that damn silver rain and a group of ten or so loyal Macca fans. this March was no exception. Wings have no finished their new LP. During the making of this album a few surprises came about, one was the super session with Pete Townsend, a couple Zeppelins and a dozen more veterans assembled to rehearse and record a couple of Paul's new tunes, one called "Rockestra Theme"; and then George Harrison showing up at the studio a couple of times, for what we'll have to wait and see. Not lucky enough to be there a those times, I did get to see Wings during one of the last weeks of recording.

It was the last week of March and we would go to the studio about noon each day expecting an hour and 1/2 wait (get there early just in case) and during that 90 minutes the queue begins to grow as the local fans start to arrive, only to spend their lunch hour waiting for Paul or a favorite Wing.

When Paul finally arrived everyone lined up for the daily greeting committee. As he steps out of the Rolls, the cameras start clicking, autographs are given, conversations that are always incomplete are attempted, and then he's gone.

During the few minutes you try and find out as much as you can, which is usually very little. All Paul said was he had one more week of recording (ending 1st week of April) and they would start touring soon. Lawrence was more friendly, he'd stop for photos and autographs and be more helpful on inquiries. He said the single probably won't be on the LP and new illustrated cover will be available with the 12" single. Denny and Steve were obliging as well. More photos, autographs and more information. They tell us the albums will be out in May followed by a British tour of small and large halls.

Then there is Linda who seems to be above it all. Believe me I've really tried to like her, but after she came out alone one night and spoke to two of the fans for ten minutes being sweet as can be, then went back inside and spoke to the guards in the office, demanding all the fans be tossed out of the parking lot, puts a strain on any admiration one can have for her.

All in all, I'm pleased Paul was great and the group was friendly and I got a few things autographed and took some nice photos. You can't ask for more than that. It would be worth it to just seem them and say hello.

Signing another Pepper album

Just how many "Sgt. Pepper" album has Paul McCartney autographed over the years?

Blue and white stripes

What year to do guess this one to be? 1966???

George in Brazil

This "Write Thing" article is from the April/May 1979 issue. It was written by Brazil resident, Henrique Filho about when he saw George during his trip to Brazil in February 1979. It was reported that George arrived on January 31 by the Concorde at the International Airport in Rio de Janeiro. He went to an apartment in Flamengo. Later at night he went to a famous restaurant in Ipanema. On Feb 1st he went to the city of Sao Paulo where the Interlagos Grand Prix was to take place on Feb 4th. He came with his friend Jakie Stewart and without Olivia.

Another fan reported that as soon as George appeared at the main gates of the airport in Rio, he was frightened by what he saw. Screaming girls crying his name and the constant flashing bulbs really scared him. Later on he declared to the press, "Never thought I was famous here." He gave several interviews, also talked to many disc jockeys and was always very polite when answering questions. He talked about the Beatles, religion, sports, his new album and about Brazil. He only got bored with the photographers who did not let him in peace, to which he said, "you should photograph the cars there are more important than me." After the race, he went to Emerson Fittipaldi's house in Guaruja. There he was about to relax at the beautiful beach near the house. Emerson was the one who invited George to come to Brazil for the Grand Prix.

George gave a press conference at the WEA offices here on February 7, 1979, at around 2 pm in Rio. My wife and I managed to be present and were lucky enough to record his interview, take some photos adn film him in super 8mm. Here is the interview George gave to a local TV station:

Q: how do you feel about the constant approaches regarding a Beatles reunion?

George: I think it's a waste of time.

Q: Because of your involvement with the Hare Krishna movement you've influenced a lot of youngsters everywhere. What do you think about that?

George: I think it's very good because first of all Krishna is one name for God. So there's only the same God, it's like what we call Buddha, Allah, Jehovah, Krishna, so there are many names. Krishna is the divine energy we should plug in and so you chant Hare Krishna, Krishna, Krishna, Hare Rama, Rama, Rama and if you chant it millions of times you feel great.

Q: What do you know about the Brazilian people and its music?

George: I don't know too much about the music other than what I've about the Carnival on TV. I've heard about samba, rumba, you know, this sort of thing and about the fields. It's very much like India, the same hot (at this he shook his shirt), smell and the same flowers, trees, fruit, vegetation, you know, very similar.


Q: Please tell us something about your new album and the song, "Faster", is it really dedicated to J. Stewart?

