When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles

2026.10 Eric Clapton, Belinda Carlisle, Del Shannon, Jimmy Nail and more...

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 00:49:59 +0000

Following a news segment, more of George Harrison's guest appearances on other people's records. The "Romanian Angel" collaboration with Eric has just been rereleased, we look through the Wilburys adjacent Del Shannon and Jeff Lynne releases, and wonder just how effective rabbits are at playing cricket! #madeonzencastr.

2026.09 Man on the Run

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 23:50:26 +0000

Ethan Alexanian and I discuss the theatrical (now streaming) incarnation of Morgan Neville's McCartney documentary "Man on the Run". Incomplete, but highly entertaining. Lots of Bert too! #madeonzencastr

2026.b01 George Harrison Birthday 2026

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 04:12:11 +0000

Bonus episode! A little news, but mostly Marv and I celebrate George Harrison 83 years after his birth. A reminder of the "British Double Summer" during the second world war, some thoughts on where the new Dark Horse might be headed, and more! #madeonzencastr.

2026.08 News Update

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 02:27:44 +0000

While we wait for the Amazon premiere of "Man on the Run", we update the news. Lots of filming on the Beatles quadrology. A soundtrack for "Man on the Run", and some new zoetrope LPs from George Harrison for record store day! #madeonzencastr.

2026.07 Macca in the Eighties.

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 00:57:15 +0000

Tom Hunyady joins as we look at the decade after Paul was a "Man on the Run". Tug of War through Flowers in the Dirt. Paul and Linda. Paul and Stevie. Paul and Michael. Paul and Declan. More than just Tom Hunyady (2 Legs) joins for a chat on the decade bookended by the tour that wasn't and the tour that was. #madeonzencastr.

2026.06 The Beatles at Shea Stadium

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 02:25:46 +0000

It is Sixty Years since "The Beatles at Shea Stadium" (the TV production) was completed. This week, we discuss many different aspects. Why was the premiere on the BBC, and why did it take "A-Beatle-C" eighteen months to bring the special to American screens. We talk the re-records, the fun and excitement and the evening at large! #madeonzencastr.

2026.05 The McCartney Archive Editions ... Past, Present (and Future?)

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 00:04:07 +0000

Marv and I go back to 2010 - and actually a bit before, as we briefly sum up the 16-disc "Paul McCartney Collection". November of this year will mark the fifteenth anniversary of the debut of the McCartney Archive series. If we don't get another disc in the series by summer, it will be six years since the most recent one entered our lives. Marv and I consider the past, present and future of McCartney/Wings reissues, and contemplate a physical-media-less reissue future. #madeonzencastr.

2026.04 The Beatles Anthology Review (episode 4/5)

Sun, 25 Jan 2026 23:51:12 +0000

Sam Whiles (Paul or Nothing), and "our own" Ethan Alexanian (Fans on the Run) join for a crossover, since none of us want to devote that many episodes to the revised Anthology! We join the boys in progress, as they move from August of 1964 all the way through a visit to the Philippines! #madeonzencstr

2026.03 Roy Orbison, Tom Petty, Vicki Brown, Deep Purple and more...

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 00:44:27 +0000

A news update (all best wishes to Lonnie Pena and family), some chat about "rethinking" the Fest for Beatles Fans, which leads into Marv and I chatting about some more of George Harrison's guest appearances from the eighties and into the early nineties.

2026.02 Duane Eddy, Ravi Shankar, Sylvia Griffin and Billy J. Kramer?

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 00:06:03 +0000

News, more of George's guest appearances (some Duane Eddy, some Ravi Shankar, and a bit of Sylvia Griffin), and an interview from Summer 2025 with the one and only Billy J. Kramer. Marv co-hosts and Kit O'Toole magically appears, filling out our Toppermost trio (http://www.toppermostofthepoppermost.net) on Fab. #madeonzencastr.

2026.01 2025 in Review

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 00:11:59 +0000

Ethan Alexanian joins to complete the six-pack of former hosts as we consider the last 12 months (and a little bit more) in the world of the Beatles. Ringo hit number one on the UK country charts, Paul played three shows in a small New York City venue all the way through the tours, box sets, books, films and more. #madeonzencastr

2025.51 Another Fab Decade (2025 - 2035+)

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:52:59 +0000

More from (almost) all the Fab Guys. Dave Persails, Jon Stone, Lonnie Pena, Martin Quibell and me. We move from our discussion last week of the past ten years to the present (Ringo at 85/86 on the road, Paul "Getting Back" to San Antonio, New Orleans and other places, and then a little bit of future-gazing to our thoughts on where things will go in the next decade and beyond. #madeonzencastr.

2025.50 The Fab Decade (2015 - 2025) pt.1

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 23:58:34 +0000

In 1974, Capitol records celebrated "The Beatles Decade." This week, next (and sort of the one after that), we are celebrating "The Fab Decade." Original "Beatling About" co-host Dave Persails joins the Gab Four this week and next as we discuss a decade of highlights in the Beatles world - along with multiple reminders that "we did a show about that." (Hey, we have to be a little self-congratulatory). This week, "Get Back", box sets and Jon Stone goes his own way (sorry, wrong band). #madeonzencastr.

2025.49 The Disney+ Beatles Anthology (episode 9, episode 9, episode 9)

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 00:08:45 +0000

For those of us above a certain age, the biggest expectation of the 2025 Disney+ (sort of, but not quite "A-Beatle-C") Beatles Anthology would be the new episode. Now we have it! Does it live up to expectations, is it a disappointment or somewhere in-between. Tune in for the opinion of Two of Us (writing letters on a Facebook wall!). #madeonzencastr

2025.48 Back to the Egg: The Story of Wings' Last Album

Sun, 07 Dec 2025 23:59:00 +0000

Marv and I are joined (for the second time this year) by Luca Perasi, as he has released a new book "Back to the Egg: The Story of Wings' Last Album". The break between Turkey and Ham (or Green Beans and Tofu) is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a look back at 1979, and some Eggs (or two or three)! #madeonzencastr.

2025.47b The Beatles Anthology 4, CD 2 (vinyl sides 4-6)

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 02:16:36 +0000

As promised, our thoughts on the second CD of "Anthology 4" (sides 4-6), along with details on Paul's Canada run surprises, the closing shows in Chicago including a report from "The Queen of All Beatles Media" Kit O'Toole, and a blink-and-you'll miss him cameo from Martin Quibell himself! #madeonzencastr

2025.47a The Beatles Anthology 4, CD 1 (vinyl sides 1-3)

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 00:35:31 +0000

Mitch Axelrod joins Jon Stone and I as we discuss the first CD of "Anthology 4" (aka: "The one with most of the new stuff"). Plenty of George Martin discussion, thoughts on "Nowhere Man" and "In My Life", along with the ultimate question - "What was up with George's guitar on [both the rehearsal and released] 'All You Need is Love'". #madeonencastr.

2025.46 A Love Letter to the Beatles (Simon Weitzman)

Sun, 16 Nov 2025 23:24:53 +0000

Lonnie and I discuss the many aspects of fandom and the Beatles with Director/Producer/Author Simon Weitzman. His new film: A Love Letter to the Beatles is available on Amazon, and will be streaming in other places very soon! #madeonzencastr

A Love Letter to the Beatles:

Official Trailer: https://bit.ly/4o7Jhcn

DVD: https://bit.ly/ALLTTBdvd

Fandango: https://bit.ly/ALLTTB

Prime Video US: https://amzn.to/4o7egWc

Prime Video UK: https://amzn.to/4nEpYYt

2025.45 The Beatles and Bob (Dylan)

Sun, 09 Nov 2025 23:58:34 +0000

A "Toppermost of the Poppermost" crossover! Jon Stone, Martin Quibell, and friend of the show Darin Murphy join me as we discuss the Beatles and Bob Dylan. From 1967 to the 2020's, the Beatles (both solo and together) have crossed pass with Zimmy. We consider their interactions, both live and studio, including (of course) the Wilburys! The full conversation will be available for patreons on the Toppermost of the Poppermost Patreon in the near future! https://www.patreon.com/toppermostpodcast

#madeonzencastr.

2025.44 Got Back 2025 - San Antonio

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 00:02:22 +0000

"Help!" No longer "Coming Up" in the South, sir Paul and the Got Back tour. Lonnie and I discuss Sir Paul in San Antonio, both recent and through the mists of time. Has the Alamodome held up as well as Sir Paul over the thirty-plus years? What about the Tobin Center? Maybe even some thoughts on Hotel Emma. #madeonzencastr!

2025.43 Power to the People Evening Show and New York City (Discs 3 and 4) Review.

Sun, 26 Oct 2025 23:12:34 +0000

Marv and I continue our look at the next two discs of the "Power to the People" set before we take a bit of a break from this topic! We review, compare and contrast the evening show, and look at the relationship between "New York City" (disc four) and the original version of the album.

2025.42 Power to the People Afternoon Show Review.

Sun, 19 Oct 2025 23:09:00 +0000

Sean Lennon provides an interesting look at the political Lennons from the early 1970's. Disc One (which we are not covering) is a modern "reimagining" of "John Lennon: Live in New York City" - a "best of" combination of the afternoon and evening shows. We start on the afternoon show. The mix, the setlist and more.

2025.41 Single Fantasy Pt. 2 Ringo (and Paul!)

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 01:33:51 +0000

More fantasizing, hypothesizing and Beatle-izing on what might happen were Paul and Ringo to decide to go on tour together. Not advertised as "a Beatles reunion", just two old rock and roll friends joining their talents to play some music (both together and separately), and to pay tribute to some of their comrades in guitar-based arms.

2025.40 Looking for Lennon (review/overview)

Sun, 05 Oct 2025 22:04:41 +0000

Lonnie Pena and I dive into YouTube (and BluRay/DVD) as we consider the 2018 Documentary "Looking For Lennon". David Bedford and Roger Appleton consider the Lennons as they came to Liverpool from Ireland, through to Alf and Julia, and then young John's unconventional upbringing from Mimi and Julia, and how all this would lead to Lennon's reaction to schooling and authority, which would eventually lead to meeting one James Paul McCartney, and changing the world.

2025.39 Single Fantasy! Paul and Ringo!

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 01:28:01 +0000

This week we play a little "What If" and consider what Paul might choose to play were he and Ringo to decide to go on the road for a tour of indeterminate length. More Beatles? More solo? Would he take advantage of the "Wings-mania" that (hopefully) will be running the country in the next few months? Marv and I consider the possibilities and playlists, with Ringo's side (eventually) to follow!

2025.38 Hari, Oates ... and Idle?

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 00:00:35 +0000

Lots of funny costumes this month, as George, Eric, Neil, the Splinter Boys, Hall and Oates all hang out together. They are joined by Macca, Spinal Tap, news concerning Paul's additional tour dates, Ringo talking about Mae West (but not her sweaty vest), and others!

2025.37 Splinter, Larry Hosford, Legs Larry Smith, Tom Scott, George Harrison ... and Wings?

Sun, 14 Sep 2025 23:45:00 +0000

The next disc in "Looney" turns into a discussion of the "Wings Anthology". We talk, clips of Paul (and friends) covering many of the songs on the LP, and chat concerning John and Paul in the seventies. We do finally get to "George and..." (it will be completed next week), as we talk about songs George guests on from Splinter (their second album, including ... a bit of Japanese), Tom Scott, "Legs" Larry Smith, and his namesake Larry Hosford. A Paul and George week, with some John and Ringo too! #madeonzencastr.

2025.36 Lennon Acoustic

Sun, 07 Sep 2025 23:25:08 +0000

Martin and I go back a bit more than twenty years to a time before Superdeluxe Editions, when the Lennon estate was uncertain of the best way to proceed. Their decision? An album called "Acoustic." Part "Unplugged", part "Live", part "Unreleased" Unfortunately, too much of it felt like "Sampler for the Lennon Anthology we just released." Has time helped, hurt, or not changed the reputation, feel and listen-ability of this release. We give it a spin and let you know what we think!

2025.35 Revolver vs. Pepper

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 00:11:59 +0000

Lonnie Pena and I talk Anthologies 1-3, the previous video releases, and fun with Disney+. We follow with thoughts on the last twenty years of "Revolver" and "Sgt. Pepper". Rolling Stone Magazine has had Pepper on a bit of a downward trajectory (it was "the greatest album of all time in 2003"), while Revolver has maintained a higher standing. Why? Was it the standardization of the catalogue? CDs? Streaming? Psychedelia? All this and more... #madeonzencastr.

2025.34 Woman is ... + Anthology 4

Sun, 24 Aug 2025 23:56:00 +0000

Jon Stone, Marv and I chat about the elephant in the room concerning the new Lennon "Power to the People" box, contemplate the original "Some Time in New York City", and (with a little help from our friendly neighborhood Tarot card reader) do some divination on the newly announced "Anthology 4". #madeonzencastr.

2025.33 Wings Over Nottingham, 1972

Sun, 17 Aug 2025 23:08:53 +0000

Paul or Nothing's own Sam Whiles guests for a discussion/review of the recently released "Wings over Nottingham" upgrade tape. We get to hear every song (although not every version) played on what is genuinely the "test flight" of Paul McCartney's new band in 1972. Blues jams, "My Love", "Lucille" and some little Richard, along with the new single he wrote AND recorded in the weeks prior to this impromptu afternoon!

2025.32 Solo Beatles cover art!

Sun, 10 Aug 2025 23:26:51 +0000

Jon Stone, Lonnie Pena and I sit down to chat about the inserts, posters and album covers of the Solo Beatles through the years. Tune in as we chat about the visual side of LPs, our faavorites, and ... less so!

2025.r01 When They Was Fab Classic! Joe Baiardi, Jamie Daruwala.

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 22:30:21 +0000

From April 2017, in honor of friend of the show Jamie Daruwala joining the Fab 5, I revive a retro episode first aired in April of 2017, where I was joined by what will now be "Nurk Twins - mania". If you have ever wanted to know about the life of local and regional musicians and becoming a "Tribute Paul McCartney" - Tune in and Enjoy!

2025.31 Splinter, Monty Python, Alvin Lee, Ronnie Wood, Cheech and Chong ... and George Harrison!

Sun, 03 Aug 2025 23:02:45 +0000

More of the songs George was involved in that did not come out under his own name. This week we look at the first Splinter album, Alvin Lee, Cheech and Chong, Monty Python, Son of Schmilsson (did you know that cover was taken at Friar Park!) and more! #maadeonzencastr.

2025.30 The Gab Four - Covers the Beatles could and Should(?) have done? Part Two!

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 00:24:31 +0000

Lonnie and Jon get their turn at speculating on the covers that might've been, and we all get to flip our records for side two! We also talk about the news of the day, and editorialize (and reminisce) a bit about the Ed Sullivan Theater! Not quite from CBS Studio 50, but definitely from somewhere over the rainbow, more Gab Four!

