1988
"We always had a deal together that The Beatles were us four,
and that if any one of us wasn't in the bandy The Beatles wouldn't
exist. It can't really exist just with the three of us."
- George
January
In America, the home video compilation Casey Kasem's Rock'n'Roll Goldmine is released and features a clip of The Beatles from November 1963, interviewed while cramped in the back of their van, originally broadcast that year on the Granada ITV current affairs documentary series This Week. In Liverpool, Cavern City Tours, the Liverpool based Beatles tourist information centre, opens its doors for business by setting up an office in Mathew Street, just above the ground floor Beatles shop. This same month, reports from America suggest that Beatle City's recent stay in Dallas, Texas, has not been a success and their planned visit to Japan is now in jeopardy. Furthermore, the plan to rehouse the Beatle City exhibition at the new Albert Dock in Liverpool has fallen through, meaning that when it returns home it will be homeless.
Saturday January 2
Paul continues work, at his home studios in West Sussex, on the tracks first started on December 21, 1987.
Monday January 4
In the UK, Paul's 1986 album Press To Play is released on mid-price CD.
Sunday January 10
A feature on George is screened in tonight's edition of CBS Television's showbiz programme Entertainment This Week.
Monday January 11
In America, George appears on the 24-hour music station VH-1.
Wednesday January 13
The European TV station Sky Channel broadcasts a 55-minute exclusive interview, recorded at the MPL offices in Soho Square, London, entitled Paul McCartney Special.
Saturday January 16
In America, in what is being described as one of the greatest comebacks in rock history, George's 'Got My Mind Set On You' reaches the number one position in the Billboard singles chart. His Cloud Nine album will reach number nine in the US and number 10 in the UK charts.
Monday January 18
In America, the CD releases take place of Ringo's Blast From Your Past, and Paul's McCartney, Ram, Tug Of War and Wings Over America.
Still Stateside, the Westwood One radio network begins syndicating the highly anticipated series The Lost Lennon Tapes. The first show, hosted by Elliot Mintz, a close friend of the Lennons, is a special three-hour introductory programme. The series itself is originally scheduled to run for just one year, but due to the sheer amount of archive material available (over 300 hours), the series eventually runs to over four! Every week, the programmes feature an amazing variety of unreleased John Lennon recordings, all extracted from the personal archives of Yoko Ono. These include studio outtakes, live performances, alternative mixes, home demos, plus many interesting interviews and miscellaneous clips. Among the highlights from the first few shows are extracts from John's interviews with Rolling Stone magazine (December 1970) and Playboy (September 1980), John's demo recordings from Bermuda in June 1980, the December 1970 tracks 'Make Love Not War' (which later evolved into 'Mind Games' in 1973) and 'I'm The Greatest', various studio rehearsals, for instance 'Whatever Gets You Through The Night' in 1974, and outtakes such as an eight-minute take of 'How Do You Sleep?' from 1971. The Beatles' years are covered with items such as John's Weybridge home demos of 'She Said She Said', 'Strawberry Fields Forever' (both 1966), 'You Know My Name (Look Up The Number)' from 1967 and, from George's Esher home Beatles demos of 1968, 'Revolution'. Many of the shows in the series will focus on a particular part of John's career. For instance, show 12 is dedicated to The Beatles in Hamburg, and features interviews with Paul, George, Ringo, Pete Best, Tony Sheridan, Jurgen Volmer and Klaus Voorman.
To coincide with the launch of the series, the CBS programme Entertainment Tonight begins this evening the first of a two-part look at the series. (Part two is transmitted on Tuesday January 19.)
Wednesday January 20
In America, during a lavish ceremony at New York's Waldorf Astoria Hotel, Mick Jagger inducts The Beatles into the third annual Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. George and Ringo attend while Yoko, Sean and Julian are present to represent John. Paul decides not to attend and sends a prepared statement in which he cites "still-existing business differences among The Beatles" as the reason for his non-appearance, adding: "It would have been hypocritical to appear on stage with them, waving and smiling." Insiders in the industry are quick to list other reasons for Paul's non appearance, such as "He despises George Harrison and blames Yoko Ono for supporting the use of The Beatles' track 'Revolution' in the recent Nike commercial."
For his acceptance speech, George remarks: "I don't have much to say 'cause I'm the quiet Beatle. It's unfortunate Paul's not here 'cos he was the one with the speech in his pocket." He continues: "We all know why John can't be here, I'm sure he would be. It's hard, really, to stand here supposedly representing The Beatles. But er ... It's all what's left I'm afraid. But we all loved him so much, and we all love Paul so much."
Ringo, in typical fashion, brings a sense of humour to the proceedings, by opening with the words: "You can sit down now... I'm gonna be here for hours!"
During the $300 a head extravaganza, Paul is on the end of a severe tongue lashing for his actions from Mike Love of The Beach Boys during their induction at the ceremony. He remarks, somewhat foolishly: "The Beach Boys are continuing to do 180 performances a year. I'd like to see the mop-tops match that!"
To close the show, George and Ringo join Bob Dylan, Mick Jagger, Bruce Springsteen and, from The Supremes, Mary Wilson, among many others in an informal all-star jam session. Songs performed during this end of evening concert include 'I Saw Her Standing There', 'All Along The Watchtower', 'Twist And Shout', 'Stand By Me', 'Stop In The Name Of Love', 'Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On', 'Hound Dog', 'Honey Hush', 'Barbara Ann', 'Blue Bayou' and 'Satisfaction'. (An FM Radio broadcast of the show is syndicated by CBS.) Reports of the gathering naturally feature heavily on American TV newscasts, most notably, on January 21, CNN Showbiz Today, Entertainment Tonight, and CBS This Morning. In addition, reports on the event also appear on the programme HBO's Flipside, aired on January 23, and in a two-part feature on MTV's Week In Rock, transmitted on January 24 and January 31.
Friday January 22
Yoko and Elliot Mintz appear on the NBC TV breakfast programme Today.
Sunday January 24
The premiere of George's 'When We Was Fab' video takes place on MTV in America.