George: One of the songs on the new album is "Faster", inspired by Jackie Stewart and Niki Lauda, you know Formula 1 motivates it and the song is also in the memory of Ronnie Peterson. All about the Formula 1 circus and what happens to people.

Q: Is there any real possibility of some concerts here, in Brazil?

George: Maybe, because on reason I came ...used the Grand Prix as the excuse to come and see Rio and little bit of Brazil, you know, it's like a treat to come and see what is is like and I didn't realize it was so interesting. So I think it's a good place to come and maybe I'll come take this year or next year.

On the same day George returned to Europe by the Concorde. During the press conference George was wearing jeans, a white shirt and arrived with his glasses on. All the time he was very ncie and gentle. He signed some records for us and we gave him a present for Dhani. It was great to see George and talk to him. Late that night we remembered it was Feb. 7th, the day you were completing your 15th Beatles anniversary special, the same day we saw our first Beatles here in Brazil!

Yes we have here yet another article from "the Write Thing." This one is from the Jan/Feb 1979 issue and was written by Denise Nichols about meeting Paul McCartney at Abbey Road studios!

Friday, November 24th (1978) what a day! And one which I shall never forget! First of all I was to meet my penfriend Bev from Massachusetts and then we decided to go to St. John's Wood. After finding no one home at his house, even though the door was wide open, we decided to carry on to EMI Abbey Road studios. We went in, and I politely asked a man whether Paul was recording. The man was very nice and said he was, but to come back again around 8pm when Paul normally leaves. So walked around the shops in St. John's Wood and then go back around 5pm (we didn't want to miss anything!) It was pouring rain, but we didn't care!

Then around 8:00, Paul's rolls drove up. We knew now that it wouldn't be long. There was 5 other girls there all waiting to see Paul by this time. Then suddenly THERE HE WAS!! I took one photo of him walking over ot his car, where he then stopped to sign an autograph for one of the girls, where I then snapped another one. Then he got into his car, when I thought he'd be driven away by his chauffeur, but no, Paul rolled down the window and said to me, "do you want to take a photo or doesn't your camera work?" (He said that because I tried to take a photo of him in the car, but it didn't flash, simply because I forgot to wind the film on!) I replied yes, and quickly snapped one. Bev then asked Paul for his autograph and told him she was from the States. I asked for one too, and he said, "Sure" so I handed him my autograph book. He didn't have a pen to sign with, so he asked Bev whether he could use hers. Bev who didn't hear what he said, replied, "Pardon?" And Paul said, "That's English for can I borrow your pen?" Bev said, "Hey! Don't insult us Americans!" and we all laughed. Paul then said that he really had to go, if we didn't mind (which we did of course) but we all said our goodbyes. And he was driven away.

the Exorcist and the Genius

Alright....so THIS photo was taken on November 17, 1974!

John and Yoko on the streets

Another fuzzy photo of John and Yoko!

Same Day photos

The top 2 photos have been posted before, but the third one is new to the blog. I love it when I see photos that have been taken on the same day!

My man John

Meet me in St. Louie

So there was an auction recently that sold a load of Beatles in St. Louis 1966 photos. I live in St. Louis (okay...I live 17 miles northeast of the city) and many people that I know were at the St. Louis Beatles concert. It is the concert I would have attended if I were alive. So anyway, it hold a soft spot for me and this particular photo is my favorite. What I like about it is this: you can see all four Beatles, Ringo's funny hat that he wore during that show to keep the rain water off his head is shown, you can see the water on the stage (how dangerous!) and you can totally tell it is Busch Stadium.

1963

I know that the autograph is from a concert in Nelson on May 11, 1963. So I would assume that the photo was taken earlier. Know what I like the most about this photo? The girl at the bottom who isn't looking at the camera, but is looking up towards Paul. It is like she knew in 1963 that she was there among something amazing.

Kev the Koala meets George

Who says that the "Meet the Beatles for real" photos had to be of human fan meeting a Beatle? Here is "Kev Koala" meeting George Harrison! Was this maybe taken during George's 1981 Australian holiday?

On an unrelated, yet related note, I just checked my email and Amazon has shipped my copy of "Living in the Material World" book!! It should arrive by October 1st. I haven't been this excited over a Beatles book since May Pang's John photo book! Whoo hoo!

