Gimme Some Truth

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.

What if one of the most widely quoted reviews of Sgt Pepper is not authentic? This week I trace the dubious origins of a famous quote about the album attributed to critic Kenneth Tynan.

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.

Stay tuned for Season 6 of Gimme Some Truth! Eight new episodes starting next Wednesday.

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.

What is polythene? Who was Pam? In this season's bonus episode, we explore the complete backstory behind Abbey Road's 'Polythene Pam'.

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.

This week we separate fact from fiction in the mythology around The Beatles' 1963 UK tour with Roy Orbison.

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.

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.