Monday January 25
Simultaneous American and UK releases take place today of George's single 'When We Was Fab'/'Zig Zag'. (The CD and 12-inch single versions are issued in the UK only with bonus tracks.)
Thursday January 28
A feature on John is included in the American television programme A Current Affair.
Sunday January 31
In the UK, EMI Records delete from their catalogue Paul's album Red Rose Speedway and McCartney II.
Monday February 1
The Lennons' close friend Elliot Mintz appears on the CNN programme Showbiz Today.
Friday February 5
Rumours in the American television industry suggest that Ringo will soon star in his first major TV comedy series, playing the role of a major rock star whose wife dies, leaving him to bring up their children alone. (After much deliberation, he will turn down the role in July.)
In England, in a sequence videotaped at BBC TV Centre on December 2, 1987, Paul and Linda appear briefly during tonight's fund-raising Comic Relief extravaganza on BBC1.
Sunday February 7
During George's brief return visit to England, he attends Eric Clapton's end-of-tour gathering at Clapton's Surrey home. George returns to Los Angeles the following day.
Tuesday February 9
In Hollywood, California, George makes a live satellite link-up with the Ray Martin Midday Show in Australia. Due to the time difference, his 15-minute appearance will be seen 'down under' on February 10.
Wednesday February 10
George keeps up his high profile by appearing with Jeff Lynne on the American live call-in radio show Rockline, which originates from the KLOS-FM studios of the Global Satellite Network in Los Angeles, California, a programme transmitted on more than 200 stations across the continent. Apparently, before the broadcast, George and Jeff had consumed too much beer, which meant that, for those fortunate enough to get through on the show, they find George rude, arrogant and sarcastic. Even so, the former Beatle gives a rare live acoustic performance, with Lynne, which includes 'Drive My Car', 'Here Comes The Sun', 'The Bells Of Rhymney', 'Mr. Tambourine Man', 'Take Me As I Am', 'That's All Right (Mama)', 'Let It Be Me', 'Something' and 'Every Grain Of Sand'. A performance on the show was definitely not a part of his initial plan; his mind only changing when the radio production staff lend George a Gretsch guitar to use should he decide to perform, to which he agrees, on the condition that he keeps the instrument for his own collection.
During the transmission, George reveals that the part of the walrus in the 'When We Was Fab' video was played by Paul. But close examination of the video reveals that whoever was playing the walrus was holding a standard right-handed Rickenbacker bass and was holding it upside down in order to appear to be playing left-handed.
Thursday February 11
A stereo 35mm film print of the film Imagine John Lennon receives its premiere screening to Warner Brothers executives in Los Angeles. They insist that, at 122 minutes, the film is too long and order it to be re-cut. (When released later in the year, the film's running time will be reduced to 100 minutes.)
Friday February 12
From Hollywood, George again uses the satellite link-up idea to give an eight-minute appearance on the top-rated BBC1 chat show Wogan. During the early evening show, the promotional video for 'When We Was Fab' is also transmitted.
Monday February 15
George publishes his second limited edition book, entitled Songs By George Harrison. The deluxe book is priced at £235 and is available only by mail order. George signs each copy and each purchaser can decide whether they want either a 7-inch vinyl EP or a 5-inch CD containing four George Harrison songs, three of which are previously unreleased. To coincide with this, George and Olivia arrive back at Heathrow Airport in London this morning. Back in the States an interview with George, recorded shortly before his departure, is transmitted during the CNN programme Showbiz Today. (Additional footage from this feature is transmitted on the programme on March 2.)
Wednesday February 17
A pre-recorded 12-minute interview with George is transmitted on the German ZDF TV programme Na Siekske.
Thursday February 18
A five-minute interview with George, conducted during his recent stay in America, is transmitted on the Brazilian TV programme Programa De Domingo.
Saturday February 20
Another short pre-recorded interview with George is transmitted, this time on VH-1 in America.
Monday February 22
With perfect timing, considering his unusually high profile, George's 1970 album All Things Must Pass is released on CD in America.
George leaves Heathrow and flies out to Holland where he records an appearance on the Veronica Dutch television music show Countdown at the Con Cordia TV Studios in Bussum, during which he reads out the current Dutch Top 10 and introduces the promotional films for 'Got My Mind Set On You' and 'When We Was Fab'. (George's 19-minute appearance is transmitted on NED 1 on Wednesday February 24.) At the conclusion of the taping, as he leaves, George ignores fans who had been waiting to wish him a happy birthday. Afterwards George spends the day sightseeing in the Netherlands before heading on to Italy the following day. (Paul had also been a guest on the Countdown show a couple of weeks previously.)
In America today, a pre-recorded interview with George is transmitted on the CBS programme This Morning, where he talks about the video for 'When We Was Fab' and the current business problems with the other Beatles. "We always had a deal together that The Beatles were us four, and that if any one of us wasn't in the band, The Beatles wouldn't exist," he recalls. "It can't really exist just with the three of us, but at the same time, we could all be on stage together I suppose, like we could have done at the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame."
Thursday February 25
In Italy, George spends the day visiting Eric Idle and Terry Gilliam on the set of their new film Baron Munchausen, a big-budget movie currently being produced for Columbia Pictures.
Friday February 26
George attends the San Remo Music Festival, where he receives the award of Video Of The Year for 'When We Was Fab', which is naturally screened during the transmission on the Italian TV station RAI UNO. (At the show, George also gives a five-minute interview for the programme Il Caso Rai, which is aired on RAI UNO on March 8.) Following his 11-minute appearance at the festival, George returns to England later this evening.
