RINGO AT 78

Happy Birthday, Sir Ringo Starr! Born Richard Starkey, Ringo had rough beginnings on the streets of Liverpool, with serious illnesses and "hard knocks with rival gangs." The skiffle craze carried him into a lifetime career in entertainment when he formed Eddie Clayton Skiffle Group in 1957. He joined the Raving Texans in 1959- renamed Rory Storm and the Hurricanes- as Rock music prevailed as the dominant form. Ringo's band with Rory was super popular in Liverpool and Hamburg, where life on the road brought him into contact with John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison. Won over by Ringo's steady beat, warmth and humor, The Beatles eventually welcomed him as their new drummer on August 18, 1962. The rest, as they say, is history. 

Ringo turns 78 today and he is still rocking the world tours (Fall 2018 dates here). I saw him again a couple of years back and it was one of the best shows I've ever attended. Great vibes, amazing musicians, fun to sing along, and he was warm and interactive with the audience. He also made the news recently when he was... knighted! Congrats Sir Ringo! Additionally, Ringo's childhood neighborhood in Liverpool, Admiral Grove, is under major renovations right now. I was hoping we might see a new addition to Liverpool's Beatles home tours from the National Trust, but the 70k sale apparently came with restrictions not to turn the property into a museum or tourist attraction. Given how small and narrow that street is, I suppose it makes sense to keep history buffs on the main road for their view. Catch up on Ringo's new projects at his official website here. 

When celebrating the artistic and cultural vibe of the 1960s, one cannot overstate the impact of The Beatles. But even with so many anniversary exhibits spotlighting the era, it is rare to see the personal archives of the band members. John Lennon and George Harrison have been honored with displays at the Grammy Museum and I was able to make frequent visits to The John Lennon Museum in Tokyo, which housed most of Lennon's artifacts during the late 90s and early 2000s. Beatles drummer Ringo Starr sold much of his archives in 2015, but he has been producing some beautiful art books of his photos and mementoes with Genesis Publications. 

The newest project is called Another Day in the Life. From the press release: "Following the sell-out success of Postcards From The Boys (2003) and Photograph (2013), Genesis is excited to announce Another Day In The Life by Ringo Starr. The third in Ringo's series of books presents a previously unpublished collection of his photographs, introduced and narrated in his own words. Reflecting his love of music, travel and nature, Another Day In The Life shows us the world as seen through Ringo's eyes. From Los Angeles to Tokyo and everywhere in between, many of Ringo's observational images celebrate the quirkiness of life. Other photographs are taken behind the scenes during historic events, such as Ringo's acceptance of a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and his return to New York's Plaza Hotel, 50 years after The Beatles first visited the USA."

Curious about Ringo's role in music? This is what the world's greatest drummers all have to say about him:

Before his estate auction, Ringo was on hand to open an exhibit at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles, which I was able to attend. The show included his original Ludwig drum kit from the Ed Sullivan show (a kit that launched a million drummers), and other rare instruments. I was also excited to see iconic items like Starr's "Beatle boots", collarless Cardin suit, and his Sgt. Pepper costume. Interactive displays included a drum kit with a video lesson from Ringo and a sing-a-long area with clips from Yellow Submarine (1968). In a tour of the museum with journalists, Ringo said that he did not actively maintain the collection and that he was thankful to a number of assistants for keeping the artifacts safe in storage. Among the items he was "blown away" to discover was a letter from his pre-Beatles bandmate, Rory Storm, and one of their concert posters from the early 1960s. Big thanks to my pal at Double O Section for taking me to this exhibit! Like many fans, I would love to see all four Beatles represented in a comprehensive museum exhibit someday (V&A, are you listening?). Grammy show video below. By the way, Ringo's 2015 auction fetched 9.2 million, with part of the proceeds going to the Lotus Foundation (you can support the foundation now through Ringo art sales).

