{{Short description|American music festival}} {{Use mdy dates|date=August 2015}} {{Infobox Convention |name = The Fest for Beatles Fans |image = The Fest for Beatles Fans 2024 poster.jpeg |caption = Poster for 2024 convention |status = Active |genre = The Beatles |location = New York Metro area, Chicago |frequency = Twice per year |country = United States |first = September 1974 |founder_name = Mark Lapidos |website = {{URL|http://www.thefest.com}} }} '''The Fest for Beatles Fans''' (previously known as '''Beatlefest''') is a twice-annual, three-day festival that honors the lasting legacy of the Beatles. The festival takes place in the New York metropolitan area, ordinarily in March or April, and in Chicago, Illinois, each August. Running Friday through Sunday, the Fest features special guests, live concerts, exhibits, art contests, a Beatles marketplace, a sound-alike contest, a Battle of the Beatles Bands, and more.
== History == {{external media | float = right | width = 258px | image1 = [https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/b0/8d/01/b08d01837c3d98b1e300b2a1416112da.jpg Cover of ''Rolling Stone'', October 24, 1974] }} The Fest for Beatles Fans began in 1974 after founder Mark Lapidos<ref>{{cite news |last=Hester |first=Jere |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music-arts/fascination-beatles-continues-grow-article-1.1590681 |title=Fascination with Beatles continues to grow long after Fab Four's infamous breakup |newspaper=Daily News |location=New York |date=January 24, 2014}}</ref> ran the idea by John Lennon during an encounter at the Pierre Hotel in New York City. Lapidos asked Lennon for permission, to which Lennon replied, "I’m all for it! I’m a Beatles fan too!"<ref name="Berman">{{cite web |url=http://www.thefest.com/history/ |title=History of The Fest |publisher=The Fest for Beatles Fans |access-date=January 25, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Lapidos|first=Mark|chapter=Preface: The Beatles, In My Life|editor-last=Berman|editor-first=Garry|title='We're Going to See the Beatles!': An Oral History of Beatlemania as Told by the Fans Who Were There|publisher=Santa Monica Press|date=April 1, 2007|pages=[https://archive.org/details/weregoingtoseebe00berm_0/page/11 11]–14|url=https://archive.org/details/weregoingtoseebe00berm_0|url-access=registration|isbn=978-1-59580-032-9}}</ref>
The first Fest, titled ''Beatlefest '74'', took place over the weekend of 14–15 September 1974 at the Commodore Hotel in New York City.<ref name="Badman pp 132-33">{{cite book|last=Badman|first=Keith|title=The Beatles Diary Volume 2: After the Break-Up 1970–2001|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TPfPQuzGevMC&pg=PT377|publisher=Omnibus Press|location=London|year=2001|isbn=978-0-7119-8307-6|pages=132–33}}</ref> Over 8,000 Beatles fans attended.<ref name="Berman"/> The event was supported by BBC TV and Apple Corps in London; both organisations supplied archive films and promotional clips, some of which had never been seen in the US.<ref name="Badman pp 132-33" /> Each Beatle donated an item to be auctioned off for charity – guitars from Lennon and Paul McCartney, a table from George Harrison, and autographed drumsticks from Ringo Starr.<ref name="Badman pp 132-33" /> Lennon considered attending, but decided not to because he was nervous about the crowd.<ref>{{cite book|last=Robinson|first=Lisa|title=There Goes Gravity: A Life in Rock and Roll|publisher=Penguin|date=April 22, 2014|page=69|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VYYqAAAAQBAJ&pg=PT69|isbn=978-1-101-63208-6}}</ref> May Pang, his girlfriend at the time, went in his place, with instructions to buy any interesting-looking memorabilia. ''Melody Maker'' journalist Chris Charlesworth helped Pang select items.<ref name="Badman pp 132-33" /> ''Beatlefest '74'' was recognized on the cover of ''Rolling Stone'' magazine.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Strange Rumblings in Pepperland|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=October 24, 1974}}</ref>
