The Original & Longest Running Beatles Celebration, Since 1974!
 
  • SHOWTIMES
  • AUG. 11, 2023
    5PM - Midnight
  • AUG. 12, 2023
    Noon - Midnight
  • AUG. 13, 2023
    Noon - 11 PM
Confirmed Chicago Fest Guests
You Know My Name (Click on The Photo)
  • Gregg Bissonette
    Ringo Starr's Drummer on Tour

    Gregg Bissonette

    Ringo Starr's Drummer on Tour

    Gregg Bissonette is one of the most versatile drummers in the business. Since 2008, Gregg has had the “honor and thrill” of performing in the All Starr Band with his drumming hero Ringo Starr at concerts around the world.

    Gregg will be jamming with Liverpool and talking about his experiences being on tour with Ringo.
    Gregg has played with David Lee Roth, James Taylor, Santana (on his Grammy-winning album Supernatural), Don Henley, Joe Satriani, Andrea Bocelli, ELO, Maynard Ferguson, Spinal Tap, and countless others. Gregg has recorded for numerous films (including The Bucket ListFinding NemoBest in ShowThe Bourne SupremacyThe Devil Wears PradaThe 40-Year-Old Virgin), TV shows (all ten seasons of the NBC series Friends), and the Buddy Rich Memorial Concert and video. Gregg recently recorded video lessons for Kennan Wylie’s Drumset Method books (Hal Leonard) and has three solo albums: Gregg Bissonette, Submarine, and Warning Will Robinson. He also has an award-winning 2-disc DVD, Musical Drumming in Different Styles (Hudson Music).

  • Pattie Boyd
    Author of 'My Life In Pictures'

    Pattie Boyd

    Author of 'My Life In Pictures'

    We are so honored to welcome back PATTIE BOYD to the Chicago FEST stage for the first time in 15 years! Pattie first met George Harrison on the set of A Hard Day's Night. They started dating shortly afterwards and were married less than two years later (1966). Pattie was one of the top models during the Carnaby Street era in London in the mid 1960s. George wrote a number of songs for Pattie, none more magnificent than Something. 15 years ago, Pattie wrote her autobiography, Wonderful Tonight, another classic song written for her, but this time by Eric Clapton. Pattie will be signing and personalizing all copies of her amazing new coffee table book, My Life in Photos. She will also be displaying some of her iconic clothes she wore back in the 1960s and offering some her photos from the book in a Limited Edition, in her own Exhibit Room.

  • Mark Rivera
    Ringo Starr's Music Director, Legendary Sax Player

    Mark Rivera

    Ringo Starr's Music Director, Legendary Sax Player

    MARK RIVERA is Ringo’s musical director, Billy Joel's horn player and one of the top sax players in the business. Mark's long awaited autobiography, Sideman, was published in February and Mark can't wait to join us again to talk about his famed career, and of course join in the nightly jams with Liverpool. Mark was the one who arranged the ‘secret’ 70th birthday surprise for Ringo in 2010, when Paul came out and performed Birthday at Radio City Music Hall. It was a total surprise to Ringo, who ran out and almost leapt onto his kit to join in with his former bandmate. A moment to remember. Mark will be speaking, joining Liverpool during the concerts, and adding his amazing talents as the top horn player he is. Mark will be participating in at least one signing session on Friday and two signings on both Saturday and Sunday. Exact times will be posted on our site a week before the FEST and in our program booklet.

  • Billy J. Kramer
    British Invasion and Liverpool Legend

    Billy J. Kramer

    British Invasion and Liverpool Legend

    Billy J. is a living legend from the British Invasion of 1964 led by The Beatles, of course. It is always an honor to have Billy join us at THE FEST. In 2014, Billy released To Liverpool With Love, a song protesting Brian Epstein's absence from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Five years later, Brian got in. We do think his song had a bit to do with it and we thank him for it. Billy will be on hand all weekend, talking with Terri Hemmert about his storied history, signing books, albums, photos and jamming with Liverpool during their nightly concerts.

  • Terry Sylvester
    Liverpool Legend, of The Swinging Blue Jeans & The Hollies

    Terry Sylvester

    Liverpool Legend, of The Swinging Blue Jeans & The Hollies

    TERRY SYLVESTER is a native of Liverpool and former member of The Swinging Blue Jeans, The Hollies, and The Escorts. We are thrilled to welcome him back to the Fest stage! Terry will be participating in at least one signing session on Friday and two signings on both Saturday and Sunday. Exact times will be posted on our site a week before the FEST and in our program booklet.

