Moons and Starrs: How Uncle Keith Inspired Zak’s Rock Dreams

Beatles' drummer Ringo Starr was so determined that his eldest son NOT follow in his footsteps that he gave the kid but one drum lesson in his life. Zak Starkey, who turns 48 today, would have to master the skill all by himself…with a little help from his godfather, Keith Moon of The Who.

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When The Greatest Tea Room Orchestra in the World Played for David Frost

"The Greatest Tea Room Orchestra in the World" is how British journalist and talk show host David Frost described The Beatles when they played "By George, It's The David Frost Theme" on his September 8, 1968, talk show. The tune was written by Beatles' producer George Martin. The boys appeared on the show to promote their new single, "Hey Jude," but couldn't resist hamming it up a bit. David Frost died this past Saturday at age 74. While I found his persona a bit annoying, I applaud him for snaring some great interviews. Beatle fans will be interested to know that Frost interviewed the Fab Four on various occasions throughout the years.

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John’s Number Nine Fixation

On this date in 1975, one of John Lennon's most beautiful songs, "No. 9 Dream," peaked at number 9 on the U.S. charts. It was a cut from his 1974 album, "Walls And Bridges," his ninth non-Beatles album, which just happened to be released in the ninth month of 1975. Maybe there's something to this numerology stuff after all, especially considering the role that number 9 played in John's life. Here are some interesting facts...

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Hela, Heba Helloa, Everybody

Forty-five years ago today, The Beatles' "Hello, Goodbye" was the number one song in America. For me, the best part of the tune is the sing-along ending coda, "hela, heba helloa." I just love the way it chug-chugs along. (Those words, written by Paul McCartney, mean absolutely nothing in any any foreign language, by the way). "Hello, Goodbye" was the first Beatles single to trick us with a fake ending, then restart with a completely different rhythm. The band referred to the coda as the Maori Finale, due to its tribal sound.

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