Gene Bogart wrote in part..
Was Thunderclap Newman really Pete Townshend? (I still don't know for sure...) .
Where did this spring from...? Was the band we saw just a bunch of actors..?
More info please
Lennon's "Fame"
John, I honestly know nothing for real about this, so I'm just spouting off about an old rumour... but anyway, way back when, the rumour was that it was really Pete Townshend in cognito, singing "Something In The Air". Probably not true, but it sure did/does sound like him...
Also, there was the mystery surrounding Badfinger's "Day After Day", and was that really Paul McCartney just 'pretending' to be a group called Badfinger? I know, it's crazy now, but remember, these were the days of "Are the Beatles breaking up?" and "Is Paul really dead?" {Where was Oliver Stone back then, when we needed him?
}
Following up on Peter's album refernces: not long ago, I got a copy of "Revolver" on CD for the first time (and hadn't played the album in quite a while). My wife had gone to sleep, so I put on my good headphones and figured I'd just listen to "Taxman" before going to sleep myself. Needless to say, I played the whole album start to finish, just blown away by the originality, the creativity, the production values, the guitar tones... Amazing! One of the most remarkable musical experiences I've had in a long time, from an album recorded over 30 years ago. Absolutely mesmerizing, from beginning to end.
Also, there was the mystery surrounding Badfinger's "Day After Day", and was that really Paul McCartney just 'pretending' to be a group called Badfinger? I know, it's crazy now, but remember, these were the days of "Are the Beatles breaking up?" and "Is Paul really dead?" {Where was Oliver Stone back then, when we needed him?
} Following up on Peter's album refernces: not long ago, I got a copy of "Revolver" on CD for the first time (and hadn't played the album in quite a while). My wife had gone to sleep, so I put on my good headphones and figured I'd just listen to "Taxman" before going to sleep myself. Needless to say, I played the whole album start to finish, just blown away by the originality, the creativity, the production values, the guitar tones... Amazing! One of the most remarkable musical experiences I've had in a long time, from an album recorded over 30 years ago. Absolutely mesmerizing, from beginning to end.
Gene Bogart wrote in part...John, "I honestly know nothing for real about this, so I'm just spouting off about an old rumour... but anyway, way back when, the rumour was that it was really Pete Townshend in cognito, singing "Something In The Air". Probably not true, but it sure did/does sound like him..."
I was in England at the time and in the band that appeared As Thunderclap Newman on tv was a youngster On lead guitar ( Jimmy xxxxx who alledgedly went onto play with Wings ) the front singer/guitarist whose name Idont know and and Old guy playingthe Piano. I cant recall anyone else. Definitely NOT Pete Townsend in the line up but who knows about behind the scenes.
I dont recall a follow up record and I dont know if they toured.
Around that time there was a lot of media stuff about studio bands ( Blue Mink, Edison Light house etcetc) so maybe the rumour is correct but maybe then its just a rumour..
John
I was in England at the time and in the band that appeared As Thunderclap Newman on tv was a youngster On lead guitar ( Jimmy xxxxx who alledgedly went onto play with Wings ) the front singer/guitarist whose name Idont know and and Old guy playingthe Piano. I cant recall anyone else. Definitely NOT Pete Townsend in the line up but who knows about behind the scenes.
I dont recall a follow up record and I dont know if they toured.
Around that time there was a lot of media stuff about studio bands ( Blue Mink, Edison Light house etcetc) so maybe the rumour is correct but maybe then its just a rumour..
John
I am an unapologetic Beatle fan who will always love John, Paul, George, and Ringo! Being sixteen when the Fab Four appeared on the scene is a circumstance for which I am eternally grateful. Being just the right age (not old enough to be cynical but young enough to appreciate what was actually happening at the time) is an incalculable blessing.
Being a witness and participant in Beatlemania, to me, ranks right up there with those who experienced the tremendous changes brought on by the simultaneous advent of electricity, flight, and the automobile. How fortunate to have been part of such a rare time in the history of mankind! I am still deeply moved when I watch video of those rare and precious days of the mid to late sixties. (Yes, I cried when I heard Lennon was killed and I mourned George's passing, too!)
I am deeply grateful also to my parents who gave me a stable, Christian home that allowed me to discern between entertainers and role models. While I admired John as a songwriter and musician, at the same time I cringed in embarassment and bewilderment at his personal life regarding things like the "Jesus" statement (I never burned any of my albums), Yoko, etc. But, I will always revere his/their work that will forever be mimicked but never duplicated.
