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The Incredible Untold Life of Mal Evans, Beatles Legend
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- Опубликовано: 14 ноя 2023
- 'Living The Beatles Legend' now available on Amazon: amzn.to/3G0fnmx
Mal Evans (1935-1976) served as The Beatles' legendary road manager, assistant, confidant and friend from their earliest days in Liverpool's Cavern Club, through their rise to global fame, to long after their breakup in 1970. Mal continued to serve in similar roles for Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr until his tragic, premature death in 1976.
In this You Can't Unhear This interview, we are joined by Kenneth Womack, author of a new landmark biography of Mal Evans, Living The Beatles Legend. Ken is also accompanied by a very special guest: Gary Evans, son of Mal Evans, who has spent years hoping to share his father's full story with the world.
Almost 50 years after his passing, Mal’s legacy is finally given the full profile it deserves.
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‘Living The Beatles Legend’ on Amazon: amzn.to/3G0fnmx
Mal Evans was one of the key figures that made The Beatles possible, but his full life story hasn't been well-known - until now. I hope you enjoy this fun, heartfelt conversation with Mal's son, Gary, and Ken Womack - the author of Mal’s new biography 📚
And yes, new regular YCUT episodes are coming! It's been a huge year for Beatles releases, so there's a lot of material to cover - a great 'problem' to have!
🎧
hey been a long time since you posted
Love your channel! As a lifelong Beatles minutia fan myself, you come up with some really cool stuff 😎 and piece your videos together so nicely 👍🏻
Made them possible? A bit overstated that.
(I speak spanish) Please ask to Ken Womak if he'll make his book version in spanish
My friends and I spent a lot of time on the weekends waiting outside George and Ringo’s apartment in Whaddon House on William Mews. When Mal came out of the building, he would always come straight over to us, and the only fans, and always made sure he had time to have a little chat with us. He truly was the nicest man you could ever meet, and we all loved him so much. I have nothing but fond memories of that lovely man. ❤️
Great story.
Lovely to hear your fond memories & I hope Gary gets to hear them too. And I would have loved to be one of your friends spending my weekends waiting to see George & Ringo. I’m 50 & have grown up loving The Beatles but can only imagine how incredible it must have been to actually experience these times first hand.
So lucky to have been a teenager at the right place and at the perfect time.
That’s fabulous ☺️! I’ve been friends with a couple of the Scruffs and they adored Mal also.
I only got to meet him once in LA and he was delightful (as expected!) 💕
Beatle stalking. Yay!
Every true Beatle fan has always been aware of Mal and his worth well before the Get Back sessions 😊
Exactly I have been a Beatles fan since 1984 and I have always known about Mal
@@monkee5thHis name and face were well known to us original fans in the 60s. We eat, slept and drank the Beatles and collected every photo ,piece of info we found and poured over it for hours.Mel 's face and name was as well known to us as Brian Epsteins.
Yeah, Mal Evans was in the Beatles inner circle like George Martin, Brian Epstein, and Neil Aspinall. Every true Beatles fan should know Mal!
It is a shame but people in the background or the "backroom boys" never get named. I never heard of Mal. I just knew them as "one of the roadies". If what is written about him is true, what is most shocking is his end, another Point to prove, especially after John. Over what really, another trigger happy nutter who is out of control? To take another life out at 40? Anyone care? Yeah. And so this is Christmas. And what have you done. This is why people hate guns as some nutters are out of control. Bless Mal and his family. It is sad that some do not know him and his story personally only what the papers say or 2nd hand news. It is nice that their father got some credit as he sounds like a really top guy. 40 quid a week for what a roadie did, was not a lot compared to the er...management. That's what I remember. As a "roadie" is always on call 24/7 with no glory at all. I like Mel's specs. Proper.
He was a mythical figure for me from the Anthology, when he featured so heavily in Get Back I probably got as big a kick than seeing the actual Beatles.
