Before They Were Beatles
32 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 months ago - ★★★★ - 7 ratingsIn Seasons 1 -3 we uncover the story of how one of the thousands of amateur schoolboy skiffle bands evolved into the beginnings of the greatest band in popular history. It’s a story of hope, creativity, and exploring musical boundaries. It’s also a story of tragedy, coincidence, and at times just sheer luck.
It is a story of beginnings, the story of John, Paul, George, and Ringo - Before They Were Beatles.
In Season 4 we take a look at the stories of many others who all played their part in the story of the greatest band in rock history - the stories of The Forgotten Beatles
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Episodes
Episode 4 - “Eddie Clayton” aka Eric Clapton
April 24, 2024 06:00 - 11 minutes - 10.9 MBThis month we turn the spotlight on on the man on the weeping guitar originally credited as “Eddie Clayton” perhaps better known as Eric Clapton ******* Thanks for listening to this episode of Before They Were Beatles Presents: The Forgotten Beatles. If you would like to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast platform that would be great and don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss out on future episodes. If you would like to make a comment or ask a question you can follow ...
Episode 3 - Calandra, The Chants, and Chapman
March 06, 2024 07:00 - 16 minutes - 14.7 MBThis month we turn the spotlight on n Vince Calandra, The Chants, and Norman Chapman If you want to know more about Vince Calandra he did a four-hour interview for the Television Academy on his career which is available in their online archives. There are a few extracts from it on YouTube that refer to the Beatles' Ed Sullivan appearance. For info on The Chants, I recommend the Sixties City website which includes links to their full discography. There is also an extract on YouTube from th...
Episode 2 - Ken Brown
February 07, 2024 07:00 - 14 minutes - 13.5 MBThis month we turn the spotlight on guitarist Ken Brown of The Quarrymen and The Blackjacks If you want to know more about Ken Brown’s story I recommend, The Beatles: The True Beginnings, published by Thomas Dunne Books in 2003 ******* Thanks for listening to this episode of Before They Were Beatles presents: The Forgotten Beatles. If you would like to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast platform that would be great and don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss out on futu...
Episode 1 - Pete Best
January 03, 2024 07:00 - 16 minutes - 15.3 MBWelcome to the first episode of Before They Were Beatles presents: The Forgotten Beatles in which we turn the spotlight on drummer Pete Best If you want to know more about Pete Best’s story we recommend, Beatle! The Pete Best Story - Plexus Publishing - Pete’s autobiography (although it is going for crazy money these days - if you can find a copy it is well over $200 for the paperback) The Beatles: The True Beginnings is a nice illustrated hardback on the history of the Casbah Club by ...
Introducing THE FORGOTTEN BEATLES
December 16, 2023 19:55 - 6 minutes - 6.19 MBComing to this podcast soon, a new series - Before They Were Beatles presents: The Forgotten Beatles We all know the story of John, Paul, George, and Ringo, The Beatles - BUT, there are other tales still left to tell. Who were Pete, Ken, Norman, Johnny, Colin, Rod, Stuart, Eric, and more who all played their part in the story of the greatest band in rock history? These will be the stories we share The stories of THE FORGOTTEN BEATLES =========== I hope you will join us for this f...
Episode 26 - Red & Blue
November 15, 2023 07:00 - 19 minutes - 18 MBIn this episode, I share some thoughts on the recently released, remixed, and remastered extended Red and Blue albums, and wrap things up with my reactions to the “last Beatles song” Now & Then ************************ Thank you for joining us over the last three seasons and listening to the story of John, Paul, George, and Ringo - Before They Were Beatles.. - and I hope you also enjoyed this bonus episode. But there are other tales still left to tell. Whatever happened to Pete, Ken, No...
Episode 25 - Beginnings and Endings
July 14, 2023 06:00 - 25 minutes - 23.7 MBIn this episode, we complete our journey as The Beatles return to the recording studio, make their TV debut, and say goodbye to Hamburg. .********* This is the story of how one of the thousands of amateur British schoolboy skiffle bands in the mid-1950s evolved into the beginnings of the greatest band in popular history. It’s a story of hope, creativity, and exploring musical boundaries. It’s also a story of tragedy, coincidence, and at times just sheer luck. It is a story of beginnings, ...
