Beatles Books
77 episodes - English - Latest episode: 10 days ago - ★★★★★ - 50 ratingsA podcast that chats to a wide variety of Beatle authors and writers. What inspired them to add their entry into a library of over 1000 books?
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Episodes
Debbie Gendler -'I Saw Them Standing There'
April 19, 2024 06:59 - 45 minutes - 32.9 MBMy 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.
Mark Lewisohn on Beatles books
March 29, 2024 09:01 - 1 hour - 53.6 MBIt'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.
Mary McGlory & Sylvia Saunders - 'The Liverbirds'
March 15, 2024 08:02 - 31 minutes - 23.9 MBI'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.
Mark Lewisohn on Mark Lewisohn
February 16, 2024 08:11 - 1 hour - 56.1 MBFor 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.
Aaron Badgley -'Dark Horse Records: The Story of George Harrison's Post-Beatles Record Label'
January 19, 2024 07:55 - 39 minutes - 29 MBMy 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.
Laurie Kaye - ’Confessions of a Rock n Roll Name Dropper’
December 08, 2023 07:50 - 35 minutes - 26.5 MBMy 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.
Ken Womack - ’Living The Beatles Legend -The Mal Evans Story’
November 17, 2023 06:59 - 50 minutes - 39.4 MBI'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.
Jonathan Knott - ’Follow The Sun - The Beatles in Greece’
November 10, 2023 07:47 - 27 minutes - 20.5 MBI'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/
Deirdre Kelly - ’Fashioning The Beatles’
October 20, 2023 06:57 - 52 minutes - 38.5 MBMy 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.
Ken Mcnab - ’Shake It Up Baby’
September 15, 2023 06:41 - 40 minutes - 29.5 MBI 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?
Richard Driver - ’That Was Me’
August 18, 2023 11:51 - 48 minutes - 36.3 MBI'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 fo...
Steve Matteo - ’Act Naturally - The Beatles on Film’
June 30, 2023 17:20 - 44 minutes - 34.3 MBI'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.
Leslie Cavendish - ’The Cutting Edge’
May 26, 2023 09:46 - 41 minutes - 31.3 MBI'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.
Bob Kealing - ’Good Day Sunshine State’
April 28, 2023 09:46 - 33 minutes - 27.8 MBMy 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.
David Jacks - ’Peter Asher A Life in Music’
March 31, 2023 10:31 - 47 minutes - 35.4 MBMy 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.
Bill Janovitz - ’Leon Russell: The Master of Space and Time’s Journey Through Rock & Roll History’
March 17, 2023 12:22 - 36 minutes - 27.3 MBI'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.
Colin Hall - ’The Songs The Beatles Gave Away’
February 24, 2023 10:39 - 39 minutes - 29 MBMy 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.
Tony King ’ ’The Tastemaker’
January 27, 2023 11:39 - 40 minutes - 27.9 MBI'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 a...
Allan Kozinn & Adrian Sinclair - ’McCartney Legacy Vol 1’
December 16, 2022 13:02 - 54 minutes - 42.1 MBI'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 triumph...
Dafydd Rees - ’1963 - A Year in the Life’
November 18, 2022 14:32 - 44 minutes - 33.3 MBMy 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.
Thomas Macfarlane - ’Painting With Sound’
November 04, 2022 13:42 - 53 minutes - 44.3 MBMy 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 crea...
David Hepworth - ’Abbey Road’
October 07, 2022 11:12 - 39 minutes - 36.3 MBMy 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 r...
John Higgs - ’Love and Let Die’
September 16, 2022 10:21 - 47 minutes - 36.7 MBMy 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.
Bernadette & Mike Byrne - ’The Birth of The Beatles Story’
August 19, 2022 12:02 - 44 minutes - 34 MBI'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...
’’In His Own Write’ with Jonathan Glew
July 22, 2022 11:53 - 34 minutes - 28.6 MBI'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.
James Campion - ’Take A Sad Song...’