Saturday February 27
With George returning home, Paul arrives in Italy with his new band, who are unveiled when they headline the San Remo Music Festival. The group of musicians now features Hamish Stuart on guitar and bass, Chris Whitten on drums, Gary Barnacle on saxophone, Andrew Chater on violin and Linda McCartney on keyboards. In front of a large All The Best album banner, the group performs lip-synched versions of 'Once Upon A Long Ago' and 'Listen To What The Man Said' for the RAI UNO show. In between the two songs, Paul is interviewed by the host and announces that he has been making some new records with Elvis Costello. Reports on the San Remo Festival, and naturally the appearance of Paul and George, are featured on the news programmes TG1, TG2 and ORE 20:00, this evening. (During Paul's 14-minute appearance, the first track mimed to is the standard single release, while the latter is the version specially recorded for Paul's appearance on Wogan, transmitted on BBC1 on November 20, 1987.) Aside from the festival, Paul gives a three-minute interview for the programme Italia 1, which is transmitted on Monday February 29. Interestingly enough, neither Paul nor George knew of each other's appearance at the festival. Even so, the UK tabloid newspaper the News Of The World still runs a story which claims that they had a blazing row at the festival, an event George dismisses during his Aspel And Company appearance with Ringo on March 3 (see entry).
Tuesday March 1
Now back in England, George and Olivia are among the guests present at the birthday party of Renata John at Brown's in Covent Garden, London.
Thursday March 3
With both George and Ringo appearing together on a television chat show, this is a historic day in the history of The Beatles. Their appearance on Aspel & Company, recorded at the London Television Studios on the South Bank, is the first major television interview ever given by any two former Beatles since the group disbanded. It is a wonderfully funny show, programme eight of series five, transmitted for the first, and only, time on Saturday March 5 across the ITV Network. George appears first to promote his latest release 'When We Was Fab', with Ringo joining him later to talk about subjects both amusing and Beatles related. Their appearances total a lengthy 35-minutes. Joining the two former Beatles on the show is the Coronation Street actress Thelma Barlow.
This unique appearance by George and Ringo leads to scores of Beatles' fans rummaging through old Beatles' encyclopaedias and reference books trying to find out the last time that any two of the ex-Beatles appeared together on a major programme since the split. The answer was December 20, 1974, when John joined George in his hotel room during a radio interview following George's final concert on his American 1974 tour, although the two are not actually interviewed at the same time.
Tuesday March 8
EMI release, simultaneously around the world, two CDs and two vinyl double albums entitled Past Masters Vol. 1 and Past Masters Vol. 2. These compilations contain all of The Beatles' songs not yet officially issued on CD, the various singles, B-sides, and exclusive recordings which do not appear on the studio albums or on the Magical Mystery Tour compilation. Aside from the many exclusive tracks which feature different mono and stereo mixes, collectors are now able to obtain the complete Beatles EMI output on compact disc.
A five-minute pre-recorded overdubbed interview with George, recorded during his visit to Italy two weeks previously, is transmitted this evening on the Italian television programme Il Caso Rai 1.
Thursday March 17
In America, John's 1971 Imagine album is released on CD.
Saturday March 19
In the first of four payments for this tax year, George (through his Harrisongs Ltd. account) pays the Inland Revenue, the sum of £1,453. This evening, George makes an 11-minute interview appearance on the French Annette 2 television programme Champs Elysees.
In the UK album charts, The Beatles' compilation albums Past Masters Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 reach numbers 49 and 46 respectively.
Monday March 21
Various Beatle home video tapes, namely The Beatles At Shea Stadium, The Beatles In Tokyo, The Beatles In Washington D. C. and The Beatles Magical Mystery Tour appear unofficially in America. Apple immediately calls for a halt on sales of these bootleg tapes.
In the UK, Sony home video releases the TV film John and Yoko: The Complete Story, originally transmitted in America in 1985 as a made-for-TV movie entitled John and Yoko: A Love Story. (The American home video release takes place on December 21, 1989, sporting the original film title.)
In America, until Monday March 27, the US radio programme Rock Today featuring George's music is syndicated.
Tuesday March 22
In America, the CD releases of George's The Best Of George Harrison and John's Mind Games take place.
Thursday March 24
Ringo and Barbara are seen having a late dinner at Chasen's Restaurant in Beverly Hills, California.
Saturday March 26
The 20th anniversary reissue of 'Lady Madonna' reaches number 67 in the UK singles chart.
Sunday March 27
George leaves Friar Park and heads off again to Los Angeles, California, via a flight from Heathrow and a stopover in Toronto, Canada.
Monday March 28
During George's brief visit to Toronto, he gives a press conference in front of a small team from the country's press. He is asked about Paul's recent comment that he would like to write some songs with George. "Yes, Paul has suggested that maybe, he and me should write something again. I mean it's pretty funny really. I mean, I've only been there about thirty years in Paul's life and now he wants to write with me. But maybe it would be quite interesting to do that. There's a thing with Paul, one minute he says one thing and he's really charming and the next minute, he's all uptight. We all go through that, good and bad stuff. But, by now, we've got to find the centre."
A report of the press conference, as well as an interview with George conducted by Elaine Lawren shortly after the conference, is featured on Canadian TV's Global News the following day. George also gives another interview, at this time, for the programme Canada AM, which is also broadcast the following morning. At the conclusion of these sessions, George climbs into his limousine and is driven to the MuchMusic 24-hour music TV studios in Toronto. (Such is the excitement of his 3:15pm arrival, cameras videotape the former Beatle climbing out of the car and entering the building.)
George: "Go on, show 'When We Was Fab' again ... I haven't seen it for at least ten minutes!"
During his stay at MuchMusic, George appears unannounced live on the programme MuchMusic Live Interview, being interviewed by the show's host Christopher Ward. For the duration of the lengthy 34-minute interview, George talks about working with Jeff Lynne, his visit to America in 1963 to see his sister, the lyrics to 'When We Was Fab', The Beatles' studio recordings, the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, and the use of Beatles songs in commercials.
Ward asks George: "How did you feel when you heard the McCartney versions of the old songs on Broad Street?"
George: "I think they were OK. I didn't notice they were new versions. I only watched it once. I remember 'Ballroom Dancing', but I don't remember the old ones."
Ward: "He (Paul) said that he wanted to tackle some of the other old ones, including, possibly, some of John Lennon's songs, like 'Beautiful Boy' and 'Imagine'. Does that surprise you that he would do that?"
George: "Paul?"
Ward: "Yeah!"
George: "Maybe, because he ran out of good ones of his own!"
Ward: "Well... Now we've got that on record."
George: "Well, it's true!"