I wrote Mal a letter in 1975 and he wrote me back. Very sweet. I treasure it
what did he write back if you dont mind saying? i love mal
In my book "Following Breadcrumbs: Tales of a Rock and Roll Girl Child", I mentioned Mal and what a lovely man he was. Back in 1975-76, I happened to be babysitting for his girlfriend Fran's daughter and I spent some quality time with them. I always felt that Mal was a fish out of water in L.A., that he truly missed his family and his life back home. He couldn't hide the melancholy, at least from me. I think it was the day after that horrific incident that I was called to look after Jody while Fran attended to the details. It's a bit of a blur. Totally shocking. But I will always remember Mal and what a gentle, sweet soul he was.
This is incredible! For years and years I’ve been saying “why doesn’t anyone talk about Mal Evans”? Only true Beatle fans even know who he was?
Could be!! Mallie was the SHIITE ❤❤❤
I think that Mal needs to be better recognised in the Beatles story - he was central to every Beatles adventure. His sheer joy at working with them is evident in the Maxwell’s Silver Hammer clip. Seems like he was a lovely guy. Such a tragic end for him.
That's exactly what this book is trying to accomplish.
Absolutely Simon and Ward
Everyone in the UK know exactly who Mal Evans was
Just ordered my copy from my local book shop!
I never heard of him till today.
Both Mal and Neil are integral parts of the Beatles group. With Mal's story ready for fans to learn about, here's one to Neil's story to get told later.
I totally agree. Pete Brown said that Neil Aspinall was the fifth Beatle and people need to hear why. Pete Brown mentions Mal often in his book and his post-Beatle years was sad - trying to relive the excitement of being part of the Beatles world. Mal went from being a post office telephone engineer to travelling the world and being feted all over the world. Hard to take once that ends. Mal and Neil were sacked by Allen Klein but reinstated by Paul, George and Ringo (a rare show of unity at that time). I am not sure if he remained on Apple's pay role after the Beatles broke-up. I know Neil did, and it is because of Neil Anthology happened and very few people or companies ripped the Beatles off post - 1970.
Right! The inner circle was always Neil and Mal. But we shouldn't forget Brian, at least till the end of their touring days when he slowly started to unravel
I still drink with his brother David in Liverpool.
Mals brother? I know he grew up in Thingwall
@@childwallred no sorry Neil aspinals brother.
I've always loved reading Mal stories through the years. Gary seems like a great guy
I met Gary at the book signing in New York City this past week. You are a good judge of character!
I’ve known of Mal Evan’s relationship with the Beatles for over 50 years and I am glad to see a book written about him now.
Same here. For many years i had wish they talked about Mal Evans or had books written about him
Mal's son is a great dude. Great guy.
Impossible to ignore Mal's importance within The Beatles camp and I will never forget being a kid and laughing so hard at his cameos in 'HELP!.' We were lucky to have the band and the band was lucky to have Mal!
People talk about "The Fifth Beatle", but I don't think there can be just one.
Rather, I believe that there's a set of secondary Beatles: George Martin, Brian Epstein, Mal Evans, and Neil Aspinall.
All four are critical, I believe, to the Beatles.
Say nothing of Pete Best, Stuart Sutcliffe, Jimmy Nichol, Derek Taylor, Klaus Voorman, the photographers, the guest artists.
I had no idea they were doing a Mal book, that's fantastic.
Exactly!
Book is a great idea.There ain’t no 5th anything 🎼🎼🎼
Billy Preston
I actually would like to see an alternative version of the Sgt Peppers album covers where the wax figures of the Fab Four were replaced by George M, Neil, Mal and Brian. Would be a great way to show their part in The Beatles story.
"Mal, you've nailed me down in the wrong place!" Ringo - Jan. 1969. I had read that Mal was the only person allowed near their food during studio time. Being a friend to all and a confidant when it must have seemed as tho everyone wanted a piece of John and Paul and George and Ringo. They had at least ONE PERSON they could absolutely trust. Always. Mal.
The Beatles had several people they could trust from their inner circle - Neil Aspinall was another.
I agree! Mal was the most trusted!
This is so beautiful.! I’ve always wanted more about Mal. He’s like the Chewbacca of the Beatles saga. So integral but just on the side. (And he’s also big, imposing and truly lovable. )I love seeing him in the Get Back doc as the guy they go to when someone’s writing a song and it’s like “Mal! Jot this down so I don’t forget it!” And also “Hey Mal, we need you to bang this anvil!” And of course he’s game and there to do it! Thanks for this excellent interview!