June 24, 2022 13:09 - 43 minutes - 35.2 MBMy 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 - ’Conversations With McCartney’
June 17, 2022 11:37 - 50 minutes - 38.6 MBPaul 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 t...
Jay Bergen - ’Lennon, The Mobster and The Lawyer’
May 20, 2022 13:08 - 41 minutes - 32.8 MBMy 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://...
Richard Mills - ’The Beatles and Fandom’
April 29, 2022 14:43 - 38 minutes - 32.8 MBMy 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.
Ted Widmer - ’The Beatle Who Got Away’
April 16, 2022 14:03 - 40 minutes - 32.2 MBI'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
Donald Brackett - ’Yoko Ono - An Artful Life’
March 25, 2022 15:17 - 51 minutes - 40.4 MBMy 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 p...
Jenny Boyd - ’Jennifer Juniper’
February 25, 2022 15:17 - 39 minutes - 29.3 MBMy 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/
Ryan Walsh - ’On Claudio’
February 04, 2022 13:35 - 27 minutes - 22.1 MBI'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-c...
Jon Stewart - ’Dylan, Lennon, Marx And God’
January 21, 2022 14:51 - 52 minutes - 40.7 MBI'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...
Steve Matteo - ’Let It Be’
December 27, 2021 14:16 - 47 minutes - 36.5 MBI'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.
Bob Spitz - ‘The Beatles - The Biography‘
December 17, 2021 15:11 - 32 minutes - 24.7 MBMy 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/
Jude Southerland Kessler - ‘Shades of Life‘
December 03, 2021 15:25 - 40 minutes - 30.8 MBI'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 1...
Joe Hagan - ‘Sticky Fingers‘
November 12, 2021 14:44 - 1 hour - 59.3 MBMy 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 him...
Lance Richardson - ‘House of Nutter‘
October 29, 2021 14:00 - 31 minutes - 26.1 MBMy 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...
John Harris - ‘The Beatles Get Back‘
October 16, 2021 10:26 - 30 minutes - 24.4 MBMy 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.
Tim Riley - ‘Tell Me Why‘
October 08, 2021 12:59 - 44 minutes - 35.8 MBMy 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/
Rob Sheffield - ‘Dreaming The Beatles‘
September 24, 2021 13:18 - 1 hour - 53.6 MBMy 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 i...
Luke Meddings - ‘What They Heard‘
September 16, 2021 13:57 - 53 minutes - 41 MBMy 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 drug...
David Hepworth - ‘Overpaid, Oversexed and Over There‘
September 10, 2021 13:40 - 41 minutes - 33.4 MBI'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 ...
Joe Hagan - A Quick Chat About ‘Get Back‘
August 31, 2021 13:40 - 10 minutes - 10.4 MBI recently spoke to author Joe Hagan about his book 'Sticky Fingers, The Life and Times of Jann Wenner and Rolling Stone Magazine' - but couldn't let him go without mentioning his article for Vanity Fair magazine about the forthcoming 'Get Back' 3 part movie. Joe shares with us what he's seen of the film, and what we can expect from this incredibly exciting project. Joe's article can be found at https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2021/06/the-beatles-get-back-exclusive-deep-dive-peter-jack...
Daniel Rachel - ‘Like Some Forgotten Dream‘
August 27, 2021 14:29 - 1 hour - 48.9 MBMy 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 debatin...
'Like Some Forgotten Dream' - Daniel Rachel
August 27, 2021 14:29 - 1 hour - 48.9 MBMy 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 debatin...
Bob Smeaton - 'From Benwell Boy to 46th Beatle'
August 13, 2021 12:37 - 43 minutes - 32.1 MBMy 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!
Brian Hamill - 'Dream Lovers John & Yoko in NYC'
August 06, 2021 14:41 - 27 minutes - 23.8 MBFor 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 ...
Philip Norman - 'Shout' with Dan Rebellato
July 30, 2021 14:18 - 1 hour - 51.8 MBI'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.