No classic rock band is completely original. The Beach Boys’ sound was inspired by the vocal harmonies of another band. The Beach Boys’ Mike Love also revealed that the riff from “Fun, Fun, Fun” was inspired by one of the quintessential 1950s artists.
Mike Love said The Beach Boys were inspired by a college-themed band
During a 2020 interview with American Songwriter, Love discussed The Beach Boys’ famous harmonies. “I never took any voice lessons, per se,” he revealed. “But we always got together and sang harmonies. I would gravitate to the bass part and Carl [Wilson] would be above me and then Brian [Wilson] would be on the top.”
A certain barbershop group inspired the band. “We emulated The Four Freshmen,” Love said. “In fact, we learned a few of their arrangements. The Four Freshmen are just amazing artists and singers.” The Four Freshmen are mostly remembered for the college-themed hit “Graduation Day.
Mike Love said The Beach Boys were inspired by a college-themed band
During a 2020 interview with American Songwriter, Love discussed The Beach Boys’ famous harmonies. “I never took any voice lessons, per se,” he revealed. “But we always got together and sang harmonies. I would gravitate to the bass part and Carl [Wilson] would be above me and then Brian [Wilson] would be on the top.”
A certain barbershop group inspired the band. “We emulated The Four Freshmen,” Love said. “In fact, we learned a few of their arrangements. The Four Freshmen are just amazing artists and singers.” The Four Freshmen are mostly remembered for the college-themed hit “Graduation Day.
- 5/2/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Beatles‘ The White Album is their most eclectic record. In spite of its mix of styles, one rock star said he influenced 75% of the album — and he has a quote from George Harrison to back that up. Notably, the star recalled helping John Lennon write an emotional ballad for the album.
The Beatles’ ‘White Album’ was inspired by the guitar playing style of another rock star
Donovan is a singer known for folk tunes like “Catch the Wind,” “There Is a Mountain,” and “Colours,” as well as psychedelic tracks like “Sunshine Superman,” “Hurdy Gurdy Man,” and “Mellow Yellow.” He was there during The Beatles’ storied trip to India to learn about meditation from the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. During a 2013 interview with Performing Songwriter, he discussed how he influenced The Beatles at that time.
“John looked at me playing guitar one day and said, [imitating Lennon] ‘How do you do that?...
The Beatles’ ‘White Album’ was inspired by the guitar playing style of another rock star
Donovan is a singer known for folk tunes like “Catch the Wind,” “There Is a Mountain,” and “Colours,” as well as psychedelic tracks like “Sunshine Superman,” “Hurdy Gurdy Man,” and “Mellow Yellow.” He was there during The Beatles’ storied trip to India to learn about meditation from the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. During a 2013 interview with Performing Songwriter, he discussed how he influenced The Beatles at that time.
“John looked at me playing guitar one day and said, [imitating Lennon] ‘How do you do that?...
- 4/7/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In India, The Beatles were not regular tourists. They stayed at an ashram (monastery) in the holy city of Rishikesh to learn about spirituality from the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the founder of Transcendental Meditation. One of The Beatles’ companions said the Fab Four had issues with the press. The Indian Army intervened, but even they couldn’t get rid of all of the reporters.
A guru got a local army in India to help The Beatles
Several other celebrities were present during The Beatles’ trip. They included actor Mia Farrow, Mike Love of The Beach Boys, and folk singer Donovan. Donovan had a string of hits between 1965 and 1969. They included “Hurdy Gurdy Man,” “Sunshine Superman,” “Catch the Wind,” “Mellow Yellow,” and “There Is a Mountain.”
During a 2016 interview with Vulture, Donovan shared some anecdotes from Rishikesh. “No press managed to break into the ashram when we were all there,” he said.
A guru got a local army in India to help The Beatles
Several other celebrities were present during The Beatles’ trip. They included actor Mia Farrow, Mike Love of The Beach Boys, and folk singer Donovan. Donovan had a string of hits between 1965 and 1969. They included “Hurdy Gurdy Man,” “Sunshine Superman,” “Catch the Wind,” “Mellow Yellow,” and “There Is a Mountain.”
During a 2016 interview with Vulture, Donovan shared some anecdotes from Rishikesh. “No press managed to break into the ashram when we were all there,” he said.
