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
No Paul McCartney song was created in a vacuum. A 1960s classic rock star said Paul took ideas from him. The star’s producer told him not to let Paul hear one of his tracks. The tune in question became a massive hit in the United States and the United Kingdom, and it is recognizable to this day.
Paul McCartney and another rock star inspired each other’s songs
During a 2016 interview with The Guardian, Donovan discussed the place he was in life when he wrote his most famous hit, the psychedelic classic “Sunshine Superman.” “At the time, I was great pals with The Beatles,” he said. “We were all experimenting, nicking sounds from each other.
“I was getting into baroque music and told my producer, Mickie Most, I wanted harpsichord on the track,” Donovan recalled. “‘You need an arranger,’ he said, introducing me to John Cameron who understood immediately.
Paul McCartney and another rock star inspired each other’s songs
During a 2016 interview with The Guardian, Donovan discussed the place he was in life when he wrote his most famous hit, the psychedelic classic “Sunshine Superman.” “At the time, I was great pals with The Beatles,” he said. “We were all experimenting, nicking sounds from each other.
“I was getting into baroque music and told my producer, Mickie Most, I wanted harpsichord on the track,” Donovan recalled. “‘You need an arranger,’ he said, introducing me to John Cameron who understood immediately.
- 4/1/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- 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
Nearly 40 years after outré comedian Andy Kaufman’s death from cancer, there remain fans who are certain that a faked demise was Kaufman’s most ambitious and committed hoax.
Until proven otherwise, this is a ridiculous conviction. That said, it’s probably no more or less absurd than believing that Andy Kaufman is a figure who could be explained or even adequately summarized in a conventional documentary. There are some outsized personalities so cloaked in mythology that even the tallest tales about them seem believable, but Kaufman’s personality was so cloaked in subterfuge that any attempt to deconstruct that personality or his behavior is going to come across as a bit within a bit.
This is the problem that Alex Braverman’s new documentary Thank You Very Much runs into. The documentary is filled with fantastic footage from Kaufman’s fearless performances, mostly familiar but still wildly iconoclastic. It...
Until proven otherwise, this is a ridiculous conviction. That said, it’s probably no more or less absurd than believing that Andy Kaufman is a figure who could be explained or even adequately summarized in a conventional documentary. There are some outsized personalities so cloaked in mythology that even the tallest tales about them seem believable, but Kaufman’s personality was so cloaked in subterfuge that any attempt to deconstruct that personality or his behavior is going to come across as a bit within a bit.
This is the problem that Alex Braverman’s new documentary Thank You Very Much runs into. The documentary is filled with fantastic footage from Kaufman’s fearless performances, mostly familiar but still wildly iconoclastic. It...
- 8/31/2023
- by Daniel Fienberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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
Tl;Dr:
Paul McCartney said The Beatles’ “Revolution” is a great song which was mostly written by John Lennon. Paul said “I think John later ascribed more political intent to it than he actually felt when he wrote it.” He explained said the track was inspired by deeply political times. The Beatles’ Paul McCartney | Tony Evans/Timelapse Library Ltd. / Contributor
While The Beatles‘ “Revolution” is credited to John Lennon and Paul McCartney, Paul said it’s primarily John’s song. Paul explained the political context that inspired the song. In addition, Paul connected the lyrics of the song to a famous spiritual guru.
John Lennon said The Beatles’ ‘Revolution’ ‘was an overtly political song about revolution’
In the 1997 book Paul McCartney: Many Years From Now, Paul discussed his feelings about “Revolution.” “It was a great song, basically John’s,” he said. “He doesn’t really get off the fence in it.
Paul McCartney said The Beatles’ “Revolution” is a great song which was mostly written by John Lennon. Paul said “I think John later ascribed more political intent to it than he actually felt when he wrote it.” He explained said the track was inspired by deeply political times. The Beatles’ Paul McCartney | Tony Evans/Timelapse Library Ltd. / Contributor
While The Beatles‘ “Revolution” is credited to John Lennon and Paul McCartney, Paul said it’s primarily John’s song. Paul explained the political context that inspired the song. In addition, Paul connected the lyrics of the song to a famous spiritual guru.
John Lennon said The Beatles’ ‘Revolution’ ‘was an overtly political song about revolution’
In the 1997 book Paul McCartney: Many Years From Now, Paul discussed his feelings about “Revolution.” “It was a great song, basically John’s,” he said. “He doesn’t really get off the fence in it.
- 5/26/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- 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 Beatles members rarely performed songs by themselves, but there were times when they recorded solo tracks. While there was primarily only one lead vocalist on each song, the other members were usually in the background, rocking out on their instruments. However, there are a few songs by Paul McCartney that he sang and played the instruments on without any other members. Here are four Beatles songs featuring only Paul McCartney.
‘Blackbird’ Paul McCartney | CBS via Getty Images
“Blackbird” is a 1968 song from The White Album. The track addresses the racial tensions during the U.S. Civil Rights movement. After witnessing the Little Rock Nine, a group of students escorted into a recently desegregated school in Arkansas, he was inspired to write a song. In Many Years From Now, McCartney said the title refers to a black woman and is written from her perspective.
Those were the days of the civil rights movement,...
‘Blackbird’ Paul McCartney | CBS via Getty Images
“Blackbird” is a 1968 song from The White Album. The track addresses the racial tensions during the U.S. Civil Rights movement. After witnessing the Little Rock Nine, a group of students escorted into a recently desegregated school in Arkansas, he was inspired to write a song. In Many Years From Now, McCartney said the title refers to a black woman and is written from her perspective.
Those were the days of the civil rights movement,...
- 4/9/2023
- by Ross Tanenbaum
- 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
Whether he meant to or not, Ringo Starr often came across as the most easy-going of The Beatles. That might be why he played on many of the best solo Fab Four songs that featured former bandmates. Yet much of that work came in his 20s and 30s. Ringo found easygoing peace in a spiritual situation once he reached his 50s, and it makes sense it took that long.
