Beatles Biography by Mark Lewisohn (6th edition)- plus Lewisohn news. *

Previous 2 posts are excellent. A good book will always ruffle feathers. Remember how tame the Anthology series was - everybody toeing the party line. If Lewisohn puts noses out of joint, more power to him. But just write the darn book, willya!

 

All this discussion reminds me that I still need to finish the first book! As soon as my dissertation is finished next month I'll be able to read again for leisure, not for research. What a joy that will be!

 

Regarding the previously unrevealed story about how George Martin was forced to sign the band by his bosses at EMI:

It is indeed possible that the Beatles themselves, nor Brian Epstein, were ever aware of this back-story. They might have never known about these details---so it might seem far-fetched to them, especially more than 50 years after the fact.

 

Oh it will, for sure, it's just that I'm so desperate to read volume 3 which will not come out until 2025 at the earliest. There shouldn't be as long a gap between 2 and 3 as there will be with 1 and 2 because he's researching for 3 concurrently, but still, it's a long long time to wait for the volume I've been so keen to get my hands on since this project was first announced because that's the period (67-70) that's been shrouded in so much myth.

 

I wonder what Mark made of Paul's endorsement of Philip Norman's recent biography. Very odd that he should take a swipe at Lewisohn and then cosy up to the guy who authored "Shout".

 

I still don't know how he is going to fit 1963 to 1970 in just two more volumes.

 

The initial schedule tentatively projected that it wouldn't be until 2027-28 at the earliest for Volume III. And that's only if Volume II comes out in 2020-21.

 

I haven't read the Philip Norman biography but Lewisohn was candid about Paul being quite the swordsman in his Liverpool days.

Maybe Macca didn't like that.

 

And during his Beatles years too:

 

And he was quite cavalier about it to...

 

Olé!!

 

Paul was also quite adept with polygons too...

 

In terms of the songs they compose or choose to cover, he can't possibly continue with the same level of detail found in volume 1 whilst at the same time setting the story in the context of what was going on in the world of popular culture at the time. I think he's going to have to sacrifice the music to a large extent, which is what they were ultimately about but a re-write of "Recording sessions" or "Revolultion in the Head" is not what we need. I think he's said himself that this project is a "social history" and I'd much prefer he devoted a section of the book to Timothy Leary and Richard Alpert than a track by track analysis of the "Long Tall Sally" EP.
In the most recent of interviews with Mark - linked on the previous page - he has said that he intends to address a miss-conception that Brian made poor business decisions and I wouldn't be surprised if Brian emerges as *the* dominant personality in volume 2. In Anthology, once he's got them into suits and secured a record deal, he's pretty much forgotten about until the day he dies, but away from the studio he orchestrated the whole damned show.

 

It will be interesting for sure and likely eye-opening in many cases. I remain curious how he will tackle some of the more important controversies, and to see how he can shed new light on them.

 

..can you elaborate on what you mean by "controversies"?

 

A Carnival of Light?

Sorry. Couldn't help myself....

 

Things like John's "Bigger than Jesus" comment; the fiasco in the Philippines; the initial publishing contract with Dick James (and how that had major repurcussions later in their career); the Lennon-McCartney versus McCartney-Lennon ordering of song credits; George Martin's quitting EMI in 1965 but still remaining as the Beatles producer, which must have pissed off the bosses at EMI; Paul and Jane Asher's relationship; etc.

Maybe though "controversies" wasn't the best choice of words.

 

Mark also has said that he intends to include ongoing details on the Liverpool side of things too. So he might have revealing info on Pete and Mona Best, especially with regard to Neil Aspinall; on Rory Storme; and the members of the Beatles immediate family.

 

Those are all good ones; I'm hoping-but not necessarily expecting-some deeper delving into studio and songwriting aspects (will we ever find out definitively about In My Life; how extensive was Paul's role in directing some of Ringo's drum patterns; IS it Paul and George on And Your Bird Can Sing and WHO came up with the guitar part...stuff like that).

 

That would be great. BUT can Mark fit all of that info too in one volume (for 1963-67 next) with all of the other stuff happening?

 

John and Brian in Spain and the resulting Bob Wooler incident.
I think Paul had a lengthy affair whilst he was with Jane, I forget her name now. Think she was a nanny for somebody he was connected to.
Alma Cogan.
Astrid circa 1964.
John and The Beatles' photographer's wife (Robert Whittaker?)
The dentist.
When did George first become interested in Ringo's wife? Probably not until 69/70 but maybe that goes back further.
Brian's sex life in general.

 

I'd also love some better (truer?) insight into Geoff Emerick's viewpoints on George's guitar playing in the studio; he makes quite a few negative comments/implications in *his* book.

 

I think Paul had many affairs while with Jane...as well as while he was with Linda...but that's for another book.

 

Those are Chapters 12, 27, 41, 55, 68, 88, 94, and 124 of Volume II...

 

While with Jane, yes.

BUT while with Linda, after they got serious in late 1968? That would be very revealing as no one has ever intimidated any straying on Paul's part (or Linda's part) once the two hooked up with each other for good at that time.