  • Joey Molland
    Liverpool Legend and Apple Band Badfinger

    Joey Molland

    Liverpool Legend and Apple Band Badfinger

    Joey Molland  is best known for being a member of Badfinger, the Beatles' protege band on Apple Records. He auditioned for Badfinger in November of 1969, joined the group shortly after, and remained with them until 1974.  From Come and Get It and No Matter What to Day After Day, their driving sound made them an instant sensation in the early 1970s. In addition to his work with Badfinger, Molland played guitar on George Harrison's albums All Things Must Pass and The Concert for Bangladesh and played on John Lennon's Imagine. Joey is a native Liverpudlian who will be telling great stories from those hectic Apple days. Joey will be participating in at least one signing session on Friday and two signings on both Saturday and Sunday. Exact times will be posted on our site a week before the FEST and in our program booklet.

  • The Weeklings
    In Concert on Saturday

    The Weeklings

    In Concert on Saturday

    The Weeklings (JEM recording artists), America’s most unique celebration of the music and muse of The Beatles, features former members of Styx, Dave Mason, the original Beatlemania on Broadway, Jon Bon Jovi & The Kings of Suburbia, Southside Johnny and The Asbury Jukes, Bruce Springsteen drummer Max Weinberg’s Jukebox and BeatlesFest house band Liverpool.   The band performs and records explosive renditions of Beatles album and Top 40 classics, uniquely arranged nuggets such as "Paperback Writer," "Baby You're a Rich Man," and "I Am the Walrus," 60s classic remakes like The Easybeats' 1966 garage rock hit “Friday On My Mind” featuring Peter Noone of Herman Hermit's fame on lead vocals, plus brilliant Beatles-inspired power-pop originals, like "Little Elvis," "In the Moment" and "3" -- the title track from their latest album chosen the No. 1 Coolest Song in the World 2020 on Sirius/XM's Little Steven's Underground Garage. The Weeklings bring their music to life through their extraordinary energy and musicianship, exceptional vocals, and charming stage presence.

  • Liverpool
    World's Finest Beatles Tribute Band, Concerts All Three Nights

    Liverpool

    World's Finest Beatles Tribute Band, Concerts All Three Nights

    LIVERPOOL, featuring Drew Hill, John Merjave, Glen Burtnik, and Chris Camilleri, is the World's finest Beatles tribute band. Their amazing concerts highlight every FEST, including the last hour of the concert when they bring up all the musical legends of their time to perform their hits live on our stage. For those of you who are new to the FEST and have never attended one of our celebrations, here are some of the artists Liverpool has played with over the past 40 years at the FEST - Harry Nilsson, Billy Preston, Donovan, Peter & Gordon, Billy J. Kramer, Klaus Voormann, Chad & Jeremy, Randy Bachman, Neil Innes and The Rutles, Gerry Marsden, Mike Pender (Searchers), Joey Molland, The Quarrymen, Ronnie Spector, Alan Parsons, Doris Troy, Norman "Hurricane" Smith, Peter Noone, Micky Dolenz, Seven Wings Members, Spencer Davis, Terry Sylvester (Hollies), Gary Wright, Albert Lee, Gene Cornish (Rascals), Max Weinberg, Mark Lindsay, Phoebe Snow, and Billy Kinsley (Merseybeats).   For Liverpool, the focus is on the incredible music the Beatles created, and bringing that energy to the stage while performing note-for-note renditions. Friday evening, they welcome fans with a 60s (optional) Dress Up Night that includes a Look-Alike Contest, a Dress Up Contest, Door Prizes and more. Saturday and Sunday evening's concerts are not to be missed. You never know who is going to show up unannounced to join in the jam!

  • Cellophane Flowers
    In Concert on Saturday

    Cellophane Flowers

    In Concert on Saturday

    Jeff Lake and Cellophane Flowers have been gracing our the Fest stages since 2015. A guitar, voice, violins, viola, and cello take us on a classical journey through a set of Beatles songs that will blow away all in attendance.