2025.29 The Gab Four - Covers the Beatles could and Should(?) have done? Part One!

Sun, 20 Jul 2025 23:52:04 +0000

Lonnie, Jon Stone, Marv and I together again for another Gab Four! After a somewhat lengthy news segment, we start in on our next topic - "12 covers the Beatles Should (and Could) have done!" We also discuss where these versions might have been released. More singles? More B-sides? Maybe an album somewhere along the way? We start today, with much more coming next week! #MadeonZencastr

2025.28 All My Loving (Ajjancy, Perdomo and more)

Sun, 13 Jul 2025 23:58:00 +0000

Our super-chat with The Ajjancy and Fernando Perdomo continues. More on covering Beatles songs, Fernando's "Brush With Beatles-doc greatness", and Marv and I consider a number of different covers of "All My Loving", and how they fit in with many of he things we've discussed through out chat! #madeonzencaster

2025.b02 Peace and Love 2025!

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 04:50:57 +0000

Start this at 11:45 AM, and celebrate Peace and Love with Ringo Starr on July 7, 2025. Happy 85th Birthday!

2025.27 Covering the Beatles (George "the ajjancy" Ajjan, Fernando Perdomo and Laurence Juber) Pt.1

Sun, 06 Jul 2025 23:59:00 +0000

Marv and I have three special guests to discuss the business of discussing Beatles songs. The ajjancy has just released his cover of "Blackbird", which features Fernando ("RAM ON tribute") Perdomo, and Laurence ("needs no introduction") Juber. Some diversions, some music theory and plenty of chat on reharmonization, simplification and some of the different ways to cover the Beatles and solo Beatles songs. #madeonzencastr.

2025.26 Press to Play - that unmistakable eighties sound

Sun, 29 Jun 2025 23:59:00 +0000

Marv and I are joined by Luca Perasi, as we discuss one of his latest books, "Press to Play: That Unmistakable 80s Sound." We talk about his book, the album, the single "Spies Like Us" and many other things going on in McCartney land, post Broad Street, and before things moved toward "Flowers in the Dirt" and the eighties run!

2025.25 Paul McCartney, Brian Wilson, Dave Grohl, Sirvana, Neil Young, Ringo Starr and more....

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 00:08:38 +0000

In honor of Paul's Birthday, Marv and I look at Paul with others. Sometimes it was at a big event, sometimes it was at a McCartney show with the McCartney band, and sometimes in the shows of folks like Bruce, Neil or the Foo's. #madeonzencastr

2025.b01 Tribute to Brian Wilson and Sly Stone

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 22:53:26 +0000

In honor of Brian Wilson's posting, a bonus episode. Queen of All Beatles Media Kit O'Toole joins Marv and myself as we honor and remember two musical giants, on the occasion of the anniversary of Brian Wilson's birth. A bit off topic, but there is plenty of Beatles content, and there is no question the Beatles as we know them would've been very different without Brian Wilson and the Beach boys spurring them through the mid-sixties.

2025.24 Edgar Winter, Gary Wright, Rick Derringer, Wally Palmer, Richard Page and Greg Bissonette

Sun, 15 Jun 2025 23:49:44 +0000

This week Lonnie and I go back to 2010/2011 and consider the most recent world tour of Ringo and the All Starr's. From "Hang on Sloopy" to "Frankenstein" to Kyrie, and lots from Ringo's then new record! All we are saying is Give Peace a Chance with a Little Help from Your Friends.

2025.23 Brian in 1964

Sun, 08 Jun 2025 23:58:00 +0000

Two appearances from Brian Epstein in 1964. An October spot on "What's My Line?", where panelists try and deduce the role that [sic] "Barry Epstein" plays within the Beatles organization. Despite Paul Anka excusing himself (Anka knew Brian), the other panelists managed to figure out the "line" of Brian pretty quickly! This is followed by a discussion surrounding Brian on "Talking Frankly", where he sat for thirty minutes with Bill Grundy in March of 1964.

2025.22 Chris O'Dell - Beatles, Stones, Dylan, Queen, James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, Peter Asher and More...

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 23:59:00 +0000

Marv and I are honored to be joined by Chris O'Dell, as we discuss her travels through rock and roll. After some initial forays into the industry, she met Derek Taylor (who introduced her to her new roommate, Teri Garr. Soon enough, she found herself in EMI with the Beatles (and cameo-ing on both "Hey Jude" and "Revolution"), the Apple rooftop, then the Concert for BanglaDesh, the Rolling Stones, and a decade WORKING for both the solo Beatles and many other members of rock royalty. Her story is now streaming in a documentary "Miss O'Dell" (based in part on her book), available on Peacock, Tubi, Amazon Prime in the US with UK (and worldwide) distribution in the works.

2025.21 The Gab Four - Alternate albums from the Get Back Sessions! Part Two

Mon, 26 May 2025 00:52:14 +0000

More from the Gab Four. Jon, Lonnie, Martin and I continue our thoughts on Beatles 1969 - Abbey Road and ??? What else might the sessions of January 1969 become? Each of us assembled significantly different album(s) from the multitudes of songs rehearsed, jammed or half-remembered by the Beatles (and captured for us on the nagras). Tune in and see who you agree with, or who you don't! A cameo from the Queen of all Beatles Media herself (defending her title) as some of us discuss the Beatles news!

2025.20 The Gab Four - Alternate albums from the Get Back Sessions! Part One

Sun, 18 May 2025 21:59:00 +0000

Gab Four together again. Jon Stone, Lonnie Pena, Martin Quibell and myself sit down to consider alternate albums that might've come out of the January 1969 sessions. Beware, the ripples through time extend well beyond a single record. What happens to the film? Abbey Road? Do all roads lead to "For You Blue?" George Martin, Glyn Johns and others guest. More next week!

2025.19 George Harrison, David Bromberg, Jesse Ed Davis, Don Nix, Bobby Keys and Nicky Hopkins

Sun, 11 May 2025 23:59:00 +0000

George Harrison played with many associates of both Dylan and the Stones. Bobby Keys was one of the most renowned sax men of rock and roll, Nicky Hopkins contributed to the buzz of "Revolution", and Jesse "Ed" Davis had his fingerprints all over early seventies solo Beatles. This week, we consider some recordings, most made at Apple Studios, most featuring George Harrison on electric (usually slide) guitar. Who knew George could compose Mexicali blues (as some call "The Holdup")

2025.18 McCartney Politics Part II (1972-present)

Sun, 04 May 2025 23:59:00 +0000

More of Paul McCartney and his political notions. Animal Rights, Gun Violence, "No More Landmines", and the environment have been a big part of the "McCartney brand" for the last 30-35 years. We continue from last week, as we touch on nearly a full album of political thought from "the cute Beatle", and how Paul's brand of radicalism was both similar and different to that of his bandmate John Lennon.

2025.17 McCartney Politics Part I (1964-1972)

Sun, 27 Apr 2025 23:59:00 +0000

Following on from "One to One", Martin and I spend this week and next discussing the politics of Paul (and Linda) McCartney. This week, the Beatle years. How Paul brought John into the peace movement (and possibly why he deserves that credit on "Give Peace a Chance"), McCartney and Bertrand Russell, Blackbird, Commonwealth and on through the early solo years. Next week, a rundown on solo McCartney's political songs! #madeonzencastr

2025.16 John Lennon One to One in IMAX

Sun, 20 Apr 2025 23:59:00 +0000

Lonnie Pena and I (separately) saw "One to One: John & Yoko" in IMAX from Magnolia Pictures during it's recent run (it is still available in selected theaters, and pay streaming in May). Our first thought? They really should have emphasized that "Year in the Life" subtitle a bit more. Other than that? Tune in and find out!

2025.15 Olivia Arias, Los Angeles, the Knack, Harry and Holsteins!

Sun, 13 Apr 2025 23:58:00 +0000

More from Lonnie's Scrapbook as we shoot back to the late nineteen seventies and consider the Knack (the band, not the noun or the film), George Harrison's wedding to Olivia, the 1979 fire at Ringo's residence, the aftermath of Paul McCartney / January 1981, and the farms of John and Yoko - including their Holstein cattle (Mango the cow!).

2025.14 Gab Four March - Beatles Character and Story Songwriting, Pt.2

Sun, 06 Apr 2025 23:34:29 +0000

More from the Gab Four! Lonnie, Jon, Martin and I wander from Revolver through the Beatles era, passing by landmarks including "Teddy Boy", "Ms. L.", "Goodnight Vienna", "Lavatory Lil", Mr. Double-It-Up", and the "Dark Sweet Lady". Stories and characters you know and love, and maybe some you should discover! Who doesn't want two girls [or young men] in the back, calling them Daddy?

2025.13 Gab Four March - Beatles Character and Story Songwriting, Pt.1

Sun, 30 Mar 2025 23:00:49 +0000

A Gab Four spectacular! Jon Stone, Lonnie Pena, Martin Quibell and I gathered to talk about the characters and stories in Beatles songs. They started with covers of folks like Long Tall Sally, and this episode takes us through Rubber Soul, where the band gives us Michelle, the Nowhere Man, and asks about the possibility of exchanging golden rings in favor of getting behind the wheel to "Drive My Car!"

2025.12 George Harrison, Gary Wright and Billy Preston!

Sun, 23 Mar 2025 23:01:24 +0000

George was quite busy between "All Things Must Pass" and "The Concert for Bangladesh". However, many of the things he played on were not under his own name! We look at two projects where George was a significant contributer: Gary Wright's "Footprint", and Billy Preston's "I Wrote a Simple Song". Excellent playing, and a link between George's Beatles guitar-playing, his work on "All Things Must Pass", and his turn on John Lennon's "Imagine" (when he finally turned back to his own projects with "Living in the Material World!")

2025.11 Ringo at the Ryman on CBS

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 00:01:00 +0000

Lonnie and I chat about the CBS version of "Ringo and Friends at the Ryman" which aired on Monday, March 10, 2025. Jack White, Sheryl Crow, and even Larkin Poe honor the man, the music, the COUNTRY legend that is Ringo Starr.

2025.10 Spot the Looney - The Ultimate Cash Grab (Disc One)

Sun, 09 Mar 2025 23:06:45 +0000

Marv and I sit down to talk the first disc of the new 2024 edition of the Internet favorite "Spot the Looney". Ever wondered where you could find those rarities George Harrison played on that are not readily available from Apple (records or Music)? Try this box. Harry, Derek and the Dominoes, the Remo Four, the Silkie, Bobby Whitlock, Ashton Gardner & Dyke and MORE can be found on just the first disc of this set Nine more to come, but don't worry, they will be spread out over the next year or maybe more!

2025.09 FAMSF - Paul McCartney Photographs 1963–64: Eyes of the Storm (Sally Martin Katz)

Sun, 02 Mar 2025 23:59:00 +0000

Kit O'Toole and I are honored to speak with Sally Martin Katz, the Photo Curator for the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco as Paul McCartney's "Eyes of the Storm" photo exhibition comes to the deYoung museum in the Bay Area. We talk about the exhibition, the photos, and the role photography and photographers weave around the life story of Paul McCartney.

2025.08 The Beatles years through the lens of George Harrison's Birthday!

Sun, 23 Feb 2025 23:59:00 +0000

What ties Studio Two, the Casbah Coffee Club, the Bahamas, Rishikesh, and an airplane returning to London with the Beatles? George Harrison's birthday! After the news (where Kit once again drops in her mellifluous tones), we consider the changes in George and the Beatles as he moved from his nineteenth birthday to his twenty-second.

2025.07 McCartney 1979 "Back to the Egg" Interview

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 00:44:51 +0000

Sam Whiles joins for some chat about "Back To The Egg", but primarily one of the few interviews Paul did for "Back to the Egg". James McCartney was not quite two years old, Wings was settling into the outfit that would become the final iteration, and Paul was toying around with tunes that would become "McCartney II". Also found in this episode is news that is slightly out of date (will that matter in a year, month or even a week?)

2025.06 Key Songs and Songwriting

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 01:45:40 +0000

Marv and I sit down with Kenyon Rosewall of the "Note by Note" podcast. We each compile some of our "key" Beatles songs written during the Beatles "first act". Before there was "Help!" or "Rain", there was "Do You Want to Know a Secret", "No Reply", and even a couple of Elvis-inspired three-chord raveups!

2025.05 There's Only One Paul McCartney (BBC 2002 review/overview)

Sun, 02 Feb 2025 23:56:49 +0000

2022. Sir Paul McCartney was recovering from the passing of Linda, preparing for a tour backing his "Driving Rain" album, and celebrating fifty years of Queen Elizabeth II. The BBC gathered together a number of interesting and important figures (including Astrid Kirchherr, Jurgen Vollmer, Arthur Kelly and Kermit the Frog?) in advance of his appearance at the Jubilee (and a little thing at Castle Leslie in Glaslough, Ireland). Lonnie and I look back and discuss the documentary and how well it tells (at least some of) Paul's story.

2025.04 Beatles '64 Review

Sun, 26 Jan 2025 23:59:00 +0000

The past is gone, but something might be found to take it's place. However, sometimes, the past is only a few weeks ago. Ethan Alexanian joins Martin and I to review "Beatles '64" - the good, the bad, and the questionable.

2025.03 Look Up Review and Overview

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 00:10:37 +0000

The definition of a "hit record" in 2025 is fairly difficult to determine, but by the "old fashioned" metrics, Ringo certainly has one with his country album "Look Up." Lonnie Pena and I go through the album, track-by-track and talk about the songs, guests, and the directions the career of Ringo Starr might head in. We close the show discussing the (mostly positive) reviews, where even the most negative reviewers can only niggle on the songwriting of T-Bone (when they could have used ALL of THAT unknown NASHVILLE TALENT!), and how Ringo is quite possibly too genial to be successful!

2025.02 Jon Stone's 1964 in Review

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 00:21:39 +0000

Jon Stone is guided by Voices (or are voices guided by Jon Stone?) Following on from Beatles '64, Marv and I wanted to talk actual memories of the year with the only co-host who had some. Lots of Beatles chat, a bit of meandering (Dick Van Dyke, Julie Andrews, Sunday-Sunday-Sunday), and a tiny bit of off-period chat, but that's true to the documentary ;), and in this case, it does all manage to come around to almost-cohesive!

2025.01 2024 in Review (Part Two)

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 00:00:34 +0000

After a news segment (update on Julian, Richard Perry), Marv and I sit down for part two of our look back at some of the happenings in the Beatles world over the last twelve months. A passel full of Documentaries, the 'Living in the Material World" box, Ringo tour pt. 2, and the latest chapter in the "Got Back" tour. We also chat about Ringo's plans for 2025 (country album, Nashville shows and Spring/Summer tour), the Concert for Bangladesh and some of the other things we are looking forward to.

2024.53 2024 in Review (Part One)

Sun, 29 Dec 2024 23:59:00 +0000

After a news segment (Julian, Joey Molland, Ringo and Paul!), Marv and I sit down for part one of our look back at some of the happenings in the Beatles world over the last twelve months. New music in the form of an EP from Ringo, an anniversary release from Paul for "Band on the Run", a brand new mix for "One Hand Clapping" and more!

