Simon Kirke

Co-founder of Bad Company and Free

The co-founder and drummer of Bad Company and Free, SIMON KIRKE is a freshly minted member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, as part of Bad Company! A London native, Simon will be with us all weekend, playing his hits with LIVERPOOL during our nightly concerts, and regaling us with incredible stories from his life as one of rock's premier drummers.

Jenny Boyd

Pattie's Sister, George's Sister-In-Law

We are so thrilled and honored to announce JENNY BOYD as a special guest. Jenny is Pattie's sister and together, they were the darlings of the fashion world in the swinging mid 1960s London. Being George Harrison's sister-in-law opened up the world's doors. Jenny worked at the Apple Boutique, was a top model in high demand and it gave her access to the music scene as well.  She married Mick Fleetwood (twice) and later married Ian Wallace, King Crimson's drummer. Donovan wrote Jennifer Juniper for Jenny. Jenny also accompanied The Beatles to Rishikesh in 1968 to study with the Maharishi.  She roomed with Magic Alex for a short time, who we know so little about. Perhaps she can shed a little light on that part of Apple's history. She will be signing copies of her book all three days and talking about her incredible life.

Larry Kane

Journalist, traveled with Beatles on early tours

Revered journalist Larry Kane is the only broadcast journalist who traveled with the Beatles on every stop of their 1964 and 1965 tours. He is the author of Ticket To Ride, Lennon Revealed, and When They Were Boys: The True Story of The Beatles' Rise to the Top.

The Weeklings

In Concert

The Weeklings (JEM recording artists) are America’s most unique celebration of the music and muse of The Beatles, The band performs and records explosive renditions of Beatles album and Top 40 classics, uniquely arranged nuggets, 60s classic remakes, and brilliant Beatles-inspired power-pop originals. The Weeklings bring their music to life through their extraordinary energy and musicianship, exceptional vocals, and charming stage presence. They have a brand new album out called Raspberry Park and we think it is their finest one yet. We offer signed copies of the album.

Tom Frangione

The Beatles Channel (SiriusXM) 'Resident Beatles Expert'

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.

Tom has been part of the official Beatles Channel on SiriusXM since its premiere in 2017, hosting the weekly Fab Fourum, the Way Beyond Compare rarities show, and Apple Jam, celebrating the music and artists on the Beatles own Apple Records label. He also writes the weekly show Across The Universe, focusing on John Lennon’s life and music, and hosts a brand new series “Beyond The Beatles”, focusing on the solo music made by John, Paul, George and Ringo.

Tom is a longtime Contributing Editor to Beatlefan Magazine, and contributor to Joe Johnson’s Beatle Brunch Radio as well.

Tom has done exclusive one-on-one interviews with both Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney. His interview with Sir Paul was cited around the world, and won a New York Festivals international radio award in 2023.

Heather Mall

On the Apple Jam stage

Heather Mall is a singer, songwriter and vocal coach from the Chicagoland area. Heather has been singing for 21 years and after graduating with a B.A. in Music, she decided that 2020 was going to be the year she started sharing her original music with the world. Authenticity, healing, creativity and sharing is what makes Heather's music so special, and she draws that inspiration from the artist's that she grew up listening to. While being raised on a little bit of every kind of music, The Beatles were by far the most prominent in Heather's life. Her mom has been a Beatles Fan since she was 4 watching them on Ed Sullivan and made sure that Heather was introduced to their music as early as possible. The melodies and rhythms created an entire world of their own and their music continues to bring people together, which is what Heather admires most about them. She is thrilled to be performing at The Fest for Beatles Fans. Thank you to her parents for bringing her to every Fest since her mom was pregnant with her. Throughout her career, Heather has graced the stages alongside the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, at the iconic Rialto Theater, the UIC Pavilion, Principal Park, among others, showcasing her versatility and depth as an artist. At the heart of Heather’s artistic journey is a powerful mission: to completely embrace vulnerability, help others to be inspired by the beauty of the human experience and to recognize their worth. This belief not only shapes her music but also serves as a beacon for her audience, encouraging authenticity and self-acceptance. If you want to hear her music, you can find her on social media @heathermallmusic

Gil McLean

On the Apple Jam Stage

On the Apple Jam Stage.

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.

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 2025.

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.

Marti Edwards

Founder of Chicagoland Beatles Club

Marti Edwards was the founder of the Chicagoland Beatles Fan Club in the 60s and got to meet the band at their first Chicago Press Conference. She tells her story in the book 16 in '64. Marti will be taking part in some of the Panel Discussions over the weekend.

Deirdre Kelly

Author of Fashioning the Beatles

Author of Fashioning the Beatles. John, Paul, George, and Ringo were more than great musicians: they were the quintessential fashion icons of one of the most exciting and memorable fashion eras of all time. From their starts in black leather through Sgt. Pepper to Nehru collars and psychedelia, the Beatles used clothing to express their individual and group identities and, especially, to grow their following.

Ethan Alexanian

Host of 'Fans On The Run' Podcast

Host of "Fans On The Run," the podcast made by, for and about Beatles fans!