Mark Lapidos came up with the idea for Beatlefest back in 1974 as a way to celebrate the 10th anniversary of The Beatles coming to the U.S.. He was the manager of the Sam Goody record store in NYC at the time. Through a series of magical events, he got to personally ask John Lennon for his blessing to start The Fest, and John said, "I'm all for it, I'm a Beatles Fan, too." 46 years later, Mark, his wife Carol, their kids and a crew of people involved for decades are still making The Fest for Beatles Fans happen in the NY Metro and Chicago area, and cities across the country!