Many of Ringo's best post-Beatles songs are about relationships and include a number of collaborations with fellow-Beatles and other friends from the industry. The songs lyrically express Ringo's emotions of love -and loss- of the people in his life. The cream of his work is often touching and down-to-earth, a quality that speaks to his early passion for country music (Ringo's second solo album, Beaucoups of Blues/1970, was a collection of country songs). He even got to return to his skiffle roots on an album with Lonnie Donegan! Ringo spent his wild years in the 1970s, making mayhem with pals Keith Moon and Marc Bolan, and appearing in two all-star Rock events -George Harrison's Concert for Bangladesh and The Band's The Last Waltz. Stop and Smell the Roses (1981) was planned to include all four members of the Beatles. Ringo recorded with George Harrison and Paul McCartney in 1980, but John Lennon was killed in December before the two could meet in the studio. The record includes Harry Nilsson, Stephen Stills, Al Kooper, Ronnie Wood, and ends poignantly with promo spots for gun control. Photo below with wife (and James Bond girl) Barbara Bach (The Spy Who Loved Me) at the premiere of Cirque du Soliel's LOVE show in Las Vegas in 2006. See discography here. Check out Ringo's IMDB page here.

I hope you will spend some time with Ringo Starr today on his birthday! Here are some of my favorites. Enjoy!

Films: A Hard Days Night (1964), Help (1965), The Magic Christian (1969), The Point! (1971), Caveman (1981), Ringo Starr VH1 Storytellers (1998).

Beatles Tracks: I Wanna Be Your Man, Boys, Act Naturally, Tomorrow Never Knows, Rain, With a Little Help From My Friends, Strawberry Fields Forever, A Day in the Life, Yellow Submarine, Abbey Road (album).

With Fellow Beatles: Beautiful Night (McCartney/George Martin), All Those Years Ago (Harrison/McCartney), John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band (album), Take it Away (McCartney), When We Was Fab (Harrison).

Ringo Solo Tracks: Early 1970, Step Lightly, It Don't Come Easy, Photograph, Goodnight Vienna (reprise), Back Off Boogaloo, Never Without You, King of Broken Hearts, Liverpool 8, Harry's Song, Rory and the Hurricanes, Postcards From Paradise. 

Selected Spy Vibe Posts: Dark Shadows Strips, Spy Vibe Radio: Flint, Archie Batman 66, Paul at 76, Beatles Pac-Man, Spy Vibe Radio: Jerry Cotton, The Invaders, 007 Horowitz Book Tour, McGoohan/Prisoner Event at Elstree, The Prisoner Interviews Vol 1, British Underground Press, Interview: Fab4 Mania, Bond Cocktail Book, Bond at Bletchley, Spy Smasher, Spy Vibe Radio: Peter Gunn, Agent Zero M, New Prisoner Comic, Dr. No Villains Edition,  Spy Vibe Radio: Danger Diabolik, Dr. No 60th, Oy-Oy-Seven, Spy Vibe Radio (UFO), Cold War Comic Strips, Thunderball Event, Mission to India, Mort Walker Celebration,  Peter Wyngarde Celebration, Batman 66 Exhibit, Prisoner Fifty Event, Ian Fleming Publications 2017-2018, Interview: Ed Hulse Pulp, Avengers Audio Drama, Interview: Callan At 50, Interview: Playboys, Spies, Private Eyes, TWA Returns, Spy Vibe Radio 8, Interview: Ryan Heshka, Mid-Century Modern Schulz, Agent Werewolf, Mata Hair Exhibit, Johnny Sokko 50th, Interview: Trina Robbins, Eddie Izzard, The Prisoner Capt Scarlet 50th, Hugh Hefner R.I.P., Jack Good R.I.P., Interview: Shaken Not Stirred, Callan 50th, Spy Vibe Radio 7, The Prisoner 50th Event, Spy-Fi Event, Kaho Aso 007, Two Million, Bo Diddley, Carnaby Pop, Le Carre Events, Billy Bragg Skiffle, Elvis 68, Jack Kirby The Prisoner, Casino Royale Concert, Review: The Prisoner Vol 2, Interview: The Prisoner Essential Guide, Maud Russell Mottisfont, Spy Vibe Radio 4, Batman Gallants, Adam West R.I.P., Village Triangle, Roger Moore R.I.P., Spy Vibe Radio 3, Sgt Pepper 50th, Satanik Kriminal OST, 60s Overdrive, Make Love in London, Spy Vibe Radio 2, Spy Vibe Radio 1, James Bond Strips, Propaganda Mabuse, Interview: Police Surgeon, XTC Avengers, 1966 Pep Spies, Batman Book Interview, Exclusive Fleming Interview, Avengers Comic Strips, Robert Vaughn RIP, UNCLE Fashions, Thunderbirds Are Pop!, Interview: Spy Film Guide, Lost Avengers Found, The Callan File, Mission Impossible 50th, Green Hornet 50th, Star Trek 50th, Portmeirion Photography 1, Filming the Prisoner, Gaiman McGinnins Project, Ian Fleming Grave, Revolver at 50, Karen Romanko Interview, Mod Tales 2, Umbrella Man: Patrick Macnee, New Beatles Film, The Curious Camera, Esterel Fashion 1966, Exclusive Ian Ogilvy Interview, 007 Tribute Covers, The Phantom Avon novels return, Ian Fleming Festival, Argoman Design, Sylvia Anderson R.I.P., Ken Adam R.I.P., George Martin R.I.P., The New Avengers Comics, The Phantom at 80, 007 Manga, Avengerworld Book, Diana Rigg Auto Show, The Prisoner Audio Drama Review.

