Beatles Books

Darryl Bullock - 'The Velvet Mafia'

I'm joined today by Darryl Bullock to discuss his new book 'The Velvet Mafia' an eye opening account of some of the most influential and powerful gay men of the 60's. 

We focus on Brian Epstein - one of the biggest influences on The Beatles, a man absolutely central to their story, but a man still misunderstood 50 years after his sad death.

 

Darryl's fascinating book can be purchased here : https://www.amazon.co.uk/Velvet-Mafia-Gay-Swinging-Sixties/dp/1787602311

Peter Ames Carlin - 'Paul McCartney - A Life'

My guest today is renowned author and writer Peter Ames Carlin who joins me to discuss his 2009 book 'Paul McCartney - A Life' One of the few books which covers Paul's post Beatle life with enough depth and thought - Peter's book was built on years of research and contains numerous fresh interviews and perspectives - I really enjoyed talking to him.

We also discuss his current book 'Sonic Boom' a thrilling telling of the Warner Brothers Records story - maybe the most famous label in rock n roll.

 

Peter's books can be viewed and ordered from https://www.peteramescarlin.com/books

Ian Macdonald - 'Revolution in the Head' with Chris Power

I'm joined by author and critic Chris Power to discuss Ian Macdonald's seminal 1994 book 'Revolution in the Head'. Critically adored for so long, this books reputation has suffered a little in recent years. Chris and I discuss the reasons for this - and what impact the book has had on us.

Chris's short story collection 'Mothers' can be purchased here https://www.faber.co.uk/tutors/chris-power/ His debut novel 'A Lonely Man' will be released in April of this year.

Erin Torkelson Weber - 'The Beatles And The Historians'

I'm joined by Erin Torkelson Weber to discuss her excellent book 'The Beatles And The Historians'. This book examines the band's historiography exploring the four major narratives that have developed in Beatles literature since the mid 60s. 

Her book was a personal eye opener for myself and made me re evaluate my whole outlook on Beatles Books - it was real privilege to talk her.

Erin's excellent blog can be found at https://beatlebioreview.wordpress.com/about/

 

 

Candy Leonard - 'Beatleness'

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 and author can be found at http://beatleness.com/

Tom Doyle - 'Man on the Run'

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 possession in Japan in 1980 and the shocking wake-up call of John Lennon's murder. At the same time, the book shines a light on the wonderfully varied and thrilling records that Paul and Wings released through this period.

 

 

Oliver Craske - Indian Sun The Life and Music of Ravi Shankar

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.olivercraske.com/indiansun

Jem Roberts - 'Fab Fools'

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 created the most influential rock n roll spoof in history.

Fab Fools can be ordered at http://www.candy-jar.co.uk/books/fabfools.html

Tony Barrell - 'The Beatles on the Roof'

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 information about Tony's book and sales links can be found at https://www.tonybarrell.com/raising-the-roof/

Jim Berkenstadt - 'The Beatle Who Vanished'

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://rockandrolldetective.com/books/the-beatle-who-vanished/