Hi All,
On this page, the three hosts will offer up some of the Beatle-related stories and anecdotes that they have either written, lived through or plagiarized .... wait, sorry ... not that last one. The guys all have some unique experiences and thoughts to share, and they will be posted here as they are written or re-discovered from our respective archives.
Enjoy!
On this page, the three hosts will offer up some of the Beatle-related stories and anecdotes that they have either written, lived through or plagiarized .... wait, sorry ... not that last one. The guys all have some unique experiences and thoughts to share, and they will be posted here as they are written or re-discovered from our respective archives.
Enjoy!
A Bit About "How It All Started"
by Tony Traguardo
It all started with an unwitting conspiracy between my folks and a clever young man who was dating my sister. She is eleven years my senior, so at 16 she had to put up with an annoying, precocious, five year-old who was in the middle of everything ... including the couch when she and her suitors were trying to cuddle. When my parents bought me a record player for X-mas one year, along with an assortment of kiddie records, one of these cunning fellows came up with a plan.
He came over to visit one night when my sister had been assigned "babysitting" duties armed with five of his sister's (he was no fool) brand new record albums. "Here kid ...", he said, " ... why don't you check these out". I looked at the covers ... an odd assortment of images and faces.
Creedence Clearwater Revival - Willy And The Poor Boys
The Beatles - Meet The Beatles
The Beatles - Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
Cream - Disraeli Gears
Led Zeppelin - II
Yowch. I'll never forget the first time the needle touched down on 'Meet The Beatles'. I started at side two. What did I know. I was a kid, right? Anyway, the opening rhythms of George Harrison's "Don't Bother Me" knocked my socks off. I was memorized I don't think that I breathed through that entire album side. Good thing those Capitol albums were only 26 minutes long, eh! (As it turned out, I was familiar with the first two amazing songs on side one - my sister had them on this cool 45 that had a swirl on it that was just hypnotizing!)
'Sgt. Pepper' was another story. The crowd noise that started it off sucked me right in. All of those folks wanted to know what was going to happen during that album side, and so did I. I remained for the whole show. Admittedly, those strange whining, droning noises during "Within You, Without You" did wig me out slightly ... but I hung in there. I knew that there was something ominous and strange about "A Day In The Life". Perhaps it was the beginning of understanding. Perhaps it was the start of a loss of innocence. But it wasn't a baptism by fire. The Beatles still wanted to hold that girl's hand on the other record ... so I could still find a safe haven.
Anyway, the Cream and Zeppelin albums were a little scary. Interesting, but kind of confusing. Not quite ready yet on those. It would take a few more years, but I'd get there eventually. But Creedence ... ahh Creedence. John Fogerty's voice was so darn ... real. Right there. With his doot doot doo's and his songs about making music on the corner, he was painting pictures in my head that really came alive.
I had been listening to, and humming along with, the radio since I was a wee munchkin, but now it was getting serious. The folks caught on that the little guy was spending lots of time in front of that three inch speaker. Since it wasn't exactly the type of neighborhood where my parents were able to say "Hey son, why not go and play outside", they encouraged my interest. Dad brought home some cut-outs from the local five and dime. Enter into my life everything from from The Lovin' Spoonful to Beverly Bremers (remember THAT one hit wonder ... "Don't Say You Don't Remember"!). These were some very hungry young ears. Finally, one day in 1970, I asked that fateful question: "Hey Pop ... can I go to the store with you and buy a record with my allowance money?" It was the Fifth Dimension's version of "Aquarius". I bought it all by myself. It's amazing, but I still have it. And so ... that was the end of my ever retaining any of my allowance money for anything longer than the amount of time it took to get to my local music retailer. Years later I could simply exchange the word "allowance" for "salary". Fortunately, for a while, I was clever enough to manage a few used record stores, and to work for a CD distributor - that made the habit far more manageable, I must say!
When my family moved East from the Bronx to 'The Island' (Port Washington, Long Island, New York, to be exact), I found that many of the local kids ... usually those a bit older than myself ... were also grooving to the latest 45's. Music! This, coupled with a mutual appreciation for one another's bizarre senses of humor, showed me that when it came to my new neighbors I was ... well ... pretty OK. They could always count on me to provide them with a front porch where we could endlessly spin the latest Top 40 singles.