2024.52 Living in the Material World - Disc One (Eoghan Lyng, Ken Michaels)

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 00:36:39 +0000

Marv and I are joined by Eoghan Lyng and Ken Michaels to discuss the "Living in the Material World" album with an emphasis on the 50th Anniversary remix as found on the "Super Deluxe Edition". Ken rates the record at the very top, but in general the reviews over the years have been on the positive side, but perhaps less than ecstatic.

2024.51 Director David Tedeschi - Beatles '64

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 00:10:15 +0000

Marv, Lonnie and I sit down with Director David Tedeschi to talk Beatles '64 - the documentary newly available on Disney+ presenting 17 minutes of new Maysles Brothers footage. The Documentary also features greatly cleaned up footage, complete with new audio stems and remixes from the 1964 Ed Sullivan shows, the Washington Coliseum, and newly restored interviews from "The Beatles Anthology". All this and chat covering Tedsechi's entire career that goes from "The Shield" to "Vinyl" to "No Direction Home" and plenty more!

2024.50 The McCartney Legacy Volume 2, Pt.2

Sun, 08 Dec 2024 23:59:00 +0000

Part Two of our discussion with Allan Kozinn and Adrian Sinclair covering the McCartey Legacy, Volume 2. All four of us (Lonnie, Jon, Ed and Marv) are still in on the conversation, as we pick up the McCartney story in New Orleans, visit John Lennon in the Dakota ("Live From New York, It's Saturday Night!") travel around the globe on a world tour, record on the high seas, record in a castle, complain about Pete Townshend (he wouldn't wear the suit), and end up in Japan...

2024.49 The McCartney Legacy Volume 2, Pt.1

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 01:05:48 +0000

Part One of our discussion with Allan Kozinn and Adrian Sinclair covering the McCartey Legacy, Volume 2. All four of us (Lonnie, Jon, Ed and Marv) are in on the conversation, as we proceed from the McGear album to Paul's time in Nashville, with stops along the way at Rembrandt, Printer's Alley and that room Jimmy McCulloch hung out while he was working with Paul in Scotland.

2024.48 Living in the Material World (Disc 2, review)

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 00:00:43 +0000

Marv and I talk a bit about the new "Living in the Material World" box, mostly Disc Two - EXTRAS! Alternate versions of the entire record, remixes of "Miss O'Dell", and a brand new recording of "Sunshine Life For Me (Sail Away Raymond)" featuring a George Harrison lead vocal, and guest appearances from Robbie Robertson, Levon Helm, Garth Hudson, and Rick Danko from The Band, alongside Ringo Starr.

2024.47 John Lennon and the 1994 RRHOF Class

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 00:02:48 +0000

Marv and I sit down to discuss the 1994 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame class. Yoko Ono handed over a tape. Paul McCartney inducted John Lennon as a solo artist (an honor since given to Paul, George and Ringo) while friends and familiars including Elton John, The Band, the Animals, the Grateful Dead and Bob Marley had their names added to the pantheon now housed in Cleveland.

2024.46 Midas Man (overview and Review)

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 00:35:29 +0000

Lonnie and I review "Midas Man". We discuss the good (production and set design), the bad (dancing around the relationship the NEMS acts including the Beatles had with Brian's homosexuality), and the downright odd (the height difference between Jonah Lees' "smaller-than- John Lennon" and Jacob-Fortune Lloyd's "taller-than-Brian Epstein".

2024.44 The Murky Times.

Sun, 03 Nov 2024 23:52:00 +0000

A "Gab Four" show! Martin, Lonnie, Jon and I are together chatting on what Jon has named "The Murky Times". The period between the end of the "Get Back" sessions and McCartney's "Self Interview" in the "McCartney" promotional package!

2024.43 John, Paul, Ringo ... and Lonnie?

Sun, 27 Oct 2024 23:17:50 +0000

News, updates and discussion on the last few weeks. Ringo Starr has a new country album. A very nice stream (both video AND audio) of Paul McCartney in Buenos Aires. Answers to some of our questions regarding John and Yoko on Mike Douglas, and a bit of "Lonnie's Scrapbook", mostly a couple of pieces from the seventies (and the Houston Post) covering John and Yoko's trip to Houston in 1971 (while dealing with custody and visitation rights over Kyoko Chan Cox), 1979, and how things were finally settled in the early nineties!

2024.42 Daytime Revolution Review pt.2 + Interview with Director Erik Nelson

Sun, 20 Oct 2024 23:42:31 +0000

Marv, Lonnie and I finish our review of "Daytime Revolution" (and to a certain extent, more generally John and Yoko's week on Mike Douglas). Following that, we are joined by Erik Nelson, the man behind "Daytime Revolution", who gives his own thoughts on the the week of shows (filmed over five weeks), the process of editing 7+ hours of television down to less than ninety minutes, locating and filming new interviews with the guests still with us, and choosing representative elements (bumpers, etc) to keep that "1972 television" feel.

2024.41 Daytime Revolution (review, pt.1)

Sun, 13 Oct 2024 23:16:14 +0000

Marv and Lonnie join me for our discussion of the first few days of the Lennons on the Mike Douglas show in 1972, particularly as the days are represented in the new documentary "Daytime Revolution." John, Yoko, Jerry Rubin, Bobby Seale and Mike Douglas? How did millions of American housewives react to the counterculture entering their avocado-colored breakfast nooks? The review concludes next week, which will also feature a discussion with director of the film Erik Nelson.

2024.40 One Hand Clapping (Theater) Review

Sun, 06 Oct 2024 23:23:56 +0000

Lonnie joins as we review the theatrical presentation of "One Hand Clapping", combined with the first ever appearance of the full (?) "Backyard" film. Paul, Linda, Denny, Geoff and Jimmy. Also in the studio were two other musicians, an orchestra and a dog. One of the musicians was called Howie Casey and played a saxophone. The other was called Del Newman and he conducted the orchestra. The dog was called Poppy and didn’t really do much at all. The studio at number 3 Abbey Road, London is where The Beatles recorded their first album Please Please Me in 1963 and the studio hasn’t been painted since then. Geoff Emerick, the recording engineer, said it would ruin the acoustics.

2024.39 Revival 69

Sun, 29 Sep 2024 22:50:42 +0000

Lonnie and I spend this week looking at the Ron Chapman film "Revival 69." How much did we really know about the Toronto Rock and Roll Revival Festival? This fil goes into the nitty gritty of September 13, 1969 - and exactly how John Lennon ended up in Canada premiering "Cold Turkey".

2024.38 Solo Beatles Number Ones in the 70s! Part 2!

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 00:10:54 +0000

Marv and I finish our look at the Seventies US number ones of John, Paul, George and Ringo. Casey drops by, as do clips of John, Paul, Elton and Billy Preston. Look for a bit of a Billy Revival as Jon Batiste portrays him in the forthcoming "SNL 1975" film. With all these other films, the casting of Beatles incidentals is done for him!

2024.37 Solo Beatles Number Ones in the 70s! Part 1! + News.

Sun, 15 Sep 2024 23:59:00 +0000

While the four solo artists formerly known as the Beatles did not equal their illustrious previous decade, they did all show chart success in the Seventies. Eleven total number ones. This week we start our next multi-part series (hey, two counts as "multi") covering those chart toppers. We partially go the Paul McCartney route ("we play the hits"), but also look back at how these songs were viewed in "real time". Lots of news, and plenty of archival clips from Casey's coast to coast!

2024.36 Mind Games Ultimate Box Review (Disc Six - The Outtakes)

Sun, 08 Sep 2024 23:59:00 +0000

Marv and I are joined by Antony Rotunno (Glass Onion: On John Lennon), as we finish our look at the Mind Games Box Set with Disc Six - The Outtakes. While we discuss the tracks, we also take a step back and consider Lennon the man. The personal, political and psychological are all strongly represented in the lyrics found between the grooves.

2024.35 Mind Games Ultimate Box Review (Disc Five - Raw Studio Mixes)

Sun, 01 Sep 2024 23:59:00 +0000

The return of friend of the show Darin Murphy (a man who portrayed John Lennon on Broadway, and played with Denny Laine, Todd Rundgren, Joey Molland, Micky Dolenz and more!) He pojoins us to discuss Disc Five of the Mind Games Box, the raw studio mixes. Sean gives us plenty of material to consider, and we discuss how this album would influence artists as diverse as Meat Loaf, Tom Petty and possibly the Beats headphones!

2024.34 Live From the Fest 2024! (Featuring Dr. Kenneth Womack!)

Sun, 25 Aug 2024 23:07:48 +0000

Recorded Live in Chicago (with additional audio from Houston, Cleveland and more), this week we present "When They Was Fab" in front of a live audience. Dr. Kenneth Womack ("Living the Beatles Legend", "Solid State", "John Lennon: 1980" and more) joins us as we look at the circumstances of 1960, 1961 and 1962 which would lead to a new drummer and a new era for everyone that is a fan of popular music!

2024.33 Reunion a Rock 'n Roll Fairy Tale (Discussion with author Gary Burr)

Sun, 18 Aug 2024 22:58:14 +0000

Marv, Lonnie and I sit with Nashville HOF songwriter, author and man who worked with a Beatle about his lifelong love of the Fabs, touring (and writing!) with Carole King, his Brian Epstein-themed song on the new Billy J. Kramer record, collaborating (and recording) with Ringo and the forthcoming Ringo country album. We also dig into his new novel ("Reunion"), which imagines a universe where John Lennon's fate changed, and all four were still present when Paul (at the urging of his daughters) decides to approach the others, as "the right four people" is one of the ways he might be able to overcome his heartache.

2024.32 Mind Games Ultimate Box Review (Disc Four - The Evolution Mixes)

Sun, 11 Aug 2024 15:16:42 +0000

The "Mind Games" train rolls on. Disc four, the evolution mixes. Possibly the closest we will get to hearing the evolution of the "Mind Games" album. Each track, from the earliest known demo through the various changes in the studio through to the near-complete version. John, Yoko, Roy Cicala and all the musicians chime in at various times for a full look at just how the recording process worked for John Lennon in New York City in the early 1970's!

2024.31 Mind Games Ultimate Box Review (Disc Three - The Elements Mixes)

Sun, 04 Aug 2024 23:21:42 +0000

The Ultimate Box review continues! This week we move on to the third disc - the elements mixes. How many other (non-instrumental) albums have a disc not featuring lead vocals from the named artist? This one does. Marv and I talk about what we learned, and we extend the concept talking about Keltner, Gordon, Something Different, Sneaky Pete and the others that migrated from "Feeling the Space" over to "Mind Games".

2024.30 Mind Games Ultimate Box Review (Disc Two - The Elemental Mixes)

Sun, 28 Jul 2024 23:55:40 +0000

Lonnie and I roll on with part two of our "Mind Games" SDE review. This week, disc two - the Elemental mixes (not to be confused with the Elements mixes). Lonnie also unveils his initial thoughts on the Mind Games (Ultimate Collection) Super Deluxe Box Set! Roll the I-Ching and see if it advises you to drop the cash!

2024.29 Mind Games Ultimate Box Review (Disc One - The Ultimate Mixes)

Sun, 21 Jul 2024 23:45:03 +0000

Lonnie Pena, Jon Stone and I sit down to discuss the first disc of the "Mind Games: Ultimate Collection" Deluxe Box set. When asked about the release, Sean Lennon says: "People were having trouble adjusting to the 'new' John Lennon. So, I think Mind Games fell through the cracks for a number of reasons. The fact that the mixes were a bit thin didn’t help either." Does that apply to Jon, Lonnie (who picked up the disc at release) and me (who didn't get turned on to it until the early eighties and the half-price bin)? Tune in and find out!

2024.28 Welcome to Soundcheck! (McCartney, Birmingham 2015 and more)

Sun, 14 Jul 2024 23:33:38 +0000

Marv and I talk the Birmingham, UK Soundcheck (2015, "Out There" tour). Soundcheck is 40-60 minutes of Paul doing (mostly) songs not part of the main show. This week we talk "Celebration", "Miss Ann", "It's so Squeazy", "I'll Follow the Sun", and a bit about how the show has changed since Out There (two encores compressed to one! No "Yesterday"). As they say in "Midnight Special" (another soundcheck favorite of Paul's) "If you ever go to Houston, you better act right!"

2024.27 The Lonnie Pena Scrapbook

Sun, 07 Jul 2024 23:01:14 +0000

The Last Houston storm resulted in Lonnie Pena uncovering his Seventies Beatles scrapbook. Festival Seating in the Houston Summit! Ringo, "I Dream of" Jeannie, Jim Backus and one of the hippest looking sexagenarians captured in a photograph. Also, more "Got Back 2024" dates, preparations for the "Mind Games" box, and the wonder of AI "Get Back Sessions".

2024.b01 Peace and Love 2024

Fri, 05 Jul 2024 14:09:39 +0000

The annual "Peace and Love" bonus episode of Fab. Fire it up precisely at 11:45 local time on Sunday July 7, and join our shows in wishing Ringo "All the Best" and the world "Peace and Love" as we celebrate Richard, Richie, "Ringo-Starrtime" Starkey.

2024.26 One Hand Clapping (Disc Two + Vinyl EP Review - Overview)

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 00:09:28 +0000

Marv and I review the second disc of the "One Hand Clapping' set, and the contents of the vinyl EP. It is becoming popular for many internet types to claim that this collection is now amongst their favorite Wings albums. That might be a bit of hyperbole, and it might be recency bias, but even so, this new mix and official release of the 1974 Paul McCartney and Wings bootleg favorite is at a minimum, quality product from Sir Macca and MPL.

2024.25 One Hand Clapping (Disc One Review - Overview)

Sun, 23 Jun 2024 22:25:29 +0000

Lonnie and I review the first disc of the "One Hand Clapping' set (available on Vinyl, Vinyl + single, CD and streaming), the new mix of the 1974 Paul McCartney and Wings Favorite. Just how good a drummer was Geoff Britton?

2024.24 You Are Here (Lennon Video) and more.

Sun, 16 Jun 2024 23:20:25 +0000

Lonnie and I discuss the new Mind Games-related "You Are Here" video with new footage of John and Yoko from the Robert Fraser Gallery, talking about the WWF (not the wrestling one), balloons, charity boxes and tiny badges. We also discuss Ringo's summer 2024 tour (and Lonnie's visit to Hidalgo, TX), the McCartney 2024 tour, the Blue plaque at 12 Arnold Grove and several other items from the news bucket.

2024.23 Life in Lyrics Season 2 - episodes 11 and 12

Sun, 09 Jun 2024 23:33:24 +0000

Marv and I finish up our review/overview of the McCartney "Life in Lyrics" podcast with episodes 11 and 12 ("Michelle" and "The End"). We then briefly overview the series to date, and talk about some of the things we noticed (both positive and negative) through the twenty-four episodes. No full episode on any song after "Here Today" and the Tug of War album? That's a shame. Despite the long odds, our fingers are crossed for at least one more series to cover more of the post-Wings output.

