Let It Be, a documentary about The Beatles not commercially released since it was broadcast over 50 years ago, will be available to watch on Disney+ in May.
Any time is a good time to be a fan of The Beatles, but the last year had been particularly fruitful when it comes to new Beatles material, most notably the long awaited release of Now And Then, which is now officially the final ever Beatles song, which was subsequently used by Matthew Vaughn in Argylle. Oh, and Sam Mendes is set to direct four Beatles biopics too.
Directed by Michael Lindsay-Hogg and released in May 1970 amid the hysteria of The Beatles’ breakup, Let It Be has been unavailable for broadcast or public screenings for more than 50 years. The documentary will stand as a companion piece to Peter Jackson’s Get Out series.
As per the official description, Let It Be will “bring...
Any time is a good time to be a fan of The Beatles, but the last year had been particularly fruitful when it comes to new Beatles material, most notably the long awaited release of Now And Then, which is now officially the final ever Beatles song, which was subsequently used by Matthew Vaughn in Argylle. Oh, and Sam Mendes is set to direct four Beatles biopics too.
Directed by Michael Lindsay-Hogg and released in May 1970 amid the hysteria of The Beatles’ breakup, Let It Be has been unavailable for broadcast or public screenings for more than 50 years. The documentary will stand as a companion piece to Peter Jackson’s Get Out series.
As per the official description, Let It Be will “bring...
- 4/17/2024
- by Jake Godfrey
- Film Stories
Before Sam Mendes gets into production on his four separate yet connected Beatles biopics, another project featuring one of the greatest rock bands of all time is arriving with a fresh coat of paint. Michael Lindsay-Hogg’s 1970 film Let It Be, released around the time of the band’s breakup, was long unavailable for a half-century, and now thanks to Peter Jackson and team, it’s been restored for a release on Disney+ starting May 8.
“Let It Be contains footage not featured in the Get Back docuseries, bringing viewers into the studio and onto Apple Corps’ London rooftop in January 1969 as The Beatles, joined by Billy Preston, write and record their Grammy Award®-winning album Let It Be, with its Academy Award®-winning title song, and perform live for the final time as a group,” notes the press release. “With the release of The Beatles: Get Back, fan clamour for...
“Let It Be contains footage not featured in the Get Back docuseries, bringing viewers into the studio and onto Apple Corps’ London rooftop in January 1969 as The Beatles, joined by Billy Preston, write and record their Grammy Award®-winning album Let It Be, with its Academy Award®-winning title song, and perform live for the final time as a group,” notes the press release. “With the release of The Beatles: Get Back, fan clamour for...
- 4/16/2024
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Today, Disney+ announced that Let It Be, director Michael Lindsay-Hogg’s original 1970 film about The Beatles, will launch exclusively on Disney+ on May 8, 2024. This is the first time the film is available in over 50 years.
First released in May 1970 amidst the swirl of The Beatles’ breakup, Let It Be now takes its rightful place in the band’s history. Once viewed through a darker lens, the film is now brought to light through its restoration and in the context of revelations brought forth in Peter Jackson’s multiple Emmy Award-winning docuseries, The Beatles: Get Back. Released on Disney+ in 2021, the docuseries showcases the iconic foursome’s warmth and camaraderie, capturing a pivotal moment in music history.
Let It Be contains footage not featured in the Get Back docuseries, bringing viewers into the studio and onto Apple Corps’ London rooftop in January 1969 as The Beatles, joined by Billy Preston, write and...
First released in May 1970 amidst the swirl of The Beatles’ breakup, Let It Be now takes its rightful place in the band’s history. Once viewed through a darker lens, the film is now brought to light through its restoration and in the context of revelations brought forth in Peter Jackson’s multiple Emmy Award-winning docuseries, The Beatles: Get Back. Released on Disney+ in 2021, the docuseries showcases the iconic foursome’s warmth and camaraderie, capturing a pivotal moment in music history.
Let It Be contains footage not featured in the Get Back docuseries, bringing viewers into the studio and onto Apple Corps’ London rooftop in January 1969 as The Beatles, joined by Billy Preston, write and...
- 4/16/2024
- by Mirko Parlevliet
- Vital Thrills
Let It Be, the long-unavailable Holy Grail film among Beatles fans, will return for public consumption on May 8 with an exclusive launch on Disney+, the streamer announced today.
Directing by Michael Lindsay-Hogg, the 1970 film about The Beatles has been unavailable for broadcast or public screenings more than 50 years, leaving fans to scrounge around for old low-quality laserdiscs and VHS copies from the ’80s.
First released in May 1970 amidst the swirl of The Beatles’ breakup, Let It Be has been restored and will take its place in the context of revelations brought by Peter Jackson’s docuseries The Beatles: Get Back released on Disney+ in 2021.
Let It Be contains footage not featured in the Get Back docuseries, “bringing viewers into the studio and onto Apple Corps’ London rooftop in January 1969 as The Beatles, joined by Billy Preston, write and record their Grammy Award-winning album Let It Be, with its Academy Award-winning title song,...
Directing by Michael Lindsay-Hogg, the 1970 film about The Beatles has been unavailable for broadcast or public screenings more than 50 years, leaving fans to scrounge around for old low-quality laserdiscs and VHS copies from the ’80s.
First released in May 1970 amidst the swirl of The Beatles’ breakup, Let It Be has been restored and will take its place in the context of revelations brought by Peter Jackson’s docuseries The Beatles: Get Back released on Disney+ in 2021.
Let It Be contains footage not featured in the Get Back docuseries, “bringing viewers into the studio and onto Apple Corps’ London rooftop in January 1969 as The Beatles, joined by Billy Preston, write and record their Grammy Award-winning album Let It Be, with its Academy Award-winning title song,...
- 4/16/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
A restored version of the classic Beatles documentary Let It Be is headed to Disney+.
The streamer announced Tuesday that director Michael Lindsay-Hogg’s original 1970 film about The Beatles will drop on Wednesday, May 8. This is the first time the film has been made available in over 50 years.
More from TVLine<em>The Beach Boys</em> Docu Trailer Recounts Decades of ‘Fun, Fun, Fun’ and Turmoil — Watch and Get Disney+ Release DateCBS Apologizes for Cutting Billy Joel Concert Special Short, Announces Re-Broadcast DateBluey Wedding Special Is an Emotional Roller Coaster With a Too-Real Lesson for Dogs (and Humans) of All Ages
Per...
The streamer announced Tuesday that director Michael Lindsay-Hogg’s original 1970 film about The Beatles will drop on Wednesday, May 8. This is the first time the film has been made available in over 50 years.
More from TVLine<em>The Beach Boys</em> Docu Trailer Recounts Decades of ‘Fun, Fun, Fun’ and Turmoil — Watch and Get Disney+ Release DateCBS Apologizes for Cutting Billy Joel Concert Special Short, Announces Re-Broadcast DateBluey Wedding Special Is an Emotional Roller Coaster With a Too-Real Lesson for Dogs (and Humans) of All Ages
Per...
- 4/16/2024
- by Ryan Schwartz
- TVLine.com
Exclusive: Joel ‘Kachi Benson (Madu) has been tapped to direct the documentary The Harvest, on Nigeria’s infamous Boko Haram Kidnappings of 2014, for Hunting Lane and Impact Partners. A first-look still can be found above.
Following four Nigerian mothers as they fight to educate their children in the wake of tragedy, the film marks the 10th anniversary of terrorist organization Boko Haram’s attack and abduction of 276 young girls from a school in the village of Chibok.
Joel ‘Kachi Benson
Nigerian filmmaker Benson came to helm the film after tackling the aftermath of the attacks with previous work including 2019’s Daughters of Chibok, a VR experience he wrote and produced which won the Lion for Best Immersive Story at the 76th Venice Film Festival.
“I have spent the last five years with the mothers and survivors of the Chibok kidnappings,” the filmmaker told Deadline. “I’ve listened to their stories,...
Following four Nigerian mothers as they fight to educate their children in the wake of tragedy, the film marks the 10th anniversary of terrorist organization Boko Haram’s attack and abduction of 276 young girls from a school in the village of Chibok.
Joel ‘Kachi Benson
Nigerian filmmaker Benson came to helm the film after tackling the aftermath of the attacks with previous work including 2019’s Daughters of Chibok, a VR experience he wrote and produced which won the Lion for Best Immersive Story at the 76th Venice Film Festival.
