Beatles Books

I'm joined for this bonus, mini episode by Yvonne Innes to discuss her biography of her husband, Neil Innes. In my view, Neil was one of the largest contributors to British culture of the last 50 years, and is beloved to all Beatle fans as co creator of The Rutles. Yvonne's book is full of humour and love and tells her husband's remarkable life story with all the insight you'd expect.

I'm joined by JR Moores today to discuss his book 'Off The Ground'. JR takes a detailed look at Paul in the 90's and suggests that apart from the 60's, it turned out to be the most influential decade of Paul's professional life. Studio albums, huge tours, classical pieces and ambient side projects, as ever McCartney packs more into 10 years than most artists do in a lifetime.

I'm welcoming David Hepworth back to the pod today, this time to talk about his book 'Hope I Get Old Before I Die - Why Rock Stars Never Retire'. David's book begins at Live Aid, where Paul McCartney sings into a defective mic, and ends today where he and Ringo are more celebrated than ever. The book looks at how we got here- via knighthoods and Nobel prizes for rock's greatest generation.

My guest today is renowned music journalist and author Patrick Humphries who joins me to discuss his book 'With The Beatles'. Patrick interviewed Paul, George and Ringo at various points during their solo careers, and uses this a basis to tell The Beatles story from beginning to end - with particular focus on how the Beatles legacy and impact grew after they went their separate ways.

For this very special episode, my guest is former Apple employee Merle Frimark who joins me to discuss her time as an Apple employee between 1967 and 1970. On July 23rd 1969, Merle attended the recording session for 'Come Together', where she watched The Beatles at work and captured some amazing candid pictures. The Guardian piece referenced in this episode can be found here - https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/aug/24/from-sorting-fan-mail-to-seeing-abbey-road-being-made-my-life-as-a-teenage-beatles-employee

My guest for this episode is Neil Fox,  a Professor of Film Practice and Pedagogy at Falmouth University, and co-host of the acclaimed film podcast, The Cinematologists. He's here to discuss his book, 'Music Films'. We focus our conversation, of course, on The Beatles movies - what makes Hard Day's Night great and Help less great? What influence did The Beatles films have on other music films of the 60's? And how did The Rutles inspire This Is Spinal Tap?

My guests for this episode are Greg Armstrong and Andy Neill who join me to discuss their book 'When We Was Fab - Inside The Beatles Australasian Tour 1964'. Greg and Andy tell the story of this tour in great detail - from it's conception to The Beatles frenzied arrival and look at the legacy that they left behind.

My guest today is Tracy Daugherty who joins me to discuss his book 'We Shook Up Th World - The Spiritual Rebellion of Muhammad Ali and George Harrison'. Ali met George in a Florida boxing ring in February 1964 - and ten years later as Ali was staging one of the great sporting comebacks George was struggling across America on his Dark Horse tour - Tracy's book looks at the journey these two men took over those 10 years and how 60's icons dealt with the changing world of the 70's.

My guest today is Debbie Gendler who is here to discuss her book 'I Saw The Standing There - Adventures of an Original Beatle Fan During Beatlemania and Beyond'. Debbie fell for The Beatles in late 1963 and soon found herself in the audience for their first US TV appearance on Ed Sullivan. This led to a lifetime of devotion and many crazy adventures and Beatle encounters - she shares all these stories with me, including a less than satisfactory meeting with the lads themselves.

It's terrific to welcome Mark Lewisohn back to the pod, this time to discuss the stories behind some of the major works of Beatle literature. From Hunter Davies to Derek Taylor, from Michael Braun to Richard Dilello - Mark offers his own fascinating insight into the books that so many of us have on our Beatle shelves.

I'm joined for this episode by Mary McGlory and Sylvia Saunders to talk about their book 'The Liverbirds - Our Life in Britain's First Rock n Roll Band'. Despite some disparaging words from a certain John Lennon, Mary and Sylvia, along with Val and Pam form The Liverbirds, and become a thrilling live act, garnering huge success particularly in Germany - they share their story, including their many Beatle related encounters, with me for this episode.

For this very special episode I'm joined by Mark Lewisohn to discuss his life, his books and the unique Beatle experiences that led him to become the writer he is today.