But one day at school, I did the unmentionable. A classmate had brought in her singles collection to play during a rained-out school recess. It would be a mid-afternoon dance party. To begin with, I was appalled by the way she threw those things around. No respect. But I digress. Anyway, I had the nerve to take her copy of "Crocodile Rock" by Elton John and ... saints preserve us ... flip it over to play the B-side! Before I was suitably chided by my entire class I got to hear half of this wonderful thumper called "Elderberry Wine". Now, I usually gave the flip sides a chance; after all, most Beatle records were practically double-sided hits. This was different, though. Who was this Elton John guy anyway? I was ready to find out.
The following week found me sick and in bed for a few days. Mom, being a loving and sympathetic Mom-type person, asked if I wanted anything. The usual response was along the lines of the newest Superman or Batman epic, or a recent single. I had done my research, though, and I went for broke. "McCrory's has a sale, Momma". Mom paused. "Uh-huh", she muttered with some 'What's this gonna cost me?' type trepidation in her voice. "Can you get me the last Elton John album. It's called 'Don't Shoot Me, I'm Only The Piano Player' ". Now she was puzzled. "What?" So I repeated the title ... and, with a shrug, off Mom went - on a mission for her ailing little offspring. Now, I knew what I was doing, mind you. ALL of the Elton John albums were on sale, but the newest one was a double album ... and I wasn't pushin' my luck. Besides, the new one didn't have "Elderberry Wine" on it. And many years later, the album remains one of my favorites.
To all of the kids at school, Elton John was the current 'pin-up' singles artist of the day. These young ears, however, were now being filled with songs like "Have Mercy On The Criminal" and "High Flying Bird". I didn't understand it all, but I knew that these words were telling stories. And yes ... I was gonna "be a teenage idol" when I grew up. (Note: I was, and am not, despite what you may read elsewhere ... Grown up, I mean.) I followed a number of other artists' careers over the years, but I would stay close to the work of Elton John and Bernie Taupin. It didn't take long for me to save up for that new double album myself.
The following year, my family moved again. It was only a matter of a few miles, but what I would find in my new surroundings was going to really set things off. Here was found Beatles' bootlegs and a neighbor with (up until that point) the biggest record collection that I'd ever seen. Wow. I was gonna love it here! The family next door had five children, and they would all be integral parts of my life for the next seven, all-important, years. I remain close to two of those "kids" to this day. I also still delight in seeing the rest of the clan whenever I can.
Jumping waaaaaay ahead, I cut to the present day. I've remained a big fan of Elton John and Bernie Taupin. I was ecstatic when Bernie joined up with Alice Cooper ... who had become another one of my favorites ... to produce 'From The Inside'. A brilliant album, in my humble opinion. And I played tracks from Taupin's second solo album 'He Who Rides The Tiger 'many years later on my radio show, and still occasionally sneak Bernie's side project, 'The Farmdogs', into my on-air playlist.
I began singing lead in a cover band (Shindig!) in 1993, and that adventure brought me face-to-face with my collaborator, John Keating. I think that he and I waited a long time to bump into one another. And, despite the fact that we don't see one another too often these days, I just can't shake the feeling that if a great number of people are ever meant to hear my lyrics being sung, they will be heard with John Keating's music under them. We completed a few dozen ... and some of them are pretty OK if I do say so myself.
At some point during the years between high school and the current day, I've had the good fortune to meet a few of the people who have inspired me throughout my life - many of whom still continue to do so. The events of one unusual evening in 1988 found me face-to-face (OK, you hardcore fans, no Billy Joel jokes here) with the inimitable Elton John, and with his longtime writing partner ... the person who really helped to thrust me into my lifelong affair with a pen and paper ... Mr. Bernie Taupin.
And yes, that was a teaser. The story of that meeting can be found on my site ...
He came over to visit one night when my sister had been assigned "babysitting" duties armed with five of his sister's (he was no fool) brand new record albums. "Here kid ...", he said, " ... why don't you check these out". I looked at the covers ... an odd assortment of images and faces.
Creedence Clearwater Revival - Willy And The Poor Boys
The Beatles - Meet The Beatles
The Beatles - Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
Cream - Disraeli Gears
Led Zeppelin - II
Yowch. I'll never forget the first time the needle touched down on 'Meet The Beatles'. I started at side two. What did I know. I was a kid, right? Anyway, the opening rhythms of George Harrison's "Don't Bother Me" knocked my socks off. I was memorized I don't think that I breathed through that entire album side. Good thing those Capitol albums were only 26 minutes long, eh! (As it turned out, I was familiar with the first two amazing songs on side one - my sister had them on this cool 45 that had a swirl on it that was just hypnotizing!)
