While it’s one of the most innovative songs of the 1960s, Ringo Starr declined to play The Beatles’ “Helter Skelter” for a shockingly long amount of time. He discussed performing the track live with Paul McCartney in the 2010s. The song “Helter Skelter” has a disturbing history. John Lennon had a dismissive attitude toward that history.
Ringo Starr asked why he would want to play The Beatles’ ‘Helter Skelter’
Ringo played “Helter Skelter” with Paul McCartney in July 2019. During a 2020 interview with Rolling Stone, Ringo was asked if he played the song since she came out in 1968. “No, I did listen to it once before [the performance], but why would I play it?” he said.
“I love playing with Paul,” Ringo continued. “And he’s great. You know, if he’s in L.A., and I’m making a record, he’s on a track. He’s still for me, the finest,...
Ringo Starr asked why he would want to play The Beatles’ ‘Helter Skelter’
Ringo played “Helter Skelter” with Paul McCartney in July 2019. During a 2020 interview with Rolling Stone, Ringo was asked if he played the song since she came out in 1968. “No, I did listen to it once before [the performance], but why would I play it?” he said.
“I love playing with Paul,” Ringo continued. “And he’s great. You know, if he’s in L.A., and I’m making a record, he’s on a track. He’s still for me, the finest,...
- 12/5/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
While classic rock stars are often stereotyped as being cocky, some of them were well aware of their limitations. Ringo Starr said he couldn’t have sung two of The Beatles’ songs. He also named the two Fab Four tracks that paved the way for him to become a solo artist.
A reporter told Ringo Starr he couldn’t have sung 2 of The Beatles’ songs and he agreed
During a 2023 interview with AARP, a reporter noted that Paul McCartney wrote The Beatles’ “With a Little Help from My Friends” specifically for Ringo to sing. The reporter said Ringo wouldn’t have been able to sing “Helter Skelter” or “Blackbird.” Interestingly, both of those tracks are from The White Album. “No, I couldn’t,” Ringo replied.
“John wrote several songs for me over the years, and George too,” he recalled. “I used to be a rock drummer, and then they ruined my whole career.
A reporter told Ringo Starr he couldn’t have sung 2 of The Beatles’ songs and he agreed
During a 2023 interview with AARP, a reporter noted that Paul McCartney wrote The Beatles’ “With a Little Help from My Friends” specifically for Ringo to sing. The reporter said Ringo wouldn’t have been able to sing “Helter Skelter” or “Blackbird.” Interestingly, both of those tracks are from The White Album. “No, I couldn’t,” Ringo replied.
“John wrote several songs for me over the years, and George too,” he recalled. “I used to be a rock drummer, and then they ruined my whole career.
- 11/23/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
One of the songs from The Beatles‘ Abbey Road blew a 1990s rock star away. He said the song has “no lead guitars and things, it’s just grinding away at this series of chords.” The tune in question is one of several examples of The Beatles’ harder rock songs.
A star said 1 song from The Beatles’ ‘Abbey Road’ encapsulates John Lennon’s style
Wayne Coyne of the psychedelic rock band The Flaming Lips. During a 2014 interview with Newsweek, he discussed being a massive fan of The Beatles. In it, he said “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)” is one of his favorite Beatles tunes.
“Again, here’s a guy that writes these songs that are so expressive and so musical, and here’s just this very strange riff,” Coyne said. “At the end of it, there’s this chord sequence that’s a completely John Lennon-esque chord sequence.
A star said 1 song from The Beatles’ ‘Abbey Road’ encapsulates John Lennon’s style
Wayne Coyne of the psychedelic rock band The Flaming Lips. During a 2014 interview with Newsweek, he discussed being a massive fan of The Beatles. In it, he said “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)” is one of his favorite Beatles tunes.
“Again, here’s a guy that writes these songs that are so expressive and so musical, and here’s just this very strange riff,” Coyne said. “At the end of it, there’s this chord sequence that’s a completely John Lennon-esque chord sequence.
- 11/21/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Paul McCartney‘s “Temporary Secretary” was not well-liked by fans in the beginning. Paul shared an anecdote about why he thinks the song has been vindicated with time. Here’s a look at what Rolling Stone had to say about “Temporary Secretary” in recent years.
What Paul McCartney thought when he heard a DJ playing ‘Temporary Secretary’
Paul’s experimental electronic album McCartney II received negative reviews upon its release in 1980. Perhaps the most infamous track from the album was the avant-garde track “Temporary Secretary.” During an interview with Loud and Quiet, Paul was asked about the way that McCartney II‘s reputation has improved.
“That’s a great thing for me, because you do these records and the spirit you do them in is very optimistic,” he said. “You think, this is great, it’s a record, and you’re pleased with it. And then you get the reception,...
What Paul McCartney thought when he heard a DJ playing ‘Temporary Secretary’
Paul’s experimental electronic album McCartney II received negative reviews upon its release in 1980. Perhaps the most infamous track from the album was the avant-garde track “Temporary Secretary.” During an interview with Loud and Quiet, Paul was asked about the way that McCartney II‘s reputation has improved.
“That’s a great thing for me, because you do these records and the spirit you do them in is very optimistic,” he said. “You think, this is great, it’s a record, and you’re pleased with it. And then you get the reception,...
- 10/28/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Rolling Stone interview series Unknown Legends features long-form conversations between senior writer Andy Greene and veteran musicians who have toured and recorded alongside icons for years, if not decades. All are renowned in the business, but some are less well known to the general public. Here, these artists tell their complete stories, giving an up-close look at life on music’s A list. This edition features guitarist Rusty Anderson.
Rusty Anderson has been consistently creating music with Paul McCartney for the past 22 years. He’s not only the lead guitarist...
Rusty Anderson has been consistently creating music with Paul McCartney for the past 22 years. He’s not only the lead guitarist...
- 10/11/2023
- by Andy Greene
- Rollingstone.com
Elvis Costello produced several songs for Paul McCartney, which isn’t surprising, as Paul worked with stars as eclectic as Michael Jackson, The Beach Boys, and the Everly Brothers. While discussing Paul’s musicianship, Costello opined The Beatles’ “Helter Skelter” challenged fans’ conceptions of Paul. He also said The Beatles’ “Julia” challenged fans’ conception of John Lennon.
Elvis Costello saw a throughline between The Beatles’ ‘Helter Skelter’ and ‘She’s a Woman’
Costello produced four songs from Paul’s 1989 album, Flowers in the Dirt. A 2017 article from The Washington Post says a narrative formed around the collaboration. Supposedly, Costello — a famous punk musician — would be like John Lennon and push Paul, the balladeer, into different territory. Costello contested this narrative.
“Oh, Paul’s the ballad guy, the same guy who sang ‘I’m Down,’ ‘She’s a Woman,’ and ‘Helter Skelter,'” he said. “You can find a contrary thing...
Elvis Costello saw a throughline between The Beatles’ ‘Helter Skelter’ and ‘She’s a Woman’
Costello produced four songs from Paul’s 1989 album, Flowers in the Dirt. A 2017 article from The Washington Post says a narrative formed around the collaboration. Supposedly, Costello — a famous punk musician — would be like John Lennon and push Paul, the balladeer, into different territory. Costello contested this narrative.
“Oh, Paul’s the ballad guy, the same guy who sang ‘I’m Down,’ ‘She’s a Woman,’ and ‘Helter Skelter,'” he said. “You can find a contrary thing...
- 9/28/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Exclusive: Lighthouse Media & Management has signed the multi-hyphenate Kiko Mizuhara, best known for starring in Toho’s adaptation of Norwegian Wood and the beloved manga Attack on Titan, for representation in all areas.
Based on the novel by Haruki Murakami, the former film follows Toru Watanabe (Kenichi Matsuyama), a young man in 1960s Tokyo, as he grapples with the suicide of a friend, as well as fledgling relationships with both the friend’s girlfriend and another woman. Mizuhara played the latter, Midori. After world premiering in Venice, the film was released in Japan in 2010, making its way to the U.S. two years later.
Released in two parts in 2015, Shinji Higuchi’s live-action Attack on Titan — based on the Hajime Isayama manga — is a post-apocalyptic actioner picking up with Eren (Haruma Miura) and his friends as they join a military group known as The Survey Corps, in order to take...