My guest for this episode is Aaron Badgley, who joins me to discuss his book on Dark Horse Records, the label started by George Harrison in 1974. Aaron tells us the story of the varied collection of artists on the label, and how as a commercial venture, it wasn't quite what George had hoped it would be.

My very special guest for this episode is Laurie Kaye, who was part of the the team that conducted John Lennon's last ever interview on December 8th 1980. Laurie talks about what she calls the best and worst day of her life - and how its outcome went on to affect her over 40 years later.

I'm honored to welcome Ken Womack back to the pod to talk about one of the most anticipated Beatle books of 2023, his fascinating biography of the Beatles roadie, Mal Evans. Ken reveals for the first time the true story of one of The Beatles closest friends - in equal parts hilarious and heartbreaking.

I'm joined for this bonus mini episode by Jonathan Knott who is here to discuss his research on The Beatles attempts in 1967 to buy a Greek island. What inspired them to make such a lavish purchase? Why did the sale fall through? Jonathan answers these questions and more - his Substack can be found at https://followthesun.substack.com/

My guest today is Deirdre Kelly who joins me to discuss her book 'Fashioning The Beatles' - a fascinating and detailed look at what The Beatles wore through the 60's - what inspired them and how they influenced the looks and themes of the decade.

I am delighted to welcome Ken Mcnab back to the pod - this time to discuss 'Shake It Up Baby' - his thrilling and detailed story of The Beatles in 1963. How did they go from the cold nights of a small Scottish tour in January to the cusp of world domination in Decemeber?

I'm joined for this episode by Richard Driver to discuss his book 'That Was Me - Paul McCartney's career and the legacy of The Beatles' That Was Me is an engaging and insightful journey through the prolific and awe-inspiring career of Paul McCartney. With focus on Sir Paul’s post-Beatles years, Richard Driver explores the vast output of McCartney, from his homespun solo albums to his more elaborate compositions and productions, and from his videos and tours to his collaborations with his former Beatles and a multitude of other pop stars.

I'm delighted to welcome back to the pod Steve Matteo who is here this time to discuss his new book 'Act Naturally - The Beatles on Film'. Steve's book tells the stories behind all The Beatles cinematic adventures, how they reflected the wider cinematic trends of the 60s and why we all keep going back to watch them time and time again.

I'm joined today by Leslie Cavendish to discuss his book 'The Cutting Edge'. Starting work at Vidal Sassoon's salon at the start of the 60's, Leslie soon finds himself cutting The Beatles hair - and forming a friendship in particular with Paul McCartney. He tells us stories from the Magical Mystery Tour bus, what it was like running a salon for Apple and meeting Paul again in 2012.

My guest for this episode is Bob Kealing, who tells the story of The Beatles in Florida, a state they spent more time in than most during 1964. Meeting Muhammad Ali, playing to 70 million on Ed Sullivan, taking part in iconic photoshoots, as usual The Beatles packed in so much into their time - and Bob's book focuses on first hand accounts to tell this fascinating story.

My guest today is David Jacks who joins me to discuss his biography of Peter Asher - 'A Life in Music'. Peter came into The Beatles world via his sister Jane's relationship with Paul McCartney, and soon Peter was a pop star himself as he and his musical partner Gordon Waller took one of Paul's songs to the top of the charts. Peter then went on to a hugely successful career in music production and promotion, including a famous stint at Apple Records.

I'm joined for this bonus episode by founding member of the band Buffalo Tom, Bill Janowitz to discuss his biography of Leon Russell. Perhaps best known in Beatles circles for his involvement in the Concert for Bangladesh - Leon was an incredible talent who had played on most of Phil Spector's biggest songs before starting a stellar solo career and formed a close friendship with George Harrison.

My guest for this episode is Colin Hall, who joins me to discuss his book 'The Songs The Beatles Gave Away'. Colin is the custodian of Mendips, John Lennon's childhood home in Liverpool, and his book covers John and Paul's early years, and how their songwriting partnership developed into donating songs to other artists.