George also reveals that he bought from EMI, for £3 sterling, the big mono machine, with a replay head, that was used on The Beatles' track 'Paperback Writer' in 1966. George then aborts the interview in order to board a plane for Los Angeles. (His visit to the MuchMusic is also reported on the City TV News later this evening.)
April
At his Friar Park studios in Henley, following his return from Los Angeles, George records the song 'Ride Rajbun', a track co-written with David English for inclusion in the UK TV series The Bunbury Tails, and to appear during the episode entitled Rajbun Story, which is not scheduled for transmission until sometime in 1992. Following this session, George returns to Los Angeles where he begins recording the track 'Handle With Care', alongside Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, Jeff Lynne and Tom Petty, a group that will soon record an album of songs together, under the name of The Traveling Wilburys. During his stay in California, George also supervises the production of the Handmade film production Checking Out. As in his first Handmade film, The Life Of Brian, he is persuaded to film a cameo appearance in the movie.
In New York, during the early part of the month, Paul records an alternative version of 'Beautiful Night' with Billy Joel's band who are minus Billy Joel. (The track will not see the light of day until 1997 as part of the Flaming Pie album.)
Monday April 4 (until Sunday April 10)
Various US radio stations in America transmit the syndicated radio programme Classic Cuts which features a profile of George's music.
Tuesday April 5
The simultaneous American and UK CD release takes place of the 1970 John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band album.
Thursday April 7
At the Sotheby's sale in London, an acetate of the unreleased Beatles recording '12 Bar Original', dated December 13 1965, is sold for £1,300 and another acetate, featuring a recording of 'Get Back' from 1969, sells for £450. During the sale, Paul's suit worn during the filming of A Hard Day's Night in 1964 sells for £2,800.
Friday April 8
In London, George, through his Harrisongs account, issues the second of four cheques (this year) to the Inland Revenue. This time, the sum is £2,370.
Saturday April 9
In America, The Beatles Past Masters Vol. 1 reaches number 149 in the album charts.
Saturday April 16
In New York, the guitar legend Les Paul presents Paul with a custom-made Les Paul Light guitar. He had originally intended to make the presentation at the January 20 Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame ceremony, but, as we know, McCartney declined to attend.
The Beatles Past Masters Vol. 2 reaches number 121 in the American album charts.
Tuesday April 19
In America, John's albums Walls And Bridges and Rock 'N' Roll are both released on CD.
Saturday April 23
In the UK, a pre-recorded interview with George is featured in the 58-minute BBC Radio One programme A Concise History Of The Frying Pan, a fascinating documentary on the history of the Rickenbacker guitar. (The show is repeated on Thursday April 28.)
May
During the month in Paul's Sussex studio, the former Beatle joins Johnny Cash to record the track 'New Moon Over Jamaica', which will be ultimately released on Cash's album Water From The Wells Of Home. (Backing vocals on the song come from Linda, June Carter and Tom T. Hall.) Paul also co-wrote and produced the record as well as, at one point, taking lead vocal.
Monday May 2
George's single 'This Is Love'/'Breath Away From Heaven', is released in America. (The UK release takes place on June 13.) The film clip to accompany the A-side is directed by Morton Jankel.
Sunday May 8 (until Saturday May 21)
George stays in Los Angeles to record the tracks that will ultimately be released on the Warner Brothers album The Traveling Wilburys. For his role in the new band, each member inherits an assumed name. George becomes Nelson Wilbury, Roy Orbison is Lefty, Bob Dylan is Lucky, Jeff Lynne is Otis and Tom Petty is Charlie T. Junior. Lynne also produces the album. George (Nelson) performs lead vocals on the track 'Heading For The Light', shares lead on 'End Of The Line' and 'Handle With Care' and contributes backing vocals and instruments to 'Dirty World', 'Rattled', 'Last Night', 'Not Alone Any More', 'Congratulations', 'Margarita' and 'Tweeter And The Monkey Man'. Meanwhile, an unreleased film (to the general public that is) of the Traveling Wilburys recording the album is shot and subsequently titled Whatever Wilbury Wilbury. The Warner Brothers production premieres at the annual Warner Brothers Records convention later this year. Interestingly enough, though the short 15-minute film is shot in colour, the film is exhibited to the WB hierarchy in black and white due to a mix-up in the film prints.
Back in England, most regions of ITV network screen Ringo's 1973 film That'll Be The Day, also starring David Essex.
Saturday May 14
Paul's 1984 film Give My Regards To Broad Street receives its British television premiere as the Drive In Movie across most regions of the ITV network this evening between 11:06pm and 12:58am. The reviews are no better than when it was first released.
In Norway, a 10-minute pre-recorded interview with George is transmitted on the NRK programme Pa Hengende Haret.
Sunday May 15
For the first time ever in the UK, the original Sixties Beatles' cartoons series, produced in America between 1965 and 1967, is transmitted across most of the ITV network, the first ten minutes ('Call Your Name' and 'The Word') appearing during the late night/early morning programme Night Network. (The Beatles' cartoons will run on Night Network every weekend until October 27, 1988, when they will vanish, not appearing on any TV station anywhere in the world for the rest of the century.)
Tuesday May 17
John's 1975 compilation album Shaved Fish is simultaneously released in America and the UK on CD. The original release, just like with Some Time In New York City, had been withdrawn due to poor sound quality.
In New York, the State Supreme Court overturns the April 8, 1987, ruling that dismissed an $80 million portion of The Beatles' lawsuit against Capitol and EMI brought by George, Ringo, Yoko and Apple Records. Meanwhile, a $40 million suit which claims that Capitol Records have deliberately stalled the release of Beatles' CDs is dismissed in the Manhattan district court.
Friday May 27
In the UK, Rocket Records release the Sylvia Griffin single 'Love's A State Of Mind', which features a slide guitar contribution from George. He had recorded his track at FPHOTS, his recording later dubbed on the track at George Martin's AIR Studios in London.
Saturday May 28
Cynthia Lennon travels to Cologne, West Germany, where she opens the Art Of The Beatles exhibition in the city, an event which marks the start of a unique Liverpool On The Rhine festival, which runs until Friday June 10.