- 4/7/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Beatles wrote many songs about themselves but they rarely wrote about other rock stars. One of the songs from The Beatles’ The White Album is reportedly a lighthearted spoof of one of the rockers the band knew personally. Despite this, Paul McCartney said the song had a very different meaning.
A song from The Beatles’ ‘White Album’ may be about a star who worships Mother Nature
Donovan is a folk-rock singer who explored hippie mysticism through songs like “Atlantis,” “Season of the Witch,” and “There Is a Mountain.” He famously accompanied The Beatles on their trip to Rishikesh, India, to study meditation under the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. According to a Variety article, The Beatles were gently poking fun at Donovan with “Mother Nature’s Son,” one of the folk tunes from The White Album.
Modern cultures mainly use Mother Nature as a symbol for the earth. However, the ancient...
A song from The Beatles’ ‘White Album’ may be about a star who worships Mother Nature
Donovan is a folk-rock singer who explored hippie mysticism through songs like “Atlantis,” “Season of the Witch,” and “There Is a Mountain.” He famously accompanied The Beatles on their trip to Rishikesh, India, to study meditation under the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. According to a Variety article, The Beatles were gently poking fun at Donovan with “Mother Nature’s Son,” one of the folk tunes from The White Album.
Modern cultures mainly use Mother Nature as a symbol for the earth. However, the ancient...
- 4/4/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
A song from The Beatles‘ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band is so old-fashioned it could have come out during the Victorian era. One of The Beatles’ rock ‘n’ roll peers said that he couldn’t have written the song because he had no sense of time. Regardless, that singer’s tunes have lasted over the course of generations.
Donovan on why Paul McCartney wrote a song from The Beatles’ ‘Sgt. Pepper’
One of The Beatles’ fellow British Invasion stars was Donovan. He contributed to psychedelia as much as they did with hits such as “Sunshine Superman,” “Atlantis, and “Hurdy Gurdy Man.” Donovan also accompanied the Fab Four on their fateful trip to India to meet the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and learn about Transcendental Meditation.
During a 2013 interview with BusinessLive, Donovan discussed his own sense of time. “One couldn’t remember last Tuesday or think about next Tuesday,” he said,...
Donovan on why Paul McCartney wrote a song from The Beatles’ ‘Sgt. Pepper’
One of The Beatles’ fellow British Invasion stars was Donovan. He contributed to psychedelia as much as they did with hits such as “Sunshine Superman,” “Atlantis, and “Hurdy Gurdy Man.” Donovan also accompanied the Fab Four on their fateful trip to India to meet the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and learn about Transcendental Meditation.
During a 2013 interview with BusinessLive, Donovan discussed his own sense of time. “One couldn’t remember last Tuesday or think about next Tuesday,” he said,...
- 4/4/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
When The Beatles traveled to India in 1968, Ringo Starr made sure to pack a lot of food. Starr has a multitude of food allergies that limit his diet. He worried about having his food choices out of his control while training with the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. As a result, he packed an entire suitcase full of beans.
Ringo Starr brought a full suitcase full of this food when The Beatles went to India
The Beatles attended a seminar on transcendental meditation in 1967. They decided to further their education in 1968 with a trip to visit the Maharishi in India. George Harrison had the greatest interest in meditation, but his bandmates all joined him. Harrison took note of Starr’s packing choices.
“John came, and Paul came after him, and then Richard [Ringo] followed with fifteen Sherpas carrying Heinz baked beans,” Harrison said in The Beatles Anthology. “There was also the world...
Ringo Starr brought a full suitcase full of this food when The Beatles went to India
The Beatles attended a seminar on transcendental meditation in 1967. They decided to further their education in 1968 with a trip to visit the Maharishi in India. George Harrison had the greatest interest in meditation, but his bandmates all joined him. Harrison took note of Starr’s packing choices.
“John came, and Paul came after him, and then Richard [Ringo] followed with fifteen Sherpas carrying Heinz baked beans,” Harrison said in The Beatles Anthology. “There was also the world...
