I spoke to Mark briefly at the end of the first ‘I Am The Eggpod’ live event. He was very friendly and approachable. To my knowledge, I can’t think of any other artist who has a dedicated fan like Mark who wants to chronicle every aspect. He is also brilliant at acknowledging that he doesn’t know everything and will rectify any errors he has made.
I thought those bootlegging allegations against Mark had been resolved a long time ago. I was saddened to learn that George treated him that way. Mark has the reputation as a first class historian. An objective writer dealing with the facts despite his obvious passion for The Beatles. This is certainly a very enlightening and entertaining video. Thanks so much.
The source for the John Barrett bootleg was John barrett himself ,he dubbed cassettes while cataloging the archives ,when he passed away,his kids found the cassettes and gave them to world
I'm totally unsurprised that George would be this way. He's seen as a peaceful spiritual guy but he was a misanthrope and very surly. I mean who has Eric Clapton, who has espoused some awful things, as a best mate? People are complex and George was no different but he rarely gets called out for it.
Well said. "Tune In" is an astonishing work of scholarship, and a far better book than fans of a pop band have any reason to expect! Regardless of what does or doesn't get published in the future, Lewisohn has my thanx and respect.
Except Mark’s ethics and scholarship are brought into question with Tune In. There are several examples of Mark conflating and misusing quotes to tell a certain story. Tune In is an opinion book as much as any other Beatles book is. Mark isn’t the scholarly expert he portrays himself as
@@ewest14his research and his distillation is a step way beyond anything ever tried before. With hundreds of thousands of previously unknown elements some mistakes will get in - the idea that it’s all just an opinion and no better than yours is preposterous
Regarding John Barrett, he wasn't someone who was getting on in years and being "put out to pasture". Rather, he was a young balance engineer at EMI who had been diagnosed with cancer and had asked Abbey Road's General Manager Ken Townsend if there was anything he could do to keep his mind occupied while undergoing chemotherapy. That's when Townsend suggested he listen through and log all of the Beatles tapes. He apparently did a fantastic job of this and it ultimately laid the foundations for Lewisohn's 'Complete Recording Sessions' book. John Barrett sadly died in 1984.
'Complete Recording Sessions' is a wonderful book and it is nice that it is now accepted that others, apart from the author Mark Lewisohn, played their part. Well done for bringing it to Matt's attention and kudos to Matt for his gracious acknowledgement.
Perhaps Paul needs to sit down with George’s widow and tell her to do some gardening instead of pissing off an obvious good guy trying to do a noble job…
Lewisohn is the irreplaceable historian of the Beatles history. I've read and enjoyed many Beatles books and it true that many of the authors just largely regurgitate material "discovered" by someone else. Lewisohn doesn't do that. As a actual historian, he takes the time to do the research, like finding original sources, questioning them, if possible, and examining the relevant documentary evidence to try to arrive at the closest we will ever come to the objective truth. Without evidence, even the principals involved can misremember events. Lewisohn knows that and tells the best story he can, even if it ruffles some feathers along the way. Every true fan should get their hands on an Extended Edition. It's a revelation and a masterpiece. Thanks for what you do, Mark. And the same to Matt.
Agreed. Mark knows the players and while some bias did manage to creep in through the curating and contextualizing of quotes and his phrasing -- he's only human -- this is the most comprehensive and accurate history of The Beatles we are likely to see. It was indeed a revelation. It even solved a mystery that had been bugging me for years -- George Martin's story of how he signed The Beatles never made sense to me and now it does.
Except Mark’s ethics and scholarship are brought into question with Tune In. There are several examples of Mark conflating and misusing quotes to tell a certain story. Tune In is an opinion book as much as any other Beatles book is. Mark isn’t the scholarly expert he portrays himself as
@@ewest14 I agree with you about his use of quotes. That and his choice of descriptors (adjectives) are the means by which his bias creeps in. But at least he provides the verbatim quotes. Many authors paraphrase and use partial quotes in order to support their narrative. I believe he is trying to be objective. The bias can be frustrating, but it is not in service of some misguided agenda.
I saw Mark 2022 in London doing a one man program " Evolver 63" . It was at the university of central London and it was a most informative and I hung on every word lecture I've ever sat for.
Matt, thank you for the update on Mark Lewisohn and the projects he is working on. I had a feeling your next video would be on the Beatles but I thought it would be an American album release review. This video was great. God Bless Mark Lewisohn and his dedication and determination.
Such a thoughtful, intelligent and insightful video. Mark Lewisohn should be knighted for his books on the Beatles. I also read the entire two-volume Tune In. For those of us who write books on the Beatles, Mark has always been helpful and generous with his valuable time. Keep up the good work. Steve Matteo
I was in London '83 at BBC entrance gate and photod Paul at gate entrance. A young fan handed him a bootleg vinyl, which Paul shockingly said, where did u get this ? Kid said record store. Paul read the album song list and angrily signed the bootleg and noted how wrong it was. Paul handed the bootleg back, and the kid ran off. I got Paul's autograph and took several pics of him, one of which I printed for Paul and dropped it off at MPL office. Paul wrote a nice thank you note. Anyway, it was '83 that Paul knew bootlegs were publishing stolen Beatles tapes. As an aside, EMI at some point allowed someone to listen to the John audio tape he made for absent Ringo; and that person released some of the info that John said to Paul and George. After that leaked audio EMI must have closed door on outside publishers having access to Beatles EMI artifacts; and who can blame them.
Bootlegs don’t affect mainstream sales . Diehard fans are into them. Remember Grateful Dead accommodating fans to record them live..builds strong relationship with fans..
Thank you Matt for all of the fantastic gum shoe work that you bring ti us. It is absolutely invaluable and it is clear from all the other positive comments that your efforts are appreciated and really valued in a sea of noice. This channel and that other chap that reviews all the Beatles vinyl releases are my favourite!
I was gifted Volume 1 for Christmas not long after the books release ( hardback copy and incredibly expensive to buy ). I myself would have waited for a paperback version to appear before purchase. Since I received the book , I have read about 100 pages, I found the text content, absolutely over whelming to grind through and have not picked up the book again . Until I watched this informative and well presented video today, I was not aware of an extended volume 1, of a similar thickness being released. Wow!! ( It's 'All Too Much' for me.) Will Volume 2 go down a similar extension path. I have all of Mark's other books, which are great, but for this 3 volume ( or will it be 6 ) project, I wish good health and longevity to him so that he can finish this epic tome. I am a dedicated Beatles fan ( for 62 years ), an avid audio collector of their wonderful musical gifts to us all. I have many, many Beatle books still to read and reread. Sadly, not All These Years.
The Complete Beatles Recording Session is a book I have a lot to thank for. I had always been a Beatles fan, of course, but it wasn't until CDs came out and I started DJing using CDs and collecting them furiously. I bought the Beatles CDs the minute they came out, and soon after when the Recording Sessions book came out I studied it diligently. With DJing I was of course interested in recording, so this book was everything to me. Not long after this I ended up going back to university and qualified to be an audio engineer. Best of all this was in Manchester right in the heat of Madchester in the early 1990s. So a great time. The Beatles have been regarded as doing things to shake up the recording industry, but for me personally indirectly they caused me to go and learn engineering, for which I'm extremely thankful.
It is such a shame that Lewisohn seems to on the outs with Apple as Beatles Recording Sessions is such an authoritative guide. He is way beyond meticulous and Apple is making a serious mistake in not having a positive, mutually beneficial relationship. The sequels to Tune In and his invaluable help with potential future Beatles reissues is sorely needed.
