Beatles “reunion” discussion

I read over the now 6 year old locked thread about the supposed planned Beatles reunion.
Didn’t read all 22-something pages of it because I simply didn’t have the patience. But the gist I got was that Yoko had apparently made a statement (unclear where/when) about John spearheading an 80s reunion.
Also, a statement supposedly read in court in during litigation over Beatlemania. As follows:

“I and the other three former Beatles have plans to stage a reunion concert, an event to be filmed and included as the finale to “The Long and Winding Road,” the official Beatles produced documentary that is to be released in the mid-1980’s.”

My question is- is there any confirmation of truth to the statement or if that was even really read in a courtroom?

 

bump

 

Sounds like something someone says when they want to protect their Trademark.

 

There is an open thread from earlier this year on this (and other topics).

John Lennon and the Birth of The Beatles Anthology

First post has a source for the deposition quote.

 

Well that could have been their true intention had Lennon lived (replaced by the overdubbing of old Lennon solo tapes that they did instead for Anthology - which is what 'The Long & Winding Road' film he mentioned, morphed into). Or it could have been just a germ of an idea (to do "something interesting/unique" to end the film) that he inflated into "a reunion concert" for the sake of the court case, or it could have even been a complete and convenient fabrication to strengthen their case against 'Beatlemania'.

I see nothing extraordinary in that statement.

 

No idea about the Yoko or courtroom part, but it's generally accepted that all four Beatles had agreed with Neil and the other powers that be at Apple. etc., to all do new interviews (some of them done together) for a comprehensive documentary, and as part of that, to provide some kind of new music for the soundtrack (instrumentals or some kind of performance together).

Doubtful it would have been anything like a big ticketed stadium concert, but I 100% believe that in the early 80s, maybe by '84, that all four would have done their interviews and then gathered at George or Paul's house and jammed some of the cameras and goofed off, and probably would have rehearsed to perform 2-3 songs for real performances for the cameras.

Had John lived, "Anthology" would have been very different. Ironically, we probably would not have gotten new Beatles songs, but in exchange, probably the 4 would have worked up some interesting alternate versions of classic Beatles tunes. Paul had just done that kind of thing for "Broadstreet", and for instance, John had said in 1980 that he wanted to re-record things like 'Strawberry Fields' and he'd demoed a slow somber version of 'Help' too.

The title would have been The Long and Winding Road because John was fine with that (it was only George after John's death who stepped in to object to a Paul song being the title for the whole thing), and it probably would have come out in 1987 or something like that. Actually perfect timing for the CD launch and for George's Cloud 9.

 

Is everyone forgetting the disastrous 1979 reunion tour (on the heels of the equally disastrous Get Back reunion LP) ?

 

It may or may not have happened, but the door was open. According to the Associated Press back in 2005, ''Paul McCartney had a clause written into his $10.8 million 1979 contract with Columbia Records that would allow him to record with Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr under the Beatles name. The details of the contract were kept secret until this week, and while it is not an indication that a reunion was in the works, it shows that at least McCartney wanted a free hand if it ever happened''.

 

No, I was there. I only actually remember the soundcheck though. I sneaked in through the back and security spotted me before the gig started.

 

Where did that info turn up?

 

I read in MIX Magazine many years ago about a show biz lawyer who had drawn up a contract for the possibility of Lennon reuniting with the Beatles for the Anthology project, and the concert at the end of it. It seems to be solid information.

 

I was in the Los Angeles courtroom when Lennon’s deposition was read into the record. The actual statement was much longer and detailed than what was quoted here....but the general concept was the same. John said, more or less, that the four of them still consider themselves a group and have every intention of working together again....specifically for the finale of the film “The Long & Winding Road”.
He testified that the four of them publicly deny any reunion because of all the fuss from press and fans.

Of course, John was trying to make a legal point and win a suit with the producers of Beatlemania.

 

legal statements aside, it seems pretty likely to me that had Lennon not been killed, the Beatles would have reunited -- either long-term or for a one-off such as Live Aid -- sometime in 1980-2000. Signs were already pointing in that direction in the mid-late 70's.

 

Yes, in 74 to mid 75. It wasn’t pointing that way in 1980. Not after reading the Playboy interview.

 

Sorry, I couldn't resist posting this again:


I don't know why I wrote this tonight.. but I thought I'd share it. Hope you like it.

December 1st, 1995, NEW YORK. Madison Square Garden.

