Rock Encyclopedia

The Beatles‘ classic 1968 animated feature film, Yellow Submarine, has been digitally restored for DVD and Blu-ray release on May 28 (May 29 in North America).  The film’s songtrack album will be reissued on CD on the same date.

Currently out of print, the film has been restored in 4K digital resolution for the first time by Paul Rutan Jr. and his team of specialists at Triage Motion Picture Services and Eque Inc.  Due to the delicate nature of the hand-drawn original artwork, no automated software was used in the digital clean-up of the film’s restored photochemical elements.  This was all done by hand, frame by frame. (more…)

The Legendary Band’s First Appearance on Digital Jukeboxes Across North America Debuts April 1, 2012

Apple Corps, EMI Music, and TouchTunes Interactive Networks, the largest out-of-home entertainment network in North America, announced  that the music of The Beatles, the most iconic band of all time, will now be featured across their network of over 50,000 digital jukeboxes. Starting April 1, 2012, TouchTunes will add The Beatles’ 13 legendary studio albums to its catalog.

“It is a privilege to partner with EMI and Apple Corps Ltd. to make available the sound recordings of the most celebrated band of all time,” said Charles Goldstuck, CEO of TouchTunes Interactive Networks.  “The important addition of The Beatles to our network represents a milestone, not only for our company, but for our industry.”

“We are very pleased to make this iconic catalog available on TouchTunes,” said Roger Faxon, CEO of EMI Group. “TouchTunes has been a great partner of ours, and their network offers a unique listening experience for fans to enjoy the incredible music of The Beatles together.”

In addition to the studio albums, TouchTunes will also make available The Beatles‘ two-volume ‘Past Masters’ compilation, the classic ‘Red’ and ‘Blue’ collections, the ’1′ hits collection, and the ‘LOVE’ album.

Cast members from The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil performed live last night at the 2012 MusiCares Person of the Year gala at the Los Angeles Convention Center.  All 60 dancers and acrobats from LOVE performed to a specially edited track by Producer Giles Martin, featuring songs from the two-time GRAMMYAward-winning LOVE album.

Iconic artist and philanthropist Paul McCartney was honored as the 2012 MusiCares Person of the Year at this special event celebrating his exceptional artistic achievements as well as his philanthropic work.  The sold-out tribute to McCartney benefits MusiCares’ emergency financial assistance and addiction recovery programs.  Proceeds from the annual Person of the Year tribute — now in its 22^nd year — provide essential support for MusiCares, which ensures that members of the music community have a place to turn in times of financial, medical and personal need.

Additional performances included multi-GRAMMY^® winning artists and current GRAMMY nominees Tony Bennett, Coldplay, Foo Fighters, and Alison Krauss and Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas; GRAMMY winning artist Duane Eddy; multi-GRAMMY winning artists Norah Jones, Alicia Keys and James Taylor; two-time GRAMMY winning artists Diana Krall and Neil Young with Crazy Horse; two-time Latin GRAMMY winning artist Sergio Mendes; and current GRAMMY nominee Katy Perry. The evening also featured a special performance by 14-time GRAMMY winning artist and 2012 MusiCares^® Person of the Year Paul McCartney. (more…)