AFTER ABBEY ROAD - Part 2

Gary Fearon            @Gary_Fearon_

Part 2 continued from June 16

There were some stories I was already familiar with, like how Paul McCartney was robbed at knifepoint while in Nigeria to record Band on the Run. Or how George Harrison was sued because “My Sweet Lord” bears more than a passing resemblance to The Chiffons’ “He’s So Fine”. But what was the inspiration behind “Imagine”, “It Don’t Come Easy”, “Silly Love Songs”, and the rest of the 220 singles they have released as solo artists?

Knowing other fans would be as interested in learning these stories as I was, I set about to research the most interesting and insightful details behind each song. At the same time, I was also mindful of the historical significance of these works, so I made sure to include events that happened alongside the writing, such as 9/11 or the death of one of their close friends. My research and writing spanned over six months while I scoured books, Internet sites, newspaper articles, interviews, anything I could get my hands on. Sometimes my biggest challenge was what to leave out. Throughout the process, my Beatlemaniac brother was a huge help, proofreading and making excellent suggestions for clarity.

In the end, instead of the single “year of wonder” I had first envisioned, After Abbey Road covers the entire fifty years of their solo singles in chronological order. Like Clemency Burton-Hill’s book, the songs themselves can be found on YouTube and other streaming sites. As readers go through After Abbey Road, it’s eye-opening to listen to each song and gain a greater appreciation for the individual genius that contributed to the most acclaimed band of all time.

The 50th anniversary of The Beatles’ last album was May 2020, so I timed the release accordingly. The paperback and eBook of After Abbey Road are available on Amazon, and I have to admit I get a little thrill each time I see a sale coming from Great Britain. I may never get to Liverpool, but maybe my book will!

As we speak, I’m working on the audio version. That will keep me busy for the next few weeks, and I still have other books in me that I can’t wait to get back to. But when I do finish with the audiobook and have a little time to relax and read again, I plan to check out Clemency’s book that gave me the initial spark. It’s the least I can do. 

Musician and songwriter Gary Fearon has written over 300 songs, advertising jingles and morning show parodies. He is also a veteran DJ and producer. As a Beatleologist and avid analyst of entertainment, Gary has produced radio specials on the Beatles, John Lennon, and numerous other recording artists.

A former Billboard Air Personality of the Year, his broadcast work has been recognized by the Associated Press, Radio and Production magazine, and over two dozen MARS awards for commercial production. His voice is heard daily on radio and TV stations across the USA and Canada as well as on audio books such as Eddie: The Life and Times of America's Preeminent Bad Boy.

http://www.garyfearon.com/