Since its inception in 1974, the Fest has taken place every year in the New York Metropolitan area, except for the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.nj.com/hudson/2022/03/get-back-the-fest-for-beatles-fans-returns-after-a-two-year-hiatus.html|title= Get back! The Fest for Beatles Fans Returns After a Two Year Hiatus|last= Mosca|first= David|date= March 23, 2022|website= NJ.com|publisher= The Jersey Journal|access-date= March 25, 2023|quote=}}</ref> It has taken place in Chicago, Illinois, every year since 1977. The Fest has also taken place in Atlanta, Boston,<ref name="Boston">{{cite news|first1=Carol|last1=Beggy|first2=Mark|last2=Shanahan|url=http://archive.boston.com/ae/celebrity/articles/2003/11/10/beatlemania_rocks_danvers_red_sox_gm_turns_esquire_rebel/|title=Beatlemania rocks Danvers; Red Sox GM turns Esquire 'rebel'|newspaper=Boston Globe|date=November 10, 2003}}</ref> Houston, Las Vegas,<ref name="lvs">{{cite news|last=Brown|first=Joe|url=http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2008/jun/30/embracing-commercialism/|title=Embracing commercialism|newspaper=Las Vegas Sun|date=June 30, 2008}}</ref> Los Angeles,<ref name="lamag">{{cite journal|title=The Guide: Fairs, Fetes & Fests|journal=Los Angeles|date=December 1988|page=174|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0F0EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA174}}</ref> Orlando,<ref name="Badman1572">{{cite book|last=Badman|first=Keith|title=The Beatles Diary Volume 2: After the break-up, 1970-2001|publisher=Omnibus Press|date=October 27, 2009|page=1572|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LDLhgzA930UC&pg=PT1572|isbn=978-0-85712-001-4}}</ref> Philadelphia<ref>{{cite book|last=Badman|first=Keith|title=The Beatles Diary Volume 2: After the break-up, 1970-2001|publisher=Music Sales Group|year=2001|page=498|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TPfPQuzGevMC&pg=PT498|isbn=978-0-85712-001-4}}</ref> and San Francisco.<ref>{{cite news|last=Beckerman|first=Jim|title=Fest for Beatle Fans, this weekend, enters fifth decade|url=http://www.northjersey.com/arts-and-entertainment/music/beatles-festival-to-put-spotlight-on-events-of-65-1.1290905|newspaper=The Record|date=March 18, 2015|access-date=March 28, 2015}}</ref>
For the 60th anniversary of the Beatles landing in America at JFK airport, The Fest for Beatles Fans was held at the new TWA Hotel at JFK Airport, whose main public spaces are in the historic Eero Saarinen TWA flight Center where the Beatles landed.<ref>{{cite web |title=Fest For Beatles Fans NYC 2024 |url=https://www.facebook.com/events/260005070393802/ |website=facebook |access-date=7 June 2024}}</ref>
Lapidos' 1977 application for a registered trademark on ''Beatlefest'' was granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office in 1979. Nearly two decades later, it was challenged by Apple Corps in 1997 and ceded by Lapidos in 2002;<ref>{{cite web |title=Case 73118612 Beatlefest |url=http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=73118612&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch |website=Trademark Status & Document Retrieval |publisher=USPTO |access-date=3 July 2020}}; Mark Lapidos Productions Ltd. v Apple Corps Limited: * Trademark case {{cite web |title=Proceedings 92026010 |url=https://ttabvue.uspto.gov/ttabvue/v?pno=92026010 |website=Trademark Trial and Appeal Board Inquiry System |publisher=USPTO}} * Civil case 00-4947 (DNJ) (HAA) </ref> thereafter, the name ''The Fest for Beatles Fans'' has been used.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gerber |first1=Michael |title=The Future of Beatlefest |url=https://www.heydullblog.com/the-fest-for-beatles-fans/future-of-beatlefest/ |website=Hey Dullblog |access-date=3 July 2020 |date=23 July 2015}}</ref>
== Events and activities ==
Among the events and activities at the Fest for Beatles Fans are nightly concerts by Beatles tribute band Liverpool, appearances and performances by various musical guests, photo exhibits, a Beatles museum and art contest, a Beatles sound-alike contest, the Battle of the Beatles Bands, panels and discussions with authors and Beatles experts, movie screenings, live auctions, puppet shows, and a Beatles marketplace. In 2014, the Fest included a bus trip to JFK Airport to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Beatles' arrival in America.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.timeout.com/newyork/things-to-do/the-fest-for-beatles-fans-2014|title=The Fest for Beatles Fans 2014|work=Time Out|location=New York|date=January 13, 2014}}</ref>
