John Lennon News

When the opening chords of a familiar Beatles tune drifts out of the doors of the Walt Disney Theater on May 5th, guests might just think they stepped back in time 50+ years to the iconic eras of Sgt. Pepper, Magical Mystery Tour and all your favorite hits. And if they come see RAIN - A Tribute to the Beatles presented by the Dr. Phillips Center, they might just succeed in that time travel. RAIN - A Tribute to the Beatles, a show that has been called 'the next best thing to seeing The Beatles,' boasts a repertoire of nearly 200 Beatles favorites, ranging from such beloved songs as 'I Want To Hold Your Hand' and 'Hey Jude' to classic hits including 'Revolution' and 'Come Together.'  Leading many of those familiar songs, in the iconic shoes of John Lennon is Steve Landes, and actor/singer/musician that has been performing Beatles-songs for most of his adult life and will be a part of the show when it arrives in Orlando. I had the privilege of speaking with Steve a number of years ago to learn a little more about his journey and our conversation still resonates today. Below is a re-sharing of our interview from 2009  (one of my first as a writer for BroadwayWorld!)

Filmed and recorded over four days and directed by David Litchfield, the release of One Hand Clapping is a historic moment for Paul McCartney fans.  Over the years, various parts of One Hand Clapping have been bootlegged with varying degrees of success.  Some of the material has also appeared on official McCartney releases. However, the June 14 release of One Hand Clapping is the first time the audio for the film—plus several additional songs recorded off-camera--have been officially issued.

Dark Horse Records has announced the release of Dreamers In The Field, the first-ever collaboration between Huun-Huur-Tu, Carmen Rizzo and Dhani Harrison. Mastered by Paul Hicks (The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, John Lennon, George Harrison), Dreamers In The Field is now available for streaming everywhere while a very special, limited edition clear vinyl pressing is being released exclusively for Record Store Day on April 20. Listen to the project here!

Disney+ has announced that Let It Be, director Michael Lindsay-Hogg’s original 1970 film about The Beatles, will launch exclusively on Disney+ May 8, 2024. This is the first time the film is available in over 50 years. First released in May 1970 amidst the swirl of The Beatles’ breakup, Let It Be now takes its rightful place in the band’s history.

The Henry Mancini family continues to celebrate what would have been the late legendary composer’s 100th birthday with the announcement of The Henry Mancini 100th Sessions – Henry Has Company. The album is the latest installment in what will be a year-long endeavor honoring the 20-time GRAMMY® and 4-time Academy Award winner whose centennial is being celebrated on April 16th. The Henry Mancini 100th Sessions – Henry Has Company will be available June 21st via Primary Wave, and the first single, “Peter Gunn,” featuring Quincy Jones, John Williams, Herbie Hancock, and Arturo Sandoval, is out now. Listen to the song here!

Discover how to recreate The Beatles' iconic sound with Jerry Hammack's new book, THE BEATLES’ RECORDING TECHNIQUES. Learn about the equipment and techniques used by the Fab Four, releasing on April 23, 2024. Perfect for studio professionals and home artists.

Over the past decade, Stark has built a career with her band Tashaki Miyaki dabbling in this type of duality. On her debut solo EP Good At Love, she has decided to dive into it.

Explore the intimate side of John Lennon through the lens of May Pang, his lover during the LOST WEEKEND era, at a three-day exhibition at CV Art & Frame in Zionsville. Learn more about the exhibition here.

Explore the unseen side of John Lennon through May Pang's candid photos during the LOST WEEKEND era at a special 2-day exhibition at Gallery 42 in Mason, OH.

After two previous appearances with the Celebrity Series of Boston in 2003 and 2011, the long overdue return of Patti LuPone to the stage at Symphony Hall on Tuesday night was an epic performance worth the wait. Enthusiastic entrance applause greeted Joseph Thalken (music direction and arrangements) and Brad Phillips (strings), but rose to Richter scale magnitude when Patti strode out.

'Explore John Lennon's 'Lost Weekend' through the lens of May Pang at Bennett Galleries. This unique photo exhibition offers a rare glimpse into Lennon's private life. Admission is free, with all works available for purchase.

Join Jazz Vocalist Allegra Levy for her performance 'Out of the Question' featuring Mimi Jones, Allison Miller, and Carmen Staaf on May 20, 2024. Don't miss this unforgettable night of music.

 SoundTracks Of A Generation will present 'The Lennon Project', a 100-minute retrospective of the songs and life of John Lennon, at Raue Center For The Arts on Saturday, June 15 at 7p.

The Society for the Preservation of the Great American Songbook (SPGAS) held their annual Gala earlier this week at The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. Check out photos here!

Ava Della Pietra, the pop sensation and Broadway alumna known for her compelling narratives and infectious melodies, has announced the release of the official music video for her latest hit single, 'sick.' Directed by Waley Wang, the video offers a whimsical exploration of young love's all-consuming nature.

Celebrate the legacy of former Canada PM Brian Mulroney at the SPGAS Benefactors Gala on March 24.

Mandy Gonzalez fulfilled a lifelong dream last night as she sang the National Anthem at the Knicks game in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. Check out a video of her rendition here!

Visit the Computer Museum of America for a special 3-day exhibition of candid photos of John Lennon, taken by his lover during the 'LOST WEEKEND' era.

The next generation of songwriters is busy working and took a night off to play and sing at The Green Room 42 on February 3rd. A full room of supportive music appreciators heard some new musical theatre-style material based on assignments like 'Imagine Blanche DuBois singing' or 'write a love song without the word 'love.''

Get the latest updates on BECCS, NYLON's 'favorite cool girl', as she heads to SXSW 2024. On her upcoming SXSW appearances, with sets confirmed at Adhoc x Audiofemme x UMAW Showcase, Austin Monthly Presents Women That Rock Showcase and an Official Headlining spot at The Iron Bear.