Hey Matt, just wanted to comment that I love the investigative journalist aspect of your videos! Honestly that aspect is what makes this channel so unique amongst other 60s pop culture channels. Thanks for your efforts!
Many thanks for the info on Lewisohn, whose scholarly researched books are a real treasure! ❤ The rift with apple and Olivia is just crazy and unworthy😮
Thank You ! for this outstanding video update Matt. I'm one of those who has read the extended special edition of Tune In at least 3 times (maybe more, not sure) and have been patiently waiting for more. It is upsetting to hear that Mark's relationship with Apple has soured for no reason at all. Hopefully the book can be completed. I did experience the Beatles in real time and am grateful for that.
Really glad you did this update - I’m one of those impatiently eager for Vol II and appreciate all the original reporting in Vol. I. For years all the hacks just repeating the same lore. Not Mark.
Thanks for this update. I hope we all live to see Vols. 2 & 3 published, but in any case I am very grateful just to have the stunning Vol. 1, and I wish Mark Lewisohn all the best.
I think the expanded version is absolutely amazing. I guess you have to be a crazy Beatles' fan to read all that detail, but honestly, I thought it was the best Beatle book ever. Mark is a great writer and puts you in the streets of Liverpool and Hamburg ... you can taste the grit, smell the post WW2 decay and hear the primitive rock and roll coming out of the basements.I just hope I can read 2 & 3 before my time is up.
i've been loving Lewisohn's work since the 80s. fascinating video as i hadn't heard the latest about the working relationship going sour. thanks!! your channel is a terrific source!!!
Fascinating video, Matt, really enjoyed it. Mark is a great and thorough writer and you explained the complexities of writing Tune In so well. Perhaps the situation will change now that Jeff Jones has stood down. Then again, listening to what Mark said here, maybe it won’t!
Calling George a bastard, or others similarly, may not help.. even if he or the said others were.. George could no doubt sometimes be a bitter and twisted person.. as he proved with his complex attitude towards Paul, and sometimes even John. He went to court to stop the Star Club Tapes re-appearing before the Internet made all that redundant. No way would ;Now and Then; have re-surfaced if he was around.
As a first generation Beatles fan I really appreciate your ability to lay out the reality of writing a book of such significance. You cover everything that anyone who might not quite understand what goes into writing a book. Mark will deliver his next volume as soon as he is convinced that nothing else of significance can be added. I look forward to reading it, but if I don’t live long enough to read it, at least I got to live it. Cheers. 🙏
Oh No!!! so that's why this valuable history is being held up for release. Apple has gone so sour....But even this could make the story more unfettered by them, we'll have to wait and see. Thanks Matt, again, your thoroughness to explain all this to us made it much easier to understand the release delay.
I had no idea that Lewisohn was going to incorporate the Recording Sessions book into the next volume of Tune In. I had heard talk of an extended Recording Sessions book. Man, that is some undertaking!
Just like the Ex Beatles got fed up with being asked the question about when are they going to get back together, Im sure Mark Lewisohn is is as fed up with being asked when is he going to finish his book(s), -Many thanks Matt for breaking this down and putting in perspective the process into writing a book, its gives me more appreciation in the time and effort that goes into making this happen, and in some ways your work Matt is the same when you make your videos on the artists you present on your channel, So to anyone who is unpatient with Mark Lewisohn I'll repeat what a wise person once said: That all good things come to those who wait.
Really enjoyed this video. I listened to Tune In on audible, but subsequently purchased long and mass market versions. It is amazing piece of work. I am one of those patient ones and trying not to think how long it is going to take to complete this project, but thank God for Mark Levisohn. Hopefully it is not long we will hear from him.
I loved Tune In and have been waiting patiently for the next book. Interesting background on how much work goes into one of these books. Great episode, and thanks for sharing.
I was 13 when I heard The Beatles on the radio in 1963 and I've been hooked ever since, but it's sad knowing that I probably won't be alive to read volume 3 of Mark Lewisohn's excellent work.
Interesting video Matt. What happened originally between Mark and Apple was that he allowed a US journalist to accompany him into the editing room at Abbey Road during Anthology, thinking that they guy was going to wrote a profile on him. The journalist asked to hear some of the tapes and Mark agreed having first obtained clearance from EMI. The journalist then wrote a very different kind of article, kind of a 'Behind the Scenes of Anthology' type thing, and that's when everything exploded.
Apple should be proud of Mark Lewisohn's work and should continue to cooperate with his ongoing endeavors. I will forever remember my encounter with Mr Lewisohn in an elevator at Fest For Beatles Fans in New Jersey 2023. He likes bananas.
I'm *crushed* by this. The first book was a utterly singular, a complete revelation. I have been waiting and waiting and wondering why the sequel was five years (now) later than Lewisohn had predicted. Now I know, and the reason couldn't be more disheartening. Apple, you're spitting on a treasure who only wants to properly and completely tell (as Lewisohn put it) "the greatest love story in history, when the whole world fell in love with the Beatles".
Extremely interesting- some of this excellent channel's best work. I'd had it in my head from years ago (or misheard?) that Barrett was ill when he started his work in the archives but this is a much clearer story.
John Barrett was not being "put out to pasture;" he was dying of cancer and he was given the job of going through the extant tapes to get his mind off of his problems.
Mark’s chosen a very rocky road. To be a biographer of a living person (s) or their survivors means that you will be making those people very uncomfortable about owning their own story. Never mind that these are amongst the most famous and influential people of the last century. People who have enormous influence. Another person here drew a comparison to LBJ’s (36th President) biographer, Robert Caro. Caro published the first of his projected 3 volumes in 1982. The 5 th and final volume is still being awaited. Caro wrote about how doors were closed to him by Lady Bird Johnson. Until she agreed to sit for an interview over a brief period. During that time, those closed doors were opened. Only to be shut again after she spoke to him. I hope that Lewisohn can hold out and persevere.
@@neiljackson3133 And Robert Caro turns 89 on October 30th! My other wishlist books (besides these biographies) that I worry may not be finished are George R. R. Martin's "Winds of Winter" and "A Dream of Spring," which would complete the "A Song of Ice and Fire" series (i.e. Game of Thrones). But I am no longer mad or disappointed that these books may not be finished (kind of what Matt was suggesting), and focus on being thankful that I was able to enjoy the excellent books that were made available.
Mark and I have corresponded in the past. His first volume had some inaccuracies about the Beatles Genealogy, especially about Ringo and I had to set him straight with some certificates and information I found on Ancestry from actual baptism records and he was very pleased and he said he was going to use my information as an update in the future volume of the Beatles.
I think he is very appreciative of these things. To some he can be seen as a know-it-all (and he actually does seem to know it all!..:)..) but he is more interested in getting it right and the details are important. The only thing I think he blew it on was the Pete Best story. Epstein had approached a number of drummers before they settled on Ringo. Ringo wound up to be the best (pun intended!) choice but he wasn't their first. Lewisohn wants to promote the nice tale that they always wanted him which is the same yarn Paul and George promoted over the last decades. They're not going to publicly say "Yeah....we settled on him!"..:)...I have seen Lewisohn challenged on this many times and he gets real pissy about it because he knows he's wrong.
Who cares about Ringo's baptism? What does this contribute to understanding the musical phenomenon called the Beatles? Anybody want to hear where the idea for 'Hey Jude' originated?