== Past attendees ==
Since its inception in 1974, the Fest has hosted hundreds of special guests, including:
===Musicians=== <!--Please maintain alphabetical order, and only include people with their own Wikipedia article--> * Randy Bachman, Canadian musician and founder of The Guess Who and Bachman–Turner Overdrive<ref name="bww18">{{cite web |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/44th-Annual-Fest-For-Beatles-Fans-Announced-39-11-20180209 |title=44th Annual Fest For Beatles Fans Announced, 3/9 - 11 |work=Broadway World |date=February 9, 2018}}</ref> Bachman was also a part of Ringo Starr's 1992 All-Starr Band. * Pete Best, drummer for the Beatles before being replaced by Ringo Starr<ref>{{cite book|last=Kane|first=Larry|title=When They Were Boys: The True Story of the Beatles' Rise to the Top|url=https://archive.org/details/whentheywereboys00kane|url-access=registration|pages=[https://archive.org/details/whentheywereboys00kane/page/141 141], 246, 248|publisher=Running Press|date=July 30, 2013|isbn=978-0-7624-4014-6}}</ref><ref name="HudRep">{{cite news|last=Hoffman|first=Dave|url=http://www.hudsonreporter.com/view/full_story/2397276/article-Back-in-Secaucus-Thirtieth-Fest-for-Beatles-Fans-celebrates-4Oth-anniversary-of-Fab-Four-s-arrival-in-States?instance=more_page|title=Back in Secaucus Thirtieth Fest for Beatles Fans celebrates 4Oth anniversary of Fab Four's arrival in States|newspaper=Hudson Reporter|date=March 26, 2004|archive-date=March 3, 2016|access-date=January 26, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303223101/http://www.hudsonreporter.com/view/full_story/2397276/article-Back-in-Secaucus-Thirtieth-Fest-for-Beatles-Fans-celebrates-4Oth-anniversary-of-Fab-Four-s-arrival-in-States?instance=more_page|url-status=dead}}</ref> * Gregg Bissonette, drummer for Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band<ref name="Villager2024">{{cite web |last=Krasner |first=Bob |url=https://www.amny.com/entertainment/music/fest-for-beatles-fans-jfk-2024/ |title=Come together: Three-day 'Fest for Beatles Fans' marks 60 years since Fab Four arrived in America, and changed music forever |work=The Villager |date=February 14, 2024}}</ref> * Blac Rabbit, American psychedelic rock band who gained popularity covering Beatles music<ref name="2019NJ">{{cite web |last=Beckerman |first=Jim |url=https://www.northjersey.com/story/entertainment/2019/03/26/beatles-fest-celebrates-iconic-album-and-iconic-hoax/3246457002/ |title=Beatles Fest celebrates an iconic album, and an iconic hoax |date=March 26, 2019 |work=North Jersey Record}}</ref> * Glen Burtnik, performed with ''Beatlemania'', Styx and the Orchestra; performs in Fest house band Liverpool<ref>{{cite web|title=Glen Burtnik|publisher=Styxtoury.com|url=http://www.styxtoury.com/members/glen/index.html|access-date=August 23, 2015}}</ref> * Howie Casey, saxophonist for Tony Sheridan's Beat Brothers, Liverpool band Howie Casey & the Seniors, and Wings<ref name="past guests">{{cite web |url=http://www.thefest.com/history/past-guests/ |title=Fest Guests 1974-2013 |publisher=The Fest for Beatles Fans}}</ref> * Chad & Jeremy, 1960s English folk rock duo<ref name="nyt50">{{cite news|last=Kozinn|first=Allan|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/02/arts/music/beatle-fans-hear-yesterday-again.html?