Geoff Baker, former PR man for Paul and Linda McCartney to Linda and Paul McCartney and the Beatles, has announced he'll write a history of Beatle fans using their own words, calling it "The Beatles Fanthology."
Baker, who also worked at Apple Corps as press assistant under Derek Taylor on the actual "Beatles Anthology" project, is asking Beatles fans around the world to send him their stories and memories to geoffbaker@beatlesfanthology.com. He will edit anecdotes and observations from the fans into what he calls the first full and illustrated biography of the Beatles' fan phenomenon.
"I have a lot of respect for them, there is absolutely nothing like a Beatles fan and I love 'em,' said Baker, who worked for 15 years as Paul McCartney's publicity chief. "The fans made the band and they have continued to make the band through five decades. But I feel their crucial side of the story that Derek called 'the 20th century's greatest romance' has never been told properly before. I'm reasonably qualified to write this book and it is the only Beatles book that I shall ever write."
Baker said he was spurred to do the book after a suggestion from a Beatles fan.
"I've always been fascinated by the fans. I did three world tours with Paul McCartney and on each one it was the dancing fans with their cheeky banners, friendly faces and expert knowledge who made each show a smash. I have no interest in the posh people who buy the expensive seats and then just sit in them throughout the gig.
"The kind of things I'm interested in are what was it like for a Beatles fan in the Sixties, what was it like seeing them in Liverpool, what's it like being a Beatles fan now, what's it like having a son as a Beatles fan, or a grand-daughter, what's special about them above every other band, how did they affect your life - I want to know what the fans think about The Beatles, not the biographers' opinion or the critics', the fans. Other than forever admiring their screaming, we've not paid enough attention to their voice."
"I want to cover the whole Beatles period, from the beginning of the birth of the band in 1957 up to the current day. The fans can send me as much or as little as they like. Email me pix or anything they want, but don't send me originals because everybody knows I'll lose them,' said Baker. "I'm looking for those little moments that may be personal to one but will be understood by us all. I want to get in as many voices as possible from as many places as possible."
Although Baker says he has been kicking fan-related book ideas around in himself for years, it was his business partner Jill Newton who came up with the name "The Beatles Fanthology." The pair, both former journalists, recently formed a book-writing partnership, Newton & Baker Books. "The Beatles Fanthology" will be their fourth book.
Comments
Trying to make a quick buck just like Yoko
I have a funny story about how I first realized who the Beatles were. It was 1983 and we were watching little House on the Prairie, and my dad said he wanted to play a Beatles album instead. I thought they were named after Mrs. Beetle on Little House on the Prairie, but my dad had to explain they were not. That might sound funny, but I was only four!
My wife loves that story. She's a big "Little House" fan. :)
I'm afraid it sounds rather drab. Those of us who are fans (at least myself) would prefer to hear about the artist. Not the lady who sold them flowers in 1973. Sorry, it seems to be someone riding on others coat tails.
Pfffft, funny .. i have no memory of Baker being particulally fan friendly during his time with Paul, i found him quite aloof and dismissive .. next.
well this man can begin telling us why he was so stupid when he was mcca former PR man
or has he forgot how he treated the fans outside arenas and hotels around the world?
I was one of these fans that had the bad experience to know this stupid guy.
well this man can begin telling us why he was so stupid when he was mcca former PR man
or has he forgot how he treated the fans outside arenas and hotels around the world?
I was one of these fans that had the bad experience to know this stupid guy.
I wonder if my submission will be included and how edited it'll be if it is.
He told me via facebook it was but my name there wasn't the same name as my submission so i doubt he even knew who I was.
Plus, I've heard he's been working on this book fo at least 20 years now
How much more blood can be wrung out of the stone? Patiently awaiting the Mark Lewisohn books!
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