2024.22 The Lewisohn Kerfuffle

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 00:01:34 +0000

This week I am joined by the host of Fans on the Run and our own Chas Newby (and the guy who made that really neat graphic of "Rocky"), Ethan Alexanian. He joins us to discuss the Mark Lewisohn kerfuffle. For those who don't know, here is the dictionary definition of Kerfuffle:

a commotion or fuss, especially one caused by conflicting views. "there was a kerfuffle over the chairmanship"

2024.21 The Beatles and Doctor Who - The Devil's Chord (Disney+, 2024)

Sun, 26 May 2024 23:24:10 +0000

WHO is talking? You might not know, as we get a quick flyby from "Toppermost of the Poppermost" hosts "Queen of All Beatles Media" Kit O'Toole and "Yeah, he is also among the co-hosts of the show" Martin Quibell. (In baseball terms, they are "openers"). The bulk of the show features BC the Beatles co-host Erika White, and "Writer, Occasional Troublemaker and Full-Time Whovian" Jim Ryan. We talk the intersections of "Doctor Who" and the Beatles (who knew Brian Epstein hung with Verity Lambert), and review/discuss "The Devil's Chord", the recent episode featuring actors portraying Cilla and JPGR.

2024.20 Let It Be (Disney+, 2024)

Sun, 19 May 2024 23:05:16 +0000

As with practically every other Beatles podcast in the multiverse, the topic of the week is the 2024 release of "Let It Be" on Disney+. Lonnie Pena and I sit down, discuss the VHS, Laserdisc, new streaming version and more.

2024.19 Mind Games EP, McCartney Life in Lyrics 9-10

Mon, 13 May 2024 00:29:39 +0000

Marv, Lonnie and I talk the new Record Store Day Mind Games EP and two more episodes from the "Life In Lyrics" podcast. A nice preview of the box set coming later this summer, and we return to Paul McCartney's Life in Lyrics podcast for episodes covering "Here There and Everywhere" and "Give Ireland Back to the Irish."

2024.18 The Lagos Tape and Crooked Boy!

Sun, 05 May 2024 23:46:44 +0000

A review of the Geoff Emerick Lagos tape as auctioned off last September. Two high-profile "Dutch Imports" have hit the market recently (confusingly, each coming from a different dub of the Emerick masters). The variants were classified, artifacts removed and a single "good" copy of the tape exists, and we review it! How does it compare to the "underdubbed" release? We also review Linda Perry and the new Ringo EP "Crooked Boy".

2024.17 Around the Beatles

Sun, 28 Apr 2024 23:54:47 +0000

Kit O'Toole joins the show this week as we run through the voluminous Beatles news from the past week (Record Store Day, Ringo, Let It Be) and discuss the Beatles portion of "Around the Beatles." Costumes, Shakespeare, Trevor Peacock and some kicking rock and roll.

2024.16 Wings in Kampuchea - December 29, 1979

Sun, 21 Apr 2024 23:52:39 +0000

Lonnie Pena and I discuss Wings at the Hammersmith Odeon - the Concert(s) for the People of Kampuchea. Through circumstance, December 29, 1979 would end up being the final Wings concert ever. Got to Get You Into My Life, Coming Up, Maybe I'm Amazed, Mull of Kintyre and Let It Be. One-Two-Three-Four!

2024.15 Oops - all Ringo! (and Rob Sheffields list)

Sun, 14 Apr 2024 23:10:57 +0000

Marv and I sit down and chat about the Ringo selections on Rob Sheffield's "100 Best Solo Beatles Songs" list. As Dana Carvey might say, "isn't it conveeeeenient" that each claims one of the top four. More seriously, we discuss the nature of such lists, how, when and why - and we talk about the thirteen selections. Does Ringo deserve 25% of the take? Is thirteen too little?

2024.14 Life in Lyrics Season 2 - episodes 6_7 and_8

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 00:00:28 +0000

More of our thoughts on the "Life in Lyrics" podcast. Martin Quibell and I discuss Episodes 6, 7, and 8. The episodes are entitled "Silly Love Songs", "A Day in the Life" and "Hey Jude". However, roughly fifteen different songs get covered within the three episodes...

2024.13 The Beatles Forever (not that one) - 1977

Sun, 31 Mar 2024 22:25:09 +0000

A Beatles special you might not know about. In 1977, NBC purchased "The Beatles Forever", a variety-entertainment special from ITC Entertainment (aka: The company led by Sir Lew Grade). The Toppermost gang "comes together" to discuss this Thanksgiving spectacular!

2024.12 Wings in Newcastle - July 10, 1973

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 00:43:46 +0000

Martin Quibell and Sam Whiles (Paul or Nothing) join to discuss the final Wings show of the summer 1973 tour. If your experience of Wings Live begins with Jimmy McCulloch, you are in for quite a different experience. Excerpts have been available for years (and are now on the official McCartney YouTube channel), but we are discussing and describing the full show, including "Turkey in the Straw."

2024.11 Red Rose Speedway (sort-of Underdubbed)

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 00:05:59 +0000

Martin Quibell joins this week as we discuss the recent "fan mixed" Underdubbed version of "Red Rose Speedway". Sorry Paul, the term still is not going to catch on among the general public. This mix is probably more accurately referred to as an "Elements" or (to borrow a term from the Lennon camp), a "stripped" mix - it is not something that ever existed for Paul, or that he used to make decisions on future directions, but it *is* a reflection of the stages these songs passed through.

2024.10 Blue Suede Shoes: A Rockabilly Session

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 00:48:21 +0000

Welll...It's one for the money, two for the show, three to get ready now go cat go! George "Don't Call It a Comeback" Harrison joined his buddy Carl Perkins and his other buddies Ringo Starr and Eric Clapton to pay tribute to their friend and mentor Carl Perkins in a Cinemax special filmed in 1985 and aired in the UK (and later in the US) in 1986. Lonnie Pena co-hosts.

2024.09 Life in Lyrics Season 2 - episodes 3_4 and_5

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 02:22:55 +0000

A grand old painter died last night. I must've done something wrong. More life, more lyrics from McCartney and Muldoon. Lonnie Pena and I run through three more episodes of the "Life in Lyrics" podcast, talking about their talking, but also presenting some general chat about "Maxwell's Silver Hammer", "Yesterday" and "Picasso's Last Words."

2024.09 Life in Lyrics Season 2 - episodes 1 and 2

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 00:26:06 +0000

Paul McCartney and Paul Muldoon return for the second season of the "Life in Lyrics" podcast. We sit down to consider the first two episodes of the new season ("Love Me Do" and "Band on the Run"), and talk about the slight stylistic change between the two seasons. We also talk a bit about the return of Paul McCartney's 1961 Hofner, and the Apple-approved, Sam Mendes directed quartet of biopics planned for 2027 release!

2024.08 The Ed Sullivan Show, Feb 9 and 16

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 02:01:41 +0000

It was Sixty Years Ago Today... Beatlemania finished its reach as the Fab Four use New York City, Miami Beach and the Ed Sullivan Show to broadcast across the United States. We not discuss the Fab Four, but Fred Kaps, Mitzi Gaynor, Rossi and Allen, Pillsbury, Aero Shave (Wet, Wet, Wet!) and Kent Cigarettes, and even manage a bit of Davy Jones and Leonard Nimoy.

2024.07 Band on the Run Underdubbed (Review/Overview)

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 02:02:24 +0000

Before he jetted off to New York, and then Vegas, Sir Paul and his team dropped the fiftieth anniversary release of "Band on the Run", highlighted by the "Underdubbed edition." This week we consider the new release and look at what is under the orchestra and horns.

2024.06 Beatles and the BBC (review/overview)

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 00:34:24 +0000

Lonnie Pena and I consider the recent production "The Beatles and the BBC". An interesting collection of BBC clips ranging the Beatles years and beyond with some effort putting the "Threetles" in the historic context of the band they once were.

2024.05 Muldoon and McCartney, Life in Lyrics Podcast episodes 9-12

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 02:27:20 +0000

Marv and I finish our review of episodes nine to twelve of the McCartney "Life and Lyrics" podcast and look forward to what we might find in the second series which is expected in the coming weeks! Magical Mystery Tour (roll up), The Birds of McCartney (not Linda or Nancy), Too Many People and Helter Skelter

2024.04 John Lennon - Life in Ten Pictures (review)

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 00:42:47 +0000

Lonnie Pena and I sit down to consider the John Lennon episode of "A Life in Ten Pictures". One hour is barely enough time to give an overview of a "regular person's" life, much less a complex superstar. How well did the BBC accomplish that task, and are the photos chosen really representative of a chameleon-figure like John Lennon?

2024.03 Muldoon and McCartney, Life in Lyrics Podcast episodes 5-8

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 00:08:12 +0000

More from the Muldoon and McCartney Life in Lyrics podcast. "Penny Lane", "Here Today", "Uncle Albert" and "Live and Let Die". A study in how Paul McCartney thinks about characters, both his own and those given to him for a song. Martin Quibell co-hosts, which only seems proper.

2024.02 2023 in Review (July - December) and upcoming for 2024.

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 01:12:30 +0000

Time continues to march on as Jon Stone, Martin Quibell and I (Naturally!) move through the latter half of 2023. Not just "Now and Then", but a number of tremendous books, a new Ringo EP, more touring from Sir Ringo and Sir Paul and collaborations with Dolly Parton and the Rolling Stones,.

2024.01 2023 in Review (Jan - June)

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 02:01:38 +0000

The "Gab Four" are together again for the first show of 2024. A lot of Ringo, some chat on Beatle books from the first half of the year and "in memoriam" to folks like Royston Ellis, Chas Newby and Caroline Buckman.

2023.52 The Beatmas (review)

Mon, 25 Dec 2023 00:39:12 +0000

This week: The "When They Was Fab" Christmas spectacular. Three of the "Gab Four" review the 1995 "Rubber Band" album from Dutch band the Beatmas (featuring Soren Dahlberg). The Fab Four were not the first to do Beatles-styled Christmas Carols. Tune in for XMAS! fun.

2023.51 Denny Laine (featuring Darin Murphy and Sam Whiles)

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 01:36:08 +0000

Sam Whiles (Paul or Nothing) steps in as we discuss the life, loves and trousers of Denny Laine. Also joining is Darin Murphy (who gets a few more words in than Roger McGough, the man who actually knew the Rutles). Merry Happy Holidays to all.

2023.50 Red Album 2023 CD2 Overview and Review

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 02:05:55 +0000

We continue with our look at the 2023 remixes of "The Beatles 1962-1966". As with disc one, the percussion blows us away. Join Martin Quibell and I as we consider the remixes and discuss some of the recent announcements as we look forward to 2024.

2023.49 Red Album 2023 CD1 Overview and Review

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 00:11:18 +0000

Now we are channeling the SuperDeluxeEdition energy! Nineteen new mixes on the first CD of 1962-1966. Hear Ringo playing the bongos on "A Hard Day's Night". Claves, handclaps, and drums as far as you can hear. Martin Quibell (and a bit of Lonnie Pena) join as we talk the wonders of MAL and the ears of Giles Martin.

2023.48 Macca in Mexico City

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 01:17:43 +0000

Paul McCartney's "Got Back" tour hit Mexico City in mid-November 2023. This is Paul and the band's first visit to "Ciudad de Mexico" in six years. Despite being highly similar to the 2022 US version, a splendid time is still guaranteed for all, particularly with crowds like those we shared the evening with!

2023.47 Blue Album 2023 Review

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 01:15:24 +0000

"Now and Then" was followed up by the sort-of 50th anniversary of "Red and Blue". This week we look at three albums of goodness from the folks at Universal Music. The blue album is very much a compilation in the traditional sense - a nice sampler for the Giles Martin post-2017 remixes. This week we consider the additions to the collection, other choices that might have been made and what is that sound in "Hey Bulldog"

2023.46 Living the Beatles Legend - Ken Womack

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 00:47:48 +0000

The hits just keep on coming! This week, friend of the show Doctor Kenneth Womack joins the show to discuss his just-released book "Living the Beatles Legend: The Untold Story of Mal Evans." "Big Mal" has been both part of the Beatles story, and a figure in the background. What drove the "Gentle Giant", and what was it like to be the friend, confidante and guy who found socks, bowties and guitar strings for John, Paul, George and Ringo.

2023.45 Now and Then

Sat, 04 Nov 2023 21:36:21 +0000

I know it's true. There's a new Beatles song and video and short documentary out in the wild. Lonnie and I are joined by Kit O'Toole (Queen of all Beatles Media!), Tom Hunyady (one of the two legs) and Erika White (BC the Beatles), as we go through the single (does clear count as a color?), the song, the documentary, the video and the T-shirt.

2023.44 A Life in Lyrics podcast (review, overview, summary)

Sun, 29 Oct 2023 23:34:19 +0000

Lonnie Pena and I go through the first four episodes of the Paul McCartney and Paul Muldoon podcast "A Life in Lyrics". Paul goes through Eleanor Rigby, Back in the USSR, Let It Be, When Winter Comes and Mull of Kintyre. Old stories, new stories and you might even learn something!

2023.43 Ringo (Side B)

Sun, 22 Oct 2023 23:01:48 +0000

The record is flipped as we travel through "Devil Woman", the how's why's and extended versions of "Six O'Clock", right through to a bit more of the legend of Jack Nitzsche, Klaus Voorman, Vini Poncia, David Hentschel and the inimitable Ringo Starr. We'd like to thank you for making that little bit of plastic.

2023.42 Ringo (side 1)

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 00:47:01 +0000

Clarence "Frogman" Henry, Harry Nilsson, Klaus Voorman, John Lennon and Ringo Starr join together to answer the question "What Shall we do with a Drunken Sailor"? Tune in as Marv and I discuss and celebrate 49 years and 50-ish weeks of the Ringo Starr album "Ringo."

2023.41 - Fashioning the Beatles

Sun, 08 Oct 2023 23:43:53 +0000

Jon Stone co-hosts as we chat with Deirdre Kelly, author of "Fashioning the Beatles: The Looks that Shook the World." The topic is John Lennon as influencer, both inside and outside of the Beatles. John Lennon liked to say that the Beatles were not necessarily the originators of their style (both musically and not), but "the ones in the crow's nest." This week we discuss the taste and style of the Lads - and how their choices in that arena are still echoed to the present day!

2023.40 The Space Within Us Commentary Track, Pt.2

Sun, 01 Oct 2023 23:49:31 +0000

Lonnie and I return to talk more about 2005, as we finish up our "Space Within US" commentary track. More about the crowd and families, a little bit of Steve Jobs (before the iPhone took him to the "topermost" of the CEO's), and our thoughts on songs Paul should and shouldn't bring back into the live show.

2023.39 The Space Within Us Commentary Track, Pt.1

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 01:07:09 +0000

Lonnie and I celebrate the (separate) returns of the twotles to the concert stage by looking back to 2005/6, and the US (pronounced "us", not "U.S.") tour from 2005, as represented by the 2006 concert film. Paul, Wix, Abe, Brian, Rusty, those "No More Landmine" T-shirts and a whole boatload of celebrities in cameo and longer appearances.