  • Jay Bergen
    Author of Lennon, The Mobster & The Lawyer

    Jay Bergen

    Author of Lennon, The Mobster & The Lawyer

    JAY BERGEN was John Lennon's attorney in late 1975 into 1976 for the lawsuit that John and Capitol Records filed against Morris Levy, who released an incomplete version of the Rock 'n' Roll album under the name Roots for sale via TV advertising without any permission. Jay became friendly with John and Yoko and tells this unique story in his book, Lennon, The Mobster & The Lawyer. He tells how John was in court every day and was very involved every step of the way. This court case did not get all the notoriety of the immigration case (Lawyer Leon Wildes was a special guest six years ago), but it was extremely important to John.

  • Terri Hemmert
    Master of Ceremonies Since 1978

    Terri Hemmert

    Master of Ceremonies Since 1978

    Terri will be here all weekend as usual and heading those wonderful talks and sessions on the main stage with our Special Guests as only Terri can! Terri very much looks forward to seeing all of you at the FEST next month. "Campers get ready."

  • Phil Angotti & Friends
    In Concert

    Phil Angotti & Friends

    In Concert

    A legend at the Chicago Fests, Phil and his band will be opening for Liverpool on the main stage on Friday night and performing on the Apple Jam stage throughout the weekend. Phil has been performing at the Fest for years, with his incredible group and solo. We're excited to see what Phil & Friends are cooking up for their main stage set, and look forward to their raucous Apple Jam performances.

  • Ellis & Ary's My Sweet George
    In Concert

    Ellis & Ary's My Sweet George

    In Concert

    George Harrison Tribute

  • Liv Rose
    On the Apple Jam Stage

    Liv Rose

    On the Apple Jam Stage

    On the Apple Jam Stage

  • Scott Erickson
    On the Apple Jam Stage

    Scott Erickson

    On the Apple Jam Stage

    With the addition of the Apple Jam Stage in 2015, long time Fest attendee Scott Erickson became a staple of our music lineup. Since then, he has consistently surprised us by playing group and solo songs we all-but-forgot about, as well as entire albums.

  • The Pepperland Rockestra
    On the Apple Jam Stage

    The Pepperland Rockestra

    On the Apple Jam Stage

    The Pepperland Rockestra has grown in size over the last few years, and they keep getting better and better. We can't wait to see what surprises they have in store for us this time around.

  • Haley LeRand
    On the Apple Jam Stage

    Haley LeRand

    On the Apple Jam Stage

    On the Apple Jam Stage

  • Jeff Lake
    On the Apple Jam stage

    Jeff Lake

    On the Apple Jam stage

    On the Apple Jam stage

  • Allan Kozinn
    Author of Acclaimed McCartney Legacy, Vol. 1

    Allan Kozinn

    Author of Acclaimed McCartney Legacy, Vol. 1

    Allan Kozinn (with co-author Adrian Sinclair) have written The McCartney Legacy, Volume a 720 page tome that covers Paul's career from 1969-1973. this is one of those books that is a must for all fans. This book was our best-selling book of 2022 and all copies we offer have been signed by both Allan and Adrian.

  • Tom Frangione
    The Beatles Channel (SiriusXM) 'Resident Beatles Expert'

    Tom Frangione

    The Beatles Channel (SiriusXM) 'Resident Beatles Expert'

    PAUL McCARTNEY IN CONVERSATION
     
    Hear Tom Frangione’s exclusive interview with Paul McCartney, courtesy of our friends at The Beatles Channel on Sirius XM. In this interview, which has drawn notice worldwide, Paul discusses his classic album “Tug of War” and tells loads of great Beatles stories along the way.
     
    You’ll hear the entire hour-long interview, including material that wasn’t included in the broadcast special. So whether you’re a SiriusXM subscriber who caught the broadcast (or perhaps may have missed it), or haven’t yet signed up, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.
     