I'm joined for this episode by Tony King to discuss his brilliant memoir 'The Tastemaker'. Tony joined Decca Records at 16, and as London started to swing, was one of it's most vital promotion men. Tony got to know The Beatles during the mid 60's, and by the start of the 70s was employed by Apple, and worked on promoting both John and Ringo's solo albums. His friendship with Elton John led him to introduce him to John Lennon - and Tony was directly involved in John's famous Thanksgiving appearance with Elton at Madison Square Garden in 1974.

I'm joined for this episode by Allan Kozinn and Adrian Sinclair to discuss volume 1 of 'McCaartney Legacy, the first in a multi volume set, beginning with covering the years 1969 -1973. This is such a heroic and exciting period for Paul, as he recreates himself in the immediate aftermath of the Beatles breakup – a period when, newly married and with a growing family, he conquered depression and self-doubt, formed a new band, Wings, and recorded five epochal albums culminating in the triumphant smash, Band on the Run.

My guest today is Dafydd Rees who joins me to discuss his book 'The Beatles 1963 A Year in the Life'. At the start of 1963, The Beatles were a successful local Liverpool band with one hit single; twelve months, two albums and the arrival of Beatlemania later, they were on the cusp of world domination. Thoroughly researched and featuring interviews with 300 people - Dafydd shines a light onto that most thrilling of Beatle years.

My guest today is Thomas Macfarlane who joins me to discuss his book 'Lennon and McCartney - Painting With Sound' This book explores the work of two of the most influential composers of the twentieth century. Five decades after the breakup of the Beatles, the music of John Lennon and Paul McCartney continues to fascinate and inspire. Evidence suggests that their uniquely eclectic approach can be traced back to the Liverpool College of Art. Following on that idea, this book explores the creative dialogue between John Lennon and Paul McCartney, both with the Beatles and on their own, that grew out of that early influence.

My returning guest for this episode is David Hepworth - who joins me to discuss his new book 'Abbey Road - The Inside Story of the World's Most Famous Recording Studio'. Many people will recognise the famous zebra crossing. Some visitors may have graffitied their name on its hallowed outer walls. Others might even have managed to penetrate the iron gates. But what draws in these thousands of fans here, year after year? What is it that really happens behind the doors of the most celebrated recording studio in the world?

My guest for this episode is John Higgs, who joins me to discuss his book 'Love and Let Die - Bond, The Beatles and The British Psyche'. Dr No, the first Bond film, and ‘Love Me Do’, the first Beatles record, were both released on the same day – Friday, 5 October 1962 - John's book looks at how and why these two cultural phenomena endure - what that says about Britain and what the future holds for Mr. Bond and the Fab Four.

I'm joined for this episode by Bernadette and Mike Byrne, who tell us two stories via their book 'The Birth of The Beatles Story'. Firstly, Bernadette was a Beatles fan from the Cavern, and tells us stories of their adventures in Liverpool, and how she ended up as George Harrison's girlfriend. Secondly, after noticing an influx of Beatle tourists in Liverpool through the 80's, Mike and Bernie hatch the idea for the The Beatles Story museum, an attraction on the Albert Dock which has gone on to have over 5 million visitors.

I'm joined for this episode by actor and director Jonathan Glew to discuss John Lennon's 'In His Own Write'. In 2015 Jonathan was granted the rights from Yoko Ono and the Lennon Estate to adapt John Lennon’s first book of poetry and prose into a theatrical production.  The show went on to be a huge hit at the 2015 Edinburgh Festival and was remounted at the V&A in 2016 where it ran alongside the ‘You Say You Want A Revolution?’ exhibition.

My guest for this episode is James Campion, who joins me to discuss his book 'Take A Sad Song...The Emotional Currency of Hey Jude'. James' book dives deeply into the song’s origins, recording, visual presentation, impact, and eventual influence on the remaining pat of The Beatles career

Paul Du Noyer returns to the pod to discuss his 2015 book 'Conversations With McCartney'.  In June 1989, Paul Du Noyer was contacted by Paul McCartney's office in London and asked to interview the star as they had met once before and enjoyed a good rapport. In the years that followed, Paul Du Noyer continued to meet, interview and work for Paul McCartney on a regular basis, producing magazine articles, tour programmes, album liner notes, press materials and website editorial. It's likely that Du Noyer has spent more hours in formal, recorded conversation with McCartney than any other writer.

