Solo in the 70s: John, Paul, George, Ringo: 1970-1980 Paperback – December 2, 2013

While much in the news of important new Beatles books is centered (quite justifiably) on Mark Lewisohn's landmark tome, a slew of new and important Beatles related books are not to be overlooked. Immediately coming to mind are Kevin Howlett's excellent look at the band's BBC performance career, and on the domestic front, this new entry from noted author Robert Rodriguez.Like his Beatles "FAQ" books, this one serves less as a start-to-finish story, and more a collection of annotated lists. And like his acclaimed look at "Revolver" in his last book, it is immaculately researched. Moreover, it focuses on what we can now, in retrospect, view as the glory days of the Beatles solo careers, the 1970's. For starters, having all four members on this earth kind of makes that an automatic, but the string of chart successes and sheer volume of their collective output was staggering during the decade.As the 50th anniversary of the Beatles US invasion looms, Rodriguez reflects on the 40 years since 1974 ... what a great year for fans ! Paul and Ringo were coming off massive hit albums and riding strings of chart topping singles; John (for all the nonsense about the "lost weekend" period) was at his prolific peak including his first #1 single, and George even became the first Beatle to tour the US after the breakup. And a little gathering called Beatlefest was launched, which has developed into a prime outlet for keepers of the flame.Along the way, Rodriguez deftly evokes the spirit of fandom in those days, when NO conversation about them ever ended without the requisite "do you think they'll get back together?".Reading about the highs and lows of their artistic endeavors is a (to borrow a phrase from our favorite drummer's greatest hits album) "blast from the past", and conversely, turns bittersweet when examining those in the fold (Mal Evans, Pete Ham, etc) who we lost unacceptably too soon.So much younger than today, indeed.

Very interesting to read about the Beatles in their solo years - so many books about their rise to fame thru break-up. The book left me wanting more information - in a good way. Also, it's amazing the fame Ringo and George experienced in the 1970s (no so much towards the end of the decade) - while Lennon was middle of the road and McCartney's initial offerings were considered sluggish. History has been kind to all - but reading it as it happened, thoroughly enjoyable.

Robert Rodriguez nails it again. As with Fab Four FAQs and Fab Four FAQs 2.0 Mr. Rodriguez writes books that read as the footnotes to all of the other books that follow chronological narratives. This is a good thing. Sub-plots, side stories, anecdotes and rabbit holes are one of the wonderful things that make the Beatles “story” so interesting…yet adding these elements and details can side track an author into never ending minutia and digression. This is where Robert Rodriguez shines (and “we all shine on” in our own ways, don’t we?).It has been said (by the author himself, no less) that you can simply pick up the book and start reading as there’s no real beginning or end (as it were). While that’s true I find it easier to simply start at the beginning and read to the end. That way I won’t in inadvertently skip a chapter and miss out on some tid-bit.I highly recommend this book to each and all. For the casual fan simply read and enjoy. For the more serious and rabid Beatles fan have your albums ready to cue up and youtube on-line for some heavy viewing. You won’t be disappointed!!

I have read Robert’s other books including Revolver and Fab Four FAQ the Solo Years. Robert is incredibly knowledgeable and doesn’t have an agenda. He wants to present the facts as they are and is quick to lavish praise as well as deliver constructive criticism to any of the Beatles. The book is filled with great detail of each of their solo releases, promotional films, unreleased tracks and their appearances whether live or on television. Highly entertaining!

This is Robert Rodrigues, always offering a work full of accuracy.

Nothing new here. If you are looking for an in depth discussion on the Beatles on their own in the 70's,this is not it. However if you are looking for names, dates, and anecdotes about the former Beatles solo in the 70's,or don't know a lot of the history regarding the band then you might enjoy it

So much to love about this book! The Beatles in the 1970's is often a decade that gets forgotten, but so much was going on with the Fab 4, even after the break up. Robert Rodriguez' book goes into detail about all of the ins and outs of that crazy decade. This is such a great book!

Enjoyable dataIt is difficult to say something new about The Beatles or about The Beatles solo careers and lives. Anyway, this book has interesting data for fans, especially with the information regarding other Artists that were part of The Beatles circle in those days.