Beatles drummer Ringo Starr | Bettmann/Contributor Ringo Starr said skiing is a ‘spiritual situation’
He grew up in soccer-obsessed England, spent time living in temperate Monaco, and now resides in Los Angeles’ mild climate. Still, Ringo has a passion for skiing.
The drummer joined his Beatles bandmates and meditated with the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in India in early 1968. In his book Postcards From the Boys, Ringo said he found a spiritual situation on the slopes decades later:
“I love skiing. I...
Beatles drummer Ringo Starr | Bettmann/Contributor Ringo Starr said skiing is a ‘spiritual situation’
He grew up in soccer-obsessed England, spent time living in temperate Monaco, and now resides in Los Angeles’ mild climate. Still, Ringo has a passion for skiing.
The drummer joined his Beatles bandmates and meditated with the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in India in early 1968. In his book Postcards From the Boys, Ringo said he found a spiritual situation on the slopes decades later:
“I love skiing. I...
- 3/29/2023
- by Jason Rossi
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Paul McCartney and John Lennon did have a brief public feud after The Beatles broke up. A few of their songs, like Lennon’s “How do You Sleep?” and McCartney’s “Too Many People”, were jabs or responses from the two artists directed at the other. McCartney believed one Lennon song might have been Lennon’s way of expressing jealousy, even though he never admitted to it.
John Lennon wrote ‘Jealous Guy’ during The Beatles’ trip to India Paul McCartney and John Lennon | Mark and Colleen Hayward/Getty Images
The Beatles’ 1968 trip to India was a source of inspiration for their songwriting. Many of these songs can be heard on The White Album and Abbey Road. One song Lennon wrote was titled “Child of Nature.” In the 1980 Playboy interview, Lennon said the lyrics for this track were based on a lecture given by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. The lecture also inspired...
John Lennon wrote ‘Jealous Guy’ during The Beatles’ trip to India Paul McCartney and John Lennon | Mark and Colleen Hayward/Getty Images
The Beatles’ 1968 trip to India was a source of inspiration for their songwriting. Many of these songs can be heard on The White Album and Abbey Road. One song Lennon wrote was titled “Child of Nature.” In the 1980 Playboy interview, Lennon said the lyrics for this track were based on a lecture given by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. The lecture also inspired...
- 3/10/2023
- by Ross Tanenbaum
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
There are many Beatles songs that John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison based on real people. Around the mid-1960s, when their songwriting became more complex, they started incorporating characters and stories into their songs. Real people helped develop those characters and stories. Here are the top 13 Beatles songs based on real people.
The Beatles | Mirrorpix/Getty Images 13. ‘And I Love Her’
Paul McCartney wrote “And I Love Her” after he realized he wanted to tell his then-girlfriend, Jane Asher, he loved her. Paul and Asher dated for most of The Beatles’ lifetime. However, their romance fizzled out toward the end of the 1960s, and Asher broke up with the singer-songwriter on live TV. Paul based many Beatles songs on Asher.
12. ‘I Need You’
George Harrison wrote “I Need You” for his future wife, Pattie Boyd. It’s a simple love song that appears in The Beatles’ Help! George...
The Beatles | Mirrorpix/Getty Images 13. ‘And I Love Her’
Paul McCartney wrote “And I Love Her” after he realized he wanted to tell his then-girlfriend, Jane Asher, he loved her. Paul and Asher dated for most of The Beatles’ lifetime. However, their romance fizzled out toward the end of the 1960s, and Asher broke up with the singer-songwriter on live TV. Paul based many Beatles songs on Asher.
12. ‘I Need You’
George Harrison wrote “I Need You” for his future wife, Pattie Boyd. It’s a simple love song that appears in The Beatles’ Help! George...
- 3/6/2023
- by Hannah Wigandt
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi became the spiritual guru of The Beatles in 1967. The following year, he invited the Fab Four to his ashram in India to learn Transcendental Meditation. However, their stay didn’t end well, and the group’s relationship with the guru soured. Here’s what happened to Maharishi Mahesh Yogi after he severed ties with The Beatles.
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi with The Beatles | Archive Photos/Getty Images Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and his involvement with The Beatles
According to Rolling Stone, George Harrison’s then-wife, Pattie Boyd, saw Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s advertisement for Transcendental Meditation classes. She signed up and told her husband about it. Then, Boyd, George, and the rest of The Beatles went to see the guru speak in London in 1967.
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi invited The Beatles to a retreat in Bangor, Wales. However, the group’s time there was cut short by the untimely death of their manager,...
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi with The Beatles | Archive Photos/Getty Images Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and his involvement with The Beatles
According to Rolling Stone, George Harrison’s then-wife, Pattie Boyd, saw Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s advertisement for Transcendental Meditation classes. She signed up and told her husband about it. Then, Boyd, George, and the rest of The Beatles went to see the guru speak in London in 1967.
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi invited The Beatles to a retreat in Bangor, Wales. However, the group’s time there was cut short by the untimely death of their manager,...
- 3/4/2023
- by Hannah Wigandt
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
All of The Beatles‘ eras were integral to their success and popularity, but some periods were better than others. Here is a ranking of all the group’s phases.
The Beatles | Stan Meagher/Getty Images Related
5 of the Scariest Beatles Songs
13. The Silver Beetles (May-August 1960)
May through August 1960 was the toughest of The Beatles’ eras. They’d changed their name from The Quarry Men to The Silver Beetles for Larry Parnes, who offered them the chance to support Johnny Gentle on a tour of Scotland. In The Beatles Anthology, George Harrison explained that they came back broke and haggard. It wasn’t terrific.
12. The Quarry Men (July 1957- May 1960)
The period of The Quarry Men was a little better because it was when John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison first met and became bandmates. They had even fewer prospects than in their Silver Beetles era, but at least they...
