The Beatles: The Biography
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Overview
Even before the Beatles hit the big time, a myth was created. This version of the Beatles legend smoothed the rough edges and filled in the fault lines, and for more than forty years this manicured version of the Beatles story has sustained as truth -- until now.
The product of almost a decade of research, hundreds of unprecedented interviews, and the discovery of scores of never-before-revealed documents, Bob Spitz's "The Beatles" is the biography fans have been waiting for.
Never before has a biography of musicians been so immersive and textured. We are there in the McCartney living room when Paul and John learn to write songs together; backstage the night Ringo takes over on drums; in seedy German strip clubs where George lies about his age so the band can perform; and at the "Ed Sullivan Show" as America discovers the joy and the madness. From Shea to San Francisco, through the London night, on to India, through marmalade skies, across the universe-all the way to a rooftop concert and one last moment of laughter and music.
It is all here, the highs and the lows, the love and the rivalry, the drugs, the tears, the thrill, the magic never again to be repeated. Bob Spitz's masterpiece is, at long last, the biography the Beatles deserve.
The product of almost a decade of research, hundreds of unprecedented interviews, and the discovery of scores of never-before-revealed documents, Bob Spitz's "The Beatles" is the biography fans have been waiting for.
Never before has a biography of musicians been so immersive and textured. We are there in the McCartney living room when Paul and John learn to write songs together; backstage the night Ringo takes over on drums; in seedy German strip clubs where George lies about his age so the band can perform; and at the "Ed Sullivan Show" as America discovers the joy and the madness. From Shea to San Francisco, through the London night, on to India, through marmalade skies, across the universe-all the way to a rooftop concert and one last moment of laughter and music.
It is all here, the highs and the lows, the love and the rivalry, the drugs, the tears, the thrill, the magic never again to be repeated. Bob Spitz's masterpiece is, at long last, the biography the Beatles deserve.
Reviews (9)
Totally Amazing
Written by Pam Black from Yorba Linda, CA on May 8th, 2008
- Book Rating: 5/5
One of the best audio books I have heard. Everyone knows about the Beatles, but this explains so many fascinating details and pieces that make their lives more of a reality to me. I enjoyed hearing about how they came up with songs and the histories of their lives were amazing how they came together and then went apart. So much I didn't know, and when I wasn't listening to it I was talking about it. Written more like a novel than a Biography. It has nine discs and when you listen to the last sentence you hunger for more. Alfred Molina is the perfect narrator. I highly recommend this book!
Beatles
Written by Anonymous from Jonesboro, GA on January 11th, 2008
- Book Rating: 4/5
Thoroughly enjoyed listening to this autobiography. I knew I didn't like Yoko, this just confirmed why. Learned a lot more about the Fab 4!
Very enjoyable
Written by RL on October 23rd, 2007
- Book Rating: 5/5
If you like the Beatles you'll love this audio book.I learned more about the Beatles on how they started and what they went through achieving their stardom.
Very Satisfying
Written by Jason Uliasz on October 14th, 2007
- Book Rating: 5/5
One of the best audio books I've ever experienced. Everyone knows alot about the Beatles, but this digs up many fascinating details and unknown bits. Written more like a novel. Alfred Molina is amazing as the narrator.
enjoyed
Written by Nick on June 19th, 2007
- Book Rating: 4/5
Great Information. All in all an enjoyable journey.
Lives of Legends
Written by Colleen on December 19th, 2006
- Book Rating: 4/5
Great history of amazing musicians. Almost too much information but enlightening - - they are HUMAN.
OUSTANDING!
Written by Anonymous from Woodstock, GA on September 27th, 2006
- Book Rating: 5/5
This is without question the best audiobook I've rented in my year of membership here at simplyaudiobooks.com. If you're a Beatles fan -- or even if you're not -- this is the definitive biography. It's fair, pulls no punches, and yet still treats the Fab Four with the respect they deserve for the groundbreaking role they played in popular music history. Includes the childhood of the four Beatles, the early days of their band, and the chaos that was Beatlemania in the 1960s. While none of the Beatles (save perhaps Ringo) will think they were portrayed in a flattering manner, the accuracy and documentation can't be challenges. John's wit and brilliance are balanced by his arrogance and sadism directed at his mates & the women in his life. Paul comes across as self-centered, but not horrifically so. George plods along, finally blossoming at the same time the Beatles split, while Ringo -- well, he's Ringo, loveable, affable and willing to go along. THIS IS A MUST-LISTEN!
Beatles: The Bio
Written by Anonymous on July 24th, 2006
- Book Rating: 5/5
Very interesting and fun read. Brings the era alive and paints a most vivid picture of the 4 Beatles and the characters who surrounded them. The Beatles are shown, warts and all, and are not the most likeable people. However, they were on the cutting edge of change in the music industry and that is captured accurately. The book gives the reader the feeling of having " been there" and is enjoyable.
Beatles
Written by Frank Racioppi on February 22nd, 2006
- Book Rating: 5/5
Bonafide Beatles fans will love this book for its eye for detail and its insistence on accuracy. Casual Beatles fans will find the genesis of the Beatles a fascinating coming of age tale that united four young boys who ultimately could not survive as a group because of the pressures of fame. There also is a deft look at the music and the genius of the Fab Four.