'Sgt. Pepper' was another story. The crowd noise that started it off sucked me right in. All of those folks wanted to know what was going to happen during that album side, and so did I. I remained for the whole show. Admittedly, those strange whining, droning noises during "Within You, Without You" did wig me out slightly ... but I hung in there. I knew that there was something ominous and strange about "A Day In The Life". Perhaps it was the beginning of understanding. Perhaps it was the start of a loss of innocence. But it wasn't a baptism by fire. The Beatles still wanted to hold that girl's hand on the other record ... so I could still find a safe haven.
Anyway, the Cream and Zeppelin albums were a little scary. Interesting, but kind of confusing. Not quite ready yet on those. It would take a few more years, but I'd get there eventually. But Creedence ... ahh Creedence. John Fogerty's voice was so darn ... real. Right there. With his doot doot doo's and his songs about making music on the corner, he was painting pictures in my head that really came alive.
I had been listening to, and humming along with, the radio since I was a wee munchkin, but now it was getting serious. The folks caught on that the little guy was spending lots of time in front of that three inch speaker. Since it wasn't exactly the type of neighborhood where my parents were able to say "Hey son, why not go and play outside", they encouraged my interest. Dad brought home some cut-outs from the local five and dime. Enter into my life everything from from The Lovin' Spoonful to Beverly Bremers (remember THAT one hit wonder ... "Don't Say You Don't Remember"!). These were some very hungry young ears. Finally, one day in 1970, I asked that fateful question: "Hey Pop ... can I go to the store with you and buy a record with my allowance money?" It was the Fifth Dimension's version of "Aquarius". I bought it all by myself. It's amazing, but I still have it. And so ... that was the end of my ever retaining any of my allowance money for anything longer than the amount of time it took to get to my local music retailer. Years later I could simply exchange the word "allowance" for "salary". Fortunately, for a while, I was clever enough to manage a few used record stores, and to work for a CD distributor - that made the habit far more manageable, I must say!
When my family moved East from the Bronx to 'The Island' (Port Washington, Long Island, New York, to be exact), I found that many of the local kids ... usually those a bit older than myself ... were also grooving to the latest 45's. Music! This, coupled with a mutual appreciation for one another's bizarre senses of humor, showed me that when it came to my new neighbors I was ... well ... pretty OK. They could always count on me to provide them with a front porch where we could endlessly spin the latest Top 40 singles.
But one day at school, I did the unmentionable. A classmate had brought in her singles collection to play during a rained-out school recess. It would be a mid-afternoon dance party. To begin with, I was appalled by the way she threw those things around. No respect. But I digress. Anyway, I had the nerve to take her copy of "Crocodile Rock" by Elton John and ... saints preserve us ... flip it over to play the B-side! Before I was suitably chided by my entire class I got to hear half of this wonderful thumper called "Elderberry Wine". Now, I usually gave the flip sides a chance; after all, most Beatle records were practically double-sided hits. This was different, though. Who was this Elton John guy anyway? I was ready to find out.
The following week found me sick and in bed for a few days. Mom, being a loving and sympathetic Mom-type person, asked if I wanted anything. The usual response was along the lines of the newest Superman or Batman epic, or a recent single. I had done my research, though, and I went for broke. "McCrory's has a sale, Momma". Mom paused. "Uh-huh", she muttered with some 'What's this gonna cost me?' type trepidation in her voice. "Can you get me the last Elton John album. It's called 'Don't Shoot Me, I'm Only The Piano Player' ". Now she was puzzled. "What?" So I repeated the title ... and, with a shrug, off Mom went - on a mission for her ailing little offspring. Now, I knew what I was doing, mind you. ALL of the Elton John albums were on sale, but the newest one was a double album ... and I wasn't pushin' my luck. Besides, the new one didn't have "Elderberry Wine" on it. And many years later, the album remains one of my favorites.
To all of the kids at school, Elton John was the current 'pin-up' singles artist of the day. These young ears, however, were now being filled with songs like "Have Mercy On The Criminal" and "High Flying Bird". I didn't understand it all, but I knew that these words were telling stories. And yes ... I was gonna "be a teenage idol" when I grew up. (Note: I was, and am not, despite what you may read elsewhere ... Grown up, I mean.) I followed a number of other artists' careers over the years, but I would stay close to the work of Elton John and Bernie Taupin. It didn't take long for me to save up for that new double album myself.