The Beatles reunited last night in not only the first full concert they have played since 1966, but in the first public performance by John Lennon since the unsuccessful assassination attempt on his life almost 15 years ago to the day.

Looking trim, fit and – best of all – joyous, Lennon and his band mates McCartney, Harrison and Starr delivered the goods in what had to be the most anticipated musical reunion in history.

“It was time” Harrison said. “It’s not a long-term thing, we’ve all got our lives and separate careers, but since we’re doing the Anthology project it seemed fitting”. While a film and CD are planned, there is no firm release date set yet, but some audio will be used in volume three of the Anthology series.

The Garden absolutely erupted when the lights went out and the curtain lifted to show a mock rooftop stage with the four Beatles, augmented by longtime friend and accompanist, Billy Preston. A few quick glances at each other and McCartney’s rolling intro to “Get Back” began, picking them up right where they left off. When Lennon began his familiar guitar solo on his original Epiphone Casino guitar, it was nearly inaudible for all the cheering.

“It felt great”, he later admitted. “I wasn’t sure if they’d still like us!”

McCartney, in great voice from his recent touring, was visibly motivated and when he and Lennon harmonized on the “get back to where you once belonged” chorus, it was clear that the secret rehearsals had paid off.

They launched right into “Hey Bulldog”, highlighted by Harrison’s searing guitar solo and some fun banter between Lennon and McCartney to close the song out. A quick pause to drink in the applause, and Starr kicked off the gorgeous “Something” with Harrison spotlighted on vocals and guitar. After the White Album songs, “Glass Onion” and “Back In The USSR”, it was Starr’s turn with his infectious “Octopuss’s Garden”, the light mood taking a severe turn immediately after with Lennon’s “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)”.

It was a tour de force, with the four Beatles showing off their superb ensemble playing and Preston’s organ taking it to stratospheric highs. But it was Lennon’s vocals that stunned the crowd. The time off did nothing to soften his voice, and his passion may have been the result of having Yoko Ono, his wife and inspiration for the song sitting in the front row with the rest of the Beatles “family”.

McCartney next kicked off his solo nugget, “Let Me Roll It” - the song taking a slightly harder edge with Lennon playing the “Cold Turkey”-like riff.

“I didn’t know we were doing solo songs” Lennon joked. “Sure” said McCartney, “it’s cool”.

At this point, Lennon moved to piano, and joined on backing vocals by old friends Harry Nilsson, James Taylor, Elton John and Ronnie Spector, he started “Instant Karma” which had a slightly different feel as a “Beatles” tune, but had the Garden crowd loudly singing along with the “we all shine on” chorus.

A quick set change, and Paul “Wix” Wickens, from McCartney’s touring band joined the Beatles onstage in his familiar keyboards/orchestration/horns role. With an event if this stature, it may have been better to have a full orchestra and horns, but the coordination of the rehearsals and their secret nature made it much easier to just have Wix take care of it.

He was put to good use immediately on Harrison’s “What Is Life” from his landmark “All Things Must Pass” LP, and then the first “medley” from “Abbey Road”. “You Never Give Me Your Money”, “Sun King”, “Mean Mr Mustard”, “Polythene Pam” and “She Came In Through The Bathroom Window” played out live like it never could on record, Harrison really shining with his guitar work and with all the Beatles harmonies intact.

At this time they played their new reunion song, “Free As A Bird” and premiered the upcoming “Real Love”. While most of the crowd were thrilled to be hearing new Beatles material, there were scattered folks using the time to hit the concession stands.

And for the first time ever, the Beatles took a cue from the Rolling Stones and headed out to a “B” Stage, set up with Vox amplifiers and Ludwig drums, the famous “drop T” Beatles logo center stage. This sent the crowd into an absolute frenzy. With Harrison on his Rickenbacker 12-string, they surprisingly started with “You Can’t Do That”, Lennon taking his rhythmic solo, and McCartney and Harrison sharing a microphone, just like the old days.

“That was my choice” Harrison said after the show. “I always liked that one”.

They continued with five more “mop top” classics, “All My Loving”, “A Hard Day’s Night”, “Roll Over Beethoven”, “Can’t Buy Me Love” and “I Want to Hold Your Hand”. With a modern sound system, the fans finally had the opportunity to hear these songs live over the screams of the crowd. Beatles tribute bands beware – you can’t touch the real thing.

And then back to the main stage with all supporting musicians. “Sgt Pepper”, “With A Little Help From My Friends” and a rousing “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds” that had Elton John returning an over 20 year old favor to Lennon by singing background vocals.

