Peace for Paris!

The City of Love has turned into the City of sadness over night.
Love and Peace is blown completely out the water lately, 

in a time where that seems so fare away maybe its the only thing

that would stop these terrible events all over the world. I am not 

not just talking about Paris but attacks like this are getting more 

common and its not right by any stretch of the imagination. 

I refuse to see this as an act about religion, politics or race.

All these kind of attacks are just mad bloodthirsty people killing for

the sake of it. As all wars are in one way or another. 

If as many people wanted peace as they do a new mobile phone or

a new flat screen TV then i'm sure we would have peace by now. 

How many more events like this do we have to see splashed over

the internet and every newspaper in the world before we really 

do GIVE PEACE A CHANCE. People say it would never work,

well maybe it wouldn't be no one has fully given it a chance. 

So flower power didn't work, neither did protest or anything 

like that. Surely the world can COME TOGETHER and think

of a way we can all just GIVE PEACE A CHANCE and live together

PEACEFULLY without this kind of event becoming a normal everyday 

thing! Remember Spread PEACE AND LOVE from one side of the 

world to another.

 Bob Dylan Posters

Metal signs 

Now I'm sure your wondering why is there random photos of metal

advertising signs her? Well its my blog and i wanted to share them

that's why. 

As i think i have said on here before my cool Gan collects these great

signs. These are not ones from his collection, but just photos i have

saved in the past to my computer off facebook, google and ebay.

I have some myself (beatles signs) in my room. 

I just felt like filling this space up with these photos. Cos my Gan has a

 tablet (even if it doesn't work properly) and he might stumble across

this site and i'd if he does to be greeted by some metal signs. 

 

The Arty Beatles 

All the beatles in one way or another have gone down the road 

of art and painting. Today we will be focusing on all the beatles 

apart from George, even though him and his then wife Pattie Boyd 

painting the outside of the house in psychedelic scribbles.

So as well sharing some of their art i am also going to share

an interview i did with Anna Frawley on this very subject.

Whos' art do you think best shows their personality? Lennon, 

McCartney or Starr?

In a way all of them show their personality. John's art however is by 

far the most original and I think his drawings reflect his complicated 

persona in the most obvious way.

If you could buy one of their art prints who would it be and why?

I'd buy John's print as they are so much the part of the Beatles history and 

John is the dearest to me.

Would you buy a book on just the artwork of the beatles and do you 

think it should be published?

Of course I'll buy it. Yes, it should be published and no doubt it 

would be.

I saw an article on ringo's art and someone said it was rubbish 

and terrible, i personally think its very fun, but how would you  

describe it? 

Not my cup of tea.

If you could have one beatle draw a portrait of you who would 

it be and why?

John would make a caricature, but his  style appeals to me. I don't really

 relate to the abstract paintings, like Paul's, but he is quite interesting 

at times. I'd not ask Ringo.

If you could ask each of the beatles one question each about 

their art what would it be?

I can understand why John did his satirical drawings and I can 

see why the mega creative man like Paul would want to express 

himself on canvass, but Ringo I'll ask why?  If John was here today 

I'll ask him what does he think about his widow colouring his drawings. 

With Paul I'll ask him the obvious what drives him and what makes 

him happy as far as his art is concern

Do you prefer johns b&w sketches of the colored prints?

John didn't like colour in his drawings according to those who knew 

him well. His black & white drawings are by far better.

John smashed a photo he gave paul during an argument in 1969, 

it was ripped up and a cleaner put it in the bin without asking 

paul (or so i heard in a magazine) what would you do if you looked in a

 bin and saw abit of his artwork?

I'll save every scrap of it and try to put it together.

What do you think each of the beatles got out of making their art 

work personally?

for John it was an extension of his persona and kind of absolute 

necessity.  He did it all his life, in every little message or letter. 

Paul is much more of a dedicated, hard working artist and he went 

for those big canvases. He wants to show how great he is in as many

 fields as he can master. As for Ringo, it could be boredom between 

tours or the possibility of extra income? Maybe he also has a need to 

prove something or maybe it's a case of delusion of grandeur ?

A Beatle Fan Interview with Diego

Today with have an interview with  Beatle fan Diego Pratesi from Italy! 

 How did you get into the Beatles?

Since I was a kid I loved rock and a friend of mine one day said:

Listen... the song was Please Please Me and it was for me as I discovered 

the music in that moment I started to love them immediately and 

forever!