June (into early July)
In Sussex, Paul resumes home studio recordings on tracks intended for his next album. During this period, which will continue until early July, he records 'The First Stone', 'Indigo Moon', 'Put It There', 'Distractions', 'This One', 'Flying To My Home' (which will appear as the B-side to 'My Brave Face' in 1989), 'Don't Break The Promise' and 'Same Love', which are not released until 1997, as Flaming Pie singles.
Tuesday June 7
In London at the Savoy Hotel, George attends a private dinner for "the family and friends of Eric Clapton", an event to celebrate Clapton's 25th year as a performing musician. Later in the evening, George makes an after-dinner speech, honouring his long-time friend. Ringo and Barbara were expected to attend the all-star bash, but failed to show.
Tuesday June 14
The home video of the 1987 Prince's Trust Rock Gala concert, featuring both George and Ringo, is released in the UK.
Tuesday June 21
George is seen in public again, this time in London at the Royal Festival Hall watching a performance by Balkana, a Bulgarian choral music choir. After the concert, George goes backstage to meet the singers.
Wednesday June 22
In America, Jesse Ed Davis, the guitarist whose work graced the solo recordings of John, George and Ringo, dies of an apparent drugs overdose at his home in Venice, California. He was just 43.
Friday June 24
In London, Paul wins the Silver Clef Award for Outstanding Achievement in the World of British Music. The Nordoff -Robbins Music Therapy Centre sponsors the event.
Sunday June 26 & Monday June 27
Paul and Linda travel to Liverpool where they film a brief appearance for the hit BBC1 comedy series Bread. Linda had been approached to appear briefly in the series as a result of her friendship with the series' writer Caria Lane. Paul's role in the programme is confined to playing Linda's driver. On the first day, June 26, sequences are shot outside the studios of BBC Radio Merseyside in Paradise Street. For the following day's shooting, additional scenes are filmed on the usual Bread locations, which are situated in the Liverpool suburbs. Whilst Linda is filming her part, Paul is cornered by three local DJs, Spencer Leigh, Alan Jackson and Monty Lister, for an interview. (Lister, incidentally, was the reporter who conducted The Beatles' first ever radio interview for hospital radio on the Wirral, Merseyside, on October 27, 1962.) Following additional shooting for Bread, which takes place at the BBC TV Centre, Wood Lane, London, on September 11, the show will premiere on BBC1 on October 30.
July
Yoko and Sean appear in a Japanese TV commercial for KDD, the country's international telecommunications monopoly. The advert, which is meant to encourage Japanese people to use their phones more, opens with Yoko and Sean playing ball in a park to the music of John's 'Imagine'. The short item climaxes with Yoko turning towards the camera and saying, in Japanese: "People all over the world are basically the same."
Tuesday July 12
At the Brighton Centre in East Sussex, Paul, receives from the University of Sussex, the title of Honorary Doctorate, or Doctor of the University, during a graduation ceremony. Television news crews from both BBC and ITN are on hand to cover the event.
Wednesday July 13
Another pre-recorded interview with George is broadcast in Norway, this time on the NRK programme Top Pop Special.
Tuesday July 19
In London, George, through his Harrisongs account, pays, by cheque, the Inland Revenue a sum of £1,234.
Friday July 22
In London, the vice-chancellor of the High Court, Sir Nicholas Browne-Wilkinson, orders Charly Records to cease worldwide sales of The Beatles' Decca Records audition tape from New Year's Day 1962, until a full trial of the rights action is held in approximately twelve months time. In response to this case, Charly Records had deleted their album Decca Sessions 1/1/62 on June 15 and, on the same day, they pulled from their catalogue the album The Savage Young Beatles. (Ringo is naturally not a part of this action as he does not appear on the original recordings.)
Friday July 29
In America, a pre-taped interview with Yoko, conducted by Geraldo Rivera, is aired on the television programme Entertainment Tonight.
August
Reports in Moscow announce that plans are being prepared for Paul to play eight concerts there during 1989.
In America, reports suggest that George, Ringo and Jeff Lynne are planning an album together and may tour to promote it. The newspaper USA Today gives the first mention of a new mystery group who call themselves The Traveling Wilburys. The report goes on to say that "their debut album will be released in October and that the group consists of a line-up of George with Roy Orbison, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan and Jeff Lynne."
Tuesday August 2
Paul briefly directs some shooting for a promotional video at the Liverpool Institute.
Thursday August 4
The London based Thames region of the ITV network screens Dick Clark's 1979 made-for-TV documentary The Birth Of The Beatles.
Monday August 22
In America, Albert Goldman's controversial book The Lives Of John Lennon is published. Paul McCartney: "Boycott this book!"
Thursday August 25
In America, Apple file in the US District Court in Newark, New Jersey, a suit against San Juan Music Group, Silhouette Music, and Ultra Sound Company, charging them with the unauthorised marketing of Beatles' material and use of the group name and image. Apple seek to remove the offensive product from the marketplace and obtain restitution.
September (during a six-week period until October)
In Sussex, Paul resumes work on more home studio recordings. This session produces the tracks 'Good Sign', which will appear only in the UK, and 'Motor Of Love'. During this 40-day period, Paul and Linda will also spend time arranging this year's Buddy Holly Week, recording an interview with the BBC and preparing for their TV appearance on the BBC1 comedy programme Bread.
Friday September 2 (until Friday October 7)
A celebration often years of Handmade Films takes place at the NFT (National Film Theatre) in London. During this five-week festival, all of Handmade's films will be shown, from Monty Python's Life Of Brian, in 1979, to their current release, the Nic Roeg film Track 29.
At the BBC TV Centre in Wood Lane, London, John's sister Julia Baird appears on the BBC1 show Wogan, where she promotes her new book John Lennon: My Brother.
Monday September 5
In the UK, Paul helps launch BBC2's DEF II - Animation Week, a seven-day celebration of the world of animation. During his short interview, which was taped at TV Centre last week, he expresses his fondness for animation and introduces excerpts from 'Oriental Nightfish', 'Rupert And The Frog Song', 'Seaside Woman' and 'Once Upon A Long Ago'. The Beatles' 1968 film Yellow Submarine is also transmitted, split into three parts, and shown this evening, tomorrow and Thursday September 8.
