Astrid recently gave a great interview to NPR’s Terry Gross to promote her new book  Yesterday: The Beatles Once Upon a Time. You can download, or listen to, the interview here.

This ambitious work aims to cover all the Beatles vinyl releases from 1963 till the present issued in UK, USA, Canada, Israel, Germany (East and West), Switzeland, Austria, USSR (Russia and some former Soviet Republics). It ialso ncludes a price guide. You can find out more about the book at the publishers website, and even take a look at some of the interior pages.

The Anthology of Beatles Records retails for 208 Euros.

Beatles fans may not know, however, that some four years later, Astrid, accompanied by photojournalist Max Schele, visited John, Paul, George, and Ringo in London during the making of A Hard Day’s Night. The rarely seen photographs taken that period are now available in a new book, Yesterday: The Beatles Once Upon a Time.

Astrid’s close friendship allowed for unrivaled access and led to a unique collection of photographs which focus on the Beatles in private as well as public moments. The images present rare, unguarded moments that give us a unique opportunity to see The Beatles as they really were, not as they were presented to us by the media and by their promoters.

Yesterday: The Beatles Once Upon a Time  also documents the Liverpool of 1964, and the music scene of Liverpool energized by the success of the Beatles, capturing the rhythm and texture of the seaport city where the strains of pop music history were transformed by the Mersey Beat and the greatest band of all time.

It didn’t take long before I made time to sit down and truly absorb what a fascinating book this is. Sure we have all seen loads of Beatles photography books before, most mundane, a few exceptional. “A One Night Stand” belongs firmly in the second category.

As a 17 year old apprentice photographer Bill Carlson was in the right place at the right time and ended up covering The Beatles arrival, press conference and performance of 21^st August 1965 in Minneapolis. His photographs lay forgotten until reassembled for this book. The combination of Carlson’s images alongside contemporary press reports from local papers, and the reminiscences of those who were there, gives an intimate sense of “being there” for the reader. The major Beatles gigs from there US tours have been well covered, but by focusing on this one single day in the heartland, Carlson gives you a sense of how the whirlwind arrival of the Fab Four impacted the city and the lasting effect of their all too brief presence.

This is one of the best new Beatles books to come along in recent years and deserves a place on the bookcase of any serious Beatles fan.

It was a fun night, with some great questions and discussions. There were some very knowledgable Beatles buffs in the audience. Thanks also to the boys from Day Tripper for supplying some great music.

John was performing with his group The Quarry Men (see photo above) when he was introduced to Paul by thier mutual friend Ivan Vaughan.

The events of that fateful day, perhaps the most important day in Beatles history, are covered in detail in my book Before They Were Beatles.

On the actual anniversary day, Friday 6th July, I will be joined by tribute band Day Tripper for an evening of Lennon & McCartney stories and music at Book People in Austin, TX. If you will be in the area come on by and help us celebrate.

To celebrate the anniversary, Book People, “The Largest Bookstore in Texas,” will be hosting a special Lennon & McCartney event.

Beatles writer Alan J. Porter (yes that’s me) will be reading an extract from his critically acclaimed book “Before They Were Beatles” and talking about the events of that day in June 1957.

To kick off the event top Beatles tribute group Day Tripper will be providing a selection of classic Lennon and McCartney tunes.

The festivities start at 7:00pm on Friday 6th July at Book People, 6th & Lamar, Austin, TX.

498 Productions has announced the upcoming publication of the Sixth Edition of the Price Guide for the Beatles American Records by Perry Cox and Frank Daniels. The book is being edited by Bruce Spizer and will be in the same 9″ x 12″ size and color-throughout format as Bruce Spizer’s critically acclaimed books on the Beatles American records. It will be released this summer.

Mr. Cox indicated that the book is not be a mere update of prior editions, but rather an exciting new publication with thousands of new listings. Unlike prior guides, all formats for a particular title will be listed together. Thus, the listings under Abbey Road will include vinyl records, 4-track tapes, 8-track tapes, cassettes and compact discs, all in one place. The book will also have color images throughout. Each page of listings will have color images of some of the items described on the page. Most pages have four images, with some having more.

The 330-page book will be issued in three separate editions. The hardcover edition is priced at $50. The Slipcase Edition packages the hardcover book in an attractive slipcase. It is limited to 500 numbered copies signed by co-authors Perry Cox and Frank Daniels, as well as editor/publisher Bruce Spizer. It sells for $75. The Collector’s Edition packages the hardcover book in an attractive slipcase and comes with some extra goodies. It is limited to 200 numbered copies signed by co-authors Perry Cox and Frank Daniels, as well as editor/publisher Bruce Spizer. It is priced at $125. The Slipcase Edition and the Collector’s Edition will only be available through 498 Productions.

The first press run of the book will be limited to 5,000 total copies. Collectors and fans are encouraged to order early to avoid disappointment. 498 Productions will begin taking orders on the book on April 16, 2007. Orders may be placed through the website www.beatle.net