“I have spent the last five years with the mothers and survivors of the Chibok kidnappings,” the filmmaker told Deadline. “I’ve listened to their stories,...
- 4/15/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Musician Naomi McPherson is joining the star-packed cast of SNL 1975, Jason Reitman’s forthcoming film about the debut night of the long-running NBC sketch series Saturday Night Live.
McPherson, who uses they/them pronouns, will make their acting debut as singer-songwriter Janis Ian, a musical guest on the first episode of SNL that aired Oct. 11, 1975. Reitman is directing the Sony Pictures project that focuses on the behind-the-scenes moments leading up to that initial broadcast. The cast includes Gabriel Labelle as series creator Lorne Michaels, Cooper Hoffman as former NBC exec Dick Ebersol and Rachel Sennott as Michaels’ ex-wife and former SNL writer Rosie Shuster.
McPherson is a member of the Los Angeles-based band Muna and handles production duties for most of the group’s music. Muna has spent the past two years touring in support of the self-titled 2022 album that includes the single “Silk Chiffon” featuring Phoebe Bridgers. The band,...
McPherson, who uses they/them pronouns, will make their acting debut as singer-songwriter Janis Ian, a musical guest on the first episode of SNL that aired Oct. 11, 1975. Reitman is directing the Sony Pictures project that focuses on the behind-the-scenes moments leading up to that initial broadcast. The cast includes Gabriel Labelle as series creator Lorne Michaels, Cooper Hoffman as former NBC exec Dick Ebersol and Rachel Sennott as Michaels’ ex-wife and former SNL writer Rosie Shuster.
McPherson is a member of the Los Angeles-based band Muna and handles production duties for most of the group’s music. Muna has spent the past two years touring in support of the self-titled 2022 album that includes the single “Silk Chiffon” featuring Phoebe Bridgers. The band,...
- 4/12/2024
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The currently in production film about Saturday Night Live’s first broadcast, SNL 1975, has cast Jon Batiste in the on-screen role of Billy Preston, the sketch show’s first-ever musical guest.
The Oscar, Grammy and Golden Globe Award-winning Batiste will also compose the score for the film, which is being directed by Jason Reitman.
Others cast in the Sony Pictures film include Gabriel Labelle as Lorne Michaels, Cooper Hoffman as NBC late-night executive Dick Ebersol, Ella Hunt as Gilda Radner, Dylan O’Brien as Dan Aykroyd, Cory Michael Smith as Chevy Chase, Matt Wood as John Belushi, Kim Matula as Jane Curtin, Emily Fairne as Laraine Newman, Nicholas Podano as Billy Crystal, Taylor Gray as Al Franken, Finn Wolfhard as an NBC page, and J.K. Simmons as Milton Berle.
Batiste’s participation in SNL 1975 represents a late-night return of sorts for Batiste, who lead the in-house band for CBS...
The Oscar, Grammy and Golden Globe Award-winning Batiste will also compose the score for the film, which is being directed by Jason Reitman.
Others cast in the Sony Pictures film include Gabriel Labelle as Lorne Michaels, Cooper Hoffman as NBC late-night executive Dick Ebersol, Ella Hunt as Gilda Radner, Dylan O’Brien as Dan Aykroyd, Cory Michael Smith as Chevy Chase, Matt Wood as John Belushi, Kim Matula as Jane Curtin, Emily Fairne as Laraine Newman, Nicholas Podano as Billy Crystal, Taylor Gray as Al Franken, Finn Wolfhard as an NBC page, and J.K. Simmons as Milton Berle.
Batiste’s participation in SNL 1975 represents a late-night return of sorts for Batiste, who lead the in-house band for CBS...
- 3/29/2024
- by A.J. Katz
- LateNighter
Beyoncé has so many audacious culture-clash triumphs all over Cowboy Carter. But one of the most stunning moments is also one of the simplest: her version of the Beatles classic “Blackbird.” Paul McCartney wrote the song in the summer of 1968, inspired by the American civil rights movement. All that history is right there in Beyoncé’s version. She keeps the folkie Paul guitar, complete with the squeaks, but adds her heavenly gospel-soul harmonies. What she does with the word “arise” is incredible in itself.
It’s a stroke of Beyoncé...
It’s a stroke of Beyoncé...
- 3/29/2024
- by Rob Sheffield
- Rollingstone.com
Jon Batiste is tackling dual responsibilities with Jason Reitman’s forthcoming feature that will focus on the opening night for NBC’s long-running sketch series Saturday Night Live.
Batiste will compose the score for the Sony Pictures film SNL 1975, and he will also appear in the movie as keyboardist and singer Billy Preston, who was the show’s first musical guest when it debuted Oct. 11, 1975. Centering on the behind-the-scenes moments leading up to that initial broadcast, Reitman’s film stars Gabriel Labelle as series creator Lorne Michaels, Cooper Hoffman as former NBC exec Dick Ebersol and Rachel Sennott as Michaels’ ex-wife and former SNL writer Rosie Shuster.
Reitman and Gil Kenan wrote the screenplay based on their interviews with living cast, scribes and crew about the launch of the show that is currently airing its 49th season. Reitman, Kenan, Jason Blumenfeld and Peter Rice serve as producers on SNL 1975...
Batiste will compose the score for the Sony Pictures film SNL 1975, and he will also appear in the movie as keyboardist and singer Billy Preston, who was the show’s first musical guest when it debuted Oct. 11, 1975. Centering on the behind-the-scenes moments leading up to that initial broadcast, Reitman’s film stars Gabriel Labelle as series creator Lorne Michaels, Cooper Hoffman as former NBC exec Dick Ebersol and Rachel Sennott as Michaels’ ex-wife and former SNL writer Rosie Shuster.
Reitman and Gil Kenan wrote the screenplay based on their interviews with living cast, scribes and crew about the launch of the show that is currently airing its 49th season. Reitman, Kenan, Jason Blumenfeld and Peter Rice serve as producers on SNL 1975...
- 3/28/2024
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: A documentary about the legendary Billy Preston that’s set to debut tonight at SXSW might not see the light of day.
“Instead of creating the film that they falsely described to Plaintiffs, Defendants White Horse Pictures, LLC, Homegrown Pictures, Inc. and Oyster Productions, LLC, by and through their principals and representatives Defendants Nigel Sinclair, Jeanne Elfant Festa, Stephanie Allain Bray, Paris C.K. Barclay and Cheo Hodari Coker, produced a film that is a salacious, posthumous ‘outing’ of Mr. Preston that centers on his sexuality – a deeply personal matter that Mr. Preston kept private until immediately before his untimely death – to the exclusion of many of the late musician’s notable accomplishments,” reads the fraud complaint filed today in Los Angeles Superior Court by Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Sam Moore of Sam & Dave, Preston Music Group, Ken Burke and others.
The Paris Barclay-directed documentary,...
“Instead of creating the film that they falsely described to Plaintiffs, Defendants White Horse Pictures, LLC, Homegrown Pictures, Inc. and Oyster Productions, LLC, by and through their principals and representatives Defendants Nigel Sinclair, Jeanne Elfant Festa, Stephanie Allain Bray, Paris C.K. Barclay and Cheo Hodari Coker, produced a film that is a salacious, posthumous ‘outing’ of Mr. Preston that centers on his sexuality – a deeply personal matter that Mr. Preston kept private until immediately before his untimely death – to the exclusion of many of the late musician’s notable accomplishments,” reads the fraud complaint filed today in Los Angeles Superior Court by Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Sam Moore of Sam & Dave, Preston Music Group, Ken Burke and others.
The Paris Barclay-directed documentary,...
- 3/8/2024
- by Dominic Patten and Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Pop music phenoms come and go, fall in and out of favor and sometimes fade into total obscurity. Very few remain relevant a decade removed from their initial success, and you can count on maybe two hands the number of artists who can knock out a new song or reissue and top the Billboard charts 50-plus years after their debut.
And then there's The Beatles.
From the moment they scored their first number one hit in the U.K. with 1963's "From Me to You," The Beatles drew on their multitude of musical influences — blues, country, rockabilly, and the sui generis soul sounds pulsating out of Motown — to create perfectly constructed, infectiously catchy singles that earwormed their way into the fabric of your being. Within three years of breaking big in the U.S., they released the pioneering folk-rock LP "Rubber Soul," flirted with psychedelia and raga on the expansive "Revolver,...
