Beatles Books – Details, episodes & analysis

I'm welcoming David Hepworth back to the pod today, this time to talk about his book 'Hope I Get Old Before I Die - Why Rock Stars Never Retire'.

David's book begins at Live Aid, where Paul McCartney sings into a defective mic, and ends today where he and Ringo are more celebrated than ever. The book looks at how we got here- via knighthoods and Nobel prizes for rock's greatest generation.

My guest today is renowned music journalist and author Patrick Humphries who joins me to discuss his book 'With The Beatles'.

Patrick interviewed Paul, George and Ringo at various points during their solo careers, and uses this a basis to tell The Beatles story from beginning to end - with particular focus on how the Beatles legacy and impact grew after they went their separate ways. 

My guest for this episode is Aaron Badgley, who joins me to discuss his book on Dark Horse Records, the label started by George Harrison in 1974.

Aaron tells us the story of the varied collection of artists on the label, and how as a commercial venture, it wasn't quite what George had hoped it would be.

My very special guest for this episode is Laurie Kaye, who was part of the

the team that conducted John Lennon's last ever interview on December 8th 1980.

Laurie talks about what she calls the best and worst day of her life - and how its outcome went on to affect her over 40 years later.

I'm honored to welcome Ken Womack back to the pod to talk about one of the most anticipated Beatle books of 2023, his fascinating biography of the Beatles roadie, Mal Evans.

Ken reveals for the first time the true story of one of The Beatles closest friends - in equal parts hilarious and heartbreaking.

I'm joined for this bonus mini episode by Jonathan Knott who is here to discuss his research on The Beatles attempts in 1967 to buy a Greek island.

What inspired them to make such a lavish purchase? Why did the sale fall through?

Jonathan answers these questions and more - his Substack can be found at https://followthesun.substack.com/

My guest today is Deirdre Kelly who joins me to discuss her book 'Fashioning The Beatles' - a fascinating and detailed look at what The Beatles wore through the 60's - what inspired them and how they influenced the looks and themes of the decade. 

I am delighted to welcome Ken Mcnab back to the pod - this time to discuss 'Shake It Up Baby' - his thrilling and detailed story of The Beatles in 1963.

How did they go from the cold nights of a small Scottish tour in January to the cusp of world domination in Decemeber?

I'm joined for this episode by Richard Driver to discuss his book 'That Was Me - Paul McCartney's career and the legacy of The Beatles'

That Was Me is an engaging and insightful journey through the prolific and awe-inspiring career of Paul McCartney. With focus on Sir Paul’s post-Beatles years, Richard Driver explores the vast output of McCartney, from his homespun solo albums to his more elaborate compositions and productions, and from his videos and tours to his collaborations with his former Beatles and a multitude of other pop stars.

I'm delighted to welcome back to the pod Steve Matteo who is here this time to discuss his new book 'Act Naturally - The Beatles on Film'.

Steve's book tells the stories behind all The Beatles cinematic adventures, how they reflected the wider cinematic trends of the 60s and why we all keep going back to watch them time and time again.