_r=0|title=Beatle Fans Hear Yesterday Again|newspaper=The New York Times|date=January 31, 2014}}</ref><ref name="nydn14">{{cite news|last=Farber|first=Jim|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music-arts/new-york-city-celebrates-50-years-beatles-special-events-article-1.1601932|title=New York City celebrates 50 years of the Beatles with special events|newspaper=Daily News|location=New York|date=February 4, 2014}}</ref> * Jon Cobert, Grammy Award-nominated pianist who performed with John Lennon<ref name="2019NJ"/> * Spencer Davis, leader and guitarist for the Spencer Davis Group<ref name="past guests"/> * Micky Dolenz, drummer and lead singer for the Monkees<ref name="chi14">{{cite news|last=Mikrut|first=Michael|title=Peter Noone Performing at The Fest for Beatles Fans Chicago 2014|url=http://www.peopleandplacesnewspaper.com/peter-noone-performing-at-the-fest-for-beatles-fans-chicago-2014/|newspaper=People and Places|location=Leydon Township, IL|date=August 25, 2014|access-date=February 2, 2015|archive-date=February 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150203055738/http://www.peopleandplacesnewspaper.com/peter-noone-performing-at-the-fest-for-beatles-fans-chicago-2014/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Villager2024"/> * Donovan, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer<ref name="lvs"/><ref name="nyt50"/><ref name="nydn14"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.donovan.ie/en/2014/01/fest-for-beatles-fans/ |title=Donovan Plays Concert at Fest for Beatles Fans, New York City, February 7/8/9, Also He Will Give a Talk 'Meditation & The White Album' |publisher=Donovan Official Website |date=January 2014 |access-date=January 25, 2015 |archive-date=September 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923215928/http://www.donovan.ie/en/2014/01/fest-for-beatles-fans/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> * Richie Havens, singer, guitarist, songwriter<ref name="past guests"/> * Greg Hawkes, keyboardist for the Cars, played keyboards for McCartney<ref name="2008Program">Program from 2008 August 22–24 Chicago Beatlefest</ref> * Steve Holley, Laurence Juber, Denny Laine, Henry McCullough, and Denny Seiwell – former members of Paul McCartney & Wings<ref name="nyt50"/><ref>[http://cottageviews.com/wings.htm 1997 "Wings" photo page by Michael Cimino Archives] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081201191435/http://cottageviews.com/wings.htm |date=December 1, 2008 }}.</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.classicrockcentral.com/classic_rock_news.cfm#39 |title=Wings Alumni to Take Flight |publisher=ClassicRockCentral.com |date=July 10, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070826185637/http://www.classicrockcentral.com/classic_rock_news.cfm |archive-date=August 26, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Rodriguez|first=Robert|title=Fab Four FAQ 2.0: The Beatles' Solo Years, 1970-1980|publisher=Hal Leonard Corporation|year=2010|page=221|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ogTOR_bfXXkC&pg=PA221|isbn=978-0-87930-968-8}}</ref><ref name="la14">{{cite news|last=Gomez|first=Sal|title=Entertainment Corner: The Fest for Beatles Fans|url=http://www.midvalleynews.com/entertainment-and-beyond/music-reviews-movie-reviews-book-reviews/2014/10/29/entertainment-corner-the-fest-for-beatles-fans/|newspaper=Mid Valley News|location=El Monte, CA|date=October 29, 2014|access-date=February 2, 2015|archive-date=February 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150203063819/http://www.midvalleynews.com/entertainment-and-beyond/music-reviews-movie-reviews-book-reviews/2014/10/29/entertainment-corner-the-fest-for-beatles-fans/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Villager2024"/> * Jim Horn, saxophonist/flutist on solo recordings by all four Beatles<ref name="past guests"/> * Brett Hudson, vocalist, guitarist and bassist for the Hudson Brothers<ref name="2008Program"/> * Mark Hudson, member of the Hudson Brothers, Ringo Starr's producer for ten years<ref name="Boston"/><ref name="HudRep"/><ref name="chi14"/><ref name="la14"/><ref name="Fest14NYC">{{cite web |url=http://www.thefest.com/2014-fests/new-york-city-february-7-9-2014/guests/ |title=Guests - New York City |year=2014 |publisher=The Fest for Beatles Fans |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114091427/http://www.thefest.com/2014-fests/new-york-city-february-7-9-2014/guests/ |archive-date=November 14, 2013}}</ref> * Neil Innes, musician for Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band, Monty Python and The Rutles, performed at the Concert for George<ref name="Boston"/><ref name="nyt50"/> * Billy J. Kramer, 1960s pop singer who recorded several Lennon–McCartney songs<ref name="nyt50"/><ref name="nydn14"/><ref name="cst12">{{cite news|last=Grochowski|first=John|url=http://www.suntimes.com/entertainment/weekend/14348753-421/fest-for-beatles-fans-yeah-yeah-yeah.html|title=Fest for Beatles Fans: Yeah, yeah, yeah!