In 1979, Fleetwood Mac released Tusk, an experimental album that was a stark departure from Rumours. The album was not as commercially successful as its predecessor and, while critics liked it, they didn’t think it stacked up to the band’s 1977 magnum opus. Still, it drew some comparisons to The Beatles. Some critics didn’t use the comparison as a compliment, though.
Critics compared a ‘Fleetwood Mac’ album to The Beatles
The stormy dynamic that hung heavy over the Rumours recording sessions followed Fleetwood Mac into the studio as they worked on Tusk. Lindsey Buckingham seized creative control and his bandmate’s songs didn’t fit all that snugly into his vision. As a result, the album sounded like a mismatched collection of songs instead of a cohesive whole. This quality, some critics said, evoked The Beatles’ White Album.
“[F]leetwood Mac‘s Tusk represents both the last word in lavish...
Critics compared a ‘Fleetwood Mac’ album to The Beatles
The stormy dynamic that hung heavy over the Rumours recording sessions followed Fleetwood Mac into the studio as they worked on Tusk. Lindsey Buckingham seized creative control and his bandmate’s songs didn’t fit all that snugly into his vision. As a result, the album sounded like a mismatched collection of songs instead of a cohesive whole. This quality, some critics said, evoked The Beatles’ White Album.
“[F]leetwood Mac‘s Tusk represents both the last word in lavish...
- 4/17/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In John Lennon’s life, he had two wives and a number of girlfriends. Some of these women have spoken publicly about the difficulties of dating him. He could be physically abusive, demeaning, and inattentive. Lennon himself said he could be a terrible partner. He admitted that one of his high school girlfriends endured a lot when she was dating him.
John Lennon said his high school girlfriend had a difficult time
When discussing his teenage years, Lennon brought up one of his girlfriends, Barbara. After mentioning the time he had sex with her in a graveyard, he said, rather insultingly, that her time dating him should have prepared her for anything.
“Barbara, where are you now? Fat and ugly? Fifteen kids?” he said in The Beatles Anthology. “Years of hell with me should have made you ready for anything.”
John Lennon | Universal Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
Still,...
John Lennon said his high school girlfriend had a difficult time
When discussing his teenage years, Lennon brought up one of his girlfriends, Barbara. After mentioning the time he had sex with her in a graveyard, he said, rather insultingly, that her time dating him should have prepared her for anything.
“Barbara, where are you now? Fat and ugly? Fifteen kids?” he said in The Beatles Anthology. “Years of hell with me should have made you ready for anything.”
John Lennon | Universal Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
Still,...
- 2/8/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In 1976, Elton John had the opportunity to meet one of his childhood idols, Elvis Presley. John was a longtime fan of Elvis and had long looked forward to meeting him. Unfortunately, the meeting was not what he expected. John found Elvis to be a tragic figure. He walked away from the meeting knowing he did not want to end up like Elvis.
Elton John said Elvis looked terrible when they met
In 1976, John and his writing partner Bernie Taupin attended an Elvis concert. Though initially thrilled to be there, they found the show disheartening.
“We went to see him do a show but it was absolutely pitiful,” Taupin said in the book Sir Elton by Philip Norman. “He was so drugged, he could hardly sing — he just stood there, handing out scarves.”
After the show, Taupin and John went backstage to meet Elvis. This was even more upsetting than the performance.
Elton John said Elvis looked terrible when they met
In 1976, John and his writing partner Bernie Taupin attended an Elvis concert. Though initially thrilled to be there, they found the show disheartening.
“We went to see him do a show but it was absolutely pitiful,” Taupin said in the book Sir Elton by Philip Norman. “He was so drugged, he could hardly sing — he just stood there, handing out scarves.”
After the show, Taupin and John went backstage to meet Elvis. This was even more upsetting than the performance.
- 1/7/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In 2023, biographer Philip Norman published a book about George Harrison. Norman has previously released biographies about Harrison’s bandmates, John Lennon and Paul McCartney, but he had an odd relationship with Harrison. The Beatle spoke negatively about one of Norman’s books, and Norman wrote a controversial obituary for Harrison. Norman said that in learning more about Harrison for the biography, he found that he was full of contradictions.
George Harrison’s biographer said the musician was full of contradictions
After Harrison’s death in 2001, Norman wrote an obituary in which he pointed out some of the musician’s less flattering traits. He said that while he has some regrets about that, he wasn’t wrong in the way he characterized the Beatle.
“I wasn’t totally wrong in saying that he could be, as we say in this country, a bit of a miserable git and that he was a serial philanderer,...
George Harrison’s biographer said the musician was full of contradictions
After Harrison’s death in 2001, Norman wrote an obituary in which he pointed out some of the musician’s less flattering traits. He said that while he has some regrets about that, he wasn’t wrong in the way he characterized the Beatle.
“I wasn’t totally wrong in saying that he could be, as we say in this country, a bit of a miserable git and that he was a serial philanderer,...
- 12/15/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
When The Beatles were in Hamburg, George Harrison found himself in a highly uncomfortable situation with a friend. Fellow musician Gene Vincent believed his tour manager was having an affair with his girlfriend and wanted to confront him. Harrison, who was still a teenager at the time, tagged along. Suddenly, he found himself in far deeper than he’d been expecting.
George Harrison found himself in a frightening situation with a friend
The Beatles met Vincent in Hamburg. While they liked the other musician, they found him a bit intimidating. John Lennon described him as a “wild guy,” and Paul McCartney said Vincent was always offering to knock him out.
“Gene had been a marine, and he was always offering to knock me out; he knew two pressure points,” McCartney said in The Beatles Anthology. “I said, ‘Get out of it. Sod off!’ He’d say, ‘Oh come on, you...
George Harrison found himself in a frightening situation with a friend
The Beatles met Vincent in Hamburg. While they liked the other musician, they found him a bit intimidating. John Lennon described him as a “wild guy,” and Paul McCartney said Vincent was always offering to knock him out.
“Gene had been a marine, and he was always offering to knock me out; he knew two pressure points,” McCartney said in The Beatles Anthology. “I said, ‘Get out of it. Sod off!’ He’d say, ‘Oh come on, you...
- 11/21/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
London – A psychedelic eye mosaic commissioned by John Lennon for the swimming pool at his Kenwood home in Surrey in 1965 leads Bonhams’ Rock, Pop & Film sale on Wednesday 29 November at Knightsbridge, London.
Claire Tole-Moir, Bonhams Head of Popular Culture in London, commented: “This monumental mosaic, commissioned by John Lennon is a striking example of the Beatle’s artistic vision and influences. Lennon’s Kenwood home in the English countryside was a place of respite from all the public attention he experienced during the height of The Beatles’ popularity. It’s said Lennon would spend idle hours near the swimming pool and that the mosaic could even be seen from his favoured ‘sunroom’ at the top of the house. With Kenwood still under private ownership, it is very rare to see anything from when John Lennon lived there, making the ‘Psychedelic Eye’ mosaic an incredibly important artefact of Beatles history.”
Consisting of approximately 17,000 tiles,...
Claire Tole-Moir, Bonhams Head of Popular Culture in London, commented: “This monumental mosaic, commissioned by John Lennon is a striking example of the Beatle’s artistic vision and influences. Lennon’s Kenwood home in the English countryside was a place of respite from all the public attention he experienced during the height of The Beatles’ popularity. It’s said Lennon would spend idle hours near the swimming pool and that the mosaic could even be seen from his favoured ‘sunroom’ at the top of the house. With Kenwood still under private ownership, it is very rare to see anything from when John Lennon lived there, making the ‘Psychedelic Eye’ mosaic an incredibly important artefact of Beatles history.”
Consisting of approximately 17,000 tiles,...
- 11/8/2023
- by Music Martin Cid Magazine
- Martin Cid Music
Many musicians have praised John Lennon for shaping their careers, but Todd Rundgren is not among them. After Rundgren made some less-than-flattering remarks about the former Beatle in an interview, Lennon lashed out. In a scathingly hilarious open letter, Lennon addressed Rundgren’s problems with him.