How can we ever thank them? I believe we can make an attempt at gratitude by doing just what we are doing on this board and sharing them and their music with the youngsters in our lives.
There are many evidences of the Beatles in my life. My daughter's middle name is Michelle. At my funeral "In My Life" will be played. My ten year old granddaughter knows all about "the boys" and is very familiar with their music via my Rickenbackers and cd player. I am also paying for her to take professional guitar lessons, a luxury I never could afford. By the way, she has finally written her first song!
These guys have left a mark on the world that will endure until all of us old timers disappear and, I believe, well beyond.
Thanks, Peter, for giving us such a powerful forum to spout off about Beatles, Rickenbackers, and all those magical and musical things that make life more than just bearable.
Being a witness and participant in Beatlemania, to me, ranks right up there with those who experienced the tremendous changes brought on by the simultaneous advent of electricity, flight, and the automobile. How fortunate to have been part of such a rare time in the history of mankind! I am still deeply moved when I watch video of those rare and precious days of the mid to late sixties. (Yes, I cried when I heard Lennon was killed and I mourned George's passing, too!)
I am deeply grateful also to my parents who gave me a stable, Christian home that allowed me to discern between entertainers and role models. While I admired John as a songwriter and musician, at the same time I cringed in embarassment and bewilderment at his personal life regarding things like the "Jesus" statement (I never burned any of my albums), Yoko, etc. But, I will always revere his/their work that will forever be mimicked but never duplicated.
How can we ever thank them? I believe we can make an attempt at gratitude by doing just what we are doing on this board and sharing them and their music with the youngsters in our lives.
There are many evidences of the Beatles in my life. My daughter's middle name is Michelle. At my funeral "In My Life" will be played. My ten year old granddaughter knows all about "the boys" and is very familiar with their music via my Rickenbackers and cd player. I am also paying for her to take professional guitar lessons, a luxury I never could afford. By the way, she has finally written her first song!
These guys have left a mark on the world that will endure until all of us old timers disappear and, I believe, well beyond.
Thanks, Peter, for giving us such a powerful forum to spout off about Beatles, Rickenbackers, and all those magical and musical things that make life more than just bearable.
Nothing compares to the sound of a Rick 12 with a JangleBox and a touch of chorus.
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360dave660
- Veteran RRF member
- Posts: 167
- Joined: Sun Mar 31, 2002 5:00 pm
jaybyrd's comments ring true here. As silly as it sounds, I am so happy to at least have been born in 1968 (unfortunately they did not record anything on July 6 (AHDN opened on 7/6/64).
I have a three and a half year old boy who already loves the Beatles, especially John. He's French/American, but speaks mainly French ... but thanks to the Anthology Videos, the beatles cassettes he listens to and my guitar playing he sings beatles' songs all the time, playing a green plastic ukelele along with his fisher price tape recorder - he's a redhead to boot ! He even asked me to write Gretch on his guitar ... The Beatles are a source of great enjoyment for my son and I.
The Beatles' timelessness is really a spectacular and truly uncommon phenomenon. My French wife asked me if "I ever get sick of listening to them" ... really, I don't. I don't you guys/gals do either.
Here's to John, Here's to George, Here's Paul, Here's to Ringo, Here's to the Beatles, Here's to Rics and here's to all of us who through these things and icons find a common ground of interest !
David Lopes in Paris
I have a three and a half year old boy who already loves the Beatles, especially John. He's French/American, but speaks mainly French ... but thanks to the Anthology Videos, the beatles cassettes he listens to and my guitar playing he sings beatles' songs all the time, playing a green plastic ukelele along with his fisher price tape recorder - he's a redhead to boot ! He even asked me to write Gretch on his guitar ... The Beatles are a source of great enjoyment for my son and I.
The Beatles' timelessness is really a spectacular and truly uncommon phenomenon. My French wife asked me if "I ever get sick of listening to them" ... really, I don't. I don't you guys/gals do either.
Here's to John, Here's to George, Here's Paul, Here's to Ringo, Here's to the Beatles, Here's to Rics and here's to all of us who through these things and icons find a common ground of interest !