Love the Chewbacca analogy, that’s perfect!
My friends and I met Mal at an American Beatlefest. One of my friends just walked up to him and sunk into his arms. She was tiny and his wrapped her in a gentle “bear” hug and just talked to her for a few sentences. He spoke to all six of us before they whisked him away to wherever he needed to be. When he made eye contact with each of us, the love and kindness just shined out of his eyes. Excuse me while I order my copy of Mal’s book.
PS: My thanks to Yoko for kindly helping to recover Mal’s possessions. What a great kindness!
Years ago I did a deep dive on Mal Evans on my own, knowing how indispensible he was to the Beatles for so long thru thick and thin. I was shocked very saddened to learn how he fell through the cracks and was so neglected in the end. Stands out as one of the biggest casualties of the Beatles. Wishing all the best to his son.
One of the worlds best gofers. So sad he didnt get to live HIS life instead of living through others. What was left for him in his mind.....he gave his soul for the beatles....and when it was over...how would any human being adjust after losing his second family.... i think youd have to be superhuman to adjust. God bless you Mal....we all respect what you did...shame he couldnt get over this and live his life as he deserved.
I always loved Badfinger's "No Matter What" single and Mal Evans great production of the song and the No Dice album.
I’ve known about Mal Evans for a long time… And I’ve always wanted to know more. So glad he is finally getting his true place in history… Cannot wait to read the book.
But can’t get him name right! 😂
@@lucytupper69 oops… Didn’t see that. I was voice typing without my glasses and irresponsibly did not proof read it. Thanks. I fixed it.
What a surprise! Great interview. It is truly amazing, that the more interesting the Beatles' story gets, the more beautiful it becomes in progression. Mal was truly an extraordinary man. The Beatles were his life, and when their domain finally unravelled, it left him at a complete loss. It must have been emotional for you all to talk about his life's journey. I truly appreciate seeing him finally get the recognition he so deserves.
From Mal to MAL…still helping create Beatles songs. What a legend. I’ve always wished I could’ve been Mal in the 60’s.
I remember Paul singing “Brother Malcom comes to me” in a Let it Be outtake. Mal was like a brother to the Beatles.
I remember that too. There’s very few stories about that. I think it’s on the bootleg Beatles black album. It was three albums I have it.
So glad Mal's story is being told! I have a few friends who knew him very very well and they have a hard time putting into words just how deep their love and appreciation for him was and still is.
Don't forget Mal produced Badfingers No Dice with many classics including Without You. Bless you Mal! And blessings to you all! John
True Beatle fans could already perceive Mal's role in the Beatles success, but this book is going to really expose this. One thing I noticed in this interview : Gary said Yoko is a beautiful person, and I understand this, knowing what she did with his dad's archives. However, as Beatles history is becoming clearer and clearer, Yoko doesn't appear in such a nice way. Things are never black or white, I suppose.
Thanks for the comment - Yoko is indeed a complex person, much like Mal and nearly every other person in the Beatles story. I would believe that Yoko has a special affinity for Mal's cause, though, both because of Mal's devotion to John and the tragic (and eerily similar) way in which both of their lives were violently cut short. Gary's recollection of their emotional meeting sounded like it was a moment of catharsis for all of them.
Yoko doesn't appear in a nice way? How so? Most of the things said about Yoko are unfounded internet hate rumors. Like she made Julian buy back his letters, or cut him out of the will, or spike Lennons tea with heroin. Jesus give the poor lady a break!
Mal was a kind and down to earth person. I was lucky enough to meet him at the 1975 Beatles Festival in NYC. I played with a friend at the Beatles Sound a like contest. Male complemented me on my guitar playing and later we hung out and drank some beers in the hotel bar.
This is such a wonderful remembrance of Mal Evans! As a guy of a certain age, I was a Beatles fan since Please Please Me release in the UK. A friend got a copy here in the US a few months before their appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show on February 9, 1964. Thank you all for sharing this! Makes me happy to see Mal Evans finally getting this acknowledgement.
