It’s Beatlemania again!
…well, not really. Sorry if that title was a bit misleading, but it’s fitting nonetheless. This morning brings some great news for fans of the ol’ Fab Four, better know as The Beatles. For those popsters that spin “Ticket to 
Ride” or you hipsters that find warmth in “Dear Prudence”, you both will be together at last!
From the “creative” minds of MTV Games, The Beatles will be coming at you from your own video game systems. Yes, all those hours of dreaming for a Rock Band a la Beatles are over… it’s now a reality. Or, it’s certainly going to become one… virtually. Oh, you get the idea!
“The project is a fun idea which broadens the appeal of The Beatles and their music,” Sir Paul McCartney said in a release. “I like people having the opportunity to get to know the music from the inside out.”
The game will mark the first time the iconic band’s music is featured in a videogame.
“The Beatles continue to evolve with the passing of time and how wonderful that The Beatles’ legacy will find its natural progression into the 21st century through the computerized world we live in,” said Ringo Starr.
“Let the games commence.”
The concept for the videogame was honed with input from McCartney and Starr as well as from Yoko Ono and Olivia Harrison, the widows of John Lennon and George Harrison.
“It’s cool,” said Yoko Ono. “I love it and hope it will keep inspiring and encouraging the young generation for many decades.”
For my money’s worth, it won’t get better than being able to jam on “Helter Skelter” or “Happiness is a Warm Gun”, even if it’ll be on a plastic guitar (or a drum set), and I won’t really be creating any music. Oh, the kids these days!
In other recent Beatles news, a new 8mm film reel is on the market, featuring early, raw footage of the band playing a gig in Kansas City around 1964. Unearthed by Drew Dimmel, who recorded it covertly at the rebellious age of fifteen, he is currently selling it for quite some chump change. Despite being only two minutes, the story behind it is quite intriguing, at least for the most part.
The gig at the Municipal Stadium in Kansas City was controversial because of the unpopularity of Charles Finley, owner of the Kansas City Athletics Baseball Team.
The local press urged a boycott of the concert in protest against Finley and as a result the stadium was almost half empty.
The Beatles’ manager Brian Epstein had managed to negotiate a fee of $150,000 for the gig, which helped leave Finley out of pocket.
Considering the price tag, it’s doubtful any of you readers will be able to bid for the film reel. Fortunately for us, the two minutes have been converted to digital media, and well, you know how the internet works. It’s here below, for your viewing pleasure.
By the way, anyone dressing up as John Lennon for Halloween?
Special thanks to Whitney Valencia for the news tip.
Check Out:
Leave a Reply