    As an added bonus, a special visual presentation has been prepared by Natalie Palumbo, to accompany the interview.
    The interview will be featured over the weekend on both the Main Stage and in the Video Room. If you haven't heard it (or seen it), you won't want to miss this!
    For over 40 years, Tom’s been covering the Beatles on radio and in print, and is a long-time master of ceremonies and co-host at the Fest, heading up the Trivia and “Name That Tune” contests, and assisting with the auction, interviews and other duties on the main stage. Tom has been part of the official Beatles Channel on SiriusXM since its launch in 2017 as part of the weekly Fab Fourum program, and now hosts the weekly rarities program Way Beyond Compare as well as Apple Jam, focusing on the artists the Beatles introduced to the world on their own Apple Records label. He also writes the weekly show Across The Universe, focusing on John Lennon’s life and music. Tom is also a Contributing Editor to Beatlefan Magazine, and contributor to Joe Johnson’s Beatle Brunch Radio.

  • Eric Cash
    Beatles Fine Artist and Illustrator of "Once Upon A Time In Liverpool"

    Eric Cash

    Beatles Fine Artist and Illustrator of "Once Upon A Time In Liverpool"

    Internationally acclaimed artist Eric Cash is back again this year at the FEST displaying and selling his traditional style oil paintings of scenes from The Beatles history through his imaginative eyes. Eric, who has been at most Fests since 2008, continues to be one of the most well known Beatles artists going.

  • Neal Glaser
    Of Art Celebs, Signed Ringo Art

    Neal Glaser

    Of Art Celebs, Signed Ringo Art

    Neal Glaser’s personal relationships with celebrities has developed to where Art Celebs now is the publisher of artwork by Ringo Starr and Jimi Hendrix, and the publisher of artwork from comedian Bill Maher’s recent book When You Ride Alone. Art Celebs also produced and co-published artwork by legend Al Hirschfeld, and today they are the exclusive distributors of fine art lithographs by Sir Paul McCartney. Truly all this fine artwork is music to the eyes. Neal has been part of the FEST for over 20 years,

  • Kenneth Womack
    Author of the Forthcoming Mal Evans Biography

    Kenneth Womack

    Author of the Forthcoming Mal Evans Biography

    Kenneth Womack has written the definitive story about Mal Evans. This book have been almost 50 years in the making and Ken has the full cooperation of the Evans family. It is being published on November 14th. Ken gave us the world's first sneak peek at last summer's Chicago FEST. He will be expanding on it this year with more visuals and details on the life of The Beatles trusted jack of all trades assistant. For those who may not know, Mal's only public appearance ever, was at our second NYC Beatlefest in September, 1975. It was a true honor. Ken is a literary critic and award-winning author who has written five books about the Beatles. Ken is the Dean of the Wayne D. McMurray School of Humanities and Social Sciences at at Monmouth University in New Jersey. 

  • Gary Astridge
    Ringo's Drum Kits Curator, 8' Sculptured Peace Hand

    Gary Astridge

    Ringo's Drum Kits Curator, 8' Sculptured Peace Hand

    We are delighted to welcome back Ringo's personal Drum Curator GARY ASTRIDGE.  Gary couldn't make it last summer, but he is bringing this 8 foot Sculptured Peace Hand (made from an actual casting of Ringo's right hand)! Take photos with the sculpture at the FEST and share on social media to spread Ringo's message of Peace and Love!  Unique life-size statuette versions will be available at the FEST, benefiting Ringo and Barbara's Lotus Foundation.

  • Wally Podrazik
    Panel Discussions

    Wally Podrazik

    Panel Discussions

    Wally Podrazik has been the Discussions Room host at almost all of our Chicago FESTS (and numerous other cities) since 1977.  Wally is one of the most respected Beatles historians in the world and from 1976-1983 wrote three books (with Harry Castleman) that became an early part of a journey to delve deeply in The Beatles history. Wally's insights make his contributions to the daily discussions with our guest authors invaluable.

  • Susan Ryan
    Beatles Historian

    Susan Ryan

    Beatles Historian

    Susan Ryan started an online publication over 19 years ago called Rooftop Sessions, where fans submitted stories and prose about the Beatles. Now she hosts groups of women Beatles historians and comes up with new topics to explore each year in always fascinating talks. Susan also conducts Walking Tours of Beatles and John Lennon sites around New York City.