My guest for this episode is Jay Bergen, the attorney who represented John in his 1976 trial against Morris Levy, the mob connected owner of Roulette Records who had released 'Roots' - an unauthorised version of John's 'Rock n Roll' album. Jay shares his memories of the time he spent with John - what it was like interviewing him on the stand, and what he observed about John and Yoko, just as they were retiring from the public eye.   More information about the book can be found at https://www.lennonthemobsterandthelawyer.com/

My guest for this episode is Richard Mills, who joins me to discuss his book 'The Beatles and Fandom'. Richard's book is the first to discuss fan subcultures. It combines academic theory on fandom with compelling original research material to tell an alternative history of the Beatles phenomenon: a fans' history of the Beatles that runs concurrently with the popular story we all know.

I'm joined for this bonus episode by historian and writer Ted Widmer, who joins me to discuss his fabulous New Yorker piece on Stuart Sutcliffe. Ted tells about the time he spent with Stuart's sister, Pauline, how Stuart fitted in with the other Beatles, and how his early death cast a huge shadow over The Beatles for years to come.   You can read ted's piece here - https://www.newyorker.com/culture/essay/the-beatle-who-got-away

My guest for this episode is Donald Brackett, who brings us his biography of Yoko Ono, 'A Artful Life'. Yoko is one of the most complicated and misunderstood characters in the whole Beatles story, she arrives fully formed into the story in her mid 30s - Donald's book provides some insightful and revealing detail on her life before she met John, looks at the impact he had on her art career, and how she put her life back together after his death. More information about this book, including pre sale links can be found at https://sutherlandhousebooks.com/product/yoko-ono-preorder/?fbclid=IwAR1VKN

My guest for this episode is Jenny Boyd, younger sister of George's first wife Patti, who joins me to discuss her autobiography, 'Jennifer Juniper'.  Jenny shares with us tales of having George as her brother in law, modelling in Swinging London, living in San Francisco in 1967, and joining The Beatles on their meditation retreat to India in 1968.   Signed copies of Jenny's book can be ordered at www.thejennyboyd.com/

I'm joined for this special bonus episode by Ryan Walsh, who discusses his fascinating article on Curt Claudio, the man that went to Tittenhurst in 1971 to talk to John, as captured by a film crew and originally shown in the 1988 'Imagine' film. Ryan shares detail on who this man was, why he felt the need to go to meet John and what happened to him, You can read the article here - https://medium.com/@JahHills/on-claudio-the-man-who-sought-out-john-lennon-to-ask-if-his-songs-were-about-him-c0b34c5d57ac

I'm joined for this episode by Jon Stewart, guitarist in Britpop band Sleeper and Course Leader for the BA (Hons) Music Business at BIMM Institute, Brighton. Jon's book is a dual biography of John Lennon and Bob Dylan, and discusses their relationship; their politics; their understanding of history; and their deeply held spiritual beliefs. In revealing how each artist challenged the restrictive social norms of their day, the author shows how his subjects asked profound moral questions about what it means to be human and how we should live.

I'm joined for this episode by Steve Matteo -who wrote his book on 'Let It Be' as part of the 33 1/3 series in 2003. We discuss how the book came together and how his view of the album and film changed as the project progressed.  We also share our thoughts on Peter Jackson's 'Get Back' series.

My guest for this episode is Bob Spitz - we look back at his 2005 biography of The Beatles. He shares the story of the writing of the book - the characters he met along the way, and how his view of the individual Beatles changed once he's finished writing. Bob also tells us about his latest book - a stirring and thrilling look at the 70s biggest band, Led Zeppelin.    More about Bob and his books can be found at https://bobspitz.com/

I'm joined for this episode by Jude Southerland Kessler who discusses 'Shades of Life' - the most recent volume in her John Lennon Series, where she tells John's life story as historical narrative - where history is written in a story based form.  I was intrigued as to why an author would choose to write John's story in this style - and Jude tells us the challenges and rewards of writing in this style. We also discuss 'Shades of Life' - the newest book in her series which looks at John in 1965. Jude's work can be found at https://www.johnlennonseries.com/

My guest for this episode is special correspondent for Vanity Fair Joe Hagan, who joins me to discuss his book 'Sticky Fingers - The Life and Times of Jann Wenner and Rolling Stone Magazine' Rolling Stone plays a huge part in The Beatles story, be it John's 1970 Lennon Remembers interview, the famed February 1981 issue after John's death or is almost complete dismissal of Paul's solo work through the 70s and 80s. Joe's book shines a fascinating light on both the magazine and Jann Wenner himself - and tries to explain how this one magazine is such an important part of the post split Beatles narrative.