|newspaper=Chicago Sun-Times|date=August 8, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120813051347/http://www.suntimes.com/entertainment/weekend/14348753-421/fest-for-beatles-fans-yeah-yeah-yeah.html|archive-date=August 13, 2012}}</ref><ref name="Villager2024"/> * Jackie Lomax, vocalist/guitarist for the Undertakers, original artist for Apple Records<ref name="past guests"/> * Gerry Marsden, leader of the British Merseybeat band, Gerry and the Pacemakers<ref name="tmc">{{cite news |last=Gehman |first=Geoff |url=https://www.mcall.com/1990/04/23/covering-the-beat-at-beatlefest-reverence-reminiscences-and-revenues-spark-new-york-event-for-90-reporter-finds/ |title=Covering The Beat At Beatlefest Reverence, Reminiscences And Revenues Spark New York Event For '90, Reporter Finds |newspaper=The Morning Call |date=April 23, 1980}}</ref> * Mike McCartney, vocalist/writer for The Scaffold as Mike McGear, Paul McCartney's younger brother<ref name="past guests"/> * Delbert McClinton, singer/songwriter, taught John Lennon how to play blues harmonica<ref name="past guests"/> * Robbie McIntosh, guitarist for the Pretenders and the Paul McCartney backing band<ref name="past guests"/> * Ron McNeil, co-founder of Emmy-award winning tribute band The Fab Four<ref>{{Citation |last=Mohan |first=Shantha |title=Hello, Goodbye |date=2022-03-15 |work=Leadership Lessons with The Beatles |pages=183–196 |url=https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003267546-16 |access-date=2025-12-09 |place=New York |publisher=Productivity Press |isbn=978-1-003-26754-6 |last2=Deshpande |first2=Anand}}</ref><ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ToWVxzKosrA |title=Episode 1: Ron McNeil - Founder of Emmy Award-winning tribute band The Fab Four |date=2025-08-24 |last=In the Green Room with Aidan Keene |access-date=2025-12-09 |via=YouTube}}</ref> * Joey Molland, Mike Gibbins, guitarist and drummer for Apple Records band Badfinger<ref name="la14"/> * Chris Montez, singer/musician, toured with the Beatles<ref name="past guests"/> * Harry Nilsson, singer-songwriter who was close with John Lennon and Ringo Starr.<ref>{{cite video |people=Nilsson, Harry |year=2010|title=Who is Harry Nilsson? (And Why is Everyone Talkin' About Him?) |url=http://www.authorizedpix.com/wihn_home.html|format=DVD|publisher=Authorized Pictures/Lorber Films|location= New York|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609202542/http://www.authorizedpix.com/wihn_home.html|archive-date=June 9, 2011}}</ref> In 1982, Nilsson released an exclusive limited-edition single called "With a Bullet" at Beatlefest to raise money for gun control.<ref>{{cite book|last=Shipton|first=Alyn|author-link=Alyn Shipton|title=Nilsson: The Life of a Singer-Songwriter|publisher=Oxford University Press|date=August 8, 2013|pages=256–257|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QZceAAAAQBAJ&pg=PA256|isbn=978-0-19-975657-5}}</ref> * Peter Noone, lead singer of Herman's Hermits<ref name="chi14"/> * Roy Orbison Jr., American musician and record producer<ref name="bww18"/> * David Peel, singer and Apple Records recording artist<ref name="past guests"/> * Mike Pender, founding member and lead vocalist for the Searchers<ref name="chi14"/> * Peter and Gordon (Peter Asher and Gordon Waller), who performed at Fest conventions together and separately<ref name="nyt50"/><ref name="nydn14"/><ref name="cst12"/> * Billy Preston, keyboardist who appeared on several Beatles tracks in the late 1960s<ref name="cst12"/> * The Quarrymen, a British skiffle/rock and roll group formed by Lennon which eventually evolved into the Beatles<ref name="Badman1572"/> * Mark Rivera, saxophonist who played with Lennon and toured with Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band<ref name="chi14"/><ref name="Fest14NYC"/><ref name="Villager2024"/> * Tom Scott, saxophonist on solo recordings by Harrison, Starr and McCartney<ref name="past guests"/> * Tony Sheridan, singer-songwriter and guitarist who was an early collaborator with the Beatles<ref>{{cite web|last=Johnson|first=Joe|title=RIP Tony Sheridan|url=http://www.beatlebrunchclub.com/news/news_show.asp?n_id=872|work=Beatle Brunch Club News|date=February 17, 2013|access-date=February 2, 2015}}</ref> * Earl Slick, guitarist for New York Dolls, Phantom, Rocker & Slick, Silver Condor; sideman for the John Lennon and David Bowie "Fame" sessions<ref name="2008Program"/> * The Smithereens, American rock band influenced by the Beatles who released two albums of Beatles covers<ref name="nyt50"/> * Ronnie Spector, singer and former member of the Ronettes<ref>{{cite web|last=Kessler|first=Jude|url=http://www.beatlesnews.com/blog/the-beatles/200908141728/live-from-the-chicago-fest-for-beatles-fans.html|title=Live from the Chicago Fest for Beatles Fans|publisher=BeatlesNews.com|date=August 14, 2009|access-date=January 25, 2015}}</ref> * Hamish Stuart, guitarist for Average White Band and the Paul McCartney backing band<ref name="past guests"/> * Terry Sylvester, English guitarist/singer with The Escorts, The Swinging Blue Jeans and The Hollies<ref name="rebeat">{{cite web|first=Erika |last=Abrams |url=http://www.rebeatmag.com/why-the-2015-chicago-fest-for-beatles-fans-was-the-best-one-yet/ |title=Why the 2015 Chicago Fest For Beatles Fans Was the Best One Yet |work=REBEAT Magazine |date=August 19, 2015 |access-date=August 23, 2015}}</ref> * Doris Troy, singer and Apple Records recording artist<ref name="past guests"/> * Lon & Derrek Van Eaton, singers/guitarists and brothers, Apple Records recording artists<ref name="past guests"/> * Klaus Voormann, met the Beatles in Hamburg in the early 1960s, designed the cover of ''Revolver'', and played bass with Lennon as part of the Plastic Ono Band. He also recorded with Lennon, McCartney, Harrison and Starr.<ref name="Voormann">{{cite web|url=http://www.voormann.com/biography/current_news|title=Biography|publisher=Klaus Voormann|access-date=January 25, 2015|archive-date=February 14, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214121800/http://www.voormann.com/biography/current_news|url-status=dead}}</ref> * Alan White, drummer for John Lennon, George Harrison and Yes<ref name="2019fest">{{cite web |last=Valadez |first=Eloise Marie |url=https://www.nwitimes.com/entertainment/explore-everything-fab-four-at-the-fest-for-beatles-fans/article_87cc136c-8fbb-5ac7-9a29-3fd6289c76e3.html |title=Explore everything 'Fab Four' at The Fest for Beatles Fans |publisher=nwitimes.com |date=August 8, 2019}}</ref> * Andy White, drummer on "Love Me Do"<ref name="past guests"/> * Gary Wright, recorded with George Harrison and Ringo Starr, toured with the All-Starr Band<ref name="Voormann"/><ref>{{cite web|last=Johnson|first=Joe|url=http://www.brunchradio.com/Newsletter/2010/0824.htm|title=Beatle Brunch Newsletter|date=August 24, 2010|access-date=January 25, 2015}}</ref> * Roy Young, piano player, Tony Sheridan's Beat Brothers, Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers, Roy Young Band<ref name="past guests"/>
===Other guests=== <!--Please maintain alphabetical order, and only include people with their own Wikipedia article--> * Nancy Lee Andrews, former international model turned photographer, formerly engaged to Ringo Starr<ref>{{cite web|first=Erika |last=Abrams |url=http://www.rebeatmag.com/ny-metro-fest-for-beatles-fans-day-3-recap-and-wrap-up/ |title=NY Metro Fest for Beatles Fans: Day 3 Recap and Wrap-Up |work=REBEAT Magazine |date=March 23, 2015 |access-date=August 23, 2015}}</ref> * Aaron Badgley, music critic, radio host of ''Beatles Universe'', and author of ''Dark Horse Records: The Story of George Harrison's Post-Beatles Record Label''<ref name="ItsPsychedelicBabyMagazine">{{Cite web |last=Julien |first=Alexander |author-link=Alexander Julien |date=August 28, 2024 |title=An Interview With Music Journalist and Biographer Aaron Badgley |url=https://www.psychedelicbabymag.com/2024/08/an-interview-with-music-journalist-and-biographer-aaron-badgley.