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An Open Letter to Sir Paul McCartney

July 2005

It was great seeing you perform at the Live 8 concert, playing The Beatles classics that we all enjoy. However, I would like to point out something I’m sure that a lot of people were thinking: wouldn’t it be nice if Ringo came on stage and performed with you.

Now a lot of people really appreciated that you, George and Ringo were able to put aside your differences and collaborate on “Free As A Bird” and “Real Love” for The Beatles Anthology albums, but what Beatles fans really want to see is The Beatles back on stage again! Everybody likes a happy ending and to have The Beatles back together in concert would be the perfect ending to the story. I was born the year before The Beatles broke up, so all I have had to satisfy my Beatles cravings are old film footage and the occasional Beatles tribute band. The first concert I saw was “Beatlemania” in Hamilton, Ontario in 1980.

The classic line-ups of Duran Duran and the Eagles got back together. So did Motley Crue (and they haven’t killed each other yet – go figure!). Tears For Fears even made peace and agreed to give it another go. Dare I say that the rift between Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith was a good rival to the rift between you and John! Paul, they even called their reunion album “Everybody Loves A Happy Ending” and their web site says their reunion was “…one of the most unexpected reunions in pop music history”.

Heck, Roger Waters reunited with the rest of Pink Floyd at Live 8, in what I understand was the most anticipated moment of the concert. As a long-time fan of Pink Floyd, I certainly was waiting for it (sorry Dave Gilmour, but Pink Floyd just isn’t the same without Roger). Think back to the late 70’s and early 80’s: the Pink Floyd camp was not a happy place to be back then!!!! I’ve heard some people jokingly refer to “The Wall” as “The Wall between Roger and the rest of the band” and the last “Roger – Floyd” album as “The Final Straw”.

A quick aside, I hope Roger, David, Nick and Rick consider making this a permanent reunion. Just a thought.

All of this is before I even bring up the issue of the proposed Beatles reunion in 1978, or even the time you and John almost crashed George’s appearance on Saturday Night Live when the gag for the night was a “Bettles reunion”.

Now I will address the obvious problem, that being the fact that John and George are no longer with us. Some might not think of it as “The Beatles” without them, but as I see it, that is even more reason why you and Ringo should reunite: neither of you are getting any younger!!! One day, there will be only one of you left and then there will truly be no chance of a Beatles reunion. I agree, it ‘s not ideal, but it is the best that we can do at this point. Besides, Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend still perform as “The Who”, so I’m sure people will cut you some slack.

Some people would say that you “can’t go back”, but I don’t see it that way. This would simply be updating the story. It doesn’t have to be a permanent thing or about money. Just two old mates playing together again.

So tell Ringo to get his drum kit together, call Jullian Lennon and Billy Preston, aka “The 5th Beatle”, and get them on board. As for George’s spot, call either Eric Clapton (he did a kick-ass guitar solo on “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” and there was the thing with George’s wife, so I think he qualifies as the 6th Beatle), Noel Gallagher (I think he’s a Beatles fan, but I might be wrong), Roland Orzabal (another possible Beatles fan) or any of George’s musically talented children. Then get your butts over to Park Place in Barrie, Ontario, where Canada’s contribution to Live 8 was staged, and get ready to rock the house.

Maybe even consider inviting Pete Best as well. I hear he still plays the drums (www.petebest.com).

I’m waiting for your reply Paul!

About the author

Bruce Forsyth

Bruce Forsyth served in the Royal Canadian Navy Reserve for 13 years (1987-2000). He served with units in Toronto, Hamilton & Windsor and worked or trained at CFB Esquimalt, CFB Halifax, CFB Petawawa, CFB Kingston, CFB Toronto, Camp Borden, The Burwash Training Area and LFCA Training Centre Meaford.

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