In early 1968, The Beatles set up Apple Records, a unique and daring enterprise that gave a wide range of new artists (James Taylor, Mary Hopkin, Badfinger, Billy Preston, among others) a chance to be heard.
But all was not music at Apple: The Beatles also opened their doors to aspiring filmmakers, inventors, designers and more than a fair share of opportunists. Very little came in the way of these other endeavors, however, and before long, Apple Records was bleeding money. By 1970, it had become a platform for but a select group of acts and the by-then ex-Beatles to release product.
A new documentary, Strange Fruit: The Beatles' Apple Records, takes a behind-the-scenes look at the label's early days. Scheduled for DVD release on 26 March (24 April in the US), the film features new interviews with some of the Apple Records stable: Jackie Lomax, David Peel, label CEO Tony Bramwell and members from Badfinger and Elephant's Memory.
In addition, there are observations from musician and Beatles expert Chris Ingham, author and journalist Mark Paytress and Apple biographer Stefan Granados.
The film also includes archive footage of Apple artists and the organization for which they recorded as well as interviews from the vaults, location film, rare photographs and music.
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Joe is a freelance journalist who has, over the past few decades, interviewed hundreds of guitarists for Guitar World, Guitar Player, MusicRadar and Classic Rock. He is also a former editor of Guitar World, contributing writer for Guitar Aficionado and VP of A&R for Island Records. He’s an enthusiastic guitarist, but he’s nowhere near the likes of the people he interviews. Surprisingly, his skills are more suited to the drums. If you need a drummer for your Beatles tribute band, look him up.
“Seeking a well-mannered, affable individual. Flashy chops are wonderful, but groove and the ability to listen, react, and contribute to the musical conversation is a must”: Primus put the call out for potential new drummer
With up to 80% off, Sweetwater currently has the biggest Black Friday savings musicians will find online right now – and the deals are even better than last year!