Now, first for the first time, author and journalist Steve Matteo examines in detail the most explosive and tenuous period of The Beatles’ time together. Through painstaking research, interviews with nearly 30 people connected with The Beatles and with new information that brings the story of the recording and filming up to date, Matteo brings sessions by the group from 35 years ago to life, with his new book Let It Be (Continuum, October 2004, $9.95, paperback original).

Director Michael Lindsay-Hogg, Director of Cinematography Anthony Richmond, cameraman Les Parrott, recording engineers Alan Parsons, Jerry Boys, Richard Lush, Dave Harries and Keith Slaughter, among others who were there, recall in vivid detail the historic days in January of 1969 when The Beatles nearly imploded and also created some of their most memorable music.

Also interviewed for the book, were Apple employees Peter Asher, Peter Brown, Denis O’Dell and Alistair Taylor who provide the dramatic backdrop of the beginning, short glorious life and tragic end of The Beatles’ Apple empire.

Unlike other books that solely look back on and detail the making of an album, Let It Be by Steve Matteo traces the ongoing story of the sessions through the present day. The arduous journey from the January 1969 sessions until the final release of the album in May of 1970 is supplemented by the history of the bootlegs from the recording and filming.

The recent arrests of the bootleggers who have had the original tapes all these years, the investigation of the murder of a Hollywood actress by the album’s producer Phil Spector and the new version of the album Let It Be…Naked are also covered, making this story more than a nostalgic look back at a recording session for an album.  (Continuum International Publishing Group August 30, 2004).

"Matteo takes us into the process of the album’s creation, fully attending to the minute negotiations and forced compromises. The book’s compact yet comprehensive account of the album is worthwhile. Accessible, engrossing reading." - Booklist

"This isn’t wheezy music criticism." - Maxim (four out of five stars)

"Matteo faithfully details the most fascinating month in Beatles history and its endlessly bootlegged afterlife. B+ " - Austin-American Statesman (Austin, Texas)

Steve Matteo's E-Mail:  Hi-FiSJM@ix.netcom.com