Based on the novel by Haruki Murakami, the former film follows Toru Watanabe (Kenichi Matsuyama), a young man in 1960s Tokyo, as he grapples with the suicide of a friend, as well as fledgling relationships with both the friend’s girlfriend and another woman. Mizuhara played the latter, Midori. After world premiering in Venice, the film was released in Japan in 2010, making its way to the U.S. two years later.
Released in two parts in 2015, Shinji Higuchi’s live-action Attack on Titan — based on the Hajime Isayama manga — is a post-apocalyptic actioner picking up with Eren (Haruma Miura) and his friends as they join a military group known as The Survey Corps, in order to take...
- 9/12/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Particular stories within manga tend to burrow under the reader's skin by exploring uncomfortable themes steeped in violence, tragedy, and suffering. These works offer a unique catharsis and, when executed with sincerity and skill, allow readers to look inward and see elements of humanity that are difficult to approach yet enriching to contemplate.
We look at 20 dark manga worthy of challenging the reader, offering depth within their complex themes. In no specific order, we have handpicked these twenty titles for their ability to navigate uncomfortable themes with the needed skill to make the work redemptive.
20. Goodnight Punpun by Inio Asano
“This is Punpun Onodera's coming-of-age story. His parents' marriage is falling apart. His dad goes to jail, and his mom goes to the hospital. He has to live with his loser uncle. He has a crush on a girl who lives in a weird cult. Punpun tries talking with God about his problems,...
We look at 20 dark manga worthy of challenging the reader, offering depth within their complex themes. In no specific order, we have handpicked these twenty titles for their ability to navigate uncomfortable themes with the needed skill to make the work redemptive.
20. Goodnight Punpun by Inio Asano
“This is Punpun Onodera's coming-of-age story. His parents' marriage is falling apart. His dad goes to jail, and his mom goes to the hospital. He has to live with his loser uncle. He has a crush on a girl who lives in a weird cult. Punpun tries talking with God about his problems,...
- 8/11/2023
- by Adam Symchuk
- AsianMoviePulse
Michael Beach was in his late twenties and primed for a breakout performance when he landed the role of Pluto in Carl Franklin's "One False Move." This was not supposed to be that performance. It was a low-budget crime flick from a couple of unknown screenwriters named Billy Bob Thornton and Tom Epperson that was intended to go straight to video. But when L.A. Weekly journo Anne Thompson caught an early screening, she spread the word to her critic colleagues. Once the Los Angeles Times' Sheila Benson and the Chicago Sun-Times' Roger Ebert began raving about the film, the distributor, I.R.S. Releasing, opted for a small theatrical release. The movie wound up on multiple year-end top 10 lists and earned five Independent Spirit Award nominations (with Franklin beating out newcomer Quentin Tarantino for Best Director).
Strangely, only Cynda Williams managed to score an acting nomination for her portrayal of a...
Strangely, only Cynda Williams managed to score an acting nomination for her portrayal of a...
- 8/7/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Summertime might be a bit too early to start planning for Christmas (though it's never too early to plan for Halloween), but one thing you should definitely plan to do this holiday season is watch Jenn Wexler's The Sacrifice Game. The stylish supernatural horror has everything you could want in a Christmas movie: tree lights, gingerbread men, and murderous cult freaks
The Sacrifice Game had its world premiere at the Fantasia Film Festival (though you'll have to wait to read my review later when the movie drops on Shudder). I got the chance to meet with director Jenn Wexler and her co-writer/husband Sean Redlitz to talk about the movie. I was very excited for the opportunity, since I'm a big fan of Wexler's debut feature The Ranger. The two were a bit haggard from only sleeping a couple hours following the after-party of the premiere, but Wexler was...
The Sacrifice Game had its world premiere at the Fantasia Film Festival (though you'll have to wait to read my review later when the movie drops on Shudder). I got the chance to meet with director Jenn Wexler and her co-writer/husband Sean Redlitz to talk about the movie. I was very excited for the opportunity, since I'm a big fan of Wexler's debut feature The Ranger. The two were a bit haggard from only sleeping a couple hours following the after-party of the premiere, but Wexler was...
- 8/4/2023
- by Chris Aitkens
Mötley Crüe have unveiled a massive, multi-configuration 40th anniversary reissue campaign for their landmark sophomore album Shout at the Devil.
Fans will have numerous options for acquiring the newly remastered re-release, including a massive Super Deluxe Edition box set, as well as single LP vinyl variants via specific retailers.
For the hardcore Crüe obsessive, the box set is the centerpiece. The original remastered album is included on vinyl, CD, and cassette, along with a plethora of goodies: the 7-inch vinyl singles of “Too Young to Fall in Love” and “Looks That Kill,” plus: pentagram séance boards, a Mötley Crüe metal 7-inch turntable adapter, album art lithographs, tarot cards, a devil candle holder, and more. To top it off, seven rare era-specific demos are also included in the collection under the title Shout at the Demos & Rarities.
Released in 1983 during the “Satanic Panic” that swept the country throughout the decade, Shout at the Devil...
Fans will have numerous options for acquiring the newly remastered re-release, including a massive Super Deluxe Edition box set, as well as single LP vinyl variants via specific retailers.
For the hardcore Crüe obsessive, the box set is the centerpiece. The original remastered album is included on vinyl, CD, and cassette, along with a plethora of goodies: the 7-inch vinyl singles of “Too Young to Fall in Love” and “Looks That Kill,” plus: pentagram séance boards, a Mötley Crüe metal 7-inch turntable adapter, album art lithographs, tarot cards, a devil candle holder, and more. To top it off, seven rare era-specific demos are also included in the collection under the title Shout at the Demos & Rarities.
Released in 1983 during the “Satanic Panic” that swept the country throughout the decade, Shout at the Devil...
- 8/3/2023
- by Jon Hadusek
- Consequence - Music
Film Independent is currently in the middle of a Matching Campaign to raise support for the next 30 years of filmmaker support. All donations make before or on September 15 will be doubled—dollar-for-dollar up to $100,000. To kick off the campaign, we’re re-posting a few of our most popular blogs.
Filmmakers often feel so attached to a song that it becomes a crucial and indispensable element of their story. A scene, or even an entire film, can revolve around a single piece of music. What many directors don’t realize is that the process of clearing that song can be very difficult and expensive. Brooke Wentz, the music supervisor behind Kings Point, Bully and Bill Cunningham New York cleared up some of the confusion and little-known realities of music licensing during a recent Film Independent education event.
The most important thing to know is that there are two rights to every song.
Filmmakers often feel so attached to a song that it becomes a crucial and indispensable element of their story. A scene, or even an entire film, can revolve around a single piece of music. What many directors don’t realize is that the process of clearing that song can be very difficult and expensive. Brooke Wentz, the music supervisor behind Kings Point, Bully and Bill Cunningham New York cleared up some of the confusion and little-known realities of music licensing during a recent Film Independent education event.
The most important thing to know is that there are two rights to every song.
- 8/1/2023
- by Film Independent
- Film Independent News & More
Paul McCartney has a good singing voice but rarely makes his voice go too high. He tended to stay in an area where he was comfortable, but he sometimes experimented with his vocals in songs like “Helter Skelter” and “Maybe I’m Amazed”. While recording one song, Paul McCartney attempted to get his voice as high as possible, and he thought he sounded “like Mickey Mouse.”
Paul McCartney thought he sounded like Mickey Mouse on ‘Lonesome Town’
“Lonesome Town” is a song Paul McCartney recorded for his 1999 cover album Run Devil Run. The original version was released by Ricky Nelson in 1958. McCartney brought in a solid band to record the song, including Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour on guitar.
The former Beatle didn’t want to do a standard remake of Nelson’s version. He tried to take it up another level, literally. He decided to do it in a higher tone,...
Paul McCartney thought he sounded like Mickey Mouse on ‘Lonesome Town’
“Lonesome Town” is a song Paul McCartney recorded for his 1999 cover album Run Devil Run. The original version was released by Ricky Nelson in 1958. McCartney brought in a solid band to record the song, including Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour on guitar.
The former Beatle didn’t want to do a standard remake of Nelson’s version. He tried to take it up another level, literally. He decided to do it in a higher tone,...
- 7/26/2023
- by Ross Tanenbaum
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Paul McCartney will reveal the stories behind some of his best-known songs, from his work in the Beatles and Wings through his solo career, on a new podcast, McCartney: A Life in Lyrics. Each episode will find him focusing on a single song — including “Eleanor Rigby,” “Let It Be,” and “Live and Let Die,” among others in the first season — in discussion with poet Paul Muldoon, who wrote the foreword to McCartney’s bestselling book, The Lyrics: 1956 to the Present.