John Lennon wrote an open letter to Todd Rundgren
In 1974, Rundgren met Lennon at the Troubadour Club in Los Angeles. Lennon was in the middle of his drunken “lost weekend” — the 18-month period during which he was separated from Yoko Ono — and did not make the best impression. Several months later, Rundgren addressed their meeting and the lingering bad feeling it left him in an interview with Melody Maker.
“John Lennon ain’t no revolutionary,” Rundgren said, per the book The John Lennon Letters. “He’s a f***ing idiot.”
It didn’t take long for Lennon to discover the interview and respond to Rundgren.
John Lennon wrote an open letter to Todd Rundgren
In 1974, Rundgren met Lennon at the Troubadour Club in Los Angeles. Lennon was in the middle of his drunken “lost weekend” — the 18-month period during which he was separated from Yoko Ono — and did not make the best impression. Several months later, Rundgren addressed their meeting and the lingering bad feeling it left him in an interview with Melody Maker.
“John Lennon ain’t no revolutionary,” Rundgren said, per the book The John Lennon Letters. “He’s a f***ing idiot.”
It didn’t take long for Lennon to discover the interview and respond to Rundgren.
- 8/23/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Pop star George Michael’s Christmas Day death in 2016 came as a shock, but the day the 53-year-old singer died was especially poignant, especially to those who knew how much Michael loved Christmas.
Michael’s former music manager, Simon Napier-Bell was enjoying a peaceful, candlelit dinner with his partner of 30 years when his phone rang on that fateful day.
“I was sitting by the River Sarawak in Borneo having Christmas dinner with my partner, my boyfriend of 30 years,” he recalled to Showbiz Cheat Sheet. “And there it came on my phone all of a sudden. ‘Can I talk to you?’ Journalists, journalists, journalists saying, ‘We got to talk to you. George Michael is dead.”
Napier-Bell added with a laugh, “It definitely, definitely spoiled my Christmas. So thank you, George. But I would have said that to him if he had been there. It was a shock and was really an awful thing to happen.
Michael’s former music manager, Simon Napier-Bell was enjoying a peaceful, candlelit dinner with his partner of 30 years when his phone rang on that fateful day.
“I was sitting by the River Sarawak in Borneo having Christmas dinner with my partner, my boyfriend of 30 years,” he recalled to Showbiz Cheat Sheet. “And there it came on my phone all of a sudden. ‘Can I talk to you?’ Journalists, journalists, journalists saying, ‘We got to talk to you. George Michael is dead.”
Napier-Bell added with a laugh, “It definitely, definitely spoiled my Christmas. So thank you, George. But I would have said that to him if he had been there. It was a shock and was really an awful thing to happen.
- 7/21/2023
- by Gina Ragusa
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Keith Richards and Mick Jagger consider each other brothers and, in their decades of knowing each other, have fought as only families can. Their relationship suffered in the 1980s, and they’ve hit many bumps in the years since. Still, they manage to work together in The Rolling Stones. This might have something to do with the fact that Richards has learned to appreciate all that Jagger does, even when he’s frustrated with him. He shared how his own solo career helped with this.
Keith Richards said his solo career gave him a new appreciation for Mick Jagger
In 1986, Jagger opted to work on his solo career instead of touring with The Rolling Stones. While this caused a major rift within the band, it also gave Richards an opportunity to pursue a solo career of his own. He formed the group X-Pensive Winos with Steve Jordan. For the first...
Keith Richards said his solo career gave him a new appreciation for Mick Jagger
In 1986, Jagger opted to work on his solo career instead of touring with The Rolling Stones. While this caused a major rift within the band, it also gave Richards an opportunity to pursue a solo career of his own. He formed the group X-Pensive Winos with Steve Jordan. For the first...
- 7/2/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In 1979, Fleetwood Mac released Tusk, and, in the album’s aftermath, Christine McVie said Mick Fleetwood sank to the lowest point of his life. The band’s drummer had served as the glue holding them together for years. By the early 1980s, though, his personal life was as plagued with problems as the band’s dynamic had been in the Rumours era. McVie explained that his problems appeared to shrink him.
Christine McVie said Mick Fleetwood struggled in the time after ‘Tusk’
Fleetwood’s problems began after the Tusk tour. He had been serving as the band’s manager, but exorbitant spending on the tour left the group with significantly less money than they expected. As a result, his bandmates fired him from the position.
From there, Fleetwood made a series of questionable financial decisions. He bought a home in Los Angeles and a 1000-acre farm in Australia. Eventually, he declared bankruptcy.
Christine McVie said Mick Fleetwood struggled in the time after ‘Tusk’
Fleetwood’s problems began after the Tusk tour. He had been serving as the band’s manager, but exorbitant spending on the tour left the group with significantly less money than they expected. As a result, his bandmates fired him from the position.
From there, Fleetwood made a series of questionable financial decisions. He bought a home in Los Angeles and a 1000-acre farm in Australia. Eventually, he declared bankruptcy.
- 6/24/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Dolly Parton grew up in a God-fearing family. But she had some trouble connecting with the religious beliefs the people in her town subscribed to. Until one day, she found God in her own way—in an abandoned church with a bunch of lewd drawings on the walls.
Dolly Parton | Michael Putland/Getty Images Where Dolly discovered her spirituality
The “Jolene” singer didn’t feel comfortable in the church she attended with her family. The preacher often spoke of a vengeful God, which scared her. And she didn’t like people looking at her when she prayed. So she started to search for other places where she could attempt to connect with God. Eventually, she stumbled upon an abandoned church in the community she lived in.
“Most of its windows were broken, and its old floorboards were buckled and dusty, but to me it seemed like God still lived there,...
Dolly Parton | Michael Putland/Getty Images Where Dolly discovered her spirituality
The “Jolene” singer didn’t feel comfortable in the church she attended with her family. The preacher often spoke of a vengeful God, which scared her. And she didn’t like people looking at her when she prayed. So she started to search for other places where she could attempt to connect with God. Eventually, she stumbled upon an abandoned church in the community she lived in.
“Most of its windows were broken, and its old floorboards were buckled and dusty, but to me it seemed like God still lived there,...
- 6/12/2023
- by Kelsey Goeres
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In 1968, John Lennon and Paul McCartney went to New York and appeared on The Tonight Show. The pair were in the city to announce that they had established their company, Apple Corps. McCartney said he had been uneasy for much of the trip, but Lennon said he found the Tonight Show appearance particularly off-putting. He explained why he thought the interview was so embarrassing.
Ed McMahon, Paul McCartney, John Lennon, and Joe Garagiola | NBCU Photo Bank John Lennon said a ‘Tonight Show’ appearance with Paul McCartney was embarrassing
When Lennon and McCartney appeared on The Tonight Show, regular host Johnny Carson was absent. In his place was guest interviewer Joe Garagiola, a former baseball player. This was Lennon and McCartney’s primary problem with the interview. After the pre-show interview, they raised an issue with the fact that Garagiola would be interviewing them.
“I told them who Joe was, all in the most laudatory terms,...
Ed McMahon, Paul McCartney, John Lennon, and Joe Garagiola | NBCU Photo Bank John Lennon said a ‘Tonight Show’ appearance with Paul McCartney was embarrassing
When Lennon and McCartney appeared on The Tonight Show, regular host Johnny Carson was absent. In his place was guest interviewer Joe Garagiola, a former baseball player. This was Lennon and McCartney’s primary problem with the interview. After the pre-show interview, they raised an issue with the fact that Garagiola would be interviewing them.
“I told them who Joe was, all in the most laudatory terms,...
- 6/10/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon is one of the most legendary rock albums from the 1970s. It’s achieved an almost mystifying status as its otherworldly music transfixed audiences. The album doesn’t include collaborations with other artists. There was nearly a voice cameo from former Beatle Paul McCartney, but Pink Floyd left it off the record.
Paul McCartney recorded an interview for Pink Floyd’s ‘The Dark Side of the Moon’ Paul McCartney | Michael Putland/Getty Images
Pink Floyd recorded The Dark Side of the Moon at Abbey Road Studios, the recording studio made famous by The Beatles. During the final week of recording, Pink Floyd’s bassist Roger Waters went around the studio and interviewed several staff members and musicians. These questions started with basic questions, like “What’s your favorite color?” and “What’s your favorite food?” After that, it moved into more...
