Something About the Beatles

You may already know the author of Liddypool and The Fab 104 for his meticulous research in already well-trod grounds. But with his latest work, David Bedford reveals new revelations – some of them shocking. In Finding The Fourth Beatle, David brings a fresh interpretation and critical new analysis to Beatles scholarship, going where the evidence leads him regarding the truth behind Pete Best’s parting ways with the group, as well as the process of recruitment that (eventually) led to Ringo. There is also new light shed on the 18 (!) Beatle drummers, the Decca audition, Brian’s unsigned managerial contract and those who might have been Beatles – but weren’t. David is also working on an accompanying documentary and a companion CD release. Find out more at https://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/finding-the-fourth-beatle

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In something of a departure from the usual, SATB presents a conversation with Arion Salazar, original bass player with Third Eye Blind (“Semi-Charmed Life” – “Losing A Whole Year” – “How’s It Going To Be” – “Never Let You Go”) and this year on tour with XEB. As you will hear, he is an accomplished recording artist whose life path was impacted virtually from birth by The Beatles (who, as it happened, had just split up while he was in utero). Arion offers up his insights as a fan and as a student of the Beatles on the group, on Paul (certainly as a bassist) as well as on Klaus Voormann.

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In 1989, Paul McCartney hit the road again for the first time in a decade. That same year, the longest running sitcom in US TV history debuted, and like Sir Paul, The Simpsons is still in action today. In addition to the high-calibre talent involved from day one, the show has made frequent references to The Beatles, culminating with three episodes featuring guest appearances by the three ex-Beatles. In this special expanded edition, we hear from writer/producer Jeff Martin, who wrote “Homer’s Barbershop Quartet” (which featured George); and writer/director/show runner David Mirkin, who went to Sussex to record the McCartneys (for “Lisa the Vegetarian”) and experienced something every Beatle fan can only imagine…

This is a NEW PHASE SATB episode….

Making his final appearance is our original co-host. Making a cameo in this episode is upcoming guest, Arion Salazar – original bassist with Third Eye Blind and on tour this year with XEB.

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Our guest’s 13 year-old face has left an indelible impression upon the memory of every Beatles fan who has ever watched their debut appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show. Deb Supnik (nee Gendler), dubbed “the first fan” by director Andrew Solt, is much more than just an attendee of The Beatles’ first live TV performance in America: her life changed forever that evening. Over the next several years, she worked tirelessly on behalf of the group (and their US fans) while maintaining relationships with members of the group’s organization (and even the odd Beatle parent or two).

Deb has shared her amazing stories in documentaries before, but here she gets to present them full-length and in exquisite detail.

Find Richard’s books here. Find Robert’s books here.

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49 years ago, The Beatles launched their Apple label with one of rock’s most successful single releases. Paul’s “Hey Jude,” backed with John’s “Revolution” – if not officially a double A-side release – surely ranks as among the finest 7″ records the group ever produced. It was also, as George observed years later, a real turning point in the band’s fortunes: a high point after which things could only go downhill. In this episode, Richard and Robert discuss the context of this record, as well as the writing, the recording and the public presentation of Apple’s first issue: a record that spent two weeks atop the UK charts and nine at number one in the US. Find Robert’s books here. Find Richard’s books here.

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For too many years, the role of Skiffle in The Beatles’ development as artists has been glossed over or diminished. Not anymore: in his new book, Roots, Radicals and Rockers: How Skiffle Changed the World, singer/songwriter/activist Billy Bragg presents an examination of the musical and sociological history of skiffle – where it came from; what it meant to a generation in post-war Britain, and how it paved the way for the British Invasion – while also restoring Lonnie Donegan to his rightful place as a true cultural revolutionary.

In this episode, Robert and Richard host this special guest, discussing his book as well as his recent release, Shine A Light – a collection of railroad songs recorded on the road across the US.

The Shine A Light project: http://shinealight-joehenry.billybragg.co.uk/ For more on Billy: http://www.billybragg.co.uk/
Find Richard’s books here.
Find Robert’s books here.

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In a recent show, we profiled a pair of Liverpudlians who witnessed the Beatles up close and personal during their ascent to greatness. This time, we feature conversations with two personas – one English, one American – who likewise had a series of most memorable encounters with The Beatles; by this time, greatness achieved. Richard and Robert talked with the two Davids: the Brit is David Stark; the Yank goes by “Mr. Bonzai.” Check out David Stark’s online Beatles archive here and Songlink International here. Check out John Lennon’s Tooth here – Mr. Bonzai’s site here, and his podcast pilot here. Find Robert’s books here. Find Richard’s books here.

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The first volume of a new biography detailing the life of the late Sir George Martin has just been published. Kenneth Womack has been responsible for a number of fine volumes covering aspects of the Beatles’ career, but with Maximum Volume: The Life of Beatles Producer George Martin, he takes on a figure whose background and story have long lacked a detailed telling.

Backstage at the Paramount Theatre in Asbury Park, Robert and Richard sat down with Kenneth to discuss what’s in volume 1, as well as George’ Martin’s working relationship with The Fabs.

Find Richard’s books here. Find Robert’s books here.

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A show on Beatle books is a fine idea but at the same time a little too broad: without some sort of focus, the confines of a single episode will not allow for a thorough examination. But with the arrival of this recent work by Erin Torkelson Weber, Richard and Robert are able to narrow the discussion to some key works, selected for their power in shaping public perceptions of the Beatles’ story. Applying a strict historiographic methodology, Erin’s book examines where various authors have succeeded or (mostly) failed in presenting accurate and essential tellings of their history. Authors discussed include Mark Lewisohn, Philip Norman, Albert Goldman, Bob Spitz, Hunter Davies, Barry Miles and Jann Wenner. About Erin’s book: https://www.mcfarlandbooks.com/2016/04/newly-published-beatles-historians/ Find Robert’s books here. Find Richard’s books here.

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The Beatles remain the most collected rock band on the face of the planet: records of every kind – books – art – toys – and so forth. That’s just for the mainstream fandom; for the more serious collectors, there are promotional items, rare pressings, autographs, etc. Beyond even this, there rare those who’ve made it their pursuit to acquire items of a more personal nature: clothing – glasses – instruments – teeth. Of those in the latter two categories, Robert and Richard spoke with Todd Jackson and Russ Lease, both of whom have assembled what must be described as world-class collections. You can see items from Russ’s collection (along with a few others) on tour – click here for info. Find Richard’s books here. Find Robert’s books here.

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