The Beatles | Stan Meagher/Getty Images Related
5 of the Scariest Beatles Songs
13. The Silver Beetles (May-August 1960)
May through August 1960 was the toughest of The Beatles’ eras. They’d changed their name from The Quarry Men to The Silver Beetles for Larry Parnes, who offered them the chance to support Johnny Gentle on a tour of Scotland. In The Beatles Anthology, George Harrison explained that they came back broke and haggard. It wasn’t terrific.
12. The Quarry Men (July 1957- May 1960)
The period of The Quarry Men was a little better because it was when John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison first met and became bandmates. They had even fewer prospects than in their Silver Beetles era, but at least they...
- 2/26/2023
- by Hannah Wigandt
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Choosing George Harrison‘s snarkiest comments is difficult, considering how many he made in his lifetime. The former Beatle was blunt and often said everything that came to mind. He was cynical but always kept his humous edge. Here are George’s top five snarkiest comments.
George Harrison | Images Press/Getty Images 5. ‘See you around the clubs’
In Peter Jackson’s The Beatles: Get Back, fans saw how George’s patients were stretched. There were tensions between the bandmates, but things between Paul McCartney and George got to boiling point. George abruptly quit and said, “I think I’ll be leaving the band now.”
John Lennon, surprised, asked, “When?” “Now. Get a replacement. Write into the NME and get a few people,” George said. As he packed up his things, George told the group he’d see them “’round the clubs.” However, George eventually returned to the band.
4. ‘But what do they want?...
George Harrison | Images Press/Getty Images 5. ‘See you around the clubs’
In Peter Jackson’s The Beatles: Get Back, fans saw how George’s patients were stretched. There were tensions between the bandmates, but things between Paul McCartney and George got to boiling point. George abruptly quit and said, “I think I’ll be leaving the band now.”
John Lennon, surprised, asked, “When?” “Now. Get a replacement. Write into the NME and get a few people,” George said. As he packed up his things, George told the group he’d see them “’round the clubs.” However, George eventually returned to the band.
4. ‘But what do they want?...
- 2/25/2023
- by Hannah Wigandt
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
After John Lennon and George Harrison promptly fled the ashram of guru Maharishi Mahesh Yogi after hearing a rumor, the two Beatles tried to make amends with the spiritual leader. However, The Beatles’ stay in Rishikesh left a bad taste in Maharishi’s mouth. According to a new book, the spiritual leader couldn’t find it in his heart to forgive the singer-songwriters.
John Lennon, George Harrison, and Maharishi Mahesh Yogi | Keystone/Getty Images Why John Lennon and George Harrison quickly left Maharishi Mahesh Yogi during The Beatles’ stay in India
In 1968, Maharishi invited The Beatles to learn Transcendental Meditation at his ashram in Rishikesh, India. The group mainly agreed because they needed spirituality at the time. Their manager, Brian Epstein, died the year before, and they lacked direction.
However, things at the ashram soured quickly. According to John’s wife, Cynthia, “Magic” Alex Mardas, an inventor and Apple Corps employee,...
John Lennon, George Harrison, and Maharishi Mahesh Yogi | Keystone/Getty Images Why John Lennon and George Harrison quickly left Maharishi Mahesh Yogi during The Beatles’ stay in India
In 1968, Maharishi invited The Beatles to learn Transcendental Meditation at his ashram in Rishikesh, India. The group mainly agreed because they needed spirituality at the time. Their manager, Brian Epstein, died the year before, and they lacked direction.
However, things at the ashram soured quickly. According to John’s wife, Cynthia, “Magic” Alex Mardas, an inventor and Apple Corps employee,...
- 2/25/2023
- by Hannah Wigandt
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
George Harrison said the press tainted the word “guru.” They and their readers didn’t understand spirituality. However, it didn’t help that there were some posers in all religious communities.
Paul McCartney, George Harrison, John Lennon, and the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi | C. Maher/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images George Harrison had many gurus in his life
A couple of things catapulted George into spirituality. First, he took LSD, which opened his mind to God-consciousness. Next, he heard Ravi Shankar’s music. Then, he met Shankar and started learning about Indian music and reading spiritual texts.
Once George started learning more, he didn’t look back. Shankar taught him that God is sound and that if he played the right notes, he’d connect with the almighty. He became George’s musical guru, but he was also instrumental in the Beatle’s spiritual journey.
Then, in the late 1960s,...
Paul McCartney, George Harrison, John Lennon, and the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi | C. Maher/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images George Harrison had many gurus in his life
A couple of things catapulted George into spirituality. First, he took LSD, which opened his mind to God-consciousness. Next, he heard Ravi Shankar’s music. Then, he met Shankar and started learning about Indian music and reading spiritual texts.
Once George started learning more, he didn’t look back. Shankar taught him that God is sound and that if he played the right notes, he’d connect with the almighty. He became George’s musical guru, but he was also instrumental in the Beatle’s spiritual journey.
Then, in the late 1960s,...
- 2/20/2023
- by Hannah Wigandt
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Paul McCartney said Donovan didn’t have the best suggestions for his Beatles song “I Will.” The “Mellow Yellow” singer tried helping the “Yesterday” singer during their stay at the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s ashram in India in 1968. He had better success inspiring Paul’s bandmates.
Paul McCartney and The Beatles, Donovan, and the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi | Keystone-France/Getty Images Paul McCartney said Donovan didn’t have the right suggestions for ‘I Will’
In The Lyrics: 1956 to the Present, Paul said the melody for “I Will” was around for a while. The music came quickly. However, the lyrics came slower, which is strange because “it’s a pretty basic set of ideas.”
Paul and The Beatles were at the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s ashram in India when he wrote the tune. Donovan tried helping with an early version of the lyrics, but his suggestions didn’t fit the song’s vibe.
