Beatles Books

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

I'm joined by acclaimed music journalist and author Tom Doyle to discuss his 2014 book, 'Man on the Run' an fascinating look at one of Paul's most misunderstood decades, the 1970's. Tom's book paints an illuminating picture: from McCartney's nervous breakdown following the Beatles' split through his apparent victimisation by the authorities to the rude awakening of his imprisonment for marijuana p...

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

I'm joined by Jem Roberts to discuss his wonderful new book 'Fab Fools' - the first book to properly discuss The Beatles and comedy. Jem discovers how John, Paul, George and Ringo laughed their way to the top through their films, cartoons and even pantomimes.  No discussion of The Beatles and comedy would be complete without discussing The Rutles - and Jem documents how Eric Idle and Neil Innes cr...

Bonus Mini-Episode! I'm joined by renowned journalist and writer Tony Barrell to discuss 'The Beatles on the Roof' - a fun look at the events leading up to The Beatles final 'concert' in January 1969.  Tony met with and interviewed dozens of people who were either involved in or attended that blustery London lunchtime - he shares their memories and more over the course of our chat.   More informat...

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

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

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

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

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

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