Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, February 17, 1994 TAG: 9402160073
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
No, Paul's manager insists, there absolutely is no concert in Central Park planned. There is a studio project to produce a little "incidental" music for a 10-hour Beatles video anthology for BBC-TV. Well, maybe an original song or two for general release. Oh, what the heck, maybe an album.
But can they really work as a trio?
We want to know what you think. What kind of expectations do you have for a reunion of the Fab Three? Is this the greatest idea in rock 'n roll in 24 years, or is the most predictable disappointment? Do you really care if they come up with great music?
Now, if the group were going to perform again with a fourth person, whom would you pick?
Here are a few suggestions by Steve Knopper of Knight-Ridder News Service. You can vote for (or against) one of them, or make your own suggestion at the end. Remember to give your rationale for your vote (if it's different from Knopper's).
PETE BEST, former Beatles drummer given the boot for Ringo.
Strength: Sentiment is on his siden and he is most likely available. Weakness: Beatles already have a drummer.
JULIAN LENNON, happy young man.
Strength: Son of John Lennon. Weakness: Why have two McCartneys in one band?
ROBYN HITCHCOCK, twisted British pop singer.
Strengths: Voice is a ringer for Lennon's; can write terrific melodies and make-fun-of-everything lyrics. Weakness: Songs about fish, flesh, dead wives and bandages may not be creative spark.
MICHAEL JACKSON, king of pop.
Strength: Has collaborated with McCartney. Weakness: Little boys say he shared a bed with them.
ELVIS COSTELLO, former angry young man.
Strengths: Has collaborated with McCartney; once was as acerbic as Lennon. Weakness: Glory days are almost as far behind as the Beatles'.
MATTHEW SWEET, current angry young man.
Strength: Music draws the best combination of spit, righteousness, gloom and pop from the Beatles. Weakness: His blending of McCartney and Lennon could intimidate McCartney.
BILL CLINTON, president of the United States.
Strengths: Same generation; plays the saxophone; likes jazz and Elvis. Weakness: Not British by any stretch.
ELVIS PRESLEY, king of rock 'n' roll.
Strengths: Beatles were big fans; may not be dead. Weakness: Yes, probably is dead.
MARSHALL CRENSHAW, Detroit rock 'n' roller.
Strengths: Could add terrific songs - "Cynical Girl," "Someday, Someway" and so on - to Beatles' repertoire; once played Lennon in Beatlemania. Weaknesses: None.
ERIC CLAPTON, Grammy-dominating blues-rock guitarist.
Strengths: Wrote "Layla"; plays mean licks; pals with the Beatles. Weakness: Once stole Harrison's wife.
RUPAUL, transsexual hit singer.
Strength: Sexier than Ringo. Weakness: Not as cute as Paul.
Write your suggestions here:
Mail your entry back to Fourth Beatle, in care of the Features Department, Roanoke Times & World-News, P.O. Box 2491, Roanoke Va. 24010-2491 by March 3. Or fax us your entry at 981-3318.
by CNB