- 3/15/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Paul McCartney wrote a large portion of The Beatles’ songs based on a variety of his personal experiences. “Let It Be” came to him after having a dream about his mother and he wrote “She Came In Through the Bathroom Window” after a fan did just that. Beatles associate Alistair Taylor believed McCartney wrote a different Beatles song after a seemingly paranormal experience.
Paul McCartney wrote a Beatles song after a strange experience
In 1967, McCartney and Taylor were walking McCartney’s dog Martha in the morning. As they turned to look for Martha, they realized a man was behind them.
“We turned round to go and suddenly there he was standing behind us,” Taylor said, per the book A Hard Day’s Write: The Stories Behind Every Beatles Song by Steve Turner. “He was a middle-aged man, very respectably dressed in a belted raincoat. Nothing in that, you may think,...
Paul McCartney wrote a Beatles song after a strange experience
In 1967, McCartney and Taylor were walking McCartney’s dog Martha in the morning. As they turned to look for Martha, they realized a man was behind them.
“We turned round to go and suddenly there he was standing behind us,” Taylor said, per the book A Hard Day’s Write: The Stories Behind Every Beatles Song by Steve Turner. “He was a middle-aged man, very respectably dressed in a belted raincoat. Nothing in that, you may think,...
- 2/28/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Beatles famously visited India with The Beach Boys’ Mike Love, Donovan, and Mia Farrow. In retrospect, Love had a lot to say about the trip through his words and through his music. Here’s a look at why these rock stars decided to go to the other side of the world.
The Beach Boys’ Mike Love said the trip to India helped The Beatles grow
During a 2023 interview with Forbes, Love said he wrote his song “Pisces Brothers” as a tribute to visiting the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in India with John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and George Harrison, though the song is primarily written in honor of the quiet Beatle. In the song, Love sings, “We were drawn to Rishikesh not for fortune or for fame but for enlightenment we came.”
In a 2014 article he wrote for HuffPost, Love put the trip in the context of two careers.
The Beach Boys’ Mike Love said the trip to India helped The Beatles grow
During a 2023 interview with Forbes, Love said he wrote his song “Pisces Brothers” as a tribute to visiting the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in India with John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and George Harrison, though the song is primarily written in honor of the quiet Beatle. In the song, Love sings, “We were drawn to Rishikesh not for fortune or for fame but for enlightenment we came.”
In a 2014 article he wrote for HuffPost, Love put the trip in the context of two careers.
- 2/7/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Justin Timberlake‘s “Selfish” is a lot funkier than John Lennon’s songs. However, Timberlake said “Selfish” was influenced by a cover of one of John’s solo songs. The “Imagine” singer explained why the tune in question was so honest and revealing.
‘Selfish’ singer Justin Timberlake implied Generation Z doesn’t know John Lennon songs
During a 2024 interview with Apple Music, Timberlake discussed listening to a John cover. “A friend of mine, who’s also my music director, who’s probably a friend of the whole family over there, Adam Blackstone, he was doing these small jazz nights at a place in LA,” Timberlake recalled. “And he invited me to come down and he said, ‘Hey, man.’ He was like, ‘You want to come up and sing something?’
“And I randomly threw out, ‘Oh, yeah, let’s do Donny Hathaway’s cover of ‘Jealous Guy’ by Lennon,'” he said.
‘Selfish’ singer Justin Timberlake implied Generation Z doesn’t know John Lennon songs
During a 2024 interview with Apple Music, Timberlake discussed listening to a John cover. “A friend of mine, who’s also my music director, who’s probably a friend of the whole family over there, Adam Blackstone, he was doing these small jazz nights at a place in LA,” Timberlake recalled. “And he invited me to come down and he said, ‘Hey, man.’ He was like, ‘You want to come up and sing something?’
“And I randomly threw out, ‘Oh, yeah, let’s do Donny Hathaway’s cover of ‘Jealous Guy’ by Lennon,'” he said.
- 1/30/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Beatles‘ “Strawberry Fields Forever” is John Lennon’s masterpiece. The Beatle had a hard time remembering the sequence of events that led him to write it. Fascinatingly, Paul McCartney said the tune came out of his rivalry with John — and that it had a special connection to “Penny Lane.”