Paul McCartney and The Beatles, Donovan, and the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi | Keystone-France/Getty Images Paul McCartney said Donovan didn’t have the right suggestions for ‘I Will’
In The Lyrics: 1956 to the Present, Paul said the melody for “I Will” was around for a while. The music came quickly. However, the lyrics came slower, which is strange because “it’s a pretty basic set of ideas.”
Paul and The Beatles were at the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s ashram in India when he wrote the tune. Donovan tried helping with an early version of the lyrics, but his suggestions didn’t fit the song’s vibe.
- 2/19/2023
- by Hannah Wigandt
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
George Harrison became involved in Transcendental Meditation, Indian music, and even wrote a song about the Hindu god Krishna — “My Sweet Lord.” Here’s what this Beatle said about his connection with the country and its culture.
The Beatles’ George Harrison said yogis were doing ‘wondrous things’ George Harrison performing live onstage on Dark Horse tour, playing acoustic guitar | Steve Morley/Redferns via Getty Images
In 1967, George Harrison answered questions for the BBC Radio program Scene And Heard. There, he commented on his close connection with Indian culture and what drew him to this country, in particular.
“When I first noticed that I was interested with the music first of all…,” Harrison said (via Beatles Interviews), “and along with that I’d heard stories of people in caves. Yogis, as they’re known. People levitating and dematerializing. And doing all sorts of wondrous things.”
George Harrison mentioned his music appreciation...
The Beatles’ George Harrison said yogis were doing ‘wondrous things’ George Harrison performing live onstage on Dark Horse tour, playing acoustic guitar | Steve Morley/Redferns via Getty Images
In 1967, George Harrison answered questions for the BBC Radio program Scene And Heard. There, he commented on his close connection with Indian culture and what drew him to this country, in particular.
“When I first noticed that I was interested with the music first of all…,” Harrison said (via Beatles Interviews), “and along with that I’d heard stories of people in caves. Yogis, as they’re known. People levitating and dematerializing. And doing all sorts of wondrous things.”
George Harrison mentioned his music appreciation...
- 2/18/2023
- by Julia Dzurillay
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
By the time The Beatles were at the height of their fame, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr were making more money than they could spend. Despite this, they never carried money with them. There was always an aide or assistant available to pay, so they didn’t bother. On a night out in Wales, though, nobody had enough money to pay for dinner. Luckily Harrison remembered that he had stored cash in an unusual place.
George Harrison | Max Scheler – K & K/Redferns The Beatles traveled to Wales in 1967
In 1967, The Beatles traveled to Bangor, Wales, to attend a seminar on Transcendental Meditation. They took a train from London to Bangor with their wives and Mick Jagger. The band had first met Maharishi Mahesh Yogi after a seminar in London, and they were eager to follow him to Maine. Per The Guardian, Starr said that meeting him...
George Harrison | Max Scheler – K & K/Redferns The Beatles traveled to Wales in 1967
In 1967, The Beatles traveled to Bangor, Wales, to attend a seminar on Transcendental Meditation. They took a train from London to Bangor with their wives and Mick Jagger. The band had first met Maharishi Mahesh Yogi after a seminar in London, and they were eager to follow him to Maine. Per The Guardian, Starr said that meeting him...
- 2/9/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Tl;Dr:
David Crosby wasn’t fully onboard with one of George Harrison’s most important relationships.David Crosby said he was close friends with George Harrison.Afterward, David Crosby wrote a song about George Harrison. George Harrison and David Crosby | David Redfern/Redferns; Robert Altman/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
David Crosby didn’t get along with many people, but he found a friend in George Harrison. Though Crosby didn’t agree with everything Harrison did — he even wrote a song about this — he valued his relationship with him. Crosby said that of all of The Beatles, Harrison was his favorite.
David Crosby was cautious of a close relationship George Harrison made
Crosby and Harrison got along, and the former Byrds artist was slightly concerned about a significant relationship in his life. When Harrison met Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and had his spiritual awakening, Crosby was happy for him, but,...
David Crosby wasn’t fully onboard with one of George Harrison’s most important relationships.David Crosby said he was close friends with George Harrison.Afterward, David Crosby wrote a song about George Harrison. George Harrison and David Crosby | David Redfern/Redferns; Robert Altman/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
David Crosby didn’t get along with many people, but he found a friend in George Harrison. Though Crosby didn’t agree with everything Harrison did — he even wrote a song about this — he valued his relationship with him. Crosby said that of all of The Beatles, Harrison was his favorite.
David Crosby was cautious of a close relationship George Harrison made
Crosby and Harrison got along, and the former Byrds artist was slightly concerned about a significant relationship in his life. When Harrison met Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and had his spiritual awakening, Crosby was happy for him, but,...
- 1/30/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Paul McCartney said the leader of the Transcendental Meditation Movement, the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, helped “recenter” The Beatles in the late 1960s. The group needed direction, especially after their manager, Brian Epstein, died.
The Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and The Beatles | Hulton Archive/Getty Images Paul McCartney and the group had many questions before hearing the guru speak for the first time
In Here Comes The Sun: The Spiritual And Musical Journey Of George Harrison, Joshua M. Greene wrote that the Maharishi founded the Spiritual Regeneration Movement, which taught “fundamentals of yoga, breathing, and mantra meditation.”
George Harrison had already begun his spiritual journey in 1965. He heard that the guru was speaking in London and invited his bandmates to come along. According to Paul, he and the rest of the band had also begun questioning their existence too and wanted to hear what the guru had to say.
“We’d been the Beatles,...
The Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and The Beatles | Hulton Archive/Getty Images Paul McCartney and the group had many questions before hearing the guru speak for the first time
In Here Comes The Sun: The Spiritual And Musical Journey Of George Harrison, Joshua M. Greene wrote that the Maharishi founded the Spiritual Regeneration Movement, which taught “fundamentals of yoga, breathing, and mantra meditation.”