David Lopes in Paris
David Lopes wrote in part ".. The Beatles are a source of great enjoyment for my son and I.
The Beatles' timelessness is really a spectacular and truly uncommon phenomenon."
My daughter(14 ) thought she had discovered the Beatles with her school friends when the 1 cd came out .
We recently had a big family bbq with some guitar playing friends and we played a fair number of Beatle hits much to the delight of her friends and her (initial) embarrassment.
I dont let ANYONE touch my Vinyl records so she had no idea I had the full set of Albums or that I played many Beatle songs..( I am a closet player at home).
Btw 3 12strings make an impressive sound in the back yard
The Beatles' timelessness is really a spectacular and truly uncommon phenomenon."
My daughter(14 ) thought she had discovered the Beatles with her school friends when the 1 cd came out .
We recently had a big family bbq with some guitar playing friends and we played a fair number of Beatle hits much to the delight of her friends and her (initial) embarrassment.
I dont let ANYONE touch my Vinyl records so she had no idea I had the full set of Albums or that I played many Beatle songs..( I am a closet player at home).
Btw 3 12strings make an impressive sound in the back yard
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sirius
Jaybyrd wrote: "While I admired John as a songwriter and musician, at the same time I cringed in embarassment and bewilderment at his personal life regarding things like the "Jesus" statement (I never burned any of my albums), Yoko, etc."
I just can't get by this without asking why you felt bewildered and embarrassed by John's statement about Jesus. He simply stated fact; a claim a number of musicians and entertainers could have made back then, and some could still make today. But moreover, I'm curious about the "Yoko, etc." part of your statement, so maybe you wouldn't mind expounding.
I just can't get by this without asking why you felt bewildered and embarrassed by John's statement about Jesus. He simply stated fact; a claim a number of musicians and entertainers could have made back then, and some could still make today. But moreover, I'm curious about the "Yoko, etc." part of your statement, so maybe you wouldn't mind expounding.
Matt,
I, simply, was just a wide-eyed teenager back then, who adopted Lennon as a hero and role model. That was poor judgment on my part. He never asked me to do that! He just wanted me to buy his records...which I faithfully did and still have them, plus the cd's.
But, I disagree with your "fact" statement. Just because more people turn out for a rare music concert than a weekly church service, doesn't mean the band is more popular or important than God! (My parents allowed me to stay home from church that Sunday night to watch the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan television show!) Let's test his claim of "fact": When faced with death or some other traumatic situation, how many people do you think would start praying to John for help rather than God?
For Lennon to make that claim was totally ridiculous and irresponsible, and totally unnecessary. I was bewildered because I expected more from him, but, he was reeling in his meteoric rise to stardom. From that point on, though, I had no further misconceptions about John and I recognized him for what he was: a brilliant songwriter, entertainer and musician, but not a role model for my personal life.
Now, I know you are pulling my leg concerning his shenanigans with Yoko, so let me end up by saying that John Lennon was and always will be my very favorite Beatle. To this day I had rather hear him sing than anyone! And, I believe that he set the standard for songwriters and musicians for generations to come.
I, simply, was just a wide-eyed teenager back then, who adopted Lennon as a hero and role model. That was poor judgment on my part. He never asked me to do that! He just wanted me to buy his records...which I faithfully did and still have them, plus the cd's.
But, I disagree with your "fact" statement. Just because more people turn out for a rare music concert than a weekly church service, doesn't mean the band is more popular or important than God! (My parents allowed me to stay home from church that Sunday night to watch the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan television show!) Let's test his claim of "fact": When faced with death or some other traumatic situation, how many people do you think would start praying to John for help rather than God?
For Lennon to make that claim was totally ridiculous and irresponsible, and totally unnecessary. I was bewildered because I expected more from him, but, he was reeling in his meteoric rise to stardom. From that point on, though, I had no further misconceptions about John and I recognized him for what he was: a brilliant songwriter, entertainer and musician, but not a role model for my personal life.
Now, I know you are pulling my leg concerning his shenanigans with Yoko, so let me end up by saying that John Lennon was and always will be my very favorite Beatle. To this day I had rather hear him sing than anyone! And, I believe that he set the standard for songwriters and musicians for generations to come.
Nothing compares to the sound of a Rick 12 with a JangleBox and a touch of chorus.
I get really steamed about this episode.
The comment about Jesus was blown out of all proportion by the media.. was hyped up well after the actual event.