Let me just add this: the way you edited this conversation is great. Not just the added photos for context, but also how you must’ve tightened it up and structured it, invisibly. Must’ve been a lot of work, undoubtedly, yet it flows so beautifully. Thank you ❤
This is from Wikipedia: "The machine learning software and models developed by WingNut Films that were used to clean and isolate instruments and vocal tracks from single-track recordings for the documentary, and subsequently used for the 2022 release of Revolver and "Now and Then", was named MAL (machine-assisted learning) after Evans, and as a homage to HAL 9000." (The computer from 2001, A Space Odyssey).
Paul was so right about Allen Klein. Gawd, if only the others had listened
Paul was also wrong for trying to get his future father in law on board though. Huge conflict of interest.
@@clinteastwood6875, not at all. If they had chosen john Eastman they would the three one would be more much richer. The Eastman with Paul sense made Paul a trillion. The most rich of them.
@clinteastwood6875 he wasn't adamant about his in law being the one tho, there were other names that were thrown around but John WAS adamant about Klein being their lawyer.
@@stevemorris6790 No offense but if you two can't see how having a band's manager be ONE member's father in law is a massive conflict of interest...then agree to disagree I suppose. It doesn't mean Paul wasn't right on Klein because he was very right.
I share a birthday with Mal Evans. So cool, he really is amazing and contributed a lot ❤
Great conversation! Always noticed Mal in photos and films in the background and through some research realised he was more than just a Road Manager! Must read the book to know more about a great Guy and, by the way, Gary is also! I was born in 1958 so the Beatles were and are a backdrop to my life.
What a life Mal Evans lived back in the 60s. He was more than just security for the Beatles. He was a hands-on person who played on Beatles records, had cameo parts in 4 of the their 5 movies, and was the only member of the Beatles entourage who never had a bad word said about him by the Beatles themselves. Yes his life was sad and tragic after the Beatles broke up but he should be remembered for his career with the Beatles which thousands of people would have loved to have had.
I agree. Mal knew secrets behind closed doors! A shame Paul never talks about him
@@Robd07 Yes Mal Evans is a forgotten man of the whole Beatles phenomenon. John spoke of him in a positive light in interviews but Paul, George, and Ringo less so.
Tragic end. He was their trusted friend.
Until ole Mal wanted credit for Sgt, Pepper....Then it was bang bang shoot shoot, eh Billy?
On Ringo's 1973 album "Ringo", which I will remind people, that reunited his former bandmates if not together but collectively, the final track "You And Me Babe", Mal Evans gets his only co-writing credit along with George Harrison as well as a mention in the coda of that song. Lovely.
IMO ‘Ringo’ was one of the best post- Beatles solo albums made. Yes all the Beatles are on it. Just not together.
@@philovance1940 I concur !
The BEATLES are great because of GREAT people around them. It is a perfect chemistry you cannot deny or repeat. They are 4 wonderful guys surronded by some loyal and capable other people who were equally important for them to flourish
I actually ordered tbe book today, and have been a Mal fan since I was 12 in 1987 when I kept seeing him show up in "Help!" always asking for directions. I could not be happier about Mal's side of the Beatle narrative coming to light as it should and not as a footnote in a book on a more general subject. Great seeing his son...you can tell he's Mal's boy! 😁
Every Beatlefest in America would show HELP! and when Mal popped up out of the ice/ water he got the biggest applause. All of us true die hard Beatle fans loved and appreciated him.
Watching Get Back must have been quite emotional for Gary, seeing his father come to life, given his own short and tragic end.
The Beatle story would not be the same if it weren’t for Mal’s influence. He was a key ingredient in their legacy. No doubt.
Many thanks for this great interview. I've always loved and respected Mal for his integral role in the Beatles story, and the absolute love and devotion he obviously had for them. I would think he is still hanging around with John and George, wherever they may be. Thank you Mal for everything!
I like the story of how Mal played for time with the police officers to allow the Beatles to finish as much of the rooftop concert as possible before being shutdown.
Mal Evans stories always pop up whenever I've been reading something about the Beatles. I was always a bit surprised by how little attention he's been getting, considering that you can always see him in the background somewhere in photographs and videos of the band.