And then there's The Beatles.
From the moment they scored their first number one hit in the U.K. with 1963's "From Me to You," The Beatles drew on their multitude of musical influences — blues, country, rockabilly, and the sui generis soul sounds pulsating out of Motown — to create perfectly constructed, infectiously catchy singles that earwormed their way into the fabric of your being. Within three years of breaking big in the U.S., they released the pioneering folk-rock LP "Rubber Soul," flirted with psychedelia and raga on the expansive "Revolver,...
- 2/21/2024
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Elle Macpherson and her beau, Doyle Bramhall II, were all smiles at the Australian Open on Jan. 25 as they enjoyed the women’s singles semifinal match.
American tennis star Coco Gauff fell to Belarusian tennis player Aryna Siarhiejeŭna in the second set. But Macpherson enjoyed the performance as she cheered and socialized with nearby spectators.
Elle Macpherson and Doyle Bramhall at Laver Arena during the 2024 Australian Open | Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
The Australian model might be best known for her record-setting five cover appearances for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Since rising to fame in the ’80s, Macpherson has stayed busy as an entrepreneur, creative director, executive producer, and host.
On January 25, 2024, however, “The Body” was ready to enjoy a fun-filled day with Bramhall, her romantic partner of over a year and a half. Although the public isn’t fully aware of their official relationship timeline, Macpherson and Bramhall celebrated...
American tennis star Coco Gauff fell to Belarusian tennis player Aryna Siarhiejeŭna in the second set. But Macpherson enjoyed the performance as she cheered and socialized with nearby spectators.
Elle Macpherson and Doyle Bramhall at Laver Arena during the 2024 Australian Open | Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
The Australian model might be best known for her record-setting five cover appearances for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Since rising to fame in the ’80s, Macpherson has stayed busy as an entrepreneur, creative director, executive producer, and host.
On January 25, 2024, however, “The Body” was ready to enjoy a fun-filled day with Bramhall, her romantic partner of over a year and a half. Although the public isn’t fully aware of their official relationship timeline, Macpherson and Bramhall celebrated...
- 1/25/2024
- by Ali Harrison
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
John Lennon wrote multiple Ringo Starr songs after The Beatles broke up. Ringo named his favorite song John wrote for him. Despite Ringo’s claims to the contrary, it’s nothing special. That’s just sad, considering four classic rock stars — one of whom was not a member of The Beatles —worked on it!
John Lennon wrote a song for Ringo Starr about how great the drummer was
During a 2020 interview with Rolling Stone, Ringo picked his favorite. “I think the finest song he wrote for me was ‘I’m the Greatest,'” he said. “And look, you got me going.
“I miss the guy,” Ringo continued. “Miss him, I miss George. I still miss those two boys. But you know, I’ve still got my brother. So we’re Ok.” Ringo is an only child, so the “brother” he mentioned was likely Paul McCartney.
John Lennon revealed why he...
John Lennon wrote a song for Ringo Starr about how great the drummer was
During a 2020 interview with Rolling Stone, Ringo picked his favorite. “I think the finest song he wrote for me was ‘I’m the Greatest,'” he said. “And look, you got me going.
“I miss the guy,” Ringo continued. “Miss him, I miss George. I still miss those two boys. But you know, I’ve still got my brother. So we’re Ok.” Ringo is an only child, so the “brother” he mentioned was likely Paul McCartney.
John Lennon revealed why he...
- 12/6/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Clockwise from top left: Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars (Emi); Stop Making Sense (Palm Pictures); Prince: Sign O The Times (Cineplex Odeon Films); Madonna: Truth Or Dare (DVD: Paramount Pictures Home Entertainment); Homecoming: A Film By Beyonce (Netflix); U2: Rattle And Hum (Paramount Pictures)Graphic: Libby...
- 10/12/2023
- by Stephen Thomas Erlewine
- avclub.com
Jerry Moss, the Grammy winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer who co-founded A&m Records with Herb Alpert more than 60 years ago and helped build it into one of the most successful independent record labels in history, died today in Los Angeles. He was 88.
His family shared the news in a statement to the Associated Press.
Nazareth’s Top 10 hit ‘Love Hurts,’ 1975
Named for its co-founders, the artist-focused A&m Records was launched in 1962 and has boasted such hitmaking and influential acts as The Police, Quincy Jones, The Carpenters, Carole King, Styx, Janet Jackson, Peter Frampton, The Go-Go’s, Supertramp, Rita Coolidge, Joe Cocker, Sheryl Crow, Bryan Adams, Humble Pie, The Tubes, Oingo Boingo, Cat Stevens/Yusuf, Nazareth and, of course, Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass. Billy Preston had a pair of No. 1 singles for the label with “Will It Go Around in Circles” and “Nothing From Nothing” in the mid-1970s.
His family shared the news in a statement to the Associated Press.
Nazareth’s Top 10 hit ‘Love Hurts,’ 1975
Named for its co-founders, the artist-focused A&m Records was launched in 1962 and has boasted such hitmaking and influential acts as The Police, Quincy Jones, The Carpenters, Carole King, Styx, Janet Jackson, Peter Frampton, The Go-Go’s, Supertramp, Rita Coolidge, Joe Cocker, Sheryl Crow, Bryan Adams, Humble Pie, The Tubes, Oingo Boingo, Cat Stevens/Yusuf, Nazareth and, of course, Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass. Billy Preston had a pair of No. 1 singles for the label with “Will It Go Around in Circles” and “Nothing From Nothing” in the mid-1970s.
- 8/16/2023
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Rolling Stones lead guitarist Keith Richards has always spoken his mind. He said The Who singer Roger Daltry was all flash and that the band’s drummer Keith Moon was a hopeless performer with any other group. He has never cared if his words offend, even if they alienate his audience. Richards said a certain group of fans pissed him off when they criticized the Stones’ album Some Girls and the song “Miss You.”
Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards | George Rose/Getty Images Keith Richards was pissed off with purists who called The Rolling Stones sellouts over ‘Some Girls’
The Rolling Stones practically created the blueprint for edgy, boozy, blues-based hard rock. They reached their apex between 1968 and 1973. Their five albums — Beggars Banquet, Let It Bleed, Sticky Fingers, Exile on Main St., and Goats Head Soup — produced a slew of glowing reviews and signature songs.
Understandably, the band’s pace slowed down after that.
Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards | George Rose/Getty Images Keith Richards was pissed off with purists who called The Rolling Stones sellouts over ‘Some Girls’
The Rolling Stones practically created the blueprint for edgy, boozy, blues-based hard rock. They reached their apex between 1968 and 1973. Their five albums — Beggars Banquet, Let It Bleed, Sticky Fingers, Exile on Main St., and Goats Head Soup — produced a slew of glowing reviews and signature songs.
Understandably, the band’s pace slowed down after that.
- 6/10/2023
- by Jason Rossi
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In 1971, George Harrison became involved in a lengthy lawsuit that cost him hundreds of thousands of dollars. The suit accused the former Beatle of plagiarizing a song by The Chiffons when making “My Sweet Lord”. While the lawsuit cost George Harrison a lot of money, he still got a song out of it that made fun of the whole situation.
George Harrison lost a copyright lawsuit over his song ‘My Sweet Lord’ George Harrison | Dave Hogan/Getty Images
“My Sweet Lord” is one of the biggest hits from Harrison’s solo career. The track was released in 1970’s All Things Must Pass and was also released as a single, peaking at No. 1 on the charts in the U.S. and U.K. Since it was so popular, many noticed the song’s similarity to a 1963 song by The Chiffons titled “He’s So Fine”.
In 1971, Bright Tunes, the publisher of...
George Harrison lost a copyright lawsuit over his song ‘My Sweet Lord’ George Harrison | Dave Hogan/Getty Images
“My Sweet Lord” is one of the biggest hits from Harrison’s solo career. The track was released in 1970’s All Things Must Pass and was also released as a single, peaking at No. 1 on the charts in the U.S. and U.K. Since it was so popular, many noticed the song’s similarity to a 1963 song by The Chiffons titled “He’s So Fine”.
In 1971, Bright Tunes, the publisher of...