  • Skylar Moody
    Panelist

    Skylar Moody

    Panelist

    Skylar Moody is a NYC-Metro based Beatles content creator for TikTok (@lucyinthesky.lar) and YouTube as well as a budding music journalist. From the age of 15, she has been deeply influenced by the work of The Beatles. Their impact has inspired her to connect with fans around the world and become the voice of her generation that keeps the band's legacy alive. Skylar on Wordpress

  • Al Sussman
    Author of Changin' Times

    Al Sussman

    Author of Changin' Times

    Author of Changin' Times

  • Bruce Spizer
    Leading Authority on the Beatles Recordings

    Bruce Spizer

    Leading Authority on the Beatles Recordings

    Bruce Spizer is one of the world's leading authorities on the U. S. Beatles recordings. His latest book is on the 50th Anniversary of Abbey Road.  Bruce has been a guest at every FEST nationwide since 1998 - that's more than 50 FESTS!! His eight Beatles books are part of every collector and music aficionado's book shelves. His talks on many various topics are legendary in the Beatles world and we are certain he will come up with some great new subjects for 2023.

  • Jude Southerland Kessler
    John Lennon Author/Historian

    Jude Southerland Kessler

    John Lennon Author/Historian

    Jude Southerland Kessler's fifth volume of the history of John Lennon is out now. It is called, Shades of Life: Part 1. This is an amazing book and a must read for all Beatles fans, especially John fans. The first volume in the series is Shoulda Been There, the second is Shivering Inside, the third is She Loves You, and the fourth is Should Have Known Better. A featured writer on the Fest's Blog for the last four years, Jude's A/V presentations at the FEST are original and you will even learn new things about the Beatles.

  • Chuck Gunderson
    Author of "Some Fun Tonight!"

    Chuck Gunderson

    Author of "Some Fun Tonight!"

    Chuck Gunderson has been attending the FEST since the late 1970s. An avid fan and collector, Chuck's book, Some Fun Tonight!: The Backstage Story of How The Beatles Rocked America, The Historic Tours of 1964-1966, is a must have for all fans. Carefully researched with lots of new information, this epic two-volume comprehensive history of the North American tours features many unpublished images along with rare memorabilia from each city the Beatles performed in.

  • Danny Donuts
    Nightly Fest Recaps

    Danny Donuts

    Nightly Fest Recaps

    DANNY DONUTS will be doing his parody songs each evening, starting with a welcome to the Special Guests on Friday night, Parodies of events and Video highlights of the festivities and attendees on the main stage. He also leads the Saturday afternoon Sing-Along Parade for fans of all ages!

  • Piers Hemmingsen
    Author of "The Beatles In Canada"

    Piers Hemmingsen

    Author of "The Beatles In Canada"

    Author of The Beatles In Canada: The Origins of Beatlemania! Piers' book offers a whole new perspective for U.S. fans. We certainly did not know that She Loves You made it to No. 1 in Canada in December, 1963, before we ever heard of the Beatles! Piers has created the standard for Canada's Beatles history, much as Bruce Spizer has done with his series of U.S. books.

  • Kit O'Toole
    Author of "Songs We Were Singing"

    Kit O'Toole

    Author of "Songs We Were Singing"

    Kit O'Toole, the author of  Songs We Were Singing: Guided Tours Through the Beatles’ Lesser-Known Tracks, is a Chicago-based freelance writer and blogger who has written about rock, jazz, and R&B for over 20 years. As a blogger, Kit writes for Something Else Reviews (including the popular column “Deep Beatles”), Blinded by Sound (including the column “Deep Soul”), and Cinema Sentries, and previously served as a music editor for Blogcritics. Kit is also a longtime contributing editor for Beatlefan magazine.

  • Susan Shumsky
    Author of "Maharishi & Me"

    Susan Shumsky

    Author of "Maharishi & Me"

    Susan has written a book from her personal experiences in the 1960s and beyond, called Maharishi & Me: Seeking Enlightenment. Susan learned TM in early 1967, and studied with the Maharishi in Rishikesh in 1970. She ended up working for him for six years in Europe, really getting to know him. We welcome Susan back for her third year. This story has never been told, until her book was published, and is very fascinating.

  • Terry Crain
    Author of "NEMS and the Business of Selling Beatles Merchandise"

    Terry Crain

    Author of "NEMS and the Business of Selling Beatles Merchandise"

    Author of NEMS and the Business of Selling Beatles Merchandise in the U.S. 1964-1966. The book documents original Beatles memorabilia and identifies the companies involved and their dealings with The Beatles management, NEMS and many lawyers. This is Terry's first appearance at the New York Metro FEST as a guest author.