Paul never talks about him for some odd reason
Love Mal! I always light up when I see him in a film or mentioned.
Also love that Peter Jackson’s AI used on the Beatles is called MAL
Sad to think that Mal found it hard to call back home to his family because of the price of the phone calls, whilst the Beatles were all millionaires. Surely after all the work he did for them you would think they would have made him financially secure. I say this as a huge Beatles fan and they`re my favourite band of all time.
Mal was not paid very much at all.
yeah the money....and Mal boxes and this book is all because of the cleaning lady that didnt throw it in the trash like she was supposed to, instead getting the box back to Gary and the Evans...does she get a cut of Mals money? shoe is on the other foot now...weird
Also a big Beatles fan but I totally agree. They took him for granted and didn’t look after him as they should have done.
One of the interesting things about the Get Back documentary is that I became interested in researching and finding out who the people around the beatles were. Mal Evans definitely seemed very peculiar to me because at first glance he seems to me to be a kind and cooperative person, willing to help. I had no idea he was so involved with the band, even from the very beginning.
What is even more interesting was that the majority of the Beatles inner circle never went to the press to tell tales! Pete Brown was the first to do so 8-9 years after the Beatles broke-up (Mal Evans was rumoured to have been writing a book in 1975 -1976 about his Beatles experiences before his death). Amazing really when you consider that secrecy would never happen nowadays.
Great video! I have never seen a Beatle in person, but I will swear to my dying day that I saw Yoko Ono when I was walking around NYC in December of 2006. (I was one block away from The Dakota.)
This interview is just wonderful!
Gary, The Beatles story definitely missed your father, especially when you think of anthology. I loved hearing the Neil Aspinall interviews, such a shame we never got to hear Mal’s stories or we never got to see him hang out with his friends in the travelling wilburys..
The section where you talk about meeting yoko in 1989 in just wonderful
you mentioned he was such a beautiful person and any of the footage or photos we have seen that definitely comes across, the end where you talk about if you have 5 minutes with him so sad, thanks for doing this interview Gary, I’m sure it must have been difficult for you, u come across as the same as your father a big gentle giant with a heart of gold.
I'm currently working my way through the book, and loving it. Ken - you are a quality Beatle author! I'm so pleased that Mal is now getting some recognition for his part in the fabs story, and we are finding out more about him. Bless you Gary for sharing your dad with us all! It must be so bittersweet for you, I'm sure we all feel your own personal loss, and how he passed way way too early.
Mal is also heard counting the bars in a day in the life as well as presetting an alarm clock just before Paul’s verse kicks in
And he plays one of the (many) pianos during the end chord!
24 bars for the 24 years of life of McCartney.....
“ Yoko was a beautiful person”
I didn’t unhear this
The shame of it was is that Neil Aspinall was never taken off salary. Neil was paid by Apple until the day he died. Mal was cut off after 2 yrs and was totally lost.
I wonder why?
According to the book, Mal quit. Or is this the George Costanza, "I quit? When?"
I've known about Mal's importance to the Beatles story for a long time and hungered to know more after the Get Back documentary. It was so good to see him and his integral contribution to the band. I never knew until recently about his tragic demise. So sad. Hopefully now people will get to see just how incredible he was. Can't wait to pick up a copy of the book.
3 beautifully articulate sensitive men, telling us of another. A great listen, guys.
The Beatles were definitely Blessed in having a few amazing, trustworthy others in their journey.
Paul has lovingly referred to Mal in many interviews, but l have always wanted to know more about him.
I can imagine that ‘Get Back’ must have been a real Blessing for his Son and family.
Thanks to you all.
I fell in love with Mal whilst watching Get Back. What a cool, friendly dude with a servant’s heart.
According to this book Mal was extremely upset when Paul called him a servant. He did what he did out of friendship.
@@BarneysmaWhat’s wrong with being a servant?
Doesn’t it just mean to serve?
What. a treasure. in all of our history. Tbank you for sharing your father, Gary, tbe world's unsung hero
Welcoming interview to all involved at all levels.