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240828233620/https://www.psychedelicbabymag.com/2024/08/an-interview-with-music-journalist-and-biographer-aaron-badgley.html |archive-date=August 28, 2024 |access-date=August 28, 2024 |website=It's Psychedelic Baby! Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="SleeveNotes">{{cite podcast |url=https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/aaron-badgley/id1726991295?i=1000645077998 |title=Aaron Badgley Interview |website=Apple Podcasts |publisher=SleeveNotes |host=Kennedy, Mike |date=February 12, 2024 |access-date=March 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240306003235/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/aaron-badgley/id1726991295?i=1000645077998 |archive-date=March 6, 2024}}</ref><ref name="GrooveBritain">{{Cite episode |title=January 28, 2024 from 3-5 pm Aaron Badgley Interview |url=https://futureradio.co.uk/show/groove-britain |access-date=January 8, 2024 |series=Groove Britain |last=Pearce |first=Nigel |station=Future Radio |date=January 28, 2024 |language=en-US}}</ref> * Tony Barrow, Beatles press officer who coined the phrase "The Fab Four"<ref name="barrow">{{cite book|last=Barrow|first=Tony|title=John, Paul, George, Ringo & Me: The Real Beatles Story|publisher=Da Capo Press|year=2005|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BNnzcGw8JQsC&pg=PA192-IA7|isbn=1-56025-882-9}}</ref> * Sid Bernstein, booked The Beatles at Carnegie Hall and Shea Stadium<ref name="barrow"/> * Jenny Boyd, model, sister to Pattie Boyd, former wife of Mick Fleetwood<ref name="Villager2024"/> * Pattie Boyd, the former wife of George Harrison and Eric Clapton<ref name="lvs"/> * Al Brodax, producer of ''The Beatles'' TV series and the ''Yellow Submarine'' film<ref name="HudRep"/> * Chris Carter, Los Angeles-based disc jockey who hosts ''Breakfast with the Beatles''<ref name="la14"/> * Alan Clayson, pop music historian who wrote a book on each Beatle<ref>{{cite web|last=Clayson|first=Alan|url=http://www.alanclayson.com/pages_single/alans_stories/wr_chicago_breakdown.htm|title=Chicago Breakdown|work=The Beat Goes On|date=April 22, 1992|access-date=January 26, 2015|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304040549/http://www.alanclayson.com/pages_single/alans_stories/wr_chicago_breakdown.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> * Ray Coleman, biographer of Lennon and McCartney<ref name="tmc"/> * Ken Dashow, disc jockey at New York City's WAXQ "Q104.3" classic rock radio, Fest MC<ref name="2019NJ"/> * Jack Douglas, Grammy Award-winning record producer for ''Double Fantasy''<ref>{{cite web |url=https://abc7chicago.com/community-events/fest-for-beatles-fans-celebrates-the-fab-4/3925330/ |title=Fest for Beatles Fans celebrates the Fab 4 |date=August 12, 2018 |publisher=ABC7 Chicago}}</ref> * Geoff Emerick, engineer for the Beatles 1966–69, producer for Paul McCartney<ref name="past guests"/> * Bob Eubanks, before gaining fame as the host of ''The Newlywed Game'', was a DJ who produced The Beatles performances at the Hollywood Bowl<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodrevealed.com/fest-for-beatles-fans-2014-invades-airport-marriott/|title=Fest For Beatles Fans 2014 Invades Airport Marriott|publisher=Hollywood Revealed|date=October 12, 2014|access-date=March 28, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://beatlefansomethingnew.wordpress.com/2014/10/21/l-a-fest-a-hit-with-beatles-fans/|title=L.A. Fest a Hit With Beatles Fans|publisher=Something New|date=October 21, 2014|access-date=March 28, 2015}}</ref> * Prudence Farrow, author and film producer, subject of the Beatles song "Dear Prudence"{{citation needed|date=February 2024}} * Robert Freeman, photographer for four Beatles album covers<ref name="Boston"/><ref name="HudRep"/> * Bob Gruen, photo–journalist and author<ref name="Fest14NYC"/> * Terri Hemmert, Chicago DJ at WXRT-FM, Fest MC in Chicago since 1978<ref name="cst12"/> * Larry Kane, Philadelphia