John Lennon wrote The Beatles’ ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’ while working on a film in Spain
The book All We Are Saying: The Last Major Interview with John Lennon and Yoko Ono features an interview from 1980. In it, John said he wrote The Beatles’ “Strawberry Fields Forever” while he was filming the comedy film How I Won the War. The film was directed by Richard Lester, who also helmed A Hard Day’s Night and Help!, as well as Superman II and Superman III starring Christopher Reeve. Despite John and Lester’s involvement, How I Won the War is not one of The Beatles’ films.
John Lennon wrote The Beatles’ ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’ while working on a film in Spain
The book All We Are Saying: The Last Major Interview with John Lennon and Yoko Ono features an interview from 1980. In it, John said he wrote The Beatles’ “Strawberry Fields Forever” while he was filming the comedy film How I Won the War. The film was directed by Richard Lester, who also helmed A Hard Day’s Night and Help!, as well as Superman II and Superman III starring Christopher Reeve. Despite John and Lester’s involvement, How I Won the War is not one of The Beatles’ films.
- 1/27/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Beatles‘ “Strawberry Fields Forever” is John Lennon’s masterpiece. The Beatle had a hard time remembering the sequence of events that led him to write it. Fascinatingly, Paul McCartney said the tune came out of his rivalry with John — and that it had a special connection to “Penny Lane.”
John Lennon wrote The Beatles’ ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’ while working on a film in Spain
The book All We Are Saying: The Last Major Interview with John Lennon and Yoko Ono features an interview from 1980. In it, John said he wrote The Beatles’ “Strawberry Fields Forever” while he was filming the comedy film How I Won the War. The film was directed by Richard Lester, who also helmed A Hard Day’s Night and Help!, as well as Superman II and Superman III starring Christopher Reeve. Despite John and Lester’s involvement, How I Won the War is not one of The Beatles’ films.
John Lennon wrote The Beatles’ ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’ while working on a film in Spain
The book All We Are Saying: The Last Major Interview with John Lennon and Yoko Ono features an interview from 1980. In it, John said he wrote The Beatles’ “Strawberry Fields Forever” while he was filming the comedy film How I Won the War. The film was directed by Richard Lester, who also helmed A Hard Day’s Night and Help!, as well as Superman II and Superman III starring Christopher Reeve. Despite John and Lester’s involvement, How I Won the War is not one of The Beatles’ films.
- 1/27/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Inspiration for The Beatles‘ songs came from every avenue imaginable. John Lennon’s son, Sean Ono Lennon, said his mother, Yoko Ono, and his grandmother, Julia Lennon, inspired one of The Beatles’ songs. Sean discussed how the song highlighted an aspect of John’s writing style. Another 1960s rock star said he might have penned a line from the tune in question.
John Lennon’s son said a Beatles song references Yoko Ono’s name
During a 2020 interview with Rolling Stone, Sean discussed his father’s songwriting style. “I do think that my dad sincerely wrote songs about many things at once,” he said. “I think that’s incontrovertible. Like the song ‘Julia’ is about my grandmother. But then he says ‘Ocean Child,’ which is what my mother’s Japanese characters are individually — Yoko is written as ‘ocean child.’ So that was definitely about my mom there. But it was about my grandmother.
John Lennon’s son said a Beatles song references Yoko Ono’s name
During a 2020 interview with Rolling Stone, Sean discussed his father’s songwriting style. “I do think that my dad sincerely wrote songs about many things at once,” he said. “I think that’s incontrovertible. Like the song ‘Julia’ is about my grandmother. But then he says ‘Ocean Child,’ which is what my mother’s Japanese characters are individually — Yoko is written as ‘ocean child.’ So that was definitely about my mom there. But it was about my grandmother.
- 10/11/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Sometimes, it’s shocking how little classic rock artists enjoy their best work. The Ronettes’ Ronnie Spector didn’t want to record a George Harrison song but she did anyway. She discussed how fans reacted to her recording. Whether she liked the song or not, her version became a bigger chart hit than George’s.
Ronnie Spector told George Harrison she didn’t like 1 of his songs to his face
Ronnie Spector was the lead singer in The Ronettes, a girl group most known for their classic pop single “Be My Baby.” During a 2016 interview with Entertainment Weekly, she discussed working with George. “I was friends with The Beatles, real friends — we’d sit on the floor at home and have finger sandwiches and play 45s,” she recalled. “When I came to the U.K. to join [the band’s] Apple Records, I didn’t recognize George Harrison. It was during the Maharishi [Mahesh Yogi] days,...
