News
LIVERPOOL 08 ANNOUNCE SPECIAL SCREENINGS OF THE BEATLES "ALL TOGETHER NOW" and "CONCERT FOR GEORGE" FILMS
15th May 2008
Issued by the Liverpool Culture Company: The Liverpool Culture Company have teamed up with The Beatles company Apple Corps and Cirque du Soleil to present the UK premiere of the documentary film "All Together Now" on Friday May 30 at FACT in Liverpool.
"All Together Now" tells the story of the remarkable collaboration between The Beatles and Cirque du Soleil that resulted in the staging of LOVE, the spectacular show that's astonishing audiences in Las Vegas. The film presents dozens of revealing incidents and encounters. Using archival material as well as intimate interviews with Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, Yoko Ono Lennon and Olivia Harrison, musical directors Sir George Martin and Giles Martin, and the show director Dominic Champagne, this feature-length documentary is an intriguing glimpse of the artistic process from within the creative circle. "All Together Now" directed by Adrian Wills at FACT, Wood Street, Liverpool - Friday May 30 at 6:15pm. The DVD will be released later in the year.
The following evening also at FACT Olivia Harrison and The Liverpool Culture Company stage a special tribute to George Harrison with a screening of "Concert For George". This film captures rock music's most celebrated musicians at The Royal Albert Hall in November 2002 paying tribute to one of their own. On a magical night, the first anniversary of GeorgeÕs passing, the concert included stunning performances from Ravi Shankar and his daughter Anoushka, Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Jeff Lynne, Tom Petty, Billy Preston, Joe Brown and many others. "Concert For George" directed by David Leland at FACT, Wood Street, Liverpool - Saturday May 31 at 5:00pm.
Tickets will be on sale at the FACT Box Office on Wednesday 14 May, initially to FACT members (limited tickets) from 12.00pm until 6.30pm and then to all members of the public from 6.30pm. Drop in or call the Box Office on 0871 7042063.
FACT - (Foundation for Art and Creative Technology) is the UK's leading organisation for the commissioning and exhibition of film, video and new media art. As one of LiverpoolÕs major visual arts venues, FACT is playing a key role in the city's celebrations as European Capital of Culture. The centre's state of the art cinemas are operated by Picturehouse at FACT and offer an art-house, independent and quality mainstream film programme.
The Liverpool Culture Company
The Liverpool Culture Company was established by Liverpool City Council in 2000, to lead the city's bid to be European Capital of Culture 2008. In June 2003, following a two-year nationwide competition featuring 12 cities, Liverpool was chosen as the UK's representative for 2008. Liverpool's Capital of Culture programme includes more than 350 events Ð many of which are free Ð which are being delivered in collaboration with major cultural institutions, artists, performers and venues throughout Liverpool and beyond. For more information visit http://www.liverpool08.com.APPLE CORPS LTD., CIRQUE DU SOLEIL AND EMI MUSIC ANNOUNCE THE GLOBAL DVD RELEASE OF 'ALL TOGETHER NOW'
16th April 2008
Feature-Length Documentary Chronicles The Making Of "LOVE" by Cirque du Soleil
Apple Corps Ltd./Cirque du Soleil are to release the feature-length documentary 'All Together Now' on DVD, which will be marketed and distributed worldwide by EMI Music.
The film details the story behind the unique partnership between The Beatles and Cirque du Soleil that resulted in the creation and launch of "LOVE," the stage production still wowing audiences at The Mirage in Las Vegas, and the double Grammy-winning album of the same name. The film is dedicated to the memory of Neil Aspinall, an Executive Producer of the DVD.
The DVD's total running time is 122 minutes, including the 84-minute documentary film and bonus features. The film and extras are presented in DTS & Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround and Dolby Digital Stereo.
'All Together Now' faithfully recounts how the "LOVE" project came into being, borne from the personal friendship between George Harrison and Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberte. George saw how the twin talents of Cirque's artistry and The Beatles' music could be fused into something new and totally original.
The director, Adrian Wills, records early meetings between the Cirque & Apple Corps Ltd. creative teams, as well as contributions from Sir Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Yoko Ono Lennon and Olivia Harrison discussing how The Beatles' music can be used in a different way. We hear about the decision to utilize the combined talents of Sir George Martin and his son Giles Martin to produce what became a 90-minute soundscape created from The Beatles' multi-track recordings and how this new audio adventure was being quietly worked on in the famous Abbey Road Studios in London, England whilst the first creative ideas for the show were being formulated in Montreal, Canada.
