Complete Rooftop Concert '69

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THE ROOFTOP SESSIONS

The Beatles were going to make a documentary film of themselves producing a TV show and writing a bunch of new songs for their next album, which was to be a return to their roots of the rocking days. This was probably inspired by the emergence of The Band, straightforward, downhome and everyone's favourite name to drop at the time.
With a working title of "Get Back" rehearsals began at Twickenham studios on January the 2nd, 1969. The project quickly ran into trouble, George Harrison walked out after eight days complaining of continual criticism from Paul McCartney. However, he returned a week later. The TV show idea had to be dumped because they couldn't find a suitable location. They thought about hiring an ocean liner, but somewhere along the line that idea was also shelved, along with a number of other exotic suggestions. But it was John Lennon's suggestion to record a selection of songs in the controlled atmosphere of a studio.
At this time, plans were made to turn the roof at No 3 Saville Row, the Apple Corps HQ, into a tranquil roof garden, and so Ringo Starr and Michael Lindsay-Hogg decided to take a look. It seemed ideal for what they had in mind.
The Beatles last ever public concert took place around mid day on Thursday January the 30th and lasted a full 42 minutes, and may well have gone on longer had it not been for the complaints of the neighbour, Stanley Davis. The wood merchant next door was not a Beatles fan so it seemed. He was quoted as saying "I want this bloody noise stoped. It's absolute disgrace". But the banker, Alan Puverness, at the end of the street was kinder, he said "Some people just can't appreciate good music".
The film won an Oscar for best musical score and it was presented to Paul McCartney by non other than John Wayne, Big Leggy. But by the time it was premiered on May the 13th, 1970, The Beatles had split. The dream was over... "I'd like to say 'Thank you' on behalf of the group and ourselves and I hope we passed the audition".

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