Extra Texture (Read All about it)

A fan (whose name I cannot find right now) took this photo of George in 1975 when he was promoting his album, Extra Texture.

Playin' those Mind Games together

I think I basically love every photo that was taken on this day (Nov 17, 1974).

Kath meets Ringo again

Here is another story of a 1st generation Ringo fan meeting the Starr (haha...I am so punny!) this year. She first met Ringo in 1964. As you see in the photo, she is holding up the photo of her meeting him. Does anyone have a copy of that photo???

WHEN Kath Moore first met Beatles hearthrob Ringo Starr almost half a century ago, she thought all her dreams had come true.

So it was a surprise when, more than 46 years later, she was given the chance to come face-to-face with him once more.

Kath, 55, of North Ham Road, Littlehampton, first met Ringo when she was only eight years old, after he visited the town in July, 1964.

“It was all such a huge surprise,” she said. “I couldn’t believe my eyes.

“I remember I was working with my dad on his boat, when he told me that Ringo was in town. I thought he must have been joking or pulling my leg. But when I looked around, there he was.

“I went up and asked for his autograph. I was so shy and quiet. But he was really lovely and friendly.

“When I showed my friends at school they were so jealous. We all used to play at being the Beatles during lunch and I was always Ringo.

“It was just a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

Kath had her photo taken by the Gazette as she was asking for Ringo’s autograph – she is pictured, right, with the original photograph and the story as it appeared in the paper.

It was this photo that was the key to her second meeting with the world-renowned drummer.

“I watching the One Show on the Thursday and they said that Ringo would be coming on.

“That’s when I decided to email the show and tell them about my meeting with Ringo.”

Kathy contacted the producers of the BBC programme, sending the photo taken by the Gazette of her first encounter with the drumming legend – and they invited her into the audience on Friday’s show.

“It was all very exciting,” she said. “They phoned me up the next day and invited me onto the show that evening!

“I phoned my husband and we literally dropped everything to get to London.

“It was brilliant – we were picked up in a Mercedes and driven around the city for a bit.

“Then they brought us into the studio and I saw Ringo again.”

Kathy’s photo, sadly, was not shown during the show but she did get a parting gift from the Beatles icon.

“He smiled at me and nodded. My stomach turned over when he did that.

”It was like I was a little girl again. I’ll never forget it. It really was the icing on the cake.”

Kath now has her fingers crossed that she will meet Ringo for a third time.

According to the Gazette report in 1964, Ringo was visiting Littlehampton to get away from London.

He had lunch at the Cairo Club in Surrey Street – now the closed-down Lemon Tree restaurant – and took a boat ride up the River Arun, to Amberley, before heading back to London for a private screening of the Beatles’ first movie, A Hard Day’s Night.

Paul and a fan

I have to say that I do not think I have seen very many photos with a fan where Paul puts his arm around the fan during the photo! What a lucky girl!!

But all I've got is a photograph....

Here is what I currently use for my Beatles photos. It is a Creative Memories "Picfolio." You just slide the photos into the pouches. For larger photos I use just a regular office binder and acid free page protectors.

Here is another good way to store your photos. Use photo corners. They are easy to get the photos out of. Just do not use tape or glue! The tape will turn yellow and you end up with the black paper stuck on your photos.


Here is a close-up of a scrapbook that is a magnetic album. As you can see the top and the bottom have turned yellow. The yellow part that is touching the photos will be very difficult to remove. If the owner is not careful, the Paul photos will rip in half. If these aren't removed right away, then the whole page will eventually turn yellow and the photos will never be saved. Yikes!

Someone spent $500 on this magnetic album full of Beatles fan photos. Great item but I would hate to spend that type of money on photos that are ruined.


Here is one of the photographs I had in a magnetic album. It was taken from a magazine article. Notice the "lines" in the photo. I could not save the picture itself. It was too stuck to the page and was being eaten away. I scanned the photo to preserve it. Whenever I see this photo on other people's blogs and websites, I have to chuckle because I know it is my scan. Surely someone has a better copy out there!