The following year, my family moved again. It was only a matter of a few miles, but what I would find in my new surroundings was going to really set things off. Here was found Beatles' bootlegs and a neighbor with (up until that point) the biggest record collection that I'd ever seen. Wow. I was gonna love it here! The family next door had five children, and they would all be integral parts of my life for the next seven, all-important, years. I remain close to two of those "kids" to this day. I also still delight in seeing the rest of the clan whenever I can.
Jumping waaaaaay ahead, I cut to the present day. I've remained a big fan of Elton John and Bernie Taupin. I was ecstatic when Bernie joined up with Alice Cooper ... who had become another one of my favorites ... to produce 'From The Inside'. A brilliant album, in my humble opinion. And I played tracks from Taupin's second solo album 'He Who Rides The Tiger 'many years later on my radio show, and still occasionally sneak Bernie's side project, 'The Farmdogs', into my on-air playlist.
I began singing lead in a cover band (Shindig!) in 1993, and that adventure brought me face-to-face with my collaborator, John Keating. I think that he and I waited a long time to bump into one another. And, despite the fact that we don't see one another too often these days, I just can't shake the feeling that if a great number of people are ever meant to hear my lyrics being sung, they will be heard with John Keating's music under them. We completed a few dozen ... and some of them are pretty OK if I do say so myself.
At some point during the years between high school and the current day, I've had the good fortune to meet a few of the people who have inspired me throughout my life - many of whom still continue to do so. The events of one unusual evening in 1988 found me face-to-face (OK, you hardcore fans, no Billy Joel jokes here) with the inimitable Elton John, and with his longtime writing partner ... the person who really helped to thrust me into my lifelong affair with a pen and paper ... Mr. Bernie Taupin.
And yes, that was a teaser. The story of that meeting can be found on my site ...
My Visit to “The Big Apple” by Mitch Axelrod
This article was originally written for Beatlefan magazine in 2005:
Being the author of the book “Beatletoons” has been a blessing in many ways, but there was a time during my years of research that my stomach was in constant knots. I started researching the material in late 1994 and I knew that soon thereafter, I would have to approach the subject of my book with the Beatles management company, Apple Corps, Ltd. This was both exciting and intimidating because it would be a chance to tell them about my passion for the cartoon series but I also knew that it may be the worst thing that could happen to me because I had heard many horror stories out how Apple would squash ideas before they began, or even sue after the fact. All I was doing was writing about a part of Beatles history never before covered so they should have been happy about that, right? After I ‘d researched and gathered enough material to piece together a story worthy of a whole book, I thought the time was right to contact the good folks at Apple. This was especially nerve-wracking since, during my research, I uncovered the fact that The Beatles hated this cartoon. I started corresponding with an Apple employee in late 1995. He was a nice enough man and genuinely sounded interested in the book I was researching. He told me that Apple was never going to be conducting such an undertaking and that they were intrigued. After many faxes back and forth I felt it was time to take a trip across the pond. Yes, it was going to be my trip to “the Big Apple”, and no, I am NOT talking about New York.
My friend Tom and I decided the trip would be the second week of February 1996. We are both Beatles fans and decided that we would do all of the typical Beatles things while in the UK. The only thing atypical was potentially going to the offices of the greatest band in rock and roll history. This was NOT a sure thing. Not many people of my stature (none) get into the Apple office. After all, to them, I was just a guy writing another Beatles book that wanted to work his way into their offices. From the time I first contacted them to that present time, my contact was no longer an employee of the company and I had to start from scratch with a new, very nice, contact. When I broached the subject of a face-to-face visit with the Apple employee, he was very standoffish and I didn’t get a good feeling about my visit. He told me that it was a very busy time in Beatle-land (the Anthologies were being released) and I should call when I got there to see if it could happen. I figured that it was not going to become a reality and that we would just have a blast being in London and going to Liverpool.