George Harrison had already begun his spiritual journey in 1965. He heard that the guru was speaking in London and invited his bandmates to come along. According to Paul, he and the rest of the band had also begun questioning their existence too and wanted to hear what the guru had to say.
“We’d been the Beatles,...
- 1/29/2023
- by Hannah Wigandt
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
When Netflix is desperate, the knives come out, but fine cutlery is useless on glass. In the Knives Out sequel, the gentleman detective Benoit Blanc, once again played by Daniel Craig with that unplaceable Southern accent, travels to Greece to solve a new crime. He’s apparently been listening to the Beatles for inspiration. Directed by a returning Rian Johnson, the follow-up film will be called Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery. Here’s another clue for you all. The Walrus did it, and the Walrus was Paul.
“That’s some heavy-duty conjecture,” the Knives Out sleuths might say, but “Glass Onion” was all about double meanings. The second song off the band’s 1968 double-album, The Beatles (more famously known as “the White Album”) is the most over-interpreted of all the Beatles songs, which makes it an ironic classic, because it was making fun of exactly that kind of compositional scrutiny.
“That’s some heavy-duty conjecture,” the Knives Out sleuths might say, but “Glass Onion” was all about double meanings. The second song off the band’s 1968 double-album, The Beatles (more famously known as “the White Album”) is the most over-interpreted of all the Beatles songs, which makes it an ironic classic, because it was making fun of exactly that kind of compositional scrutiny.
- 6/14/2022
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
In 1968, The Beatles, the biggest band in the material world, went searching for lesser-known alternatives in the spiritual one. Directed by Ajoy Bose and co-directed by Pete Compton, The Beatles and India is more than just a travelog of the band’s famous trip to Rishikesh, India to study transcendental meditation under Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. The documentary shows how Indian music helped refine the group’s sound and how the country embraced the band as cultural ambassadors with deep roots which continue to this day.
The Beatles impacted India almost as much as the country influenced them. The group was first introduced to Indian music while filming Help!, a comedy which spoofed a Kali cult as a comic book villain. The 1965 film featured Indian musicians in a restaurant scene, and the band noticed the instruments. George Harrison first used sitar on John Lennon’s “Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)” from the Rubber Soul album.
The Beatles impacted India almost as much as the country influenced them. The group was first introduced to Indian music while filming Help!, a comedy which spoofed a Kali cult as a comic book villain. The 1965 film featured Indian musicians in a restaurant scene, and the band noticed the instruments. George Harrison first used sitar on John Lennon’s “Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)” from the Rubber Soul album.
- 2/18/2022
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
The clarity of Peter Jackson’s The Beatles: Get Back brings a lot out in the mix. Audiences can see chord changes and teary eyes. Members of The Beatles’ inner circle also make appearances. Peter Brown, who was Brian Epstein’s assistant, pops by with papers. Longtime friends Neil Aspinall and Mal Evans, the managing director of Apple and the band’s road manager, respectively, stick around to make sure the band is getting what they need, while co-producer and engineer Glyn Johns does the same for the audio. Jackson also gives hazy focus to the man who disturbed the sound, Yanni “John” Alexis Mardas, better known as “Magic Alex.”
In The Beatles: Get Back, Magic Alex develops, designs, and delivers a state-of-the-art recording console, which creates far too much hum to be usable in recordings. He also gifts John Lennon with the prototype of a combination rhythm guitar and bass.
In The Beatles: Get Back, Magic Alex develops, designs, and delivers a state-of-the-art recording console, which creates far too much hum to be usable in recordings. He also gifts John Lennon with the prototype of a combination rhythm guitar and bass.
- 12/1/2021
- by Mike Cecchini
- Den of Geek
The always delightful Doctor Z hangs with hosts Josh Olson and Joe Dante while discussing a few of his favorite monkey movies.
Dr. Z – Tmtmm Pod Mentions
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Planet of the Apes (1968) – John Landis’s trailer commentary
Beneath The Planet of the Apes (1970) – John Landis’s trailer commentary
Escape From The Planet of the Apes (1971)
Battle For The Planet of the Apes (1973) – John Landis’s trailer commentary
Every Which Way But Loose (1978)
Any Which Way You Can (1980)
The Godfather Part II (1974) – Katt Shea’s trailer commentary
Schindler’s List (1993)
Godzilla Vs. Kong (2021)
King Kong Vs. Godzilla (1962) – John Landis’s trailer commentary
King Kong (1933)
Conan The Barbarian (1982)
Godzilla (1954) – Don Coscarelli’s trailer commentary
Godzilla Raids Again (1955)
Stalag 17 (1953)
In The Heat Of The Night (1967) – Michael Schlesinger’s trailer commentary
King Kong Escapes (1967)
Murders In The Rue Morgue (1932)
The Sorrow And The Pity (1972)
My Octopus Teacher (2020)
It Came From Beneath The Sea...
Dr. Z – Tmtmm Pod Mentions
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Planet of the Apes (1968) – John Landis’s trailer commentary
Beneath The Planet of the Apes (1970) – John Landis’s trailer commentary
Escape From The Planet of the Apes (1971)
Battle For The Planet of the Apes (1973) – John Landis’s trailer commentary
Every Which Way But Loose (1978)
Any Which Way You Can (1980)
The Godfather Part II (1974) – Katt Shea’s trailer commentary
Schindler’s List (1993)
Godzilla Vs. Kong (2021)
King Kong Vs. Godzilla (1962) – John Landis’s trailer commentary
King Kong (1933)
Conan The Barbarian (1982)
Godzilla (1954) – Don Coscarelli’s trailer commentary
Godzilla Raids Again (1955)
Stalag 17 (1953)
In The Heat Of The Night (1967) – Michael Schlesinger’s trailer commentary
King Kong Escapes (1967)
Murders In The Rue Morgue (1932)
The Sorrow And The Pity (1972)
My Octopus Teacher (2020)
It Came From Beneath The Sea...