Ronnie Spector told George Harrison she didn’t like 1 of his songs to his face
Ronnie Spector was the lead singer in The Ronettes, a girl group most known for their classic pop single “Be My Baby.” During a 2016 interview with Entertainment Weekly, she discussed working with George. “I was friends with The Beatles, real friends — we’d sit on the floor at home and have finger sandwiches and play 45s,” she recalled. “When I came to the U.K. to join [the band’s] Apple Records, I didn’t recognize George Harrison. It was during the Maharishi [Mahesh Yogi] days,...
- 10/5/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In the late 1960s, George Martin, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison, among others, began voicing their concerns about someone working with The Beatles. “Magic” Alex Mardas was one of Apple Corps’ earliest employees and a friend of John Lennon. He promised them unique electronic decorations and improved recording equipment. The band enlisted him to build them a shiny new studio, a project Harrison later described as a complete disaster.
George Harrison said Magic Alex Mardas was a disaster in the studio for The Beatles
As an Apple employee, Mardas grew familiar with The Beatles’ recording equipment and told them it was terribly out of date. Per the book Paul McCartney: Many Years From Now by Barry Miles, Mardas began telling them he could design a seventy-two-track studio that would be more advanced than any existing studio.
John Lennon, Alex Mardas, Paul McCartney, and Les Anthony | Mirrorpix via Getty Images
This was nowhere near the truth.
George Harrison said Magic Alex Mardas was a disaster in the studio for The Beatles
As an Apple employee, Mardas grew familiar with The Beatles’ recording equipment and told them it was terribly out of date. Per the book Paul McCartney: Many Years From Now by Barry Miles, Mardas began telling them he could design a seventy-two-track studio that would be more advanced than any existing studio.
John Lennon, Alex Mardas, Paul McCartney, and Les Anthony | Mirrorpix via Getty Images
This was nowhere near the truth.
- 10/4/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Beatles knew how to derive inspiration from the most unlikely places. A guru gave a lecture that inspired John Lennon and Paul McCartney to write songs. Paul’s song appeared on The White Album while John’s became one of his most notable solo ballads.
John Lennon and Paul McCartney initially wrote songs with similar names
During a 1980 interview from the book All We Are Saying: The Last Major Interview with John Lennon and Yoko Ono, John discussed his feelings about the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, his former guru. “Listen, if somebody’s gonna impress me, whether it be a Maharishi or a Yoko Ono, there comes a point when the emperor has no clothes,” he said. “There comes a point where I will see. So for all you folks out there who think that I’m having the wool pulled over my eyes — well, that’s an insult to me.
John Lennon and Paul McCartney initially wrote songs with similar names
During a 1980 interview from the book All We Are Saying: The Last Major Interview with John Lennon and Yoko Ono, John discussed his feelings about the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, his former guru. “Listen, if somebody’s gonna impress me, whether it be a Maharishi or a Yoko Ono, there comes a point when the emperor has no clothes,” he said. “There comes a point where I will see. So for all you folks out there who think that I’m having the wool pulled over my eyes — well, that’s an insult to me.
- 10/1/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
John Lennon said The Beatles’ “Dear Prudence” was inspired by a woman who was trying to reach God by meditating for weeks on end in India. Subsequently, John said she was “slightly barmy” at the time. Notably, she was the sister of a famous actor.
John Lennon said the lady behind The Beatles’ ‘Dear Prudence’ was Mia Farrow’s sister
During a 1980 interview contained in the book All We Are Saying: The Last Major Interview with John Lennon and Yoko Ono, John was asked about the origin of “Dear Prudence.” “‘Dear Prudence’ is me,” he said. “Written in India.” Notably, The Beatles went to India with several other celebrities to learn meditation from a guru known as the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.
He revealed the tune was about Prudence Farrow, the sister of a well-known actor. “A song about Mia Farrow’s sister, who seemed to go slightly barmy, meditating too long,...