PAUL WELLER AT GENESIS

New release: Paul Weller (The Jam) has teamed up with Genesis Publications to create a limited-edition book called Into Tomorrow about the Mod songster's solo career since 1992. The lavish project features over 800 photographs with hand-written captions in a hand-bound leather volume with acrylic slipcase. Limited to 2,000 copies, each book is signed and numbered by Weller and photographer Lawrence Watson. Weller has also included a 10" record with four exclusive tracks. More info here. Genesis published a similar deluxe book/record package about Weller's early career in The Jam and Style Council called A Thousand Things in 2008 (now sold out). New to Genesis? The publisher specializes in curated projects with major artists (often from the 1960s and 1970s) to create signed limited-editions with exclusive content. Some of their past collaborators have included Astrid Kirchherr, George Harrison, Yoko Ono, Ringo Starr, Bob Dylan, The Who, Jimmy Page, Ravi Shankar, George Martin, Brian Wilson, Lou Reed, and David Bowie. As you might imagine, the editions can be pretty pricey, but the exquisite design and attention to detail will definitely appeal to collectors of rare books and fans of popular music. 

Selected Spy Vibe posts: Ringo Does Goldfinger, Sixties Beat Wear, SPECTRE Announced, Popular Skullture, New Gerry Anderson Sets, New SECRET AGENT set, Art of Modesty, Avengers Blu-ray update, Tokyo Beat 1964, Polaroid Spy, Modesty Monday, Feraud Mod Fashion, Flint Scores!, Bond Danish, Home Movies, New Richard Sala Book, New 007 Comics, Designing Bond Books, Green Hornet Manga, Margaret Nolan Art, No 6 Festival, Barbarella Returns, 007 Audio Books Return, Designer: Gene Winfield, Avengers Interview: Michael Richardson, Ian Fleming: Wicked Grin, Jane Bond Hong Kong Records, Ryan Heshka Interview, Comics Week: Man From R.I.V.E.R.D.A.L.E., Comics Week: Archie, Comics Week: Robots, Comics Week: Cold War Atomic, Comics Week: SPYMAN, Comics Week: Jimmy Olsen, Rare Avengers Scripts, Man From Uncle UK Comics, Mattel X-15, Thunderbirds Comics, Shakespeare Spies: Diana Rigg, Shakespeare Spies I, Rodney Marshall Avengers Interview, Avengers Book: Bowler Hats & Kinky Boots, George Lois Design & Mad Men, Richard Sala: Super-Enigmatix, Danger Diabolik Soundtrack, Cold War Archie, Playboy Bunny Interview, The 10th Victim Japanese and Kindle, U.N.C.L.E. Japanese Books, The 10th Victim German Edition, The Saint books return, Trina Robbins Interview, Catsuits, Batman '66 Green Hornet Interview: Ralph Garman Ty Templeton.

FAB FALL

Ahoy Mateys! Raise your periscopes and set sail for a new season of Beatles magic. The artists within the Beatles circle were prolific in the 1960s, and by nature they continue to follow their Muse with new creations each year. Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and Yoko Ono are rolling out some cool projects this season. And with such dynamic output over the years, researchers around the world continue to explore the Fabs with often fascinating results. For Spy Vibers trying to keep track, here is a checklist of some of the current performances, books, albums, and films. I will update as additional information is announced. You can see my award-winning re-mix and experimental film for Yoko Ono here (free) and here ($1.99).

Tune In: The Beatles: All These Years Vol 1: The first volume of Mark Lewisohn's epic Beatles biography will be released in a standard edition (960 pages) as a hardcover and eBook in the UK on Oct 10th. A US version with a different cover and "Americanized" text will follow on Oct 29th. An extended version (1,728 pages) will be published as a boxed two-volume set and eBook in the UK on Nov 14th. A US release is tentatively set for Feb.