- 5/21/2023
- by Ross Tanenbaum
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Alec Baldwin has set his next project. The actor will star in the upcoming film “Kent State” about the tragic 1970 war protest shootings.
It’s an interesting choice, as the news comes after Baldwin wrapped production on “Rust” earlier this week. Et has learned that “Kent State” is a film about the abuse of power and misuse of guns, and that there will be no actual guns used on set.
As Et previously reported, Baldwin was involved in an on-set tragedy while filming “Rust” in October 2021 outside Santa Fe, New Mexico, when a gun he was holding discharged, killing cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and wounding director Joel Souza.
In January, Baldwin was charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter. However, his lawyers announced last month that the charges against him had been dropped.
Baldwin previously pleaded not guilty to the charges and has repeatedly insisted he did not pull the trigger on the prop gun.
It’s an interesting choice, as the news comes after Baldwin wrapped production on “Rust” earlier this week. Et has learned that “Kent State” is a film about the abuse of power and misuse of guns, and that there will be no actual guns used on set.
As Et previously reported, Baldwin was involved in an on-set tragedy while filming “Rust” in October 2021 outside Santa Fe, New Mexico, when a gun he was holding discharged, killing cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and wounding director Joel Souza.
In January, Baldwin was charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter. However, his lawyers announced last month that the charges against him had been dropped.
Baldwin previously pleaded not guilty to the charges and has repeatedly insisted he did not pull the trigger on the prop gun.
- 5/18/2023
- by Corey Atad
- ET Canada
Despite having risen to fame six decades ago, The Beatles still remain a household name today. The quartet, comprised of Paul McCartney, George Harrison, John Lennon, and Ringo Starr, had plenty of hits together, solo, and even with other artists — the latter of which were not always so clearly known.
Every now and then, The Beatles were known to disguise themselves under silly pseudonyms and take part in other bands’ tracks. George Harrison was no exception; his fans might be surprised to learn he had a number of secret collaborations.
George Harrison and Eric Clapton in 1985 | Dave Hogan/Getty Images Cream featured George Harrison in ‘Badge’
Eric Clapton and George Harrison might have been the 1960s duo we never knew we needed. It’s widely known that Clapton and Harrison collaborated at least once when Clapton made an appearance on Teh Beatles’1968 song “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” — still, Clapton never admitted the collaboration,...
Every now and then, The Beatles were known to disguise themselves under silly pseudonyms and take part in other bands’ tracks. George Harrison was no exception; his fans might be surprised to learn he had a number of secret collaborations.
George Harrison and Eric Clapton in 1985 | Dave Hogan/Getty Images Cream featured George Harrison in ‘Badge’
Eric Clapton and George Harrison might have been the 1960s duo we never knew we needed. It’s widely known that Clapton and Harrison collaborated at least once when Clapton made an appearance on Teh Beatles’1968 song “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” — still, Clapton never admitted the collaboration,...
- 5/9/2023
- by Julia Mullaney
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Alec Baldwin is conceding he “forgot” his oldest child when he paid tribute to his seven kids with wife Hilaria in an Instagram post.
In the original post, Baldwin shares individual photos of each of those seven, along with a heartfelt caption referencing his recent legal travails.
Read More: Alec Baldwin Thanks Fans For Support As ‘Rust’ Continues Filming: ‘I’m Grateful’
“Seven reasons to carry on during tough times,” the “30 Rock” alum wrote in the caption.
“I’m not gonna lie,” he added, “without my family I don’t know what my life would be.”
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Alec Baldwin (@alecbaldwininsta)
Immediately after the post went up, Baldwin was besieged with comments pointing out that he has eight children, not seven, and that he’d left out oldest child Ireland, whom he shares with ex-wife Kim Basinger.
Baldwin subsequently issued another post,...
In the original post, Baldwin shares individual photos of each of those seven, along with a heartfelt caption referencing his recent legal travails.
Read More: Alec Baldwin Thanks Fans For Support As ‘Rust’ Continues Filming: ‘I’m Grateful’
“Seven reasons to carry on during tough times,” the “30 Rock” alum wrote in the caption.
“I’m not gonna lie,” he added, “without my family I don’t know what my life would be.”
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Alec Baldwin (@alecbaldwininsta)
Immediately after the post went up, Baldwin was besieged with comments pointing out that he has eight children, not seven, and that he’d left out oldest child Ireland, whom he shares with ex-wife Kim Basinger.
Baldwin subsequently issued another post,...
- 5/5/2023
- by Brent Furdyk
- ET Canada
The Beatles first gained popularity with their short and sweet pop songs. The longest songs of their career displayed their long-form creativity. So did their short tunes. Seven of the shortest Beatles songs clocked in at less than 90 seconds. Let’s look at them from worst to best.
Note: We include only songs that appeared on their studio albums from 1963 to 1970, and we used a firm cut-off. “Golden Slumbers” at 1:31 is too long to include on our list.
(l-r) Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, and John Lennon | Keystone-France/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images 7. ‘Wild Honey Pie’ Length: 0:52
Annoyingly terrible on every level. “Wild Honey Pie” contained half-baked musical ideas (a seemingly out-of-tune guitar with a basic descending chord structure) and overly repetitive lyrics.
The Beatles stuffed one of the worst White Album songs between the far more melodic and fully-realized “Ob-la-Di, Ob-la-Da” and “The Continuing Story...
Note: We include only songs that appeared on their studio albums from 1963 to 1970, and we used a firm cut-off. “Golden Slumbers” at 1:31 is too long to include on our list.
(l-r) Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, and John Lennon | Keystone-France/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images 7. ‘Wild Honey Pie’ Length: 0:52
Annoyingly terrible on every level. “Wild Honey Pie” contained half-baked musical ideas (a seemingly out-of-tune guitar with a basic descending chord structure) and overly repetitive lyrics.
The Beatles stuffed one of the worst White Album songs between the far more melodic and fully-realized “Ob-la-Di, Ob-la-Da” and “The Continuing Story...
- 5/3/2023
- by Jason Rossi
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Jason Reitman has set another feature at Sony Pictures, with the studio ordering a film based on the first broadcast of “Saturday Night Live” in October 1975.
Reitman and his “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” co-writer Gil Kenan penned the original screenplay for the project, drawing from the pair’s series of interviews with living cast, writers and crew members from the original production.
The untitled “SNL” feature continues Reitman and Kenan’s partnership with Sony Pictures, where they are currently in production on a sequel to “Ghostbusters: Afterlife,” due to release in theaters this December. Kenan is directing the follow-up to Reitman’s 2021 entry of the sci-fi comedy series. The two collaborators signed an overall producing deal with Sony after the release of “Afterlife,” which grossed $204 million at the global box office against a $75 million production budget.
Reitman and Kenan will also produce the “SNL” feature, alongside regular partners Jason Blumenfeld and Erica Mills.
Reitman and his “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” co-writer Gil Kenan penned the original screenplay for the project, drawing from the pair’s series of interviews with living cast, writers and crew members from the original production.
The untitled “SNL” feature continues Reitman and Kenan’s partnership with Sony Pictures, where they are currently in production on a sequel to “Ghostbusters: Afterlife,” due to release in theaters this December. Kenan is directing the follow-up to Reitman’s 2021 entry of the sci-fi comedy series. The two collaborators signed an overall producing deal with Sony after the release of “Afterlife,” which grossed $204 million at the global box office against a $75 million production budget.
Reitman and Kenan will also produce the “SNL” feature, alongside regular partners Jason Blumenfeld and Erica Mills.
- 5/1/2023
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
The Beatles never reunited after they broke up in 1970. The members collaborated on several projects, often volunteering their instrumental talents on one of the member’s solo projects. Fans yearned for the band to return to its glory days, and Ringo Starr even suggested The Beatles form a new group, but without Paul McCartney.
A few members of The Beatles weren’t interested in reuniting The Beatles | Harry Hammond/V&a Images/Getty Images
The Beatles broke up in 1970 as tensions between the friends and bandmates had caused the band to implode. Each member embarked on solo careers where they succeeded, and some even formed new bands, such as Paul McCartney and Wings. Unfortunately, a reunion never happened before Lennon’s death in 1980.
Even though their solo careers were going well, they didn’t produce the same magic they did when they played together. However, there wasn’t unanimous interest in reforming The Beatles.
