British Beatles Fan Club

The BBFC magazine is a glossy, full colour, 40 page publication which comes out 4 times a year. It is packed with fascinating and thoroughly researched articles on all aspects of the Fab Four past and present. We give you an insight into the Beatles' career and their associates in Liverpool, London and throughout the world.

Our correspondents include Pete Nash - former News Editor of The Beatles Book Monthly, Rod Davis of the original Quarrymen, Bill Harry - former Editor of Merseybeat, Stan Williams - former pupil of Dovedale Primary alongside John Lennon and George Harrison, David Bedford - Our Man in Liddypool, Andy Davis - former Editor of Record Collector magazine, Craig Smith, Lucy Carter and Peter Black.

Among the regular features are:

• Upcoming Events—organised by the club and anything else relating to the Beatles, including festivals, Beatles Days, concerts and conventions throughout the world
• Beatles A Day In The Life—a day-by-day diary
• Media Watch
• Reviews of the latest releases
• Classified Ads
• Concert and event reviews
• In-depth articles
• Letters from members
• The Legendary Crap Photos of the Month

Plus:

• Comprehensive feature articles on every Beatle subject imaginable!
• High quality colour and black & white Beatles photos throughout the magazine!

If you would like to advertise in our magazine, please contact the treasurer for further details, prices and any special offers.

Latest BBFC News

Thursday 22nd July 2010

Paying tribute to the Beatles

Every Thursday night, Liverpool's famous Cavern Club rocks when the Mersey Beatles take the stage and pay tribute to the Beatles.

Recently, BBFC's Donna Jackson spoke to 'John' (Mark), 'Paul' (Steven), 'George' (Dave), and 'Ringo' (Brian), along with their 'fifth Beatle' (keyboard player and fellow Scouser, Tony C) to ask about their ten years of keeping the magic alive, and what the future holds.

This interview first appeared in a truncated form in issue 37 of the BBFC Magazine—you can read it here in full.

Read Donna's interview with the Mersey Beatles

Thursday 22nd July 2010

Issue 37 of the BBFC Magazine now available

Issue 37 of the British Beatles Fan Club magazine is now on sale and was posted out to our members earlier in the week. If you're a BBFC member, your copy should be with you soon!

This issue we're covering the UK and Ireland leg of Paul McCartney's "Up and Coming" tour, with reviews from Dublin, Isle of Wight, Glasgow, Cardiff and London (as well as a bonus review from the Mexico City gig in May). We also feature a review of Ringo and Paul's appearance together at the Radio City Music Hall, NYC, from earlier this month.

If you're not already a BBFC member, why not join today?—or you can buy just the new issue by visiting our shop.

Read issue 37 full contents or visit our shop to buy your copy now

Thursday 15th July 2010

London Beatles Day

The next London Beatles Day of the year takes place this weekend, on Sunday 18th July 2010 at the usual venue—the Park Inn, Southampton Row, WC1. You will find thousands of Beatles items for sale at prices to suit every pocket!

The London Beatles Day was founded in 1990 by Steve Holmes, Rob Batchelor, Keith Badman and Jason Hobbs who between them have attended many conventions and fairs all over Europe and beyond!

The London Beatles Day has been attracting Beatles fans from all over the globe ever since, originally 2 shows a year were staged but due to increased demand this was increased to the current 4 shows per year. This enables fab 4 fans to come along and buy and trade their Fabs items on a regular basis keeping their collections updated, and of course to come along to meet all the other fans & collectors in the comfort of the recently refurbished Park Inn.

Visit our events page to find out about more Beatles events in London, Liverpool and around the UK

Thursday 17th June 2010

Ken Brown - a tribute

On Tuesday this week, Ken Brown, a forgotten member of the early Beatles' history died suddenly at the age of 70. Ken was interviewed by David Bedford for his book Liddypool: Birthplace of The Beatles recently, and had been invited to join former band-mate Pete Best at the Casbah Club in Liverpool in August this year.

Dave Bedford remembers Ken Brown

Tuesday 15th June 2010

Students dig back in time to research John Lennon's childhood garden

Five History students from the University of Chester have helped the National Trust to recreate the authenticity of the garden at John Lennon's childhood home, Mendips, in Liverpool.

Mendips is owned by the National Trust and is a mecca for Beatles fans. While the house itself is contemporary to the 1950s when John Lennon lived there, the garden contains modern plants.

Full info about the restoration of the garden at Mendips

Sunday 13th June 2010

Paul McCartney at the Royal Dublin Showground

The UK and Ireland leg of Paul McCartney's Up and Coming tour began last night (12th June) in Dublin.

BBFC's Donna Jackson was lucky enough to be there—she brings us this great report including the full set list, loads of photos and some video clips.

Read Donna's report from the Dublin gig in full

Thursday 27th May 2010

John Lennon Poetry Competition to be judged by Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy

Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy has agreed to judge a new international poetry competition celebrating the life of master lyricist, published poet and world icon John Lennon.

The Liverpool Lennon Poet competition is being organised by the world's leading permanent Beatles-themed visitor attraction, the Beatles Story and Liverpool-born poet Roger Cliffe-Thompson who is the official poet for ACC Liverpool.

More about the Liverpool Lennon Poet competition, including entry information

Monday 26th April 2010

Issue 36 of the BBFC Magazine now available

Issue 36 of the British Beatles Fan Club magazine is now on sale! It looks like being a Beatlefull summer this year, with both Paul and Ringo out on tour.