These early stages of the project were all filmed, as were the first rehearsals at the Mirage Hotel theatre in Las Vegas, which was completely rebuilt with a one-of-a-kind sound system and complex round staging to house the "LOVE" show. Sir George and Giles Martin, the showÕs Musical Directors, were involved every step of the way with the remarkable Cirque du Soleil creative team, performers and backroom staff.
It wasn't all "plain-sailing" and there has been no attempt to disguise some of the disagreements that took place along the way regarding how some of the songs would be portrayed visually. These creative differences, a necessary part of the overall process of bringing "LOVE" to its most vibrant life, illustrate the participants' love and respect for the music and vision of The Beatles.
In addition to their roles within the main feature, Sir George and Giles, along with engineer Paul Hicks, also pop up in another piece titled "Changing The Music" which reveals in fascinating depth how the music was created and the challenges they faced. They explain how they sourced some of the individual instruments and effects and how they were encouraged to experiment.
The 'All Together Now' documentary and bonus features provide a fascinating insight into the creative skills and passion that went into making this project a groundbreaking critical and commercial success.
DVD contents 'All Together Now' documentary (84:00) Bonus Features: - "Changing The Music" (22:00): A behind-the scenes look at the decision-making process for the "LOVE" concept and music production. - "Music In The Theatre" (07:00): A look at the process of creating the "LOVE" show's unique audio design. - "Making 'LOVE'" (09:00): A backstage pass to explore the design of "LOVE," including the art direction, costumes, props, screen imagery and the use of The Beatles' voices in the "LOVE" stage production and its soundtrack.
To pre-order your copy of "All Together Now" visit the store links below:
UK Store: UK Store
US Store: US Store
The Beatles and the entire Apple Corps family, both past and present, wish to extend their deepest sympathy to the family of Neil Aspinall.
24th March 2008
The Beatles and the entire Apple Corps family, both past and present, wish to extend their deepest sympathy to the family of Neil Aspinall.
As a loyal friend, confidant and chief executive, Neil's trusting stewardship and guidance has left a far-reaching legacy for generations to come.
All his friends and loved ones will greatly miss him but will always retain the fondest memories of a great man.
"Neil was a great man who I knew even before I met any of the guys in The Beatles. I met him at school when we were both eleven and we remained friends ever since. I was able to say goodbye and thank him for everything he did for us and I send my deepest loving sympathies to his wonderful family. I will miss him but will remember the laughs, there were plenty." Ð Sir Paul McCartney
"I've known Neil many years and he was a good friend. We were blessed to have him in our lives and he will be missed. Barbara and I send condolences to Suzy and the family. Peace and love." - Ringo Starr
"Neil was an important member of the Beatles' family. John loved him. I continued to treasure his wisdom and support in the years after John's passing. My love and deepest sympathy go to Neil's wife Suzy, and to his children. With love." - Yoko Ono Lennon
"Neil takes with him the love and history of his extended family. He was our constant and avuncular caretaker for so many years; there is no way to measure how much he will be missed. Our thoughts are with his wife Suzy, their sons, daughters and grandchildren. God bless you Neil." - Olivia and Dhani Harrison
Neil Aspinall, The Beatles' friend, guide and Apple mastermind, has died.
24th March 2008
Released on behalf of the family of Neil Aspinall.
One of the great legends of the music business, Neil Aspinall, has died in New York after a brief illness and a glorious life.
He was 66. His wife Suzy and his five children were with him as he passed over.
Neil's family said today: "He was the centre of our universe and still is".
Neil Aspinall was the man who was closer to all of The Beatles than anyone. Under his creative and caring direction, The Beatles business phenomenon and its trademark Apple transcended far beyond the Sixties.
He was the Beatles' friend who became their roadie who became the chief of their empire and the unassuming, modernising mastermind behind the band's enduring appeal and influence for four generations.
Although he would deny it, he was long considered to be "the real Fifth Beatle" by the music and entertainment industries which for 40 years revered and respected him as one of the wisest men in the record business.
Today Sir Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr paid tribute to "a loyal friend and a great man".
In a statement on behalf of Paul, Ringo, Yoko Ono and Olivia Harrison, Apple Corps said today: "The Beatles and the entire Apple Corps family, both past and present, wish to extend their greatest sympathy to the family of Neil Aspinall. As a loyal friend, confidant and chief executive, Neil's trusting stewardship and guidance has left a far-reaching legacy for generations to come. All his friends and loved ones will greatly miss him but will always retain the fondest memories of a great man".
