FH Reader Shelley Sweet-Tufano continues her recap of the Peter Asher Zoom Interview ...
Today in Forgotten Hits!
What is on the mind of these Zoom viewers?
1. What was it like having a Beatle living in your house at the height of their popularity?
Peter says it really was not much of an issue although he would run into him in the hallways from time to time. Remember, the Beatles were touring much of the time, so it was not as though they were daily mates. However, word did get out and as his father, being a well known doctor, had his consulting rooms in their home, there WERE times that his patients would come upon Beatles fans sitting on the front steps. That must have puzzled them at the time, but it seems not to have caused many issues. A benefit of having Paul in the house was his large record collection that Peter Asher was free to use.
At every Q&A session I have attended with Peter, he has gotten at least 2 or 3 questions about his sister Jane, and Paul McCartney. Yet, he never appears to be upset or disturbed by this and always graciously answers the questions.
EDITOR’S NOTE: I’ve always been curious about this as well, once Jane broke off their engagement due to Paul’s constant cheating … and then Paul marrying Linda just a short time after (most likely because she was pregnant at the time and Paul felt it the right thing to do) … that plus the fact that he CLEARLY loved her.
I can only assume that Paul saw some real sense of talent in Peter’s abilities, in order to have put him in charge of new artists and production … so their bond had to run considerably deeper than just the “Jane connection.” (kk)
2. When will you have concerts? Particularly in Toledo?
AS SOON AS GIGS EXIST AGAIN, WE WILL DO THEM. In order to see Peter’s schedule when it opens again, go to peterashermusic.com.
As far as where they will be or if you can suggest venues, his booking agent’s name is Keith Putney. (just sayin’)
3. Do you think of yourself as a Brit visiting the US or vice versa? Where are you most at home or where do you connect most strongly?
I ACTUALLY FEEL AT HOME EVERYWHERE. MAYBE A LITTLE MORE HEART IN THE UK. When the pandemic first created lock-down threats, Peter was in London. Realizing the seriousness of what was happening he stopped his business, left his flat and got one of the last flights out of London in March. He has not been able to return yet.
4. Do you have any stories about George?
AFTER LEAVING APPLE, I DID NOT SEE HIM. SOMETIMES CLICHES ARE RIGHT. HE WAS THE QUIET ONE, ALTHOUGH HE COULD BE DISMISSIVE. NOT AS MUCH AS JOHN THOUGH. I LIKED HIM VERY MUCH. VERY INTELLIGENT.
5. Were you on any of the Beatles’ tracks?
NO AND SORRY I MISSED THEM. WHEN WAS I WAS THERE, WHEN THEY RECORDED, I WAS WITH GEORGE MARTIN IN THE CONTROL ROOM.
6. (a question about the use of CODA?) Were the Beatles more prolific in using CODA’s?
MAYBE. IT WOULD NEED ANALYSIS. THEY USED MANY MUSICAL NUANCES, SOME GOING BACK IN TIME TO OLDER MUSIC STYLES. Peter mentions Gershwin as one example of composers they mimicked.
7. What memories do you have of ‘Tomorrow Never Knows?’
Peter’s memories here are of Paul’s interest in tape loops and how this is just one example of taking a tape, looping it around, playing it backward or looping it again in order to get the desired result for a song.
8. A Peter and Gordon question: Did you do other Beatles’ songs on the road that you did not record?
IF I FELL, I WANNA BE YOUR MAN, A FEW OTHERS.
Here is a great piece of info about ‘I Wanna Be Your Man’ ...
The song was written for The Rolling Stones, but as Paul lived in Peter’s house, Peter had heard it and presented it to Gordon for a concert. Turns out they performed the song BEFORE The Stones had released their version. Now today, that would be cause for lawsuit because we just know that someone would have pulled out their phone, recorded the performance and thus had proof of a breach of knowledge. Thankfully, it went undetected.
EDITOR’S NOTE: And, of course, they also gave it to Ringo to sing on their “With The Beatles” album as well … and Ringo STILL sings it to this very day. Quite honestly, The Rolling Stones’ version isn’t very good … and it's not one of their most memorable tracks … but it IS said to have inspired Mick and Keith to start writing songs of their own, once John and Paul explained how lucrative the song publishing was! (kk)
9. Would you consider a follow-up book? Picking a song and writing your memories?
PERHAPS … MAYBE. I’M OPEN TO ALL IDEAS.
10. In comparison to The Beatles, are there equally relevant artists now?
DON’T TRY IT! That is not to say that there are not great entertainers and musicians who are relevant now. Peter mentions Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish and others that he admires and believes do great work. He just means don’t compare. You cannot truly.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Peter has also worked very closely with Ed Sheeran who, many would agree, kinda looks like he could be Peter Asher’s son … you know, in the same sort of way that Austin Powers looks like he could have been Peter’s dad!!! (lol) kk
Some of these questions are very thought provoking. Some
informative. But we’re not done! The final 10 are next.
