The only way to preserve Beatles history—but more importantly, the only way to uncover that history in the first place—is to make it accessible. Universal. Free. The more it is shared, the more it is preserved. That is the only thing that ensures its survival. Knowledge monopolized is knowledge doomed to perish.
Tag: lewisohn
Making magic: “And all those people had to die” • Mark Lewisohn’s evolving story of Ringo and the Hamburg flood
LEWISOHN: “It was because of the flood that he was available for The Beatles again. … And all those people had to die for that- for that to happen. It was over three-hundred.” • Why?? Why would Ringo have stayed in Germany after his contract ended??
A TENDENCY TO FABRICATE HISTORY
The reason all historical associations put so much emphasis on historians being transparent is that they fully comprehend the power of the inherent trust—“the implicit assumption of honesty”—that we are forced to place in a historian. We have to trust that a relator of history is representing sources honestly and transparently because if readers cannot take that on faith historians cease to have value. The discipline of relating history collapses if we cannot trust The Historian.
DELUSIONAL LEWISOHN
The confidence with which Lewisohn recounts a series of events that only shows beyond all doubt that “the extraordinary story” he’s about to convey was not “unearthed,” but concocted—or dreamed—while clearly expecting the listener to see how it fits together and proves his narrative seems inexplicable to me by anything but delusion. Or if there is a rational explanation, it lies beyond my earthbound grasp.
Lewisohn rewrites a foundational Beatles quote (Chapter 16–Endnote 8)
STEP ONE: Set the scene: “a shitty deal in a shitty dressing room”
STEP TWO: Set the theme: “thinking we’re going nowhere”
STEP THREE: Overcome the obstacle through John’s leadership and group belief: “That was our little mantra that got us through”
Lewisohn: rewriting history in the area where we trust him most – the songs performed
So, either they performed exactly four numbers —or— they performed at least eight numbers and “probably some others, too.” ‘The Best of Fellas’ version referenced in the footnote makes sense in ways that Lewisohn’s rewriting doesn’t. Lewisohn is telling us is that Paul took over the mic for three out of four numbers…
Call him “Epstein” – Wait, are you f— kidding me??
“…call him ‘Epstein’ for now” • I will never—NEVER— get over this one. This premeditated and purposeful OBSCENITY has been sitting there for ten years. Two ladies with a podcast found it.
A BEATLE DIDN’T SAY THAT! Lewisohn’s lab-created quotes
(This is probably the one you’re looking for.) My personal standard is that If someone represents, “A Beatle said this,” it better damn well be something a Beatle said.
John in the Star Club Tapes: No Mr. Lewisohn, he is not charming
“John— we need to talk about John Lennon on this recording. These recordings. Because he’s uh— he’s- he’s- he’s belligerent. Um, he’s under the influence of— I’m sure he’s under the influence of Prellies. Probably drink, as well. Um, he’s beguiling, he’s rude. He’s still charming. He’s— I mean he’s not horrible. He’s just —yeah— he’s just edgy!” -Mark Lewisohn
Exact Words 