Neil was born in October 1941 to Liverpool parents evacuated to Prestatyn, North Wales. He was the Liverpool schoolboy who became pals with Paul McCartney and George Harrison at the Liverpool Institute for Boys, where together they formed the 'Mad Lad' gang, sharing cigarettes behind the sheds, "doing ridiculous things together" and, as teenagers, adding John Lennon to the Mad Lads.
Although he studied for and briefly became an accountant, when his friends later formed The Beatles with Pete Best and then Ringo Starr, Neil remained at the centre of the gang that was to change the world. Always he was right at the Beatles side; captaining their flagship Apple for 40 years after beginning as their first road manager and driver of their old Commer van, doubling up as The Beatles' minder, spotlight operator, confidante, fixer, personal assistant and, moreover, their mate.
In a rare interview, Neil once said "People used to say to me then 'What do you do?' I'd stopped being an accountant or pretending to be one by this time and I said 'I drive the band around' and they'd say 'Yeah - I know that, but what do you do for a living?' Two years later, the same people were saying 'You lucky git, Neil'".
In 1964 during the making of The Beatles movie 'A Hard Day's Night', Neil met his future wife Suzy. They were married in 1968. Neil was a very proud father and grandfather.
Following the death of The Beatles manager Brian Epstein in 1967, Neil was asked by the band to take over the management of their company Apple Corps when it was founded in 1968. Typically, he agreed on condition that he would manage the corporation "only until they found somebody else". He remained the chief of Apple Corps until last year.
Shrewd, innovative and totally-trusted, Neil was the unseen architect of the reinvention of the post-Sixties Beatles, first with The Beatles At The BBC cd in the mid-90s, followed by the record-breaking Beatles Anthology and Beatles 1 albums.
As the keeper of The Beatles flame and protector of their legend, it was Neil who quietly acquired for Apple the Beatles rights back to countless photographs and film footage that enabled the making of the Grammy-winning Beatles Anthology TV and video series and the band's celebrated autobiography.
It was also Neil who masterminded the modern merchandising of The Beatles, notably with the relaunch of The Beatles Yellow Submarine film and CD, making it a bigger success in the 90s than it had originally been in the Sixties. From Let It Be Naked to The Beatles' recent Cirque du Soleil show hit Love, to every Beatles business success since the band broke up in 1970, Neil Aspinall steered the ship - and the submarine - always ensuring the Beatles' strong bond with Liverpool in every venture.
It has been reported that during the last 20 years of Neil's time at the helm of Apple Corps, The Beatles sold in excess of 70 million albums.
Although modest in any claim of his achievements, his quick and dry wit was amused by a comment made in The Observer newspaper during the hugely-successful 1995-96 Beatles Anthology project. The multi-media project, of which Neil was executive producer, once again cemented the Sixties band's dominance of the music scene around the world - "the only band to have become bigger than The Beatles is The Beatles", commented The Observer on the Anthology-led resurgence of Fab.
His friend, Apple aide and ABC TV producer David Saltz said today: "Neil was the most brilliant and inspirational guy that everybody just gravitated around; he had an amazing mind and he was a very groovy guy".
Neil Aspinall's wise, commonsense approach to what he dubbed "not the music business but the Beatles business" commanded great affection and respect in all who had the privilege of working with him but he was an intensely-private and naturally modest man in both his professional and personal lives, never taking a bow himself. Neil avoided all personal publicity and always refused requests for interviews, pointing the credit to the band who made the records.
In The Beatles Anthology Neil said: "My happiest memories of being with the band were some of the laughs that we had backstage and in dressing rooms when nobody else was around and we were swapping jokes together. No big deal, really. It was those little personal things that are my favourite moments. We always had a laugh".
Besides running Apple Corps, Neil created Standby Films with Suzy - makers of the acclaimed 1999 Jimi Hendrix movie, Hendrix: Band Of Gypsys. Neil was also one of the co-founders of Paul McCartney's performing arts university LIPA, now housed in the building of their old school.
Few outside Neil's circle knew of his own talent as a wry artist with coloured inks - but now an exhibition of his previously-never-before-seen work is to be held on a date to be announced.
Neil Aspinall fell ill to lung cancer two months ago. He has been under care at the Sloan-Kettering hospital in New York.