John Lennon said the lady behind The Beatles’ ‘Dear Prudence’ was Mia Farrow’s sister
During a 1980 interview contained in the book All We Are Saying: The Last Major Interview with John Lennon and Yoko Ono, John was asked about the origin of “Dear Prudence.” “‘Dear Prudence’ is me,” he said. “Written in India.” Notably, The Beatles went to India with several other celebrities to learn meditation from a guru known as the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.
He revealed the tune was about Prudence Farrow, the sister of a well-known actor. “A song about Mia Farrow’s sister, who seemed to go slightly barmy, meditating too long,...
- 6/22/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Tl;Dr:
The lyrics George Harrison wrote for Donovan’s “Hurdy Gurdy Man” are philosophical. Donovan was a big fan of them. Donovan’s “Hurd Gurdy Man” became a top 10 hit in the United States and the United Kingdom. George Harrison, Ringo Starr, and Paul McCartney | Express / Stringer
George Harrison wrote a verse for Donovan’s “Hurdy Gurdy Man.” Donovan revealed why George’s lyrics weren’t used in the final song. In addition, he said the tune might’ve been inspired by The Beatles’ spiritual guru.
George Harrison’s lyrics for Donovan’s ‘Hurdy Gurdy Man’ were cut for time
During a 2020 interview with American Songwriter, Donovan discussed George’s nixed contribution to “Hurdy Gurdy Man.” “There is a missing verse that George Harrison wrote: ‘When truth gets buried deep/Beneath a thousand years of sleep/Time demands a turn-around/And once again the truth is found.'”
“I didn’t record [this verse],” Donovan added.
The lyrics George Harrison wrote for Donovan’s “Hurdy Gurdy Man” are philosophical. Donovan was a big fan of them. Donovan’s “Hurd Gurdy Man” became a top 10 hit in the United States and the United Kingdom. George Harrison, Ringo Starr, and Paul McCartney | Express / Stringer
George Harrison wrote a verse for Donovan’s “Hurdy Gurdy Man.” Donovan revealed why George’s lyrics weren’t used in the final song. In addition, he said the tune might’ve been inspired by The Beatles’ spiritual guru.
George Harrison’s lyrics for Donovan’s ‘Hurdy Gurdy Man’ were cut for time
During a 2020 interview with American Songwriter, Donovan discussed George’s nixed contribution to “Hurdy Gurdy Man.” “There is a missing verse that George Harrison wrote: ‘When truth gets buried deep/Beneath a thousand years of sleep/Time demands a turn-around/And once again the truth is found.'”
“I didn’t record [this verse],” Donovan added.
- 6/11/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Beatles and The Rolling Stones were two of the biggest bands of the 1960s, but George Harrison thought Mick Jagger followed The Beatles’ lead on most things. While they were in two different groups and allegedly feuding, Jagger was, in Harrison’s words, always around. He said when The Beatles did anything, Jagger was there. He spoke about a time Jagger tagged along to a seminar on meditation.
George Harrison and Mick Jagger | Sonia Moskowitz/Images/Getty Images George Harrison said Mick Jagger was always around The Beatles
In 1967, The Beatles traveled to Wales by train to attend a seminar on transcendental meditation. Harrison, growing increasingly interested in cultivating his spiritual life, was the driving force behind the trip. He even brought along Ringo Starr, whose wife had recently had a baby.
“At that time Maureen was in hospital having Jason, and I was visiting. I came home and put on the answerphone,...
George Harrison and Mick Jagger | Sonia Moskowitz/Images/Getty Images George Harrison said Mick Jagger was always around The Beatles
In 1967, The Beatles traveled to Wales by train to attend a seminar on transcendental meditation. Harrison, growing increasingly interested in cultivating his spiritual life, was the driving force behind the trip. He even brought along Ringo Starr, whose wife had recently had a baby.
“At that time Maureen was in hospital having Jason, and I was visiting. I came home and put on the answerphone,...
- 5/21/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
John Lennon had a lot to say about electing a president. He compared it to picking out a dog at the pound. In addition, he saw presidents as father figures who were expected to perform miracles.