Episode 24 - Farewell Pete, Hello Ringo
June 07, 2023 06:00 - 23 minutes - 21.4 MBIn this episode, we will take a deep dive into the events surrounding Pete Best’s departure and Ringo’s arrival as a member of The Beatles. .********* This is the story of how one of the thousands of amateur British schoolboy skiffle bands in the mid-1950s evolved into the beginnings of the greatest band in popular history. It’s a story of hope, creativity, and exploring musical boundaries. It’s also a story of tragedy, coincidence, and at times just sheer luck. It is a story of beginning...
Episode 23a - Dinner and a Show
May 11, 2023 06:00 - 4 minutes - 4.57 MBIn this short bonus episode I’m delighted to announce the first in-person “Before They Were Beatles” event. ***************** Stereo Dinner and Pershing present “Before They Were Beatles” a one-night-only celebration of the Fab Four’s early days with historian and author Alan J Porter. The event on June 2 will feature an intimate multi-course ticketed dinner followed by access to the after-dinner concert with Liverpool’s The Savage Young Beatles. Before they were The Beatles, a pre-Fab F...
Episode 23 - I'm With The Band
April 24, 2023 06:00 - 38 minutes - 36.1 MBIn this special episode, we take a look at what it takes to start a new Beatles tribute band with interviews with the folks behind The Savage Young Beatles and the organizers of the Abbey Road on the Road Festival. .********* This is the story of beginnings, the story of Tom, George, Booby, and Ed - The Savage Young Beatles. .********* Links mentioned in this episode. Tom’s “Mean Mr. Mustard” Beatles’ covers - https://www.youtube.com/@meanmrmustard6184 Little Triggers YouTube page - h...
Episode 22 - Studio Two
March 17, 2023 06:00 - 21 minutes - 20.1 MBThe Beatles make their first visit to Studio Two at Abbey Road, continue to expand their gig schedule, make their final line-up change, and attract the attention of a local TV station. .********* This is the story of how one of the thousands of amateur British schoolboy skiffle bands in the mid-1950s evolved into the beginnings of the greatest band in popular history. It’s a story of hope, creativity, and exploring musical boundaries. It’s also a story of tragedy, coincidence, and at times...
Episode 21 - Suits and Star Club
February 17, 2023 07:00 - 19 minutes - 17.7 MBThe Beatles make their radio debut, change leather for suits, and make a return to Hamburg. .********* This is the story of how one of the thousands of amateur British schoolboy skiffle bands in the mid-1950s evolved into the beginnings of the greatest band in popular history. It’s a story of hope, creativity, and exploring musical boundaries. It’s also a story of tragedy, coincidence, and at times just sheer luck. It is a story of beginnings, the story of John, Paul, George, and Ringo - ...
Episode 20 - Decca Demos
January 11, 2023 07:00 - 19 minutes - 18.5 MBIt’s early 1962 and John, Paul, George, and Pete, are headed down to London to audition for a major record label. Will they land that much desired recording contract? .********* This is the story of how one of the thousands of amateur British schoolboy skiffle bands in the mid-1950s evolved into the beginnings of the greatest band in popular history. It’s a story of hope, creativity, and exploring musical boundaries. It’s also a story of tragedy, coincidence, and at times just sheer luck....
Episode 19 - Mr Epstein
November 17, 2022 07:00 - 26 minutes - 24.8 MBThe Beatles' wild ride continues with the formation of a one-off Liverpool ‘supergroup,’ and a momentous lunchtime visit to the Cavern by a local record store owner .********* This is the story of how one of the thousands of amateur British schoolboy skiffle bands in the mid-1950s evolved into the beginnings of the greatest band in popular history. It’s a story of hope, creativity, and exploring musical boundaries. It’s also a story of tragedy, coincidence, and at times just sheer luck. I...
Episode 18 - The Savage Young Beatles
October 13, 2022 06:00 - 15 minutes - 14.7 MBThe leather-clad “Savage Young Beatles” continue to take Liverpool by storm. .********* This is the story of how one of the thousands of amateur British schoolboy skiffle bands in the mid-1950s evolved into the beginnings of the greatest band in popular history. It’s a story of hope, creativity, and exploring musical boundaries. It’s also a story of tragedy, coincidence, and at times just sheer luck. It is a story of beginnings, the story of John, Paul, George, and Ringo - Before They Wer...
Episode 17 - Top Ten
September 27, 2022 06:00 - 21 minutes - 20 MBThe Beatles return to Hamburg under promises to behave, take up residence at a new venue, make a record, sack their manager, and discover a haircut. .********* This is the story of how one of the thousands of amateur British schoolboy skiffle bands in the mid-1950s evolved into the beginnings of the greatest band in popular history. It’s a story of hope, creativity, and exploring musical boundaries. It’s also a story of tragedy, coincidence, and at times just sheer luck. It is a story of ...
