Beatles Books

Bob Spitz - ‘The Beatles - The Biography‘

My guest for this episode is Bob Spitz - we look back at his 2005 biography of The Beatles. He shares the story of the writing of the book - the characters he met along the way, and how his view of the individual Beatles changed once he's finished writing.

Bob also tells us about his latest book - a stirring and thrilling look at the 70s biggest band, Led Zeppelin. 

 

More about Bob and his books can be found at https://bobspitz.com/

Jude Southerland Kessler - ‘Shades of Life‘

I'm joined for this episode by Jude Southerland Kessler who discusses 'Shades of Life' - the most recent volume in her John Lennon Series, where she tells John's life story as historical narrative - where history is written in a story based form. 

I was intrigued as to why an author would choose to write John's story in this style - and Jude tells us the challenges and rewards of writing in this style. We also discuss 'Shades of Life' - the newest book in her series which looks at John in 1965.

Jude's work can be found at https://www.johnlennonseries.com/

 

 

Joe Hagan - ‘Sticky Fingers‘

My guest for this episode is special correspondent for Vanity Fair Joe Hagan, who joins me to discuss his book 'Sticky Fingers - The Life and Times of Jann Wenner and Rolling Stone Magazine'

Rolling Stone plays a huge part in The Beatles story, be it John's 1970 Lennon Remembers interview, the famed February 1981 issue after John's death or is almost complete dismissal of Paul's solo work through the 70s and 80s. Joe's book shines a fascinating light on both the magazine and Jann Wenner himself - and tries to explain how this one magazine is such an important part of the post split Beatles narrative.

Lance Richardson - ‘House of Nutter‘

My guest for this episode is Lance Richardson who joins me to discuss his book 'House of Nutter - The Rebel Tailor of Savile Row'.

Lance's book charts the remarkable lives of both legendary tailor Tommy Nutter, and his photographer brother, David. Tommy found himself in the Beatle world via his partner, Peter Brown and The Beatles fell in love with his suits- John, Paul and Ringo are all wearing one on the Abbey Road cover and David's talents led him to be chosen to photograph John and Yoko's 1969 wedding. 

John Harris - ‘The Beatles Get Back‘

My guest today is journalist, writer and critic John Harris who joins me to discuss his involvement in 'Get Back'.

John was invited to scour through the hours of recorded audio and video from January 1969 and select entertaining and insightful passages of dialogue that help illustrate this fascinating and dramatic month in The Beatles career.

Tim Riley - ‘Tell Me Why‘

My guest for this episode is Tim Riley, who joins me to discuss his 1988 book 'Tell Me Why'. Tim's book was one of the first to really examine and tackle The Beatles music - and it's fascinating to hear how his book was created - what he feels now about The Beatles music and how views and opinions have changed from the writing of the first edition.

More information about Tim and his writing can be found at https://timrileyauthor.com/

Rob Sheffield - ‘Dreaming The Beatles‘

My guest for this episode is Rolling Stone writer Rob Sheffield, who joins me to discuss his book 'Dreaming The Beatles'.

Rob's book looks at The Beatles from the perspective of a fan born after the band split up - What do the Beatles mean today? Why are they more famous and beloved now than ever? And why do they still matter so much to us, nearly fifty years after they broke up?

Rob's passion and knowledge of The Beatles really came across both in the book and the interview itself - and it was quite reassuring to hear how much Harry Styles loves 'Back to the Egg'...

Luke Meddings - ‘What They Heard‘

My guest today is Luke Meddings, who is here to discuss his book 'What They Heard - How The Beatles, Beach Boys and Bob Dylan Listened to Each Other and Changed Music Forever'. 

Using timelines derived from release dates, studio sessions and personal encounters, Luke Meddings reveals the paths of influence across an astonishing 4-year period between 1963 and 1967, in which these iconic artists cross-pollinated like crazy - via recordings, rivalry, rumours, artistic envy and quite a few drugs. 

This is some of the strongest Beatle writing I've read in a long time and it was fascinating talking to Luke about his journey writing this book.

More information can be found at https://weatherglassbooks.com/shop/what-they-heard

 

David Hepworth - ‘Overpaid, Oversexed and Over There‘

I'm joined today by one of British music journalism's most famous voices, David Hepworth, to discuss his new book 'Overpaid, Oversexed and Over There - How a Few Skinny Brits With Bad Teeth Rocked America'.

David has been writing about music since the 1970's, and was involved in the launches of Smash Hits, Q and The Word Magazine. He is also one half of the Word in Your Ear podcast.

His book looks at the British Invasion of 1964 - how did this happen? What made America embrace The Beatles so fully? How did the cultural conversation between the two nations change of the past 50 years?

Daniel Rachel - ‘Like Some Forgotten Dream‘

My guest for this episode is musician turned author Daniel Rachel who joins me to discuss his book 'Like Some Forgotten Dream - What if The Beatles Hadn't Split Up?'

Daniel examines The Beatles untimely demise - and from the ashes compiles a track list for an imagined final album, pulling together unfinished demos, forgotten B-sides, hit solo songs, and arguing that together they form the basis of a lost Beatles masterpiece.

This is a exuberant and fun read - and I had a great time debating with Daniel what songs should and shouldn't be included.