2023.38 Brian and NEMS acts

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 01:26:54 +0000

Brian Epstein and NEMS were frequently viewed as the "golden ticket." A shiny new record contract, a song from Lennon-McCartney, and a hit record was assured. Or was it? Tune in this week as we look into some of the acts that became the "stable." Many found success, but others either missed out, or had to move on before they would ascend the charts.

2023.37 Stowe School Show - part2

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 00:03:31 +0000

More from the "Gab Four" as we continue our look at April 4, 1962 - The Beatles at the Stowe School. George Harrison's guitar comes through loud and clear, but a bout with the cold or flu has limited what he can do with his voice. Despite this issue, the band does their best and still finds a way to change the lives of the young men who will become the next generation of power brokers in the UK.

2023.36 Stowe School Show - part 1

Sun, 03 Sep 2023 23:16:12 +0000

The "Gab Four" come together (and join the party). Lonnie Pena, Jon Stone and Marv Quibell join me for the first of a two-parter where we go in depth on Ringo's new release ("Rewind Forward"), his appearance in the Nils Lofgren video, and the dual autumn/winter tours. (The All-Starr's and Sir Macca). This leads into the beginning of our usual in-depth look at the Stowe school tape, which managed to grow legs and crawl out of the British Library in the recent past!

2023.35 Kent Blazy - From the Beatles to the Bluebird

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 00:30:38 +0000

This week, Lonnie Pena and I are joined by Nashville Hall of Fame songwriter Kent Blazy. We discuss his recent trip to Liverpool, and how visiting the Beatles sites inspired him to write and record his new collection: "From the Beatles To the Bluebird." We also touch on his thoughts on fame (one of his frequent collaborators is country superstar Garth Brooks), the uniqueness of the 12-string, and how he frequently tries to channel Lennon/McCartney when he starts a new project.

2023.34 Live-ish from the Fest for Beatles Fans, Chicago. August 12, 2023

Sun, 20 Aug 2023 23:30:59 +0000

A very special live edition of When They Was Fab. I am joined by "The Co-Pips" - Dr. Kit O'Toole (Queen of all Beatles Media, Talk More Talk, Toppermost of the Poppermost) and Dr. Kenneth Womack (Everything Fab Four, the keeper of Mal Evans' flame, and author of more books than you can shake a stick at). Our topic: "Alpha Omega", "Red and Blue", "Original Greatest Hits", "20 Greatest Hits", a bit about "Now and Then" (nothing new, unfortunately) and somehow the Star Club Tapes.

2023.33 Fest for Beatles Fans Chicago Preview!

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 02:19:37 +0000

August 11, new show! Kit O'Toole and Martin Quibell join me to preview our various appearances at Fest for Beatles Fans Chicago! Tune in, turn on, and join us as we do live renditions of this very show (Red and Blue in 2023), "Toppermost of the Poppermost", and various other panels. We'll have Fun, Fun, Fun! (oops, wrong band)

2023.32 White Album Gear (mostly, but not exclusively guitars)

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 00:43:58 +0000

Frequent and beloved guest Darin Murphy (Skyrocket, HeartByrne, Cotton Mather) joins us to obsess a bit more on the guitars that The Beatles used on "The Beatles" (aka: "The White Album"). Diversions into the Fender VI (bass), Ringo and his attempt at using a double bass kit, and even a bit of Andy Summers, Eric Clapton and the "Blues Breakers with Eric Clapton" (aka: "The Beano Album")

2023.31 Squaring the Circle (The Story of Hipgnosis) - A Review

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 00:21:03 +0000

Aubrey "Po" Powell and Storm Thorgerson were once known as "Hipgnosis". It is not an exaggeration to say that their collective was responsible for much of the significant album cover artwork of the 1970's. This includes Wings from "Band on the Run" through "Back to the Egg", and Aubrey Powell would continue on-and-off with McCartney through "Off the Ground" and his 1992 World Tour.

2023.30 Eyes of the Storm, A Life in Lyrics and More

Sun, 23 Jul 2023 23:08:10 +0000

Martin and I sit down to go through the rest of Paul McCartney's "1964: Eyes of the Storm". Liverpool, London, Paris, New York, DC and Miami. A Beatle's eye view of a much too serious world. We also get a brief drop-in from Kit O'Toole as we discuss the news - Penn Jillete's revelations concerning the "new" Beatles single, Paul McCartney and Paul Muldoon's forthcoming podcast, and some mumblings on Shankar Family and Friends, the lack of an announcement of the next "Archive Edition" from Paul McCartney and Wings, and more...

2023.29 Stuart Sutcliffe: The Lost Beatles (a Review)

Sun, 16 Jul 2023 23:48:08 +0000

Stuart Sutcliffe is remembered as the one-time bass player of the Beatles, and artist who happened to die under tragic circumstances, but is that all their is to the young man? Jon Stone and I look at a BBC Four Documentary from 2005 (a decade after the story was fictionalized in "Backbeat") which features interviews with many of the participants telling Stuart's story in their own words.

2023.28 Paul and Conan and Stanley Tucci

Sun, 09 Jul 2023 23:08:06 +0000

Paul McCartney has done two major interviews supporting his show at the National Portrait Gallery in London, and the global release of "1964: Eyes of the Storm" We look at the highlights of his program with Stanley Tucci, and the Tribeca Film Festival interview with Conan O'Brien (now available in audio in full from the "Conan O'Brien needs a Friend" podcast.

2023.b01 Happy 83 to Ringo Starr!

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 23:16:04 +0000

Ringo Starr hits 83. Download this episode and start it at 11:45 AM local time and we will guide you to the big moment at noon on July 7!

2023.27 Ringo’s All Starr Band 2006

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 00:23:56 +0000

Ringo Starr, Rod Argent, Sheila E, Billy Squier, Edgar Winter, Hamish Stuart. On July 16, 2006 Ringo and the All-Starrs joined the High Rollers at the Mohegan Sun, transforming another Sunday night at the tables into a bit of rock and roll history. Martin Quibell joins the co-host roster officially, and we talk about this tour, the assembled talent, and eighties MTV pretty boys.

2023.26 Fathers and Sons

Sun, 25 Jun 2023 23:54:50 +0000

Lonnie Pena co-host as we discuss (mostly) Beatles fathers and father figures. "It Takes a Village", and John, Paul, and Ringo are examples of what that phrase means. Jim, Johnny, Charles, Richard, Freddie, Harry, Harry, Henry, and Harold as well as several others!

2023.25 One-Two-Three-Four

Sun, 18 Jun 2023 23:44:03 +0000

One, Two, Three, Four. Can I have a little more? Yes, you can. Jon Stone, Lonnie Pena and Martin "Marv" Quibell are all here for the start of WTWF, Mk. IV (or is it V?). We chat about a number of things in Beatle-land, and settle on some lightly edited "as nature intended" chat!

2023.24 Pianos and Moog and Mellotrons (oh my!)

Sun, 11 Jun 2023 16:44:34 +0000

People don't necessarily think of the role of keyboard instruments in the Beatles beyond Billy Preston and a few other obvious examples. This week, we dive a little deeper, starting with Roy Young, through the harmonium, the mellotron, the moog onto the synthesizer revolution and "Band on the Run."

2023.23 Rubber Soul the Movie (a Review)

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 00:20:32 +0000

Filmmaker Jon Lefkovitz has just released his 2014 SXSW film "Rubber Soul" on YouTube. Jon and I review. Quoting his description: "In December 1970, John Lennon and Yoko Ono were interviewed for "Rolling Stone" prior to the release of their "Plastic Ono Band" albums. Ten years later, in September 1980, the couple granted their first in-depth interview in five years to "Playboy" while they were in the process of recording "Double Fantasy". RUBBER SOUL reconstructs portions of these two historical interviews based on available transcripts and audio, juxtaposing them in order to explore the dynamic nature of identity over time."

2023.22 John Lennon 1970 and 1980

Mon, 29 May 2023 01:45:31 +0000

John Lennon did two major interviews acting as bookends to the 1970's. This week, we look at Rolling Stone, Playboy and their relationship to John Lennon, Yoko Ono (and to a lesser extent Paul McCartney). Did Jann Wenner have any ulterior motives? Did David Sheff? Do any of us?

2023.21 Beatles Compilations through the years.

Mon, 22 May 2023 00:13:21 +0000

Capitol spent much of the seventies repackaging the Beatles under a variety of concepts and song orders. As we pass the fiftieth anniverary of the first (and possibly the best), 1962-1966 and 1967-1970; we take the time to look at those collections, and propose our own!

2023.20 When The Beatles Drove Us Wild (Review - Australian ABC TV)

Mon, 15 May 2023 00:37:39 +0000

1964 was the year the Beatles took over the world. However, the foundations for that were laid in 1963. The Beatles visited Sweden and planned trips to France, Australia, New Zealand and the United States before anyone knew for certain there was gold to be found. This week we tune in to a documentary covering their June 1964 visit to New Zealand, from its origins in the summer of 1963 to the run of shows and their eventual return to the UK.

2023.19 The Beatles at the Beeb (Lord Reith, Disc 6)

Mon, 08 May 2023 00:02:32 +0000

Disc six of Lord Reith's "Live at the BBC" series. Saturday Club, Two episodes of "Pop Go The Beatles" and more. We contemplate Decca, Brian Poole and the Tremeloes, Bernie Andrews, Ian Grant, Phil Tate and consider "The Mersey Sound and the life of being several hairdressers."

2023.18 AI, ChatGPT and the Future (with a feature including Kit O’Toole and Martin Quibell)

Mon, 01 May 2023 00:03:25 +0000

AI. Nothing to get hung about, the beginning of something else, or just another piece in the puzzle of change and progress that the Beatles were always striving for, and usually succeeded in driving to the mainstream. This week, the real Jon Stone and I (AI versions are under development) discuss the possibilities, think on ChatGPT, and are virtually joined by the Queen of All Beatles Media, Martin Quibell, and another, different version of me (alas, done the old-fashioned way, no AI or multiverse here)

2023.17 The Lost Weekend - A Love Story (Review)

Sun, 23 Apr 2023 23:53:54 +0000

May Pang's film finally hit theaters (for a day in most places) on April 13, 2023. Lonnie Pena and I were among those who attended the screening, and we review the project in this week's WTWF. Is this another retelling of a story available for over forty years, or is there something new and insightful among the clips and classic interviews?

2023.16 Produced By George Martin (Arena Special - a review)

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 00:23:30 +0000

This week we look at the "not-quite-a-Biography" about George Martin produced by the Arena folks in 2011. A young Giles, the previous iteration of Beatles history, and some interesting tales concerning the comics, musicians and others George Martin encountered during his youth, military career and adult life within Parlophone and AIR Studios. Lots of Judy Martin as well!

2023.15 The Beatles US Singles

Mon, 10 Apr 2023 00:10:35 +0000

This show starts out with discussion on the "Stowe" tape, and what such an exciting discovery means to the world of Beatles fandom and scholarship. This is followed by our main topic - the US Singles. VJ, Swan, Tollie, MGM, Capitol and ATCO (oh my). What did the abundance of 45's mean to the average fan, and what has "collectibility" meant to the world of Beatles singles.

2023.14 Paul McCartney Unplugged (The TV Experience reviewed)

Sun, 02 Apr 2023 23:42:21 +0000

What's the best way to break in a new drummer? Take him with you on a high-profile television appearance. Paul McCartney was coming off his World Tour, lost a drummer (was Paul a model for Spinal Tap?) and agreed to appear on MTV's new-ish television show (interesting performances, moderate audience) called "Unplugged". This week we go back a little over thirty years to talk about the performances, the songs and see how well the TV special holds up for modern audiences.

2023.13 Viewer Mail

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 04:43:05 +0000

Letters, we've got letters! We've got stacks and stacks of letters! Viewer mail, where Jon and I answer questions from our listeners. Who needs facts when you've got opinions for miles?

2023.12 George Fest, review, pt.2

Sun, 19 Mar 2023 23:28:05 +0000

Our review of the second set from "George Fest" in Los Angeles, September, 2014. Weird Al, the Flaming Lips, Perry Farrell and more keep the tributes rolling celebrating the "The Quiet One." Dhani then leads the ensemble through a final two numbers as we fade into the sunset with Dhani "and friends."

2023.11 George Fest review, pt.1

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 00:14:23 +0000

On 28 September, 2014 Dhani Harrison hosted a charity concert celebrating the life of George. Conan O'Brien, members of Spoon, the Cult and Killers took the stage to play favorites written by George (and a select few others) backed by a top-notch group of session musicians. This week, the first set of that show with thoughts on the news of the week.

2023.10 Two Buddies on Holly Days (overview, ”Holly Days” and ”John Lennon at the St.Regis: Clock”)

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 01:45:55 +0000

One of the first things John Lennon did when landing in New York City was an "art film" named "Clock" that was promptly locked away. While the film remains in limbo, the soundtrack found its way to the public, first through the "Lost Lennon Tapes", and later (in a more complete form) from the "Dutch Import" market. Four years later (after buying the Holly catalog), Wings (in the form of Paul, Linda and Denny) would go into Rude Studios in Scotland and attempt something conceptually similar, if with a little studio finesse. While the album remains in limbo, we are hopeful a release is possible. Tune in to hear Lonnie Pena and I talk about both projects and the benefits and detractions of going "homespun".

2023.09 The Rutles Archaeology (Review)

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 04:15:47 +0000

The WTWF guys are firmly in that "easy listenin' mode" this week with our review of "The Rutles Archaeology". How well did Neil Innes manage (artistically) with a second dip into the world of the pre-fab four, and does anyone know where Sony Studios is located? Tune-in and find out.

2023.08 The Rutles (Soundtrack Review)

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 01:31:04 +0000

During ten days in 1977, Neil Innes, Rikki Fataar, Ollie Halsall, John Halsey and Andy Brown recorded twenty+ songs that would last a lunchtime. No time for trousers, but plenty of laughs and maybe a poignant comment or two about the boxing kangaroo's.

2023.07 LennoNYC (Documentary Review)

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 01:18:28 +0000

Jon and I sit down to review the 2010 documentary "LennoNYC" (aka: Lennon NYC). Lots of interviews, lots of fairly rare footage, a bit of surprisingly candid Yoko Ono, but does it deliver on the stated objective. Hint: "Does Exactly what it says on the tin" may be stretching things. Also a bit of chat about the new single featuring Ringo on drums, Louise Harrison and speculation concerning the announced McCartney/Wings documentary.

2023.06 Spot The Looney (George Harrison For Friends)

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 01:29:54 +0000

George Harrison was quite generous with his talents - not just for friends and relatives, but associates and "friends of friends" as well. Kristof Engelhardt has been chasing such recordings for thirty years, most recently in "The Beatles Fully Uncovered." https://www.amazon.com/Beatles-Fully-Uncovered-Kristofer-Engelhardt/dp/1897350619. The George Harrison corner of that square can be filled in with "Spot the Looney" from FLO records, and we go through some of our favorites from the set, and the enirety of one of the discs.

2023.05 Allan Kozinn (The McCartney Legacy, pt.2)

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 01:14:15 +0000

Part two of our chat with Allan Kozinn (co-author of "The McCartney Legacy" with Adrian Sinclair). Lots more chat about Wings, Thrillington, Bruce McMouse and other oddities from the RAM era. THIS is pure McCartney.