I don’t remember where I read this but it was said that Mail was told by Paul that he was going to get a co-writing credit on Sgt peppers and another song on that album! But some higher ups in the company didn’t want to break apart the “image” of the song writing duo
I didn't know there was a higher up above Paul.
That is in the book. I am reading it now. It has alot of dark stuff in it. Mal was screwed over by Brian Epstein and The Beatles. They were not nice men.
Great conversation. Amazing shared dream of Mal & John. Grateful to learn more about Mal. Looking forward to the book.
Mal was the Silver Hammer! And Mal carried Linda's little Heather through the screaming crowd after Paul and Linda's wedding. I can't imagine a safer place for Heather to be! ❤
Wow Gary you really look like your father, so great, looking good. Great guys! What a nice man like his father. Can’t wait to read the book.Thanks.
It's The Beatles management that would have set up the contract to pay Mal and others. Not The Beatles themselves. Like they always said in the early days they had no idea how much money they had. Contributing a line or 2 doesn't make you a songwriter. Lennon and McCartney was already locked in as songwriting partners so they just couldn't add someone else in because they suggested a couple of lines.
You’re right , have a line or so legally don’t make you a songwriter!
I pre-ordered the book this summer, I began it early today. It's delightfully detailed. I'm really enjoying learning more. Me too as far as becoming aware of Mal from Get Back.Mal adored Gary and drove his mom nuts when she was still in the hospital with Gary. He reluctantly was shipped off to holiday with his in laws, So sweet how much they Cheered and clapped when he finally joined them Gary seems so sweet and should consider doing a podcast but along with a channel because for an older guy he's way to cute not to see that face or miss his Dad's smile. Thanks for the book Mark. Great interview!!
Wonderful video! Gary seems like a great guy, I'd love to hear more from him. Together, Ken and Gary look like they've been best friends for 20 years, which is very cool. Now I want to read Ken's book.
What a great man in more ways than one!
This is a great interview. I will have to get the book. I keep thinking about the scene in "Get Back" where they are recording "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" and Mal is hitting the anvil with the hammer. The look of pure joy on his face moved me. You could tell it was just one of the coolest things in his mind. Playing on a Beatles song!! Another, more minor player, but still important, is Freda Kelly. the Beatles secretary and fan club organizer. There is a movie - Good Ol' Freda. It's worth a watch.
I think Mal Evans should be inducted Into the musical excellence wing of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
I’m grateful for this. I’ve read most of the highly regarded Beatles books in my years of loving them. I’m Gary’s age so I’ve long been well aware of his father, but I wasn’t at all aware of this book until now. I’m eager to read it, so thanks very much. And Gary, my arms are around you.
Just finished this Mal Evan’s book. One of my fav Beatles books! And, I’ve read many. Ken Womack is a terrific writer/Beatle Historian.
Greatest anvil player ever! He also had a great eye for finding talent. Badfinger was his discovery
Mal made a cameo appearance in A Hard Days Night. In a scene where a woman is telling John that 'he looks just like him', it's Mal that is carrying the double bass past them in the scene. And in the movie Help! he is the lost Olympic swimmer that keeps popping up. ☺
Ken's a nice guy. I met him at Fest for Beatlesfan this year, and last, and the guy is great.
I wouldn't call Mal a "roadie"; he was an "insider". I've known of his importance to the Beatles' story for many years, and wondered about that. In a podcast I heard a while ago, someone who knew him in the early 1970s (and was in the Beatles' orbit) said that he "knew where all the bodies were buried - because he dug up the graves"!. What tales he could tell. Such a shame he died young.
I know of Mal Evans since his appearance in the movie Help in 1965 . "White Cliffs of Dover" Luved Mal. Always enjoyed his bits and tales throughout the years. I always had a good sense and a feeling he was one of the best managers, friends, fan....I was a senior in High School and had bought Rolling Stone magazine when I learned of his death. I cried. It was sad when I learned of his death and the way he died. Ive been waiting for this book for many many years. Thank you for putting it out finally.
Thanks this was a great interview and Gary seems to be a lovely guy, just like his Dad. I'm really looking forward to reading the book.
OMG i LOVED the lyric "Standing" Thanx Mal!
