You can put him in prison but you can't keep him from being vindictive.
Phil Spector has stopped ex-wife Ronnie Spector from performing some of her biggest hits like Be My Baby and Baby I Love You in a new theatrical show that spans her career. Ronnie Spector: Beyond the Beehive is currently playing The Winery in New York and, though reviews have been very good, the big hits are missed.
A few did sneak through, because Phil doesn't have the publishing rights. Walking in the Rain, Frosty the Snowman and a few associated with other groups with related stories by Spector (Time is On My Side, Don't Worry Baby) were highlights of the show.
Phil Spector has had it out for his ex-wife for decades. Ronnie said during the show "Phil Spector wanted to erase me from the public consciousness", later adding "Time is on my side, and the other person’s in prison." Phil's latest volley was his refusal, from prison, to let Ronnie sing any songs from the Phil Spector published catalog in her theatrical production (she can still do the songs in concert).
The show plays again at the Winery on the July 14, 20 and 27. From the press release on the show:
Rock and Roll icon Ronnie Spector has announced the New York City debut of Beyond The Beehive, the theatrical production depicting her life story in monologue, images and song at the City Winery, July 6th, 14th, 20th and 27th. The 90-minute multi-media production of Beyond The Beehive will chronicle Ronnie's fascinating 50-year journey through Rock and Roll with stories, video and still images, as well as upwards of ten live songs backed by her full band.
Before Ronnie Spector's 20th birthday, she made a worldwide impact on the history of Rock and Roll as the leader of the quintessential "Girl Group," The Ronettes. While still in her teens, she was touring the world with The Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton and The Yardbirds as her opening act. From being personally requested by The Beatles to open up their final tour, to holding court with the Stones and Bob Dylan at Ondines, Ronnie was on top of the Rock and Roll world in the turbulent '60s. As bright as her star shined, with her 1968 marriage to infamous record producer Phil Spector, all of that would be taken from her - the stage, her fans, the recording studio and ultimately her identity. At the peak of her career, it all ended suddenly behind electrical gates and guard dogs, amid nonstop psychological and emotional torture. Ronnie Spector would not be seen anywhere, let alone on stage, for many years as she fought to survive Phil Spector's obsessive and abusive behavior.
About Beyond The Beehive, Ronnie Spector stated, "It's what I've been waiting for. There are so many rumors and my show will set the record straight. Whether I'm talking about Girl Groups, The Beatles, or The Rolling Stones, you will hear the truth."
A captivating production detailing Ronnie's unique odyssey from NYC's Peppermint Lounge to Beverly Hills, from hit records to hit men, to eventually being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007, Beyond The Beehive tells the story of how Ronnie Spector transformed herself from victim to the ultimate Rock and Roll Survivor.
VVN Music