The Complete Beatles Recording Sessions: The Official Story of the Abbey Road Years 1962-1970: Lewisohn's historic reference book about every Beatles recording session was made possible when he was granted access to the original studio tapes. Coveted by collectors and researchers for years, the book will be re-released on Oct 1st. From Amazon: "After years out of print, a new edition of this hotly sought-after classic is available again! Mark Lewisohn's definitive guide covers every recording session done by the Beatles at EMI's famed Abbey Road recording studio. It includes the number of takes for each song; who contributed what; previously unpublished studio documents and interviews with many of the key recording personnel; and facsimile reproductions of Abbey Road recording sheets, tape boxes, album sleeve roughs, memos, contracts, press releases and more. Lavishly illustrated with over 350 photographs (rare images by Linda McCartney among them), this must-have volume also features an exclusive introductory interview with Paul McCartney." Due Oct 1st. 

The Beatles: The BBC Archives: 1962-1970: From Amazon: "A carefully curated collection of the surviving transcripts of the Beatles’ appearances on BBC Radio and Television from 1962 to 1970, featuring commentary from author and Beatles expert Kevin Howlett and rare photographs and memorabilia from the BBC." Oct 29th. There is much speculation that a new volume of unreleased Beatles BBC recordings will appear soon, but there has been no official confirmation yet.

Beatles Solo: The Illustrated Chronicles of John, Paul, George and Ringo After the Beatles: By Mojo journalist Mat Snow, "This stunning gift set contains four beautifully illustrated books –one for each Beatle – covering their lives since they broke up in 1969. Jam-packed with nearly 400 pages, 200 photos, quotes, lyrics, and memorabilia all packaged in an elegant slipcase, this is a must-have gift item for the Beatle-lover in your life." Due out on Oct 13th. 

When They Were Boys by Larry Kane: "This is the real story of the Beatles’ harrowing rise to fame: focusing on that 7-year stretch from the time the boys met as teenagers in the 50’s to early 1964, when the Fab Four prepared to invade America. From the boys’ humble beginnings in Liverpool, to the cellars of Hamburg, When They Were Boys includes stories never before told, including heartbreaks, lucky breaks, and the dramatic twists of timing, fate, loyalty, and betrayal. Included are an eyewitness account of that first meeting between Lennon and McCartney, the inside story of how Ringo replaced Pete Best, an exploration of the brilliant but troubled soul of manager Brian Epstein, the real scoop on their disastrous first visit to Germany and the death of Stu Sutcliffe. With an eye for life in Liverpool during the 50’s and 60’s, and with the help of his own conversations with the Beatles in the early years, Larry Kane brings to life the evolution of the group that changed music forever." Published on July 30th.

The Fifth Beatle: The Brian Epstein Story: "The Fifth Beatle is the untold true story of Brian Epstein, the visionary manager who discovered and guided the Beatles - from their gigs in a tiny cellar in Liverpool to unprecedented international stardom. Yet more than merely the story of "The Man Who Made the Beatles," The Fifth Beatle is an uplifting, tragic, and ultimately inspirational human story about the struggle to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds. Brian himself died painfully lonely at the young age of thirty-two, having helped the Beatles prove through "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" that pop music could be an inspirational art form. He was homosexual when it was a felony to be so in the United Kingdom, Jewish at a time of anti-Semitism, and from Liverpool when it was considered just a dingy port town." Graphic novel. Due Nov 19th.

The John Lennon Letters: "This collection of nearly 300 letters and postcards has been edited and annotated by Hunter Davies, whose authorized biography The Beatles (McGraw-Hill, 1968) was published to great acclaim. With unparalleled knowledge of Lennon and his contemporaries, Davies reads between the lines of the artist's words, contextualizing them and using them to reveal the man himself." Paperback edition, Oct 29th. 

The Beatles Collected by Brian Southall (Beatles Memorabilia w Julian Lennon): "2013 is the fiftieth anniversary of the Beatles' major arrival in America. This book is the first serious book about Beatles collectibles. Beautifully photographed and designed, it includes a range of Beatles merchandise from guitars, plastic models, clothes, wigs, bubblegum cards, and even Beatles mothballs." 224 pages. Due Oct 15th.