In this issue we bring you a review of Paul McCartney at the Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles on 30th March—including three pages of great photos and the full set list. There's also a look at some of the many bands who spend their lives paying tribute to the Beatles, as well as all the great news and reviews.

If you're a BBFC member you should have received your copy of the latest mag in the mail already—and if you're not, you can order it now from our shop (or why not join the BBFC?)

Read issue 36 full contents or visit our shop to buy your copy now

Monday 19th April 2010

It was 50 years ago today (in Hamburg)

2010 marks the 50th anniversary of The Beatles' first gig in Hamburg.

For this reason, the New York-based indie-pop heroes Bambi Kino (featuring members of Nada Surf, Maplewood, Cat Power and Moby) will be traveling to Hamburg to play 4 nights at the legendary Indra club. They will play the original set-list played by the Beatles in 1960.

More information on our events page

Sunday 21st March 2010

Competition - John Lennon: Rare and Unseen

John Lennon: Rare and Unseen is a new DVD release from Wienerworld. It takes an inside look at the excitement, the thrills and the sheer talent of the man who made it as one of the world's most successful solo artists after his departure from the Beatles in 1969: John Lennon.

From his musical and songwriting input with the Beatles (especially his partnership with McCartney) to his astronomical solo career, Lennon has certainly had a major impact in the music world. He played, he recorded and conquered the planet for two decades.

Read our review of John Lennon: Rare and Unseen - and enter our competition to win a copy!

Sunday 21st March 2010

Lennon at 70

To complete a weekend of events commemorating the 70th anniversary of John Lennon's birthday, the renowned Beatles act Sgt. Pepper's Only Dart Board Band will host a celebration of Beatles and Lennon music on Sunday 10th October 2010, with all profits going to the Nordoff Robbins charity for music therapy.

British Beatles Fan Club are pleased to offer a special discount to members for this fantastic concert at the O₂ Shepherd's Bush Empire.

Find out more about the 'Lennon at 70' concert and claim your discount now!

Wednesday 17th March 2010

London Calling - A Countercultural History of London since 1945

Barry Miles was co-owner of the Indica Gallery—the place where John Lennon and Yoko Ono met for the first time—and later ran Zapple, the short-lived, spoken-word division of the Beatles' Apple record label.

In his riveting new book London Calling - A Countercultural History of London since 1945, Miles explores the counter culture that sprang up in the decades following the Second World War, focussing on London's West End and Soho, where the presence of so many artists has established a unique atmosphere; creative, avant garde, permissive, anarchic—the throbbing heart of London.

Read more about London Calling and order your copy now!

Monday 8th March 2010

Your chance to be the first to see new Beatles' 50th Anniversary concert show

2010 will be the 50th Anniversary of The Beatles forming and to celebrate this The Magic Of The Beatles will be embarking on a nationwide tour.

Stars of the lavish, brand-new production not only look and sound like John, Paul, George and Ringo, they generate the incredible excitement (not to mention that unique sense of humour) which made the Fab Four's amazing live performances events that changed the world of rock music forever.

On Thursday 15th April the show comes to Indigo2—The Entertainment Venue at The O2—and BBFC Members can benefit from £5 off the ticket price.

Find out how to get £5 off the price of a ticket to see The Magic Of The Beatles on our events page

Sunday 28th February 2010

James McCartney at the 02 Academy in Liverpool

Paul's son James McCartney begun his first UK headline tour last week with an opening gig at Liverpool's O2 Academy on 25th February.

BBFC's Donna Jackson was lucky enough to attend, and writes: "I have to confess that I didn't really know what to expect, and I think I was purposely trying not to expect too much because of who his dad is—but I really, really enjoyed the show. He was on stage for about 45 minutes and he played a mixture of songs. They ranged from some real rockers to gentle ballads, and I thought all of them were good. James accompanied himself on the guitar, piano and, for one song, the mandolin—and I thought he was terrific with all of the instruments. I really do think that he's a talented musician!"

Read Donna's report from the opening night of James McCartney's tour

Friday 19th February 2010

EMI to sell Abbey Road Studios

You will have been hard pressed to miss the worrying news this week that the EMI group intend to sell Abbey Road studios, for financial reasons.

There has been a lot of speculation on who could become the new owners. The National Trust have said they're 'open to buying' it, and today we have heard that Andrew Lloyd-Webber has said he's 'very interested' in buying the former Beatles studio. Paul McCartney told the BBC earlier in the week that 'there are a few people who have been associated with the studio for a long time who were talking about mounting some bid to save it'.

Whoever the new owners might be, we can only hope that the building will remain as a recording studio, or if that is not possible, that it could be opened as an attraction/heritage centre—not turned into flats, or even worse, knocked down! BBFC's Richard Porter has started an online petition to this effect, which already has over 1,500 signatures.

Please help us by adding your voice to the 'Save Abbey Road Studios' petition

Friday 19th February 2010

Backbeat - new stage version of one of the UK's best-loved cult British films

Backbeat is the story of the fifth Beatle, Stuart Sutcliffe (the band's original bassist), and the two most important people in his life: John Lennon and Astrid Kirchherr.

Re-imagined for the stage by the original writer and director of the acclaimed 1994 film, Iain Softley, this new production of Backbeat is a passionate and vivid portrayal of a love story born out of the famous summer when The Beatles made their name in the city of Hamburg.

BBFC member Marcus Garside has seen the play and brings us this report

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