@@zjokka I care. And a lot of other people care because there’s been a lot of faults said about Ringo including that he’s the only Beatle without Irish ancestry and it’s not true. One of his ancestors name Cunningham was from Ireland. I care. And a lot of other people care why do people watch shows like who do you think you are and finding your roots when it’s celebrities and not your own Ancestry?, I get it. Because people care.
@@zjokka understanding of the family background is essential to knowing how they became who they became. Doing my own ancestry I learned so much about myself to learning about the prehistory of my life. Maybe because you’re adopted?
Mark is a true Beatles fan and talented writer. Edit: My question to people who would criticize Mark for not having the new book out is this: Would you rather have Mark put out a book that he feels doesn't do justice to The Beatles' story? If you do, then I respect your preference. I would rather he write the book that he feels is worthy of telling The Beatles' story.
I would rather him do it right too, but it's been a long time. And when he's going around doing other projects it will take even longer. I haven't seen anything involving Mark for a while now. Hopefully that's a sign that he's writing volume 2? I could be wrong, but I also believe volume 3 will come much faster after volume 2 than the space between volume 1 and 2. Hopefully the trilogy is finished within the next 6 or 7 years?
This was a good one, Matt. They all are. I've been enjoying your posts awhile now. I know and admire Lewison and, instead of asking him what's going on, this has been informative. Thanks for all you do - Glen Burtnik from The Weeklings (you did a nice little mention of us recently re: JEM Records' tribute discs)
Thanks so much for this great episode Matt (longtime fan here, I don’t think I’ve commented yet). Mark Lewisohn is the ultimate Beatles biographer. His work is painstaking- it’s mind blowing how much work he put into Tune In (I proudly own an inscribed copy). He’s a great guy too! During the pandemic, he was a speaker at the virtual version of the Fest for Beatlefans. He did a q & an after… for some weird reason there weren’t a lot of questions, so I got a nice 4-5 minute chunk of time on Zoom with Mark. Such a good hearted guy! Anyway, it’s great to see him getting kudos out there. Also good to see Steven and Jason get a little shout out from you, for their magnificent Nothing Is Real podcast! Thanks much, and keep on keeping on!
Just adding to the chorus ... Thanks Matt. Great work as always. Just another case of the greedy hanging onto, and re-writing, their own history. I wish Mark well and I hope I live long enough to see Books 2 and 3.
A cool thing about Lewisohn that is Phillip Norman's book, Shout!, is that Mark provided, for the first time, the definitively researched date of the day that John met Paul at the Woolton Village Fete, as it had been previously reported anywhere from 1955-1959. No one knew the correct year, let alone the date, or even how to look it up. Lewisohn figured it out, and fairly simply as well. Mark is also discussed in the Epilogue of the book, on pages 396-397, which demonstrated how Beatlemania has lived on, as a 22 year old man listening to boots of the Decca sessions, Hamburg Tape, and a Christmas Fan Club record, and is described as the "Beatle Brain of Britain." Reading this boot in 1981 was my first introduction to Lewisohn. Greater things were to come, as we now know. :)
I lived through the Beatles era in real time, and it was amazing. I love Lewisohn's work and have the highest respect for him. I do want to read the rest of it badly. However, I don't think he can do it. He has too much to do alone, and he has impediments. Thanks for a good video here.
I don't know how you do it Matt but another amazing Beatles related video. I really enjoy all your videos but especially the Beatles themed ones. Looking forward to your continuing reviews of the Capitol albums. It's been a while but I absolutely love those. All the best to you & your family. You rock! Kenny from Jersey
I didn’t realize I only read the abridged version of Tune In. I’ll have get the complete work now. I just hope Mark is able to get these done just for the amount of effort he’s put into this.
Yet another truly superb video. I especially enjoyed your philosophical comments regarding people who were lucky enough to experience The Beatles in real time. Some great observations
This was really interesting, thanks. I knew about the bootleg allegations, and I thought that might have something to do with his fallout with Apple. But I didn't know it came from Harrison. Thanks for the podcast recommendations.
Volume 2 is quite likely to include The Beatles touring pastimes and behind doors recreation. John and Eleanor Bron, Peggy Lipton with Paul, Mo Starkey with George, and Linda, Jane and Patties rock star adventures would come up. These did influence the songwriting so I think should be included but there is some dirty laundry there.
I feel kinda/sorta/but not really bad that my first inclination was to think it was Yoko who was blocking it. Not that we would ever have reason to think that she would do such a thing 😅 It does make you wonder though what really is behind the Apple situation. If he had a good working relationship with Neil Aspinall what then could have spoiled it to this extent? This is a pretty deep divide. Not to "both sides" the issue, but I have a hunch there are a few layers to this story. Excellent program Matt. This is why we are proud to be Patreon supporters. This is quality work and metits both support and a wide audience.
I've listened to a bunch of interviews with Lewisohn over the last 10 years or so. He's mentioned one of the issues of working on this project is that there's always new info coming to light. He stated more than once that there was new information that he recieved but didn't include it because Tune In was already being published. I myself hope I get to read the last 2 volumes.
Wow, great reporting and info Matt. Lots of details I was unaware of. My initial reaction is “sadness”. Here’s a guy trying to do justice to the Beatles legacy. A man who’s done so much to enhance the Beatles, and working diligently on the All These Years series, and he gets crapped on! What a travesty. Cheers Matt Street 🎃🍻
Great video Matt. Whilst the frustration is understandable, I'd much prefer Mark to be satisfied with the finished product because he knows it will be poured over whilst also being cherished for years to come, much in the same way Vol 1 is. Having listened to the man on a number of occasions his passion and commitment to The Beatles and to getting it right shines through. Apple and George in particular, got it wrong, and it is a loss for them. Like many fans I've been very critical of Apple and how they have handled Beatles related products, especially the Let It Be boxset, which is frankly, terrible (The White Album is great though!). I hope Mark completes this mammoth journey and is handsomely rewarded.
Nice video! Bought the cheaper version of 'Tune In' when it first came out. Now you sucked me into buying the extended version! I forgot it was over 10 years ago. Hope things work out for Mr Lewisohn.
Thanks for this post Matt. Lewisohn is the GOAT (haha). Being pre-fame days, I took a pass on Tune-In Vol 1, but Vol 2 & 3 greatly interest me, hope I get to read them. Cheers!
To me, the pre fame days are the best part of the story. The journey to the top was incredible and there were so many instances where it all could have ended before it all began.
Very interesting video Matt! I appreciate what Apple has released for the fans over the years, but I’m sometimes puzzled at their choices & the timing of them. Why freeze Mark out at this time, so many years after the interaction w/George? There have been other similar instances too, Bobby Whitlock comes to mind.🤔😮
Thanks for this update Matt. I’m one of the impatient ones! It’s a morbid view to take but my fear is Mark will either pass away or be physically/mentally unable to finish the work. I can understand his wish for it to be a complete work but that quest for perfection when it comes to The Beatles almost certainly means he will never be satisfied that he has everything he needs. Mark has been studying the Beatles for more than 30 years and has said he possesses tens of thousands of pieces of material. Surely he must have enough to make a great second and third volume.
Hi .. imho the delay in publishing vol 2 & 3 is purely down to Lewisohn patiently waiting for the main protagonists to pass on to t'other side beyond the worldly realms of litigation.
Very interesting! I didn't know anything about this rift, so I wondered why he wasn't writing the books for the Beatles boxes. It's really sad, if his version of events is accurate. They shouldn't block someone who is probably the world's foremost Beatles expert.