If you could work with one Beatle who would it be?

PAULLLLLLL and I got the honor to do it

If you could listen to one beatles album what one would you pick?

SGP.PEPPER

Out of Lennon and McCartney who in your opinion would you say is the 

better song writer?

PAUL for me was THE BEATLES!

 What is something to do with the Beatles or a Beatle that you own that 

that you would never part with?

Their autographs and of course their albums and so on.

Who's artwork was better, johns illustrations or Paul's paintings? 

PAULLLL

If you could buy one Beatles item, what would you pick?

PAUL's guitar!

How would you describe the Beatles to anyone who didn't know 

about them?

If you don't know them you don't know music and they are 

the music! 

Have you ever met any Beatles if so who?

Yes PAUL GEORGE AND RINGO

What is your favorite Beatles memory?

First time I met PAUL!

The Curse of The Lennon Tribute Artist

Disclaimer

This post is not getting at any specific tribute artists

and it is not meant to offend anyone.

That's right i believe there is a curse of some sort connected

to John Lennon tribute acts. I love to study tribute acts and 

how they act, to see if they are close to the real thing or not. 

But even though a lot of them are actually quite good actors

as well as musicians, there are some that take it to the next 

level and cant leave the character behind. But out all all 

four Beatles, the Lennon acts seem to be the most committed.

I have heard of maybe three or four guys that have actually 

had to be sectioned in hospitals in England because they 

really thought they were John! Can you believe that?

So with this in mind it makes me wonder why? Why John, 

more then Paul, George or Ringo? One tribute artist i once

talked to (who has since stopped do that as his job and got

treatment for mental illness) told me that "John has taken 

over my life and i needed to be him to be happy, i had to hide

who i really was to be happy, and Being Lennon made me happy!"

He is doing much better now but it just goes to show how deep

some people can get into a character.  But to me i think the reason 

for this is because John is no longer with us, its perfect for people 

who want to try and fill his shoes. And take over the person that he 

was. My idea is to have a TV show of all different Lennon tribute 

artist and they all have to live together for like 6 weeks or 

something and then see how many of them can detach themselves 

from the character and how many live, sleep and breath Lennon! 

An Interview with Lenn Johnston  

This time we have an interview with John Lennon's 21st 

century body double.... Lennon Tribute artist Lenn Johnston.

From writing lennon style songs, to looking like him,

he really does give it his all. And as these photos will prove he is

Pretty close to the real thing!

How long have you been a lennon tribute for and how did you get 

into it?

Since 2002 I've been paying tribute to John Lennon, first as an actor and 

author, then gradually as a musician, as I studied guitar, harmonica and 

keyboard. But first I had to make myself a sandwich, you see.  Actually, this

 goes way back to childhood and subconsciousness. I've been a fan of 

Lennon and The Beatles since I was a toddler.  My brother, who was almost 

two decades older, played Beatles records at home. I immediately took to 

them as "the real deal".  

John Lennon was the one I gravitated toward, because of his wit, his look, 

and his take-charge, smart-aleck, no-nonsense attitude. I knew he was the 

right guy.  Later, in high school, people started telling me I looked like 

him.  I got a bachelor's degree in graphic design and started up careers 

in acting and voice-over, not even realizing at the time how these paths 

would focus me right back into John Lennon's character.

You have many many Lennon inspired outfits, how many do you have and 

what are your favorites?

Look at what I have to live up to!  John Lennon was not just a rock star, film 

star, visual artist and spiritual-political leader, he was also a fashion icon!  

So I get to wear great outfits.  And shouldn't we all be excited about the style 

and colors of what we wear?  Most of these costumes, about 15 or so, have been 

a combination of custom tailoring and being lucky at thrift stores. My two 

favorite looks or outfits are for 1966 and 1967.  Those seem to be the ones I can 

carry off best. Many people tell me my "Pepper" look is best. To make it truly 

authentic, I grow a real mustache, but if I have to perform in a show where there 

are costume or period changes I don't have the luxury of a time machine 

for mustache growth...yet. For this  look I have a few outfits, including a dark 

suitcoat, striped scarf, and psychedelic pants like what John wore in the Penny 

Lane film.  It's great fun getting into costumes and walking around New York. 