- 6/15/2021
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
By 1968, despite, or maybe because of, their huge popularity and success, the Beatles found themselves spiritually exhausted. “We’d been the Beatles, which was marvelous,” Paul McCartney later recalled in The Beatles Anthology. “We’d tried for it not to go to our heads and we were doing quite well – we weren’t getting too spaced out or big-headed – but I think generally there was a feeling of: ‘Yeah, well, it’s great to be famous, it’s great to be rich – but what it’s all for?'”
The...
The...
- 2/15/2021
- by David Chiu
- Rollingstone.com
Looking for some inspiration, made your way into the night? Looking for a fun, lighthearted, if a little too sweet film to ease your mind? What about a piece that might blow you off your feet, take your breath away? Well, Miss India definitely can do that. Only in all the wrong ways.
Once there was this Indian girl (Keerthy Suresh) from middle-class who promised her granddad she would make his name famous. She made it her goal to go against the tradition and her parent’s wish and instead of finding a good husband, Manasa Samyuktha chose not to work, but to follow her dream. To do an Mba and start her own business. Fair enough. After a series of unfortunate events, there comes a blessing in the form of Manasa’s brother scholarship. So the family moves to the United States of America, a promised land untouched by the power of chai.
Once there was this Indian girl (Keerthy Suresh) from middle-class who promised her granddad she would make his name famous. She made it her goal to go against the tradition and her parent’s wish and instead of finding a good husband, Manasa Samyuktha chose not to work, but to follow her dream. To do an Mba and start her own business. Fair enough. After a series of unfortunate events, there comes a blessing in the form of Manasa’s brother scholarship. So the family moves to the United States of America, a promised land untouched by the power of chai.
- 11/13/2020
- by Anomalilly
- AsianMoviePulse
“‘Forrest Gump’ with a mantra” — that’s the underlying premise, in a nutshell, of “Meeting the Beatles in India,” which has filmmaker Paul Saltzman recounting the week he spent hanging with the Beatles under the tutelage of the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi during their famous sojourn to the ashram in 1968. Saltzman has a tale to tell in having been nearly the only non-entourage-member along for the enlightenment alongside the Beatles for that legendary spiritual/media event. By virtue of the camera in his backpack, he also ended up being a house photographer, too… although he forgot about the wealth of stills in his basement for several decades afterward, maybe offering proof that there’s such a thing as too much meditation.
It’s all good reason enough for Saltzman to turn the camera on himself and a few choice expert witnesses here, even if none of the anecdotes or insights are especially profound.
It’s all good reason enough for Saltzman to turn the camera on himself and a few choice expert witnesses here, even if none of the anecdotes or insights are especially profound.
- 9/10/2020
- by Chris Willman
- Variety Film + TV
For the Beach Boys, 2020 was supposed to be a busy year, packed with performances and meet-and-greets. “And then it came to a screeching halt,” Mike Love tells Rolling Stone. “I just look forward to the time when we can get out and do our live music again.”
While remaining isolated in Lake Tahoe, Love recently wrote “This Too Shall Pass,” a Covid-19–themed solo ditty. He enlisted frequent Beach Boys guest John Stamos to drum on the track. “He loves the Beach Boys, and has all his life,” Love says of Stamos.
While remaining isolated in Lake Tahoe, Love recently wrote “This Too Shall Pass,” a Covid-19–themed solo ditty. He enlisted frequent Beach Boys guest John Stamos to drum on the track. “He loves the Beach Boys, and has all his life,” Love says of Stamos.
- 5/12/2020
- by Angie Martoccio
- Rollingstone.com
Fleetwood Mac’s 12th album is both demented and debonair, familiar and foreign — a sprawling double LP that, like the Beatles’ White Album before it, reveled in its own messiness, jumbling together the work of three distinct songwriters. Singer Stevie Nicks and keyboardist Christine McVie carried the commercial weight on Tusk, penning playful pop grooves (the latter’s “Think About Me”) and stormy rockers (the former’s “Sisters of the Moon”) that massaged the same sweet spot as their previous record, the mega-platinum 1977 masterwork Rumours.
But Lindsey Buckingham was unwilling to repeat himself.
But Lindsey Buckingham was unwilling to repeat himself.
- 10/11/2019
- by Ryan Reed
- Rollingstone.com
Charles Manson had an easy explanation for why he ordered the deaths of the family of Leno Labianca and residents at Sharon Tate’s house at the hands of his “Family”: “It’s the Beatles, the music they’re putting out,” he told the district attorney who sent him to death row. “These kids listen to this music and pick up the message. It’s subliminal.”
A half-century has passed since the Manson Family carried out the brutal, stunning Tate-labianca murders in August of 1969, and their supposed link to the Beatles remains confounding.
A half-century has passed since the Manson Family carried out the brutal, stunning Tate-labianca murders in August of 1969, and their supposed link to the Beatles remains confounding.
- 8/9/2019
- by Kory Grow
- Rollingstone.com
Now that moviegoers are finally getting to see “Rocketman,” casual Elton John fans may wonder which key moments are fiction. That’s not easy in a film staged more as a movie musical than traditional biopic. Is the “Tiny Dancer” singer’s story riddled with tiny fibs, or should we be surprised by what it gets right? Put on your levitatin’ shoes as we dig in and separate fact from fancy.
John headed out of a concert and straight into rehab dressed as a horned demon.
True. He was so hopped up on cocaine at the time, he believed he was going to a “Fantasia” party, hence the full “Night on Bald Mountain” regalia.
When Elton was a lad, he and the other members of his family retreated to separate rooms to sing about how lonely they were, trading verses on “I Want Love.”
False. “I Want Love” would not be written for another 45 years,...
