Stories such as these fill Dear Beatle People. But at times, these “warring groups” would grudgingly relent their independence, band together, and employ strength-in-numbers to impress local governments into bringing John, Paul, George, and Ringo to their locale. Some sprawling metropolitan towns – such as New York City and Dallas, Texas – had competing organizations. (The answer is New Orleans, but the who, what, where, and whys are intriguing!) Which North American cities boasted “sanctioned” fan clubs? Which cities had “independent” organizations? And what, pray tell, was the difference between the two? Schmidt can tell you. There is much to discover in the pages of this exquisitely presented volume.įor example, what North American City boasted the first Beatles Fan Club? Chicago, New Orleans, Philadelphia, and New York all claim the distinction. And the content – researched and written by Schmidt and edited by Janet Davis of Octopus’ Garden – is fascinating. On each page, fan photos, concert tickets, club charters, and rare keepsakes are artfully arranged in museum-quality display under the auspices of layout designer Amy McGrath Hughes. And it’s destined to become a collector’s item.Ī gorgeous hardback volume with over 100 new photos (many in color) featuring a one-of-a-kind cover by esteemed Beatles artist Eric Cash, Dear Beatle People captures the essence of the 1960s fan club experience. Sara Schmidt’s new volume, Dear Beatle People: The Story of The Beatles North American Fan Clubsis such a book.

Just when you’re convinced that not another word could possibly be penned about The Beatles, along comes a book that not only (brilliantly) covers fab, new territory but does so with meticulous research and artistic attention to detail.

Tell me why beatles book