Move over, Ms L!

Hi all, wondering why you are looking at this jumbled up page? This is due to the fact that Facebook didn't like our url since it starts with wog, so we have been forced to move the blog. This was some time ago, and we have placed a script which would automatically send you to our new location. Obviously, this hasn't worked for all of you, since we have just finished moderating some of your comments which appeared on this site recently, and not on our new (and improved!) site. So what we're saying is head on over to our new site, and update your bookmarks!

Friday 29 July 2011

PaulMcCartney.com gets a facelift

Paul's current tour programme

According to the new programme for sale at Paul McCartney's current tour, his website is to undergo a change in the autumn. Among the features on the new look website the following are listed:
- HD Video
- Audio Streaming
- Membership
- Fan Content
- Photo Collections
- Exclusive Content

Paul's current website

Wednesday 27 July 2011

Pete Best Drive

Liverpool has a new road! Two in fact, as the Casbah Coffe Club also has been honoured with a road of it's own: Casbah Close.
More in The Liverpool Daily Post
The other four already has streets named after them in Liverpool. All the streets bearing names of the Beatles members are in the suburbs, and are not frequently visited by Beatles fans.

Monday 25 July 2011

Fan on the Run meets McCartney


Super Maccafan Rick G (aka "Fans On The Run"), who regularly follows McCartney's concert tours, unexpectedly ran into his idol while in Detroit. Rick was visiting the Hitsville Motown museum just to see the building myself. As he was leaving, some cars pulled up, bringing the star. Paul McCartney recognized Rick and gave him a hug, revealing that "I always look for you" (in the concert crowds). A special day for Rick G indeed!

McCartney's set list from Detroit Sunday:
  1. Hello Goodbye
  2. Juniors Farm
  3. All My Loving
  4. Jet
  5. Drive My Car
  6. Sing The Changes
  7. Hitchhike
  8. The Night Before
  9. Let Me Roll It
  10. Paperback Writer
  11. The Long and Winding Road
  12. 1985
  13. Let 'Em In
  14. Maybe I'm Amazed
  15. I've Just Seen A Face
  16. I Will
  17. Blackbird
  18. Here Today
  19. Dance Tonight
  20. Mrs. Vanderbilt
  21. Eleanor Rigby
  22. Something
  23. Band on the Run
  24. Ob-la-di Ob-la-da
  25. Back In The USSR
  26. I Got A Feeling
  27. A Day In The Life/Give Peace A Chance
  28. Let It Be
  29. Live And Let Die
  30. Hey Jude
     
  31. Lady Madonna
  32. Day Tripper
  33. Get Back
     
  34. Yesterday
  35. Helter Skelter
  36. Golden Slumbers/Carry That Weight/The End

Sunday 17 July 2011

The Night Before


Q: What's the main difference between the "Up and Coming" tour and the "On The Run" tour?
A: "The Night Before"


Set list Day 1:

1. Hello, Goodbye - The Beatles
2. Junior's Farm - Wings
3. All My Loving - The Beatles
4. Jet - Wings
5. Drive My Car - The Beatles
6. Sing the Changes - The Fireman
7. The Night Before - The Beatles (NEW)
8. Let Me Roll It - Wings
9. Paperback Writer - The Beatles
10. The Long and Winding Road - The Beatles
11. Nineteen Hundred and Eighty-Five - Wings
12. Let 'Em In - Wings
13. Maybe I'm Amazed - Paul McCartney
14. I've Just Seen a Face - The Beatles
15. I Will - The Beatles
16. Blackbird - The Beatles
17. Here Today - Paul McCartney
18. Dance Tonight - Paul McCartney
19. Mrs Vandebilt - Wings
20. Eleanor Rigby - The Beatles
21. Something - The Beatles
22. Band on the Run - Wings
23. Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da - The Beatles
24, Back in the U.S.S.R. - The Beatles
25. I've Got a Feeling - The Beatles
26-27. A Day in the Life / Give Peace A Chance - The Beatles/John Lennon
28. Let It Be - The Beatles
29. Live and Let Die - Wings
30. Hey Jude - The Beatles
-------------------------------------------------------------
Encores:
31. Lady Madonna - The Beatles
32. Day Tripper - The Beatles
33. Get Back - The Beatles
-------------------------------------------------------------
Encores 2:
34. Yesterday - The Beatles
35. Helter Skelter - The Beatles
36-38. Golden Slumbers / Carry That Weight / The End - The Beatles

Set list, Day 2:

1. Magical Mystery Tour - The Beatles
2. Jet - Wings
3. All My Loving - The Beatles
4. Junior's Farm - Wings
5. Drive My Car - The Beatles
6. Sing the Changes - The Fireman
7. The Night Before - The Beatles
8. Let Me Roll It - Wings
9. Foxy Lady (instrumental) - Jimi Hendrix
10. Paperback Writer - The Beatles
11. The Long and Winding Road - The Beatles
12. Nineteen Hundred and Eighty-Five - Wings
13. Let 'Em In - Wings
14. Maybe I'm Amazed - Paul McCartney
15. I'm Looking Through You - The Beatles
16. I Will - The Beatles
17. Blackbird - The Beatles
18. Here Today - Paul McCartney
19. Dance Tonight - Paul McCartney
20. Mrs Vanderbilt - Wings
21. Eleanor Rigby - The Beatles
22. Something - The Beatles
23. Band on the Run - Wings
24. Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da - The Beatles
25. Back in the USSR - The Beatles
26. I've Got a Feeling - The Beatles
27-28. A Day in the Life / Give Peace A Chance - The Beatles/John Lennon
29. Let It Be - The Beatles
30. Live and Let Die - Wings
31. Hey Jude - The Beatles
-------------------------------------------------------------
Encores:
32. Lady Madonna - The Beatles
33. I Saw Her Standing There (with Billy Joel) - The Beatles
34. Get Back - The Beatles
-------------------------------------------------------------
Encores 2:
35. Yesterday - The Beatles
36. Helter Skelter - The Beatles
37-39. Golden Slumbers / Carry That Weight / The End - The Beatles

And he'll probably alternate between these two similar set lists throughout the tour.

The Night Before - Better video, but too loud and distorted audio, please combine! ;-)

Thursday 14 July 2011

George Harrison documentary: Formats



Martin Scorsese's GEORGE HARRISON: LIVING IN THE MATERIAL WORLD is moving forward, and today the following announcement was made:
Lionsgate Home Entertainment UK announced that it will be releasing the film in the UK on 10th October 2011 in three editions – DVD, Blu-ray and DVD Double play (DVD/ BD combi pack), and a beautifully packaged DVD / Blu-Ray Deluxe Edition, which includes an exclusive CD of previously unheard tracks from George Harrison, and a book of photography to accompany the film.
The BBC will then show the documentary on TV in the UK in November.
In the USA, HBO has acquired the North American broadcast rights to the documentary, which will debut in two parts — on October 5 and October 6, 2011 — exclusively on HBO.
The film includes interviews with Eric Clapton, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, George Martin, Paul McCartney, Yoko Ono, Tom Petty, Phil Spector, Ringo Starr and Jackie Stewart. They speak honestly and frankly about George's many talents and contradictions.
Full press release here
Exclusive Films International's page on the film

Sunday 10 July 2011

The Return of Ringo

Early in 2008, after a light-hearted joking response to a question from TV chat host Jonathan Ross on the subject of Liverpool, Ringo Starr became a lot less liked in his hometown. In fact, I think most Liverpudlians turned their backs on Ringo completely. He had just visited the city on the occasion of the release of his 2008 album, Liverpool 8, and because Liverpool was joint holder of the "City of Culture" title that year, along with Norwegian city Stavanger. He had a look around the city, performed at a couple of gigs, visited his old school and that was that. On direct questions from Jonathan Ross, Ringo said he loved Liverpool but he didn't miss it and he wouldn't want to live there. And for me, that's fair enough. I love Liverpool as well, but I prefer just visiting it occasionally. Ringo, having a house down south, another in Los Angeles and an apartment in Monaco I'm sure can be excused for not wanting to live in his rainy hometown anymore. After all, his parents and his stepfather are all gone, he has got an elderly aunt still alive, but the new generations of Starkey's still living in Liverpool are too young for him to remember. Sure, he held a "family get together" in a room in Liverpool's Echo arena when he played there in 2008, but he's too busy living his life to do that on a regular basis.
I have to say, I know exactly where he's coming from. I'm from Trondheim, one of the bigger cities in Norway, and I've moved south to the outskirts of Oslo. My father and his part of the family still lives up there, and I still love Trondheim, but I wouldn't want to move back. Neither do I miss the city, because I can go back whenever I want to, and every time I'm there, I'm enjoying every minute of it. But I'm never coming back for good.
I had the pleasure of attending Ringo's homecoming to Liverpool this summer. A friend had two tickets to spare, I asked my girlfriend, and off we went. She's no biggie on Ringo, in fact she dislikes his songs and his singing voice, but she loves Liverpool, so a revisit was okay with her. I went with mixed feelings, because I knew that Ringo was generally disliked in Liverpool, and I was hoping that people would behave in a civilised manner. And they did. The Empire Theatre was not filled to capacity, but the people who turned up were the real fans and Ringo got a marvellous reception. Every song he sang got a standing ovation, and the "peace and love" sentiments ruled the day.
I felt a bit like being on "holy ground" as well, because it was an old Beatles venue. The fabs played the Empire Theatre in Liverpool several times, from 1962 to 1965, George played there with Delaney and Bonnie with Friends in 1969, Paul McCartney and Wings played there in 1973, and '75 and Ringo played there back in 1992. Paul McCartney made an unnannounced surprise appearance there in 2002, to honour the memory of George Harrison. And I must say I was pleasantly surprised about the place. It was intimate and stylish, it reminded me a bit of l'Olympia in Paris.
Ringo came prepared. Before going to Liverpool, he said in an interview that his favourite live venue was the Empire in Liverpool. He went back on the BBC to give an apology, and this was also reported in the local Liverpool media. To no avail, it seems, because the Liverpudlians in general were unimpressed, and didn't have any kind words to offer.
And that was my impression too. Whenever I talked with the locals, they were slagging off Ringo - even at his local pub, The Empress. It's sad, really. But the gig was great! And I did get to hear the songs that were left out from the concert in Norway.