Paul McCartney recorded an interview for Pink Floyd’s ‘The Dark Side of the Moon’ Paul McCartney | Michael Putland/Getty Images
Pink Floyd recorded The Dark Side of the Moon at Abbey Road Studios, the recording studio made famous by The Beatles. During the final week of recording, Pink Floyd’s bassist Roger Waters went around the studio and interviewed several staff members and musicians. These questions started with basic questions, like “What’s your favorite color?” and “What’s your favorite food?” After that, it moved into more...
- 6/5/2023
- by Ross Tanenbaum
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Say the name Jimmy Page, and Led Zeppelin fans can practically close their eyes and conjure his image. They see the guitarist’s wavy black hair cascading over his face as he plays scorching solos. Or the Led Zeppelin founder slinging his custom-made double-necked instrument or one of his Gibson Les Paul guitars owned by other musicians first. Though seemingly tied to Gibsons during his Zep career, Page brought in an old friend for his famous “Stairway to Heaven” solo.
Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page | Michael Putland/Getty Images Jimmy Page brought in an old friend for his ‘Stairway to Heaven’ solo — his old Fender Telecaster
The custom double-necked guitar we mentioned earlier? Page needed that Gibson Eds-1275 to perform “Stairway to Heaven” live. The build from gentle intro to strummed 12-string fanfare to blistering solo required an instrument that could do it all.
It was a different story in the studio.
Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page | Michael Putland/Getty Images Jimmy Page brought in an old friend for his ‘Stairway to Heaven’ solo — his old Fender Telecaster
The custom double-necked guitar we mentioned earlier? Page needed that Gibson Eds-1275 to perform “Stairway to Heaven” live. The build from gentle intro to strummed 12-string fanfare to blistering solo required an instrument that could do it all.
It was a different story in the studio.
- 5/29/2023
- by Jason Rossi
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Robert Plant owes his music career to Led Zeppelin. He performed in some little-known regional bands before catching his big break when Jimmy Page recruited him for the band. Then he became world famous and once said he had little interest in a career outside Led Zeppelin. Even though the singer has constructed a substantial solo catalog, Plant said he was just a wedding singer in Led Zeppelin.
Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant | Michael Putland/Getty Images Robert Plant was a ‘wedding singer stuck at the front’ of Led Zeppelin’s talented trio
It takes a specific alchemy among the members to create a band as unique as Led Zeppelin. All four members — Plant and Page, drummer John Bonham, and bassist John Paul Jones — perfectly meshed together from the start. Their chemistry resulted in Led Zeppelin’s songs becoming some of the most beloved ever.
Yet Plant understood his place in the pecking order.
Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant | Michael Putland/Getty Images Robert Plant was a ‘wedding singer stuck at the front’ of Led Zeppelin’s talented trio
It takes a specific alchemy among the members to create a band as unique as Led Zeppelin. All four members — Plant and Page, drummer John Bonham, and bassist John Paul Jones — perfectly meshed together from the start. Their chemistry resulted in Led Zeppelin’s songs becoming some of the most beloved ever.
Yet Plant understood his place in the pecking order.
- 5/28/2023
- by Jason Rossi
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
For Led Zeppelin, the music tended to be more important than the lyrics. Need proof? Only one album came with a lyric sheet. At the same time, Zep’s tunes would have been supremely boring without Robert Plant’s vocals. These are the five Led Zeppelin songs with dirty lyrics.
(l-r) Led Zeppelin members John Paul Jones, Robert Plant, John Bonham (behind drum kit), and Jimmy Page | Michael Putland/Getty Images Robert Plant’s lyrics developed during his Led Zeppelin career
Before we get to the Zep songs with dirty lyrics, we must acknowledge how far Plant came with his writing while in the band.
He turned 20 years old soon after Led Zeppelin formed. Suddenly, he was performing with two professional musicians in Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones (plus one of the greatest drummers ever in John Bonham). Before that, his only experience in working bands came in some barely notable regional groups.
(l-r) Led Zeppelin members John Paul Jones, Robert Plant, John Bonham (behind drum kit), and Jimmy Page | Michael Putland/Getty Images Robert Plant’s lyrics developed during his Led Zeppelin career
Before we get to the Zep songs with dirty lyrics, we must acknowledge how far Plant came with his writing while in the band.
He turned 20 years old soon after Led Zeppelin formed. Suddenly, he was performing with two professional musicians in Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones (plus one of the greatest drummers ever in John Bonham). Before that, his only experience in working bands came in some barely notable regional groups.
- 5/27/2023
- by Jason Rossi
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Though John Lennon’s mother wasn’t around for much of his childhood, they’d become close in his teen years. He was in a band called the Quarrymen (along with Paul McCartney) at the time of his mother’s death. Just months prior, he had told McCartney: “How can you sit there and act normal with your mother dead? If anything like that happened to me, I’d go off me head.” Then Julia Lennon was hit by a car driven by an off-duty police officer. After that, Lennon did all but lose his head.
John Lennon | Michael Putland/Getty Images How John Lennon’s mother died
In 1958, Lennon was still living mostly with his Aunt Mimi, but staying at his mother’s house sometimes as well. One evening when John was out with a friend, Julia came over to her sister’s for dinner. She left to catch the bus around twilight.
John Lennon | Michael Putland/Getty Images How John Lennon’s mother died
In 1958, Lennon was still living mostly with his Aunt Mimi, but staying at his mother’s house sometimes as well. One evening when John was out with a friend, Julia came over to her sister’s for dinner. She left to catch the bus around twilight.
- 5/26/2023
- by Kelsey Goeres
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Jeff Lynne of the Electric Light Orchestra produced The Beatles‘ “Free as a Bird.” The tune was based on a John Lennon demo. Lynne said it was difficult to finish the song.
The Electric Light Orchestra’s Jeff Lynne | Michael Putland / Contributor Jeff Lynne called the original vocals from The Beatles’ ‘Free as a Bird’ ‘scratchy and thin’
According to PBS, John created a 1977 demo of “Free as a Bird.” In 1995, 15 years after his untimely death, the three surviving Beatles completed the sign and released it as a single. Lynne served as the producer on the track, having previously produced George Harrison’s “Got My Mind Set on You.”
During a 2012 interview with The Telegraph, Lynne was asked to name his favorite Beatles song. He named “Free as a Bird.” “The amazing thing is that it even exists,” he opined. “I had to make this little cassette of John’s become a Beatle record.
The Electric Light Orchestra’s Jeff Lynne | Michael Putland / Contributor Jeff Lynne called the original vocals from The Beatles’ ‘Free as a Bird’ ‘scratchy and thin’
According to PBS, John created a 1977 demo of “Free as a Bird.” In 1995, 15 years after his untimely death, the three surviving Beatles completed the sign and released it as a single. Lynne served as the producer on the track, having previously produced George Harrison’s “Got My Mind Set on You.”
During a 2012 interview with The Telegraph, Lynne was asked to name his favorite Beatles song. He named “Free as a Bird.” “The amazing thing is that it even exists,” he opined. “I had to make this little cassette of John’s become a Beatle record.
- 5/25/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Tl;Dr:
Elton John clearly tried to make his cover of The Beatles’ “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” psychedelic. That style is out of his wheelhouse. The tune was a No. 1 hit in the United States. Elton John | Michael Putland / Contributor
Elton John put his own spin on The Beatles’ “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” and it’s an artistic failure. He makes the song so much longer without adding anything except a few misguided touches. Despite this, the tune became a massive hit in the United States.
Elton John didn’t translate The Beatles’ ‘Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds’ into his style
John is a musical genius … sometimes. While he’s given us pop classics like “Bennie and the Jets,” “Your Song,” and “Candle in the Wind,” he’s also released some trash like “Island Girl” and “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart.” He did not bring...
Elton John clearly tried to make his cover of The Beatles’ “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” psychedelic. That style is out of his wheelhouse. The tune was a No. 1 hit in the United States. Elton John | Michael Putland / Contributor
Elton John put his own spin on The Beatles’ “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” and it’s an artistic failure. He makes the song so much longer without adding anything except a few misguided touches. Despite this, the tune became a massive hit in the United States.