Great overview Matt. You have to love and respect Mark’s work. It’s at the top of the hill. They say don’t meet your hero’s. I once provided an offer to do some work for him and I saw the nasty side of him. Not very pleasant but great work nonetheless. I wonder what information George was given to turn on him so dramatically.
Have you done any videos on the inaccuracies in "Recording Sessions"? Yes, I know I could probably google that, but I thought I would ask you first. Given this content here, that seemed like the logical thing to do. Thanks for this update!
I have not. There are many sources - especially the Giles Martin "remixed" box sets which are also controversial and bitched about by many. I may do some instrumental breakdowns in a different fashion than focussing on just one book on the topic.
I've always found it strange that for all the enlightenment that Harrison espoused he did remain a pretty bitter guy. Mark was done dirty by Apple. His research work is invaluable. We would never even have heard of "Carnival Of Light" without him, and the fact that George blocked it in the 90s because it was too "avant-garde" yet we have a reissue of Electronic Sounds and whatever records Yoko made in the 70s that no one bought then or now is totally absurd.
I met Mark on Abbey Road in August 1992, when he was listening to all John Lennon session tapes. I sat beside a pile of original 1974 tapes from the Walls and Bridges sessions. That led to nothing and he never commented this.
That’s not correct that his work “led to nothing.” His research was the beginning of what became the JOHN LENNON ANTHOLOGY box set. Unfortunately, he had a misunderstanding with Yoko and was removed from the project, but he did 99% of the work for the people who did end up getting the credit.
Hi Matt, I had met Mark at his shows in London, at his show(s). On meeting him, he at the time didn't know my name, Just to him I was just Graham. Later he got back to me because of my Surname (Pratchett). He stood surprised, and told me he had written about me, (and some school friends) in the 'latest' Book that came inside the Abbey Road Deluxe Edition. Having had that deluxe box set. And slowly working my way through the book. I found myself mentioned. Because at that previous months. My friends and I were arrested (and appeared in court, Two Year Suspended) due to attempted stealing of an ABBEY ROAD STREET SIGN. The judge had to have it explained by the arresting constable, what was happening around this year(s). And to Add to your description the person who caught Mark out going through Apple's & The Beatles Private Paperwork. Was George Harrison himself. He wanted Mark thrown out of the building. Thourghly enjoying this.
funny, i am just now listening to the TUNE IN audiobook in late 2024 and it's even better than i had expected. fascinating and i'm only getting into the account of year 1960. great respect for the level of relevant, interesting detail. i know i'll soon be hungry for the delicious sequel. c'mon Paul and Ringo, step in here and pull some strings, you know you want to read it too. lol
Unfortunately it was a coincidence that he released that recording session book... not long after followed by high quality studio recordings being bootlegged. George Harrison only knew about Mark Lewisohn's book. I guess he thought that Mark was the person who released the recordings. I highly doubt that any of the members remembers the mid-80s radio show about the history of the group (and where some of the rare recordings made their debut). Mark does a great service on research. Archived all information on the group and their day to day sessions/concerts/events. It's a damn shame that some folks at Apple refused helping Mr. Lewisohn.
Mark Lewisohn always comes over as a decent guy. I read two volume Tune In and it is a weird read because I know what happens in the story but it so exciting.
Strange coincidence, I was listening to that podcast with Mark a couple of weeks ago as I was checking out if there was any news about Mark’s next book. Apple is cutting off their nose to spite their face. It’s all about control for Apple - control of the narrative and I’m sure there are many things that Apple wants to keep private, like the shenanigans that went on during those American tours. Lennon talked about the whores and the drugs in the infamous Rolling Stone interview. The Beatles/Apple have a lot of dark stuff they want to keep quiet - it might hurt their business! I understand that they want to protect their reputations and their private lives. I read the first book (the expanded version)and thought it was incredible, the level of detail is stunning so I can see/read why Apple are concerned about Mark going through their closets. Apple is a den of politics with conflicting opinions and personalities - I can’t even imagine the arguments that go on. I wish Mark all the best and I hope he is taking care of his health so he can complete his life’s work. For me, Mark made The Beatles interesting again when I had gotten bored with their music and their story. Cheers Matt.
Fantastic video. I wasn't aware of all the problems around this. It's a shame that is the situation. I would expect from Apple /Paul to support it and take the project under their wings (wings, McCartney 😅), but I guess the world is working different from my common sense.
I wish Lewisohn would just do 1963 and early '64 - through Sullivan - for the next volume. Then just '64 for the 3rd volume. These were perhaps the most interesting years. If he did that and no more, I'd be satisfied. But we've got to get at least '63 - an amazing year!!
The most interesting years are towards the end. When they realized James was ripping them off big time and got rid of him. George Martin suggested they go to James dropping Ardmore and Beechwood, who were actually an EMI company. Why, when they promoted _Love Me Do_ very well? A big brown envelope under the table comes to mind, as Martin was not well paid. The Beatles dropped Martin for Let it Be.
Hello again Matt. I used to swap Beatle Bootlegs with Roger Scott. Because he use to play Beatle Bootlegs Every Friday Afternoon. Like i have and still have the complete Beatles At Shea Stadium etc etc. And I've also got the complete set of John Barrett Tapes (across 8 CDs) All very interesting too. Loads of out-takes and different recordings.
I wasn't onlne last night - i like to see these when they first drop but there's really no difference. What a terrible thing is going on. He's essentially devoted his life to this project and he has the talent to do it. He's the right person but I guess it doesn't matter. I'm glad you brought up how much it takes to write a book. One thing I always do is read the bibliography and sources at the end. It takes so much reading and investigating and in the case of pop culture books, often many interviews, many of which are hard to obtain. Hope this all works out somehow.
I spoke to Mark briefly at the end of the first ‘I Am The Eggpod’ live event. He was very friendly and approachable. To my knowledge, I can’t think of any other artist who has a dedicated fan like Mark who wants to chronicle every aspect. He is also brilliant at acknowledging that he doesn’t know everything and will rectify any errors he has made.
I spoke to him after an Evolver event and same - dedicated humble hardworking fan.
He's a great guy and incredible researcher.
I thought those bootlegging allegations against Mark had been resolved a long time ago. I was saddened to learn that George treated him that way. Mark has the reputation as a first class historian. An objective writer dealing with the facts despite his obvious passion for The Beatles. This is certainly a very enlightening and entertaining video. Thanks so much.
The source for the John Barrett bootleg was John barrett himself ,he dubbed cassettes while cataloging the archives ,when he passed away,his kids found the cassettes and gave them to world
I'm totally unsurprised that George would be this way. He's seen as a peaceful spiritual guy but he was a misanthrope and very surly. I mean who has Eric Clapton, who has espoused some awful things, as a best mate? People are complex and George was no different but he rarely gets called out for it.
Well said. "Tune In" is an astonishing work of scholarship, and a far better book than fans of a pop band have any reason to expect! Regardless of what does or doesn't get published in the future, Lewisohn has my thanx and respect.
Except Mark’s ethics and scholarship are brought into question with Tune In. There are several examples of Mark conflating and misusing quotes to tell a certain story. Tune In is an opinion book as much as any other Beatles book is. Mark isn’t the scholarly expert he portrays himself as
Mine too
@@ewest14his research and his distillation is a step way beyond anything ever tried before. With hundreds of thousands of previously unknown elements some mistakes will get in - the idea that it’s all just an opinion and no better than yours is preposterous
@@ewest14can you give a few examples of this?