Tuesday September 6 & Wednesday September 7
In the States, NBC TV's Today show begins a two-part interview, carried out by satellite from Frankfurt, Germany, with Albert Goldman, the author of the book The Lives Of John Lennon. On September 7, the interviewer Jane Pauley tells Goldman: "Paul McCartney has said boycott this book!" To which he replies: "He ought to be ashamed of himself. I mean, the generation of the Sixties. They were scathing in their criticism of everybody. They were iconoclastic, they did everything, and now, suddenly, they've become very prissy and moralistic when someone says something they don't want to hear about themselves. They can dish it out but they sure can't take it!"
Wednesday September 7
At Stefano's restaurant in London, Paul joins The Crickets on stage during a special Buddy Holly luncheon to launch the annual Buddy Holly Week. During The Crickets' live set, they perform their new CBS single 'T-Shirt', with Paul adding piano to the song. (Paul also produces the single.) To close the performance, Paul and The Crickets are joined on stage by Linda, Chrissie Hynde, Mike Berry and the DJs Tony Prince and Mike Read to perform the Holly song 'Rave On'. (A camera team from TV AM is there to capture the proceedings, highlights of which are transmitted on the station the following morning, September 8. Also present is a camera team from NBC TV's Today show. See next entry.)
Thursday September 8
In America, an interview with Paul, conducted at the Buddy Holly luncheon in London yesterday, is transmitted on the NBC TV Today programme. The reporter Rona Elliot asks Paul about Albert Goldman's book The Lives Of John Lennon and, in particular, the revelations contained within. "Revelations? If he was homosexual I'd have thought he'd have made a pass at me in twenty years!" Asked what he would do if a book like this came out on him, Paul said: "I'd probably read that one!"
Also aired in the feature is a live satellite interview from London with The Beatles' producer George Martin who also dismisses the Albert Goldman publication, stating that "the book has grave inaccuracies about himself", using as an example "I was responsible for getting rid of Pete Best. I didn't want him on record, because I didn't think he was a very good drummer. He really wasn't a good drummer."
In the UK, John's sister Julia Baird appears on TV AM to promote her new book John Lennon: My Brother. Her feature appears alongside a report on last night's Buddy Holly party in London.
Sunday September 11
Following five days of rehearsals, Linda tapes her final scenes for Bread, in front of a studio audience, at the BBC TV Centre, Wood Lane, London.
In America, a feature on John is included in tonight's edition of Entertainment This Week.
Monday September 12, Tuesday September 13 & Wednesday September 14
A three-part feature on John continues on CBS TV's Entertainment Tonight. The feature naturally focuses on Imagine, the film and book, and features an Inside Story report by Geraldo Rivera, including an interview with Elliot Mintz.
Wednesday September 14
The American radio station Westwood One broadcasts a one-hour special programme entitled Westwood One Special Report: Yoko's Response, which allows Yoko to comment on the recent publication by Albert Goldman entitled The Lives Of John Lennon. The show, put together by the team who work on The Lost Lennon Tapes, is hosted by Elliot Mintz and features an exclusive interview with Yoko, taped at her Dakota apartment.
Friday September 16
Yoko and Sean appear this morning on the breakfast show TV AM to promote the Imagine exhibition and film.
Saturday September 17
To assist with promotions for Imagine: John Lennon, Yoko makes her second, and final, interview appearance with Michael Aspel for his chat show Aspel & Company. (The programme was recorded on September 15 at the London Television studios on the South Bank.) In America today, a 20-minute feature on Albert Goldman's book The Lives Of John Lennon is transmitted during the television programme West 57th.
Monday September 19
John's 'Jealous Guy' b/w 'Give Peace A Chance' is issued as a single in America to accompany the Imagine: John Lennon film and compilation soundtrack album. In London, Yoko attends a special, invitation only, Imagine exhibition preview event at the Business Design Centre, at 52 Upper Street, Islington, London, where she also gives a 45-minute press conference. Guests in attendance include Patti Clapton, the comedian Peter Cook, his friend Martin Shaw, the singer Sandie Shaw, and the director Kevin Godley.
Tuesday September 20 (until Sunday September 25)
In London, the exhibition entitled Imagine, featuring John's original art, opens at the Business Design Centre, m Islington, London.
Thursday September 22
The Handmade films The Long Good Friday, Time Bandits (featuring George's 'Dream Away' on the closing credits) and Monty Python's Life Of Brian (including a cameo appearance by George) are all released on home video in America.
Monday September 26 (until Wednesday September 28)
In the States, the CBS television programme Good Day New York transmits a three-part feature to celebrate the release of Imagine: John Lennon, which features a live (8:49am) interview with May Pang, on Monday, who naturally discusses her book Loving John. The rest of the features over the three days include interviews with the photographer Bob Gruen, Lennon biographer Jon Wiener, and Beatlefest organiser Mark Lapidos, who recalls his first meeting with John on April 28, 1974 at the March Of Dimes event in Central Park (see entry).
Friday September 30
Back in America, Yoko unveils a star honouring John Lennon on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame, in front of Capitol Records tower building in Los Angeles, and delivers a moving speech to a large crowd of representatives from the press and TV. (Incidentally, a star honouring The Beatles has been waiting to be put in place since 1970.)
October
At the end of the month, in Beverly Hills, California, George attends a birthday party in honour of George Michael, thrown by his managers Rob Kahane and Michael Lipman. During this month, in an undisclosed location in Los Angeles, George and the rest of the Wilburys shoot a promotional film clip for 'Handle With Care', which is produced by Limelight Films and features direction by David Leland, who also directed the Handmade film Checking Out.
Saturday October 1 (until Saturday December 31)
In the UK, BBC Radio Two, on the FM Wavelength, begins broadcasting a 14-part, weekly series of 30-minute programmes entitled The Beeb's Lost Beatles Tapes. Among its highlights are some new interviews not transmitted during the 1982 Beatles At The Beeb 20th anniversary radio retrospective, in particular some recently found tapes not even transmitted back in the Sixties. The programmes, which are hosted by Richard Skinner, are repeated on each following Monday evening.