The Beatles in 100 Objects by Brian Southall (Beatles Memorabilia w Julian Lennon): "2013 marks the 50th anniversary of Beatlemania, with their first number one, and their first album. From the time they were formed in 1962, through to their break-up eight years later, the Beatles were associated with a multitude of items, places and people. This illustrated collection focuses on 100 of the most important of those 'objects' - which heralded landmark moments, career changing achievements or curious episodes in the life of a Beatle. From tickets to records, instruments to memorabilia, clothes and the stories and histories behind them - including the drum kit Ringo purchased in 1960 and a copy of 'My Bonnie' (the band's first professional recording) and a ticket for Candlestick Park (the Fab Four's last concert); here are 100 amazing objects that tell the story of the Beatles as never before." Oct 10th. 

The Beatles in America: "Early in 1964, with Beatlemania raging in the UK, the Beatles topped the US charts with "I Want To Hold Your Hand," and became a sensation on American TV with The Ed Sullivan Show - on which they appeared no fewer than three occasions, on consecutive Sundays in February, 1964. In April 1964, they held all Top Five positions on the Billboard Hot 100 and were playing such prestigious venues as Carnegie Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, and Shea Stadium. With exclusive interviews with fellow musicians, promoters, and audience members, together with rare photographs and memorabilia, The Beatles In America is the definitive, fully illustrated account of their concerts, the controversies, and of how the country dominated their lives in so many ways - written by one of the acknowledged experts on the Fab Four, Liverpool's own Spencer Leigh." Oct 14th.

Acorn by Yoko Ono: "The first solo book in fifty years by renowned artist, musician, and political activist Yoko Ono, Acorn offers enchanting and thought-provoking exercises that open our eyes—and all of our senses—to more creative and mindful ways of relating to ourselves, each other, and the planet we cohabit. Throughout the book are 100 black-and-white line drawings by Yoko. Like this legendary woman herself, the book is wildly original, stimulating, and hard to label: Call it purposeful play, call it brain poetry, call it guided motivation, call it Zen-like incantations, call it whatever you want. But read it. Acorn may change the way you experience the world." Hardcover, Nov 19th. A limited edition signed hardcover is available through the UK publisher here. 

NEW: The new Rock album by Paul McCartney will be released in CD, deluxe CD, and vinyl editions on Oct 15th. 

How the Beatles Rocked the Kremlin: "Imagine a world where Beatlemania was against the law-recordings scratched onto medical X-rays, merchant sailors bringing home contraband LPs, spotty broadcasts taped from western AM radio late in the night. This was no fantasy world populated by Blue Meanies but the USSR, where a vast nation of music fans risked repression to hear the defining band of the British Invasion." Written by a former spy and journalist (who filmed The Beatles at the Cavern singing Some Other Guy!), this fascinating book came out on April 23rd, 2013. Paperback due April 2014.

Take Me to the Land of Hell: New album by Yoko Ono with Sean Lennon, Lenny Kravitz, and others will be released on CD Oct 17th (new date). I believe that Yoko's back catalog is set for re-release, but no details have been announced yet. 

Greenfield Morning: Limited edition vinyl by Yoko Ono and Rza, due out on Sept 3rd. 

Chimera Music Release 15: Limited edition vinyl EP by Iggy Pop and Yoko Ono, released Aug 13th.

Photograph: New archival project by Genesis Publications is an intimate look through Ringo Starr's personal collection of family photos and his Beatles years. Due out around Christmas, an inexpensive eBook was released through Genesis and iTunes during the early summer. 

Infinite Universe At Dawn: This limited edition project by Genesis Publications covering Yoko Ono's work in various media will be release in celebration of the artist's 80th birthday in 2013. 

The Beatles Records on Vee-Jay: From Bruce Spizer's series of must-have reference books, this volume has been long out of print and fetches upwards of $500 on the collector's market. Spizer has just released an updated digital edition. The new eBook offers useful features such as a search engine, annotation capabilities, and image-zoom.

The Beatles Mono: A box set of Mono LPs was planned for a fall 2013 release. After many concerns re: the pressing quality of the Stereo LPs in the US last year, fans are hoping for a premium hi-fidelity Mono set. More details will be added as updates are announced. 

In His Own Words: Audiogo has released two volumes of archival BBC interviews on CD with Paul McCartney and John Lennon. These fascinating interviews span from the early 1960s to later solo years. The Lennon interviews cover his literary projects, albums, and some poignant conversations about New York in 1980. Spy Vibers may also be interested in others in the series, Alfred Hitchcock and Roald Dahl. 