The “Love” album wins two awards at the 50th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles
11th February 2008
LOS ANGELES - The soundtrack to the Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil won two Grammy Awards in the categories of Best Compilation Soundtrack Album for Motion Picture, Television or other Visual Medium and Best Surround Sound Album at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards Sun, Feb. 10th, 2008. Ringo Starr, Sir George Martin, The Beatles legendary producer, and his son, music producer Giles Martin, accepted the award for Best Compilation Soundtrack.
"George Martin was involved then and now George, along with his son Giles, is involved again. They did a great job in music and with Cirque du Soleil it turned into a beautiful dream." said Ringo Starr.
The Beatles "LOVE" by Cirque Du Soleil to perform at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards
29th January 2008
LOS ANGELES - Cast members from The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil at The Mirage in Las Vegas will perform live at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards, Feb. 10 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. The twenty-five dancers and acrobats will be performing to a specially edited performance of "A Day in the Life" from the LOVE album. The Grammy’s will air on CBS at 5 pm PST.
The Beatles LOVE album, released by Apple Corps Ltd/Capital Records, received two nominations in the categories of Best Compilation Soundtrack Album for Motion Picture, Television or other Visual Medium and Best Surround Sound Album. Sir George Martin, The Beatles legendary producer, and his son, Giles Martin, worked with the entire archive of Beatles recordings to create this Grammy nominated soundscape for LOVE.
LOVE, a Cirque du Soleil creation and co-production with Apple Corps Ltd., celebrates the musical legacy of The Beatles and is presented exclusively at The Mirage in Las Vegas. This joint artistic venture marks the first time that The Beatles company, Apple Corps Ltd., has agreed to a major theatrical partnership. The project was born out of a personal friendship and mutual admiration between the late George Harrison and Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberté.
The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil opened to rave reviews on June 30, 2006 and has played to over 1.5 million audience members.
Help! at San Sebastian - Watch an Interview with Richard Lester at the San Sebastian Film Festival
29th January 2008
Richard Lester attended the San Sebastian Film Festival for the presentation of Help. You can see an interview with the film’s director here:
Quicktime.
Windows Media.
Beatles Flag Raised By Ringo Starr Atop Landmark Capitol Records Tower in Hollywood
29th January 2008
Charity Auction Begins Today For World’s Only Official Beatles Flag, Limited Edition "Help!" DVD Boxed Set And Trip for Two to London; All Proceeds to Benefit The Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Foundation
Hollywood, California - November 6, 2007 - For the next 10 days, eyes raised to the skies above Los Angeles’ famous crossing of Hollywood And Vine will see something new and unusual: a giant, one-of-a-kind Beatles flag flying high atop the landmark Capitol Records tower. The unique, 12-foot by 18-foot flag was raised by Ringo Starr at 12pm PDT today. To see a clip of the event click here, or alternatively watch the clip on the official Beatles YouTube channel here..
The world’s only official Beatles flag will remain raised above Capitol Records until next Friday, November 16 to celebrate today’s release by Apple Corps Ltd./EMI of The Beatles’ classic 1965 film "Help!" on DVD, digitally restored with a newly created 5.1 soundtrack.
A charitable auction, benefiting The Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Foundation, launches on eBay at 3pm PST, 6th November. The auction lot includes the "Help!" flag, bearing the classic artwork of The Beatles’ 1965 movie, a luxurious trip for two to London, England and a deluxe, limited edition "Help!" DVD boxed set. Beatles fans around the world can place bids now until 3pm PST on November 16, 2007, when the listing ends. All bidders will be pre-qualified through Kompolt Online Auction Agency (www.kompolt.com.)
In addition to becoming the proud owner of the unique flag, accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity personally signed by Ringo Starr, and a limited edition "Help!" boxed set, the charity auction’s top bidder and a guest will enjoy a special VIP tour of world-famous Abbey Road Studios while on holiday in London.
Visit www.ebay.com/thebeatles for more information or to place a bid. All proceeds from the charity auction will directly benefit The Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Foundation. For more information, visit http://steinhardt.nyu.edu/music/nordoff/
Help on TV
29th January 2008
"Help" is to be broadcast on BBC2 on Saturday 27th October at 7.50pm. Future broadcasts in other countries will be listed on this site.
Exclusive Help! Merchandise
29th January 2008
For the launch of the DVD we have produced a two T-shirts designs and a red and white striped scarf (similar to the one featured in photographs taken for the original film release). These will only be available through the official stores - UK store US store.