I met the guy(semi professionally)& he was lovely; hard working & knowledgeable
-a MEGA fan
Regarding John Barrett, he wasn't someone who was getting on in years and being "put out to pasture". Rather, he was a young balance engineer at EMI who had been diagnosed with cancer and had asked Abbey Road's General Manager Ken Townsend if there was anything he could do to keep his mind occupied while undergoing chemotherapy. That's when Townsend suggested he listen through and log all of the Beatles tapes. He apparently did a fantastic job of this and it ultimately laid the foundations for Lewisohn's 'Complete Recording Sessions' book. John Barrett sadly died in 1984.
Thank you for that correction, Richard.
'Complete Recording Sessions' is a wonderful book and it is nice that it is now accepted that others, apart from the author Mark Lewisohn, played their part. Well done for bringing it to Matt's attention and kudos to Matt for his gracious acknowledgement.
I'm afraid a sense of entitlement is becoming more pervasive as the years go by. It doesn't do anyone any good.
Perhaps things would be helped along if, somehow, Mark Lewishon and Olivia Harrison had a proper 'sit-down' over this matter.
Perhaps Paul needs to sit down with George’s widow and tell her to do some gardening instead of pissing off an obvious good guy trying to do a noble job…
Lewisohn is the irreplaceable historian of the Beatles history. I've read and enjoyed many Beatles books and it true that many of the authors just largely regurgitate material "discovered" by someone else. Lewisohn doesn't do that. As a actual historian, he takes the time to do the research, like finding original sources, questioning them, if possible, and examining the relevant documentary evidence to try to arrive at the closest we will ever come to the objective truth.
Without evidence, even the principals involved can misremember events. Lewisohn knows that and tells the best story he can, even if it ruffles some feathers along the way.
Every true fan should get their hands on an Extended Edition. It's a revelation and a masterpiece. Thanks for what you do, Mark.
And the same to Matt.
Thank you, I will stay on it!
Agreed. Mark knows the players and while some bias did manage to creep in through the curating and contextualizing of quotes and his phrasing -- he's only human -- this is the most comprehensive and accurate history of The Beatles we are likely to see. It was indeed a revelation. It even solved a mystery that had been bugging me for years -- George Martin's story of how he signed The Beatles never made sense to me and now it does.
@Kieop His telling always has the ring of truth to me, even if it's not perfect.
Except Mark’s ethics and scholarship are brought into question with Tune In. There are several examples of Mark conflating and misusing quotes to tell a certain story. Tune In is an opinion book as much as any other Beatles book is. Mark isn’t the scholarly expert he portrays himself as
@@ewest14 I agree with you about his use of quotes. That and his choice of descriptors (adjectives) are the means by which his bias creeps in. But at least he provides the verbatim quotes. Many authors paraphrase and use partial quotes in order to support their narrative. I believe he is trying to be objective. The bias can be frustrating, but it is not in service of some misguided agenda.
I saw Mark 2022 in London doing a one man program " Evolver 63" . It was at the university of central London and it was a most informative and I hung on every word lecture I've ever sat for.
Matt, thank you for the update on Mark Lewisohn and the projects he is working on. I had a feeling your next video would be on the Beatles but I thought it would be an American album release review. This video was great. God Bless Mark Lewisohn and his dedication and determination.
I read the “long” version of Tune In twice! Absolutely loved it. Have been waiting for the next part. Nothing is better.
Such a thoughtful, intelligent and insightful video. Mark Lewisohn should be knighted for his books on the Beatles. I also read the entire two-volume Tune In. For those of us who write books on the Beatles, Mark has always been helpful and generous with his valuable time. Keep up the good work. Steve Matteo
Hey Steve! I appreciate the comments. Good to hear from you.
I was in London '83 at BBC entrance gate and photod Paul at gate entrance. A young fan handed him a bootleg vinyl, which Paul shockingly said, where did u get this ? Kid said record store. Paul read the album song list and angrily signed the bootleg and noted how wrong it was. Paul handed the bootleg back, and the kid ran off. I got Paul's autograph and took several pics of him, one of which I printed for Paul and dropped it off at MPL office. Paul wrote a nice thank you note. Anyway, it was '83 that Paul knew bootlegs were publishing stolen Beatles tapes. As an aside, EMI at some point allowed someone to listen to the John audio tape he made for absent Ringo; and that person released some of the info that John said to Paul and George. After that leaked audio EMI must have closed door on outside publishers having access to Beatles EMI artifacts; and who can blame them.
Bootlegs don’t affect mainstream sales . Diehard fans are into them. Remember Grateful Dead accommodating fans to record them live..builds strong relationship with fans..
@brianmansfield666 bootlegs pissed off the Beatles and EMI as well.
@@VideoByPatrickthey couldn't give a flying fuck...
Thank you Matt for all of the fantastic gum shoe work that you bring ti us. It is absolutely invaluable and it is clear from all the other positive comments that your efforts are appreciated and really valued in a sea of noice. This channel and that other chap that reviews all the Beatles vinyl releases are my favourite!
I appreciate the kind words. Thank you!
I was gifted Volume 1 for Christmas not long after the books release ( hardback copy and incredibly expensive to buy ). I myself would have waited for a paperback version to appear before purchase. Since I received the book , I have read about 100 pages, I found the text content, absolutely over whelming to grind through and have not picked up the book again . Until I watched this informative and well presented video today, I was not aware of an extended volume 1, of a similar thickness being released. Wow!! ( It's 'All Too Much' for me.) Will Volume 2 go down a similar extension path. I have all of Mark's other books, which are great, but for this 3 volume ( or will it be 6 ) project, I wish good health and longevity to him so that he can finish this epic tome. I am a dedicated Beatles fan ( for 62 years ), an avid audio collector of their wonderful musical gifts to us all. I have many, many Beatle books still to read and reread. Sadly, not All These Years.
The Complete Beatles Recording Session is a book I have a lot to thank for. I had always been a Beatles fan, of course, but it wasn't until CDs came out and I started DJing using CDs and collecting them furiously. I bought the Beatles CDs the minute they came out, and soon after when the Recording Sessions book came out I studied it diligently.
With DJing I was of course interested in recording, so this book was everything to me. Not long after this I ended up going back to university and qualified to be an audio engineer. Best of all this was in Manchester right in the heat of Madchester in the early 1990s. So a great time.
The Beatles have been regarded as doing things to shake up the recording industry, but for me personally indirectly they caused me to go and learn engineering, for which I'm extremely thankful.
What a great episode! Very insightful.
It is such a shame that Lewisohn seems to on the outs with Apple as Beatles Recording Sessions is such an authoritative guide. He is way beyond meticulous and Apple is making a serious mistake in not having a positive, mutually beneficial relationship. The sequels to Tune In and his invaluable help with potential future Beatles reissues is sorely needed.
Hey Matt, just wanted to comment that I love the investigative journalist aspect of your videos! Honestly that aspect is what makes this channel so unique amongst other 60s pop culture channels. Thanks for your efforts!
Great video, thanks for sharing all this new information regarding Mark Lewisohn. Cheers from Mexico City!
Many thanks for the info on Lewisohn, whose scholarly researched books are a real treasure! ❤
The rift with apple and Olivia is just crazy and unworthy😮
Thank You ! for this outstanding video update Matt. I'm one of those who has read the extended special edition of Tune In at least 3 times (maybe more, not sure) and have been patiently waiting for more. It is upsetting to hear that Mark's relationship with Apple has soured for no reason at all. Hopefully the book can be completed. I did experience the Beatles in real time and am grateful for that.
Thank you, denpea!