There is nothing in the bible or new testament to my limited knowledge that precludes making a mistake and christian doctrine even says something about forgiving trespasses so it came as a suprise to me that "christians" became so unchristian. They did christianity more harm than good.
At the end of the day , the stations and media that blew it up did so to get ratings. Who was worse? JL or the people that traded on their( The Beatles) reputation by distorting the facts.
Let the music speak
The comment about Jesus was blown out of all proportion by the media.. was hyped up well after the actual event.
There is nothing in the bible or new testament to my limited knowledge that precludes making a mistake and christian doctrine even says something about forgiving trespasses so it came as a suprise to me that "christians" became so unchristian. They did christianity more harm than good.
At the end of the day , the stations and media that blew it up did so to get ratings. Who was worse? JL or the people that traded on their( The Beatles) reputation by distorting the facts.
Let the music speak
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sirius
Jaybyrd:
I think you've taken his statement entirely too far. If the Beatles had performed in your hometown every Sunday for a full year do you think the churches would be packed with kids or the concert halls? His comment was simply a generalization about their popularity with a slice of the public at a given time, not that they were greater or more important than God. As John Westwood mentioned, it was completely blown out of proprotion by the media. Sure, it wasn't proper to make such a comment, but I was being raised in a Christian family as well, and his words at the time didn't bother me. Additionally, I'm not sure where your idea about praying to John came from.
If you were able to get past that faux pas what could have possibly embarrassed you about his life with Yoko? What shenanigans, in particular, bothered you? Two Virgins? The bed-ins? Bagism? The methodologies he used to bring attention to his ideas were certainly creative. Shocking? I guess it depended on who you were. Unprecedented? Absolutely. But in that moment he had a vision for peace, and he used the power of his celebrity to bring attention to it.
Finally, it feels a bit awkward defending John's actions, not that they need defending at all now. But it amazes me that some of us still mention that impulsive statement he made nearly forty years ago in the same breath as the acknowledgement of his musical talent and influence. And concerning his talent and influence--we're probably on the same page, but I suppose we'll simply have to agree to disagree on the other stuff.
I think you've taken his statement entirely too far. If the Beatles had performed in your hometown every Sunday for a full year do you think the churches would be packed with kids or the concert halls? His comment was simply a generalization about their popularity with a slice of the public at a given time, not that they were greater or more important than God. As John Westwood mentioned, it was completely blown out of proprotion by the media. Sure, it wasn't proper to make such a comment, but I was being raised in a Christian family as well, and his words at the time didn't bother me. Additionally, I'm not sure where your idea about praying to John came from.
If you were able to get past that faux pas what could have possibly embarrassed you about his life with Yoko? What shenanigans, in particular, bothered you? Two Virgins? The bed-ins? Bagism? The methodologies he used to bring attention to his ideas were certainly creative. Shocking? I guess it depended on who you were. Unprecedented? Absolutely. But in that moment he had a vision for peace, and he used the power of his celebrity to bring attention to it.
Finally, it feels a bit awkward defending John's actions, not that they need defending at all now. But it amazes me that some of us still mention that impulsive statement he made nearly forty years ago in the same breath as the acknowledgement of his musical talent and influence. And concerning his talent and influence--we're probably on the same page, but I suppose we'll simply have to agree to disagree on the other stuff.
While Lennon publicly apologized for comments he made, I am remembered of Lennon's statements relating to God from his music. It is not always easy to figure out in what Lennon did believe.
God
(John Lennon)
God is a concept
By which we measure
Our pain
I'll say it again
God is a concept
By which we measure
Our pain
I don't believe in magic
I don't believe in I-ching
I don't believe in Bible
I don't believe in tarot
I don't believe in Hitler
I don't believe in Jesus
I don't believe in Kennedy
I don't believe in Buddha
I don't believe in Mantra
I don't believe in Gita
I don't believe in Yoga
I don't believe in kings
I don't believe in Elvis
I don't believe in Zimmerman
I don't believe in Beatles
I just believe in me
Yoko and me
And that's reality
The dream is over
What can I say?
