The title of this documentary is aptly named. Peter Asher has had many roles in the music industry and has been a part of the music scene since The Beatles led the British Invasion, a member of Peter & Gordon, the launch of The Beatles’ Apple Records, the beginning of James Taylor’s career, the birth of the singer-songwriter era, the emergence of Linda Ronstadt, manager of Taylor and Ronstadt, a producer of many other artists, record company executive, SiriusXM host, and many other roles.
Everywhere Man is a deep dive into the 1960s, and especially the 1970s, when Asher literally was everywhere. The film begins with Asher’s early years, and quickly launches into Asher’s partnership with Gordon Waller, then the connection to Paul McCartney, both as the contributor of songs to Peter & Gordon, and as the boyfriend of Asher’s sister Jane.
The documentary weaves Asher’s own cabaret show of songs and stories, with many film clips and interviews, including recent interviews with Taylor, Ronstadt, McCartney, Carole King, Patti Boyd, Chris O’Dell, John Boylan Eric Idle and many others. There is a great scene where Asher and his daughter are walking in London and happen upon a tour of folks exploring the historic music’s sites. Asher is recognized by them and poses for many selfies.
I remember Peter & Gordon although I never collected their music. They were a pretty big deal for a few years including having a number one song hit around the world with “World Without Love”, a Lennon-McCartney song that The Beatles didn’t record.
The film is touching without being sentimental, effectively telling Asher’s life through the world of pop music, capturing the tone of those decades without rehashing cliched stories, while effectively showing Asher as both affable and kind, and an astute and successful music professional.
To manage and produce both Taylor and Ronstadt was an incredible opportunity, and while the platinum records and awards poured in, it was the music that was the true reward.
If you love music of the 1960s and 1970s, you’ll enjoy the film, and learn a bit about a figure who played a part in the creation of that music.
Was Peter Asher the inspiration for Austin Powers?
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