Hardback book. 320 pages with black and white illustrations.
In "1973: The Last Year The Beatles Were Fab!," Blaney captures the essence of a transformative year for the former Beatles, who by then had firmly established themselves as solo artists. The book examines the creative peaks, personal challenges, and the groundbreaking albums that defined their individual legacies, including Paul McCartney's Band on the Run, George Harrison's Living in the Material World, John Lennon's Mind Games, and Ringo Starr's Ringo.
Key Features of the Book Include:
• In-Depth Analysis: Blaney provides a comprehensive look at the solo projects of each Beatle in 1973, contextualizing their work within the broader music landscape of the time.
• Exclusive Insights: Drawing from interviews, archival material, and insider accounts, the book offers fresh perspectives on the motivations and inspirations behind each Beatle's work.
• Critical Reception: The book explores how the albums and singles released by the solo Beatles in 1973 were received by critics and fans.
• Impact on Popular Culture: Blaney discusses the lasting impact of these solo projects, not just on the Beatles' legacies, but on the evolution of popular music as a whole.
1973 was a landmark year for The Beatles. It was 10 years since they scored their first UK gold disc (‘She Loves You’) – ten years since the birth of Beatlemainia.
A decade is a long time in pop music. Fashions come and go in the blink of an eye. Most pop stars are lucky to last eighteen months at the top. Yet, in 1973 The Beatles collected 13 gold discs between them (seven gold albums and six gold singles).
Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr released milestone albums in the form of Band On The Run and Ringo. George Harrison released the follow-up album to All Things Must Pass and John Lennon his follow-up to Imagine.
Their contract with Allen Klein ended in litigation from both parties. Lennon and McCartney were being sued by ATV/Northern Songs. A publishing company they once thought they owned. Lennon was fighting deportation from the USA and a failing marriage. Despite the endless court cases, relationship breakdowns, financial and political pressures, and management problems, Lennon, McCartney, Harrison, and Starr managed to write and record some of the best solo albums of their careers and continued to rack up gold discs. They did all this while in competition with the greatest pop group the world has ever known – The Beatles, whose million selling compilation albums 1962 - 66 & 1967 - 70 topped the charts.
1973 – The Last Year The Beatles Were Fab! tells the story of that landmark year – a year of remarkable highs and lows. A year that could, and would, never be repeated.