My guest for this episode is Lance Richardson who joins me to discuss his book 'House of Nutter - The Rebel Tailor of Savile Row'. Lance's book charts the remarkable lives of both legendary tailor Tommy Nutter, and his photographer brother, David. Tommy found himself in the Beatle world via his partner, Peter Brown and The Beatles fell in love with his suits- John, Paul and Ringo are all wearing one on the Abbey Road cover and David's talents led him to be chosen to photograph John and Yoko's 1969 wedding.

My guest today is journalist, writer and critic John Harris who joins me to discuss his involvement in 'Get Back'. John was invited to scour through the hours of recorded audio and video from January 1969 and select entertaining and insightful passages of dialogue that help illustrate this fascinating and dramatic month in The Beatles career.

My guest for this episode is Tim Riley, who joins me to discuss his 1988 book 'Tell Me Why'. Tim's book was one of the first to really examine and tackle The Beatles music - and it's fascinating to hear how his book was created - what he feels now about The Beatles music and how views and opinions have changed from the writing of the first edition. More information about Tim and his writing can be found at https://timrileyauthor.com/

My guest for this episode is Rolling Stone writer Rob Sheffield, who joins me to discuss his book 'Dreaming The Beatles'. Rob's book looks at The Beatles from the perspective of a fan born after the band split up - What do the Beatles mean today? Why are they more famous and beloved now than ever? And why do they still matter so much to us, nearly fifty years after they broke up? Rob's passion and knowledge of The Beatles really came across both in the book and the interview itself - and it was quite reassuring to hear how much Harry Styles loves 'Back to the Egg'...

My guest today is Luke Meddings, who is here to discuss his book 'What They Heard - How The Beatles, Beach Boys and Bob Dylan Listened to Each Other and Changed Music Forever'.  Using timelines derived from release dates, studio sessions and personal encounters, Luke Meddings reveals the paths of influence across an astonishing 4-year period between 1963 and 1967, in which these iconic artists cross-pollinated like crazy - via recordings, rivalry, rumours, artistic envy and quite a few drugs.  This is some of the strongest Beatle writing I've read in a long time and it was fascinating talking to Luke about his journey writing this book. More information can be found at https://weatherglassbooks.com/shop/what-they-heard

I'm joined today by one of British music journalism's most famous voices, David Hepworth, to discuss his new book 'Overpaid, Oversexed and Over There - How a Few Skinny Brits With Bad Teeth Rocked America'. David has been writing about music since the 1970's, and was involved in the launches of Smash Hits, Q and The Word Magazine. He is also one half of the Word in Your Ear podcast. His book looks at the British Invasion of 1964 - how did this happen? What made America embrace The Beatles so fully? How did the cultural conversation between the two nations change of the past 50 years?

My guest for this episode is musician turned author Daniel Rachel who joins me to discuss his book 'Like Some Forgotten Dream - What if The Beatles Hadn't Split Up?' Daniel examines The Beatles untimely demise - and from the ashes compiles a track list for an imagined final album, pulling together unfinished demos, forgotten B-sides, hit solo songs, and arguing that together they form the basis of a lost Beatles masterpiece. This is a exuberant and fun read - and I had a great time debating with Daniel what songs should and shouldn't be included.

My guest today is Bob Smeaton who joins me to discuss his autobiography 'From Benwell Boy to 46th Beatle'. After a successful career in local bands in his native Newcastle through the 80s, Bob found himself involved in The Beatles Anthology film. Bob interviewed Paul, George and Ringo at length at various exotic locations. He shares his observations and memories of the project - and what it was like to be told off by Neil Aspinall!

