The Beatles are a wellspring of urban legends, including the most famous: that Paul McCartney died in 1966. Plus: a new novel that casts the Fab Four as zombies. Finally, the classical-bluegrass group Punch Brothers performs live.
Paul Is Dead: Still Alive
The appetite for Beatle culture is still strong, as evidenced by a New York exhibition of rare band photos and the $1.2 million sale of John Lennon's handwritten lyrics to "A Day in the Life." Another clue: the enduring popularity of the urban legend known as "Paul Is Dead."
Meet the Zombie Beatles
The Beatles "Paul is dead" urban legend alleges that Paul McCartney died in 1966 and was replaced by a look-and-sound-alike. In a new novel Paul Is Undead, writer Alan Goldsher tells the story of a zombie John Lennon who murders the other three Beatles, who as the undead prey on their fans. As the Beatles eat the brains of fans they try to evade their nemesis, zombie killer Mick Jagger.
Punch Brothers Live
Mandolin player Chris Thile was just eight years old when he started playing in the popular acoustic trio Nickel Creek and rose to fame in the bluegrass world. A few years ago, he formed Punch Brothers, which adds folk and classical music to his bluegrass sound.
Gig Alerts: Tortoise
The acclaimed post-rock band play Le Poisson Rouge tonight as part of the Carefusion Jazz Festival. Download their dynamic track "Prepare Your Coffin."
Gig Alerts: Hank & Cupcakes
The minimalist pop duo play a free show at Brooklyn Bowl tonight. Download their disco-tinged track "Ain't No Love."
Gig Alerts: Joel Harrison and Anupam Shobhakar
The revered sarod player teams up with guitarist Joel Harrison for an evening of new compositions at Cornelia Street Cafe. Download his cryptic tune "Way of the Warrior."