And they love him: Beatles fan named to hall of fame

MIDDLEBORO — Middleboro resident and lifelong Beatles fan Larry "Chachi" Loprete has plenty to twist and shout about as he is scheduled to be named to the New England Music Hall of Fame,

The future radio personality’s life was spun around on Feb. 9, 1964 when The Beatles first appeared on Ed Sullivan’s show.

His dream job was to be a disc jockey, and in 1981 he drew closer to that dream by becoming a listener line volunteer at Boston rock radio station WBCN.

His determination and his vast knowledge of the Beatles landed him a job there as the assistant promotion director. By the mid 1980s he got an on-air shift doing a show called "Get Back To The Beatles." 

Loprete kept rising the ranks, and in 2001 he was appointed marketing director for WBCN and WZLX. By 2005 he was a staple on air for WZLX, doing "Breakfast With The Beatles." He still does this show on WUMB on Saturday Mornings 6 to 8 a.m.

Loprete is known as the Boston Beatles Historian, due to his knowledge of all things Beatles and his significant collection of memorabilia and music. He is called upon to do Beatles events, including those with the Boston Pops. Over the years he has met and interviewed Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, George Harrison, his wife Patti, George Martin, Julian Lennon and his mother Cynthia, Yoko Ono  and Pete Best.

He co-hosts live shows called "Come Together" with magician John Logan nearly once a month. These events are themed on Beatles highlights such as their movies, big concerts and TV appearances. They are usually held at the Boston City Winery.

The ceremony takes place on Saturday, Feb. 15th, at The Vault, 791 Purchase St. in New Bedford. For tickets to the ceremony visit www.facebook.com/share/1EEYRvZAED/.

This article was submitted by “Detroit’’ Debbie Roszkowski