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THE NEWS IN FLASH - FEBRUARY 2000
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Here are links to the latest Beatles-related articles available online:
Lennon gave no cash to IRA
Q
29 February, 2000
The anonymous IRA member who claims to have met with John Lennon in New York in the
early seventies has said that the late Beatle did not donate any cash to the republican cause.
David Geffen not happy with biography
Infobeat (E-zine, Unavailable online)
29 February, 2000
Entertainment mogul David Geffen has seen plenty of green during his years in the music
and movie industries - now, he's seeing red. Geffen is said to be angry over "David Geffen:
A Biography of New Hollywood," the just-published tome by Wall Street Journal reporter
Tom King. Though King did not have Geffen's cooperation, he did interview dozens of
associates, clients and friends to come up with a portrait of a driven megalomaniac who's
made as many enemies - if not more - than friends, and used his money to live a flamboyant
lifestyle. An excerpt published in England's Guardian newspaper details how Geffen lured
John Lennon into becoming the first artist to sign with Geffen Records. The process allegedly
involved wooing Yoko Ono as well. Ono picked Geffen because he had "good numbers"
according to her numerologist. The excerpt also recounts a 1973 recording session for Cher
in which producer Phil Spector pulled a gun on Geffen, yelling "I am in charge here, not you!"
In the book, Geffen also declares his love for Cher - even though he sued her after their
breakup in an effort to get her to return the presents he'd given her.
IRA man claims he met with Lennon
Q
28 February, 2000
An IRA member claims that John Lennon to play a benefit for the families of Republican
prisoners.
Ravi Shankar pleads for preservation of traditional music
Nando Times
28 February, 2000
Indian sitar maestro Ravi Shankar urged music fans Monday to use technology to help
preserve the traditions of Indian classical music.
Vandals 'Desecrate' Linda Wood
The Guardian
27 February, 2000
Animal rights campaigners have hit out at vandals who went on a wrecking spree at a
woodland planted in memory of Linda McCartney.
StarGazing
By Carr & Brennna, Calgary News
27 February, 2000
All He Needs Is Love
Widower Beatle Paul McCartney, 57, and his new love, former model Heather Mills, 32,
recently celebrated their relationship by flying off for a romantic West Indies holiday.
Come together
By Mariana Farrell, Daily Southtown
27 February, 2000
Two South Siders share a Beatles wake-up call
Tea with Lennon
The Sunday Times
27 February, 2000
John Lennon may or may not have given money and support to questionable organisations
(News, last week).
Former Beatle is a model of maturity
AAP
26 February, 2000
He is 57, not yet 64, but it appears someone still needs Beatle Paul McCartney - the
American Association of Retired Persons.
David Geffen's Biography Makes Controversy In Tinseltown
E! Online
25 February, 2000
Now we know. David Geffen and Keanu Reeves are not secretly married!
Lipa Students Use Pool For Light Entertainment
Liverpool.com
25 February, 2000
Liverpool's Fame school students are taking the plunge by producing a show in a
swimming pool.
Linda McCartney lives on with 'Roadworks'
By Brittanie Hoofard, Daily O'Collegian
24 February, 2000
Linda McCartney met her husband, the famous Beatle Paul, while working as a
photographer for Rolling Stone Magazine during the 1960s.
Couples vie for 'two in a bed' stunt
By Helen Carter, The Guardian
24 February, 2000
When John Lennon and Yoko Ono had their week-long bed-ins they were making a
serious protest for world peace.
Lennon's MI5-FBI Files
By Jon Wiener, The Nation
The headline in the Sunday Times of London was spectacular: Lennon Funded
Terrorists and Trotskyists. It was also erroneous.
Yesterday, The Beatles, today, AARP cover boy
By Ken Koehn, The Tampa Tribune (Thanks Jane)
23 February, 2000
It's like finding another gray hair during the morning comb-over or cursing the shrinking
type in the newspaper.
Real Life Rock Top 10 (Special all-Beatles edition!)
