|
My first memorable exposure was at about 4 years old. The battered Abbey Road 8-track got a lot of wear and tear in the family car and I remember that I liked it.
When I was 12, things really starting progressing. My parents took me to the Winter Garden theater on Broadway to see "Beatlemania". Between the audio visuals and the clothing and, of course, a two-hour excursion through their music, from teeny bopper to to drug stage to political spokesmen, it started a fascination that continues to this day. It was also about the same time that I was learning how to play drums and I can truly say that Ringo Starr probably had the most profound influence on my first years of drumming. I proceeded to study, memorize, and most importantly, just enjoy every one of their albums I could get my hands on, which was all of them. And to this day, there isn't a Beatles song that doesn't bring me back to those years of exploration and discovery.
About once every two years, I watch the 8 disc documentary that came out about 10 years ago. It puts me back into hardcore Beatles mode for a few weeks then I go off to explore someone else. Their music will always hold a most special place in my heart.
And finally, I'm always delighted when I hear of kids that are into the Beatles. I truly think that their music will live on for as long as we listen to music. And there are very few artists I would say that about. Quite honestly, I don't thing we will ever see a group that has the same impact ever again.
|