So of course I am thrilled about the recent news of their long-awaited reunion.
At this point, no one thought it would happen. Newspapers, magazines and online sources stopped guessing and even hinting about it a long time ago. I can't even think about the last time anyone suggested a collaboration.
But here it is, 2016 and the Fab Four have announced three stadium shows in Europe and plans are underway for at least four U.S. dates for the summer. And naturally people here are going beserk. But with the recent passing of David Bowie, Glenn Frey, Paul Kantner, and Maurice White it seems that the time was right to bring the magic back.
WHAT HAVE THEY BEEN DOING:
John Lennon - Ever since the attempt on his life in the middle of New York City in 1980, John has focused his attention on his sons Julian and Sean, and his wife Yoko. He occasionally shows up on other artists' albums (un-credited) but mostly spends his studio time helping his family with their projects. He is rarely seen out and about, and keeps a very low profile. Manhattan residents seem to understand that John wishes to remain private, and any recent photos of him almost never turn up on the Internet, including Instagram and Facebook. And when they do, they seem to disappear immediately.
On the other hand Sir Paul McCartney has been seen everywhere over the last few years. He is a regular, both announced and unannounced on Saturday Night Live, most recently popping up alongside Bruce Springsteen this past December. Paul has done benefit concerts for causes he believes in here in the U.S. and in England, and has appeared on countless tv shows. He has also collaborated with other artists, but unlike John, he does so with a bit of fanfare. It is rumored that this reunion was his idea, and that he has been all for it for years.
We all breathed a communal sigh of relief when George Harrison survived his terrible bout with lung cancer in 2001. This left his voice a bit rough, but he is in good health now, crediting both alternative and modern therapies for his recovery. "I sound a bit like a cross between Bobby Dylan and bullfrog," he was quoted as saying in 2010 when asked why he no longer tours. But his son Dhani sounds remarkably like a young George and will be filling in the harmonies, and possibly some of the guitar work as well on the upcoming tour. As for getting the rest of the band to adopt his vegan lifestyle, only Paul is on board with that.
"I finally have some actual stars in my all-star band!" Ringo Starr has clearly been the most active of the four, touring constantly, and is thrilled about the reunion. It's no secret that he has collaborated with each of the Beatles since they disbanded in 1970, and has pure, unbridled enthusiasm for this project. He is bringing some of the back up players to this band, though at this time, the line up is not set.
BEATLEMANIA:
For those who missed it the first time, you are experiencing real live Beatlemania and it is great. From middle school book bags and lunch boxes, to high school iPods. From collectors paying exorbitant amounts of cash for original vinyl to record breaking numbers of Beatles downloads. Even club music, which was once the mindless thumping of sound-alike electronica has rediscovered the Beatles. And those of us of a certain generation cannot stop smiling, hearing music that makes us feel joy when we recognize that song from the first two notes.
I know that when we see these four "Lads from Liverpool" on stage, they will look like tiny specks, and we will have to watch them on the big screen from who knows where in a football stadium. But I can't wait. I know all the Facebook groups will be guessing the set lists already, and getting tickets will be madhouse. And lets not even start with the scalpers.
For now, lets just enjoy the moment.
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| By United Press International (UPI Telephoto) |
"What would you think if I sang out of tune, would you stand up and walk out on me?"
ReplyDeleteNo, Mrs. Barr ...I would not. I hear you clearly.
Reality is never as it is perceived.
:)
MKR