By Greil Marcus, Salon
22 February, 2000
Thirty-three years ago, the Beatles marshaled every studio trick to form a collage
meant to enclose all modern existence in the arms of absurdity and alienation;
Ono He Didn't
Online Mirror
22 February, 2000
Yoko slams claims that Lennon gave money to IRA
Lennon donations to Ireland did not go to IRA, says Yoko Ono
By Elizabeth Nash, The Independent
22 February, 2000
John Lennon never gave money to the IRA, his widow Yoko Ono said yesterday.
Yoko Ono Gestures during Visit to Spanish Town of Calanda
Reuters
22 February, 2000
Yoko Ono, the widow of former Beatle and outspoken pacifist John Lennon,
gestures February 22 during a visit to the northern Spanish town of Calanda
Yoko Ono denies Lennon IRA claims
BBC
22 February, 2000
Yoko Ono has denied claims that her late husband John Lennon secretly helped fund the
IRA in the 1970s.
Yoko Ono Denies Lennon Gave Money to IRA
Reuters
21 February, 2000
Yoko Ono, widow of former Beatle John Lennon, on Monday denied a British press report
that her husband, famed for a naked-in-bed demonstration for peace, may have helped fund
the Irish Republican Army (IRA).
Reuters Photo
Reuters
21 February, 2000
Yoko Ono, widow of former Beatle John Lennon, on Monday denied a British press report
that her husband, famed for a naked-in-bed demonstration for peace, may have helped fund
the Irish Republican Army (IRA).
Steve Weinberg: A lesson on Lennon
By Steve Weinberg, Nando Times
21 February, 2000
When Beatles lyricist John Lennon died from an assassin's bullet in 1980, history professor
Jon Wiener did what a few smart scholars and journalists traditionally do after the death of
any controversial figure: He requested Lennon's file at the Federal Bureau of Investigation,
pursuant to the U.S. Freedom of Information Act.
All you need is love . . . and a few Armalites
By Barry Miles, The Times
21 February, 2000
Claims that John Lennon gave money to the IRA in the late Sixties and early Seventies
come as no surprise to those involved with him.
FBI Lennon file release breaks security protocol
By Michael Evans And Grace Bradberry, The Times
21 February, 2000
An American court's decision to release classified British documents relating to John
Lennon is threatening to undermine an intelligence-sharing arrangement between the US
and Britain, government sources said yesterday.
MI5 sent file on Lennon to help US investigation
By Richard Norton-Taylor and John Ezard, The Guardian
21 February, 2000
MI5 sent a file on John Lennon to the FBI after advisers to President Nixon ordered an
investigation into the former Beatle, it was revealed yesterday.
Wilson: No Beach Boy-Beatle Match
Associated Press
20 February, 2000
Former Beach Boy Brian Wilson intends to continue performing but has quashed any
rumors that he and Paul McCartney would be working together anytime soon.
Shayler: Lennon 'funded IRA'
BBC
20 February, 2000
A former M15 agent has said that former Beatle John Lennon helped fund the IRA in
the early 1970s.
How MI5 spied on Lennon
By John Harlow and Nicholas Rufford, The Sunday Times
20 February, 2000
Secret documents on John Lennon's financial support for the IRA and Trotskyists are
about to be revealed after a 20-year legal battle to force their release by the security
services.
Lennon funded terrorists and Trotskyists
By John Harlow and Nicholas Rufford, The Sunday Times
20 February, 2000
The secrets of how MI5 spied on John Lennon are to be revealed after a ruling by a Los
Angeles federal court cleared the way for the release of British intelligence reports held
by the FBI
Judge releases Lennon letters
BBC
19 February, 2000
A judge has ordered three secret letters about the late Beatle John Lennon to be released to
the public, despite grave warnings from US officials.
Book Portrays Lennon As A Jealous Guy
Press Association
19 February, 2000
A new book, claimed to be based on John Lennon's diaries, portrays the former Beatle as a
sex, drug and money obsessed legend who harboured a secret hatred for Paul McCartney.