Really glad you did this update - I’m one of those impatiently eager for Vol II and appreciate all the original reporting in Vol. I. For years all the hacks just repeating the same lore. Not Mark.
Thanks for this update. I hope we all live to see Vols. 2 & 3 published, but in any case I am very grateful just to have the stunning Vol. 1, and I wish Mark Lewisohn all the best.
Thank you Matt for this information.
Excellent analysis!
I think the expanded version is absolutely amazing. I guess you have to be a crazy Beatles' fan to read all that detail, but honestly, I thought it was the best Beatle book ever. Mark is a great writer and puts you in the streets of Liverpool and Hamburg ... you can taste the grit, smell the post WW2 decay and hear the primitive rock and roll coming out of the basements.I just hope I can read 2 & 3 before my time is up.
i've been loving Lewisohn's work since the 80s. fascinating video as i hadn't heard the latest about the working relationship going sour. thanks!! your channel is a terrific source!!!
Thank you!
Good work covering this, thank you!
Fascinating video, Matt, really enjoyed it. Mark is a great and thorough writer and you explained the complexities of writing Tune In so well. Perhaps the situation will change now that Jeff Jones has stood down. Then again, listening to what Mark said here, maybe it won’t!
Calling George a bastard, or others similarly, may not help.. even if he or the said others were.. George could no doubt sometimes be a bitter and twisted person.. as he proved with his complex attitude towards Paul, and sometimes even John. He went to court to stop the Star Club Tapes re-appearing before the Internet made all that redundant. No way would ;Now and Then; have re-surfaced if he was around.
Another great episode about the Beatles and Apple Records thanks Matt.🎶🇬🇧🎸🎸🥁🎹🇬🇧🎶
As a first generation Beatles fan I really appreciate your ability to lay out the reality of writing a book of such significance. You cover everything that anyone who might not quite understand what goes into writing a book.
Mark will deliver his next volume as soon as he is convinced that nothing else of significance can be added. I look forward to reading it, but if I don’t live long enough to read it, at least I got to live it. Cheers. 🙏
Oh No!!! so that's why this valuable history is being held up for release. Apple has gone so sour....But even this could make the story more unfettered by them, we'll have to wait and see.
Thanks Matt, again, your thoroughness to explain all this to us made it much easier to understand the release delay.
Thank you, Terry!
I had no idea that Lewisohn was going to incorporate the Recording Sessions book into the next volume of Tune In. I had heard talk of an extended Recording Sessions book. Man, that is some undertaking!
I interviewed Mark on my podcast. Such an eloquent and thoughtful man. The Beatles always attract the finest collaborators.
Just like the Ex Beatles got fed up with being asked the question about when are they going to get back together, Im sure Mark Lewisohn is is as fed up with being asked when is he going to finish his book(s), -Many thanks Matt for breaking this down and putting in perspective the process into writing a book, its gives me more appreciation in the time and effort that goes into making this happen, and in some ways your work Matt is the same when you make your videos on the artists you present on your channel, So to anyone who is unpatient with Mark Lewisohn I'll repeat what a wise person once said: That all good things come to those who wait.
Really enjoyed this video. I listened to Tune In on audible, but subsequently purchased long and
mass market versions. It is amazing piece of work. I am one of those patient ones and trying not to think how long it is going to take to complete this project, but thank God for Mark Levisohn. Hopefully it is not long we will hear from him.
Thanks for the update. Looking forward to reading it when it comes out. Cheers Matt.
I loved Tune In and have been waiting patiently for the next book. Interesting background on how much work goes into one of these books. Great episode, and thanks for sharing.
Excellent piece, Matt.
I was 13 when I heard The Beatles on the radio in 1963 and I've been hooked ever since, but it's sad knowing that I probably won't be alive to read volume 3 of Mark Lewisohn's excellent work.
Absolutely brilliant update!
Interesting video Matt. What happened originally between Mark and Apple was that he allowed a US journalist to accompany him into the editing room at Abbey Road during Anthology, thinking that they guy was going to wrote a profile on him. The journalist asked to hear some of the tapes and Mark agreed having first obtained clearance from EMI. The journalist then wrote a very different kind of article, kind of a 'Behind the Scenes of Anthology' type thing, and that's when everything exploded.
Actually I think it was the Lennon Anthology. Lewisohn wasn't ejected at that point but it caused the initial rift with George and Yoko.
Apple should be proud of Mark Lewisohn's work and should continue to cooperate with his ongoing endeavors.
I will forever remember my encounter with Mr Lewisohn in an elevator at Fest For Beatles Fans in New Jersey 2023. He likes bananas.
Im sure he doesnt like Apple(s) very much
An excellent video Matt. Thanks. All the best.
I'm *crushed* by this. The first book was a utterly singular, a complete revelation. I have been waiting and waiting and wondering why the sequel was five years (now) later than Lewisohn had predicted.
Now I know, and the reason couldn't be more disheartening.
Apple, you're spitting on a treasure who only wants to properly and completely tell (as Lewisohn put it) "the greatest love story in history, when the whole world fell in love with the Beatles".
Extremely interesting- some of this excellent channel's best work. I'd had it in my head from years ago (or misheard?) that Barrett was ill when he started his work in the archives but this is a much clearer story.
Thank you, Joe!
Thanks Matt! Another great vid.
John Barrett was not being "put out to pasture;" he was dying of cancer and he was given the job of going through the extant tapes to get his mind off of his problems.
Thanks for the correction, Pharoset.
Mark’s chosen a very rocky road. To be a biographer of a living person (s) or their survivors means that you will be making those people very uncomfortable about owning their own story. Never mind that these are amongst the most famous and influential people of the last century.
People who have enormous influence.
Another person here drew a comparison to LBJ’s (36th President) biographer, Robert Caro. Caro published the first of his projected 3 volumes in 1982. The 5 th and final volume is still being awaited. Caro wrote about how doors were closed to him by Lady Bird Johnson. Until she agreed to sit for an interview over a brief period. During that time, those closed doors were opened. Only to be shut again after she spoke to him.
I hope that Lewisohn can hold out and persevere.
I was thinking Robert Caro's LBJ biography.
@@neiljackson3133 And Robert Caro turns 89 on October 30th! My other wishlist books (besides these biographies) that I worry may not be finished are George R. R. Martin's "Winds of Winter" and "A Dream of Spring," which would complete the "A Song of Ice and Fire" series (i.e. Game of Thrones). But I am no longer mad or disappointed that these books may not be finished (kind of what Matt was suggesting), and focus on being thankful that I was able to enjoy the excellent books that were made available.
Mark and I have corresponded in the past. His first volume had some inaccuracies about the Beatles Genealogy, especially about Ringo and I had to set him straight with some certificates and information I found on Ancestry from actual baptism records and he was very pleased and he said he was going to use my information as an update in the future volume of the Beatles.
I think he is very appreciative of these things. To some he can be seen as a know-it-all (and he actually does seem to know it all!..:)..) but he is more interested in getting it right and the details are important. The only thing I think he blew it on was the Pete Best story. Epstein had approached a number of drummers before they settled on Ringo. Ringo wound up to be the best (pun intended!) choice but he wasn't their first. Lewisohn wants to promote the nice tale that they always wanted him which is the same yarn Paul and George promoted over the last decades. They're not going to publicly say "Yeah....we settled on him!"..:)...I have seen Lewisohn challenged on this many times and he gets real pissy about it because he knows he's wrong.
Call something Apple and it’s gonna go bad. It’s biblical right?
Who cares about Ringo's baptism? What does this contribute to understanding the musical phenomenon called the Beatles?