Episode 16 - Three Gigs A Day
August 21, 2022 06:00 - 20 minutes - 19.2 MBBefore They Were Beatles - Episode 16 - Three Gigs A Day In this episode - The experience of playing extended sets in Hamburg pays off as The Beatles chase every opportunity to play in front of the newly appreciative Liverpool audiences. Soon they are playing as many as three gigs in a single day including kicking off their legendary run at The Cavern. . ********* This is the story of how one of the thousands of amateur British schoolboy skiffle bands in the mid-1950s evolved into the be...
Episode 15 - Hamburg Days
July 27, 2022 06:00 - 21 minutes - 19.6 MBWelcome to Season Two of the Before They Were Beatles podcast. This season we take a look at the group's first few trips to Hamburg, Germany, and their rise to the most popular band in Liverpool. As we start Season Two - John, Paul, George, Pete, and Stuart have arrived in Hamburg, Germany. But what awaits these young men from Liverpool?. ********* This is the story of how one of the thousands of amateur British schoolboy skiffle bands in the mid-1950s evolved into the beginnings of the g...
Episode 14 - Hamburg Bound
May 04, 2022 06:00 - 29 minutes - 27.3 MBWith their first tour behind them, the Silver Beatles start to get regular gigs in and around Liverpool leading to an invitation to play in Hamburg, Germany; but first, the boys must find that most elusive of creatures, a permanent drummer. ********* This is the story of how one of the thousands of amateur British schoolboy skiffle bands in the mid-1950s evolved into the beginnings of the greatest band in popular history. It’s a story of hope, creativity, and exploring musical boundaries. ...
Episode 13 - First Tour
April 15, 2022 06:00 - 28 minutes - 26.4 MBRingo gives up the day job, while the Silver Beetles find another drummer, fail a major audition, but still end up going on their first tour. Before They Were Beatles - Episode 13 - First Tour ========== This is the story of how one of the thousands of amateur British schoolboy skiffle bands in the mid-1950s evolved into the beginnings of the greatest band in popular history. It’s a story of hope, creativity, and exploring musical boundaries. It’s also a story of tragedy, coincidence, and...
Episode 12 - A Man On A Flaming Pie
March 16, 2022 14:26 - 16 minutes - 15.2 MBThe first half of 1960 turned out to be a significant one for John, Paul, and George as they find a new bandmate, a manager, and even a new name for their band. Before They Were Beatles - Episode 12 - A Man On A Flaming Pie This is the story of how one of the thousands of amateur British schoolboy skiffle bands in the mid-1950s evolved into the beginnings of the greatest band in popular history. It’s a story of hope, creativity, and exploring musical boundaries. It’s also a story of traged...
Episode 11 - Rocking The Casbah
February 10, 2022 07:00 - 17 minutes - 15.9 MBIt’s late 1959 and The Quarry Men have a new gig, but not for long, while Ringo continues to rock the joint with The Hurricanes. The Quarry Men transform into The Moondogs and John gets persuasive with his friend Stuart. Before They Were Beatles - Episode 11 - Rocking The Casbah This is the story of how one of the thousands of amateur British schoolboy skiffle bands in the mid-1950s evolved into the beginnings of the greatest band in popular history. It’s a story of hope, creativity, and e...
Episode 10 - Three Cool Cats
January 21, 2022 07:00 - 17 minutes - 16.5 MBWe pick up our journey in early 1959 when we find “Three Cool Cats” anxious to find somewhere to continue playing, while some other guy with a drum set finds himself in high demand. ******* This is the story of how one of the thousands of amateur British schoolboy skiffle bands in the mid-1950s evolved into the beginnings of the greatest band in popular history. It’s a story of hope, creativity, and exploring musical boundaries. It’s also a story of tragedy, coincidence, and at times just ...
Episode 9 - A “Get Back” Special
December 26, 2021 20:49 - 42 minutes - 39.3 MBIn this episode, we take a break on our journey through the Beatles’ past and jump ahead to 1969 and the tail end of the group’s creative output as we will discuss the “Get Back” project. We’ll be dividing the discussion into three parts: The TV documentary series The “Let It Be / Get Back” vinyl box set The “Get Back” book ******* Thanks for listening to this episode of the Before They Were Beatles podcast. If you would like to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast platfor...