Paul McCartney Going Underground:  "In the mid-1960s the often rigid and colourless British way of life was irrevocably transformed by the emergence of a cultural underground movement. Led by a loose collective of young radicals, they introduced new social, sexual and aesthetic perspectives. Operating out of the heart of London, their various activities, from 'The International Times' - a bi-weekly journal that no hipster could be seen without - to the psychedelic nightclub UFO, promoted alternative lifestyles and values, and sparked a social revolution. This film not only traces the history of this underground scene, but also explores its impact on the pre-eminent British group of the era, The Beatles. Although they were well established by the time the movement emerged, Paul McCartney in particular, was closely linked with several of its key players, and through his exposure to cutting edge concepts brought ideas directly from the avant-garde into the mainstream. Featuring many new interviews with key players from the time. Also includes rare archive footage, photographs from private collections and music from The Pink Floyd, The Beatles, Soft Machine, AMM and others." Oct 1st.  

Lennon Bermuda: Tribute album includes tracks by Yoko Ono, Bryan Ferry, my high school pal Heather Nova, and many others. Sept 17th. 

Octopus's Garden: Children's book based on the tune, includes CD with unreleased version of the song. Feb 4th. 

The RCA Albums Collection: Limited edition 14-album anthology by Harry Nilsson. Released July 30th.

Man On the Run: From music journalist Tom Doyle: "The most famous living rock musician on the planet, Paul McCartney is now regarded as a slightly cozy figure, an (inter)national treasure. Back in the 1970s, however, McCartney cut a very different figure. He was, literally, a man on the run. Desperately trying to escape the shadow of the Beatles, he became an outlaw hippy millionaire, hiding out on his Scottish farmhouse in Kintyre before travelling the world with makeshift bands and barefoot children. It was a time of numerous drug busts and brilliant, banned and occasionally baffling records. For McCartney, it was an edgy, liberating and sometimes frightening period of his life that has largely been forgotten. 'Man on the Run' paints an illuminating picture: from McCartney's personal crisis following the Beatles split through his apparent victimization by the authorities to the rude awakening of his imprisonment for marijuana possession in Japan in 1980 and the shocking wake-up call of John Lennon's murder. Ultimately, it poses the question: if you were one quarter of the Beatles, could you really outrun your past?" UK only. Sept 6th. 

The Beatles Encyclopedia: Due April 30th, 2014.

Good Ol' Freda: I helped finance this doc film about the Beatles fan club secretary. Look for theatrical release in September. Details here. 

Peter Asher will be performing his audio/visual memoir show this fall. Dates include Sept 18th at Yoshi's in Oakland (not listed on his website), Oct 5th in San Diego, and Oct 12th at the Grammy Museum in LA. Asher's website here.

Paul McCartney has four concert dates planned in Japan for November. Details here. Ringo Starr has two concerts planned in November in Las Vegas. Details here. Ringo will also be performing this fall in South America. Dates listed here. 

Yoko Ono and Sean Lennon will be performing with others in a rare NYC show on Sept 15th. Details here. 

Ringo Starr Exhibit: Don't miss the major retrospective of Ringo's artifacts from his Rory Storm, Beatles, and solo years. Up until March 2014 at the Grammy Museum in LA. Spy Vibe post here. 

Get ready to meet MIKI ZERO, Japanese fashion model and spy! Jason Whiton, creator of Spy Vibe, has written a sixties thriller inspired by his love of Ian Fleming and based on newly declassified intel from the Cold War. More info at his website here. Recent Spy Vibe posts: A Hard Days Night cinematographer dies, Magic Christian on Blu-ray, Early Beatles image archive, Julie Newmar, Erno Goldfinger, Hitchcock tribute, Ian Fleming memorial, Emma Peel Megaset returns.

Recent Ian Fleming posts on Spy Vibe: Erno Goldfinger, Ian Fleming Music Series links: Noel Coward, Whispering Jack Smith, Hawaiian Guitar, Joe Fingers Carr, new Ian Fleming Catalog, Jon Gilbert interview, Double 007 Designs, Bond audio book reissues, discovery of one of Ian Fleming's WWII Commandos, James Bond book covers, Ian Fleming's Playboy interview for Kindle, Spy Vibe's discovery of a rare Ian Fleming serialization, rare View to a Kill, Fleming's Royal gold typewriter, Ian Fleming's memorial address.