Meanwhile, at Shepperton Film Studios in London on October 1, a party is held to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Handmade Films. The film of the event, which includes George's speech and a musical performance of 'Honey Don't' and 'That's Alright (Mama)', with Carl Perkins and Joe Brown, is featured in a 50-minute Granada ITV special entitled The Movie Life Of George, which is transmitted across the ITV network on January 8, 1989. (The American premiere occurs on the Discovery Channel on February 25, 1990, coinciding with George's 47th birthday.) The documentary also includes the clip of George, Ringo and Eric Clapton performing 'Freedom' from the 1985 Handmade film Water.
Sunday October 2
To talk about the film Imagine, which premieres in New York on Thursday, John's former companion May Pang is interviewed on the CBS programme Entertainment This Week. Also broadcast this evening is a 17-minute report, entitled The Two Mrs. Lennons, which is included in the CBS television current affairs programme 60 Minutes. The report features in-depth interviews with Cynthia and Yoko, as well as comments from John's second son Sean.
Monday October 3
As a preview to the premiere of Imagine, the Paramount TV/CBS programme Entertainment Tonight runs a special feature on footage not included in the finished film, including John's February 12,1970, appearance on BBC1's Top Of The Pops, performing 'Instant Karma', unscreened in America until tonight.
Tuesday October 4
In America, the compilation soundtrack from the film is released. (The release in the UK takes place on October 10.) The Imagine film is also profiled today on the American TV show Good Day New York.
Wednesday October 5, Thursday October 6 & Friday October 7
NBC TV in America broadcasts a three-part feature on the programme Today, which takes a look at the film Imagine: John Lennon, which opens across the country on Friday October 7. The segments include exclusive interviews with Yoko, Sean and Cynthia Lennon. Later this evening, Yoko appears live by satellite from New York being interviewed on the CNN programme Larry King Live. Also on October 5, at 7:30pm, Imagine: John Lennon receives its first screening, albeit for the press and specially invited guests, at the Paramount Theater, situated at 1577 Barrington Street, New York.
Thursday October 6
The premiere of the Warner Brothers documentary film Imagine: John Lennon takes place in Manhattan, New York, with Yoko in attendance. Naturally, the event features heavily on US TV newscasts, including the CBS programme Entertainment Tonight and NBC News. (The first UK screening of Imagine takes place on October 25 with the premiere opening following on October 28.)
To coincide with the release of the Imagine film, the American TV Late Show programme features the collector Colin Kaye who presents a Beatles photographic display of the work of the photographer Dezo Hoffrnan.
Friday October 7
The film Imagine: John Lennon goes on general cinema release across America. To highlight its release, the Late Show programme continues with its film related themes, presenting tonight a 50-minute special edition entitled Remembering John, which includes exclusive interviews with Yoko, Cynthia, May Pang, Julia Baird, Peter Brown, Sid Bernstein, the DJ "Cousin" Bruce Morrow, Elliot Mintz, Geraldo Rivera and Albert Goldman, who is interviewed by satellite from Germany.
In England, George pays his final tax bill for the year by sending the Inland Revenue a cheque for £357.29p.
Sunday October 9
To coincide with the release in America of Imagine: John Lennon, and what would have been John's 48th birthday, the cable TV network Cinemax broadcasts the D.A. Pennebaker film of John and Yoko's 1969 Live Peace in Toronto concert appearance from September 13, 1969. The Lennons' sequence had been cut from the film's original 1972 cinema release due to legal reasons. Also this evening, MTV in America broadcasts the 55-minute programme Happy Birthday - John Lennon Remembered, which features a collection of Beatles and John Lennon live clips and promotional films. The tribute show, hosted by the VJ Adam Curry, also includes interviews with Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys, David Bowie, Elton John, Bob Geldof, as well as archive interviews with Paul, Julian Lennon and Yoko.
The CBS programme Entertainment This Week features a profile of The Beatles' radio recordings for the BBC back in the Sixties. The item, and indeed the show, closes with the 'I Am The Walrus' sequence from Magical Mystery Tour.
Monday October 10
In America, Johnny Cash's album Water From The Wells Of Home, featuring his duet with Paul on the track 'New Moon Over Jamaica' is released. (The UK release takes place on November 14.)
Still Stateside, the one-hour special about George, produced as part of the Westwood One Star Trak Profile series, is syndicated across various US radio stations until Sunday October 16.
Tuesday October 11
Ringo and Barbara travel to America where they undergo an extensive six-week treatment for alcoholism in Tucson, Arizona. They spend their time cleaning ash trays and doing the laundry. Desperate for a story, newspaper reporters and photographers circle above the clinic in a helicopter.
George, who had talked to Ringo about his alcoholism, says: "I'm really glad he's sorting out his problems. Ringo's a lovely bloke and a great mate."
Saturday October 15
Channel 4 in the UK begin broadcasting a short series of Handmade films, beginning this evening with the 1983 film Bullshot. The series continues on Saturday October 29 with Privates On Parade and the 1985 film Water on Saturday November 12.
Monday October 17
A two-part examination of John's life, called Lennon's Women - The Naked Truth, begins tonight on the US TV Fox TV programme A Current Affair. (Part two is tomorrow night, October 18.)
The Traveling Wilburys' first single 'Handle With Care'/'Margarita' is simultaneously released in America and the UK
Tuesday October 18
The Traveling Wilburys' first album, titled Volume One, is released in America. (The UK release takes place on October 24.)
Also in America, the album Stay Awake is released, featuring Ringo's recording with the legendary trumpet player Herb Alpert on 'When You Wish Upon A Star'. (The UK release takes place on October 24.)
Tuesday October 25
At the Cannon Cinema, Haymarket, and the Warner West End cinema in Leicester Square, London, 10:30am press screenings take place for the film Imagine: John Lennon.
Wednesday October 26
The Beatles' 1967 film Magical Mystery Tour is released in America. (The UK release takes place on March 26, 1990.)