People go crazy!   At first, they stare and nudge each other, then think about 

approaching and talking with me. Some just say, "Hey, John!" in passing.  

It's as if most everyone wants him back. Seeing and hearing Lenn, they feel the 

past is healed and the future for John Lennon's life has materialized!

How did you get into doing your radio show?

A professional bass-player friend who DJ's on a radio station recommended 

that I start a radio show. He thought I'd be a natural because music is one of 

my passions. He was right: I really took to it, and my being a natural s

mart-alec helps it all come to life. I do it especially because John Lennon 

had wanted to do this later in his life. It's been great fun, and I've had 

the opportunity to meet and interview amazing people.  Ivor Davis, the 

Beatles exclusive tour reporter 1964-66, was phenomenal, and I had to 

do a double show, because there was so much material.  He was so kind, warm 

and giving in his manner!  In fact, I'll be doing another interview with him 

again soon.  Tony Bramwell, the Beatles road manager/CEO of Apple 

Records, provided so much amazing interview material I needed two shows.  

He was great!  Gurudas, a close friend of George Harrison and John Lennon, 

was an incredible encounter, even a spiritual one. A beautiful person. 

All these guests and others were very funny and entertaining, too!  And every 

time I interview one of these people who knew the Beatles personally, or were 

present back in the day, I feel John's spirit more.  Now, the radio show is a lot of 

work, taking all my time during the week, writing, interviewing, editing, 

choosing the best songs, and producing, but it's a very enjoyable experience.  

John Lennon not only dreamed about doing this: he wanted also to be a TV 

talk-show host!  He appeared on WNEW radio in NYC and WFIL in 

Philadelphia, and also hosted The Mike Douglas Show for a whole week. I 

am sure he would have become a great TV talk show host and radio DJ, 

had his life not been taken. But that's why I'm working to create a TV show 

for John, too!

Whats your favorite lennon song?

Oh, there are many. It's hard to break it down into one specific song. For 

his solo years, I love IMAGINE, for his early years, I love A HARD DAY'S 

NIGHT, for the middle period, I would say NOWHERE MAN, and for 

the Pepper period, STRAWBERRY FIELDS. 

How many guitars do you own? 

I own a Rickenbacker 325, an Epiphone Ej160 flattop, an Epiphone Casino, 

a couple other acoustic guitars plus a semi-hollow Epiphone electric.  And 

of course, I have a few harmonicas and keyboards! Not enough to open a music 

store mind you, but enough to keep the neighbors awake when I blast a 

Lennonesque rendition of SILENCE IS GOLDEN at 3:00am.  

Where does John lennon end and Lenn Johnston begin in day to day life? is 

there much a difference to your tribute character to yourself? 

I think at about the hip, that's where it all began. The more I discover 

about John Lennon, the more I see the similarities in our values for social 

change, world peace, a non-toxic planet, not to mention the need for great music 

and art, and to be a smart-alec. :) I write original songs in the style of John 

Lennon/Beatles, hoping to provide the world some of what John Lennon 

would be saying now. My first CD, VILLAGE IDIOM  has a few of my 

originals plus an audio version of my book of the same title. (VILLAGE IDIOM 

can be ordered through my website, TributeToJohnLennon.com .)  The stories 

resonate with Lennon's books A Spaniard 

In The Works and In His Own Write. Funny note there: like John, I've 

always twisted and mangled language to make more of it, even since 

I was a small child, annoying the adults.

Would you ever do a regular lennon vlog? 

Actually, for years I've been wanting to do this. There are so many 

projects on the boil and I never seem to find the time to vlog. One day in the 

future, once I get past the other big things on my plate: a theatrical play, radio 

show, TV show, and so on, I hope to vlog Lennon.

What was your favorite gig you ever played? 

Anytime you can get a show that runs a long time, it's very GOOD! I performed 

a show in California that ran for 3 months and got wonderful reviews 

and huge appreciation from fans!  I would like more just like this!

Apart from singing and guitar, what are other things your enjoy in 

day to day life?

I love illustrating and doing graphic design, along with video production, 

and am working on my next book as I have time. (Samples of my illustrations 

can be found on my site as well.)  I love creating an organic, heirloom garden, 

growing things that may no longer exist unless we keep Mother Earth's 

growth cycle going. I also have pets who are my kids!  

And I like to do inline skating. But all these things take second place to 

bringing John back into the world for all to see and hear.