Elton John didn’t translate The Beatles’ ‘Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds’ into his style
John is a musical genius … sometimes. While he’s given us pop classics like “Bennie and the Jets,” “Your Song,” and “Candle in the Wind,” he’s also released some trash like “Island Girl” and “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart.” He did not bring...
- 5/25/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Led Zeppelin was one of the most successful bands of the 1970s, but this didn’t do much to impress Eric Clapton. While Clapton believed that Led Zeppelin’s music was a natural continuation of what he’d done in Cream, he didn’t like the way they were carrying on his legacy. He shared why he found certain songs tough to listen to.
Eric Clapton | Michael Putland/Getty Images Eric Clapton struggled to enjoy some of Led Zeppelin’s music
In 1966, Clapton formed Cream, a heavy blues band that influenced heavy metal for years to come. He viewed Led Zeppelin as a continuation of their legacy, but this didn’t mean he was a fan of the band.
“There was a band called Blue Cheer, who I think were probably the originators of heavy metal because they didn’t really have traditional roots in the blues,” Clapton told Uncut...
Eric Clapton | Michael Putland/Getty Images Eric Clapton struggled to enjoy some of Led Zeppelin’s music
In 1966, Clapton formed Cream, a heavy blues band that influenced heavy metal for years to come. He viewed Led Zeppelin as a continuation of their legacy, but this didn’t mean he was a fan of the band.
“There was a band called Blue Cheer, who I think were probably the originators of heavy metal because they didn’t really have traditional roots in the blues,” Clapton told Uncut...
- 5/23/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Tl;Dr:
John Lennon’s “Imagine” doesn’t make sense alongside another song on the same album. The song in question is funny and funky, it’s just not very utopian. The album Imagine was a huge hit in the United States and the United Kingdom. John Lennon | Michael Putland / Contributor
John Lennon‘s Imagine is one of his most famous albums. It contains one of the most ubiquitous ballads ever written. Despite this, the album is a bit hypocritical when taken as a whole.
John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ betrays the title song’s utopian vision
In some circles, John is almost seen as a secular saint. A large part of this image is rooted in the lyrics of “Imagine.” Unlike most pop songs, which are about love, sadness, or dancing, “Imagine” advocates a brotherhood of man devoid of countries, possessions, and religion. It’s a beautiful song that asks...
John Lennon’s “Imagine” doesn’t make sense alongside another song on the same album. The song in question is funny and funky, it’s just not very utopian. The album Imagine was a huge hit in the United States and the United Kingdom. John Lennon | Michael Putland / Contributor
John Lennon‘s Imagine is one of his most famous albums. It contains one of the most ubiquitous ballads ever written. Despite this, the album is a bit hypocritical when taken as a whole.
John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ betrays the title song’s utopian vision
In some circles, John is almost seen as a secular saint. A large part of this image is rooted in the lyrics of “Imagine.” Unlike most pop songs, which are about love, sadness, or dancing, “Imagine” advocates a brotherhood of man devoid of countries, possessions, and religion. It’s a beautiful song that asks...
- 5/22/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
After John Lennon died, people around the world mourned and treated him like a martyr. He made mistakes during his life, but his sudden, shocking death wiped the slate clean. He became a figure of saint-like proportions. Lennon had no way of knowing this would happen, but he once said the idea of it terrified him. He explained that he took this into consideration with his political activity.
John Lennon | Vinnie Zuffante/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images John Lennon worried about being seen as a martyr after his death
After The Beatles broke up, Lennon became outspoken about politics. He hosted bed-ins for peace with Yoko Ono and wrote anti-war songs. He also returned his MBE to protest the British government’s involvement in various conflicts. Lennon explained that he hadn’t wanted to accept the MBE in the first place. It began to gnaw at him.
“Anyway, I sold out,...
John Lennon | Vinnie Zuffante/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images John Lennon worried about being seen as a martyr after his death
After The Beatles broke up, Lennon became outspoken about politics. He hosted bed-ins for peace with Yoko Ono and wrote anti-war songs. He also returned his MBE to protest the British government’s involvement in various conflicts. Lennon explained that he hadn’t wanted to accept the MBE in the first place. It began to gnaw at him.
“Anyway, I sold out,...
- 5/21/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The 80s were a tough time for Ringo Starr. After the Beatles split in 1970, Starr was finding his own way, and went down a dark path. Of course, the famous drummer’s story has a happy ending. Today, he is 83 years young, sober, and fit as a fiddle.
Ringo Starr’s fuzzy ‘80s
After the Beatles broke up, Starr initially had some success. He had eight consecutive top 10 singles in the U.S. between 1971 and 1975, including “It Don’t Come Easy” and “Back Off Boogaloo.” Throughout the decade, he put out seven solo albums. But then came the ‘80s and things started to go downhill. He began drinking and using drugs in excess.
His 1983 album Old Wave didn’t chart, which is no coincidence.
“I got involved with a lot of different medications and you can listen to my records go downhill as the amount of medication went up,” said Starr,...
Ringo Starr’s fuzzy ‘80s
After the Beatles broke up, Starr initially had some success. He had eight consecutive top 10 singles in the U.S. between 1971 and 1975, including “It Don’t Come Easy” and “Back Off Boogaloo.” Throughout the decade, he put out seven solo albums. But then came the ‘80s and things started to go downhill. He began drinking and using drugs in excess.
His 1983 album Old Wave didn’t chart, which is no coincidence.
“I got involved with a lot of different medications and you can listen to my records go downhill as the amount of medication went up,” said Starr,...
- 5/16/2023
- by Kelsey Goeres
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
“Come Together” is one of The Beatles’ biggest hits, reaching No. 1 on the charts in multiple countries. However, the song stirred up controversy when John Lennon was accused of copying from another artist. It turns out that Lennon might have ripped off multiple artists while writing this Beatles hit.
Paul McCartney warned John Lennon that ‘Come Together’ sounded too similar to a Chuck Berry song John Lennon | Michael Putland/Getty Images
“Come Together” debuted in 1969 as the opening track on Abbey Road and was also released as a single. It was a hit, but John Lennon had to take “Come Together” to the editing room before releasing it.
In an interview with the Fly on the Wall podcast with Dana Carvey and David Spade, Paul McCartney said the opening line that Lennon came up with was exactly the same as Chuck Berry’s “You Can’t Catch Me”. While the line stayed in the song,...
Paul McCartney warned John Lennon that ‘Come Together’ sounded too similar to a Chuck Berry song John Lennon | Michael Putland/Getty Images
“Come Together” debuted in 1969 as the opening track on Abbey Road and was also released as a single. It was a hit, but John Lennon had to take “Come Together” to the editing room before releasing it.
In an interview with the Fly on the Wall podcast with Dana Carvey and David Spade, Paul McCartney said the opening line that Lennon came up with was exactly the same as Chuck Berry’s “You Can’t Catch Me”. While the line stayed in the song,...
- 5/14/2023
- by Ross Tanenbaum
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Ringo Starr is known, first and foremost, as a drummer, but he appeared in multiple movies over the course of his career. All of The Beatles picked up some acting experience, but Starr took steps to build a career as an actor. Not all of his movies performed well – even the drummer’s biggest fans should avoid a few of them — but some are worth a watch. Here are four of Starr’s movies worth putting on your to-watch list.
Ringo Starr | Michael Putland/Getty Images ‘A Hard Day’s Night’ is 1 of the movies Starr filmed with The Beatles
Starr’s first movie is also one of his best. In 1964, The Beatles released A Hard Day’s Night, a musical comedy film in which the band played themselves. The film gave Starr a good deal of screen time — he chaperones Paul McCartney’s grandfather and gets arrested.
While director Richard Lester...
Ringo Starr | Michael Putland/Getty Images ‘A Hard Day’s Night’ is 1 of the movies Starr filmed with The Beatles
Starr’s first movie is also one of his best. In 1964, The Beatles released A Hard Day’s Night, a musical comedy film in which the band played themselves. The film gave Starr a good deal of screen time — he chaperones Paul McCartney’s grandfather and gets arrested.
While director Richard Lester...