John Lennon | David Redfern / Staff John Lennon said people choose presidents based on their hair and teeth
The book All We Are Saying: The Last Major Interview with John Lennon and Yoko Ono features a 1980 interview. In it, John compared important people to fathers. For context, the interview happened shortly after the election of President Ronald Reagan. “So all these leaders, parking meters, are all substitute fathers, whether they be religious or political … All this bit about electing a president!” he said. “We pick our own daddy out of a dog pound of daddies. This is the daddy that looks like the daddy in the commercials.
“He’s got the nice gray hair and...
John Lennon | David Redfern / Staff John Lennon said people choose presidents based on their hair and teeth
The book All We Are Saying: The Last Major Interview with John Lennon and Yoko Ono features a 1980 interview. In it, John compared important people to fathers. For context, the interview happened shortly after the election of President Ronald Reagan. “So all these leaders, parking meters, are all substitute fathers, whether they be religious or political … All this bit about electing a president!” he said. “We pick our own daddy out of a dog pound of daddies. This is the daddy that looks like the daddy in the commercials.
“He’s got the nice gray hair and...
- 5/12/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Ringo Starr joined the rest of his Beatles bandmates in Rishikesh, India, in 1968. He was the first to leave, but the short stay was worth it. Ringo’s gift from the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi is one he still uses. The Beatles weren’t sentimental about presents — they gave gifts from fans to hospitals — but their drummer has a special place in his heart for the Maharishi’s contribution to his life.
(l-r) Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, Ringo Starr, and George Harrison | Cummings Archives/Redferns Ringo Starr got a gift from Maharishi that he still uses — a mantra ‘no one can take away’
Visiting Maharshi’s ashram in India came with benefits and drawbacks for Ringo. Transcendental meditation offered a pathway to nirvana and bliss, but staying in a jungle thousands of miles from home presented a challenge.
The drummer’s luggage for the trip included hundreds of cans of baked beans.
(l-r) Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, Ringo Starr, and George Harrison | Cummings Archives/Redferns Ringo Starr got a gift from Maharishi that he still uses — a mantra ‘no one can take away’
Visiting Maharshi’s ashram in India came with benefits and drawbacks for Ringo. Transcendental meditation offered a pathway to nirvana and bliss, but staying in a jungle thousands of miles from home presented a challenge.
The drummer’s luggage for the trip included hundreds of cans of baked beans.
- 4/30/2023
- by Jason Rossi
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Tl;Dr:
Paul McCartney sang The Beatles’ “Ob-la-Di, Ob-la-Da” at a celebration and the Maharishi heard it. Paul discussed the way the Maharishi and other people reacted to the song. “Ob-la-Di, Ob-la-Da” charted in the United States but it didn’t reach the top 40. The Beatles and the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi | Ullstein Bild / Contributor
Paul McCartney wrote The Beatles‘ “Ob-La Di, Ob-la-Da” while the Fab Four were studying meditation under the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Paul played “Ob-la-Di, Ob-la-Da” for the Maharishi during a celebration. Subsequently, he revealed what the spiritual leader thought of the tune.
A wire fence kept The Beatles and the Maharishi away from the press in India
The Beatles famously traveled to Rishikesh, India to study meditation under the Maharishi. The 1997 book Paul McCartney: Many Years From Now says George Harrison’s wife, Patti Boyd, had a birthday party during the retreat. The Maharishi lead the group...
Paul McCartney sang The Beatles’ “Ob-la-Di, Ob-la-Da” at a celebration and the Maharishi heard it. Paul discussed the way the Maharishi and other people reacted to the song. “Ob-la-Di, Ob-la-Da” charted in the United States but it didn’t reach the top 40. The Beatles and the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi | Ullstein Bild / Contributor
Paul McCartney wrote The Beatles‘ “Ob-La Di, Ob-la-Da” while the Fab Four were studying meditation under the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Paul played “Ob-la-Di, Ob-la-Da” for the Maharishi during a celebration. Subsequently, he revealed what the spiritual leader thought of the tune.
A wire fence kept The Beatles and the Maharishi away from the press in India
The Beatles famously traveled to Rishikesh, India to study meditation under the Maharishi. The 1997 book Paul McCartney: Many Years From Now says George Harrison’s wife, Patti Boyd, had a birthday party during the retreat. The Maharishi lead the group...