Here is another installment of me sharing with all of you about preserving photographs. It is not a surprise that I collect Beatles photographs, because I love photos. Photos are cherished memories in our lives. Just a glimpse of a memory of something that has happened in the past. I enjoy looking through photo albums of people that I barely know. I even enjoy taking photos, but I am lousy at it. In the late 1990's I got into scrapbooking. It is something I have really enjoyed doing because it allows me to be creative and I find it to be relaxing. I somehow got hooked up with the company, Creative Memories, and my consultant started talking to me about preserving photos and using acid-free materials. At first I thought she was silly. I had used magnetic albums for years in the past and never had problems. I stuck photos down using Scotch tape and sure the tape turned yellow, but the photos were still there. That is until my Grandma passed away in 2000. I started looking through the old family photo albums in her closet and wanted to cry. She had many photos in magnetic albums and the acid of the magnetic backing was literally eating through the photographs. Wedding photos, photos of newborn child, vacations, all ruined just because she used an magnetic album. So I decided to save all of my magnetic album photos before it was too late.

I also realized that I had bought a Beatles scrapbook that was put together in the 1980's that was in a magnetic album. This was much harder to salvage because many of the things in that album were newspaper and magazine articles that had bonded with the album and could not come free.

So the question remains: What are you to do if you have your photos (Beatles or other wise) in a magnetic album? Or if you win an auction for one or are given one?

A few steps you can take:
1. Scan all of the photos before you try anything. This way you at least have a copy of the photograph that you can print out in case things go badly.

2. Try to remove them with your finger nail or small knife. Some photos just need a little prying and they pop right off.

3. For the more difficult photos you need to use a hair dryer and regular dental floss (the non-wax kind). Use the hair dryer at the lowest setting and go over the photo until the glue heats up a little. Then take the floss and move it underneath the photo like a saw to get the photo free. I will warn you that the floss turns in to a knife and I have ruined a few photos this way (and don't even try it on a magazine or newspaper article).

Good luck! Remember that photos are worth saving!

A dream come true

Here is a lovely story about a fan meeting Ringo this past July. It is especially good for those people who claim that Ringo no longer cares about his fans. Ringo did not have to meet Maggie. A big Congratulations goes out to Maggie! And Maggie if you are reading this, I want to say that #1 My mom has that same Ringo doll and it too is her favorite item and #2 My mom especially will be extremely jealous because she has loved Ringo as long as you have (and she also just turned 60).

AN AUSTRALIAN who traveled halfway around the planet to see Ringo Starr play in his home city saw her dream come true when she was invited to meet him backstage before his Empire gig on Saturday.

Maggie Dekort, 60, was invited to meet her number one idol after Ringo saw a story about her journey in the ECHO. She said she had only ever seen him once before, as a 14-year-old girl at a Brisbane gig in 1964, and “fell in love with him the moment I saw him”.


She added: “I never dreamed as a 13-year-old I would ever get to meet him.

“When I saw he was on in Liverpool, I thought ‘what better place to see him than in his home town?’

“I rang my friend here, got the tickets, booked the airfare and in a week I was here.

“My kids think I am crazy doing this but they know how much I love him. It is a wonder I did not call one of them Ringo.” Maggie, her Liverpool friend Ken Smith, 67, and handmade Ringo doll were shown to the ex-Beatle’s dressing room, where he and former Bond girl wife Barbara Bach embraced her and posed for photos.

Ringo, 70, told her: “I remember the Brisbane gig well. I had just come out of hospital and flew straight out there.”

Maggie stood trembling in floods of tears of joy after the meeting, which she described as number one on her “bucket list” of things to do before you die.

She said: “I am so happy. I waited 47 years for this, and he was so nice. It was worth every cent I spent.

“One on my list was meeting him, two was seeing him play in Liverpool and three was coming to Liverpool – so I have done them all.”

Adorable Ringo

This photo makes me smile.

Meeting George Harrison

A Short story about Charlotte Safavi meeting George in 1993. I found it here during one of my many searches online. Since she did not take photos at George's birthday party, I added a photo of George in September 1993 at the release of the Red and Blue albums on Cd.

In any case, I met George Harrison in 1993. I was fortunate enough to attend his 50th birthday party in LA, as the legit date of an invitee, not on the arm of White House party crasher Tareq Salahi. The event was a relatively intimate affair at a modest private residence, a sit-down dinner for 50 or so people. Several members of The Traveling Wilburys were in attendance, including Tom Petty (also of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers) and Jeff Lynne (also of Electric Light Orchestra), whom I was seated next to.