- 5/14/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Jimmy Page wasn’t just a guitar player in Led Zeppelin. He wrote or co-wrote nearly all of the band’s songs. He set the artistic vision for the band. Oh, and he produced and mixed all their albums to make sure the sound coming through the speakers matched what he heard in his head. He was an artistic visionary in his own right, but Page copied a Beatles recording trick on the Led Zeppelin song “No Quarter.”
Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page | Michael Putland/Getty Images Jimmy Page copied the same trick The Beatles used on ‘Rain’ for Led Zeppelin’s ‘No Quarter’
Page formed Led Zeppelin to push the boundaries of what was possible in music. He made playing guitar with a bow a mainstream move. The control room at the recording studio became like an extra instrument. His behind-the-scenes work on “Whole Lotta Love” made the psychedelic freakout section a mind-bending experience.
Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page | Michael Putland/Getty Images Jimmy Page copied the same trick The Beatles used on ‘Rain’ for Led Zeppelin’s ‘No Quarter’
Page formed Led Zeppelin to push the boundaries of what was possible in music. He made playing guitar with a bow a mainstream move. The control room at the recording studio became like an extra instrument. His behind-the-scenes work on “Whole Lotta Love” made the psychedelic freakout section a mind-bending experience.
- 5/13/2023
- by Jason Rossi
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Monkees Mike Nesmith approached much of his life in a tongue-in-cheek manner. He realized that much of the his life in the entertainment business lent itself to promoting one image while, perhaps, feeling quite differently. Nesmith once said in an interview that he had a “wave and smile” approach to playing and writing music. He called the feeling similar to “flying in your dreams.”
The Monkees’ Mike Nesmith photographed in London in 1970 | Michael Putland/Getty Images Mike Nesmith followed his instincts in the music business
As a songwriter and performer, Mike Nesmith generally used both his head and heart when making career decisions. This method generally worked well for the Texas native.
After leaving The Monkees in 1970, Nesmith pivoted to a genre he knew well: country music. However, the longstanding music category morphed into a genre all its own with the addition of pop melodies.
Success as a songwriter...
The Monkees’ Mike Nesmith photographed in London in 1970 | Michael Putland/Getty Images Mike Nesmith followed his instincts in the music business
As a songwriter and performer, Mike Nesmith generally used both his head and heart when making career decisions. This method generally worked well for the Texas native.
After leaving The Monkees in 1970, Nesmith pivoted to a genre he knew well: country music. However, the longstanding music category morphed into a genre all its own with the addition of pop melodies.
Success as a songwriter...
- 5/12/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Bob Dylan rose to fame in the early 1960s and amassed a large following of dedicated fans. For any musician, fans are necessary to build a career. Dylan understood this and wanted to do well in performances, but he found his fans more than a little intimidating. According to Joan Baez, who dated and performed with Dylan, the “Like a Rolling Stone” singer found his fans terrifying. He often froze up around them when they approached, unsure of how to behave.
Bob Dylan | Michael Putland/Getty Images Bob Dylan was afraid of interacting with his fans
When Baez and Dylan began performing together, she was more famous than him and helped him get exposure.
“I asked him to appear with me because he was brilliant,” she said, per Rolling Stone. “I loved him, I love his music, I wanted people to hear him. That was it. I mean, I wanted to share him.
Bob Dylan | Michael Putland/Getty Images Bob Dylan was afraid of interacting with his fans
When Baez and Dylan began performing together, she was more famous than him and helped him get exposure.
“I asked him to appear with me because he was brilliant,” she said, per Rolling Stone. “I loved him, I love his music, I wanted people to hear him. That was it. I mean, I wanted to share him.
- 5/11/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Paul McCartney and John Lennon bonded over the deaths of their mothers and, according to McCartney, Lennon also spoke candidly about his relationship with his father. He was not a part of Lennon’s life for most of his childhood, but they reunited during Lennon’s time with The Beatles. According to McCartney, Lennon never fully recovered from his father’s absence.
John Lennon | Michael Putland/Getty Images Paul McCartney said John Lennon struggled with his relationship with his father
When Lennon was young, his father, Alfred, and his mother, Julia, separated. Alfred fell out of his life entirely, and Lennon moved in with his aunt and uncle. While he saw Julia sporadically throughout his childhood, he was fully estranged from Alfred. According to McCartney, Lennon’s formidable reputation as a teenager was a result of his upbringing.
“John was the local Ted. You saw him rather than met him,...
John Lennon | Michael Putland/Getty Images Paul McCartney said John Lennon struggled with his relationship with his father
When Lennon was young, his father, Alfred, and his mother, Julia, separated. Alfred fell out of his life entirely, and Lennon moved in with his aunt and uncle. While he saw Julia sporadically throughout his childhood, he was fully estranged from Alfred. According to McCartney, Lennon’s formidable reputation as a teenager was a result of his upbringing.
“John was the local Ted. You saw him rather than met him,...
- 5/8/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
George Harrison did write several great songs for The Beatles, but “Something” was the most successful track he wrote for the band. Many listeners were awed by Harrison’s sweeping love ballad, and many musicians were impressed by Harrison’s work. The track has been covered hundreds of times, and Harrison once named his favorite cover of his Beatles hit.
‘Something’ is the only No. 1 hit George Harrison wrote for The Beatles George Harrison | Michael Putland/Getty Images
Harrison didn’t contribute the same number of songs for The Beatles as Paul McCartney and John Lennon did, but he did have a few great tracks, such as “Here Comes the Sun” and “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”. However, “Something” is the biggest hit he wrote for The Beatles. Released as a double A-side single with “Come Together”, “Something” topped the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in 1969.
It was also included on Abbey Road,...
‘Something’ is the only No. 1 hit George Harrison wrote for The Beatles George Harrison | Michael Putland/Getty Images
Harrison didn’t contribute the same number of songs for The Beatles as Paul McCartney and John Lennon did, but he did have a few great tracks, such as “Here Comes the Sun” and “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”. However, “Something” is the biggest hit he wrote for The Beatles. Released as a double A-side single with “Come Together”, “Something” topped the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in 1969.
It was also included on Abbey Road,...
- 5/8/2023
- by Ross Tanenbaum
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
George Harrison was an impeccable songwriter and musician after The Beatles broke up. He was the first Beatle to receive a No. 1 hit as a solo artist and continued to find success in the 1970s. However, in the 1980s, he struggled to keep up with the latest musical trends, and his studio wanted him to make more modern music. For that reason, they rejected one of his albums, and Harrison wrote a song to express his frustration.
‘Somewhere in England’ went through a long recording process George Harrison | Michael Putland/Getty Images
Somewhere in England is the ninth studio album by George Harrison and was released in 1981. The 1980s were moving into a new era defined by pop and punk rock. However, Harrison didn’t want to transition into this new era, continuing to release his trademark calm and folksy music. For Somewhere in England, he wanted to return to his spiritual roots.
‘Somewhere in England’ went through a long recording process George Harrison | Michael Putland/Getty Images
Somewhere in England is the ninth studio album by George Harrison and was released in 1981. The 1980s were moving into a new era defined by pop and punk rock. However, Harrison didn’t want to transition into this new era, continuing to release his trademark calm and folksy music. For Somewhere in England, he wanted to return to his spiritual roots.
- 5/5/2023
- by Ross Tanenbaum
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Jimmy Page didn’t need long to become a standout guitarist. He was an ace session player long before joining the Yardbirds or forming Led Zeppelin. He said his guitar playing improved even more thanks to Led Zeppelin. Yet when he began working on the Lucifer Rising soundtrack, Page gave up playing his guitar altogether, and it made sense.
Jimmy Page | Michael Putland/Getty Images Jimmy Page gave up playing guitar in favor of Eastern instruments on his long-lost album
Filmmaker Kenneth Anger started working on his film Lucifer Rising long before he met Page. Yet the guitarist agreed to compose music for the movie soon after their first encounter in 1972. Both artists had a shared interest in the occult and author Aleister Crowley.
However, Page expressly avoided using guitars in his soundtrack for the movie, Page told Light & Shade: Conversations With Jimmy Page author Brad Tolinski:
“I employed...
