Glad you enjoyed that, it always makes me laugh. Just something about watching The Beatles cause Shakespeare to roll over in his grave, makes me laugh uproariously everytime.
You're probably right about the "beat down". I'll need to look it up, but if I'm remembering correctly, John actually had to issue an apology to a reporter (? I think) for giving him a Liddypool-style beat down. The story is in
John Lennon: The Life (I know I keep harping about this book but it's a good one), I'll look it up in a few and then update you.
*edit*
Ok, it took a few, but I found it... Bob Wooler who was a DJ/MC at the Cavern Club, made the mistake of mentioning the Spanish "honeymoon" that John and Brian (Epstein) had gone on - it was rumored that it was a weekend during which John and Brian consumated a relationship though John alternately denied and/or dismissed the rumors.
John apparently (uncharacteristicly) unleashed every bit of fury and power in his being on Bob, beating him about the head and body till he had a black eye and bruised ribs. Bob was dissuaded from suing by an ex gratia payment of £200 and a telegram sent by Brian in John's name apologizing for the whole incident.
Apparently, this could have destroyed The Beatles' rise to fame had it not been so masterfully managed by Tony Barrow (the Beatles' PR guy), who fed a watered down version of the story to a "friendly" reporter in Fleet Street.
Full story is located on Pg. 310-311
John Lennon: The Life by Philip Norman.
Phew, had to search for that one!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/24/2009 09:18AM by TBHA.