2023.04 Allan Kozinn (pt.1)

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 00:45:33 +0000

Part 1 of our discussion with Allan Kozinn, co-author (with Adrian Sinclair) of "The McCartney Legacy: Volume 1, 1969-1973". Some might describe this book as "Everything you wanted to know about Sir Macca, but was afraid to ask", but that would be inaccurate, as Allan has asked plenty of Paul when he got the opportunity to speak with him several times during "the Kozinn era" at the New York Times.

2023.03 If These Walls Could Sing The Music of Lennon and McCartney

Mon, 16 Jan 2023 02:24:12 +0000

This week we look at the 1965 Granada television special "The Music of Lennon and McCartney". Peter Sellers, Billy J. Kramer, The Beatles and a thingie which is not too terribly fiendish. We close out with some additional thoughts on Mary McCartney's "If These Walls Could Sing", which is getting a lukewarm reception from the public at large.

2023.02 Two of Us (2000 TV movie)

Mon, 09 Jan 2023 01:25:22 +0000

What do "Benny and Joon", "Mad Men" and 1976 (the year) have in common? The VH-1 television movie "Two of Us", which featured two of the leads from those projects in a fictionalized version of what happened when John Lennon and Paul McCartney hung out one evening, and Lorne Michaels (on the then new "NBC's Saturday Night") made an offer to four guys - "The Beatles."

2023.01 Wrapup of 2022

Mon, 02 Jan 2023 02:33:13 +0000

We start 2023 by looking back to 2022. The Revolver box set, Paul and Ringo tours and more! Happy New Year to everybody listening, and thank you for downloading each week and offering up your support.

2022.r52 Unforgettable and other Christmas Messages

Mon, 26 Dec 2022 02:19:57 +0000

Merry Christmas everybody! This week, Jon and I talk "Unforgettable" (aka "Paul's Christmas Message"), the Beatles Christmas disks and the finances at Apple.

2022.b04 Toppermost of the Poppermost - November 1962

Fri, 23 Dec 2022 17:00:02 +0000

Episode 2 of Toppermost of the Poppermost! November 1962. More "Love Me Do", Helen Shapiro, Frank Ifield (and Iris Caldwell), The Beach Boys and more. Please like, subscribe, review and give both WTWF and Toppermost five-start ratings on Apple podcasts or your provider of choice. Only one more episodes will be included on the "When They Was Fab" feed.

https://zencastr.com/z/nn_rpxPS

2022.r51 The Beatles at the Beeb (Lord Reith, Disc 5)

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 00:33:18 +0000

Disc five of Lord Reith's "Live at the BBC" series. Three of the four "Pop Goes The Beatles" episodes on this virtual disc were recorded in a single day. Join us as we discuss several incredible performances by Ringo, a performance of that new single "She Loves You", and their guests The Shadows, The Hollies, The Swinging Blue Jeans and Russ Sainty. As always, Rodney Burke, Jon Stone and me too.

2022.r50 A Year of Get Back (Part 2)

Mon, 12 Dec 2022 01:38:59 +0000

Part two of our look at a year of "Get Back". A bit of discussion on the theatrical screening of the rooftop show, a bit more pondering on the future of the Blu-Ray, and lots more chat covering the book (Apple Studios to January 31 and beyond).

2022.b03 Toppermost of the Poppermost - October 1962

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 00:53:23 +0000

Episode 1 of Toppermost of the Poppermost! "Love Me Do", Elvis, Buddy, Chris Montez and more. Please like, subscribe, review and give both WTWF and Toppermost five-start ratings on Apple podcasts or your provider of choice. Only two more episodes will be included on the "When They Was Fab" feed.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/toppermost-of-the-poppermost/id1656605625

2022.r49 A Year of Get Back (Part 1)

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 01:33:50 +0000

Thanksgiving 2022 brought "The Beatles Get Back" to the world. Not just the monumental three-part documentary from Peter Jackson, but also the book, the SuperDeluxeEdition CD set, the streaming rooftop concert and eventually the unenhanced DVD/Blu-Ray set. This week and next we look all of these, the different ways things play between each unique set of media, and compare the book transcription to the Nagras we have had for "All These Years."

2022.r48 McCartney Singles, RIngo’s new video and more!

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 01:42:13 +0000

A look into the world of the singles from McCartney, Wings and more along with some thoughts on Ed Rudy, Ken Mansfield and Ringo's latest. In a most un-Thanksgiving mode, we may be a little down on the Liverpool Lads (not the real ones), feet (comma, Ringo's), Freedom (the song), a Wonderful Christmastime (Jon only), and "Peace and Love" (as an overused sentiment in Ringo's lyrics).

2022.b02 Toppermost of the Poppermost Episode 0 (trailer)

Sun, 27 Nov 2022 20:49:12 +0000

A new project from Ed Chen, Kit O'Toole and Martin Quibell. We all know the Beatles dominated the charts in both the UK and US through the sixties, but what of the others. John Lennon described the Beatles as "being in the crow's nest". This new show will look at those that influenced them, the bands they knew, toured and work with and how those songs sat alongside the Beatles own progress. Subscribe soon, but all 2022 episodes will appear in our collective feeds.

2022.r47 Revolver SDE Pt.4 (Sessions Two)

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 01:46:47 +0000

We'd like to be ... under the sea ... in a Yellow Submarine, with you. Week four of our look at the Revolver Super Deluxe Editions. This week, sessions disc two. Picking up from Disc One last week, we discuss even more "And Your Bird Can Sing" through to "She Said, She Said", and wonder how song choices were made by Giles, The Beatles and UMe.

2022.r46 Revolver SDE Pt.3 (Sessions One)

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 01:24:20 +0000

Continuing our deep dive into the Revolver Super Deluxe Edition, this week we go into the first Sessions disc. Lots of "Love You To" and "Got to Get You Into My Life", but also both sides of the single ("Rain" at the original speed!), "Doctor Robert" and "And Your Bird Can Sing." While we always want more, this is a nice selection of new, interesting and important material.

2022.r45 Revolver SDE Pt. 2 (Kit O’Toole, Lonnie Pena)

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 13:28:17 +0000

Part two of our look at the Revolver SDE. Kit O'Toole and Lonnie Pena return for our dive into the album proper (both the new remix and the mono).

2022.r44 Revolver SDE Pt. 1 (Kit O’Toole, Lonnie Pena)

Sat, 29 Oct 2022 20:49:38 +0000

The first part of the WTWF view of Revolver. This week: The book, the cover, assorted memories of the era and the EP. Coming soon - part 2 - the album proper.

2022.43 Ringo Starr on ”Saturday Night Live”, December 8, 1984.

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 00:33:11 +0000

Live, from New York! No, not those guys. Not those other guys either. It's Lonnie Pena and me, and we are not even "live on tape". In this show, we travel back to a Saturday Night thirty Eight years ago, when we were invited to see Ringo being sold at a Sotheby's-alike, acting as the foil for Ed Grimley, and engage in "The Pajama Game" with Barbra in Fernando's Hideaway.

2022.r42 In Your Mind - The Infinite Universe of Yoko Ono (Madeline Bocaro)

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 00:05:46 +0000

An hour with author Madeline Bocaro. Her Book? "In Your Mind - The Infinite Universe of Yoko Ono." Madeline has unique insight into the life and art of Yoko Ono, and ultimately those are the things she delivers in her book, and gives us a taste of in this show!

2022.r41 John Lennon’s Jukebox

Sun, 09 Oct 2022 23:59:58 +0000

John Lennon took a portable jukebox filled with some of his favorites on the road with him. After Ringo left Tittenhurst, the KB Discomatic found its way to the world, and is detailed in a documentary and 2-CD set. This week we look at their look at what could be described as "John Lennon's iPod." 80-songs, but nowhere near portable enough for your pocket!

2022.r40 An Alternate US tour in 1966 (or 1967).

Mon, 03 Oct 2022 00:40:35 +0000

Another bit of alternate (but not too alternate) history. What if the Beatles 1966 tour of the US were delayed, either by circumstances or choice. The Beatles sit down with Brian, determined not to repeat what just happened in the Philippines. How do they accomplish this, and what songs would they choose for the resulting tour? Tune in and hear our opinions!

2022.r39 Take a sad song ... and sing it. ”EP3” and ”Jude”

Mon, 26 Sep 2022 00:45:31 +0000

As the Revolver box (followed by the holiday season) sit on the horizon, both Ringo and Julian have released new music. Ringo fired up Rocabela west, and finished this cycle of 3 EPs (likely to be followed up by the collection as a "full release". Julian, meanwhile has a shiny new one-record deal with BMG, dusted off some old songs, wrote some new ones and put "Jude" out into the world. Tune in to hear what Jon and I think about this. Is it a Revolver Amuse-Bouche, or good releases on their own?

2022.r38 Darin Murphy on ”The No. 9 Orchestra”, touring with Rundgren and Denny (and more), and Revolver

Mon, 19 Sep 2022 00:57:18 +0000

Friend of the show Darin Murphy returns to chat with us about the "Number Nine Orchestra" (and Austin's annual Lennon Birthday show), touring with Todd Rundgren, Christopher Cross, Denny Laine, Joey Molland and others, and Revolver past, present and future!

2022.r37 Lennon Politics -- Power to the People, Right On!

Mon, 12 Sep 2022 03:02:33 +0000

This week we investigate the politics of John Lennon. We all know about "All You Need Is Love", "Give Peace a Chance", and "Imagine" but what of "Power to the People" and "Angela"? The ambiguity in "Revolution" (out ... in) would be reflected in his friends, associates and to a certain extent his actions in the late sixties and early seventies, until settling on his own path.

2022.r36 -- Preview of the 32nd (Austin, Tx) John Lennon Birthday Tribute

Sun, 04 Sep 2022 23:42:55 +0000

Jon and I are joined by Stephen Doster and Randy Miller, two of the figures behind the return of the annual "John Lennon Birthday Tribute" on October 9 at 3TEN ACL Live in Austin. Their band, The #9 Orchestra is a group of accomplished musicians from Austin, Texas who ‘come together’ annually to pay tribute to the music of John Lennon and the Beatles. This year, 2022, will mark the 32th year they have celebrated this Austin tradition. They will perform their 32ND Annual John Lennon Birthday Tribute on October 9,th John’s birthday, at the 3TEN ACL Live theater in beautiful downtown Austin.

2022.r35 The Long and Winding Road (Documentary Review)

Sun, 28 Aug 2022 23:56:24 +0000

Following on from the crossover, Jon and I take a deep dive into the "Long and Winding Road" Documentary (or at least the version that has managed to walk out of Apple). Very much the bones of Documentaries to come, ranging from "Compleat Beatles" to "Eight Days a Week", "Get Back" and its own offspring - "The Beatles Anthology". Cross your eyes, and you'll drop into the Rutles-verse as well.

2022.r34 Mal Evans on KCSN (recorded live from the Fest. Kit O’Toole, Kenneth Womack)

Mon, 22 Aug 2022 00:36:10 +0000

Jon (remotely) and I are joined by Queen of All Beatles Media Kit O'Toole, Ken Womack, and an audience of tens at the Fest for Beatles fans to close out the podcast portion of the 2022 Chicago Fest. Our topic: Mal Evans in 1975. Mal appeared at the 1975 Fest (second on the bill to Sid Bernstein), worked on (and more or less completed) the draft of his book, produced Joey Molland's new band Natural Gas and appeared a couple of times on Cal State Northridge radio to start his promotional tour.

(Recorded Sunday, August 14, 2:30 at the Fest for Beatles Fans, Chicago Illinois).

2022.r33 Speed Round 2. (Martin Quibell)

Mon, 15 Aug 2022 00:55:36 +0000

Martin returns for speed round, part 2. A lot of diversions, but in a good way! More Broad Street Chat, Beatles Ballads and thoughts on the rise and fall of George Harrison's solo career.

2022.b02 News and Fest Preview (Kit O’Toole and Andy Nicholes)

Wed, 10 Aug 2022 06:10:24 +0000

Bonus episode! Kit O'Toole (Queen of All Beatles Media), Andy Nicholes (2Legs) and I sit for a preview of our panels, podcasts and presentations at the 2022 Chicago "Fest for Beatles Fans". Also, the news so we don't get too far behind when our regular programming continues!

2022.r32 The Beatles and India (review)

Mon, 08 Aug 2022 00:09:43 +0000

Namaste! This week we take a dive into the film "The Beatles and India", based in part upon the book "Across the Universe" by Ajoy Bose. There's more to it than sitars and the Maharishi!

2022.r31 The Beatles at the BBC - disc four - July 1963

Sun, 31 Jul 2022 23:52:40 +0000

The Beatles had a big month in July of 1963 (and they had a lot of big months)! Radio, recording and stage shows - usually multiple things on any single days. We start in on the recently renewed "Pop Go the Beatles" (11 more shows), and the other radio performances from the month. Rodney Burke too!

2022.r30 Good Ol Freda (Review)

Sun, 24 Jul 2022 23:38:58 +0000

Freda Kelly and Ryan White crowdsourced a film telling the story of the Beatles fan club secretary and her decade-plus with Brian Epstein and the Beatles over a decade ago. This week we review the film and consider its place in the canon and whether it continues to hold up.

2022.r29 Building a Better Broad Street (or not)

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 00:03:27 +0000

Question: Did you think about asking George to be in the film?

Paul: No. But because Ringo’s in it and I’m in it, it implies that maybe George ought to have been in it, too. The truth is, he’s not a ham. I don’t think he’s got any ambitions in front of the camera. He was the least keen to be acting in A Hard Day’s Night and Help. Before The Complete Beatles, we were going to put our own version together. The definitive story of the Beatles, and George was the least keen to even be involved. He’s more interested in being behind the camera. And he happened to be out of the country anyway.

2022.r28 I Buried Paul (A Novel) -- Bruce Ferber, Joe Refano.

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 00:45:38 +0000

I am joined this week by author and television writer/producer Bruce Ferber to discuss his new book, "I Buried Paul." Ever wondered what the real life of "Tribute Beatles" is like? Bruce describes a (fictional) McCartney-alike in his new novel. We are also joined by his original inspiration, Joe Refano (Billy J. Kramer, The Monkees) who is sometimes John Lennon in his Beatles band "The Liverpool Shuffle".

2022b01_Peace_and_Love

Thu, 07 Jul 2022 03:26:35 +0000

You know the drill! If you are out to lunch, or just thinking about podcasts, fire this up at 11:56 AM local time, and we will all be part of Ringo's 82nd birthday "Peace and Love" celebration!

2022.r27 Speed Round -- Martin Quibell

Mon, 04 Jul 2022 00:32:03 +0000

Speed round! Julian Lennon's newly released material. The ever present public reception of Paul McCartney through the years, and how it differed on either side of "the pond." Can Paul be considered as prolific as Prince? We close on Paul's recent headlining gig at Glastonbury.