A few members of The Beatles weren’t interested in reuniting The Beatles | Harry Hammond/V&a Images/Getty Images
The Beatles broke up in 1970 as tensions between the friends and bandmates had caused the band to implode. Each member embarked on solo careers where they succeeded, and some even formed new bands, such as Paul McCartney and Wings. Unfortunately, a reunion never happened before Lennon’s death in 1980.
Even though their solo careers were going well, they didn’t produce the same magic they did when they played together. However, there wasn’t unanimous interest in reforming The Beatles.
- 4/24/2023
- by Ross Tanenbaum
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In 1971, George Harrison put on the Concert for Bangladesh, and Ringo Starr was the only former Beatle to perform. Both John Lennon and Paul McCartney worried about the optics of performing with former bandmates and declined to join the event. Starr admitted that Harrison also had these concerns; because of this, he said Harrison didn’t expressly invite him. Regardless, Starr showed up to perform.
Ringo Starr and George Harrison | Cummings Archives/Redferns The Concert for Bangladesh was one of the first concerts of its kind
In 1971, Harrison and Ravi Shankar hosted two benefit concerts at Madison Square Garden to fund relief efforts for refugees from the Bangladesh Liberation War. He welcomed a number of musicians, including Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, Leon Russell, and Billy Preston.
"Overnight, everybody knew the name of Bangladesh all over the world. Because it came out in all the newspapers everywhere. So it had a tremendous value to it.
Ringo Starr and George Harrison | Cummings Archives/Redferns The Concert for Bangladesh was one of the first concerts of its kind
In 1971, Harrison and Ravi Shankar hosted two benefit concerts at Madison Square Garden to fund relief efforts for refugees from the Bangladesh Liberation War. He welcomed a number of musicians, including Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, Leon Russell, and Billy Preston.
"Overnight, everybody knew the name of Bangladesh all over the world. Because it came out in all the newspapers everywhere. So it had a tremendous value to it.
- 4/20/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Little Richard — music icon, legend and the man behind hits such as “Tutti Frutti” and “Good Golly Miss Molly” — inspired a generation. But despite his success, there were points in his career where “he doesn’t feel he’s been recognized,” says filmmaker Lisa Cortés.
Her latest documentary, “Little Richard: I Am Everything,” in theaters on April 21, seeks to remind a new generation of his legacy.
Cortés says the documentary draws parallels with “All In: The Fight for Democracy” which she co-directed with Liz Garbus, in which she followed Stacy Abrams on her political campaign. Speaking with Variety, she said, “Both of these films are talking about issues that are political hot buttons. There are states where Black and queer history are under attack, and they’re passing laws against the teaching of this history. We see those are very important parts of Richard’s origin story and of rock ‘and’n’ roll.
Her latest documentary, “Little Richard: I Am Everything,” in theaters on April 21, seeks to remind a new generation of his legacy.
Cortés says the documentary draws parallels with “All In: The Fight for Democracy” which she co-directed with Liz Garbus, in which she followed Stacy Abrams on her political campaign. Speaking with Variety, she said, “Both of these films are talking about issues that are political hot buttons. There are states where Black and queer history are under attack, and they’re passing laws against the teaching of this history. We see those are very important parts of Richard’s origin story and of rock ‘and’n’ roll.
- 4/19/2023
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
The quiet Beatle didn’t like performing much. After touring the world throughout Beatlemania, George had had enough. However, he loved it when he got to play with a band or with his friends. Here is a list of George Harrison‘s best on-stage collaborations.
George Harrison and Ringo Starr | Dave Hogan/Getty Images Delaney and Bonnie/Eric Clapton
In 1969, George watched Eric Clapton and husband and wife duo Delaney and Bonnie perform in Bristol. The act invited George to join the tour, and he agreed. He played the next night. It was his first stage performance since The Beatles’ final concert in 1966. According to Beatles Bible, George appeared for five of the tour’s six dates, playing two shows each night.
George told Timothy White at Musician Magazine that performing with the duo influenced his slide guitar work, which he’d just begun to play. Delaney gave George a...
George Harrison and Ringo Starr | Dave Hogan/Getty Images Delaney and Bonnie/Eric Clapton
In 1969, George watched Eric Clapton and husband and wife duo Delaney and Bonnie perform in Bristol. The act invited George to join the tour, and he agreed. He played the next night. It was his first stage performance since The Beatles’ final concert in 1966. According to Beatles Bible, George appeared for five of the tour’s six dates, playing two shows each night.
George told Timothy White at Musician Magazine that performing with the duo influenced his slide guitar work, which he’d just begun to play. Delaney gave George a...
- 4/10/2023
- by Hannah Wigandt
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Outside of Lennon-McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr formed their own songwriting partnership in The Beatles. They continued working together for decades after the band’s split. They trusted each other as musicians and knew exactly what they’d get when they asked each other to appear in songs. Here are 10 of the best collaborations between George and Ringo, in and out of the recording studio.
George Harrison and Ringo Starr | Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images 10. ‘Octopus’s Garden’
Ringo wrote “Octopus’s Garden” after sailing one day in 1968. He ordered fish and chips, and they accidentally gave him squid. Ringo’s feelings about the tensions between The Beatles are expressed in the lyrics like, “I’d like to be under the sea.” He wanted to be anywhere else but in the recording studio with them. However, he did let George help him throughout the songwriting process.
9. ‘Here Comes the Sun...
George Harrison and Ringo Starr | Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images 10. ‘Octopus’s Garden’
Ringo wrote “Octopus’s Garden” after sailing one day in 1968. He ordered fish and chips, and they accidentally gave him squid. Ringo’s feelings about the tensions between The Beatles are expressed in the lyrics like, “I’d like to be under the sea.” He wanted to be anywhere else but in the recording studio with them. However, he did let George help him throughout the songwriting process.
9. ‘Here Comes the Sun...
- 4/8/2023
- by Hannah Wigandt
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Many of The Beatles’ fans were shocked and devastated when the band announced they were splitting up. However, behind the scenes, it was inevitable as tensions between the band members rose. While it’s hard to pinpoint the exact reason why The Beatles called it quits, there are a few songs that hint at their dissolution.
‘The Ballad of John and Yoko’ The Beatles | Mark and Colleen Hayward/Redferns
“The Ballad of John and Yoko” was a single released in 1969 that chronicled the events of John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s wedding, along with their honeymoon activities that included the infamous “bed-in” peace protests. The track featured only Lennon and Paul McCartney. George Harrison and Ringo Starr didn’t skip the track out of spite but because it felt like a track specifically for Lennon.
While this song didn’t create turmoil within The Beatles, it was a sign that...
‘The Ballad of John and Yoko’ The Beatles | Mark and Colleen Hayward/Redferns
“The Ballad of John and Yoko” was a single released in 1969 that chronicled the events of John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s wedding, along with their honeymoon activities that included the infamous “bed-in” peace protests. The track featured only Lennon and Paul McCartney. George Harrison and Ringo Starr didn’t skip the track out of spite but because it felt like a track specifically for Lennon.
While this song didn’t create turmoil within The Beatles, it was a sign that...
- 4/7/2023
- by Ross Tanenbaum
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Choosing George Harrison‘s best collaborations isn’t easy because there are so many. However, for this list, we kept it to the collaborations that happened in the recording studio only, whether they were on one of George’s tracks or another artist’s. Here are 10 of George’s best collaborations.
George Harrison and Eric Clapton | Dave Hogan/Getty Images 10. ‘While My Guitar Gently Weeps’
George used Chinese philosophy to write The Beatles’ “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.” In his 1980 memoir, I Me Mine, he explained that he read that everything is relative to everything else in I Ching, the Chinese classic Book of Changes. So, he used it to write a song. He randomly opened a book and saw the words “gently weeps,” and the tune was born. It’s one of George’s best collaborations because he asked Eric Clapton to perform on it. The guitarist was hesitant...
George Harrison and Eric Clapton | Dave Hogan/Getty Images 10. ‘While My Guitar Gently Weeps’
George used Chinese philosophy to write The Beatles’ “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.” In his 1980 memoir, I Me Mine, he explained that he read that everything is relative to everything else in I Ching, the Chinese classic Book of Changes. So, he used it to write a song. He randomly opened a book and saw the words “gently weeps,” and the tune was born. It’s one of George’s best collaborations because he asked Eric Clapton to perform on it. The guitarist was hesitant...