television news anchor, the only American journalist to accompany the Beatles on their 1964–1965 American tours<ref name="HudRep"/><ref name="nydn14"/><ref name="Fest14NYC"/><ref name="barrow"/> * Freda Kelly, secretary for the Beatles and Epstein, president of the Beatles fan club<ref name="Villager2024"/> * Astrid Kirchherr, met the Beatles in Hamburg in the early 1960s, took early photographs of the group, and dated former bassist Stuart Sutcliffe<ref name="lamag"/> * Cynthia Lennon, John Lennon's first wife<ref name="meetreal">{{cite web|url=http://www.meetthebeatlesforreal.com/2012/02/cynthia-at-beatlefest.html|title=Cynthia at Beatlefest|publisher=Meet the Beatles for Real|date=February 14, 2012}}</ref> * Martin Lewis, Beatles historian, Fest MC for over 20 years<ref name="Fest14NYC"/> * Mark Lewisohn, Beatles historian and author<ref name="Fest14NYC"/> * Ken Mansfield, former manager of Apple Records<ref name="2019fest"/> * Bruce Morrow, American radio personality known to many listeners as Cousin Brucie{{citation needed|date=February 2024}} * Jack Oliver, former President of Apple Records (1969-1971)<ref>{{cite web |first=Rory |last=Germain |url=http://www.thisismelo.com/feature/fest-for-beatles-fans/ |title=Fest for Beatles Fans 2015 |work=Melo |publisher=Thisismelo.com |date=March 26, 2015 |access-date=August 23, 2015 |archive-date=April 18, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150418033827/http://www.thisismelo.com/feature/fest-for-beatles-fans/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> * May Pang attended the first Beatlefest where she purchased a photograph that became the cover of Lennon's ''Rock 'n' Roll'' album<ref name="Badman pp 132-33" /> * Alan Parsons, engineer for the Beatles 1969–70, musician, leader of the Alan Parsons Project<ref name="past guests"/> * Paul Saltzman, film and TV producer/director, joined the Beatles in India<ref name="HudRep"/><ref>{{cite book|editor-last=Schultz|editor-first=Linda|title=Tales of the Awesome Foursome: Beatles Fans Share Personal Stories and Memories of the Fab Four|publisher=Infinity Publishing|year=2004|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=huV3tzotCM4C&pg=PA194|page=194|isbn=0-7414-2079-1}}</ref> * Ken Scott, Beatles engineer 1967-69<ref name="past guests"/> * Norman Smith, Beatles engineer 1962–65, record producer, singer, premiered his memoir at the March 2007 convention<ref>{{cite journal|last=Hughes|first=Rob|url=http://www.uncut.co.uk/pink-floyd/legendary-pink-floyd-producer-hurricane-dies-news|title=Legendary Pink Floyd Producer Hurricane Dies|journal=Uncut|year=2008}}{{Dead link|date=January 2026 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}</ref> * Victor Spinetti, Welsh actor who appeared in the Beatles films ''A Hard Day's Night'', ''Help!'' and ''Magical Mystery Tour''. He also appeared in the video for the 1978 Wings song “London Town”.<ref name="cst12"/> * Bruce Spizer, Beatles historian and author<ref name="HudRep"/><ref name="Fest14NYC"/> * Alistair Taylor, personal assistant of Beatles' manager Brian Epstein, General Manager of Apple Corps<ref name="cst12"/><ref>{{cite book|last=Patterson|first=R. Garry|title=The Walrus Was Paul: The Great Beatle Death Clues|publisher=Simon and Schuster|date=October 29, 1998|page=53|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Hf26FKVpe_YC&pg=PA53|isbn=0-684-85062-1}}</ref> * Vivek Tiwary, author of the graphic novel ''The Fifth Beatle'' about Epstein<ref name="rebeat"/> * Kenneth Womack, Beatles historian and biographer of record producer George Martin<ref name="past guests"/>
== References == {{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}
== External links ==
* {{Official website|http://www.thefest.com}}
{{The Beatles}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Fest for Beatles Fans}} Category:The Beatles Category:1974 establishments in New York City Category:Music festivals in New York (state) Category:Music festivals in Chicago Category:April festivals Category:August Category:Annual events in New York (state) Category:Fan conventions in the United States Category:Annual events in Illinois