Jimmy Page | Michael Putland/Getty Images Jimmy Page gave up playing guitar in favor of Eastern instruments on his long-lost album
Filmmaker Kenneth Anger started working on his film Lucifer Rising long before he met Page. Yet the guitarist agreed to compose music for the movie soon after their first encounter in 1972. Both artists had a shared interest in the occult and author Aleister Crowley.
However, Page expressly avoided using guitars in his soundtrack for the movie, Page told Light & Shade: Conversations With Jimmy Page author Brad Tolinski:
“I employed...
- 5/5/2023
- by Jason Rossi
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
While Buddy Holly’s music career was tragically short, he still significantly impacted the most successful musical act ever, The Beatles. The Beatles considered him a rock hero and paid tribute to the singer by covering many of his songs. John Lennon was a fan of Buddy Holly and once said he remembered one of his songs better than his own.
John Lennon recorded an album of classic rock songs that he knew better than his own work John Lennon | Michael Putland/Getty Images
In 1975, John Lennon released Rock ‘n’ Roll, his sixth solo album and the final album he recorded during his “Lost Weekend”. The album consisted of covers of some of Lennon’s favorite rock songs, including “You Can’t Catch Me” by Chuck Berry, “Slippin’ and Slidin’” by Little Richard, and “Stand By Me” by Ben. E. King.
Speaking with David Sheff during his 1980 Playboy interview, Lennon...
John Lennon recorded an album of classic rock songs that he knew better than his own work John Lennon | Michael Putland/Getty Images
In 1975, John Lennon released Rock ‘n’ Roll, his sixth solo album and the final album he recorded during his “Lost Weekend”. The album consisted of covers of some of Lennon’s favorite rock songs, including “You Can’t Catch Me” by Chuck Berry, “Slippin’ and Slidin’” by Little Richard, and “Stand By Me” by Ben. E. King.
Speaking with David Sheff during his 1980 Playboy interview, Lennon...
- 5/1/2023
- by Ross Tanenbaum
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Led Zeppelin churned out songs at a furious pace early in their career. Even bassist John Paul Jones was impressed by their work ethic, and he cut his teeth as an in-demand session player working six or seven days a week before joining the band. Zep’s pace eventually slowed down, but they recorded dozens of songs in their career. We’re listing all 86 Led Zeppelin songs in alphabetical order, noting the albums they appeared on, their length, and notes on each one.
Note: Led Zeppelin made eight studio albums before breaking up, but we’re including completed songs (not reference mixes or rough cuts) from the posthumous 1982 album Coda, the 1990 box set, Coda’s 2015 expanded reissue, and one BBC Sessions recording since the band made those tunes while still together.
(l-r) Led Zeppelin members John Paul Jones, Robert Plant, John Bonham, and Jimmy Page | Michael Putland/Getty Images Led...
Note: Led Zeppelin made eight studio albums before breaking up, but we’re including completed songs (not reference mixes or rough cuts) from the posthumous 1982 album Coda, the 1990 box set, Coda’s 2015 expanded reissue, and one BBC Sessions recording since the band made those tunes while still together.
(l-r) Led Zeppelin members John Paul Jones, Robert Plant, John Bonham, and Jimmy Page | Michael Putland/Getty Images Led...
- 5/1/2023
- by Jason Rossi
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The name John Lennon often goes hand-in-hand with “peace and love.” But the Beatle had a violent streak. His first wife, Cynthia Lennon, opened up about his physical abuse and the musician admitted that he was “a hitter” during an interview that took place just two days before his death.
John Lennon | Michael Putland/Getty Images John Lennon admitted he was ‘a hitter’
In the Playboy interview, the interviewer asked John about the Beatles song “Getting Better.”
“It is a diary form of writing,” he responded. “All that ‘I used to be cruel to my woman, I beat her and kept her apart from the things that she loved’ was me. I used to be cruel to my woman, and physically… any woman. I was a hitter. I couldn’t express myself and I hit. I fought men and I hit women.”
Lennon went on to say that his violent...
John Lennon | Michael Putland/Getty Images John Lennon admitted he was ‘a hitter’
In the Playboy interview, the interviewer asked John about the Beatles song “Getting Better.”
“It is a diary form of writing,” he responded. “All that ‘I used to be cruel to my woman, I beat her and kept her apart from the things that she loved’ was me. I used to be cruel to my woman, and physically… any woman. I was a hitter. I couldn’t express myself and I hit. I fought men and I hit women.”
Lennon went on to say that his violent...
- 4/30/2023
- by Kelsey Goeres
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Led Zeppelin song titles didn’t necessarily convey the massive amount of creativity the band put into their music. “Black Dog” took its name from a stray canine. “Four Stick” was so dubbed because drummer John Bonham played the song with — wait for it — four sticks. Several standout songs had the word song in the title. They named two tunes after the Welsh cottage — Bron-y-Aur — where they wrote them. Zep eventually released five “baby” songs (tunes with baby or babe in the title). Here they are from worst to best.
(l-r) Led Zeppelin members John Paul Jones, Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, and John Bonham | Michael Putland/Getty Images 5. ‘Ozone Baby’
A potential glimpse of Led Zeppelin’s feature had Bonham not died in 1980? “Ozone Baby,” which Jimmy Page released from the vaults on 1982’s Coda, stepped away from Zep’s forte (heavy blues riffing) to take a stab at something approximating new wave.
(l-r) Led Zeppelin members John Paul Jones, Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, and John Bonham | Michael Putland/Getty Images 5. ‘Ozone Baby’
A potential glimpse of Led Zeppelin’s feature had Bonham not died in 1980? “Ozone Baby,” which Jimmy Page released from the vaults on 1982’s Coda, stepped away from Zep’s forte (heavy blues riffing) to take a stab at something approximating new wave.
- 4/30/2023
- by Jason Rossi
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
One of the most famous classic rock songs of the 1970s is Blue Öyster Cult’s “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper.” The song’s morbid imagery led some fans to believe it’s a song about suicide. Despite this, a writer of “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” said it’s about transcendent love.
Blue Öyster Cult with guitars | Michael Putland / Contributor
Blue Öyster Cult’s ‘(Don’t Fear) The Reaper’ is about the afterlife
Buck Dharma is a member of Blue Öyster Cult. He performed vocals on “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” and co-wrote the song.
During a 2022 interview with MusicRadar, Dharma explained the meaning of the track. “It’s a love story that transcends the death of one of the partners and then they get back together again in another plain,” he said. “It’s not about suicide, although I can see how people can think that, but that’s not where it’s at.
Blue Öyster Cult with guitars | Michael Putland / Contributor
Blue Öyster Cult’s ‘(Don’t Fear) The Reaper’ is about the afterlife
Buck Dharma is a member of Blue Öyster Cult. He performed vocals on “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” and co-wrote the song.
During a 2022 interview with MusicRadar, Dharma explained the meaning of the track. “It’s a love story that transcends the death of one of the partners and then they get back together again in another plain,” he said. “It’s not about suicide, although I can see how people can think that, but that’s not where it’s at.
- 4/29/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Prince was an incredibly influential artist, something that Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant readily recognized. He said Prince was impressive and even noted that his bandmate Jimmy Page should partner with him. Despite this, he said he would not want to collaborate with the American musician. Here’s why he said this.
Robert Plant and Prince | Michael Putland/Getty Images; Richard E. Aaron/Redferns The ‘Purple Rain’ singer admired Led Zeppelin
When discussing his 1985 album Around The World in a Day, Prince said that he didn’t necessarily mind that people said it seemed like a step back in time. He particularly didn’t mind people using the word “psychedelic” to describe it.
“I don’t mind that, because that was the only period in recent history that delivered songs and colors,” he told Rolling Stone. “Led Zeppelin, for example, would make you feel differently on each song.”
He took...
Robert Plant and Prince | Michael Putland/Getty Images; Richard E. Aaron/Redferns The ‘Purple Rain’ singer admired Led Zeppelin
When discussing his 1985 album Around The World in a Day, Prince said that he didn’t necessarily mind that people said it seemed like a step back in time. He particularly didn’t mind people using the word “psychedelic” to describe it.