- 4/7/2023
- by Hannah Wigandt
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Tl;Dr:
George Harrison’s “My Sweet Lord” was inspired by a book Ravi Shankar gave him. The quote featured a provocative quote about God. “My Sweet Lord” became a hit twice in the United Kingdom. George Harrison | Gab Archive / Contributor
George Harrison‘s “My Sweet Lord” was inspired by a quote from a famous historical figure. The quote was about humanity’s relationship with God. In addition, the quote helped convince George to abandon Christianity and convert to Hinduism.
George Harrison said a book about a famous Indian swami inspired ‘My Sweet Lord’
The book George Harrison on George Harrison: Interviews and Encounters features an interview from 1987. In it, George said he had a difficult time connecting with Christianity. He felt some Christians were trying to “cash in” on the popularity of Jesus.
“This gets to why I wrote ‘My Sweet Lord,’ because after going to India, I wanted...
George Harrison’s “My Sweet Lord” was inspired by a book Ravi Shankar gave him. The quote featured a provocative quote about God. “My Sweet Lord” became a hit twice in the United Kingdom. George Harrison | Gab Archive / Contributor
George Harrison‘s “My Sweet Lord” was inspired by a quote from a famous historical figure. The quote was about humanity’s relationship with God. In addition, the quote helped convince George to abandon Christianity and convert to Hinduism.
George Harrison said a book about a famous Indian swami inspired ‘My Sweet Lord’
The book George Harrison on George Harrison: Interviews and Encounters features an interview from 1987. In it, George said he had a difficult time connecting with Christianity. He felt some Christians were trying to “cash in” on the popularity of Jesus.
“This gets to why I wrote ‘My Sweet Lord,’ because after going to India, I wanted...
- 4/3/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Beatles started life as a glorified coves band, albeit a solid one. Their debut album, Please Please Me, contained precious few originals, but that method didn’t last long. Once the Fab Four began writing their own material, they changed their sound and the pop music landscape along with it. Some of the Beatles’ experimental songs retained their pop sensibilities while displaying how creative a short tune could be.
(l-r) Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Ringo Starr, and George Harrison | David Redfern/Redferns 1. ‘Rain’
What seemed like a straightforward three-minute pop song B-side was really one of the most experimental Beatles songs.
First, you had Ringo Starr’s drumming. It hardly settled into a groove at any point in the song; his playing was closer to being one long fill. Ringo said ‘Rain’ is a weird track because he never played drums like that before or after.
Also, John Lennon...
(l-r) Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Ringo Starr, and George Harrison | David Redfern/Redferns 1. ‘Rain’
What seemed like a straightforward three-minute pop song B-side was really one of the most experimental Beatles songs.
First, you had Ringo Starr’s drumming. It hardly settled into a groove at any point in the song; his playing was closer to being one long fill. Ringo said ‘Rain’ is a weird track because he never played drums like that before or after.
Also, John Lennon...
- 3/31/2023
- 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
When "Saturday Night Live" hit NBC's airwaves on October 11, 1975, at 11:30 p.m. Edt, numerous broadcast standards were about to be skirted if not outright flouted. Lorne Michaels had assembled a supremely talented cast of Baby Boomer comedic performers and Chevy Chase to, hopefully, transform the once undesirable time slot into a must-watch 90 minutes for people who were busy closing bars or turning in early on their last night off for the weekend.
Michaels needed everything to feel counterintuitive, if not ragged. It was a bracing olio of sketches, music performances (from Billy Preston and Janis Ian), pre-filmed bits, and Jim Henson's proto-Muppet project, "The Land of Gorch." There'd never been anything like it on American television, and the first episode evoked enough laughs to keep viewers coming back for more.
The debut episode's ace in the hole was George Carlin. The brilliant stand-up comic had become a...
Michaels needed everything to feel counterintuitive, if not ragged. It was a bracing olio of sketches, music performances (from Billy Preston and Janis Ian), pre-filmed bits, and Jim Henson's proto-Muppet project, "The Land of Gorch." There'd never been anything like it on American television, and the first episode evoked enough laughs to keep viewers coming back for more.
The debut episode's ace in the hole was George Carlin. The brilliant stand-up comic had become a...
- 3/19/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
There are many things to watch if you love singer-songwriter and musician George Harrison. Here’s a list of things to put in your queue—everything from the former Beatle’s favorite films to documentaries about his life.
George Harrison | Gab Archive/ Getty Images
All of The Beatles’ movies
If you’re a George Harrison fan, bets are you’re also a Beatles fan. So, if you haven’t seen all of The Beatles’ films, put those at the top of your queue. There’s A Hard Day’s Night, Help!, Magical Mystery Tour, Yellow Submarine, and Let It Be. In A Hard Day’s Night, George has his “grotty” scene, which he didn’t want to do. Later, in Let It Be, we see his very-real tense fights with Paul McCartney.
‘The Beatles Anthology’
The Beatles Anthology was a massive project the remaining Beatles undertook in the mid-1990s. It comprises an eight-part television documentary,...
George Harrison | Gab Archive/ Getty Images
All of The Beatles’ movies
If you’re a George Harrison fan, bets are you’re also a Beatles fan. So, if you haven’t seen all of The Beatles’ films, put those at the top of your queue. There’s A Hard Day’s Night, Help!, Magical Mystery Tour, Yellow Submarine, and Let It Be. In A Hard Day’s Night, George has his “grotty” scene, which he didn’t want to do. Later, in Let It Be, we see his very-real tense fights with Paul McCartney.
‘The Beatles Anthology’
The Beatles Anthology was a massive project the remaining Beatles undertook in the mid-1990s. It comprises an eight-part television documentary,...
- 3/18/2023
- by Hannah Wigandt
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Billy Preston is amongst an exclusive club of a few musicians who some refer to as the “fifth Beatle.” Billy Preston was a keyboard player who impacted The Beatles more than some may realize. Outside of The Beatles, Preston had an accomplished career, working with many of the greatest artists ever.
Billy Preston was a keyboard prodigy as a child Billy Preston | Ian Showell/Keystone/Getty Images
Some people are naturally gifted at playing instruments, and Preston realized his gift at a young age. By the age of 10, he was playing the organ for gospel singers like Mahalia Jackson, despite being entirely self-taught. At 11, he appeared on an episode of Nat King Cole’s NBC TV show and sang a Fats Domino song with Cole.
In 1962, Preston joined Little Richard’s band as an organist. While performing in Hamburg, Preston met The Beatles, who had been invited to be Little Richard’s opening act.
Billy Preston was a keyboard prodigy as a child Billy Preston | Ian Showell/Keystone/Getty Images
Some people are naturally gifted at playing instruments, and Preston realized his gift at a young age. By the age of 10, he was playing the organ for gospel singers like Mahalia Jackson, despite being entirely self-taught. At 11, he appeared on an episode of Nat King Cole’s NBC TV show and sang a Fats Domino song with Cole.
In 1962, Preston joined Little Richard’s band as an organist. While performing in Hamburg, Preston met The Beatles, who had been invited to be Little Richard’s opening act.
- 3/12/2023
- by Ross Tanenbaum
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
“Aurora,” the once fictional album imagined by Taylor Jenkins Reid in her best-selling novel “Daisy Jones & the Six” has come to life with 11 of the 25 original songs written for Prime Video’s TV show adaptation. Blake Mills and Tony Berg reimagined songs Reid listed in the back of her book for “Aurora,” enlisting collaborators like Marcus Mumford, Phoebe Bridgers and more to write and record the album.
But in addition to the original Daisy Jones & the Six songs, classic 70s rock and roll hits like Carole King’s “I Feel the Earth Move” and The Byrds’ “Goin’ Back” set the scene for the collision of Daisy Jones and rock band The Six, who rocket to fame together, echoing the dynamic of Fleetwood Mac, Civil Wars and The Eagles to name a few.
Here are all the songs in “Daisy Jones & the Six”:
Also Read:
‘Daisy Jones & the Six...
But in addition to the original Daisy Jones & the Six songs, classic 70s rock and roll hits like Carole King’s “I Feel the Earth Move” and The Byrds’ “Goin’ Back” set the scene for the collision of Daisy Jones and rock band The Six, who rocket to fame together, echoing the dynamic of Fleetwood Mac, Civil Wars and The Eagles to name a few.