Paul appears on the BBC1 documentary programme The Power Of Music, in which he is seen visiting a therapy centre for mentally retarded children operated by the Nordoff-Robbins organisation.
Friday October 28
At the Cannon Cinema, Haymarket, London, Cynthia, Yoko and Sean are in attendance at the UK premiere tonight of Imagine: John Lennon. Afterwards, the Lennons and invited guests attend a private party held in nearby Wardour Street.
Sunday October 30
The Traveling Wilburys are the focus of attention in the syndicated American radio programme Power Cuts.
Paul and Linda's appearance in Bread is transmitted this evening on BBC1. George misses Paul's appearance, watching the preceding programme, Howard's Way, by mistake. "I'd never seen the show before, and I just couldn't figure out how Paul was going to fit in with all these posh people on boats," he said later.
Monday October 31
40,000 copies of CHOBA B CCCP (Back In The USSR, or Again In The USSR) are pressed and released in Russia on the Melodiya label and feature Paul performing 11 rock'n'roll oldie tracks, recorded during July 1987. A second Soviet edition is issued on Christmas Eve, December 24. Meanwhile, a 14-track version is released on CD in the UK on September 30, 1991, and in America on October 29, 1991.
November
In London, Paul produces Let The Children Play, profits of which will go to the annual Children In Need fundraising event. In America, Paul's CDs Red Rose Speedway, Venus And Mars and McCartney II are released.
Tuesday November 1
In America, NBC TV's Today and NBC News programmes features a report, by Rona Elliot, of Paul at the annual Buddy Holly Week concert in London. The features carry an exclusive interview with Paul and footage of him joining The Crickets on stage for a performance of the track 'Everyday'.
Wednesday November 2
In America, the soundtrack album of Porky's Revenge is released and features George's re-recording of 'I Don't Want To Do It'. This morning, a pre-recorded videotaped interview with the Traveling Wilburys, carried out by Rona Elliot, is transmitted on the NBC TV show Today. (Bob Dylan does not appear because he was performing in New York when the feature was recorded.)
Friday November 4 & Monday November 7
In the UK, a two part pre-recorded interview with George and Jeff Lynne to promote the Traveling Wilburys' album, is transmitted on the breakfast station TV AM.
Saturday November 5
BBC Radio One broadcasts the music magazine programme Saturday Sequence, which features a pre-taped interview with George talking about the Traveling Wilburys. On this same day, an interview with George is published in the Guardian newspaper in the UK
Tuesday November 8
Certain regions of the ITV Network in the UK transmit the American Television Tribute To Martin Luther King show, featuring a short stage appearance by Yoko.
Wednesday November 9 (until Tuesday November 22)
An exhibition of Linda's new photographic portfolio Sun Prints, which is published tomorrow, opens at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London.
Thursday November 10
Linda's book Sun Prints is published in the UK by Barrie & Jenkins, after a one week delay. The hardback, which features text written by Robert Lassam, contains 75 original prints, and a foreword written by Linda herself.
Friday, November 11
George is unusually outspoken in an interview with Gill Pringle published in today's Daily Mirror. "They always dubbed me the Quiet One, the Reclusive One, the Business One," he says. "Just because I wasn't in the nightclubs all the time they thought I was some kind of freak or something."
On Krishna: "After I bought the Krishna's Letchmore Heath Manor in Hertfordshire, that confirmed it for the newspapers. I was the crackers Beatle. The public had some idea of me being locked away for years on end, chanting and ringing my bells but I was never a devout Hare Krishna, although I do still chant and stuff."
On Margaret Thatcher: "She would benefit from taking the day off and sitting down and listening to the Wilburys instead of nagging everyone."
On Bob Dylan: "He has no qualms about taking 20% of the royalties but he doesn't do interviews."
On pop music: "The pop charts have changed into one big microchip ... everyone's got the same drum sample. It dismays me, the state of the charts. They're dehumanising music as they have with our cities and buildings."
On Kylie Minogue: "It's a sorry situation when the only decent thing in the charts is Kylie Monologue [sic]. That song she did 'I Am Your U-Boat' (he actually means 'Locomotion') was all right. At least she looked nice and sang well."
Friday November 25
Ringo and Barbara complete their six-week treatment for alcoholism in Tucson, Arizona, and return home to Tittenhurst Park in Ascot, England.
Monday November 28
EMI Records begin another re-issue of The Beatles' entire original UK singles, this time on 3-inch CDs. Once again, EMI mistakenly use the album version of 'Love Me Do', which features Andy White and not Ringo, playing drums.
The 3-track single 'Imagine'/'Happy Christmas (War Is Over)'/'Jealous Guy' is released in the UK to help promote the album and film Imagine: John Lennon.
December
The planned UK radio transmissions of the Westwood One Lost Lennon Tapes series fail to show. The syndication company MCM Networking announces that a January or February, 1989 date for the start of UK transmissions now seems the most likely.
Friday December 2
At the Con Cordia Television Studios in Bussum, Holland, Paul and his band reappear on the Veronica NED 2 TV music programme Countdown. (The appearance lasts 28 minutes.)
Saturday December 3
John's single 'Imagine'/'Happy Christmas (War Is Over)'/'Jealous Guy' reaches number 45 in the UK singles chart.
Tuesday December 6
In America, Roy Orbison, the legendary rock performer and fellow band member of the Traveling Wilburys, dies suddenly of a massive heart attack. He is only 52 years of age.
Saturday December 10
In Los Angeles, California, George and his fellow Traveling Wilburys shoot a video clip for their next single 'End Of The Line'. By way of a tribute to Roy, an empty rocking chair is seen where he would have been sitting in the clip. The promotional film premieres worldwide on January 20, 1989.
Tuesday December 20
Paul and Linda fly into Germany, where Paul makes a guest appearance on the ZDF TV variety programme Wetten Dass, being interviewed by the host Thomas Gottschalk.
Saturday December 24
A second Soviet edition of Paul's rock'n'roll oldies album, CHOBA B CCCP, is released featuring two additional tracks.
Monday December 26
Michael Jackson's film Moonwalker, featuring the acting debut of John's youngest son Sean, is released in the UK.