It's amazing how little beatles fans know about the people around them in the 60s. Mal Evens. Peter Brown. Derek Taylor. Neil Aspinal. All integral
Great video. I always thought that Mal seemed like a nice, kind and gentle guy. He speaks (very briefly) on the 1968 free (to fan club members) Xmas flexi disc. Around 3:15 seconds in on the first side. After being introduced by George Harrison. Thanks for posting this video.
A great video. I read about Mal in the books I read on the Beatles. I’m glad he is being recognised individually
Gary, I'm only a few years older than you (I was 6 when they came to America), but I just wanted you to know that I've always known who Mal was, and always understood that he was a great and lucky man. :)
Just read this book and would thoroughly recommend it. Very emotional at the end.
Mal Evans was a Gentle Giant that was, for the seminal years, right at the very core of the magic that was The Beatles. He and Neil Aspinall wore so many different hats that back then they didn't even have titles for all the jobs they did: Stage Manager, Road Manager, Instrument Tech, Audio Tech, Personal Assistant, Studio Floor Manager, on and on... even today there wouldn't be a single title that would cover all his duties and responsibilities, let alone a fair and adequate salary to cover all his expertise and 'Can-Do' ability. These jobs were just being invented then... Sure, perhaps if Mal hadn't been there, there might have been someone else, or more likely a small crew of talented and devoted people, but reality was that it was larger than life Mal Evans who was there; suggesting alternate words to Paul, taking notes, playing tambourine and percussion on dozens of tracks, hammering the bloody anvil, buying and maintaining their instruments, consulting, keeping journals and accounts, getting tea and ciggies... The man was indispensable, and profoundly effective, needed, loved, and ultimately overlooked and mistreated by the 'corporate juggernaut' that Apple and the Beatles business had become. I think if he'd lasted a few more years he certainly could have reaped some of the rewards that he was due for all his effort, time, and expertise that he put in to keeping the Beatles running smoothly from day to day.
I hope that now, with the new "Living The Beatles Legend" book and the "Get Back" movie, that Gary Evans gets to see his Dad get a bit more of the credit he deserves.
I met Mal at a Beatlefest in New York City in 1975… he was a guest speaker. When he was done speaking, there was a lull in the daily program. My first wife and I went up to talk to him. Looking back, I’m surprised that we were the only ones who did. Maybe I was the only one who realized the role he had played with The Beatles. I was only 22 at the time, but I had been an avid Beatle fan since ‘63. He was wearing a bulky greenish sweater that he said was a Christmas gift from Ringo. Anyway, I asked Mal for his autograph on a small, 18x24 poster I had bought at the show. He used his own pen and, when he finished signing, handed it to me… I told him that it was his pen and so he put it back in his pocket. I recall him being visibly nervous, but very amiable. I regret not asking him to find a pub and have a brew with us. I think he would have. Maybe things would’ve turned out differently…
Great story.
I met Mal at a Beatles convention in 1976 or 1977. We had coffee together. He really was the gentle giant.
I also have a copy of a letter George wrote to Lily Evans in 1982, about a guitar John gave to Mal.
Probably '75 (or earlier) - he unfortunately passed January 4th, 1976. That's awesome you were able to meet and talk with him!
@@YouCantUnhearThis you’re right. I recall the news…it must have been 75. He wasn’t an announced guest. He was there to witness. My friend, also blonde and 6’2” had snuck into a VIP area no one was in and was nicking some coffee and Mal walked over to say hello.
It’s tragic how many Beatles fans aren’t as familiar with Mal Evans as they should be, but it’s not because he’s scarcely mentioned in their history. I personally became aware of Mal watching the Anthology series back in the 90s, and maybe because I’ve re-watched it numerous times over the last 28 years and read so many Beatles interviews where he was mentioned, I find I impossible to to not be aware of his name and what he did for the band. I believe the hardcore fanatics love and appreciate him as much as they do George Martin, Stuart Sutcliffe, Neil Aspinall, and Brian Epstein. Still, it’s great to see him getting more of a front and center spotlight for those not aware. It’s well deserved and about time.
Fantastic interview! Mal really was the 5th, 6th and 7th Beatle all in one.
