Peter Asher was part of the British duo Peter and Gordon, who had a huge hit with World Without Love” written by Paul McCartney who was dating his sister Jane. He’s managed James Taylor and Linda Ronstadt and also did an incredible version of “I Go Pieces” with Albert Lee at McLoones Supper club during the Light Of Day in 2017.
Asher has a very successful Beatles show called “From Me To You” on a satellite radio channel and has come out with a new book “The Beatles from A to Zed,” which was based on an idea he had for his show. It’s not just songs in alphabetical order.
“I use that letter not just for song titles but for people and instruments and styles and places and all kinds of stuff,” Asher said. He first met the Beatles in a pub. “I was excited, they were already a big deal or becoming one, they were being much talked about and the whole ‘Beatlemania’ was just getting fired up.” Once the Beatles hit America, it opened the door for other British bands like “Peter and Gordon.”
“What the Beatles did when America finally realized how good they were and took it seriously it changed everything because suddenly this music which was all based on our love for American music we meant it as a homage, we were all one giant tribute band.”
Asher says the surviving Beatles have not commented on the book but have heard the radio show from which the book is derived from. “Ringo suddenly listens to the radio show from time to time, I believe Paul does,” Asher said.
I became a Beatles fan in the early ’70s when I was babysitting one night in Marlboro and channel 7 ran both “Help” and “A Hard Days Night” back to back. The next day I took the money I had made and bought Beatles albums. My favorite Beatle was Lennon. I loved his personality, the way he looked through sarcastic eyes at this world that worshiped him, and laughed at the irony of it all. He was the first to use his celebrity to advance his cause and his cause was peace. I was hooked and spent my time reading all kinds of books and articles and everything I could about him.