John headed out of a concert and straight into rehab dressed as a horned demon.
True. He was so hopped up on cocaine at the time, he believed he was going to a “Fantasia” party, hence the full “Night on Bald Mountain” regalia.
When Elton was a lad, he and the other members of his family retreated to separate rooms to sing about how lonely they were, trading verses on “I Want Love.”
False. “I Want Love” would not be written for another 45 years,...
- 6/3/2019
- by Chris Willman
- Variety Film + TV
The superheroes of Marvel have spectacular powers at their disposal to achieve goals and blow off steam — but the busy executives at the monolithic content engine which creates them are mere mortals, who need practical solutions to manage time and handle pressure from the industry and fans.
One popular method that has captivated their Burbank, Calif., offices is the practice of transcendental meditation (Tm), Variety exclusively learned in reporting this week’s cover story on Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige.
Sitting in his dimly lit office on the Disney lot this month, Marvel co-president Louis D’Esposito told Variety he independently sought out the practice and then talked it up to Feige and vice president of production and development Stephen Broussard. The meditation calls for the silent repetition of a mantra to help distract from the daily grind and allow for focus and relaxation.
“We even have a meditating room up here.
One popular method that has captivated their Burbank, Calif., offices is the practice of transcendental meditation (Tm), Variety exclusively learned in reporting this week’s cover story on Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige.
Sitting in his dimly lit office on the Disney lot this month, Marvel co-president Louis D’Esposito told Variety he independently sought out the practice and then talked it up to Feige and vice president of production and development Stephen Broussard. The meditation calls for the silent repetition of a mantra to help distract from the daily grind and allow for focus and relaxation.
“We even have a meditating room up here.
- 4/16/2019
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Tony Sokol Feb 13, 2019
Maharishi & Me: Seeking Enlightenment by Susan Shumsky offers more than 9 revelations about The Beatles' guru.
The Beatles were at the height of rock stardom when they realized they could reach higher states of consciousness. George Harrison learned practice was not limited to performance as he changed the entire approach to making music to merge the spiritual. The lead guitarist of the most popular band in the world added tambura and sitar to his arsenal of stringed instruments, taking lessons from Indian maestro Ravi Shankar himself. But Harrison was searching for "The Inner Light," which John Lennon assured listeners "Tomorrow Never Knows," a title suggested by Ringo Starr. The drummer in the greatest show on the earth was also considered the best meditator of the quartet by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. This is only one revelation found in Susan Shumsky's book Maharishi & Me: Seeking Enlightenment with the Beatles' Guru.
Maharishi & Me: Seeking Enlightenment by Susan Shumsky offers more than 9 revelations about The Beatles' guru.
The Beatles were at the height of rock stardom when they realized they could reach higher states of consciousness. George Harrison learned practice was not limited to performance as he changed the entire approach to making music to merge the spiritual. The lead guitarist of the most popular band in the world added tambura and sitar to his arsenal of stringed instruments, taking lessons from Indian maestro Ravi Shankar himself. But Harrison was searching for "The Inner Light," which John Lennon assured listeners "Tomorrow Never Knows," a title suggested by Ringo Starr. The drummer in the greatest show on the earth was also considered the best meditator of the quartet by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. This is only one revelation found in Susan Shumsky's book Maharishi & Me: Seeking Enlightenment with the Beatles' Guru.
- 12/21/2018
- Den of Geek
Tony Sokol Jan 21, 2019
John Lennon could turn a bad mood into great song. He worked out some instant karma for a giggling guru for The Beatles' White Album.
"Well, if you’re so cosmic you’ll know why," John Lennon explained to Maharishi Mahesh Yogi as the final two Beatles left his Ashram before fulfilling their Transcendental Meditation regimen. "And he gave me a look like ‘I’ll kill you, you bastard,'” Lennon told Jann Wenner of Rolling Stone in December 1970, which was later published as the book Lennon Remembers. Inner peace is as much a bitch as karma, which bites the asses of rock stars and gurus alike. Maharishi was accused of sexual misconduct during the Beatles' sojourn to India for enlightenment, a journey which may have culminated in the band teaming with the Beach Boys in spreading the movement. But it darkened Lennon's vibes so bad...
John Lennon could turn a bad mood into great song. He worked out some instant karma for a giggling guru for The Beatles' White Album.
"Well, if you’re so cosmic you’ll know why," John Lennon explained to Maharishi Mahesh Yogi as the final two Beatles left his Ashram before fulfilling their Transcendental Meditation regimen. "And he gave me a look like ‘I’ll kill you, you bastard,'” Lennon told Jann Wenner of Rolling Stone in December 1970, which was later published as the book Lennon Remembers. Inner peace is as much a bitch as karma, which bites the asses of rock stars and gurus alike. Maharishi was accused of sexual misconduct during the Beatles' sojourn to India for enlightenment, a journey which may have culminated in the band teaming with the Beach Boys in spreading the movement. But it darkened Lennon's vibes so bad...
- 12/17/2018
- Den of Geek
CinemaAbhimanyu Kukreja’s comprehensive, nostalgic and enjoyable documentary traces the evolution of Indian rock from the '30s to today.Sharanya GopinathanThe sixth edition of the Brahmaputra Valley Film Festival saw the India premiere of former music journalist and filmmaker Abhimanyu Kukreja’s Rockumentary: The Evolution of Indian Rock. An exercise in the real production of new knowledge, it courses through the uncharted territories of the birth and growth of India’s rock scene, tracing its evolution from the Anglo-led jazz and blues bands in the clubs of British-era Calcutta in the '30s, to the influence of Elvis Presley on rock 'n' roll in India and the world, the psychedelic rock scene of the '70s in Bombay, the role the entry of TV channels, and the plethora of different forms of rock mushrooming in India today. The documentary begins in an unexpectedly meta way, with Kukreja telling the...