Why in the blazes did the Beatles not pay him a decent salary? He was a 24/7 fixer and I fully understand the concept of a labor of love, but the Beatles were relatively wealthy for the time and could have easily afforded to give some extra coin to the support staff.
Agreed! And had Mal gotten his credit for co-writing “Sgt Pepper”, for example, the royalties would’ve made him a pretty rich man too.
I mean, what sort of answer do you want, my friend? The Beatles were often cruel, or just outwardly didn't care about people below them. It's a shame.
@@fshoaps Perhaps they simply left all those details to their manager, and got on with the music, as they should. Perhaps management should be blamed. We'll never know.
@@morganfisherart Fair point, and I’m sure that’s how they viewed it. At the same time, their story is filled with guys like Mal, that’s to say a number of people who got the “short end of the stick”, despite being very closely involved since the Liverpool days.
@@fshoaps Not quite sure that I am shopping around for any specific answer other then the one that most closely gets to the reasons they did not pay Mal a more reasonable salary.
Were they known for deliberately stiffing people, was it mere oversight, or as twenty- somethings were they just oblivious to the needs of those around them?
This is quite the surprise to see this interview! Really great video, Mal was my favorite 6th Beatle. He was always there, seem ed so gentle also it really showed how much help he gave to The Beates during the Get Back doc.
Mal Evans himself was writing a biography with a co-writer called John Hoernie under the same title Living The Beatles’ Legend when he was killed.
How was he killed?
@@crystalwaters8852 He was apparently on drugs and holding on to a rifle when the co-writer of his book went to visit him. He called the police who went to his house. Evans pointed the rifle at the police and when he would not put the rifle down after police demands, they shot him.
Reading the book now. I've always known about mal..but not much personally about him. This book is a treasure
Incredible interview! So glad to know he’s able to celebrate his father like this and so glad he opened up! Thank you! Can’t wait for the next video
Mal is that guy you like to see, you know hes in the circle, counting him lucky, wishing you were him, but arent sure who is.
Just got the book for my Kindle and can't wait to read it. I have always been fascinated by Mal. Great interview! I'm very glad his son is involved in this.
Now we know the rest of the story. Thank you! Ken and Gary. This presentation is certainly a fantastical history tour! Mal represents the millions of un-noticed players who make it possible for all the world to be a stage and all the Mal Evans of the world to be recongized for their essential roles as players behind the scenes.
My favorite anvil player.❤
Yeah! Always in tune too!.🙂
He was the Everything guy for the Beatles. Hed even be a sounding board to Paul. Hed help Paul with lyrics and give his honest opinion on melody changes
So happy to know more about your father Mal Evans.
Glad you're releasing a book about him.
So much a part of the Beatles for all of the years.
Sad ending, what happened to the book he was writing?
Love to hear more about him..another (hidden in plain sight) Beatle.
My brother told me this book was coming out a couple months ago. As a Beatlemaniac I have plumbed just about every book, documentary, and interview out there, but this looks like something I might have to purchase. When I heard he had kept a diary the first thing that came to mind was how much cash he could have made if he had published a tell-all book in the early 70s based on his recollections. The fact he didn't speaks to his character and shows what a good friend and man of honor he was. These days those books are all the rage. I imagine a lot of inside stuff is in there but I also am willing to bet a lot racy stuff was left out.
That was a good interview. Mal's son seems like a decent guy, right around my age. Truth be told I didn't even know Mal was killed until many years after it happened. What a tragedy. RIP Mal. Paul and Ringo will be along before too long and maybe you can all sit around a mug of ale or whatever they serve in Heaven and talk about the Cavern and that first American visit. Save me a seat if you're able, I promise I won't say a word.
GREAT interview! Thanks to Gary and Ken for doing it. Going to get that book! Mal rules!
Mal actually wrote down all the words that was spoken as they were creating the words and lyrics of all the songs Mal wrote them all down soon as they said the words So he was very important to The Beatles and they trusted him
I had the surprise of my life when I started reading this book: during the War Mal not only lived in the same street my parents would one day live in, but I'd actually been inside the same cottage the Evans family had occupied!