Beatles Day 2011

Today is the fourth annual "Beatles Day" in Liverpool. Here's the blurb:
The Albert Dock tenants have teamed up with the Day’s organisers CMP, to programme a day of Beatlemania that all the family will enjoy. Beatles inspired bands will be performing throughout the day across the Dock bringing music to every corner.

Taking you on the ‘long and winding road’ around the Dock and inside its venues will be a specially created Beatles themed treasure hunt, with clue sheets available from www.albertdock.com and the Albert Dock Visitor Information Centre on the day. And make sure you head down dressed to impress in your 60’s finest; there will be a fancy dress competition judged at 3pm by the Beatles Story happening in Anchor Courtyard with prizes available for the best dressed 60’s costume.

Don’t forget to purchase one of the Beatles Day wigs, which will be on sale at the Beatles Story and at venues across the Dock

Jeremy Roberts, Chairman of the Albert Dock Tenants Association said:

“Beatles Day is a fantastic celebration of the Fab Four and we are thrilled to host this year’s event at the Albert Dock. The day is going to be action packed with music and entertainment, with all of the Dock venues getting into the spirit with special offers and prize giveaways. We have been working very closely with the organisers to make this year’s Beatles Day the best ever, and we are really looking forward to welcoming people from far and wide to join us.”

Chas Cole, CMP Entertainment said:

“Beatles Day has gone from strength to strength and we are delighted to call the Albert Dock home in our 4th year. The Day is a celebration of all things Liverpool; the music and fashion that cemented the Beatles into the history books to the humour, energy and vibrancy makes Liverpool such an amazing place to be. We hope that young and old will come down to the Dock to join in all the fun for Beatles Day 2011.”


Last year, the Beatles Day went international, when a few other cities jumped on the bandwagon: New York - USA, Moscow - Russia, Tokyo - Japan, Sydney - Australia and Kraków - Poland.
This year, Krakow jumped the gun a bit and held their Beatles Day on June 4th. We haven't heard anything from those other cities.
For me, Beatles Day in Liverpool does not hold any attraction, and for every real Beatles fan, Beatles Day in Liverpool this year was June 18th, when Ringo Starr visited his hometown.

Saturday 9 July 2011

Wings in Nashville 1974 - Film!



Paul McCartney and his band Wings was in Nashville to record and rehearse. That was in 1974, and they stayed at Junior's Farm in Wilson County.

Some of the world's greatest song writers are tucked away in the hills of Tennessee including Curly Putman, Junior. Putman bought the farm after he hit it big with songs like "Green, Green Grass of Home".

He has entertained guests over the years, but none like the ones producer Buddy Killen wanted to host in 1974.

"Killer said, 'Curly why don't you let them use your farm. He kind of grinned when said it and being the sweet talker that he was he talked me in to letting them rent our place,'" according to Putnam.

It turned out to be McCartney and his band. McCartney and his entourage moved into the house and on to the farm for six weeks in the summer of 1974.

Putman said there was a trail bike on the farm and McCartney enjoyed riding it.

"We came back. Paul had found it and drove it all over Wilson County, around Lebanon. So they really enjoyed it here," said Putnam.

McCartney enjoyed it so much he bought his own. Putman took his family to Hawaii during McCartney's stay, but got to meet him before and after the trip.

"They practiced over there where that piano is, kind of like a little stage area where that piano is," said Putnam.

It was a converted two car garage that now houses Putman's pool table, awards and music memorabilia.

For McCartney the stay at Junior's farm was supposed to be rehearsal time for a U.S. tour, but McCartney not only tapped into Nashville's hospitality, but the talent as well.

Audio Engineer Ernie Winfrey remembers McCartney. Winfrey is now retired. In 1974 he was working for Sound Shop in Nashville. He was working in the studio one night with Killen.

"I was a little astonished to see Paul McCartney walk into the studio just out of the clear. I didn't even know about it," said Winfrey.

The audio engineer was just 32-years-old when he had to record McCartney's vision.

"Everything was very calm, laid back. Nobody was in a hurry to do much, because he wanted to do it right, to take his time and do it right," said Winfrey.

He said it was laid back, but McCartney was totally in charge of his music. They worked on seven songs including "Sally G." and of course "Junior's Farm."

Now, a video dub of an 8mm sound film has emerged. According to Winfrey, who published the video on YouTube, "When Juniors Farm was playing we were in the control room listening to playback. I know this because the door into the studio was open. When Sally G was playing in the control room we were either tracking or overdubbing...I don't recall which.

Saturday 2 July 2011

George documentary set for October


George Harrison Living In The Material World will feature previously unreleased footage and photos as well as unreleased recordings that the guitarist saved. Olivia Harrison, one of the film’s producers, has spent years going through her husband’s tapes, notes and photos to deliver essential elements for the film. As the BBC is involved, we believe the film might make it's debut on the small screen. There will be a book tied in with the film release in October.