Designer wins fashion accolade
BBC
19 February, 2000
Hussein Chalayan has been voted British Designer of the Year for the second year running at
the Rover British Fashion Awards
Reuters Photo
Reuters
18 February, 2000
Paul McCartney points at his daughter Stella, the designer for Paris fashion house Chloe, as
they arrive for the London Fashion Awards Friday.
U.S. May Fight to Keep Letters About Lennon Secret
Reuters
18 February, 2000
Almost 20 years after the assassination of John Lennon, a government lawyer warned on Friday
that releasing documents about the former Beatle's left-wing political activities could damage
national security.
To sleep, perchance to theme . . . Hotel accommodations range from
romantic to rock-star rowdy
By Kitty Bean Yancey, USA Today
18 February, 2000
* The John Lennon Suite at Alexis Hotel, Seattle. Limited edition Lennon artwork Oh My Love
and We Made Our Bed, both signed by Yoko Ono, are displayed in the $425-a-night suite.
There's a fireplace and stereo stocked with Lennon music. Information: 800-426-7033 or
www.alexishotel.com.
John Lennons Piano Arrives in Liverpool for Auction
Reuters
18 February, 2000
The upright piano which belonged to former Beatle John Lennon arrives under escort at
Liverpool's Albert Dock.
John Lennon piano set to sell for £1million
ITN
18 February, 2000
Can you Imagine all the people bidding at once? Well, probably not, but if you are a massive
fan of the Beatles, and John Lennon in particular, then an important piece of musical history is
up for sale.
George Harrison Fights For Privacy
Press Association
18 February, 2000
George Harrison is asking the Hawaii Supreme Court for another chance to keep his Maui
neighbours from cutting through his property to get to the ocean.
Lennon's piano to be auctioned on internet
By Hugh Davies, Electronic Telegraph
18 February, 2000
The piano on which John Lennon composed Imagine is to be auctioned on an internet site
being created by the rock musician Mick Fleetwood, the drummer with Fleetwood Mac.
An Undated Handout Photo of the Piano
Reuters
18 February, 2000
An undated handout photo of the piano on which former Beatle John Lennon wrote one of
his most famous songs "Imagine", arriving at The Beatles Story museum in Liverpool,
northwest England for viewing prior to going on auction with eOffer.com online site, it was
announced Thursday Feb 17 2000.
Imagine - A Piano Worth A Million Pounds!
Press Association
18 February, 2000
The piano on which John Lennon composed his peace anthem Imagine - one of the world's
most famous songs - is to be sold for around £1 million.
Imagine owning Lennon's piano
BBC
18 February, 2000
The piano on which John Lennon composed his peace anthem Imagine is to be auctioned for
an estimated £1m - a record price for pop memorabilia.
FBI to scholars: We want to hold your hand
By Steve Weinberg, The Christian Science Monitor
17 February, 2000
When former Beatles lyricist John Lennon died from an assassin's bullet in 1980, history
professor Jon Wiener did what a few smart scholars and journalists traditionally do after the
death of any controversial figure.
Lennon's 'Imagine' Piano to Be Auctioned Online
By Lyndsay Griffiths, Reuters
17 February, 2000
The Steinway piano on which John Lennon composed "Imagine'' went on public view on
Friday, ahead of an online auction in July when organizers say the instrument is expected to
fetch at least $2 million.
John Lennon's Piano To Be Auctioned
Associated Press
17 February, 2000
The piano on which John Lennon composed "Imagine" is to be auctioned on the Internet in July,
online company eOffer.com said.
Imagine what John wrote on this piano
Liverpool.com
17 February, 2000
The piano used by John Lennon to write his 1971 hit song Imagine arrived in Liverpool today
under police escort.
Marilyn Beck & Stacy Jenel Smith: 'Cider House Rules,' 'Linda McCartney
Nando Times
17 February, 2000
They're nearing production, and casting is under way for Linda and Paul McCartney in the
planned "Linda McCartney" CBS miniseries.