Anybody want to hear where the idea for 'Hey Jude' originated?
@@zjokka I care. And a lot of other people care because there’s been a lot of faults said about Ringo including that he’s the only Beatle without Irish ancestry and it’s not true. One of his ancestors name Cunningham was from Ireland. I care. And a lot of other people care why do people watch shows like who do you think you are and finding your roots when it’s celebrities and not your own Ancestry?, I get it. Because people care.
@@zjokka understanding of the family background is essential to knowing how they became who they became. Doing my own ancestry I learned so much about myself to learning about the prehistory of my life. Maybe because you’re adopted?
Mark is a true Beatles fan and talented writer.
Edit: My question to people who would criticize Mark for not having the new book out is this: Would you rather have Mark put out a book that he feels doesn't do justice to The Beatles' story? If you do, then I respect your preference. I would rather he write the book that he feels is worthy of telling The Beatles' story.
I would rather him do it right too, but it's been a long time. And when he's going around doing other projects it will take even longer. I haven't seen anything involving Mark for a while now. Hopefully that's a sign that he's writing volume 2? I could be wrong, but I also believe volume 3 will come much faster after volume 2 than the space between volume 1 and 2. Hopefully the trilogy is finished within the next 6 or 7 years?
@@michaelharrington75 Great points. Agreed.
Your best video in a while. Great work! Mark L had stuck to his guns and will do each volume in due time even without no help from Apple at all
This was a good one, Matt. They all are. I've been enjoying your posts awhile now. I know and admire Lewison and, instead of asking him what's going on, this has been informative. Thanks for all you do - Glen Burtnik from The Weeklings (you did a nice little mention of us recently re: JEM Records' tribute discs)
Thanks so much for this great episode Matt (longtime fan here, I don’t think I’ve commented yet).
Mark Lewisohn is the ultimate Beatles biographer. His work is painstaking- it’s mind blowing how much work he put into Tune In (I proudly own an inscribed copy). He’s a great guy too! During the pandemic, he was a speaker at the virtual version of the Fest for Beatlefans. He did a q & an after… for some weird reason there weren’t a lot of questions, so I got a nice 4-5 minute chunk of time on Zoom with Mark. Such a good hearted guy! Anyway, it’s great to see him getting kudos out there. Also good to see Steven and Jason get a little shout out from you, for their magnificent Nothing Is Real podcast!
Thanks much, and keep on keeping on!
Thank you for commenting and being a longtime fan!
Matt as always a v good and informative video thank you and I look forward to your next Beatles related video
Just adding to the chorus ... Thanks Matt. Great work as always. Just another case of the greedy hanging onto, and re-writing, their own history. I wish Mark well and I hope I live long enough to see Books 2 and 3.
Nice work, Matt. You're more than qualified to interview Mr. Lewisohn if that could be arranged 👍
I hope to do that some day.
A cool thing about Lewisohn that is Phillip Norman's book, Shout!, is that Mark provided, for the first time, the definitively researched date of the day that John met Paul at the Woolton Village Fete, as it had been previously reported anywhere from 1955-1959. No one knew the correct year, let alone the date, or even how to look it up. Lewisohn figured it out, and fairly simply as well. Mark is also discussed in the Epilogue of the book, on pages 396-397, which demonstrated how Beatlemania has lived on, as a 22 year old man listening to boots of the Decca sessions, Hamburg Tape, and a Christmas Fan Club record, and is described as the "Beatle Brain of Britain." Reading this boot in 1981 was my first introduction to Lewisohn. Greater things were to come, as we now know. :)
Yeah, John's family had photos of the event, but they were sure it was in 1956. so everyone accepted that date for years.
Brilliant.Thank you.
Best segment to date!
Thanks.
That's very kind. Thank you!
I lived through the Beatles era in real time, and it was amazing. I love Lewisohn's work and have the highest respect for him. I do want to read the rest of it badly. However, I don't think he can do it. He has too much to do alone, and he has impediments. Thanks for a good video here.
I don't know how you do it Matt but another amazing Beatles related video. I really enjoy all your videos but especially the Beatles themed ones. Looking forward to your continuing reviews of the Capitol albums. It's been a while but I absolutely love those. All the best to you & your family. You rock! Kenny from Jersey
thanks for the video
This is an excellent honest video thank you
I didn’t realize I only read the abridged version of Tune In. I’ll have get the complete work now. I just hope Mark is able to get these done just for the amount of effort he’s put into this.
The idea that Mark OWES us something other than the best work he can do WHEN he can do it is just unreal to me.
That was extremely interesting. Thank you!
Yet another truly superb video. I especially enjoyed your philosophical comments regarding people who were lucky enough to experience The Beatles in real time. Some great observations
Thank you, Chuck!
This was really interesting, thanks. I knew about the bootleg allegations, and I thought that might have something to do with his fallout with Apple. But I didn't know it came from Harrison. Thanks for the podcast recommendations.
Volume 2 is quite likely to include The Beatles touring pastimes and behind doors recreation. John and Eleanor Bron, Peggy Lipton with Paul, Mo Starkey with George, and Linda, Jane and Patties rock star adventures would come up. These did influence the songwriting so I think should be included but there is some dirty laundry there.
I feel kinda/sorta/but not really bad that my first inclination was to think it was Yoko who was blocking it. Not that we would ever have reason to think that she would do such a thing 😅
It does make you wonder though what really is behind the Apple situation. If he had a good working relationship with Neil Aspinall what then could have spoiled it to this extent? This is a pretty deep divide.
Not to "both sides" the issue, but I have a hunch there are a few layers to this story.
Excellent program Matt. This is why we are proud to be Patreon supporters. This is quality work and metits both support and a wide audience.
Thanks Neal!
LUV Nothing is Real, it's one of the best Beatles pods to listen to
I've listened to a bunch of interviews with Lewisohn over the last 10 years or so. He's mentioned one of the issues of working on this project is that there's always new info coming to light. He stated more than once that there was new information that he recieved but didn't include it because Tune In was already being published. I myself hope I get to read the last 2 volumes.
I got all those in hardcover form. Priceless
Wow, great reporting and info Matt. Lots of details I was unaware of. My initial reaction is “sadness”. Here’s a guy trying to do justice to the Beatles legacy. A man who’s done so much to enhance the Beatles, and working diligently on the All These Years series, and he gets crapped on! What a travesty. Cheers Matt Street 🎃🍻
Thank you, Mr. Street. Good to hear from you.
Good work. Thank you.
Great video Matt. Whilst the frustration is understandable, I'd much prefer Mark to be satisfied with the finished product because he knows it will be poured over whilst also being cherished for years to come, much in the same way Vol 1 is. Having listened to the man on a number of occasions his passion and commitment to The Beatles and to getting it right shines through. Apple and George in particular, got it wrong, and it is a loss for them. Like many fans I've been very critical of Apple and how they have handled Beatles related products, especially the Let It Be boxset, which is frankly, terrible (The White Album is great though!). I hope Mark completes this mammoth journey and is handsomely rewarded.
Nice video! Bought the cheaper version of 'Tune In' when it first came out. Now you sucked me into buying the extended version! I forgot it was over 10 years ago. Hope things work out for Mr Lewisohn.
Good deep, dive back story stuff.Love this vid
Thanks for this post Matt. Lewisohn is the GOAT (haha). Being pre-fame days, I took a pass on Tune-In Vol 1, but Vol 2 & 3 greatly interest me, hope I get to read them. Cheers!