For this bonus mini episode I'm joined by renowned photographer Brian Hamill to discuss his book 'Dream Lovers - John & Yoko in NYC'. Brian had 2 photo sessions with John, an afternoon stroll around New York with Yoko in 1972, and then a session just with John at the Dakota in 1975. He also attended the Madison Square Garden show earlier in 1972. Brian shares his observations and memories of John and Yoko (plus an encounter with George!) with us and tells us the stories behind some of his wonderful pictures.

I'm incredibly lucky to be joined for this episode by dramatist and academic Dan Rebellato to discuss one of the most infamous of all Beatles books - 1981's 'Shout' by Philip Norman. Dan and I look at the initial success and impact that this massive selling book had on both The Beatles and Paul McCartney's reputation - what drove it's success, and where it sits today amongst an ever growing Beatle library.

I'm joined by one of the very best Beatle authors, Ken Womack, and one of the very best Beatle podcasters, Jason Krupa, to discuss their brilliant new book 'All Things Must Pass Away - Harrison, Clapton and Other Assorted Love Songs'.   Ken and Jason paint a fascinating and enlightening picture of George Harrison and Eric Clapton in 1970, such a key year for both of them. George - dealing with the passing of his band, his relationship and his mother produces one of the great Beatle solo albums and Eric, bruised from the breakup of yet another band makes the tortured 'Layla'. Ken and Jason tell us how these albums came together, what happened next, and how this enduring friendship coped in the most trying of circumstances.

I'm joined for this episode by award winning journalist and author Paul Howard to discuss his brilliant biography of Tara Browne, a member of the Irish aristocracy and Guinness heir, who went on to epitomize Swinging London and feature, in tragic circumstances, in the first verse of 'A Day In The Life', one of The Beatles' greatest songs. More information about the book can be found at  https://www.panmacmillan.com/authors/paul-howard/i-read-the-news-today-oh-boy/9781509800049

I'm joined for this episode by Christine Feldman Barrett to discuss her landmark book, 'A Women's History of The Beatles'. Hers is the first book to offer a detailed presentation of the band's social and cultural impact as understood through the experiences and lives of women. Drawing on a mix of interviews, archival research, textual analysis, and autoethnography, this scholarly work depicts how the Beatles have profoundly shaped and enriched the lives of women, while also reexamining key, influential female figures within the group's history.   More information about this book can be found at https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/a-womens-history-of-the-beatles-9781501348051/

My guest today is Stefan Granados - he joins me to discuss 'Those Were The Days 2.0', the fully updated version of his definitive chronicle of The Beatles' Apple organisation.  Stefan dispels the myth that Apple was the great Beatle folly - it not only was home to hugely successful artists like James Taylor, Badfinger and Mary Hopkin, but it carefully cultivated The Beatles image, and is now a multi million dollar empire.  This fantastic book is published by Cherry Red, and can be purchased at https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/those-were-the-days-2-0-the-beatles-apple-book/

I'm joined by publisher, writer and co host of the 'Backlisted' podcast John Mitchinson to discuss his involvement in that most all encompassing of Beatles books, 'The Beatles Anthology'. John shares with us his experiences of working with Neil Aspinell, his views on the strengths and weaknesses of the book, and his fascinating opinions on other great and not so great Beatle Books of recent times.

I'm joined for my latest episode by John F. Lyons. His book 'Joy and Fear' is a riveting look at the polarizing nature of the Beatles phenomenon, and how it transformed a generation, through the lens of a singular city in the centre of America. Drawing on historical and contemporary accounts, Joy and Fear brings to life the frenzied excitement of Beatlemania in 1960s Chicago, while also illustrating the deep-seated hostility from the establishment toward the Beatles. You can follow John on Twitter @JohnFLyons2

I’m joined today by author and journalist Steve Turner to discuss his 2016 book ‘Beatles 66 The Revolutionary Year.’    The Beatles began 1966 as hysteria-inducing pop stars playing to audiences of screaming teenage fans and ended it as musical sages considered responsible for ushering in a new era. Steve’s book describes this transformative year by slowing down the action to investigate in detail the enormous changes that took place in the Beatles’ lives and work during 1966.