“I don’t mind that, because that was the only period in recent history that delivered songs and colors,” he told Rolling Stone. “Led Zeppelin, for example, would make you feel differently on each song.”
He took...
- 4/24/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Paul McCartney has been a longtime activist for animal rights. He is a well-known vegetarian and frequently tries to teach people about the benefits of not eating meat. While he became a vegetarian with his first wife, Linda, another inspiration for his love of animals came from Disney, who taught him some important life lessons.
Paul McCartney became a vegetarian after a brief animal encounter Paul McCartney | Michael Putland/Getty Images
Growing up in Liverpool, Paul McCartney ate meat frequently, as it was challenging to eat a veggie diet then. His first brush with vegetarianism came in 1968 during the Beatles’ trip to India. However, he didn’t commit to the lifestyle until the mid-1970s.
In an interview with The Guardian, McCartney shared when he became a vegetarian. He and Linda were eating meat when they looked out the window, saw a group of adorable lambs, and decided to stop devouring meat then and there.
Paul McCartney became a vegetarian after a brief animal encounter Paul McCartney | Michael Putland/Getty Images
Growing up in Liverpool, Paul McCartney ate meat frequently, as it was challenging to eat a veggie diet then. His first brush with vegetarianism came in 1968 during the Beatles’ trip to India. However, he didn’t commit to the lifestyle until the mid-1970s.
In an interview with The Guardian, McCartney shared when he became a vegetarian. He and Linda were eating meat when they looked out the window, saw a group of adorable lambs, and decided to stop devouring meat then and there.
- 4/23/2023
- by Ross Tanenbaum
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
David Bowie and Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page met when they were both young musicians, long before either was famous. They continued to spend time together over the years, but after a tense night together, their relationship fractured. Bowie, who grew increasingly interested in the occult, worried that Page put a curse on him and imperiled his soul.
David Bowie and Jimmy Page | Masayoshi Sukita/RCA/Getty Images; Dick Barnatt/Redferns David Bowie and Jimmy Page met before they were famous
In the 1960s, Bowie was in a band called The Manish Boys, and they covered the song “I Pity the Fool.” Page was working as a session musician for the song’s producer, and he played the guitar part on the song.
David Bowie | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
“When I was a baby,” Bowie said, per the book Jimmy Page: The Definitive Biography by Chris Salewicz, “I did...
David Bowie and Jimmy Page | Masayoshi Sukita/RCA/Getty Images; Dick Barnatt/Redferns David Bowie and Jimmy Page met before they were famous
In the 1960s, Bowie was in a band called The Manish Boys, and they covered the song “I Pity the Fool.” Page was working as a session musician for the song’s producer, and he played the guitar part on the song.
David Bowie | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
“When I was a baby,” Bowie said, per the book Jimmy Page: The Definitive Biography by Chris Salewicz, “I did...
- 4/22/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Paul McCartney bought High Park Farm in Scotland in 1968. It’s where he rode out The Beatles’ breakup, where he found peace among nature in a post-Beatles world, and where he got arrested in 1973 for growing marijuana.
Paul McCartney | Michael Putland/Getty Images Paul McCartney’s farm at High Park
Before The Beatles called it quits, the band was as popular as ever. It was in that Beatle frenzy that McCartney’s then-girlfriend Jane Asher encouraged him to purchase High Park. Eventually, the two broke up. But the farm is where newlyweds McCartney and Linda Eastman made a life together.
“Going up to Scotland was real freedom,” he said, according to The Herald. “It was an escape – our means of finding a new direction in life and having time to think about what we really wanted to do… It was like, ‘Let’s escape – we’ll just run away’. And we did,...
Paul McCartney | Michael Putland/Getty Images Paul McCartney’s farm at High Park
Before The Beatles called it quits, the band was as popular as ever. It was in that Beatle frenzy that McCartney’s then-girlfriend Jane Asher encouraged him to purchase High Park. Eventually, the two broke up. But the farm is where newlyweds McCartney and Linda Eastman made a life together.
“Going up to Scotland was real freedom,” he said, according to The Herald. “It was an escape – our means of finding a new direction in life and having time to think about what we really wanted to do… It was like, ‘Let’s escape – we’ll just run away’. And we did,...
- 4/18/2023
- by Kelsey Goeres
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Tl;Dr:
Ringo Starr’s “Photograph” has some lyrical similarities to The Beatles’ “Yesterday.” The lyrics of “Photograph” could be interpreted as a lament over The Beatles’ breakup. “Photograph” hit No. 1 in the United States, becoming the only No. 1 song written by Ringo. Ringo Starr | Michael Putland / Contributor
Ringo Starr‘s “Photograph” feels like it might be about The Beatles. After all, its lyrics are reminiscent of the former Beatles’ then-current situation. Notably, “Photograph” blew all Ringo’s other songs out of the water commercially.
Why Ringo Starr’s ‘Photograph’ is a bit like The Beatles’ ‘Yesterday’
On the surface, “Photograph” is similar to The Beatles’ “Yesterday.” It’s another sting-laden soft rock song about a lost love. However, the two songs were born out of different contexts. “Yesterday” came out in 1965, a time when The Beatles were still going strong and they might have gone strong forever.
On the other hand,...
Ringo Starr’s “Photograph” has some lyrical similarities to The Beatles’ “Yesterday.” The lyrics of “Photograph” could be interpreted as a lament over The Beatles’ breakup. “Photograph” hit No. 1 in the United States, becoming the only No. 1 song written by Ringo. Ringo Starr | Michael Putland / Contributor
Ringo Starr‘s “Photograph” feels like it might be about The Beatles. After all, its lyrics are reminiscent of the former Beatles’ then-current situation. Notably, “Photograph” blew all Ringo’s other songs out of the water commercially.
Why Ringo Starr’s ‘Photograph’ is a bit like The Beatles’ ‘Yesterday’
On the surface, “Photograph” is similar to The Beatles’ “Yesterday.” It’s another sting-laden soft rock song about a lost love. However, the two songs were born out of different contexts. “Yesterday” came out in 1965, a time when The Beatles were still going strong and they might have gone strong forever.
On the other hand,...
- 4/17/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Ringo Starr was the last musician to join The Beatles, becoming a part of the band two years after the other members. He had the fewest writing credits, which often leads people to overlook his contributions to the group. Beyond his significant musical contributions, Starr’s temperament made him a vital band member. His response to John Lennon’s drug-fueled claim that he was Jesus Christ proved this.
Ringo Starr | Michael Putland/Getty Images Ringo Starr undervalued his contributions to The Beatles
While discussing the creative talents of The Beatles, Starr said that he struggled as a songwriter.
“I’m not the creative one. I know that,” he said, per The Beatles: The Authorized Biography by Hunter Davies. “But people expect I must want to be. They write and say why don’t I try. I did try a couple of years ago to write two little songs, but they were such pinches,...
Ringo Starr | Michael Putland/Getty Images Ringo Starr undervalued his contributions to The Beatles
While discussing the creative talents of The Beatles, Starr said that he struggled as a songwriter.
“I’m not the creative one. I know that,” he said, per The Beatles: The Authorized Biography by Hunter Davies. “But people expect I must want to be. They write and say why don’t I try. I did try a couple of years ago to write two little songs, but they were such pinches,...
- 4/16/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Jimmy Page had a major impact on classic rock music, and not just because his best guitar solos are some of the greatest ever. Led Zeppelin’s founding guitarist assembled the perfect band of musicians who were just as talented as him. As a producer, his recording philosophy changed everything about making hard rock albums in the 1970s. Now imagine he never made it to Led Zeppelin. It almost happened. Page was nearly killed in his sleep by his friend and Yardbirds bandmate Chris Dreja.
Jimmy Page | Michael Putland/Getty Images Jimmy Page was nearly killed in a near collision with his friend at the wheel
Rumors of a band member’s death dogged one famous English band in the late 1960s (we think you know who we mean). Page was nearly an actual casualty of a tragic accident while he slept.
The guitarist didn’t drive, so he often...
Jimmy Page | Michael Putland/Getty Images Jimmy Page was nearly killed in a near collision with his friend at the wheel
Rumors of a band member’s death dogged one famous English band in the late 1960s (we think you know who we mean). Page was nearly an actual casualty of a tragic accident while he slept.