All 12 of the first season’s episodes will be available...
All 12 of the first season’s episodes will be available...
- 7/18/2023
- by Kory Grow
- Rollingstone.com
Fans loved to speculate about The Beatles, and while some of the fascinating rumors were true, fans’ desire for news on the band led to some bizarre conspiracy theories. The most famous theory surrounding the fab four was that Paul McCartney died and was replaced with a lookalike still parading around as him today. The Beatles were fully aware of this theory, and Ringo Starr said they loved to laugh about it.
Ringo Starr said The Beatles loved adding fuel to the ‘Paul is Dead’ conspiracy theory
The Beatles have a few conspiracy theories that fans love to analyze. One was that John Lennon had a strange connection to the number nine. Another suggested that “Helter Skelter” lyrics led to the Manson murders. However, the main one that stuck around was the theory that Paul McCartney died.
The theory emerged in the 1960s and skyrocketed toward the end of the decade when Abbey Road emerged.
Ringo Starr said The Beatles loved adding fuel to the ‘Paul is Dead’ conspiracy theory
The Beatles have a few conspiracy theories that fans love to analyze. One was that John Lennon had a strange connection to the number nine. Another suggested that “Helter Skelter” lyrics led to the Manson murders. However, the main one that stuck around was the theory that Paul McCartney died.
The theory emerged in the 1960s and skyrocketed toward the end of the decade when Abbey Road emerged.
- 7/7/2023
- by Ross Tanenbaum
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Bob Dylan was one of the most important musicians to The Beatles. His music inspired several Fab Four songs, and it’s probably not a coincidence that the troubadour controversially went electric at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival after The Beatles stormed the United States. Still, Dylan’s favorite Beatles song wasn’t one of their complex tunes but one of their relatively straightforward early songs.
Bob Dylan named ‘I Want to Hold Your Hand’ his favorite Beatles song because of the chords and harmonies
Many music fans call The Fab Four’s Revolver the first psychedelic record. “Helter Skelter” might have been the first heavy metal song. The popularity of the White Album paved the way for other classic rock bands to release double LPs.
Yet for all the groundbreaking moves they made later in their career, Dylan said his favorite Beatles song was one of their early ones — “I Want to Hold Your Hand.
Bob Dylan named ‘I Want to Hold Your Hand’ his favorite Beatles song because of the chords and harmonies
Many music fans call The Fab Four’s Revolver the first psychedelic record. “Helter Skelter” might have been the first heavy metal song. The popularity of the White Album paved the way for other classic rock bands to release double LPs.
Yet for all the groundbreaking moves they made later in their career, Dylan said his favorite Beatles song was one of their early ones — “I Want to Hold Your Hand.
- 7/1/2023
- by Jason Rossi
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
George Martin relied heavily on Paul McCartney and John Lennon as hitmakers. He understood that as a songwriting duo, they were something special. As the longtime producer for The Beatles, Martin also got to know each of their individual strengths and weaknesses. He noted that while McCartney was a strong writer, he had a tendency to write “corny” music.
George Martin criticized certain elements of Paul McCartney’s music
When asked about Lennon describing himself as lazy, Martin said he didn’t necessarily think it was true.
“Well, we’re talking about a period of, certainly, eight or nine years,” he told Rolling Stone. “I don’t think John was ever lazy as such, I think he was growing into different kinds of music than Paul.”
Martin didn’t think McCartney was growing in the same direction as Lennon. While he could write a good rock song, he could also turn out something “corny.
George Martin criticized certain elements of Paul McCartney’s music
When asked about Lennon describing himself as lazy, Martin said he didn’t necessarily think it was true.
“Well, we’re talking about a period of, certainly, eight or nine years,” he told Rolling Stone. “I don’t think John was ever lazy as such, I think he was growing into different kinds of music than Paul.”
Martin didn’t think McCartney was growing in the same direction as Lennon. While he could write a good rock song, he could also turn out something “corny.
- 6/29/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Tl;Dr:
Charles Manson might’ve felt the Bible referenced The Beatles’ Stuart Sutcliffe. He may also have interpreted the same passage to be about himself. Paul McCartney reacted to these interpretations.
Charles Manson believed the Bible contained a prophecy of The Beatles. Specifically, Manson connected the Fab Four to four angles in the Book of Revelation. Although Manson felt he understood the passage, it’s incredibly opaque.
Charles Manson might’ve thought a passage of the Bible was about a former Beatle
According to the book Helter Skelter, Manson was interested in the Book of Revelation, particularly chapter 9. Manson felt The Beatles’ “Revolution 9” referenced that chapter. Notably, Revelation 9 mentions five angels at the start, but there are only four angels at the end of the chapter.
According to Manson Family associate Gregg Jakobson, Manson interpreted this as a reference to Stuart Sutcliffe, a member of The Beatles who died in 1962. On the other hand,...
Charles Manson might’ve felt the Bible referenced The Beatles’ Stuart Sutcliffe. He may also have interpreted the same passage to be about himself. Paul McCartney reacted to these interpretations.
Charles Manson believed the Bible contained a prophecy of The Beatles. Specifically, Manson connected the Fab Four to four angles in the Book of Revelation. Although Manson felt he understood the passage, it’s incredibly opaque.
Charles Manson might’ve thought a passage of the Bible was about a former Beatle
According to the book Helter Skelter, Manson was interested in the Book of Revelation, particularly chapter 9. Manson felt The Beatles’ “Revolution 9” referenced that chapter. Notably, Revelation 9 mentions five angels at the start, but there are only four angels at the end of the chapter.
According to Manson Family associate Gregg Jakobson, Manson interpreted this as a reference to Stuart Sutcliffe, a member of The Beatles who died in 1962. On the other hand,...
- 6/14/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Ringo Starr became a world-famous drummer after joining The Beatles in 1962. While he didn’t often play solos for the band, he shined in heavy songs like “Helter Skelter” and “Rain.” He has been playing drums since he was a kid, but he never practices. However, he always got better the more he consistently played.
Ringo Starr says he doesn’t practice and gets better by playing Ringo Starr | Chris McKay/Getty Images
Some people must practice tirelessly to perfect their abilities, while others are naturally gifted. They have an exceptional talent that they improve upon whenever they use it. That appears true with Ringo Starr, who has played the drums since childhood.
Starr has had several outstanding performances on the drums from his career, and he selected one in a conversation with Modern Drummer. In his response, the former Beatle said he never practices but keeps improving as he gets “more comfortable” with playing.
Ringo Starr says he doesn’t practice and gets better by playing Ringo Starr | Chris McKay/Getty Images
Some people must practice tirelessly to perfect their abilities, while others are naturally gifted. They have an exceptional talent that they improve upon whenever they use it. That appears true with Ringo Starr, who has played the drums since childhood.
Starr has had several outstanding performances on the drums from his career, and he selected one in a conversation with Modern Drummer. In his response, the former Beatle said he never practices but keeps improving as he gets “more comfortable” with playing.
- 6/8/2023
- by Ross Tanenbaum
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Charles Manson and other members of the Manson Family were obsessed with The Beatles’ “Blackbird.” Lyrics of the song may have inspired the Manson Family’s actions. Paul McCartney said The Beatles’ “Blackbird” was supposed to be uplifting. The Beatles | John Pratt / Stringer
Charles Manson felt The Beatles‘ “Blackbird” was supposed to encourage violence. It was one of several songs from the same Beatles album that intrigued the cult leader. Subsequently, Paul McCartney revealed that Manson partly understood one aspect of “Blackbird.”
Charles Manson thought The Beatles’ ‘Blackbird’ was about a coming race war
Members of the Manson Family infamously obsessed with The White Album. According to the book Helter Skelter, they were particularly fixated on five tunes from the record: “Piggies,” “Helter Skelter,” “Revolution 1,” “Revolution 9,” and “Blackbird.”
Manson felt a race war between Black and white Americans was on the horizon. He thought The Beatles were using the song “Blackbird” to encourage the war.
Charles Manson felt The Beatles‘ “Blackbird” was supposed to encourage violence. It was one of several songs from the same Beatles album that intrigued the cult leader. Subsequently, Paul McCartney revealed that Manson partly understood one aspect of “Blackbird.”