When I was introduced to George Harrison, I confess I went weak at the knees. Wobbled in my high heels, perspired into my Azzedine Alaia dress. He was tall, had a commanding aura for want of a better phrase and soft dark eyes. I shook his hand. I confessed I was star struck, apologized for being effusive, and thanked him for his contribution to twentieth century popular culture.

I did not request his signature or photograph. I did feel privileged to have met him during his lifetime.

Drink to me; drink to my health...you know I can't drink anymore...

I have always thought this was a funny McCartney photo. I just now found it in a much better copy than I have previously had. Oh happy day!

Another one of the John stance

Here we have yet another great example of John in his familiar stance posing for a fan's camera outside of Kenwood. Thanks to the Kenwood blog for posting this and never minding when I steal photos!

Hip hat Paul!

Nashville Cats

Stolen....err I mean taken from the Beatles photo blog. Thank you Miss Tammy!

Crackerbox Palace visit

Another fan story from Friar Park in the late 1970's! This one is from veteran Beatles meeter and photographer, George Tebbens (I have no idea who this fellow is, but his name appears a lot in the 1970's-1980's as taking photos and meeting the Beatles). His story took place in early December 1978 and it was published in "The Write Thing" magazine in the Jan/Feb 1979 issue (he wasted no time sharing his good fortune with other fans, that is for sure!)

I arrived in London on the morning of December 7 and went straight to St. John's Wood where my friends (neither of whom knew I was coming) were staying. But they weren't in. So there could only be two places they'd be, right? Wrong! Dropped by Abbey Road and found out Paul finished recording earlier in the week, so I decided to go by the house and still no one was around. By then I thought I'd bum around London. At 6 I was back at the hotel and only had to wait a short while for my friend Char to get in. When she saw me she was certainly surprised, but immediately told me Eric Clapton was playing his last concert of the tour that evening in Guildford (about an hour 1/2 train ride from London). She wanted to go because she thought George Harrison might be there, but no one would go with her. But when she saw me, she knew if there was any possibility of seeing George on my first day in England, I'd go. After saying yes, I started having second thoughts, I'd been up for the past 24 hours and the rain was pouring down. But second thoughts of being tired don't last long so we were on our way.

Finally we were at Guildford, but a little late and couldn't get in. Bribes, sneaking, lieing and begging didn't work, so we waited outside the stage door. During the last encore the crowd noise got louder than anytime during the show. As the show ended, Eric's car was moved away from the crowd at the stage door and we followed it. On the way we saw this most unusual car with OM stickers on it. Yep! George's Porsche! Nearly frozen, wet and dead we waited and it paid off, we got to see George. That's it, just see him. We talked to a couple of fans who told us that George and Elton John joined Eric for the encore. Had we known for sure, somehow we would have gotten in.

Back in London after 6 hours getting there form Guildford (due to famous British train strikes) Char, and 2 other friends and I planned our next trek. We thought we'd go to Friar Park on Saturday December 9. The weather was remarkably good, sunny and no rain! We were there abqotu an hour just standing at the entrance gate waiting fo rthe famous Porshe to roll down the hill,l when to our surprise George was just coming in, heading back from town. He looked as though he was going to drive past us, so I held out some photos and Circus magazine with the photos of him in it that I took at the 33 1/3 part in '76. It worked. He stopped. I gave him a bunch of photos I'd taken and asked for an autograph. He obliged and as he was signing he asked where we were from and why we were there. We told him we'd come over just to see him and he seemed really pleased. At that point I asked if he'd be touring, he said, "I don't think so right now, cause it's a hassle getting a band together." So I told his we'd (anyone who likes his music) would appreciate just hearing him alone on an acoustic guitar. He then laughed, and said, "Really?" Kind of like he didn't imagine something like that would please a crowd. We asked about the album and he said it would be out around his birthday. We also asked him what song he'd down with Eric, and he said, "I don't know... Going down the Road, or something like that." He asked us if we were there. We said yea, but outside. he told us he's sorry we missed it. not as sorry as we were!! He really looked better than he has in years. His hair is much shorter, but not as short as in '75 at Paul party in L.A.

He seemed to be as excited about meeting a group of fans as we were in seeing him. He didn't just rush off, but posed, smiled, answered our questions and let us take pictures of him.