The guitarist didn’t drive, so he often...
- 4/16/2023
- by Jason Rossi
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Rolling Stones‘ “Start Me Up” is one of the band’s most famous songs. In addition, it has a lyric that’s completely disgusting. That hasn’t stopped it from appearing in an Applebee’s commercial!
The Rolling Stones | Michael Putland / Contributor The Rolling Stones’ ‘Start Me Up’ is gross but somehow not controversial
For better or worse, The Rolling Stones were never afraid to be tasteless. For example, “Sympathy for the Devil” came at a time when Satanism in rock music was a lot more controversial. Mick Jagger sang “Midnight Rambler” from the perspective of the Boston Strangler at a time when his murders were fresh in the public consciousness. “Brown Sugar” is just about the most offensive classic rock song of all time.
“Start Me Up” doesn’t go as far as the latter two songs, but it’s still disgusting. Furthermore, it doesn’t seem to...
The Rolling Stones | Michael Putland / Contributor The Rolling Stones’ ‘Start Me Up’ is gross but somehow not controversial
For better or worse, The Rolling Stones were never afraid to be tasteless. For example, “Sympathy for the Devil” came at a time when Satanism in rock music was a lot more controversial. Mick Jagger sang “Midnight Rambler” from the perspective of the Boston Strangler at a time when his murders were fresh in the public consciousness. “Brown Sugar” is just about the most offensive classic rock song of all time.
“Start Me Up” doesn’t go as far as the latter two songs, but it’s still disgusting. Furthermore, it doesn’t seem to...
- 4/15/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Classic rock fans are always interested to learn where their favorite musicians found the inspiration to make their own music. After all, art of all kinds is cyclical, with each subsequent generation absorbing and learning from what came before. So it’s fascinating to consider the legacy of Sister Rosetta Tharpe, who inspired Jimi Hendrix — considered one of the best guitarists of all time — to pursue music.
Sister Rosetta Tharpe inspired many early rock and roll stars, including Jimi Hendrix
Among his influences, Hendrix counted Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Widely considered the “Godmother of Rock and Roll,” Tharpe gained mainstream attention in the 1930s and 1940s with her gospel music. In particular, her music attracted attention for incorporating electric guitar. Her signature blend of spiritual and secular techniques set Tharpe apart from her peers.
From childhood and into her adult life, Tharpe devoted her life to music. She released her first album,...
Sister Rosetta Tharpe inspired many early rock and roll stars, including Jimi Hendrix
Among his influences, Hendrix counted Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Widely considered the “Godmother of Rock and Roll,” Tharpe gained mainstream attention in the 1930s and 1940s with her gospel music. In particular, her music attracted attention for incorporating electric guitar. Her signature blend of spiritual and secular techniques set Tharpe apart from her peers.
From childhood and into her adult life, Tharpe devoted her life to music. She released her first album,...
- 4/13/2023
- by Robert Yaniz Jr.
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The music that Bob Dylan and Robert Plant have put out in their lifetimes differs greatly. Still, Plant has listed two different Dylan songs as key influences for him. He may not have followed in Dylan’s footsteps as a writer, but he said that the message of one of Dylan’s songs opened his eyes to the world around him. Here’s the song that had such a profound impact on the Led Zeppelin singer.
Robert Plant and Bob Dylan | Michael Putland/Getty Images; Fiona Adams/Redferns The American musician once insulted Led Zeppelin to their manager
Both Plant and Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page have praised Dylan over the years. Dylan, on the other hand, was once outright rude about the band.
“Hello, Bob. I’m Peter Grant, I manage Led Zeppelin,” Led Zeppelin’s manager told the musician in the 1970s, per Vulture.
Led Zeppelin was at...
Robert Plant and Bob Dylan | Michael Putland/Getty Images; Fiona Adams/Redferns The American musician once insulted Led Zeppelin to their manager
Both Plant and Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page have praised Dylan over the years. Dylan, on the other hand, was once outright rude about the band.
“Hello, Bob. I’m Peter Grant, I manage Led Zeppelin,” Led Zeppelin’s manager told the musician in the 1970s, per Vulture.
Led Zeppelin was at...
- 4/12/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Of all The Beatles, Ringo Starr was the most successful in his movie career. Each acted with the band and appeared in films afterward, but Starr has the most extensive filmography. Critics agree that he showed promise as an actor; he was natural and charming onscreen and could have had a successful career. Unfortunately, he wasn’t very selective in the films he agreed to appear in, which negatively impacted his career. Here are four of Starr’s films to avoid.
Ringo Starr | Michael Putland/Getty Images ‘Give My Regards to Broad Street’ is 1 of the movies Ringo Starr appeared in with another Beatle
Starr agreed to appear in the 1984 film Give My Regards to Broad Street because his former bandmate Paul McCartney wrote it.
Ringo Starr, Barbara Bach, Paul McCartney, and Linda McCartney | Bettmann/Contributor via Getty
“Ringo and I are good friends,” McCartney said, per the book Ringo:...
Ringo Starr | Michael Putland/Getty Images ‘Give My Regards to Broad Street’ is 1 of the movies Ringo Starr appeared in with another Beatle
Starr agreed to appear in the 1984 film Give My Regards to Broad Street because his former bandmate Paul McCartney wrote it.
Ringo Starr, Barbara Bach, Paul McCartney, and Linda McCartney | Bettmann/Contributor via Getty
“Ringo and I are good friends,” McCartney said, per the book Ringo:...
- 4/12/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Paul McCartney and Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour have been friends since the 1970s. However, according to Paul, one of their best moments together happened at the very end of the 20th century. After working together, the pair finally performed on the same stage.
Paul McCartney and David Gilmour | Michael Putland/Getty Images Paul McCartney and David Gilmour collaborated many times
The Beatle bassist and the Pink Floyd guitarist became friends in the early 1970s. Paul loved Pink Floyd. The psychedelic rock band released Dark Side of the Moon in 1973, the same year Paul and Wings released Band on the Run.
However, they didn’t get to work together until the late 1970s. Gilmour appeared on a couple of Paul and Wings’ last songs on their final album, Back to the Egg.
The album’s first track, “Reception,” has a “Pink Floyd-esque” intro. Gilmour contributed electric guitar on “Rockestra Theme...
Paul McCartney and David Gilmour | Michael Putland/Getty Images Paul McCartney and David Gilmour collaborated many times
The Beatle bassist and the Pink Floyd guitarist became friends in the early 1970s. Paul loved Pink Floyd. The psychedelic rock band released Dark Side of the Moon in 1973, the same year Paul and Wings released Band on the Run.
However, they didn’t get to work together until the late 1970s. Gilmour appeared on a couple of Paul and Wings’ last songs on their final album, Back to the Egg.
The album’s first track, “Reception,” has a “Pink Floyd-esque” intro. Gilmour contributed electric guitar on “Rockestra Theme...
- 4/11/2023
- by Hannah Wigandt
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Paul McCartney’s brother Michael was also a musician, but his career did not reach the same level of success as the Beatle. This couldn’t have been easy, and he began calling himself Michael McGear instead of Michael McCartney. He also denied his relationship with the singer. He told people that he wished he was related to McCartney, because it would mean he had more money.
Paul and Michael McCartney | Michael Putland/Getty Images Paul McCartney’s brother was also a musician
While growing up, McCartney and Michael were both interested in music. Their father had played in a band, and he passed down his love of music to both his sons. Michael also almost joined The Beatles, but a bit of bad luck meant that the band hired Pete Best instead.
Me and my brother, Mike, with Mum. Happy #MothersDay to mothers everywhere! pic.twitter.com/abMweBw0nh...
Paul and Michael McCartney | Michael Putland/Getty Images Paul McCartney’s brother was also a musician
While growing up, McCartney and Michael were both interested in music. Their father had played in a band, and he passed down his love of music to both his sons. Michael also almost joined The Beatles, but a bit of bad luck meant that the band hired Pete Best instead.
Me and my brother, Mike, with Mum. Happy #MothersDay to mothers everywhere! pic.twitter.com/abMweBw0nh...
- 4/10/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
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