- 4/30/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The exact cause of The Beatles’ break up has long been debated, but The Rolling Stones’ Mick Jagger isn’t often connected with the band’s demise. He didn’t cause their breakup by any means, but he did recommend Allen Klein as a manager for the group. The band’s appointment of Klein sparked such animosity and resentment that their collapse became inevitable.
Paul McCartney and Mick Jagger | Victor Blackman/Express/Getty Images The band’s manager, Brian Epstein, died unexpectedly
The Beatles began working with Brian Epstein in 1962, and with his help, they became the biggest band in the world. In 1967, though, Epstein suddenly died of an accidental overdose. The Beatles were in India at the time and could hardly believe the news.
“[T]hey said ‘Brian’s dead.’ I was stunned,” John Lennon said, per the book Lennon Remembers by Jann S. Wenner. “We all were.”
#Otd 1967: Brian Epstein,...
Paul McCartney and Mick Jagger | Victor Blackman/Express/Getty Images The band’s manager, Brian Epstein, died unexpectedly
The Beatles began working with Brian Epstein in 1962, and with his help, they became the biggest band in the world. In 1967, though, Epstein suddenly died of an accidental overdose. The Beatles were in India at the time and could hardly believe the news.
“[T]hey said ‘Brian’s dead.’ I was stunned,” John Lennon said, per the book Lennon Remembers by Jann S. Wenner. “We all were.”
#Otd 1967: Brian Epstein,...
- 4/11/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
There were many important moments in The Beatles‘ history. Without one of them, the Fab Four’s course would’ve changed drastically. For this list, we kept out the moments when the band earned their hits and released their albums. Instead, we stuck to the moments that truly shaped and defined the group. Here are 10 of the most critical moments in Beatledom.
The Beatles | John Downing/Getty Images 10. John Lennon and Paul McCartney met in 1957
The official starting point of The Beatles happened on July 6, 1957. Ivan Vaughan introduced his friends Paul McCartney and John Lennon to each other at a village fete (garden party) at St. Peter’s, Woolton’s Parish Church in Liverpool. John’s band, The Quarry Men, performed at the event, and they impressed Paul. Once they met, Paul played for John and impressed him. A week later, John had another bandmate ask Paul to join the band.
The Beatles | John Downing/Getty Images 10. John Lennon and Paul McCartney met in 1957
The official starting point of The Beatles happened on July 6, 1957. Ivan Vaughan introduced his friends Paul McCartney and John Lennon to each other at a village fete (garden party) at St. Peter’s, Woolton’s Parish Church in Liverpool. John’s band, The Quarry Men, performed at the event, and they impressed Paul. Once they met, Paul played for John and impressed him. A week later, John had another bandmate ask Paul to join the band.
- 4/2/2023
- by Hannah Wigandt
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Beatles sometimes advocated antimaterialism. Despite this, some of the best Beatles songs are about money. In addition, one of the best Beatles songs is implicitly about how money is unnecessary.
Piles of money | Harold M. Lambert / Contributor 4. ‘Baby, You’re a Rich Man’
The Beatles gave us many silly songs and many serious songs, “Baby, You’re a Rich Man” is somewhere in the middle. On one level, it’s a ridiculous song about keeping money in a big brown bag inside a zoo. On another level, there was probably a little twinge of introspection in it since the Fab Four members each became very wealthy.
“Baby, You’re a Rich Man” was the B-side of “All You Need Is Love.” The former reached No. 34 on the Billboard Hot 100 while the latter topped the chart for one week. While “All You Need Is Love” has more pop appeal, “Baby,...
Piles of money | Harold M. Lambert / Contributor 4. ‘Baby, You’re a Rich Man’
The Beatles gave us many silly songs and many serious songs, “Baby, You’re a Rich Man” is somewhere in the middle. On one level, it’s a ridiculous song about keeping money in a big brown bag inside a zoo. On another level, there was probably a little twinge of introspection in it since the Fab Four members each became very wealthy.
“Baby, You’re a Rich Man” was the B-side of “All You Need Is Love.” The former reached No. 34 on the Billboard Hot 100 while the latter topped the chart for one week. While “All You Need Is Love” has more pop appeal, “Baby,...
- 3/27/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
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.