Gimme Some Truth

For the Season 6 finale, I am joined by author Chuck Gunderson to debunk misconceptions surrounding The Beatles' final North American tour in August 1966. The chronology and impact of the "Jesus" controversy is also examined in context.

Be sure to seek out Chuck's wonderful books and his new SubStack.

A highly-requested topic: who played which instruments during the recording of George Harrison's 'Old Brown Shoe'? This week I am joined by four fab guests to wade through contradictory accounts of the recording sessions and find some truth.

My guests this week are (in order of appearance): Michael Sokil of The Beatles Reconstructed and Gear, There and Everywhere, Ryan Hendry, Tom Hartman of The Aerovons and author Kenneth Womack.

I am joined once again by journalist and author Bob Kealing to present the second half of a detailed, day-by-day account of The Beatles' February 1964 visit to Miami.

In Part 2, we discuss the remaining five days of the visit: press obligations, leisure and songwriting.

More on Bob's book Good Day Sunshine State here.

This week and next I am joined by journalist and author Bob Kealing to present a detailed, day-by-day account of The Beatles' February 1964 visit to Miami.

In Part 1, we discuss each moment from their 13 February arrival to the afterparty for their 16 February second Ed Sullivan Show appearance, and all the interesting people they met during the first four days of the visit.

More on Bob's book Good Day Sunshine State here.

Legendary session drummer Bernard Purdie has long claimed that he played on some of the early Beatles recordings. This week, I investigate the evidence behind those claims and ask: is there any truth to Purdie’s story?

I am also joined for part of the episode by German author Axel Korinth, as we delve into the recordings The Beatles made in 1961-62 with and for Tony Sheridan and Bert Kaempfert.

The true story of how Capitol Records finally agreed to sign The Beatles and release 'I Want To Hold Your Hand' has been obscured...until now! I am joined by author and popular historian Andrew Cook to discuss a key revelation from his latest book Capitol Gains.

You can find out more about Andrew and his books on his website.

In this out-of-season bonus episode I am joined by Michael Sokil (The Beatles Reconstructed) and Raymond Schillinger (You Can't Unhear This) to revisit the 'Dear Prudence' debate and highlight new evidence.

Video version available here.

I am thrilled to be joined by master researcher Mark Lewisohn for this special season finale. Mark discusses his methods, decades of research and the extraordinary amount of detail that goes into all his books.

For all things Mark Lewisohn, visit his website.

One of the chapter's in The Beatles' history that fascinates me the most is their 1968 trip to India. In this week's episode, I am joined by author and researcher Paul Mason to discuss when and why each of the group chose to leave the Maharishi's ashram in Rishikesh.

You can find all of Paul Mason's books including my favourite The Beatles, Drugs, Mysticism & India on his website.

There is so much to look at on the cover of Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band that it is easy to miss the sets of six medals that both John and Ringo wore on their colourful military costumes. Join me this week to explore the stories behind these unaccountable artefacts.

Returning guests and Lennonology authors extraordinaire Chip Madinger & Scott Raile join me this week to discuss all aspects of The Beatles' MBE awards. As we explore this topic from receipt to John's return, we make a few exciting discoveries along the way!

For all things Lennonology go to https://lennonology.com/

The history of when Paul McCartney wrote 'Yesterday' has been confused by contradictory memories. In this week's episode, we explore the gestation of a classic and I make the case for what I think is the most accurate timeline.

For the first episode of Season 5, I am joined by musician/composer Rob Collier to tackle an age old debate. Who played bass on 'She Said She Said'? Did Paul McCartney participate? From the song's conception through recording, we examine the available evidence. Check out Rob's blog, YouTube and Instagram.

Malcolm Gladwell's Outliers popularised the concept of the 10,000-hour rule for success and its association with The Beatles has become an accepted part of their history. Did the group really perform 10,000 hours? In this bonus episode, we set the record straight!

For this season 4 finale episode, I am joined by researcher and travel writer Jonathan Knott to present The Beatles' 1967 plans to buy a Greek island. This chapter in the history and one of its key players, Alexis 'Magic Alex' Mardas, have long been shrouded in mystery. With this episode and Jonathan's continued efforts, we get closer to the truth. You can follow Jonathan's research and writing on Substack.

This week and next we re-examine The Beatles' infamous 1966 visit to Manila. Much has been said about this event but the details are often confused. Part one explores the reasons for visiting The Philippines, the group's arrival, mix-up with the Presidential family and concerts.

Does Brian Epstein deserve the criticism that has been charged against him for his handling of The Beatles' merchandising rights? I am joined by journalist, entertainment lawyer and professor Stan Soocher to answer this question through the history of several lawsuits between NEMS Enterprises and the companies set up to handle The Beatles' merchandise. This episode is inspired by one of the many fascinating chapters from Stan's book Baby You're A Rich Man: Suing The Beatles for Fun & Profit.

This week, my guest Eric Krasker and I tell the unexpectedly complex story of The Beatles' only foreign language recordings made in Paris in January 1964. This and many other details of the Paris residency are detailed in Eric's new book Les Beatles à l'Olympia (available here).

The date that George Harrison first met his friend and mentor Ravi Shankar has never been accurately pinned down until now. This week I am joined by author/editor Oliver Craske to present the evidence he uncovered for his brilliant biography Indian Sun: The Life and Music of Ravi Shankar (more information here).