- 12/1/2018
- by Sowmya
- The News Minute
Once upon a time — or maybe twice — there was a gloriously colorful and strange film called “Yellow Submarine.” The 1968 cartoon helped usher The Beatles out of an odd, hectic period for the band and would serve as a gateway for subsequent generations of Beatles fans to come.
When “Yellow Submarine” was released in the summer of 1968, the Beatles were bigger than Jesus. But things had gotten a little rocky within the group. Their longtime manager, Brian Epstein, had died the previous summer; they endured their first flop, the British TV film “Magical Mystery Tour,” at the end of that year; they alienated some fans with a trip to India to meditate with the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in early 1968; and Lennon was heavily into LSD and, in October, would be arrested on drug possession charges with his new girlfriend Yoko Ono, whose constant presence was not always embraced by the band or its fans.
When “Yellow Submarine” was released in the summer of 1968, the Beatles were bigger than Jesus. But things had gotten a little rocky within the group. Their longtime manager, Brian Epstein, had died the previous summer; they endured their first flop, the British TV film “Magical Mystery Tour,” at the end of that year; they alienated some fans with a trip to India to meditate with the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in early 1968; and Lennon was heavily into LSD and, in October, would be arrested on drug possession charges with his new girlfriend Yoko Ono, whose constant presence was not always embraced by the band or its fans.
- 7/4/2018
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
“Life is a festival of disruption,” according to Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Now filmmaker and Maharishi disciple David Lynch will create his own Festival of Disruption. Taking place at the Ace Hotel in Los Angeles on October 8 and October 9, the festival will feature film, music, photography, multimedia, dance, and discussions all curated by Lynch himself. On the film side, the festival will screen the documentary Blue Velvet Revisited, The Elephant Man, and rare David Lynch shorts. There will talks by architect Frank Gehry, Mel Brooks, Kyle McLachlan & Laura Dern, and Blondie’s Debbie Harry & Chris Stein. Chris Milk will exhibit […]...
- 6/21/2016
- by Paula Bernstein
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
“Life is a festival of disruption,” Maharishi Mahesh Yogi once said. David Lynch is now set to live by this quote by “creating a mysterious & beautiful world” with the just-announced Festival of Disruption. Set to occur October 8 and 9 at the Ace Hotel in Los Angeles, on the film side, it will feature screenings of The Elephant Man, rare shorts from Lynch, and the documentary Blue Velvet Revisited. (It’s not mentioned, but this would be the ideal place to show off some of the new Twin Peaks, if you are listening, Showtime.)
On the music side, there will be performances from St. Vincent, Sky Ferreira, Robert Plant & the Sensational Space Shifters, composer Angelo Badalamenti, Xiu Xiu, DJ’ing from Questlove, and more. Kyle MacLachlan and Laura Dern will also participate in a talk, while Mel Brooks will give his own, as well as Debbie Harry and Chris Stein. That’s not all,...
On the music side, there will be performances from St. Vincent, Sky Ferreira, Robert Plant & the Sensational Space Shifters, composer Angelo Badalamenti, Xiu Xiu, DJ’ing from Questlove, and more. Kyle MacLachlan and Laura Dern will also participate in a talk, while Mel Brooks will give his own, as well as Debbie Harry and Chris Stein. That’s not all,...
- 6/21/2016
- by Leonard Pearce
- The Film Stage
Actor and environmental conservationist Dia Mirza set on an enchanting journey with her television debut Ganga – The Soul of India. The show, which airs its third episode on Sunday, May 15, is sure to intrigue many adventure enthusiasts!
In the upcoming episode Dia is seen visiting the ashram of Mahesh Yogi in Rishikesh, made famous by the Beatles. The serene surroundings of the forest amidst which stands the structure of the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi ashram can be accessed by visitors via a breathtaking nature trail. Not known to many people, the ashram also housed the famous English rock band The Beatles in February 1968.
Dia reveals that it is while staying at this ashram that the rock band penned down songs for three of their classic albums, Abbey Road, White Album and Rubber Soul! The graffiti on the walls of the ashram are spectacular and vivid, specially the compelling artwork of The Beatles in black and white.
In the upcoming episode Dia is seen visiting the ashram of Mahesh Yogi in Rishikesh, made famous by the Beatles. The serene surroundings of the forest amidst which stands the structure of the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi ashram can be accessed by visitors via a breathtaking nature trail. Not known to many people, the ashram also housed the famous English rock band The Beatles in February 1968.
Dia reveals that it is while staying at this ashram that the rock band penned down songs for three of their classic albums, Abbey Road, White Album and Rubber Soul! The graffiti on the walls of the ashram are spectacular and vivid, specially the compelling artwork of The Beatles in black and white.
- 5/15/2016
- by Press Releases
- Bollyspice
The Church of Scientology has become the big bad of documentary filmmakers. Last year brought us Going Clear, a movie that delved into the bizarre history of Scientology and the strange, terrifying figure of its current leader David Miscavige. This year brought us a book by former Scientologist and actress Leah Remini, reigniting interest in the notoriously secretive and notoriously litigious group. Now, My Scientology Movie, from British journalist Louis Theroux and director John Dower, takes us ever deeper into the weird world of Scientology and the people that…make movies about Scientology.
As the title suggests, My Scientology Movie takes a novel approach. Rather than making a straight documentary, Theroux and Dower take their inspiration from Scientology’s love of big, lavish productions and decide to produce huge reenactments of alleged abusive events.
After being turned down for interviews by everyone within the Church, Theroux brings in the most...
As the title suggests, My Scientology Movie takes a novel approach. Rather than making a straight documentary, Theroux and Dower take their inspiration from Scientology’s love of big, lavish productions and decide to produce huge reenactments of alleged abusive events.
After being turned down for interviews by everyone within the Church, Theroux brings in the most...
- 4/18/2016
- by Lauren Humphries-Brooks
- We Got This Covered
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