Please Note: These are only news briefs at best and the full stories are not here. Not all news stories are here; check out What Goes On for the full listing of Beatles-related news stories and the full articles.

July 22, 2008

Paul rocked Quebec despite the upset nationalists (source)
Quebec nationalists had been upset about Paul's concert, claiming that it was a painful reminder of Britain's conquest of New France in 1760. Macca brushed them off by telling them to "smoke the Pipes of Peace" and put on a show that left another crowd definitely feeling amazed... 20,000 watched as McCartney played 36 solo, Wings, and Beatles songs for two and a half hours. His only break was just before the five-song encore. David Fletcher said, "He's 66 years old and he's out there performing like a 20-year-old."

Macca wants to play Israel gig (source)
Paul says he is ready to play his first concert in Israel. The Beatles were banned from the country over 40 years ago (some believed a Beatles concert would corrupt the country's morals). Earlier this year, Israel's government sent letters of apology to the remaining members of the band, as well as the relatives of John Lennon and George Harrison.

Now Paul is signing a deal to play to a crowd of 250,000 in Tel Aviv this September. A source has said, "Paul is desperate to put Israel on the map of places he's performed. He is pushing to make it happen, although the security issues are a real threat."

New Lennon film in the works (source)
Matt Greenhalgh, who also worked on a film about the frontman of Joy Division, will develop Nowhere Boy, a film based on the book by Lennon's sister Julia Baird. Greenhalgh has stated: "When looking for my next project I was wary of musical protagonists - but when John Lennon was floated, that vanished. He is beyond music - above it even."

July 16, 2008

New Beatles museum in Branson (source)
Louise Harrison will be opening the museum. She currently is the manager of Liverpool Legends, a Beatles tribute band based in Branson. This museum so far will be the United States' only Beatles museum. It is to open by March of next year.

The museum will be filled with Beatles memorabilia from around the world, including a few items from Louise's own collection that the public has never before seen. The only other Beatles museum in the world is located in Liverpool and is called The Beatles Story.

Interview with Tom Work (source)
Tom Work portrays George Harrison in the well-known Beatles tribute band, 1964 the Tribute. In this short conversation, he talks about a range of subjects, including the band when they are away from the stage, Elvis impersonators, and how long 1964 intends to tour. Check the source link for the full interview.

Lennon sketches on display (source)
During a special 5-7 p.m. viewing at the Southern Indiana Center for the Arts, three of John's sketches from his art school days are on display. Parman, executive director of the center, says the sketches are not exactly rare. He stated: "If I were to do a nationwide ad and say, 'I have John Lennon art here,' someone would quickly say, 'So do I.'"

July 12, 2008

Ringo gets fed up with Larry!
During a recent birthday interview with Ringo Starr, Larry King took the opportunity to mention about twelve times that Ringo had finally turned 68! Towards the end of the interview, Larry asked Ringo what he would do for his 69th birthday. Ringo responded, "Well, I'm not talking to you. Could you stress my age enough, for Christ's sake? How old are you, 102?"

Limited edition Beatles iPod in Bloomingdale's?
Apple Records has given the department store Bloomingdale's permission to produce a clothing line featuring Beatles images. They will also soon have a Beatles iPod for sale with every Beatles song already loaded on it. Only one hundred of the iPods will be made.

January 2, 2008

Paul's secret heart operation (source)
Well, it's not so secret now, is it? Last summer Paul underwent coronary angioplasty, which opens arteries to allow greater blood flow.

According to a source, "Paul had been complaining about not feeling well and saw a Harley Street specialist at the London Clinic. Tests were carried out and the decision was made to operate. Paul had the angioplasty in a private hospital. It was all very routine, but any work on your heart is a big deal."

He made a good recovery and is still in good shape, eating well, and at a healthy weight.

Heather Mills may lose house to pay for divorce (source)
Heather Mills is reporting anxiety about losing her house in order to pay for legal bills in her divorce from Paul. Mills was sued by former lawyers due to their claim that she owes them nearly $4 million. Paul bought the house for Heather in August so that he could be close to their four-year-old daughter, Beatrice.

Stella McCartney named PETA person of the year (source)
Stella has been named Person of the Year by the animal rights charity, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). The fashion designer refuses to use leather or fur in her collections. PETA's US senior vice-president, Dan Mathews, has said, "Stella McCartney proves you can have a look that kills without killing."

Stella's campaigning includes challenging British Airways to remove the leather seats from their first-class cabins.

Last month she was also named Designer of the Year at the British Fashion Awards. Go Stella! (On a random note, try her perfume, Stella, it's great!)

Ozzy and Paul to duet at BRITs (source)
Sharon Osbourne is hoping that Ozzy and Paul will share a duet at the upcoming BRITs. "They go together really well," she told a source, "it will be amazing." She's hoping that they will do "Live and Let Die." If her idea happens, says another source, "it will be unmissable."