When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles

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

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!

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.

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)

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

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)

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

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

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

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.

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".