The flight from New York was filled with anticipation and nerves, as all I was thinking about was my call to Apple asking if I could have a few minutes of their time. Tom and I both had enough Rutland beers in us that we arrived in London a bit “tired”. However, there was no sleep for the weary as the day was just beginning in London. So, we started our adventures with a bang, or should I say HANG-over! After a few hours of taking in the sites, and cider, I had gotten up enough nerve to call Apple. The phone rang and the secretary answered. After I gave my name I immediately thought I would get the “he’s not here at the moment, I’ll have him ring you” speech. But to my surprise, he actually came to the phone. My heart sank as he informed me that this was the week that “Real Love” was being sent to the UK radio stations for its promo release and that it was not the best time for a visit. He must have heard the disappointment in my voice because he then said that I should come around the afternoon of February 14 at 4:30 and that he could only give my 30 minutes. Wow, 30 minutes at Apple was more than I had envisioned since I thought I was getting no time at all. I politely and calmly agreed to come around with my research material (hey, if you could only see me at the phone booth, it would have been a great video for one of those funniest video shows as I was jumping up and down pumping my fists).
The affirmative call really set the tone for the week as I had a few days to enjoy the sites and get ready for my big visit. At this point in the story, I need to let you know that it was a typical cold London February and I was wearing a long black wool business coat the whole week. Tom and I did all of the Beatles things. We walked across Abbey Road (me barefoot of course), went to Liverpool and went on the Magical Mystery tour bus with Eddie, etc. What I did not know at the time was that somewhere along the fun, I had ripped my coat under my arm, and I am talking a BIG rip. I had no other coat with me and I had no time, nor the funds to buy another one in time for my big meeting. How embarrassing this would be. Here I am trying to make a good serious impression to a company that hardly EVER even considers having people like me to their offices, and I had this massive rip in my coat that made me look like some homeless person. I told myself that I would hold my arm down towards my body even when shaking hands with my Apple contact. Oh how Tom and I laughed as I practiced shaking hands and looking like I was doing “the robot”.
As we approached the white brownstone that houses the offices, I started to sweat, even in the cold February weather. I was hoping that they would like my presentation AND I was hoping that they wouldn’t notice my coat, or lack thereof. I was very politely greeted at the door and as soon as we entered the building, I immediately took off my coat and draped it over my arm. One worry down, so many to go. I felt like I had won the golden Willy Wonka ticket and THIS was MY chocolate factory as the front hallway of the offices was lined from floor to ceiling with gold and platinum records from around the world. You can see this in the Anthology series when Neil Aspinall is being interviewed in the offices. When I jokingly commented that I would like everyone to look away for a few moments so I could put some under my arm, I was told that all of them were bolted to the walls. They were in no mood for jokes. We were once again told that we only had 30 minutes and were escorted to a downstairs basement. I would LOVE my house to have had a basement like this. It was filled with memorabilia. Especially nice was a 16 by 20 inch color photo of The Threetles from the Linda McCartney photo sessions. This was the picture of them sitting holding their knees to their chests and George is cracking up laughing. The photo was, to the best of my knowledge, signed by all. I was already picturing it hanging on my wall at home.
Our meeting began and it was going very well. My contact was puzzled as to why I would care so much about a cartoon series that the group disliked so much that it was never shown in the UK. I explained my passion and it seemed to intrigue him more. I was told that there was not much they could offer, as the series wasn’t a priority to them. I was also told that I should continue my “fine research” and see where it would take us from that point on. Just then, an assistant came into the room with a huge book of what appeared to be photos and negatives of The Beatles. I overheard them talking and they were picking out pictures for the Anthology 2 CD. What I wouldn’t have given for that book. I could have put BOTH my kids through college. In fact, dare I say it; I could have ruled the world!!!! Okay so the world domination thing is a bit much, but it would be a cool thing to own. Nonetheless, it was very distracting to conduct my business meeting while they were making me salivate. Very rude of them indeed (tongue planted firmly in cheek). My time was nearing an end, we finished up the meeting with another firm, coatless, handshake, and we agreed to keep each other informed of any future research and proceedings with the book. We were led out of the building and I was hoping that the smile on my face wasn’t too stupid looking. Tom told me no, but he DID inform me of one thing that made me cringe. He told me that as the meeting progressed, I suddenly became British. He said that I actually started speaking in a British accent, and rather well, he added. I slapped my hand over my face in a very Homer Simpson-like manner and yelled “Doh.” My chagrin turned to excitement again as we heard something beautiful blasting through the streets of London. It was the premiere of “Real Love”. As always, leave it to The Beatles to “take a sad song and make it better”.