Charles Manson thought The Beatles’ ‘Blackbird’ was about a coming race war
Members of the Manson Family infamously obsessed with The White Album. According to the book Helter Skelter, they were particularly fixated on five tunes from the record: “Piggies,” “Helter Skelter,” “Revolution 1,” “Revolution 9,” and “Blackbird.”
Manson felt a race war between Black and white Americans was on the horizon. He thought The Beatles were using the song “Blackbird” to encourage the war.
- 6/5/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Tl;Dr:
The Beatles’ “Honey Pie” fueled Charles Manson’s delusion that he was Jesus Christ. The Manson Family repeatedly tried to contact The Beatles by phone, telegram, and letter. Paul McCartney said “Honey Pie” was inspired by his love of Fred Astaire’s music. Charles Manson | Hulton Archive / Stringer
The Beatles‘ “Honey Pie” was one of several Fab Four songs that Charles Manson thought was about him. Notably, the Manson Family believed “Honey Pie” included references to their home in California. Subsequently, Paul McCartney explained what actually inspired the song.
Charles Manson felt The Beatles’ ‘Honey Pie’ was about the band joining the Manson Family
According to the book Helter Skelter, Manson and his followers interpreted several Beatles songs from The White Album and Magical Mystery Tour as containing messages for them. For example, they thought “Honey Pie” was about The Beatles’ desire to be with the Manson Family in California.
The Beatles’ “Honey Pie” fueled Charles Manson’s delusion that he was Jesus Christ. The Manson Family repeatedly tried to contact The Beatles by phone, telegram, and letter. Paul McCartney said “Honey Pie” was inspired by his love of Fred Astaire’s music. Charles Manson | Hulton Archive / Stringer
The Beatles‘ “Honey Pie” was one of several Fab Four songs that Charles Manson thought was about him. Notably, the Manson Family believed “Honey Pie” included references to their home in California. Subsequently, Paul McCartney explained what actually inspired the song.
Charles Manson felt The Beatles’ ‘Honey Pie’ was about the band joining the Manson Family
According to the book Helter Skelter, Manson and his followers interpreted several Beatles songs from The White Album and Magical Mystery Tour as containing messages for them. For example, they thought “Honey Pie” was about The Beatles’ desire to be with the Manson Family in California.
- 6/5/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Tl;Dr:
John Lennon said a song Paul McCartney wrote for The Beatles’ White Album inspired Charles Manson. He said one of the songs was about a fairground in England. The other is a satire of the upper class credited to George Harrison. Charles Manson | Michael Ochs Archives / Stringer
John Lennon said the Manson Family was inspired by two songs from The Beatles‘ The White Album. He said one of the songs had “nothing to do with anything.” In addition, he revealed he helped write the other song.
Charles Manson latched onto a song about a slide from The Beatles’ ‘The White Album’
The book All We Are Saying: The Last Major Interview with John Lennon and Yoko Ono includes an interview from 1980. In it, John was asked about The Beatles’ “Helter Skelter.” “That’s Paul completely,” he said.
John said “Helter Skelter” and a George Harrison-penned song, “Piggies,” were important to the Manson Family.
John Lennon said a song Paul McCartney wrote for The Beatles’ White Album inspired Charles Manson. He said one of the songs was about a fairground in England. The other is a satire of the upper class credited to George Harrison. Charles Manson | Michael Ochs Archives / Stringer
John Lennon said the Manson Family was inspired by two songs from The Beatles‘ The White Album. He said one of the songs had “nothing to do with anything.” In addition, he revealed he helped write the other song.
Charles Manson latched onto a song about a slide from The Beatles’ ‘The White Album’
The book All We Are Saying: The Last Major Interview with John Lennon and Yoko Ono includes an interview from 1980. In it, John was asked about The Beatles’ “Helter Skelter.” “That’s Paul completely,” he said.
John said “Helter Skelter” and a George Harrison-penned song, “Piggies,” were important to the Manson Family.
- 6/3/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
When it comes to classic rock musicians hitting No. 1 on the charts, no group outclasses The Beatles. The Fab Four had 20 No. 1 hits in the United States. For all their popularity, The Rolling Stones, Fleetwood Mac, and Michael Jackson don’t even come close. K-Pop superstars BTS matched The Beatles by having six No. 1 songs in a year, but they’re still writing their legacy. Several legendary classic rock bands never had a No. 1 hit on the Billboard singles chart. Here are 10 of them.
(clockwise from top left) Tom Petty; Bruce Springsteen, Jimi Hendrix | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images; Brooks Kraft LLC/Sygma via Getty Images; Chris Morphet/Redferns 1. The Who Number of top-10 hits: 1 Number of top-100 songs: 26
The Who’s greatest hits stand alongside some of classic rock’s best. “Magic Bus,” “My Generation,” “Won’t Get Fooled Again,” and “Pinball Wizard” are just a smattering of the band’s best tunes.
(clockwise from top left) Tom Petty; Bruce Springsteen, Jimi Hendrix | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images; Brooks Kraft LLC/Sygma via Getty Images; Chris Morphet/Redferns 1. The Who Number of top-10 hits: 1 Number of top-100 songs: 26
The Who’s greatest hits stand alongside some of classic rock’s best. “Magic Bus,” “My Generation,” “Won’t Get Fooled Again,” and “Pinball Wizard” are just a smattering of the band’s best tunes.
- 6/2/2023
- by Jason Rossi
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Beatles‘ The White Album has several connections to the Manson Family. For example, the cult thought The Beatles’ “Sexy Sadie” was about one of its members. Subsequently, the member in question discussed what another tune from The White Album meant to Charles Manson and his followers.
Charles Manson | Bettmann / Contributor ‘Sexy Sadie’ from The Beatles’ ‘The White Album’ fed the delusions of the Manson Family
Susan Atkins was a member of the Manson family. According to the book Helter Skelter, Manson gave Atkins the nickname “Sexy Sadie” long before The Beatles released a song with that title on The White Album. When Manson’s “family” heard The White Album, they thought “Sexy Sadie” proved their leader had a mental connection to the Fab Four.
In her 2005 book Child of Satan, Child of God, Atkins discussed The White Album at length. “Charlie obtained The Beatles’ so-called White Album in late 1968,” she wrote.
Charles Manson | Bettmann / Contributor ‘Sexy Sadie’ from The Beatles’ ‘The White Album’ fed the delusions of the Manson Family
Susan Atkins was a member of the Manson family. According to the book Helter Skelter, Manson gave Atkins the nickname “Sexy Sadie” long before The Beatles released a song with that title on The White Album. When Manson’s “family” heard The White Album, they thought “Sexy Sadie” proved their leader had a mental connection to the Fab Four.
In her 2005 book Child of Satan, Child of God, Atkins discussed The White Album at length. “Charlie obtained The Beatles’ so-called White Album in late 1968,” she wrote.
- 6/1/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In a split ruling today, a state appeals court panel reinstated a grant of parole for former Charles Manson follower Leslie Van Houten, overturning an earlier decision by Gov. Gavin Newsom to block her release.
Tuesday’s decision does not automatically mean Van Houten will be released. The state could still appeal the ruling to the California Supreme Court. Neither the governor’s office nor the state Attorney General’s Office immediately returned a message seeking comment.
Van Houten, now 73, is serving a potential life prison sentence for taking part in the killings of Leno and Rosemary Labianca in their Los Feliz home more than 50 years ago.
The Manson killings shook Los Angeles and defined a generation. The story of the Manson family has inspired countless shows and films, including, most recently, Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Victoria Pedretti played a character called “Lulu” in the film,...
Tuesday’s decision does not automatically mean Van Houten will be released. The state could still appeal the ruling to the California Supreme Court. Neither the governor’s office nor the state Attorney General’s Office immediately returned a message seeking comment.
Van Houten, now 73, is serving a potential life prison sentence for taking part in the killings of Leno and Rosemary Labianca in their Los Feliz home more than 50 years ago.
The Manson killings shook Los Angeles and defined a generation. The story of the Manson family has inspired countless shows and films, including, most recently, Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Victoria Pedretti played a character called “Lulu” in the film,...
- 5/30/2023
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
Some of the songs Paul McCartney wrote for The Beatles White Album drove his bandmates crazy. The other three universally hated “Maxwell’s Silver Hammer” with a passion, especially since Paul requested they keep working on it. The Fab Four did dozens of takes of the game-changing “Helter Skelter,” a song Paul wrote because he was jealous about The Who’s bragging.