Here are all the songs in “Daisy Jones & the Six”:
Also Read:
‘Daisy Jones & the Six...
- 3/4/2023
- by Dessi Gomez
- The Wrap
Some of the scariest Beatles songs don’t necessarily have terrifying themes, but the way the music sounds can send a chill up your spine. Here are the scariest Beatles songs.
The Beatles | Express Newspapers/Getty Images 5. ‘Helter Skelter’
Before Charles Manson and his cult “hijacked” it, “Helter Skelter” was designed to be jarring. After hearing The Who’s Pete Townshend say he’d written the “loudest, dirtiest, rockiest” song, “I Can See for Miles,” Paul McCartney wanted to do the same. So, he went into the recording studio and told the band, “Let’s just see how loud we can get and how raucous. Let’s try to make the meters peak.”
However, the song had innocent beginnings. In The Lyrics: 1956 to the Present, Paul wrote that a helter skelter is a conical fairground fixture with a slide around the outside. He also took inspiration from a song in Alice in Wonderland.
The Beatles | Express Newspapers/Getty Images 5. ‘Helter Skelter’
Before Charles Manson and his cult “hijacked” it, “Helter Skelter” was designed to be jarring. After hearing The Who’s Pete Townshend say he’d written the “loudest, dirtiest, rockiest” song, “I Can See for Miles,” Paul McCartney wanted to do the same. So, he went into the recording studio and told the band, “Let’s just see how loud we can get and how raucous. Let’s try to make the meters peak.”
However, the song had innocent beginnings. In The Lyrics: 1956 to the Present, Paul wrote that a helter skelter is a conical fairground fixture with a slide around the outside. He also took inspiration from a song in Alice in Wonderland.
- 2/26/2023
- by Hannah Wigandt
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
It’s not a stretch to say The Beatles completely altered the pop music landscape. Their sweet pop hits won over young fans and reached the top of singles charts in England and the United States. The albums from their studio period remain all-time classics, and some of the most famous songs weren’t singles. Interestingly, the first album The Beatles played on (and the first single) wasn’t one of their records.
({l-r) George Harrison, John Lennon, and Tony Sheridan performing live in Hamburg | Ellen Piel – K/Redferns The first album The Beatles played on was a Tony Sheridan record
The Beatles cut their teeth playing clubs in Hamburg, Germany, in the early 1960s. George Harrison once said the nascent band had no clue what they were doing until they went to Hamburg. The rigorous performing schedule helped mold The Beatles into the band they became. (Adding Ringo Starr...
({l-r) George Harrison, John Lennon, and Tony Sheridan performing live in Hamburg | Ellen Piel – K/Redferns The first album The Beatles played on was a Tony Sheridan record
The Beatles cut their teeth playing clubs in Hamburg, Germany, in the early 1960s. George Harrison once said the nascent band had no clue what they were doing until they went to Hamburg. The rigorous performing schedule helped mold The Beatles into the band they became. (Adding Ringo Starr...
- 2/17/2023
- by Jason Rossi
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley covered several of The Beatles’ songs. For example, he sang one of The Beatles’ songs in a medley with one of his own hits. Despite Elvis’ talent, not all of his Beatles covers were great.
Elvis Presley | John Springer Collection / Contributor 5. ‘Get Back’
Elvis covered The Beatles’ “Get Back” in a medley with his own hit “Little Sister.” On an aesthetic level, it makes sense. “Little Sister” is one of his harder rock hits and “Get Back” was one of The Beatles’ harder rock hits.
Lyrically, the songs work pretty well together. “Little Sister” is a bit of a bitter song about a former lover. To make the medley work, Elvis turns “Get Back” into a kiss-off. One can only wonder what the original “Get Back” would have been like if Elvis was the featured artist instead of Billy Preston.
4. ‘Yesterday’
“Yesterday” is one of the most famous...
Elvis Presley | John Springer Collection / Contributor 5. ‘Get Back’
Elvis covered The Beatles’ “Get Back” in a medley with his own hit “Little Sister.” On an aesthetic level, it makes sense. “Little Sister” is one of his harder rock hits and “Get Back” was one of The Beatles’ harder rock hits.
Lyrically, the songs work pretty well together. “Little Sister” is a bit of a bitter song about a former lover. To make the medley work, Elvis turns “Get Back” into a kiss-off. One can only wonder what the original “Get Back” would have been like if Elvis was the featured artist instead of Billy Preston.
4. ‘Yesterday’
“Yesterday” is one of the most famous...
- 2/12/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Ringo Starr’s Beatles bandmates often overshadowed the drummer. The timekeeper born as Richard Starkey shined on several occasions, but John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison took the spotlight much of the time. Ringo got it wrong when he said young drummers would never get anywhere listening to his playing. But he always got it right with his Fab Four beats. Ringo also got it right when he praised his drumming on The Beatles’ song “Get Back” while giving John Lennon’s guitar playing a backhanded compliment.
John Lennon (left) and Ringo Starr | David Redfern/Redferns Ringo Starr praised his drumming on ‘Get Back’ and gave John Lennon’s guitar playing a backhanded compliment
The Beatles were barely holding it together when they convened for the Get Back sessions, songs that surfaced as their final album, Let It Be.
Paul pushed (and pushed and pushed) for a cohesive return to the band’s roots.
John Lennon (left) and Ringo Starr | David Redfern/Redferns Ringo Starr praised his drumming on ‘Get Back’ and gave John Lennon’s guitar playing a backhanded compliment
The Beatles were barely holding it together when they convened for the Get Back sessions, songs that surfaced as their final album, Let It Be.
Paul pushed (and pushed and pushed) for a cohesive return to the band’s roots.
- 2/9/2023
- by Jason Rossi
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Rolling Stones seemed to be a magnet for controversy during their heyday. John Lennon expected them to face backlash in the 1980s, but they angered some anxious journalists years before that decade. Charlie Watts stole the promotional trick The Rolling Stones used before their 1975 tour and left a trail of upset rock journos in their wake, according to Ronnie Wood.
The Rolling Stones promote their 1975 tour from a moving flatbed truck in New York City | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images Ronnie Wood officially debuted with the Stones in 1975
Wood and The Rolling Stones were no strangers to each other. Wood attended an early Stones gig and promised himself he’d one day join the band. Fast forward a few years, and Keith Richard lived in a guest house on his property, and Wood helped write a hit Stones song before he joined the band.
When Mick Taylor quit the band,...
The Rolling Stones promote their 1975 tour from a moving flatbed truck in New York City | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images Ronnie Wood officially debuted with the Stones in 1975
Wood and The Rolling Stones were no strangers to each other. Wood attended an early Stones gig and promised himself he’d one day join the band. Fast forward a few years, and Keith Richard lived in a guest house on his property, and Wood helped write a hit Stones song before he joined the band.
When Mick Taylor quit the band,...
- 2/7/2023
- by Jason Rossi
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
George Harrison stood in the middle of the fighting that led to The Beatles’ demise. His songs rarely made it on Fab Four albums, and Paul McCartney said Harrison’s songs weren’t any good until the very end of the line. The so-called quiet Beatle got so fed up that he quit the band during the Get Back sessions. But George also helped save the work that eventually became the Let It Be album.
George Harrison of The Beatles | Keystone/Getty Images George Harrison quit The Beatles and went into a shell during the ‘Get Back’ sessions
Paul and John Lennon wrote most of the songs that put The Beatles on the charts on both sides of the Atlantic. That hierarchy persisted even as George developed as a songwriter. He once said he’d have to make a hundred Beatles albums to release the songs he penned during one particularly prolific year.
George Harrison of The Beatles | Keystone/Getty Images George Harrison quit The Beatles and went into a shell during the ‘Get Back’ sessions
Paul and John Lennon wrote most of the songs that put The Beatles on the charts on both sides of the Atlantic. That hierarchy persisted even as George developed as a songwriter. He once said he’d have to make a hundred Beatles albums to release the songs he penned during one particularly prolific year.
- 2/4/2023
- by Jason Rossi
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Ringo Starr has been performing on stage for over 60 years since he began his career with The Beatles. However, the British drummer said he still experiences stage fright, even if the fear disappears shortly after taking the stage.