2022.r26 A Day in Their Life -- Kit O’Toole, Lonnie Pena, Eric Howell

Mon, 27 Jun 2022 01:07:48 +0000

The King Mixer joins the Queen of all Beatles media and Lonnie Pena himself as we discuss his podcast/audio drama "A Day in Their Life." A brand new (yet also classic) way of sitting down and considering the history of the Fab Four.

2022.r25 Paul McCartney’s Got Back Tour 2022 - Lonnie Pena, Kit O’Toole

Sun, 19 Jun 2022 23:31:22 +0000

Lonnie Pena and Kit O'Toole join us as we wrap-up coverage on Paul McCartney's "Got Back" tour. Not quite a birthday episode (although the momentous 80th is mentioned), but certainly one which celebrating the man, his life, and maybe a little bit of Chris Holmes and Ticketmaster too!

2022.r24b— The Making of Sgt. Pepper (1992) — sideB -- Hollow Hand

Mon, 13 Jun 2022 00:37:19 +0000

Thirty years ago, the Beatles celebrated the twenty-fifth anniversary of Sgt. Pepper with a South Bank special on the making of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. Paul, George, Ringo, George Martin and even Brian Wilson. This week we dive deeped into Pepper proper, and wonder if the "She's Leaving Home" and "Getting Better" segments remain on the cutting room floor somewhere. Look for part one, also available now!

2022.r24a -- The Making of Sgt. Pepper (1992) --- side A

Mon, 13 Jun 2022 00:28:48 +0000

Thirty years ago, the Beatles celebrated the twenty-fifth anniversary of Sgt. Pepper with a South Bank special on the making of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. Paul, George, Ringo, George Martin and even Brian Wilson. We look back at the special, the isolated tracks, what was missing and how things have changed. Look for part two, also available now!

2022.r23 John, Paul, George and Ringo do covers!

Mon, 06 Jun 2022 00:48:15 +0000

A look at the covers of John, Paul, George and Ringo. All without one mention of "Rock Island Line", which all four of them did as solo artists in one form or another. Which is your favorite? Least? Jeff Lynne and his shaggy hair manage to get namechecked TWICE!

2022.r22 The Songs Lennon & McCartney Gave Away.

Mon, 30 May 2022 03:01:34 +0000

In 1979, EMI (via their "budget label" Music For Pleasure/mfp) recycled and expanded an idea launched nine years previously as "The Stars Sing Lennon & McCartney"). This week: the songs, the artwork and what was skipped in favor of "I'm the Greatest."

2022.r21 Julie Taymors Across the Universe (Erika White)

Mon, 23 May 2022 00:14:10 +0000

Jon and I are joined by Erika White (of BC the Beatles) for a look the 2007 Julie Taymor film "Across the Universe". A feast for the eyes and ears. A lot of people like it, and a lot of people don't. Which of these categories do we fall in? (hint: we live up to the subtitle) Which category do you fall in? Let us know!

2022.r20 The Beatles at the BBC - disc three - June 1963 - July 1963

Sun, 15 May 2022 23:34:58 +0000

We continue our look at the collected "Beatles at the Beeb" (Lord Reith 2021 edition) with disc three. Shows two, three and four in the "Pop Go the Beatles" series, and a couple of other appearances from the months around Paul's birthday. In addition to talking about the shows we chat a bit about the "Spanish Holiday", Paul's 21st and Lee Peters making Ringo older a month before his time.

2022.r19 New (The Album)

Mon, 09 May 2022 00:30:57 +0000

Nine years ago Sir Paul emerged from "Kisses on the Bottom" with his next studio album "New." Paul listed his inspiration as events ranging from the early 1960's, through to the present day. Would this album keep "Hear Music" going, and Sir Paul fans rolling into the aisles of Starbucks?

2022.r18 Dark Horse Tour -- Martin Quibell

Mon, 02 May 2022 01:05:12 +0000

Martin Quibell (co-host P2 Podcast Blues) joins the show this week for a look at the 1974 "Dark Horse" tour from 1974. After an exhausting month finishing some records and rehearsing the band, George Harrison's voice was in no condition for two months of regular shows (sometimes twice daily) across the United States. The frustrations mounted, but it wasn't all bad. The band was invited to visit the White House (with Harry Harrison alongside), and the ache of Pattie would be replaced by newfound love Olivia Arias.

2022.17 The Magical Mystery Tour

Mon, 25 Apr 2022 00:19:39 +0000

This year marks the tenth anniversary of the "Magical Mystery Tour" Blu-Ray. The WTWF guys look back at the film, and the "Arena" special on the making of MMT produced at the same time.

2022.r16 The Concert For Linda

Mon, 18 Apr 2022 00:23:54 +0000

Linda McCartney passed away in Arizona on April 17, 1998. A year later, her friends Chrissie Hynde, Carla Lane and Kevin Godley would organize a concert in her honor at the Royal Albert Hall. We discuss that show, and a bit about Linda herself in this "very special episode" of When They Was Fab.

2022.r15 Ray Cooper plus bits and pieces.

Mon, 11 Apr 2022 00:41:01 +0000

Ray Cooper and the solo Beatles. We look into the "Zelig" or "Forrest Gump" of the solo Beatle world, Ray Cooper! A drummer, a percussionist, and yes, a tambourine player. He is also a guy who survived the entirety of Handmade Films, and even tried to revive it after the debacle of Denis O'Brien. We also talk a bit about Julian (and the announcement of his new album "Jude"), George's 2022 Grammy win, and look back on our past with "Beatlefest"/"The Fest for Beatles Fans".

2022.r14 Lennon Naked (BBC telefilm)

Mon, 04 Apr 2022 00:11:26 +0000

A wheezing grinding sound fades away as we close in on Christopher Eccleston wandering around in a moptop on the set of "A Hard Day's Night". Perhaps it is the plot for a lost episode of "Doctor Who", but it is also early on in the telefilm "Lennon Naked". Jon and I review the film, compare the reenacted scenes to their real-life counterparts (surprise! It's pretty good, for the most part), continuing on from last week's look the theatrical "Nowhere Boy".

2022.r13 Nowhere Boy

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 00:18:58 +0000

The first of two weeks covering some John Lennon biopics from the 2009-2010 era. We start with "Nowhere Boy", a deep dive into the psychology of John Lennon as viewed through the lens of his half-sister Julia Dykins. A surprising amount of time is taken up covering the romantic relationships between older women and much younger men!

2022.r12 McCartney assemble! Flaming Pie to McCartney IIImagined -- Judge Timbers

Mon, 21 Mar 2022 00:36:43 +0000

Jon and I get back to the last (almost) thirty years of Paul McCartney's solo career. Pick at least song from each mainstream release, and one (or more) frp the others (live, classical and Fireman), then build a playlist. Here are ours. What are yours?

2022.r11 The Beatles at the BBC - disc two - April 1963 - June 1963

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 00:32:51 +0000

We continue our look at the collected "Beatles at the Beeb" (Lord Reith 2021 edition) with disc two. It took the lads 14 months to generate a single disc worth of material, and now the BBC invites them back often enough that they can fill the second before the end of the summer. The disc closes with the momentous event of "Pop Goes the Beatles" (they had moved all the way to the top of the BBC radio food chain), as their album appeared atop the British LP charts!

2022.r10 Wings and the Rock Hall

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 15:48:29 +0000

Please ignore if you have seen/heard this episode already.

This week - Wings and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. We move from Paul's induction in 1999 to questions about Wings and how they upheld "the spirit of rock and roll" with diversions wide and far including The Monkees, David Cassidy, the E-Street Band, the Traveling Wilburys and thoughts on the appropriateness of "Lumpy Trousers" as a (joke-) band name.

2022.r09 The Beatles at the Washington Coliseum

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 03:50:37 +0000

February 11, 1964. Fresh off their first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show, the Beatles take a leisurely trip to Washington DC (via train) and blow the minds of several thousand teenagers including future Vice-President Al Gore. A CBS crew filmed the show for closed circuit distribution, and we are fortunate enough to have a record of this show to review.

2022.r08 Fab Fools (Jem Roberts)

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 01:56:05 +0000

There's a lot of serious business to fooling around! This week, Jon and I sit down with humorist, author and man about town Jem Roberts. The audio version of his book "Fab Fools" is newly available on Audible. We touch on a number of comedy topics, with a lot of chat about Neil Innes and the Rutles. No Wom Direction though.

2022.r07 Rubber Soul / Yesterday & Today

Mon, 14 Feb 2022 02:15:33 +0000

The twelve months between Fall of 1965 and fall of 1966 were difficult ones for the Beatles and their American record label Capitol records. While the Beatles prepared and released a single album, Capitol found a way to release two (creating a deficit for the forthcoming "Revolver" as well). We look at the material, the covers, the hours, the times and more in this week's episode.

2022.r06 Ken Womack on Mal Evans, George Martin, Get Back and more...

Mon, 07 Feb 2022 01:46:04 +0000

Dr. Kenneth Womack of Monmouth University and author of more (Beatle and other) books than you can shake a stick at joins us this week for a look back at George Martin questions that have emerged since "Get Back", and forward to Mal's diaries, the (unpublished) diaries/archives, and the two forthcoming books covering the life and times of "The Gentle Giant". A man quite possibly the closest to the group, and the only assistant worthy of working alongside the Beatles.

2022.r05 The Beatles at the BBC - disc one - March 1962 - April 1963

Mon, 31 Jan 2022 01:43:08 +0000

This week we start a periodic (i.e.: not contiguous) series covering the Beatles at the BBC, using the Lord Reith "BBC Archives" series (available at finer Internet sites everywhere) as our basis. We run through the first volume of this 24-disc set (which roughly corresponds with their first year) watching the drummers change.

2022.r04 The Beatles at the Roundhouse

Mon, 24 Jan 2022 02:34:26 +0000

September 1968. Paul McCartney tells the media that the Beatles would be performing live before the end of the year. We know that project eventually became "Get Back", but what if it had proceeded as planned?

2022.r03 Peter Jackson’s: The Beatles - Get Back. Days 21-22, January 30-31 1969 - Kit O’Toole, Tom Hunyady

Mon, 17 Jan 2022 01:53:49 +0000

We conclude our seven weeks of Get Back (with more to come soon enough) live on a London rooftop. It would soon enough become a golden age for lawyers (although none with a legal bent ever went broke at Savile Row), but right here, right now (well, 53 years ago), it was four young men singing for the world without the aid of wine, bowties or black slip-ons [size 8]. Oh, yeah, there was also day 22.

2022.r02 Peter Jackson’s: The Beatles - Get Back. Days 18-20, January 27-29 1969 - Kit O’Toole

Mon, 10 Jan 2022 00:54:54 +0000

The penultimate episode of our "Get Back" review. Allen Klein enters the Beatles world, weather delays the proposed show, and Paul gets cold feet. Rehearsals and recording continue while Glyn Johns and Michael Lindsay-Hogg hold their collective breath (for reasons other than Ringo farting).

2022.r01 Peter Jackson‘s: The Beatles - Get Back. Days 15-17, January 24-26, 1969 - Darin Murphy

Mon, 03 Jan 2022 00:50:20 +0000

Darin Murphy joins us for Days 15-17. The deadlines for Ringo and Glyn Johns draw ever closer as January comes to end. The Beatles do not quite manage a breakthrough, but they do start to get some numbers down for the album, while the crew scrambles for a replacement ending for the film now that Primrose Hill is no longer possible.

2021.b04 Year in review -- 2021-ish

Thu, 30 Dec 2021 21:55:01 +0000

WTWF 2021-ish year end review. Jon and I start last October (with the John Lennon "Gimme Some Truth" set), and carry through to Peter Jackson's "Get Back". 20+ discs of material: remixed, remastered and sometimes just plain new. Happy Holidays! All the best for 2022!

2021.r36 Peter Jackson‘s: The Beatles - Get Back. Days 12-14, January 21-23, 1969 - Lonnie and Susan Cooke Pena

Mon, 27 Dec 2021 00:32:53 +0000

Lonnie Pena (and the one-time Mrs. Lonnie) return this week as we continue our look at Get Back. George has returned to the band and the sessions are ready to begin in earnest at Apple Studios. Billy Preston wanders down to the basement (after an invitation?), and is swept up into the world of the Fab Four.

2021.r35 Peter Jackson‘s: The Beatles - Get Back. Days 7-11, January 10-20, 1969 - Martin Quibell.

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 04:09:16 +0000

The third week of our look at "Get Back". This time, Martin ("Marv") Quibell of "Pods Like Us" and "P2 Podcast Blues" joins us for George Harrison's departure and eventual return to the Beatles. (For those playing along at home, the end of Part one, and the beginning of Part two). Bob and Carol and Ted and Alice? Try Eric and Charlotte and George and Pattie.

2021.r34 Peter Jackson‘s: The Beatles - Get Back. Days 4-6, January 7-9, 1969 - Alan Doss.

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 02:09:54 +0000

This week, we continue our look at "Get Back" the film, but just begin the journey with "Get Back" the song. While waiting for John, Paul strums the Hofner and comes up with a little bit of magic. Three days (mosty) without arguments, although there is still some lingering thoughts of a trial separation between the rehearsals. Special guest, Alan Doss - drummer of Galactic Cowboys and bass player for the Rikki's.

2021.r33 Peter Jackson‘s: The Beatles - Get Back. Days 1-3, January 2-6, 1969

Mon, 06 Dec 2021 01:24:47 +0000

WTWF starts its deep dive into the new production from Disney+, Peter Jackson and the Beatles. This week, the first three days as presented in part one of the new feature. A new year, a soundstage (paid for by another production), four Beatles, Michael Lindsay-Hogg, Glyn Johns and Mal Evans in search of some chairs. Is it any wonder the disagreements move from subtext to screen.

2021.b03 Peter Jackson‘s: The Beatles - Get Back. First impressions. pt.2

Mon, 29 Nov 2021 00:07:38 +0000

Part two of the WTWF (and "Winter of Discontent") first look at Peter Jackson's: The Beatles - Get Back. Stick around as Jon will soon return, and we will begin our deep dive into the days of their lives.

2021.b02 Peter Jackson‘s: The Beatles - Get Back. First impressions. pt.1

Sat, 27 Nov 2021 20:37:08 +0000

Happy Thanksgiving everybody. Jon spent the holiday with family, so we will wait for the forthcoming "Deep Dive" to hear his thoughts. In the meantime, I was joined by Nick Anthony of the "Winter of Discontent" podcast (Nagras, nagras and more nagras!) for our first impressions of the nearly eight hours that is "The Beatles: Get Back". Part two will be arriving as soon as I can make it happen.

2021.r32 Let It Be and spring 1969

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 04:00:57 +0000

Jon and I talk a bit about the original Michael Lindsay-Hogg "Let It Be" and the comings and goings of the Beatles in the studio as Ringo began work on "The Magic Christian". George Martin, Glyn Johns production and overdubs were the order of the day, making one wonder if they were continuing on from January, moving on to the next project or still figuring it all out.

