Beatles News Roundup: Fabs Sculptor Dies, Penthouse Suite Used by Beatles Transformed, Paul in 'Spinal Tap II'

Houston artist David Adickes, who sculpted the Beatles, dies at 98 - Houston Public Media

David Adickes, a Houston-based artist whose works include the 67-foot statue of Sam Houston in his native Huntsville, died Sunday night, according to his publicist. He was 98 years old.

In addition to the sculpture of Sam Houston, the first president of the Republic of Texas and the namesake of Adickes' adopted hometown, the artist also was known for creating sculptures of other historical figures, including The Beatles and busts of each of the first 43 presidents of the United States. Some of Adickes' other works have been prominently displayed around Houston, including the colorful "We Love Houston" sign that previously was situated along Interstate 10.

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Discover a transformed Potts Point penthouse where The Beatles once stayed - Vogue

When The Beatles embarked on their first and only tour of Australia and New Zealand in June 1964, they stayed on the top floor of the Marquee Sheraton Hotel in Potts Point, Sydney. There’s an iconic photo of the Fab Four on the balcony, dressed in suits and ties, waving down at the throngs of female fans, some reaching their hands up towards them, others wielding umbrellas against the cold, wet winter.

Today, nearly 30 years after the hotel was eventually sold and converted into a residential building, the Beatles’ top-floor suite has been once again transformed into a multi-level penthouse—a home for clients who value the ‘lock-up-and-leave’ mentality of apartment (and hotel) living.

...It's hard to imagine anyone who wouldn’t jump at a chance to live where The Beatles once spent time—John Lennon even celebrated his 22nd birthday party there—but it helps that the penthouse’s neighbourhood, Potts Point, is also truly stunning. Leafy streets are lined with heritage Art Deco buildings, and its cafes, restaurants and galleries are cosy and twinkling in the winter, vibrant and brimming in the summer.

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Rob Reiner Teases Paul McCartney, Elton John Cameos in ‘Spinal Tap II’ - The Hollywood Reporter

Spinal Tap II: The End Continues writer-director Rob Reiner may be amazed by the love that Paul McCartney and Elton John still have for performing, as both legendary musicians make cameos in the forthcoming sequel movie.

...“It basically says: ‘No matter how old you are, if you can still do it and still enjoy doing it, then do it,'” Reiner replied. “I asked Paul McCartney about this. I said, ‘There’s you, Mick Jagger, Elton John, and you still like to perform. What is it about you guys? Is it that you just love the music? And you love performing?'” According to Reiner, McCartney responded with a line from the new movie: “And he says, ‘Yeah. And the drugs.'”