Beatles bassist Paul McCartney | Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images Paul McCartney admits he was jealous of The Who when he wrote ‘Helter Skelter’
The Beatles’ self-titled 1968 record (commonly known as the White Album) had everything except the kitchen sink. Twisted blues/surf-rock/R&b hybrid on “Back in the U.S.S.R.” The Jamaican dancehall-esque tone of “Ob-la-Di, Ob-la-Da.” Gentle folk on “Julia” and “Blackbird.”
“Helter Skelter” was an uncharacteristically brutal song that Paul wrote out of jealousy, as he told GQ (via YouTube):
“How it came about was,...
Beatles bassist Paul McCartney | Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images Paul McCartney admits he was jealous of The Who when he wrote ‘Helter Skelter’
The Beatles’ self-titled 1968 record (commonly known as the White Album) had everything except the kitchen sink. Twisted blues/surf-rock/R&b hybrid on “Back in the U.S.S.R.” The Jamaican dancehall-esque tone of “Ob-la-Di, Ob-la-Da.” Gentle folk on “Julia” and “Blackbird.”
“Helter Skelter” was an uncharacteristically brutal song that Paul wrote out of jealousy, as he told GQ (via YouTube):
“How it came about was,...
- 5/30/2023
- by Jason Rossi
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
This episode of The Black Sheep was Written and Narrated by Andrew Hatfield, Edited by Brandon Nally, Produced by Lance Vlcek and John Fallon, and Executive Produced by Berge Garabedian.
The creature feature just isn’t explored enough anymore. Jaws was a monster of a success story and ended up having three sequels on its own and had a slew of imitators. 1980 would give us, in my humble opinion, one of the better ones with Alligator starring Robert Forster. It was successful too, making 6 and a half million on a 1.5-million-dollar budget. I know that’s not crazy money, but it was a hit and had a fun pedigree with it that remains very popular today. Its one of the movies that keeps selling well with new and old fans and so it recently got put on 4K. There weren’t as many creature flicks through the rest of the...
The creature feature just isn’t explored enough anymore. Jaws was a monster of a success story and ended up having three sequels on its own and had a slew of imitators. 1980 would give us, in my humble opinion, one of the better ones with Alligator starring Robert Forster. It was successful too, making 6 and a half million on a 1.5-million-dollar budget. I know that’s not crazy money, but it was a hit and had a fun pedigree with it that remains very popular today. Its one of the movies that keeps selling well with new and old fans and so it recently got put on 4K. There weren’t as many creature flicks through the rest of the...
- 4/18/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
The Beatles were kings of delivering ambiguous lyrics that would make their fans dive deeply into their songs and interpret whatever messages they could find. Sometimes the band did this intentionally, while other times, fans would get ahead of themselves. A few of these interpretations led to popular conspiracy theories, some of which are still around today. Here are three of the weirdest conspiracy theories about The Beatles.
John Lennon’s life was dictated by the number 9 The Beatles (Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, John Lennon, and George Harrison | John Downing/Getty Images
Many Beatles fans noticed that John Lennon has an odd connection to the number nine. A few of his songs include the number, such as “Revolution 9” and “One After 909”. In his 1980 interview with Playboy, Lennon acknowledged his coincidental ties to the number.
“I lived at 9 Newcastle Road. I was born on the ninth of October, the ninth month...
John Lennon’s life was dictated by the number 9 The Beatles (Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, John Lennon, and George Harrison | John Downing/Getty Images
Many Beatles fans noticed that John Lennon has an odd connection to the number nine. A few of his songs include the number, such as “Revolution 9” and “One After 909”. In his 1980 interview with Playboy, Lennon acknowledged his coincidental ties to the number.
“I lived at 9 Newcastle Road. I was born on the ninth of October, the ninth month...
- 4/17/2023
- by Ross Tanenbaum
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
MGM+ has greenlit “Hollywood Black,” a new docuseries directed by Justin Simien.
Based on the book by historian Donald Bogle, this four-part docuseries tells the epic story of the actors, writers, directors and producers who fought for their place on the page, behind the camera, on the screen and in the credits. It is a definitive chronicle of a century of the Black experience in Hollywood, and a powerful reexamination of a quintessentially American story — in brilliant color.
“Hollywood, like many American industries, was built on Black culture and Black talent, even though it excluded Black people from many of its origin stories,” Simien said in a statement. “This series seeks to illuminate present-day controversies, from #OscarSoWhite to the almost regular ‘blackface reveal’ of prominent white celebrities, told through the lens of Black individuals throughout Hollywood history. It’s the most important story I’ve been able to tell to date,...
Based on the book by historian Donald Bogle, this four-part docuseries tells the epic story of the actors, writers, directors and producers who fought for their place on the page, behind the camera, on the screen and in the credits. It is a definitive chronicle of a century of the Black experience in Hollywood, and a powerful reexamination of a quintessentially American story — in brilliant color.
“Hollywood, like many American industries, was built on Black culture and Black talent, even though it excluded Black people from many of its origin stories,” Simien said in a statement. “This series seeks to illuminate present-day controversies, from #OscarSoWhite to the almost regular ‘blackface reveal’ of prominent white celebrities, told through the lens of Black individuals throughout Hollywood history. It’s the most important story I’ve been able to tell to date,...
- 4/11/2023
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
The Beatles were masters of the rock n’ roll genre. While they could create songs that sounded different from each other, they mostly stayed in the realm of rock, where they were comfortable. However, a few times, The Beatles branched out into other genres, creating a new sound that advanced rock even further.
‘Love You To’ The Beatles | Fox Photos/Getty Images
On the set of 1965’s Help!, George Harrison became fascinated by the sitar and began fiddling with the Indian instrument. He first used the instrument on “Norwegian Wood”, but that song still remained closer to the classic Beatles sound with a bit of influence from Bob Dylan. “Love You To” from 1966’s Revolver was the first Beatles song to fully embrace Indian culture and the spiritual nature of its music.
Harrison, who was learning the sitar from sitarist Ravi Shankar, almost entirely orchestrated the track. The only help...
‘Love You To’ The Beatles | Fox Photos/Getty Images
On the set of 1965’s Help!, George Harrison became fascinated by the sitar and began fiddling with the Indian instrument. He first used the instrument on “Norwegian Wood”, but that song still remained closer to the classic Beatles sound with a bit of influence from Bob Dylan. “Love You To” from 1966’s Revolver was the first Beatles song to fully embrace Indian culture and the spiritual nature of its music.
Harrison, who was learning the sitar from sitarist Ravi Shankar, almost entirely orchestrated the track. The only help...
- 4/10/2023
- by Ross Tanenbaum
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
One of the most exciting collaborations in the 2010s was when Paul McCartney teamed up with the remaining members of Nirvana. While Nirvana was a legendary band of the 90s, the grunge-rock band couldn’t compare with the iconic status of The Beatles. So, it makes perfect sense that Nirvana’s bass guitarist Krist Novoselic was horrified of playing with Sir Paul.
Paul McCartney had no idea he was playing with Nirvana Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic, Pat Smear, and Paul McCartney | Kevin Mazur/WireImage
In 2012, Foo Fighters’ lead singer and former Nirvana member, Dave Grohl, invited Paul McCartney to collaborate on a track for his 2013 documentary Sound City. The song is titled “Cut Me Some Slack”, and McCartney performed lead vocals. In an interview with DIY, McCartney said Grohl hadn’t informed him the other Nirvana members would be there, so McCartney had no idea who he was playing with.
Paul McCartney had no idea he was playing with Nirvana Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic, Pat Smear, and Paul McCartney | Kevin Mazur/WireImage
In 2012, Foo Fighters’ lead singer and former Nirvana member, Dave Grohl, invited Paul McCartney to collaborate on a track for his 2013 documentary Sound City. The song is titled “Cut Me Some Slack”, and McCartney performed lead vocals. In an interview with DIY, McCartney said Grohl hadn’t informed him the other Nirvana members would be there, so McCartney had no idea who he was playing with.
- 4/9/2023
- by Ross Tanenbaum
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Tl;Dr:
Some of The Beatles’ songs were amazing hard rock tunes. One of their songs was one of the first heavy metal songs ever. The Beatles could have been more like Led Zeppelin if they wanted to be. The Beatles’ John Lennon | Max Scheler – K & K / Contributor
Most of The Beatles‘ songs were not hard rock songs. Despite this, the Fab Four proved they could make heavier music. After all, one Beatles song was one of the first heavy metal songs ever written.