I'm joined for this mini episode by Kevin Barry - author of 'Beatlebone'.  'Beatlebone' is set in 1978, where John Lennon has escaped New York City to try and find the island off the West Coast of Ireland he bought eleven years prior.  I tend to shy away a bit from Beatle Fiction - but this is a quite brilliant novel, genuinely thrilling at every turn and Kevin perfectly captures the thoughts going round in John's head. More information about this book and Kevin's other novels can be found at  https://canongate.co.uk/contributors/10834-kevin-barry/

I'm very lucky to be joined for this episode by renowned rock photographer Bob Gruen to discuss his thrilling and action packed memoir; 'Right Place, Right Time'. Bob shares the fascinating story of his friendship with John and Yoko - from the early days on Bank Street to preparing a book to mark Yoko's 80th birthday. Bob took some of the most recognizable pictures ever of John and Yoko and captured almost every key moment of their life in the US.   Examples of Bob's work and more information about his book can be found at http://www.bobgruen.com/

I'm joined for this episode by writer and journalist and original Beatlemaniac Patti Gallo-Stedman to discuss her fascinating diary.   Compiled from her own diary and extensive scrapbooking - Patti's diary offers a real insight into real time Beatlemania, and tells us first hand what it was like to experience The Beatles story as it happened in real time.   More information about this book can be found at https://diaryofabeatlemaniac.com/

For this bonus, mini episode, I'm joined by Chip Madinger to discuss his fabulously detailed and rich diary of John Lennon's life, 'Lennonology'. 'Strange Days Indeed—A Scrapbook Of Madness' is a day-by-day account of John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s artistic and personal partnership from 1968-1980 that will transport the reader back in time to accompany John and Yoko as their future unfolds. Chip reveals his writing process, the challenges he faced when researching, and how he feels about this huge project now it's come to an end.   More information about the book, including sales links, can be found at https://lennonology.com/

For this episode, I'm incredibly lucky to be joined by the writer Andy Miller to discuss Hunter Davies' 1968 authorised biography.   Still the only official Beatles biography ever published, Hunter's book is an essential read - he had unparalleled access not only to The Beatles but to family, friends and colleagues - some of whom would never be interviewed again. Andy and I look at how this book was created, why it still matters in 2021 and what it tells us about what readers wanted in 1968 and beyond. Andy Miller is a reader, editor and author of books including 'The Year of Reading Dangerously' and the '33 1/3' volume on The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society. He is also co host of Backlisted, a podcast that gives new life to old books.

I'm joined today by Darryl Bullock to discuss his new book 'The Velvet Mafia' an eye opening account of some of the most influential and powerful gay men of the 60's.  We focus on Brian Epstein - one of the biggest influences on The Beatles, a man absolutely central to their story, but a man still misunderstood 50 years after his sad death.   Darryl's fascinating book can be purchased here : https://www.amazon.co.uk/Velvet-Mafia-Gay-Swinging-Sixties/dp/1787602311

My guest today is renowned author and writer Peter Ames Carlin who joins me to discuss his 2009 book 'Paul McCartney - A Life' One of the few books which covers Paul's post Beatle life with enough depth and thought - Peter's book was built on years of research and contains numerous fresh interviews and perspectives - I really enjoyed talking to him. We also discuss his current book 'Sonic Boom' a thrilling telling of the Warner Brothers Records story - maybe the most famous label in rock n roll.   Peter's books can be viewed and ordered from https://www.peteramescarlin.com/books

I'm joined by author and critic Chris Power to discuss Ian Macdonald's seminal 1994 book 'Revolution in the Head'. Critically adored for so long, this books reputation has suffered a little in recent years. Chris and I discuss the reasons for this - and what impact the book has had on us. Chris's short story collection 'Mothers' can be purchased here https://www.faber.co.uk/tutors/chris-power/ His debut novel 'A Lonely Man' will be released in April of this year.

