STEVE TAYLOR: Across the Universe: The Magic and Mystery of the Beatles

Psychologist (and ex-musician) Dr. Steve Taylor explores the secrets of the Beatles extraordinary creativity and cultural impact.

He explains how and why they were so prolific and evolved so rapidly, with reference to their 'group mind' and 'group flow,' and their spontaneous unconscious inspiration. He also explains how meditation caused an explosion of creativity in the Beatles, but also led to their break up.

Using his guitar and keyboard, Steve will illustrate his talk by playing and singing segments of songs such as 'Please Please Me,' 'Eight Days a Week,' 'Tomorrow Never Knows,' 'Across the Universe,' 'Hey Jude' and ''Julia.'

This is a great opportunity to understand and appreciate the genius of the Beatles anew.

About the Author:

Steve Taylor PhD is a senior researcher and lecturer in psychology at Leeds Beckett University, and the author of many bestselling books on psychology and spirituality. He is a past chair of the Transpersonal Psychology Section of the British Psychological Society. Eckhart Tolle has described Steve’s work as ‘an important contribution to the shift in consciousness which is happening on our planet at present’. Before he was an academic, Steve was a professional musician. He lives in Manchester, England.

About Steve's Book:

Across The Universe retells the story of the Beatles through the lens of their creativity - exposing the secrets of the band's genius and what helped them achieve unparalleled success. It looks at everything from how they formed their near-telepathic connections as performers to how meditation shaped their song-writing (which, Steve argues, also catalysed their break-up!), making it a must-read for fans of the Fab Four who want to better understand what made them so special.

The book also looks back at key moments which shaped their story and compares their creativity to their peers, making it perfect for music history lovers.

Copies of Steve's book will be available to buy at the Festival and there'll be a dedicated book signing after his event.

‘A fascinating account of the alchemy that made the Beatles extraordinary. Profound and insightful on both cultural and psychological levels, this is illuminating in all the best ways.’ John Higgs, author of Love and Let Die.

'Be warned: after reading this book you may listen to your favourite Beatle tunes like never before.’ Gary Lachman, author of Touched By the Presence: From Blondie’s Bowery and Rock and Roll to Magic and the Occult.