Signatures Network's Licensing Campaign for Bag One Arts' Real Love
for Children Art Collection Exceeds $150 Million in Retail Sales
Business wire
16 February, 2000
Enthusiastic Public Response to Whimsical Illustrations by Legendary Artist and Musician
John Lennon Spur Sales of Licensed Products
Sound Bites: John Sinclair, Ted Nugent
Wall Of Sound
16 February, 2000
Musicians on both coasts are coming together to support former MC5 manager John Sinclair,
whose New Orleans home suffered a fire two weeks ago.
VH1 encourages Beatles fans to 'Imagine'
By David De Sola, Tufts Daily
16 February, 2000
If you've seen VH1 at all in the past month, it seems that you can't watch it for five minutes without
seeing a commercial or self-promotion for their TV movie Two of Us.
George Harrison asks state court to reconsider easement decision
Honolulu Star-Bulletin
16 February, 2000
Attorneys on behalf of former Beatle George Harrison have asked the Hawaii Supreme Court to
reconsider its decision upholding the right of people to use an easement across his property in
east Maui.
Carnival capital's Cavern
Liverpool.com
16 February, 2000
A replica of the Cavern Club is being built in world carnival capital Rio.
Nostalgia is in the air these days
By James Muretich, Calgary Herald
15 February, 2000
A remastered edition of John Lennon's album Imagine is released to stores today.
Remastered 'Imagine' to be released in spring
Infobeat (E-zine. Unavailable online)
15 February, 2000
The newly remixed and remastered version of the late John Lennon's 1971 album "Imagine"
arrives in stores Tuesday - in Britain and Canada only. The U.S. release of the album is
expected during March or early April. The new edition of the album was done at Abbey Road
Studios in London during late 1999, supervised by Lennon's widow Yoko Ono. There are no
bonus tracks, but the reissue does include a new 16-page booklet with lyrics, 18 new
photographs and a replica of Lennon's handwritten sheet for the song "How Do You Sleep?",
a sharp attack on his ex-Beatles partner Paul McCartney. A companion home video, "Gimme
Some Truth - The Making of John Lennon's 'Imagine' Album," is due out in late March and will
include different mixes of some of the 'Imagine' songs, footage of Lennon playing basketball
with jazz legend Miles Davis and hanging out with Jack Nicholson and Andy Warhol. The
DVD version of the documentary will include a variety of multimedia goodies.
Ringo brings back All-Starr Band
Infobeat (E-zine. Unavailable online)
14 February, 2000
Ringo Starr has set the lineup for his latest edition of the All-Starr Band, according to
Decatur, Ga.-based Beatlefan magazine. The group features several All-Starr Band
veterans, including guitarist Dave Edmunds, bassist Jack Bruce, keyboardist Billy Preston,
drummer Simon Kirke and multi-instrumentalist Mark Rivera. Joining the fold this year is
guitarist Billy Squier, best known for his '80s arena rock hits "Everybody Wants You," "The
Stroke" and "In the Dark." The All-Starr Band is expected to tour North America beginning in
May, with dates starting on the East Coast. The Cleopatra Label Group plans a late June
release for the All-Starr Band's "Anthology & 10 Year Anniversary" box set. The three-CD
chronicle of the project's various incarnations features performances from all of the All-Starr
Band's lineups, though there's no solo track from Grand Funk Railroad's Mark Farner, who
was part of the third edition of the group.
Still yearning for the good old British invasion days
By Garret Mathews, Evansville Courier & Press
13 February, 2000
OK, Mr. Peter Noone, lead singer of Herman's Hermits and weekend performer at Casino
Aztar.
Ethics girls don't eat meat
By Barbara Ellen, The Guardian
13 February, 2000
There's a moral dimension to being a vegetarian - so stuff the chicken and let's get radical
Private Lennon Film To Be Shown
Press Association
12 February, 2000
Film previously unseen by the public of the late John Lennon at work on his legendary
Imagine album is being shown for the first time on BBC2 on Sunday.
George Harrison Murder Bid Charge Man Remanded
Press Association
11 February, 2000
A man accused of attempting to murder former Beatle George Harrison and his wife Olivia
was bailed to a psychiatric unit for a further eight weeks today.