5. ‘I Feel Fine’
The bouncy riff from “I Feel Fine” is the highlight of the track. However, John Lennon seemed more proud of the feedback on the song than anything else about it. During a 1980 interview from the book All We Are Saying: The Last Major Interview with John Lennon and Yoko Ono, he discussed the song.
“That’s me completely,” he said. “Including the electric...
Some of The Beatles’ songs were amazing hard rock tunes. One of their songs was one of the first heavy metal songs ever. The Beatles could have been more like Led Zeppelin if they wanted to be. The Beatles’ John Lennon | Max Scheler – K & K / Contributor
Most of The Beatles‘ songs were not hard rock songs. Despite this, the Fab Four proved they could make heavier music. After all, one Beatles song was one of the first heavy metal songs ever written.
5. ‘I Feel Fine’
The bouncy riff from “I Feel Fine” is the highlight of the track. However, John Lennon seemed more proud of the feedback on the song than anything else about it. During a 1980 interview from the book All We Are Saying: The Last Major Interview with John Lennon and Yoko Ono, he discussed the song.
“That’s me completely,” he said. “Including the electric...
- 4/8/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Beatles have hundreds of fascinating stories involving how they recorded their music. The band had many innovative recording techniques but also did some weird tricks to boost the studio’s atmosphere. During a recording session for one of The Beatles’ more hardcore songs, George Harrison started a fire and ran around the room.
Paul McCartney was inspired to make ‘Helter Skelter’ after comments by The Who George Harrison | Fox Photos/Getty Images
“Helter Skelter” is one of the most hardcore songs by The Beatles. Many consider this song from The White Album to be one of the earliest examples of heavy metal. However, it was a change of pace for The Beatles, who often made calmer and lighter rock music. In an interview with GQ, Paul McCartney said he made “Helter Skelter” after reading comments by Pete Townshend of The Who.
“I can see why people would think it...
Paul McCartney was inspired to make ‘Helter Skelter’ after comments by The Who George Harrison | Fox Photos/Getty Images
“Helter Skelter” is one of the most hardcore songs by The Beatles. Many consider this song from The White Album to be one of the earliest examples of heavy metal. However, it was a change of pace for The Beatles, who often made calmer and lighter rock music. In an interview with GQ, Paul McCartney said he made “Helter Skelter” after reading comments by Pete Townshend of The Who.
“I can see why people would think it...
- 4/8/2023
- by Ross Tanenbaum
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Ringo Starr and John Lennon always had a close friendship. They were the two oldest Beatles members, lived as neighbors, and hung out together after the Fab Four fractured. The drummer was the last Beatle to see John before he died, and Ringo was blown away by his mindset at the time. Years earlier, John’s singing freaked out Ringo, and we understand where the drummer is coming from.
(l-r) Ringo Starr and John Lennon | Icon and Image/Getty Images Ringo Starr was ‘freaked out’ by John Lennon’s singing while making his first solo album
The Beatles split up in 1970, but that didn’t prevent the former bandmates from working together. Ringo played drums on George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass in 1970. He sat at the kit for John’s John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band solo debut the same year. Though used to recording with the bespectacled Beatle,...
(l-r) Ringo Starr and John Lennon | Icon and Image/Getty Images Ringo Starr was ‘freaked out’ by John Lennon’s singing while making his first solo album
The Beatles split up in 1970, but that didn’t prevent the former bandmates from working together. Ringo played drums on George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass in 1970. He sat at the kit for John’s John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band solo debut the same year. Though used to recording with the bespectacled Beatle,...
- 4/6/2023
- by Jason Rossi
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Beatles always strived to do something new in all their songs. That’s what made them so unique and innovative. However, for this list, here are 10 of the best Beatles songs where they incorporated something cutting edge.
The Beatles | Keystone Features/Getty Images 10. ‘All My Loving’
“All My Loving” might not seem like a song where The Beatles tried something new, but it is. It’s an ordinary love song, but Paul McCartney said John Lennon’s last-minute addition made it magical. The rhythm guitarist added the fast strumming that sounds like the engine of a train or tires on a bridge. The speaker dreams about coming home to their love, and John’s strumming embodies that. Even in their early days, The Beatles came up with interesting ways to express their lyrics through music.
9. ‘A Hard Day’s Night’
The beginning chord in “A Hard Day’s Night” isn’t...
The Beatles | Keystone Features/Getty Images 10. ‘All My Loving’
“All My Loving” might not seem like a song where The Beatles tried something new, but it is. It’s an ordinary love song, but Paul McCartney said John Lennon’s last-minute addition made it magical. The rhythm guitarist added the fast strumming that sounds like the engine of a train or tires on a bridge. The speaker dreams about coming home to their love, and John’s strumming embodies that. Even in their early days, The Beatles came up with interesting ways to express their lyrics through music.
9. ‘A Hard Day’s Night’
The beginning chord in “A Hard Day’s Night” isn’t...
- 3/19/2023
- by Hannah Wigandt
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
History enthusiasts who use Xfinity services, this is your week. From Monday, March 6 through Sunday, March 12, Xfinity is offering free access to content from History Vault, the direct-to-consumer offering from the [History Channel]. The service normally costs $4.99 per month, so it’s an excellent chance for Xfinity internet and cable subscribers to get a free look at the service before committing to a subscription.
7-Day Free Trial $4.99 / month history vault via amazon.com
The free viewing window to History Vault is a part of Xfinity’s “Free This Week program.” It’s a lot like Sling TV’s Freeview promotion, but every week, users of Xfinity internet — as well as X1 TV and Xfinity Flex customers — get free content from a different premium streaming service or cable channel.
Content available from History Vault to select Xfinity customers this week includes:
“America: The Story of Us” “Susan B. Anthony: Rebel for the...
7-Day Free Trial $4.99 / month history vault via amazon.com
The free viewing window to History Vault is a part of Xfinity’s “Free This Week program.” It’s a lot like Sling TV’s Freeview promotion, but every week, users of Xfinity internet — as well as X1 TV and Xfinity Flex customers — get free content from a different premium streaming service or cable channel.
Content available from History Vault to select Xfinity customers this week includes:
“America: The Story of Us” “Susan B. Anthony: Rebel for the...
- 3/6/2023
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
The Beatles‘ The White Album is one of the greatest albums in the history of classic rock. In addition, it’s one of the longer albums in the rock canon, clocking in at over 90 minutes. Here’s a look at the five best tracks on the album.
The Beatles | Bettmann / Contributor 5. ‘Revolution 1’
The Beatles released a hard-rockin’ version of this song, simply called “Revolution,” and a slower version called “Revolution 1.” The faster version was a hit single while “Revolution 1” appeared on The Beatles’ The White Album.
According to a 1980 interview from the book All We Are Saying: The Last Major Interview with John Lennon and Yoko Ono, John preferred “Revolution 1.” He liked the slower rendition of the song because he wanted listeners to be able to make out the lyrics. Both recordings are great, but “Revolution 1” is arguably more important in their discography. Its loose and bluesy style paved the...
The Beatles | Bettmann / Contributor 5. ‘Revolution 1’
The Beatles released a hard-rockin’ version of this song, simply called “Revolution,” and a slower version called “Revolution 1.” The faster version was a hit single while “Revolution 1” appeared on The Beatles’ The White Album.
According to a 1980 interview from the book All We Are Saying: The Last Major Interview with John Lennon and Yoko Ono, John preferred “Revolution 1.” He liked the slower rendition of the song because he wanted listeners to be able to make out the lyrics. Both recordings are great, but “Revolution 1” is arguably more important in their discography. Its loose and bluesy style paved the...
- 3/6/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Paul McCartney admits he hasn’t analyzed his singing voice. However, the former Beatle has admitted to stealing other artists’ voices for specific songs.
Paul McCartney | Mondadori Portfolio/Getty Images Paul McCartney hasn’t thought about his singing voice
In his book, The Lyrics: 1956 to the Present, Paul wrote that he’s never actually thought much about his singing voice.
“I’ve been lucky enough not to have to,” he said. “People say to me, ‘Do you use your head voice or your chest voice?’ I say, I’m afraid I don’t know the difference. I haven’t analyzed it.”
Throughout Paul’s decades-long career, he’s used many different sounding voices. There’s a noticeable difference between his singing on “Get Back,” “Helter Skelter,” “Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey,” and “I’m Down.” If you listen closely, you can hear who Paul was trying to emulate too.
Paul emulated...