The dream is over
Yesterday
I was the Dreamweaver
But now I'm reborn
I was the Walrus
But now I'm John
And so dear friends
You'll just have to carry on
The dream is over
God
(John Lennon)
God is a concept
By which we measure
Our pain
I'll say it again
God is a concept
By which we measure
Our pain
I don't believe in magic
I don't believe in I-ching
I don't believe in Bible
I don't believe in tarot
I don't believe in Hitler
I don't believe in Jesus
I don't believe in Kennedy
I don't believe in Buddha
I don't believe in Mantra
I don't believe in Gita
I don't believe in Yoga
I don't believe in kings
I don't believe in Elvis
I don't believe in Zimmerman
I don't believe in Beatles
I just believe in me
Yoko and me
And that's reality
The dream is over
What can I say?
The dream is over
Yesterday
I was the Dreamweaver
But now I'm reborn
I was the Walrus
But now I'm John
And so dear friends
You'll just have to carry on
The dream is over
Life, as with music, often requires one to let go of the melody and listen to the rhythm
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Matt,
I hope I haven't offended you! I seem to have unwittingly struck a nerve. I simply stated that I "cringed" (40 years ago - not now). I, too, thought it was blown completely out of proportion by the press. Nobody - with a capital N - values, cherishes or loves Lennon's work and life more than I.
Among the many things that John's life taught me as a small town 16 year old boy, he helped me realize that people don't have to agree with me on everything in life for me to appreciate them. He showed me that I could disagree with his spiritual views and still revere him as a musician and singer and person. I actually dreamed once back then, that I was sitting with John in his hotel room getting some guitar instruction from him! I mentioned that my daughter's middle name is in honor of Paul's song Michelle, but if we had had a son his name was to be Lennon!
Perhaps my choice of words was wrong trying to describe my feelings way back then, but what I really meant to convey was how strong his influence has been in my life even when he ran afoul of so much I had been taught was disrespectful, etc. And after all is said and done, that very "disrespectful" spirit is exactly what made him unique and special to us all.
I hope I haven't offended you! I seem to have unwittingly struck a nerve. I simply stated that I "cringed" (40 years ago - not now). I, too, thought it was blown completely out of proportion by the press. Nobody - with a capital N - values, cherishes or loves Lennon's work and life more than I.
Among the many things that John's life taught me as a small town 16 year old boy, he helped me realize that people don't have to agree with me on everything in life for me to appreciate them. He showed me that I could disagree with his spiritual views and still revere him as a musician and singer and person. I actually dreamed once back then, that I was sitting with John in his hotel room getting some guitar instruction from him! I mentioned that my daughter's middle name is in honor of Paul's song Michelle, but if we had had a son his name was to be Lennon!
Perhaps my choice of words was wrong trying to describe my feelings way back then, but what I really meant to convey was how strong his influence has been in my life even when he ran afoul of so much I had been taught was disrespectful, etc. And after all is said and done, that very "disrespectful" spirit is exactly what made him unique and special to us all.
Nothing compares to the sound of a Rick 12 with a JangleBox and a touch of chorus.
Matt and Jaybyrd: Can there be any doubt that John Lennon tested the limits of the day and pushed all the right buttons to get the attention of the world? Here we are discussing the merits of his music and behaviour some forty years later. To my way of thinking, his legacy is his music which I consider will be remembered long after his social activism has faded. Strawberry Fields Forever.
Life, as with music, often requires one to let go of the melody and listen to the rhythm
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larrywassgren
- Veteran RRF member
- Posts: 401
- Joined: Wed Aug 16, 2000 8:34 pm
Yes, John Lennon did apologize for the comments he made about The Beatles being more popular than Jesus Christ. I'm sure he regretted having to do this, you can see it in his apology. He was talking to a reporter(Maureen Cleave) and was disgusted by the fact that The Beatles were more popular to youth than religion. He was talking to her as a friend but she chose to report this. There was no big hoopla in England about this, they seem to be able to discuss things more freely over there. The US press got a hold of this and edited out the rest of the conversation, so it looked like Lennon was bragging that The Beatles were more popular than Jesus when in truth he was finding it crazy that they should be looked up to with such reverence. It must have been madness for them, going from your underwear(reading the paper) on the Reeperbahn to being nearly torn apart by crazy fans in a short period of time(2 years). That is the thing I love about John Lennon and The Beatles, their honesty. As George Martin said, they were very charming people. He noticed that before they developed as great songwriters and musicians. They will be remembered as much for their social impact as the music they created. Both were brilliant as far as I'm concerned.