Beatle stabbing case adjourned
BBC
11 February, 2000
The case of man accused of attempting to murder former Beatle George Harrison has
been adjourned for a further eight weeks.
Beatles star stabbing case due in court
Press Association
11 February, 2000
The case of a man accused of attempting to murder former Beatle George Harrison and
his wife Olivia is due to come before magistrates.
Lennon film screened on Sunday
Q
10 February, 2000
Gimmie Some Truth, the film cut from home movies of John Lennon and shot while he
was recording the Imagine album, is to be screened by BBC2 on Sunday night at 10pm.
Nice one, John
By Richard Vine, The Guardian
10 February, 2000
All you need is love. Well, love and a handy broadcast-quality cine camera.
'Imagine' DVD loaded with extras
By Terry Ott, Jam! Music
10 February, 2000
A remixed version of former Beatle John Lennon's 1971 critically acclaimed "Imagine"
album will be reissued in Canada on Tuesday (Feb. 15).
Martin remastering Beatles' CDs
By Terry Ott, Jam! Music
10 February, 2000
A remixed version of former Beatle John Lennon's 1971 critically acclaimed "Imagine"
album will be reissued in Canada on Tuesday (Feb. 15), and JAM! has learned that the
entire Beatles back catalogue is currently being remastered for release -- though EMI
admits that process could "take years" due to the use of complicated "surround sound"
production.
Sir Paul Takes A Spin Over London
Press Association
10 February, 2000
Beatles legend Sir Paul McCartney proved himself to be a true revolver when he
became the first major celebrity to take a spin on the Millennium Wheel.
McCartney Recording New Album
By Irv Lichtman, Billboard
9 February, 2000
Paul McCartney is in his home studio in the U.K. preparing an album for a fourth-quarter
release, Billboard has learned.
Ravi Shankar Named Commander Of French Legion Of Honor
By Benjamin Ivry, Allstar News
9 February, 2000
Legendary Indian sitar player Ravi Shankar was named Commander of the French
Legion of Honor on Wednesday (Feb. 9), the highest award that France bestows on
civilians.
Secrets Of McCartney Bank Cash Are Leaked
By Jonathan Calvert And Peter Warren, The Express (Thanks to
Miriam Novotna
)
9 February, 2000
An unwanted computer sold on from a bank contained 108 files relating to Sir Paul
McCartney's private cash dealings.
V.I.P. Set to Shine in February with Star-Studded Sweep Episodes
PRNewswire
8 February, 2000
Paul McCartney, B-52's, Sandra Bernhardt, Katarina Witt, Musical Group Lit and Nancy
O'Dell Featured in February Episodes
Toys Leave Hollywood for International Inspiration
Business Wire
8 February, 2000
Hollywood, no! The U.K. and Japan, yes! That's the mantra of the toy industry as it
heads into its annual American International Toy Fair in New York (2/14 - 17, 00),
especially when it comes to toys based on licensed characters.
Will Ringo Starr Come To Israel?
Israel News (Hebrew only!)
8 February, 2000
English translation
: There are rumors that Ringo Starr will make a stop in Israel during
his summer tour. The Long-nosed Beatles drummer gathered around him some old-but
vintage-musicians from some 60's-70's supergroups who'll back him. Count us in.
Yellow submarine makes happy return
By Simon Bowers, The Guardian
8 February, 2000
The raising of Mary Rose it was not. But the 25-tonne yellow submarine salvaged
from oblivion yesterday is to be no less lovingly restored by Liverpool Architecture
and Design Trust.
Holly's widow disturbed by use of lyrics
By Dave Tianen, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
5 February, 2000
She questions legality of local man writing music for unpublished words
Alla Rakha
By Reginald Massey, The Guardian
5 February, 2000
With Ravi Shankar, he took Indian music to the world
Jared Harris: Love, Love Him Do
By Dan Frankel, E! Online
5 February, 2000
As anyone going on and on about HBO's The Sopranos will tell you, made-for-cable isn't a
bad thing anymore.