After he left, I took one more look at Crackerbox Palace and saw Olivia walking Dhani in a buggy. To get a better look we walked down to the middle house, but she kept going down towards the gate. Sure enough she came out. She was hesitant at first but turned out to be real friendly. I asked how Dhani's name was pronounced, she said "It's Donny only spelled differently." She said, "I wish I knew you were coming, I'd have asked you to bring some Pampers!" She said we could take a picture but without flash, as we shot she said, "Dhani, you can't have a picture taken with a dummy (pacifier) in your mouth." Then we said goodbye, wished them a Merry Christmas and were off. Another shot in the dark (horse) paid off.

Leaving the hotel

Wild for RIngo

Beatle Buddies

An Egg Party

Another fan story from the Aug/Sept 1979 issue of "The Write Thing." This one is about a fan named Art Barry who meets Paul at a party held at Abbey Road Studios for the release of the last Wings album, "Back to the Egg."

Going to England for the first time, and thinking you had an opportunity to see (from a distance) Paul McCartney is probably wishful thinking, or we might say maybe I could be in the right place at the right time, or maybe catch him leaving his home for a couple of photographs. But to see him, meet him, and have an opportunity to actually speak to McCartney was the farthest thing from my mind at the time. Well timing being just right, this all happened to me on my first trip to London!!

On June 11, and 12:30p.m., Paul McCartney and Wings gave a private press party for their new release, "Back to the Egg." A contact of mine, had asked me that Saturday, if I'd like to come along and meet McCartney - well, I said sure and half believed him. He had an extra invitation, which a person at his place of work was not going to use. The invitations were hand delivered by MPL. They were on paper plates, with a rubber egg on it. It read in type around the plate, "Wings and EMI records invite you to join them at Abbey Road studios for a party to celebrate the launch of their new album BACK TO THE EGG on Monday, June 11 at 12:30pm. Drinks and buffet by invitation only. Admit one."

Well my friend had told me that the last time Paul put on a party (London Tome) he showed up very late for the boat ride, and wasn't there for long, so don't expect him to show early.

We drove right up past the gate parking lot (of Abbey Road studios) around 12 noon, and walked right in, giving up our invitations at the door, having our names checked off. First of all, just having an opportunity to be at the same press party with McCartney was not too bad but to have a chance to see the insides of one of the most famous studios anywhere (if only the walls could talk) was really fantastic!

Fat boxed press kits were passed out at the door. The party was held in studio number 2, and for some of you who may not be familiar with Studio 2, Abbey Rd; ask someone who knows! Black curtains were draped around the studio. About 1o round outdoor-type tables were setup, with umbrellas, which were actually made to resemble fried eggs, which looked very nice. An open bar and buffet were at the door.

Paul was upstairs in an editing room viewing some videos which the group had finished the previous week. Guess he made a mistake by going out of the room for a smoke, when he was pounced upon by about 10 photographers. After that, it was all questions. Paul's manager then escorted him down ot studio 2 for the reception. At this time about 60 people had gathered in the party, I was surprised that the number of people wasn't higher. Anyway, Paul was later joined by Linda and Denny and then the two new members to the band.

Paul was quite accessible, something that I had thought would be just the opposite - well at least in the States. Guess he felt at home. Anyone could (and did) walk up to Paul to ask him just about anything! I did not once here anyone ask him any stupid questions, such as "when are you going to get back with you-know-who?" sort of thing. I doubt if he would have ever answered. He was mostly answering technical questions about his new LP. And lots of questions about his super star session.

They even showed on a big video screen, a 20 minute excerpt of a rehearsal for the "Rockestra" track, which was fantastic! Paul had said they were going to release the whole film to the cinemas soon, he thought.

Wings had also been doing a lot of promo taping in and around the countryside of London, and even in an old aircraft hanger. It seems Paul has really gotten into filming lately. He also spoke briefly about an actually acting role in "Band on the Run" (the script is still being written) which is one of their future projects.

Wings were going to do the small club type unannounced thing this summer, but they have not had a holiday in months, so the small tour won't get off the ground til Fall, then probably another world wide tour. I got the impression they make their plans 2 years in advance.

Anyway, it was fun going thru Studio 1 and Studio 3, we had one of the engineers show us around - it's quite large. The Abbey Road Studios go back quite a few years - lots of history!