Harrison’s “Here Comes The Sun” was next, and it was then McCartney’s turn at the piano, leading the band and the crowd with “Let It Be”. Harrison came up with yet another guitar solo for this one, but it was just as breathtaking as either of the other two studio takes.

At nearly two hours, it appeared the show was finished, but out walked Eric Clapton, and with McCartney at the piano, Harrison on acoustic guitar and Lennon on bass (not the disaster we expected) they absolutely killed with “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” and with that, the Beatles left the stage.

An encore was of course expected and it was delivered. After nearly a full 7 minutes of their most ardent fans cheering, the Beatles returned to the stage to a thunderous reception the likes of which the Garden has never seen. The four stood out front together thanking the crowd before they took to their instruments, and started their encore set with “Got To Get You Into My Life”, Starr’s pounding drums and Harrison’s shimmering guitar break supporting McCartney’s superb vocal performance. A note-perfect “Day Tripper” followed, with the trademark Lennon-McCartney vocals reminding us all just how good these two people sing together. Lennon then turned to Wix, who began to play the intro to “Strawberry Fields Forever”. A transcendent moment, it led into a performance of what this writer believes is the best piece of music ever written, and on this night it proved that even after a near 30 year hiatus, the Beatles are second to none.

Full Setlist:

Get Back
Hey Bulldog
Something
Glass Onion
Back In The USSR
Octopuss’s Garden
I Want You (She’s So Heavy)
Let Me Roll It
Instant Karma
What Is Life
You Never Give Me Your Money
Sun King
Mean Mr Mustard
Polythene Pam
She Came In Through The Bathroom Window
Free As A Bird
Real Love
You Can’t Do That
All My Loving
A Hard Day’s Night
Roll Over Beethoven
Can’t Buy Me Love
I Want To Hold Your Hand
Sgt Pepper
With A Little Help From My Friends
Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds
Here Comes The Sun
Let It Be
While My Guitar Gently Weeps
Got To Get You Into My Life
Day Tripper
Strawberry Fields Forever

 

I had originally read that in a newspaper actually. I remembered it and found it on the net. It was pretty big (and sad) news at the time. There was already a rumor - then again, there was a rumor every week with the Beatles - around the gestation of Ringo's Roses album. Of course, we all know what happened less than a year before.

 

Good ole George

 

1976 Reunion:


THE SOURCE - Other Tapes - "1976 Reunion"

 

You can usually get access to the case records after paying whatever fee to whatever court the case was tried in, you'll have to ask them for the particulars.

 

I’ve always been surprised this cut never gained more attention, since it was released in 1990, several years prior to the Anthology, yet it predicts some of those events from years later with uncanny accuracy. If you appreciate the “talking blues” style of folk (think early Dylan), you’ll like it all the more...

 

In addition to Lennon's Beatlemania deposition & McCartney's Clause with Columbia about freedom to work with the Beatles.

There are also Jack Douglas's comments that Lennon told Douglas he & McCartney had agreed, to back Ringo together, for Ringo's new album, then being recorded (Stop & Smell roses). Lennon had told Douglas George Harrison wasn't yet aboard, but Lennon expected he would be, when it got going.

Lennon had told Douglas that backing Ringo, was a low pressure way to get them "The Beatles" back together, & Lennon assumed, new Beatles recordings would ensue, as an outgrowth of the backing Ringo sessions.

So for me, combining Lennon's remarks to Douglas, The McCartney Columbia contract Beatles clause, & the Lennon Beatlemania deposition, clearly indicate this as real & forthcoming.

Not to mention Neil Aspinall's documentary project, that all four had already agreed to

 

Once I was deposed and for fun (and from curiosity) I paid for the transcript when it became available. It appeared to have been written by someone who didn't know much English. Absolutely appalling, but I just didn't want anything more to do with the case so I let that sleeping dog lie.

Speaking of most of the above, I'd bet Yoko would demand to be on stage!

 

Apply this to John's 1980 interview

He testified that the four of them publicly deny any reunion because of all the fuss from press and fans.

 

Didn't John also mention in the interview (if not Playboy it was definitely somewhere else, possibly the RKO radio interview) that he was planning to visit the UK in 1981? I think it would have been a safe bet that any visit would have been timed to coincide with Ringo and Barbara's wedding and we would have seen the four of them in the same room for the first time since 1969. This occasion would have probably greased a possible musical reunion in the years ahead.

 

What a depressing thread.