In 2010, the Beatles certainly showed they weren't going to let things go quiet after the 2009 remasters explosion. This is the second of a three-part series with a rundown on some of what happened in 2010 to each of the Beatles and the group itself. The conclusion will appear tomorrow:
George Harrison: The love for George Harrison abounded this year. A box set of "Collaborations" with Ravi Shankar was released this year and his widow Olivia was honored with the Spirit of Compassion Award from UNICEF. His son Dhani continued to blaze a trail all his own with Fistful of Mercy, a new collaboration with Ben Harper and Joseph Arthur. The debut album and the live gigs the band did sound very promising for their future. (See our interviews with George's friend Gary Wright here and here.)
Ringo Starr: Another Beatle had a 70th birthday in 2010. It was Ringo Starr on July 7. And everything led up to that. He released "Y Not," one of the best albums in his catalog, in January. The advance interest in the album was helped by the fact that Paul McCartney contributed to two tracks. Ringo performed an intimate show at the Grammy Museum with a little help from Ben Harper in January in Los Angeles (see our review here and a clip here). In 2009, we wrote that Ringo should be honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. It happened in 2010 (you can see our inside reports and exclusive pictures here, here, here and here). And then he toured with a new gang of All Starrs and the result, as usual, exceeded all expectations. (See our exclusive advance preview of the band and our review of the Saratoga Mountain Winery show.) Then came the birthday celebration at Radio City. Everyone knew it would be special, but then we got direct word that Paul McCartney was in the house and things soared to the stratosphere (See progress reports posted during the show here, here and here.) When Paul sang "Birthday" and surprised even Ringo, it couldn't get any better. (We had a great related story about a fan who was asked by Paul to keep a secret.) More proof that the Beatles still have power, even all these years later. (Read our interviews with Edgar Winter and Gary Wright -- and a second one with Wright -- who were part of Ringo's 2010 edition of the All-Starr Band, and Tina Sugandh, who played on the "Y Not" album and gave Ringo tabla lessons.)
(Tomorrow, the conclusion: The Beatles in 2010. And don't miss our RELATED READING section below or part 1 of the series.)
RELATED READING:
- 2010: The year in Beatles was anything but dull (Part 1)
- 2010: The Year in Beatles was anything but dull (Part 3, the Beatles)
- Interview: 'Dream Weaver' Gary Wright on George Harrison, Ringo Starr and his new album 'Connected'
- Interview: Gary Wright to premiere song co-written with George Harrison at Fest for Beatles Fans
- Strong bond between Beatle George and Ravi Shankar celebrated in 'Collaborations'
- Review: With a little help from friends, Ringo Starr makes for a memorable evening (slideshow)
- Breaking news! Ringo Starr to get star on Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2010
- Ringo Starr says being awarded a Hollywood star is 'an honor and a privilege'
- EXCLUSIVE!: Edgar Winter says he's ready to rock 'n rol-l-l-l again with Ringo Starr (Part 1)
- Ringo Starr's new 'Y Not' album, out Jan. 12, has a little help from some friends, including Paul McCartney
- A video clip from Ringo Starr's appearance at the Grammy Museum last Tuesday
- Ringo Starr up close and personal at the Grammy Museum - the report (with slideshow)
- Review: Ringo Starr steps out front with 'Y Not' and you'll like the result
- Fistful of Mercy with Dhani Harrison announce first album, tour
- Info 101: All you need to know about Ringo Starr's 2010 album 'Y Not' and All Starr Band tour
- BREAKING NEWS: George Harrison honored with Hollywood star; McCartney attends! First details!
- More celebrity pictures from George Harrison Hollywood Walk of Fame star ceremony
- First photos from the George Harrison star ceremony - Olivia, Dhani, Paul, Tom Petty, more
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Comments
Thanks for all the links. Been rereading articles. About half the time I leave a comment, I get a message that I triggered the spam filter. So, just know I am reading and get sick of that message.
Let me see what I can find out about that, Mic C. But thanks for the reads! :)
Hey Steve,
You forgot Ringo's intimate performance and taping of the show Live from the Artists Den which was January 14 at the Grace Rainey Rogers Auditorium at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Thanks, PM. :)
As promised, your article did not dissappoint! Thank you for all the links, it was great to re-experience Ritchie's banner year. I was also at his birthday concert on July 7th and it was an experience I won't soon forget. What with the presence of Sean Lennon, Yoko Ono, Olivia Harrison and, of course, Paul, it was as near as I'll ever be to being in the same room with my dearest heroes. I'm sure George and John were there in spirit, too!
did i miss something here? "Y Not," one of the best albums in his catalog?
In my opinion, yes, it is.
Who's Your Daddy rocks on that album!
Your mention of George´s award in the Holywood walk of fame is outdated since it happened in 2009
"Another" Beatle turned 70? But Ringo is the oldest, isn't he?
Nice collection of links - thanks!
I'd be delighted if 2011 brought the complete American Beatle's Catalog to disc(Volumes 3 and 4). George Harrison's pre Dark Horse Albums have not been completed yet to include various contemporary singles . McCartney's Complete Works Seems to be in production.
Best songs from Y Not:
Fill in the Blanks
Walk With You
Y Not
Who's Your Daddy
Good songs:
Peace Dream
The Other Side of Liverpool
Everybody Wins
What, that leaves 3 song? I don't recall anything that was bad, I just don't remember much about these three. Maybe just an eighties production kind of sound, fake drums (odd as it seems), a lot of reverb, ....
That's my opinion. Ramon, maybe should listen to it again after you get over your dog dying or whatever it was :). Pick out the songs I like.
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