Episode 8 - Tragedy & First Recording
November 19, 2021 07:00 - 28 minutes - 26.8 MBIn this episode, we enter 1958, a year of personal tragedy and the first few steps towards recording for The Quarrymen. ******* This is the story of how one of the thousands of amateur British schoolboy skiffle bands in the mid-1950s evolved into the beginnings of the greatest band in popular history. It’s a story of hope, creativity, and exploring musical boundaries. It’s also a story of tragedy, coincidence, and at times just sheer luck. It is a story of beginnings, the story of John, P...
Episode 7 - Changes
October 22, 2021 06:00 - 25 minutes - 23.2 MBIn this episode we look at a vital three months in our story as the boys face changes in their lives, and John and Paul start their song-writing partnership. This is the story of how one of thousands of amateur British schoolboy skiffle bands in the mid 1950s evolved into the beginnings of the greatest band in popular history. It’s a story of hope, creativity and exploring musical boundaries. It’s also a story of tragedy, coincidence and at times just sheer luck. It is a story of beginning...
Episode 6 - The Day Paul Met John
September 08, 2021 06:00 - 22 minutes - 21 MBFor this episode, we focus on one single day. The date is 6th July 1957 - some say the most imporatnt day in the Beatles story. The day that Paul McCartney was introduced to John Lennon. This is the story of how one of the thousands of amateur British schoolboy skiffle bands in the mid-1950s evolved into the beginnings of the greatest band in popular history. It’s a story of hope, creativity, and exploring musical boundaries. It’s also a story of tragedy, coincidence, and at times just shee...
Episode 5 - The Boys Began To Play
August 16, 2021 06:00 - 22 minutes - 21 MBIt's 1957 and the boys start to take the stage with the first public performances by the Quarrymen (John), The Rebels (George), and the Eddie Clayton Skiffle Group (Ringo). This is the story of how one of the thousands of amateur British schoolboy skiffle bands in the mid-1950s evolved into the beginnings of the greatest band in popular history. It’s a story of hope, creativity, and exploring musical boundaries. It’s also a story of tragedy, coincidence, and at times just sheer luck. It ...
Episode 4 - "Quarrymen old before our birth"
June 08, 2021 01:00 - 19 minutes - 17.9 MBIt's fall 1956 and a return to school means new friends and new ideas for John Lennon - and one idea, in particular, that will be the catalyst for everything that follows - the formation of a schoolboy skiffle group - The Quarrymen. This is the story of how one of the thousands of amateur British schoolboy skiffle bands in the mid-1950s evolved into the beginnings of the greatest band in popular history. It’s a story of hope, creativity, and exploring musical boundaries. It’s also a story o...
Episode 3 - George, Paul, & Richie
May 12, 2021 06:00 - 23 minutes - 18.9 MBOur journey continues as we meet the teenage George Harrison, James Paul McCartney, and Richard Starkey, plus take a side trip to discuss the impact on British rock of guitar virtuoso Bert Whedon. This is the story of how one of thousands of amateur British schoolboy skiffle bands in the mid-1950s evolved into the beginnings of the greatest band in popular history. It’s a story of hope, creativity, and exploring musical boundaries. It’s also a story of tragedy, coincidence, and at times jus...
Episode 2 - Beginnings: Elvis, Lonnie & John
April 14, 2021 00:35 - 22 minutes - 20.9 MBWe begin our journey in January 1956, with the rise of Elvis and the beginnings of rock-n-roll, the British skiffle craze, and the impact they had on the young John Winston Lennon. This is the story of how one of the thousands of amateur British schoolboy skiffle bands in the mid-1950s evolved into the beginnings of the greatest band in popular history. It’s a story of hope, creativity, and exploring musical boundaries. It’s also a story of tragedy, coincidence and at times just sheer luck....
Episode 1 - Strawberry Fields - Introduction
March 17, 2021 20:13 - 10 minutes - 9.04 MBIn Liverpool , England, October 1956. Schoolboy John Lennon and his best friend, Peter Shotton, decide to start a skiffle group as “a bit of a lark.” Four years later John, now accompanied by Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Stuart Sutcliffe, and Pete Best, left Liverpool to start a series of near-legendary gigs in Hamburg, Germany. His group now performing under their newly acquired name – THE BEATLES. This is the story of those four years. The story of how one of the thousands of amateur ...