Paul McCartney | Mondadori Portfolio/Getty Images Paul McCartney hasn’t thought about his singing voice
In his book, The Lyrics: 1956 to the Present, Paul wrote that he’s never actually thought much about his singing voice.
“I’ve been lucky enough not to have to,” he said. “People say to me, ‘Do you use your head voice or your chest voice?’ I say, I’m afraid I don’t know the difference. I haven’t analyzed it.”
Throughout Paul’s decades-long career, he’s used many different sounding voices. There’s a noticeable difference between his singing on “Get Back,” “Helter Skelter,” “Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey,” and “I’m Down.” If you listen closely, you can hear who Paul was trying to emulate too.
Paul emulated...
- 3/6/2023
- by Hannah Wigandt
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
There are many songs that Paul McCartney based on things he read in literature. His parents instilled a love of knowledge and learning in him when he was a kid, and his English teacher at school fostered that love. Paul developed an admiration for writers like Lewis Carroll and Shakespeare. However, many authors and writers’ work ended up in Paul’s songs.
Paul McCartney and his family | Ron Galella/Getty Images 5. ‘The End’
In The Lyrics: 1956 to the Present, Paul spoke many times about his literary heroes, which included Dylan Thomas, Oscar Wilde, Allen Ginsberg, French symbolist writer Alfred Jarry, Eugene O’Neill, and Henrik Ibsen. However, a couple of his songs wouldn’t have shaped up the same way without the influence of Shakespeare.
Paul wrote that he’s “fascinated by the couplet as a form in poetry,” particularly how Shakespeare used the couplet to close out a scene or an entire play.
Paul McCartney and his family | Ron Galella/Getty Images 5. ‘The End’
In The Lyrics: 1956 to the Present, Paul spoke many times about his literary heroes, which included Dylan Thomas, Oscar Wilde, Allen Ginsberg, French symbolist writer Alfred Jarry, Eugene O’Neill, and Henrik Ibsen. However, a couple of his songs wouldn’t have shaped up the same way without the influence of Shakespeare.
Paul wrote that he’s “fascinated by the couplet as a form in poetry,” particularly how Shakespeare used the couplet to close out a scene or an entire play.
- 3/5/2023
- by Hannah Wigandt
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Paul McCartney loved writing songs with John Lennon. However, if he had to choose one of the most exciting things about their time as songwriter partners, Paul said they came at songs from different angles. They were opposites most of the time but complimented each other.
Paul McCartney and John Lennon | Icon and Image/Getty Images Paul McCartney said there was a grey area in writing songs with John Lennon
In The Lyrics: 1956 to the Present, Paul wrote that no one was interested in his songs until he met John. In The Beatles’ early days, the songwriting pair wrote at least one song daily and only came close to a dry songwriting session once.
A dry songwriting session was rare for Paul and John because they knew how to work together. If one were stuck, the other would know how to help. “We could suggest the way out of the maze to each other,...
Paul McCartney and John Lennon | Icon and Image/Getty Images Paul McCartney said there was a grey area in writing songs with John Lennon
In The Lyrics: 1956 to the Present, Paul wrote that no one was interested in his songs until he met John. In The Beatles’ early days, the songwriting pair wrote at least one song daily and only came close to a dry songwriting session once.
A dry songwriting session was rare for Paul and John because they knew how to work together. If one were stuck, the other would know how to help. “We could suggest the way out of the maze to each other,...
- 3/5/2023
- by Hannah Wigandt
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Some Beatles songs came from something someone said. A strange conversation or a passing phrase intrigued John Lennon or Paul McCartney so much that they had to base their songs around it.
The Beatles | Mirrorpix/Getty Images 1. ‘She Said She Said’
According to Rolling Stone, John’s “She Said She Said” began with “bad vibes.” In 1965, The Beatles attended a party in Los Angeles, and actor Peter Fonda showed up with Roger McGuinn and David Crosby of The Byrds. An LSD party commenced. George started having a bad trip and felt like he was dying. Fonda tried consoling him and explained he’d survived a near-fatal surgery as a boy.
According to Beatles Bible, Fonda said, “I told him there was nothing to be afraid of and that all he needed to do was relax. I said that I knew what it was like to be dead because when I...
The Beatles | Mirrorpix/Getty Images 1. ‘She Said She Said’
According to Rolling Stone, John’s “She Said She Said” began with “bad vibes.” In 1965, The Beatles attended a party in Los Angeles, and actor Peter Fonda showed up with Roger McGuinn and David Crosby of The Byrds. An LSD party commenced. George started having a bad trip and felt like he was dying. Fonda tried consoling him and explained he’d survived a near-fatal surgery as a boy.
According to Beatles Bible, Fonda said, “I told him there was nothing to be afraid of and that all he needed to do was relax. I said that I knew what it was like to be dead because when I...
- 3/5/2023
- by Hannah Wigandt
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Beatles are the most covered band ever. While most of these covers struggle to reach the heights of the original, some are just as good as the original, and a few that surpass them. The Beatles have hundreds of classic songs to cover, and a few artists put their spin on them, which made the tracks even better.
The Beatles | Bettmann / Contributor Here are 5 covers of Beatles songs that are better than the original 1. ‘Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’ — Jimi Hendrix
In an interview with Stephen Colbert, Paul McCartney recalled seeing Jimi Hendrix perform this cover and called it one of the “great honors of my career.” Hendrix was a wizard on the guitar, and it shows in his cover of this Beatles track. While his vocal performance is more underplayed than John Lennon’s, his vocals and instrumentals give this song a grittier tone than before.
The Beatles | Bettmann / Contributor Here are 5 covers of Beatles songs that are better than the original 1. ‘Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’ — Jimi Hendrix
In an interview with Stephen Colbert, Paul McCartney recalled seeing Jimi Hendrix perform this cover and called it one of the “great honors of my career.” Hendrix was a wizard on the guitar, and it shows in his cover of this Beatles track. While his vocal performance is more underplayed than John Lennon’s, his vocals and instrumentals give this song a grittier tone than before.
- 2/24/2023
- by Ross Tanenbaum
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Starz said today it’s partnered with Amazon to bundle with MGM+ on Prime Video in the U.S.
This subscription bundle, Starz’ first, will launch in the coming weeks for 11.99 a month — a 20 discount to the combined price of both standalone subscriptions. It said the bundle arrangement is part of a new long-term deal between Starz and Amazon.
“We are excited to join forces with Amazon to offer Starz together with MGM+ to their millions of customers on Prime Video,” said Alison Hoffman, President, Domestic Networks for Starz. “Starz is a complementary service to general entertainment offerings, so we’re thrilled to see that bundling is now here and believe there will be many more bundling opportunities to come.”
Series by the Lionsgate-owned Starz include Outlander, the Power Universe, P-Valley and upcoming new seasons of Party Down and Blindspotting. Also accessible are flagship domestic Starz services including Starz Encore,...
This subscription bundle, Starz’ first, will launch in the coming weeks for 11.99 a month — a 20 discount to the combined price of both standalone subscriptions. It said the bundle arrangement is part of a new long-term deal between Starz and Amazon.
“We are excited to join forces with Amazon to offer Starz together with MGM+ to their millions of customers on Prime Video,” said Alison Hoffman, President, Domestic Networks for Starz. “Starz is a complementary service to general entertainment offerings, so we’re thrilled to see that bundling is now here and believe there will be many more bundling opportunities to come.”
Series by the Lionsgate-owned Starz include Outlander, the Power Universe, P-Valley and upcoming new seasons of Party Down and Blindspotting. Also accessible are flagship domestic Starz services including Starz Encore,...
- 2/17/2023
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Starz is teaming up with Amazon on a new 11.99 monthly bundle with MGM+ on Prime Video – a 20 discount compared to the combined price of both standalone subscriptions.
The offering, which will launch in the coming weeks, will give U.S. subscribers access to critically acclaimed Starz series including “Outlander,” the “Power” Universe, “P-Valley” and upcoming new seasons of “Party Down” and “Blindspotting,” as well as to its flagship domestic services including Starz Encore, 17 premium pay-tv channels and the associated on-demand and online services.
Also Read:
Paramount+ to Raise Prices as It Brings ’Yellowstone’ Spin-offs and ’Yellowjackets’ Together
“We are excited to join forces with Amazon to offer Starz together with MGM+ to their millions of customers on Prime Video,” Starz Domestic Networks president Alison Hoffman said in a statement. “Starz is a complementary service to general entertainment offerings, so we’re thrilled to see that bundling is now here...
