Icon With Beatles Ties Talks His Music History Before Philly Area Show

GLENSIDE, PA — Peter Asher is walking, breathing music history.

Joining a "British Are Coming" tour with The Fixx and Colin Blunstone (the voice of the legendary Zombies), the one half of Peter & Gordon has many stories to share of a career dating back to 1962.

Asher talked to Patch before a show at the Keswick Theatre on Friday, discussing everything from his time as a prominent producer in the 1970s, his chart-topping U.S. hit "A World Without Love" and his fly-on-the-wall perspective into The Beatles since Paul McCartney lived in his house and dated his sister.

The 82-year-old Asher is touring at a time just after when his acclaimed documentary, "Peter Asher: Everywhere Man" was released on June 25.

But Asher, in an interview with Patch from Malibu, CA, doesn't focus on his legacy.

"I don't think about that. It's never been a concern for me," he told Patch. "I just enjoy the work."

Asher's show, "A Musical Memoir of the 60s and Beyond," features intimate storytelling, a multi-media presentation, photos, and songs he performed with Gordon Waller as a pop duo in Great Britain.

Asher said he enjoys "reminiscing" with the audience as his show is half music and half conversation.

Asher will perform 20 shows in what he called an "old school" tour featuring three acts.

"Somebody came up with this idea," Asher said. "I've never met The Fixx."

It didn't hurt Asher to have a Beatle living in his family's house. Paul McCartney was dating Asher's sister Jane at the time and gifted him a demo of "A World Without Love."

That 1964 song launched Peter & Gordon, who had several hits before disbanding in 1968.

With the Beatles forming Apple Records, Asher began a new career as head of its A&R Department, bringing an unknown James Taylor to the label.

It didn't work out for Taylor there, but Asher moved to the United States to become the singer-songwriter's producer, being behind the board on such classics as "Sweet Baby James" "That's Why I'm Here," and "Flag."

Asher then produced Lina Ronstadt, who had huge 1970s albums such as "Heart Like A Wheel," "Simple Dreams," "Living in the USA," and her orchestral masterpiece "What's New."

Asher's production credits include artists such as Cher, JD Souther, Andrew Gold, Diana Ross, Neil Diamond, Bonnie Raitt, Olivia Newton-John, Ringo Starr, Wilson Phillips, Randy Newman, Kenny Loggins, and the 10,000 Maniacs.

He also penned a Beatles book of facts and hosts the Sirius XM Radio show "From Me To You" on the Beatles Channel.

Asher said he still talks to McCartney now and then but has not yet played the Beatle's recent record.

Asher, for the most part, would rather spend time in the studio then on the road. He's producing another Barbra Streisand record.

"Touring is hard work," Asher said. "There's the time you spend on stage, but travelling is not fun with the infinite hotel rooms. Even in luxury, with private planes, it's still a pain. You're in endless airports."

But Asher has no plans on retiring any time soon. He wants to keep creating music.

"It's amazing how important music can be in our lives," Asher said. "I encourage everyone to listen to great music. Music will live forever."