I'm joined by Erin Torkelson Weber to discuss her excellent book 'The Beatles And The Historians'. This book examines the band's historiography exploring the four major narratives that have developed in Beatles literature since the mid 60s.  Her book was a personal eye opener for myself and made me re evaluate my whole outlook on Beatles Books - it was real privilege to talk her. Erin's excellent blog can be found at https://beatlebioreview.wordpress.com/about/

I'm joined by author and sociologist Candy Leonard to discuss her 2014 book 'Beatleness'. Based on interviews with hundreds of fans of different ages and genders, Beatleness is a richly textured cultural history, showing what it was like to grow up immersed in Beatles—from Ed Sullivan to the Apple rooftop—eagerly awaiting each record and watching their evolution. More information about this book and author can be found at http://beatleness.com/

I'm joined by acclaimed music journalist and author Tom Doyle to discuss his 2014 book, 'Man on the Run' an fascinating look at one of Paul's most misunderstood decades, the 1970's. Tom's book paints an illuminating picture: from McCartney's nervous breakdown following the Beatles' split through his apparent victimisation by the authorities to the rude awakening of his imprisonment for marijuana possession in Japan in 1980 and the shocking wake-up call of John Lennon's murder. At the same time, the book shines a light on the wonderfully varied and thrilling records that Paul and Wings released through this period.

I'm joined by editor and author Oliver Craske to discuss his major biography of Ravi Shankar.  Ravi had a remarkable and long life - and his influence on The Beatles and particular George Harrison was huge. Oliver's book deals with Ravi's amazing story in great depth and gets to the heart of Ravi's friendship with George.  More information and sales links for this book can be found at https://www.olivercraske.com/indiansun

I'm joined by Jem Roberts to discuss his wonderful new book 'Fab Fools' - the first book to properly discuss The Beatles and comedy. Jem discovers how John, Paul, George and Ringo laughed their way to the top through their films, cartoons and even pantomimes.  No discussion of The Beatles and comedy would be complete without discussing The Rutles - and Jem documents how Eric Idle and Neil Innes created the most influential rock n roll spoof in history. Fab Fools can be ordered at http://www.candy-jar.co.uk/books/fabfools.html

Bonus Mini-Episode! I'm joined by renowned journalist and writer Tony Barrell to discuss 'The Beatles on the Roof' - a fun look at the events leading up to The Beatles final 'concert' in January 1969.  Tony met with and interviewed dozens of people who were either involved in or attended that blustery London lunchtime - he shares their memories and more over the course of our chat.   More information about Tony's book and sales links can be found at https://www.tonybarrell.com/raising-the-roof/

I'm joined by Jim Berkenstadt, author of 'The Beatle Who Vanished' - the fascinating story of Jimmie Nicol, the drummer who replaced Ringo for the first part of The Beatles 1964 World Tour. After his 13 days as Beatle - what happened to Jimmie? Jim's book tells this often surprising and always mysterious tale in his gripping book. Jim's book can be ordered from his website at  https://rockandrolldetective.com/books/the-beatle-who-vanished/

I'm joined by one of Britain's leading music writers, Graeme Thomson, to discuss his elegant and insightful account of George Harrison's extraordinary life and career; 'Behind The Locked Door'.   We look at George's changes and conflicts and pay particular attention to George's under appreciated post Beatle career.

I'm joined by Paul Du Noyer, a Liverpool born author, editor and music journalist. He discusses 'The Complete John Lennon' -  a new revised version of 1997's 'We All Shine On'. This unique book recounts John Lennon's life after The Beatles with a fascinating and revealing track by track analysis of the stories behind all his solo songs.

Ashley Kahn joins us to discuss his wonderful collection of George Harrison's interviews. Though known as the 'quiet' Beatle - Ashley's collection shows a thoughtful and outspoken man trying to come understand his place both in and out of The Beatles.

Ken McNab has written a vivid and thrilling account of perhaps the most dramatic of all the Beatles years - 1969. We discuss at length his book 'And In The End' and examine the key events and decisions which led to the year ending with The Beatles leading separate lives.

For our very first episode Ken Womack joins us to discuss his new book - 'John Lennon 1980 The Last Days In The Life'.  Who was John Lennon in 1980? What led him back to the studio after a 5 year break? Did he still have a relationship with Paul McCartney? Ken Womack answers these questions and many more in his brilliant new book covering John's final year.