There are some bands that simply do not need one more book written about them. I love the Grateful Dead, but I have no desire to pick up another book written about them ever. A lot of newer acts come to mind too.
You could put the Beatles in that category too. We all know the story. There is simply no reason to write another book about the Beatles. There is no new info out there worthy of a book.
Well, Dave Schwensen has proven me wrong.
"The Beatles In Cleveland" is a fun, and well done book about the two shows (1964 and 1966) that the Beatles played in Cleveland.
Dave was actually at the second show, and he interviews a lot of people who were at both, including local reporters, DJs and fans.
It is exciting reading about how the fans and security reacted to being a part of one of the biggest acts around coming to town. Concerts and large venue events were really in their early stages at this time. I enjoyed reading about the set, stage, and backstage trailer setup at the old Cleveland Municipal Stadium in 1966.
I also liked hearing about the opening acts for the 1966 show. The Ronettes were there (WITHOUT Ronnie!). Can you imagine being an opening act for the Beatles?
There are some great amateur photos in this book too. I personally love finding old pictures that are missing that professional slickness you usually see. The photos in this book are more honest. The slightly flawed pictures of Ringo dealing with a fan on stage, or the photos of the local radio personalities with the band are much more interesting than the posed studio shots of the Fab Four.
"The Beatles In Cleveland" is a very enjoyable and quick read. Even if you aren't the biggest Beatles fan in the world, or if you are not familiar with Cleveland, you will still likely enjoy the stories.
Dave has a great deal on his site right now when you order the book. He has a cool package deal that includes a shirt AND the CD of his appearance on "The Beatle Years".
http://www.beatlesincleveland.com/
2 comments:
Hi Jim,
Thanks for a great review of my book! As a Beatles fan who has also read just about everything written about the group, my goal was to do something different. Yeah, it took a lot of research and connections to come up with the photos and interviews, but when I hear another fan enjoys the book, (like your review!), it makes the effort worthwhile.
Thanks again and keep writing!
Dave Schwensen
"The Beatles In Cleveland"
Hey Dave! I am so glad that you stopped by my blog!
Yes, you obviously put a lot in this book, and I am glad you did! I would love to see more books like this.
Let me know if anything else is in the works!
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