  • Jim Berkenstadt
    Author of "Mysteries in the Music: Case Closed"

    Jim Berkenstadt

    Author of "Mysteries in the Music: Case Closed"

    Jim Berkenstadt is the author of "Mysteries in the Music: Case Closed." His last book, The Beatle Who Vanished, took a look at the post-Beatles life of drummer Jimmie Nicol, who sat in for Ringo Starr for 13 days when Ringo was ill in 1964. When Ringo returned, Jimmie Nicol receded into the night. Berkenstadt's book examines exactly what happened to Nicol in the years after his brush with fame.

  • Steve Matteo
    Author of Act Naturally: The Beatles on Film

    Steve Matteo

    Author of Act Naturally: The Beatles on Film

    Steve Matteo is the author of the new Act Naturally: The Beatles on Film. His first book on the Beatles was Let It Be (33 1/3-Bloomsbury) and also, Dylan (Sterling). He has written for such publications as The Absolute Sound, Literary Hub, Dan's Papers, Scenes, Under the Radar, Boomer magazine, The Alternate Root, Versopolis, Ugly Things, Pulse, The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, New York magazine, Time Out New York, Rolling Stone, Spin, Interview, Elle and Salon.

  • Sara Schmidt
    Author of Happiness is Seeing The Beatles

    Sara Schmidt

    Author of Happiness is Seeing The Beatles

    Sara's book, Dear Beatle People: The Story of The Beatles North American Fan Club, premiere at the recent New York Metro Fest.
    This book was highly anticipated. The cover and inside illustrations are by Beatle artist Eric Cash. Mark Lewisohn gave me his blessing on the book and allowed me to use a few interviews he conducted for Tune In. The book is 377 pages with over 100 photographs, many in color. No one has ever written about the Beatles Fan Clubs, especially the ones in the United States. I uncovered some great stories that have never been heard before about fan club officers meeting The Beatles in person during their U.S. tours and at their homes.  There are also many extra fun things in the book for fans to discover.
    Sara Schmidt is a second-generation Beatles fan who runs the popular website "Meet The Beatles...For Real." She is the author of the book "Happiness is Seeing The Beatles: Beatlemania in St. Louis," and her new book, "Dear Beatle People: The Beatles North American Fan Clubs" will be available soon.

  • Ray Zirkle
    Author of "Advertising the Beatles'

    Ray Zirkle

    Author of "Advertising the Beatles'

    RAY ZIRKLE is the author of Advertising The Beatles, mostly from Ray’s collection of all advertisements in the music trade magazines and other places as well. An excellent document on this subject.

  • Terri Whitney
    Author of "Any Rhyme At All"

    Terri Whitney

    Author of "Any Rhyme At All"

    Terry Lilly Whitney, a.k.a. The Rockin’ Rhymer, is a Michigan native who has been part of the poetry jam and other activities at the Chicago Fest for several years. Her book, Any Rhyme At All, will be available at the Fest.

  • Doug Wolfberg
    Author

    Doug Wolfberg

    Author

    Doug Wolfberg is a musician, author and attorney based in Pennsylvania.  His new book from Schiffer Publishing, Fab But True, is making its official debut at the Chicago Fest for Beatles Fans.  Fab But True employs superior forensic research skills with crisp, sparkling storytelling to present sixteen remarkable stories from the career of the best band there ever was - or will be.  From the race horse that saved the Beatles, to the flamboyant celebrity lawyer who squandered the Beatles' merchandising fortune, to the incredible story of how the one and only painting by all four Beatles came into existence amid a lockdown in a Tokyo hotel room, Fab But True does a deep dive on these remarkable stories and the colorful characters who intersected with the lives and careers of the Beatles.  Fab But True is a richly illustrated and face-paced narrative hardcover representing Doug's first Beatles book.

More Guests to Come

the venue
The Hyatt Regency O'Hare
Chicago Fest, we’ll see you August 11-13, 2023!
Rooms are $168 per night.

This will be our 36th consecutive year of the Hyatt Regency O’Hare. The hotel, located just outside O’Hare Airport, is perfect for us. It’s spacious, accommodating, and has lots of room for jamming around the hotel. The hotel provides free shuttles to and from O’Hare.

 

PARKING: $16 all day/night

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