To me, the pre fame days are the best part of the story. The journey to the top was incredible and there were so many instances where it all could have ended before it all began.
Very interesting video Matt! I appreciate what Apple has released for the fans over the years, but I’m sometimes puzzled at their choices & the timing of them. Why freeze Mark out at this time, so many years after the interaction w/George? There have been other similar instances too, Bobby Whitlock comes to mind.🤔😮
Thanks for this update Matt. I’m one of the impatient ones! It’s a morbid view to take but my fear is Mark will either pass away or be physically/mentally unable to finish the work.
I can understand his wish for it to be a complete work but that quest for perfection when it comes to The Beatles almost certainly means he will never be satisfied that he has everything he needs.
Mark has been studying the Beatles for more than 30 years and has said he possesses tens of thousands of pieces of material. Surely he must have enough to make a great second and third volume.
Don't worry, volume 2 is close to being done and he's only 66.
Hi .. imho the delay in publishing vol 2 & 3 is purely down to Lewisohn patiently waiting for the main protagonists to pass on to t'other side beyond the worldly realms of litigation.
Very interesting! I didn't know anything about this rift, so I wondered why he wasn't writing the books for the Beatles boxes. It's really sad, if his version of events is accurate. They shouldn't block someone who is probably the world's foremost Beatles expert.
Great overview Matt. You have to love and respect Mark’s work. It’s at the top of the hill. They say don’t meet your hero’s. I once provided an offer to do some work for him and I saw the nasty side of him. Not very pleasant but great work nonetheless. I wonder what information George was given to turn on him so dramatically.
Have you done any videos on the inaccuracies in "Recording Sessions"?
Yes, I know I could probably google that, but I thought I would ask you first. Given this content here, that seemed like the logical thing to do.
Thanks for this update!
The supposed Paul-sung version of I Want You (She's So Heavy) that appeared on Rough Notes comes to mind.
I have not. There are many sources - especially the Giles Martin "remixed" box sets which are also controversial and bitched about by many. I may do some instrumental breakdowns in a different fashion than focussing on just one book on the topic.
Met Mark about 10 years ago (at an event at Abbey Road!) a truly lovely, sweet man. Hope this sorts itself out.
I've always found it strange that for all the enlightenment that Harrison espoused he did remain a pretty bitter guy. Mark was done dirty by Apple. His research work is invaluable. We would never even have heard of "Carnival Of Light" without him, and the fact that George blocked it in the 90s because it was too "avant-garde" yet we have a reissue of Electronic Sounds and whatever records Yoko made in the 70s that no one bought then or now is totally absurd.
I met Mark on Abbey Road in August 1992, when he was listening to all John Lennon session tapes. I sat beside a pile of original 1974 tapes from the Walls and Bridges sessions. That led to nothing and he never commented this.
That’s not correct that his work “led to nothing.” His research was the beginning of what became the JOHN LENNON ANTHOLOGY box set. Unfortunately, he had a misunderstanding with Yoko and was removed from the project, but he did 99% of the work for the people who did end up getting the credit.
Hi Matt, I had met Mark at his shows in London, at his show(s). On meeting him, he at the time didn't know my name, Just to him I was just Graham. Later he got back to me because of my Surname (Pratchett). He stood surprised, and told me he had written about me, (and some school friends) in the 'latest' Book that came inside the Abbey Road Deluxe Edition. Having had that deluxe box set. And slowly working my way through the book. I found myself mentioned. Because at that previous months. My friends and I were arrested (and appeared in court, Two Year Suspended) due to attempted stealing of an ABBEY ROAD STREET SIGN. The judge had to have it explained by the arresting constable, what was happening around this year(s). And to Add to your description the person who caught Mark out going through Apple's & The Beatles Private Paperwork. Was George Harrison himself. He wanted Mark thrown out of the building. Thourghly enjoying this.
Thank you, Graham!
funny, i am just now listening to the TUNE IN audiobook in late 2024 and it's even better than i had expected. fascinating and i'm only getting into the account of year 1960. great respect for the level of relevant, interesting detail. i know i'll soon be hungry for the delicious sequel. c'mon Paul and Ringo, step in here and pull some strings, you know you want to read it too. lol
I've read every single Beatles book--and RECORDING SESSIONS and TUNE IN are the absolute VERY VERY VERY BEST.
Unfortunately it was a coincidence that he released that recording session book... not long after followed by high quality studio recordings being bootlegged. George Harrison only knew about Mark Lewisohn's book. I guess he thought that Mark was the person who released the recordings. I highly doubt that any of the members remembers the mid-80s radio show about the history of the group (and where some of the rare recordings made their debut). Mark does a great service on research. Archived all information on the group and their day to day sessions/concerts/events. It's a damn shame that some folks at Apple refused helping Mr. Lewisohn.
Mark Lewisohn always comes over as a decent guy. I read two volume Tune In and it is a weird read because I know what happens in the story but it so exciting.
Roger Scott certainly did play full versions of some of the John Barrett tapes - I recorded them off air
Strange coincidence, I was listening to that podcast with Mark a couple of weeks ago as I was checking out if there was any news about Mark’s next book.
Apple is cutting off their nose to spite their face. It’s all about control for Apple - control of the narrative and I’m sure there are many things that Apple wants to keep private, like the shenanigans that went on during those American tours. Lennon talked about the whores and the drugs in the infamous Rolling Stone interview. The Beatles/Apple have a lot of dark stuff they want to keep quiet - it might hurt their business! I understand that they want to protect their reputations and their private lives.
I read the first book (the expanded version)and thought it was incredible, the level of detail is stunning so I can see/read why Apple are concerned about Mark going through their closets.
Apple is a den of politics with conflicting opinions and personalities - I can’t even imagine the arguments that go on.
I wish Mark all the best and I hope he is taking care of his health so he can complete his life’s work. For me, Mark made The Beatles interesting again when I had gotten bored with their music and their story.
Cheers Matt.
Thanks Ed!
Interesting video. I cannot wait for Vol 2!! It's disappointing to learn of Apple cutting Mark off.
Fantastic video. I wasn't aware of all the problems around this. It's a shame that is the situation. I would expect from Apple /Paul to support it and take the project under their wings (wings, McCartney 😅), but I guess the world is working different from my common sense.
I wish Lewisohn would just do 1963 and early '64 - through Sullivan - for the next volume. Then just '64 for the 3rd volume. These were perhaps the most interesting years. If he did that and no more, I'd be satisfied. But we've got to get at least '63 - an amazing year!!
The most interesting years are towards the end. When they realized James was ripping them off big time and got rid of him. George Martin suggested they go to James dropping Ardmore and Beechwood, who were actually an EMI company. Why, when they promoted _Love Me Do_ very well? A big brown envelope under the table comes to mind, as Martin was not well paid. The Beatles dropped Martin for Let it Be.
Hello again Matt. I used to swap Beatle Bootlegs with Roger Scott. Because he use to play Beatle Bootlegs Every Friday Afternoon. Like i have and still have the complete Beatles At Shea Stadium etc etc. And I've also got the complete set of John Barrett Tapes (across 8 CDs) All very interesting too. Loads of out-takes and different recordings.
I wasn't onlne last night - i like to see these when they first drop but there's really no difference. What a terrible thing is going on. He's essentially devoted his life to this project and he has the talent to do it. He's the right person but I guess it doesn't matter. I'm glad you brought up how much it takes to write a book. One thing I always do is read the bibliography and sources at the end. It takes so much reading and investigating and in the case of pop culture books, often many interviews, many of which are hard to obtain. Hope this all works out somehow.