As our final dealer alert we are calling it a DAY TRIPPER Twofer as it references our Beatle Dealers. We have 2 noted here as a combined #4 And remember we will also have some great records for sale as well so hope to see you there.

As we gear up for our Rock-Expo tomorrow Saturday Sept 16th at the Roundhouse in beautiful downtown Aurora Illinois we wanted to take a Beatle break. In addition to Dr John F Lyons selling signed copies of his stellar book Joy and Fear The Beatles in Chicago in the 60s at a show discount, we also have our dealer Angela Gambino selling the following items Here is a small list of items that she will be bringing –

POSTERS

MEMORABILIA

VINTAGE MAGAZINES

FRAMED ARTWORK

VINTAGE VHS

TOUR PROGRAMS

And here is the bio on Dr Lyons

Joy and Fear: The Beatles, Chicago and the 1960s 

By John F. Lyons 

Permuted Press 

ISBN: 9781682619339 

2021      $19.99 

A Professor of History at Joliet Junior College, John Lyons has delved into the history of The Beatles in the 1960’s with their specific connections to Chicago. Citing that the group’s history has deeper roots in Chicago than any other place in the country, Lyons explores and details that history at length. 

As partially described in the press release on the book, “At the center of this book is a cast of characters engulfed by the whirlwind of Beatlemania, including the unyielding figure of Mayor Richard J. Daley who deemed the Beatles a threat to the well-being of his city; the Chicago Tribune editor who first warned the nation about the Beatle menace; George Harrison’s sister, Louise, who became a regular presence on Chicago radio; the socialist revolutionary who staged all of the Beatles’ concerts in the city and used much of the profits from the shows to fund left-wing causes; the African-American girl who braved an intimidating environment to see the Beatles in concert; a fan club founder who disbelievingly found herself occupying a room opposite her heroes when they stayed at her father’s hotel; and the University of Chicago medical student who spent his summer vacation playing in a group that opened for the Beatles’ on their last tour.” But it goes far beyond that. 

He takes a look at the effects Chicago soul and blues had on their music. How they admired the music coming from Chuck Berry and Bo Diddley to Chess Records to their favorite musicians Sam Cooke, Major Lance and the Impressions. 

Of course, the first records by The Beatles were released on Vee Jay Records with the 1963 single “Please Please Me” and their first album Introducing The Beatles. 

He cites the contribution and impact WLS had on the success of The Beatles in the United States with their 50,000 watt clear channel power that would reach both coasts, and crediting Dick Biondi as the first to play their record on the radio in the U.S. 

Lyons explores how guitar sales exploded after The Beatles appeared on Ed Sullivan and how Chicago-based guitar manufacturers Kay and Harmony had to expand production capabilities. He looks at the impact The Beatles had on inspiring local bands including the New Colony Six, Shadows of Knight and Daughters of Eve; as well as the emergence of teen clubs such as the Cellar. 

               The fact that The Beatles played Chicago three times, and they played to the most people ever with their appearance at Comiskey Park in 1965. 

               Lyons also looks at the darker side of Chicago’s vision of The Beatles. The fear of the band because of their impact on social and cultural change and their “hedonistic social behavior,” with the Chicago Tribune calling them, “Human Sheep Dogs.” He writes about Mayor Daley’s fear of the group coming to Chicago and inciting riots and impacting traffic at O’Hare Airport. And details the city’s formal responses to their appearances.