2012 in Beatles News and Releases: An Overview - Page 2

Books
Respected Beatles historian Mark Lewisohn, who has written definitive reference works on the group (The Complete Beatles Chronicles, The Beatles Recording Sessions) may finally release Volume One of his planned three-volume history of the Beatles. According to the Little Brown website, The Beatles - The Complete Story: Volume One may be released this year. Hunter Davies, who published the first official Beatles biography in 1968, will compile a tome containing previously unseen Lennon letters. In a recent interview, Hunter stated the book, which has Yoko Ono's full participation, is due in October 2012. Revolver: How the Beatles Reimagined Rock and Roll finds Fab Four FAQ author Robert Rodriguez conducting an in-depth study of the group's landmark album. Finally, Blogcritics writer Joe Rodgers has also penned an examination of the Beatles' debut, Please Please Me: The Definitive Guide to Their First Album (Kindle and iPad formats only).

Events
Fifty years ago, The Beatles honed their craft at the Star Club, a Hamburg nightclub that also featured such imported acts as Chuck Berry, Jimi Hendrix, Jerry Lee Lewis, Bill Haley, Little Richard, Ray Charles, the Everly Brothers, Fats Domino, and Brenda Lee. Closed since 1969, the Star Club, along with its music promoter and co-manager Horst Fascher, will be feted on April 13, 2012 with an all-star concert. Held in Hamburg, the event thus far stars John Lennon's first band, the Quarrymen; the Pete Best Band, featuring the infamous original Beatles drummer Best; and the Star Club All-Star Band, which includes ex-members of the Big Three, the Dominoes, and the Undertakers (most famous among Beatles fans for ex-band member Jackie Lomax). For more information and tickets, visit the 50^th Anniversary event website.

Not surprisingly, England hosts a variety of Beatles-themed events throughout the year. The International Beatle Week Festival, which takes place in Liverpool from August 22-28, encompasses various concerts from tribute bands as well as guest speakers and authors.

Of course no year is complete without fan conventions; the Fest for Beatles Fans will host their 38^th Annual New York Metro Fest from March 23-25, 2012, and will throw their 36^th Annual Chicago Fest from August 10-12, 2012. Featuring guest speakers, family-friendly activities, and the battle of the sound-alike bands, the Fest has been guaranteeing a splendid time for almost four decades. Abbey Road on the River, a growing fan event, will hold their conventions May 24-28, 2012 in Louisville, KY, and August 30-September 3, 2012 in Washington, D.C. Focusing more on concerts, the festival promises nonstop music from tribute bands and special guests.

Article Author: Kit O'Toole

Kit O'Toole is a lifelong music enthusiast who maintains a music blog, Listen to the Band. In addition, she is the internet columnist and a contributing editor for Beatlefan magazine. She also holds an Ed.D. in Instructional Technology.

Visit Kit O'Toole's author page — Kit O'Toole's Blog