The offering, which will launch in the coming weeks, will give U.S. subscribers access to critically acclaimed Starz series including “Outlander,” the “Power” Universe, “P-Valley” and upcoming new seasons of “Party Down” and “Blindspotting,” as well as to its flagship domestic services including Starz Encore, 17 premium pay-tv channels and the associated on-demand and online services.
Also Read:
Paramount+ to Raise Prices as It Brings ’Yellowstone’ Spin-offs and ’Yellowjackets’ Together
“We are excited to join forces with Amazon to offer Starz together with MGM+ to their millions of customers on Prime Video,” Starz Domestic Networks president Alison Hoffman said in a statement. “Starz is a complementary service to general entertainment offerings, so we’re thrilled to see that bundling is now here...
- 2/17/2023
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
Lionsgate’s Starz and Amazon’s MGM+ are joining forces through a new 20 discounted bundle offer for Prime members in the U.S., in the hopes of seeing a bump in subs.
The bundle arrangement is part of a new long-term deal between Starz and Amazon. The MGM+/Starz bundle on Prime Video in the U.S. will launch “in the coming weeks,” priced at 11.99 per month, according to Starz. That’s a 20 discount off the combined price of both standalone subscriptions (Starz is 8.99 per month and MGM+ is 5.99 per month). The deal is available to members of Prime (139 per year or 14.99 per month in the U.S.) or the standalone Prime Video service (8.99 per month).
“We are excited to join forces with Amazon to offer Starz together with MGM+ to their millions of customers on Prime Video,” said Alison Hoffman, Starz’s president, domestic networks. “Starz is a complementary service to general entertainment offerings,...
The bundle arrangement is part of a new long-term deal between Starz and Amazon. The MGM+/Starz bundle on Prime Video in the U.S. will launch “in the coming weeks,” priced at 11.99 per month, according to Starz. That’s a 20 discount off the combined price of both standalone subscriptions (Starz is 8.99 per month and MGM+ is 5.99 per month). The deal is available to members of Prime (139 per year or 14.99 per month in the U.S.) or the standalone Prime Video service (8.99 per month).
“We are excited to join forces with Amazon to offer Starz together with MGM+ to their millions of customers on Prime Video,” said Alison Hoffman, Starz’s president, domestic networks. “Starz is a complementary service to general entertainment offerings,...
- 2/17/2023
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Some of The Beatles‘ songs that became huge hits are mostly forgotten today. On the other hand, some of The Beatles’ songs that remained album tracks are as popular as ever. Notably, a very famous Beatles album track has its own music video.
The Beatles | Bettmann / Contributor 5. ‘A Day in the Life’
“A Day in the Life” is one of The Beatles’ most acclaimed songs and one of the most important songs in the history of psychedelia. It even had a star-studded music video featuring appearances from Mick Jagger and Mike Nesmith. Despite this, the song was never actually a single.
Fans can find a lot in the song by reading between the lines. Much of the song’s lyrics revolve around mundane things like going to the movies or combing one’s hair. The music turns horribly sinister at several points in the track. Perhaps the song is about...
The Beatles | Bettmann / Contributor 5. ‘A Day in the Life’
“A Day in the Life” is one of The Beatles’ most acclaimed songs and one of the most important songs in the history of psychedelia. It even had a star-studded music video featuring appearances from Mick Jagger and Mike Nesmith. Despite this, the song was never actually a single.
Fans can find a lot in the song by reading between the lines. Much of the song’s lyrics revolve around mundane things like going to the movies or combing one’s hair. The music turns horribly sinister at several points in the track. Perhaps the song is about...
- 2/16/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Paul McCartney, with help from Chrissie Hynde and Foo Fighters, performed the Beatles classic “Oh! Darling” live for the first time Saturday at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert in London.
McCartney was a surprise guest at the benefit concert — he was not listed among the participating artists prior to the show — but what he did on the Wembley Stadium stage was perhaps an even bigger shock to the audience, as McCartney had never sang the Abbey Road ballad live onstage before.
Sir Paul McCartney, Chrissie Hynde y los Foo Fighters haciendo "Oh,...
McCartney was a surprise guest at the benefit concert — he was not listed among the participating artists prior to the show — but what he did on the Wembley Stadium stage was perhaps an even bigger shock to the audience, as McCartney had never sang the Abbey Road ballad live onstage before.
Sir Paul McCartney, Chrissie Hynde y los Foo Fighters haciendo "Oh,...
- 9/3/2022
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
The names Joe Exotic and Carole Baskin have begun to feel like relics of a bygone era. The debut of Netflix’s documentary series “Tiger King” debuted nearly the same day the world shut down in the wake of the global pandemic in March 2020, leaving us questing for something, anything, to distract us from what lurked outside our door.
We found (what passes for) comfort in the outrageous story of a “gay, gun-carrying, redneck with a mullet” named Joe Exotic, an Oklahoma zoo owner, and his feud that devolved into a murder-for-hire plot against fellow (and equally kooky) big-cat enthusiast Carole Baskin. “Tiger King” felt like a global watch event with how much everyone discussed it on social media. Almost as quickly, two dueling projects focusing on Exotic and Baskin were announced: one set to star Nicolas Cage in the title role for CBS and the other, for NBC’s streaming service Peacock,...
We found (what passes for) comfort in the outrageous story of a “gay, gun-carrying, redneck with a mullet” named Joe Exotic, an Oklahoma zoo owner, and his feud that devolved into a murder-for-hire plot against fellow (and equally kooky) big-cat enthusiast Carole Baskin. “Tiger King” felt like a global watch event with how much everyone discussed it on social media. Almost as quickly, two dueling projects focusing on Exotic and Baskin were announced: one set to star Nicolas Cage in the title role for CBS and the other, for NBC’s streaming service Peacock,...
- 3/2/2022
- by Kristen Lopez
- Indiewire
When looking at Grammy nominations for 2022, you might notice that there are a few cover songs nominated. As per Grammy rules, a cover can only be submitted in a performance category or in an arrangement category; they’re not eligible for songwriting since they were written in a previous eligibility period, or sometimes before the Grammys were even created. This year I think three covers seem to be in a good position to win: Jason Isbell’s “All I Do is Drive,” Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga’s “I Get a Kick Out of You,” and Chris Cornell’s “Nothing Compares 2 U.” But just how common is it for covers to prevail?
Country is one of the fields with the most covers winning. A few of the most recent wins have included “Gentle On My Mind” by The Band Perry (originally performed by John Hartford), “Wagon Wheel” by Darius Rucker...
Country is one of the fields with the most covers winning. A few of the most recent wins have included “Gentle On My Mind” by The Band Perry (originally performed by John Hartford), “Wagon Wheel” by Darius Rucker...
- 2/22/2022
- by Jaime Rodriguez
- Gold Derby
The ’80s Slasher Classic Deadly Games (1982) will be available on Blu-ray February 22nd from Arrow Video
Steve Railsback (famed for his unhinged performance as Charles Manson in 1976’s TV mini-series Helter Skelter) is at his sinister best as a troubled Vietnam Vet in 1982’s Deadly Games – a tale of madness, murder and adultery from writer/director Scott Mansfied.
A masked maniac with a penchant for a horror-themed board game is playing his own twisted game with the women of a small American town. Each time the dice is rolled, another victim meets a grisly end. Returning home to mourn the death of her murdered sister, Keegan (Jo Ann Harris) befriends local cop Roger and oddball cinema projectionist Billy (Railsback) – but soon finds herself in the killer’s sights.
Originally entitled Who Fell Asleep, Deadly Games is an intriguing early ’80s slasher oddity which benefits from focusing as much on the...
Steve Railsback (famed for his unhinged performance as Charles Manson in 1976’s TV mini-series Helter Skelter) is at his sinister best as a troubled Vietnam Vet in 1982’s Deadly Games – a tale of madness, murder and adultery from writer/director Scott Mansfied.
A masked maniac with a penchant for a horror-themed board game is playing his own twisted game with the women of a small American town. Each time the dice is rolled, another victim meets a grisly end. Returning home to mourn the death of her murdered sister, Keegan (Jo Ann Harris) befriends local cop Roger and oddball cinema projectionist Billy (Railsback) – but soon finds herself in the killer’s sights.
Originally entitled Who Fell Asleep, Deadly Games is an intriguing early ’80s slasher oddity which benefits from focusing as much on the...
- 2/15/2022
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
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