Jane Asher 10 years later

Beatle fans are a loyal group. By 1978, Paul had been broken up with Jane Asher for 10 years and he had married Linda and had children. Jane was in his past, but she was still someone near and dear to Beatle fans everywhere. Jane is so much more than just Paul's ex-girlfriend because they were together all during the Beatle years and she is the muse of several of his songs. She was always well-loved by the fans during the time and always remained part of the "Beatle circle" as far as fans were concerned, even if she was no longer in touch with them. In 1978, Jane was in a play that was in London called "Whose Life is it Anyway?" And fans, Mary Ann Hockman and Marie Lacey had the opportunity to meet with her on a few occasions during the run of the show. Marie wrote about her encounters with Jane for the Aug/Sept 1979 issue of "The Write Thing." While Mary Ann's photographs appeared in the Oct/Nov 1978 issue of the same fanzine.
Our next visit with Jane was in August 1978. She was starring with Tom Conti in "Whose Life is it Anyway?"about a young man's right to die after being paralyzed from the neck down in an auto accident. Jane was one of his doctors.

Doylene, Susie, Ann and I went to see Jane at the stage door. Susie had brought over a beautiful doll form America for Katie (Jane daughter who was 4 years old) and gave it to Jane from all of us. Jane was thrilled. We explained that we had already seen the play and enjoyed it and we were stopped by to see her before the show and say hello. She told us we should have come after the play so we could have time to talk and have a drink together. Since we hadn't done that, she said, "You must come over ot the house for tea" So we made arrangements to visit at 10 o'clock the next day.

The next morning we arrived at Jane & Gerald's home in Chelsea just as Gerald was leaving. He greeted us and said Jane was waiting for us upstairs. Gerald is a cartoonist and can be remembered for his caricature of the Beatles that appeared on the cover of TIME magazine in 1967.

They own the whole house, but up until recently only dwelled on the second floor. A secretary took us upstairs, asking if we were there to see Mr. Sharfe or Mrs. Scharfe, so I told her "Mrs. Scharfe," although in a recent interview Jane said she was not married and acting was still her first love. We were welcomed by 4 year old Katie, holding our doll which she had also named "Kate." Jane appeared form the kitchen and we all sat down and had tea. Jane told us she was leaving the play in September (she was tired of it), but that she hoped Tom Conti would be chosen for the lead in the NY production. I asked her if the lines came as second nature and she said yes, that she thinks about other thing constantly and sometimes goes into shock when she suddenly realizes she's on stage, thinking "where the hell am ?!?" She asked about our travels and I told her we'd just been to Dorset and she told us that they had considered moving there because it was beautiful and so magical.

Jane's mother lives on Abbey Road in St. John's Wood, in face she was going to have lunch with her that day, and she asked where we were staying and told us that she, too once had a flat in Maida Vale (in '68 right after she broke up with Paul).

She said her brother Peter, lives in California now and they had gone to visit him and took Katie to Disneyland. Katie picked up a pear form a bowl on the table and asked, "Mummy" to cut it and peel it for her. Afterward, she said, "Mummy, I wonder if one should et the pits?" Jane told her she shouldn't but it  wouldn't do her any harm if she did. "Nut you see, Mummy, the point is, I already have et them!!" Cute!

It was getting time to leave so I asked if we could take a picture before we left, which Jane agreed to. Katie loves cameras and took a photo of Jane with Susie's camera. Katie wanted to get in the pictures so I asked Jane if that was alright and she replied, "Normally I don't allow it, but for you, yes."

She was telling us all about the renovations of the house and how we'd see a big change the next time we came. She kept saying, "really, you mustn't wait so long to come again." It was such a good feeling to be sincerely welcomed by such a warm and pleasant person as Jane.

Mal at the Fest '75

The program for the Beatlefest '75 where Mal Evans was a guest speaker.

Signing autographs for Beatlefest goers.

Photo copyright:  Bob Leafe

Mal on stage with the band (playing tambourine)

Photo copyright:  Bob Leafe

I would have loved to have heard Mal Evans speak at the Beatlefest in 1975! Were any of you there? Everyone I have ever spoken to who heard him speak said that he was wonderful to listen to, and that they could have heard him tell his amazing Beatles stories all day. I have stumbled upon a few photographs of Mal Evans taken at that 2nd Beatlefest to share with you all.