Worldwide Sales Plan For McCartney Veggie Meals
Press Association (Thanks to
Miriam Novotna
)
4 February, 2000
Linda McCartney's crusade to promote the vegetarian cause is set to continue after Heinz
announced it was considering marketing her ready meals across the world.
'Yellow Submarine'-mania comes to Laguna Beach
Los Angeles Times (Thanks Ron)
4 February, 2000
Co-director of the classic animated Beatles film to visit Chuck Jones Studio Gallery
Branching out: Buffalo Tom go underground; Brad Delp does the Beatles
By Brett Milano, Boston Phoenix
3 February, 2000
Beatle Juice are without doubt the only Beatles tribute band to be fronted by a guy who was
at one time selling more records than the Beatles.
See Hear Now
NME
3 February, 2000
The NME Premier Awards webcast live on the 2 February 2000 at 3pm is now available to
view on archive now.
Let It Beatle!
NME
3 February, 2000
Paul McCartney was ecstatic for The Beatles to receive the Best Band Of All Time Award
at the NME Premier Awards.
'Imagine' Album by John Lennon is Digitally Remixed and Remastered
At Abbey Road Studios in London, Set for April 11th In-Store Date
PRNewswire
2 February, 2000
"Gimme Some Truth - The Making Of John Lennon's `Imagine' Album" documentary film set
for April release on interactive DVD and VHS home video, following BBC2 and Bravo
premieres
Harrison Loses Property Ruling
Associated Press
2 February, 2000
George Harrison's neighbors are now free to cut through his Maui estate to get to the ocean.
George Harrison is Shown in Ireland in This Jan. 15, 2000
.
Reuters
2 February, 2000
George Harrison is shown in Ireland in this Jan. 15, 2000. The Hawaii Supreme Court upheld
a 1993 lower-court ruling that said owners of two neighboring properties could use the
easement on Harrison's 60-acre oceanfront parcel on the remote eastern end of Maui.
McCartney snubs Brits for a Brat
By Tim Cooper, This is London
2 February, 2000
Hours after saying no to a Brit award, Sir Paul McCartney today collected a trophy at the
alternative Brats.
Premier Paul
NME (Thanks to
Miriam Novotna
)
2 February, 2000
Sir Paul McCartney was greeted with cheers and a standing ovation at the NME Premier
Awards yesterday just after declaring that he would rather come to the NME Premier Awards
than the Brits.
Paul McCartney compiling a 'Wings' anthology
By Terry Ott, Jam! Music
2 February, 2000
Paul McCartney is compiling a video anthology and a companion CD devoted to his
"other band", Wings.
Paul: Brats Beat Brits
By Dominic Mohan, The Sun
2 February, 2000
Paul McCartney blasted the Brits Awards yesterday as he picked up a gong at the rival
Brats.
We love you yeah, yeah
By James O'Brien, The Express
2 February, 2000
The Beatles were voted the Best Band Ever at a pop awards ceremony yesterday.
FBI's bizarre Lennon files come to light
By Duncan Campbell, The Guardian
2 February, 2000
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) will go to court next week in an attempt to find
out further information about the FBI's investigation into John Lennon for his involvement in
the peace movement.
Blur's award hat-trick
BBC
1 February, 2000
Rock band Blur lifted three titles at the NME Premier Awards to crown a successful
comeback year.
`Two of Us': A Two-Beatle Reunion, but It's Just Imagination
By Ron Wertheimer, New York Times
1 February, 2000
It's 1976, six years after the breakup of the Beatles and four years before the death of John
Lennon. Paul McCartney, whose band, Wings, has the No. 1 record in both the United
States and Britain, has come to New York for some concerts. He decides to drop in on
John unannounced.
Beatle-ship
By Mike McDaniel, Houston Chronicle
1 February, 2000
Imagine Paul McCartney and John Lennon. Imagine them six years post-Beatles, separate
and estranged. Now imagine Paul, on an impulse, showing up at New York's Dakota
apartment building. Imagine him knocking on John's door.
Can't Be Beatles
E! Online
1 February, 2000
If only John Lennon and Paul McCartney had taken their "We Can Work It Out" sentiments
to heart...
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