2021.r31 Let It Be SDE - Disc 3 (Rehearsals and Apple Jams)

Mon, 15 Nov 2021 01:09:35 +0000

Week 4 of the WTWF review of the Let It Be Superdeluxeedition. This week, Disc 3: Rehearsals and Apple Jams. Quite different from George Harrison's "Apple Jams". Eric Clapton is only whispered about here, John's safety net if George doesn't return. Have a sit, pull up a bowl of cauliflower with cheese sauce, and let us know what you think of what we thing. All through the day....

2021.r30 Let It Be SDE - Disc 2 (Apple Sessions)

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 04:37:25 +0000

Week 3 of the WTWF look at the "Let It Be" SDE box. This week, Apple Sessions. Chat and sessions from January 1969. The Beatles are working on their next project with the start date on filming for "The Magic Christian" looming. Jams, recording sessions on EMI's portable in the basement and more!

2021.r29 Let It Be SDE - Disc 4 (Glyn Johns Mix)

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 00:25:07 +0000

Continuing our look at the "Let It Be" box set. This week, a bit of recap on the history of the "Get Back" LP. Glyn Johns mixes, radio airplay, bootlegs and other artifacts from 1969. We then follow this up with a look at Disc 4. We ponder the mystery of the "Japanese mixes", and discuss how an unreleased, unmastered tape went on to become something nearly as well-known as Phil Spector's "overproduction".

2021.r28 Let It Be SDE - Discs 1 and 5 (The EP)

Sun, 24 Oct 2021 23:52:26 +0000

The "Giles Martin" Let It Be is finally here! This week Jon and I start our dive into the project with the remix of the main record (*waving fist at Phil Spector*) and the EP. More to come as we do our usual thorough job on the fun and excitement to be found within the bits of cardboard.

2021.c08 The Beatles, Vaudeville and George Formby (2019) -- Martin Quibell

Sun, 24 Oct 2021 01:17:34 +0000

A repost of our first visit with Martin Quibell from 2019. More ukuleles and banjoleles than you can shake a stick at! Remember, The ukulele is a type of lute class that is quickly becoming the primary choice of instrument for musicians everywhere.

2021.r27 Get Back Trailer analysis and breakdown.

Sun, 17 Oct 2021 19:55:43 +0000

Kit O'Toole - the Queen of All Beatles Media (Talk More Talk), and Martin Quibell (Pods Like Us) join the show this week as we go deeper in-depth on the trailer to the forthcoming Peter Jackson's "The Beatles: Get Back" than some might have thought possible. Roll on November!

2021.r26 Around a Hard Day‘s Night

Mon, 11 Oct 2021 01:15:38 +0000

A peek behind the scenes of A Hard Day's Night. Richard Lester, Walter Shenson, Wilfrid Brambell, Alun Owen and many others came together at the behest of United Artists to shape a movie around the Beatles. Owen and George Martin would even be nominated for an Academy Award in their respective areas. A long way away from "Gutter Girls!"

2021.r25 Change the World and ”Ringo‘s Rock and Roll”

Mon, 04 Oct 2021 01:19:04 +0000

Ringo released the "Change the World" EP on September 24. This week, we dive into the songs, songwriters, and how these pieces fall together into the whole that is expected to hear next year. We continue to "Rock Around the Clock" with a playlist of some of Ringo's pre-Beatlemania favorites that he has chosen to cover over the years.

2021.r24 Apple Singles Pt.2 - The Iveys/Badfinger, James Taylor, Doris Troy,John and Paul and George and Ringo

Mon, 27 Sep 2021 03:07:48 +0000

Part two of our look at the singles of records. Hits, misses and sounds that definitely fall in-between. Would you believe Apple released a single on 78? Even Allen Klein could not stop the multiple artists that Apple presented to the world during those years. Say hello to Chris Hodge, everybody!

2021.r23 Thingumybob -- Rutgers University Brass Band

Mon, 20 Sep 2021 00:41:46 +0000

Week one of the "When They Was Fab" look at the singles on Apple Records. This week: Mary Hopkin, Jackie Lomax, Billy Preston, The Black Dyke Mills band and JOHNPAULGEORGE&RINGO - the foursome that started it all. We discuss Richard DiLello delivering copies of this box set to Buckingham Palace, and the unique writing style of Derek Taylor.

2021.r22 All Things Must Pass part 5 (Sessions and Jams)

Mon, 13 Sep 2021 00:32:09 +0000

The fifth (and final) week of our look at the fiftieth anniversary box set of "All Things Must Pass". Sessions and jams. Who is walking down lovers lane while "Those Wedding Bells" play? Why could 2021 possibly be called "The Year of Get Back"? All this and more on this edition of "When They Was Fab".

2021.r21 All Things Must Pass part 4 (Day 1 Demos) — Katie Skene Andrea Whitt, I Live For You

Mon, 06 Sep 2021 00:45:52 +0000

Week four of our look at ATMP. This week, the day one demos. Also a bit about the official announcement of the "Let It Be" box set, the songs Apple made available to the public, and Charlie Watts. Hang on, only one more week before this (box set) too shall pass and we get some other topics before the year end rush of even more new product! Om Hare Om!

2021.r20 All Things Must Pass part 3 (LP2 and Apple Jam Side 2) — Apple Scruffs, The Wall Pennies.

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 00:12:44 +0000

We continue our graze through the "All Things Must Pass" box, and this time the wheel stops on LP2 and side 6 (aka "Apple Jam side 2"). We ponder the nature of life, the universe, "Jam Piece", fidelity (as used in both audio and marital terms) and the passing of one of the few remaining fifties rock legends.

2021.r19 All Things Must Pass part 2 (LP1 and Apple Jam Side 1) -- Pavo Pavo and Friends, Wah Wah

Mon, 23 Aug 2021 02:49:59 +0000

Week two of our look at "All Things Must Pass". This week, the first LP and side one of the "Apple Jams" box. George, Eric, Bobby Whitlock and Friends galore. What was George doing in 1970, and how did it end up as a three record set?

2021.r18 All Things Must Pass part 1 (disc 4)

Mon, 16 Aug 2021 00:41:42 +0000

On August 6, 2021 UMe and George Harrison presented the fiftieth anniversay remix of "All Things Must Pass" in multiple versions. This week, we look at disc four (better known as "Day 2" or "Beware of ABKCO") from the streaming, 5CD, 8LP and Uber editions of this set. Nearly an hour of George Harrison, occsionally a bass player and Phil Spector listening in the booth.

2021.r17 McCartney 3 2 1 parts 5 and 6

Mon, 09 Aug 2021 00:28:46 +0000

Jon and I finish our review of the first series of McCartney 3 2 1. You know the routine. Paul, Rick Rubin, isolated tracks, stories both new and old - while we talk about their discussions, what they missed out on and where exactly the "Paperback Writer" bit from the trailer went!

2021.r16b You Know My Name (UCLA) + McCartney 3 2 1 part 4

Mon, 02 Aug 2021 00:30:06 +0000

Kit O'Toole tunes up for the B-side, as we present our review of episode 4 of McCartney 3 2 1

2021.r16a Find My Way video and McCartney 3 2 1 pt.3 (Kit O'Toole)

Mon, 02 Aug 2021 00:20:38 +0000

Kit O'Toole guests this week as we look at the "Find My Way" video from Paul and Beck, and review pt.3 of "McCartney 3 2 1". Don't stop here though, as Kit also joined us for our review of pt.4, which can be found in the "B-side" of this show.

2021.c07 Let It Down (2020) -- Andrew Harrison, Sam Whiles.

Fri, 30 Jul 2021 04:53:30 +0000

Part two of Sam Whiles' "classic" visit to When They Was Fab. Further discussion of the Beatles in 1970, and how the lives of John, Paul, George and Ringo continued to intertwine through their early solo efforts.

2021.r15 McCartney 321 parts 1 and 2.

Mon, 26 Jul 2021 02:30:08 +0000

"These Things Bring You Together" and "The Notes That like each Other". This week we look at the first two episodes of Paul McCartney x Rick Rubin, also known as "McCartney 321". We go through the tracks and the stories. Is it possible top find new revelations, even among old stories from "The act we've known for all these years?"

2021.c06 It Don't Come Eary (2020) — Afterfab, Sam Whiles

Sun, 25 Jul 2021 03:47:53 +0000

"Classic" When They Was Fab. Sam Whiles joined us in 2020 to discuss the Beatles in 1970, and how the lives of John, Paul, George and Ringo continued to intertwine through their early solo efforts. Pt.2 will be posted shortly!

2021.r14 Beatles and Monkees.

Mon, 19 Jul 2021 00:20:07 +0000

The Monkees both were are were not "a weekly dose of A Hard Day's Night." This week, we look at the relationship between the two acts. How did Bob Rafelson come to the concept of "four zany musicians having wild adventures." What did the "Four Kings of EMI" think of their counterparts, and how often did their paths cross?

2021.r13 It's Only Love (2021) --Alejandro J. Sarmiento

Mon, 12 Jul 2021 01:06:48 +0000

This week: The Beatles take drugs! No, nothing surprising about that revelation, so we spend the rest of the hour talking about how the substances changed their mindset (and subsequently songwriting, recording and production). We also examine the different ways substances altered Lennon, McCartney and Harrison - and how each spoke of their drug use without being overtly encouraging (usually).

2021.b01 Ringo's Birthday Bash 2021.

Wed, 07 Jul 2021 01:15:40 +0000

Have fun, cue this episode up and hit start 5 minutes to noon local time (7/7/21). Peace and Love everybody, and the happiest of Birthdays to Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Sir Richard Starkey. Peace and Love everybody!

2021.r12 Ringo and Alternate All Starrs -- Mindi Abair

Mon, 05 Jul 2021 03:14:17 +0000

Jon and I consider an alternate set of All Starrs. In the thirty plus years of the band, Ringo has only had one female member. Should Ringo choose to go a different route, what would it look like? Which musicians might fit well in the band - providing and performing "songs you know and love".

2021.r11 Falling In Love Again -- Hamburg Beat

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 00:17:05 +0000

Thorsten Knublauch's new book ("The Beatles Mach Schau in Hamburg") and a deep dive into Lord Reith's "Executive Version") of Live at the Star Club inspired this week's topic - a look at the Beatles trips to Hamburg, We trip through the highlights of 1960, 1961 and 1962 and each of the trips John Paul George (and variously Pete, Stu and Ringo) would make along with figures including Bruno Koschmider, Peter Eckhorn and Horst Fascher.

2021.r10 Apple of My Eye (2021) -- The Hullabaloos

Mon, 21 Jun 2021 01:02:22 +0000

Jon and I spend this week talking about Apple Corps Limited. Publishing, Records, Retail, Manufacturing, Schools, Electronics and maybe even an island off the coast of Greece. They even managed a Recording Studio at 3 Savile Row. Even though the results were questionably successful, many of pieces would be resurrected in the form of Dark Horse Records, Handmade Films, LIPA and even to a certain extent MPL.

2021.r9 Love (Piano) - Balladial.

Mon, 14 Jun 2021 02:17:16 +0000

Jon and I move through the highlights of the remaining discs. Out-Takes, Elements and raw studio mixes for each. We talk through some of our favorite tracks, discuss the more (or less) significant items, and consider what we might have done different. We then close with thoughts on what's coming next - quite possibly Sometime in NYC, and a mention of Dhani and All Things Must Pass.

2021.c05 Nowhere to Go (2020) -- Beware of ABKCO review.

Sun, 13 Jun 2021 06:01:54 +0000

The George Harrison Estate has announced the fiftieth anniversary edition of "All Things Must Pass", which includes the contents of the beloved "Beware of ABKCO" unofficial release. This classic episode from 2020 features Lonnie Pena and myself reviewing that very disc. Squint, and it might even sound like something from the future (if you ignore the McCartney III and Taylor Swift chat!)

2021.c04 Darin Murphy (2018) - Ringo's Drumming Style

Sun, 13 Jun 2021 05:56:12 +0000

A classic WTWF that has always been among the favorites of Lonnie Pena and myself. Darin Murphy sat down behind a drum kit and demonstrated some of Ringo Starr's drum stylings and how Ringo's playing evolved through the years.

2021.r8 Working Class Hero (Darin Murphy)

Mon, 07 Jun 2021 01:44:04 +0000

Part two of our visit with friend of the show Darin Murphy covering the Demos and Evolution documentaries from the John Lennon / Plastic Ono Band Ultimate Collection. More of the three of us wandering around Beatles topics, while managing to talk about the business of demoing new songs for friends and family, and then turning those demos into the finished recordings we are all familiar with? How well is that process represented in this box?

2021.c03 Darin Murphy (2018)

Sat, 05 Jun 2021 21:27:17 +0000

The second part of Darin Murphy's first visit with WTWF from 2018. New episode coming on schedule!

2021.r7 Cold Turkey (Darin Murphy) - Neal Francis

Mon, 31 May 2021 02:01:07 +0000

Darin Murphy returns for this week and next. This week we catch up, wander through the discs and start considering the set from the perspective of a singer, songwriter and performer. What surprised us in the demos, and do we think the evolution documentaries are a true representation of John, Yoko and friends in the studio working toward the finished singles (and "Mother")

2021.r06 Darin Murphy (2018)

Sat, 29 May 2021 17:08:10 +0000

WTWF classic. The first appearance of friend of the show Darin Murphy (2005's Lennon: The Musical, Cotton Mather, Trish and Darin). Originally released 2018.

2021.r5 Long Lost John -- The Blackjacks

Mon, 24 May 2021 03:21:06 +0000

We move on to disk 7 - the Jams. John, Klaus, Ringo and Yoko have fun in the studio during the recording of John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band. John leads the band through his favorites - predominantly, but not entirely classic rock and roll.

2021.r4 Remember -- Plastic Ono Band deluxe week 2

Mon, 17 May 2021 00:55:37 +0000

Week 2 of the WTWF look at the Plastic Ono Band deluxe box set. We pick up from "Mother" (last week being Mother's Day in the US), and carry through the rest of the record. The cover is courtesy of Miles Zuniga, originally performed for KUTX radio in Austin, TX.

2021.r3 Mother (review JL/POB deluxe week one)

Mon, 10 May 2021 01:20:51 +0000

Happy (US) Mother's Day everybody. We slide into our review of the JL/POB slowly, like easing into a warm bath. Some chat about the events of 1969-1970 that resulted in the John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band singles (as featured at the end of the discs), and the first song of the disc proper - dedicated to Mothers everywhere.

2021.r2 Another Day -- Jon Stone, Steve Wilson, Randy Miller

Mon, 03 May 2021 02:17:06 +0000

Everyone of us has all we need! Please welcome Mr. Jon Stone to the pocast as the good ship WTWF relaunches for real this time!

2021.r01 Danny Kristensen -- WTWF classic 01

Sat, 01 May 2021 16:41:25 +0000

WTWF classic 01. Danny Kristensen of Beatles (and 60's) tribute band "The Fab 5". (https://thefab5.net/). Originally released 2021.

2021.r00 Get Back!

Mon, 19 Apr 2021 13:29:08 +0000

Welcome to a (somewhat delayed) relaunch of "When They Was Fab". We are back! Anything happen in our absence?

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