Ringo Starr continues to tour with his All-Starr band Ringo Starr | Mauricio Santana/Getty Images
Starr joined The Beatles in 1962 after the band struggled to find the perfect drummer. While still a pivotal member of the band, much of the attention was often on Paul McCartney and John Lennon as most of the songs were written and sung by them. When The Beatles ended in 1970, each member went in their own direction, including Starr.
After releasing several solo albums and songs, Starr formed the All-Starr band in 1989, who he continues to tour with today. However, unlike most bands, the All-Starr band consists of a constantly rotating set of musicians. In an interview with USA Today,...
Ringo Starr continues to tour with his All-Starr band Ringo Starr | Mauricio Santana/Getty Images
Starr joined The Beatles in 1962 after the band struggled to find the perfect drummer. While still a pivotal member of the band, much of the attention was often on Paul McCartney and John Lennon as most of the songs were written and sung by them. When The Beatles ended in 1970, each member went in their own direction, including Starr.
After releasing several solo albums and songs, Starr formed the All-Starr band in 1989, who he continues to tour with today. However, unlike most bands, the All-Starr band consists of a constantly rotating set of musicians. In an interview with USA Today,...
- 1/28/2023
- by Ross Tanenbaum
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Film and documentary production company White Horse Pictures said Tuesday it is moving forward with a strategic reorganization to service growth at the company whose recent titles include Lucy and Desi and the Ron Howard pics The Beatles: Eight Days a Week and Pavarotti.
As part of the changes, Nicholas Ferrall, the company’s current president, takes on the role of chairman and CEO, previously held by founder Nigel Sinclair, overseeing all aspects of the company’s business, growth, and development. Sinclair will transition to become the company’s non-executive chairman, maintaining a role in the business while focusing on content creation.
Jeanne Elfant Festa and Cassidy Hartmann, two partners at the firm, take the role of co presidents, responsible for overseeing all aspects of the company’s creative content, production, and development.
White Horse also has entered into a partnership with longtime collaborator Ben Murphy, of Whiskey Bear, to...
As part of the changes, Nicholas Ferrall, the company’s current president, takes on the role of chairman and CEO, previously held by founder Nigel Sinclair, overseeing all aspects of the company’s business, growth, and development. Sinclair will transition to become the company’s non-executive chairman, maintaining a role in the business while focusing on content creation.
Jeanne Elfant Festa and Cassidy Hartmann, two partners at the firm, take the role of co presidents, responsible for overseeing all aspects of the company’s creative content, production, and development.
White Horse also has entered into a partnership with longtime collaborator Ben Murphy, of Whiskey Bear, to...
- 12/13/2022
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
White Horse Pictures is overhauling its corporate structure as its top executive, Nigel Sinclair, shifts to a more creative role.
Chairman and CEO Sinclair, who founded the indie film and documentary producer in 2014 along with fellow Executive Media alum Guy East, will focus on content as non-executive chairman. And Nicholas Ferrall, the company’s president since 2019 after serving as head of production, will become the new chairman and CEO, replacing Sinclair in the top job.
“This new management plan positions White Horse Pictures to expand upon nearly a decade of consistent growth. I look forward to being a part of this company’s next chapter, as a new generation of leaders creates first-rate content,” Sinclair said in a statement.
As part of the shake-up at White Horse, Jeanne Elfant Festa and Cassidy Hartmann are promoted from partners to co-presidents of the company. To bolster its corporate structure,...
White Horse Pictures is overhauling its corporate structure as its top executive, Nigel Sinclair, shifts to a more creative role.
Chairman and CEO Sinclair, who founded the indie film and documentary producer in 2014 along with fellow Executive Media alum Guy East, will focus on content as non-executive chairman. And Nicholas Ferrall, the company’s president since 2019 after serving as head of production, will become the new chairman and CEO, replacing Sinclair in the top job.
“This new management plan positions White Horse Pictures to expand upon nearly a decade of consistent growth. I look forward to being a part of this company’s next chapter, as a new generation of leaders creates first-rate content,” Sinclair said in a statement.
As part of the shake-up at White Horse, Jeanne Elfant Festa and Cassidy Hartmann are promoted from partners to co-presidents of the company. To bolster its corporate structure,...
- 12/13/2022
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
For the third year in a row—and fourth in the last five—White Horse Pictures finds itself in the middle of the Emmy horse race.
In 2020, the White Horse production The Apollo, about the legendary performing arts venue in Harlem, earned Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special. Last year, White Horse’s The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart was nominated for six Emmys, winning one. This year it’s back in contention with Lucy and Desi, Amy Poehler’s documentary about Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, which is nominated for half a dozen Emmys—more than any other documentary.
“I’m ecstatic,” says White Horse Pictures partner Jeanne Elfant Festa of the Emmy recognition. She’s a producer of the film, along with Poehler, Mark Monroe and White Horse co-founder and principal Nigel Sinclair. “It’s an honor, it’s a thrill. We have the best...
In 2020, the White Horse production The Apollo, about the legendary performing arts venue in Harlem, earned Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special. Last year, White Horse’s The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart was nominated for six Emmys, winning one. This year it’s back in contention with Lucy and Desi, Amy Poehler’s documentary about Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, which is nominated for half a dozen Emmys—more than any other documentary.
“I’m ecstatic,” says White Horse Pictures partner Jeanne Elfant Festa of the Emmy recognition. She’s a producer of the film, along with Poehler, Mark Monroe and White Horse co-founder and principal Nigel Sinclair. “It’s an honor, it’s a thrill. We have the best...
- 8/15/2022
- by Matthew Carey
- Deadline Film + TV
“Get Back” music supervisor Giles Martin sees a wonderful irony to The Beatles’ final live performance: one of the last songs that the band played on the roof of Apple Corps headquarters is also one of the first collaborations between John Lennon and Paul McCartney. “One After 909,” a bluesy American freight-train tribute, epitomized the spirit and energy of The Beatles, who had come full circle after 21 chaotic days of writing, rehearsing, and recording a new set of songs in front of director Lindsay Hogg’s documentary cameras. Those abandoned sessions would later be cobbled together as the band’s swan song, “Let It Be,” but not before the making of their final magnum opus, “Abbey Road.”
The desperate surge of musical unity on the Apple rooftop clinched Peter Jackson’s narrative through line for his miniseries treatment of Hogg’s footage. “Peter and I talked about not making it too glossy,...
The desperate surge of musical unity on the Apple rooftop clinched Peter Jackson’s narrative through line for his miniseries treatment of Hogg’s footage. “Peter and I talked about not making it too glossy,...
- 6/23/2022
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
Alan White, the longtime drummer for the British progressive-rock band Yes and also played with John Lennon and George Harrison, died today at his home in Seattle following a brief illness, his family has announced. He was 72.
“Throughout his life and six-decade career,” White’s family posted on Facebook, “Alan was many things to many people: a certified rock star to fans around the world, band mate to a select few, and gentleman and friend to all who met him.”
Hollywood & Media Deaths In 2022: Photo Gallery
Although best known for his drumming with Yes — a band he joined in 1972 and with whom he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017 — White also played with the John Lennon & Yoko Ono Plastic Ono Band in 1969, performing on the smash Lennon singles “Imagine” and “Instant Karma (We All Shine On).” He performed with Lennon, Ono and Eric Clapton...
“Throughout his life and six-decade career,” White’s family posted on Facebook, “Alan was many things to many people: a certified rock star to fans around the world, band mate to a select few, and gentleman and friend to all who met him.”
Hollywood & Media Deaths In 2022: Photo Gallery
Although best known for his drumming with Yes — a band he joined in 1972 and with whom he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017 — White also played with the John Lennon & Yoko Ono Plastic Ono Band in 1969, performing on the smash Lennon singles “Imagine” and “Instant Karma (We All Shine On).” He performed with Lennon, Ono and Eric Clapton...
- 5/26/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
For 45 years, the Rolling Stones’ Love You Live has been one of rock’s greatest teases. About 75 percent of the double LP was recorded in arenas and stadiums during the band’s 1976 tour, and presented competent but rarely exhilarating or necessary renditions of concert warhorses and deep cuts. But tucked away (on side three) were four songs cut at Toronto’s tiny El Mocambo club in March 1977, when the Stones played a surprise set billed as “The Cockroaches.”
Playing in front of a few hundred people, and unable to hide...
Playing in front of a few hundred people, and unable to hide...
- 5/12/2022
- by David Browne
- Rollingstone.com
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.