Shows
Chronological ChristiePoirot Investigates - Part 3In this episode, we take a look at the remaining four short stories in Poirot InvestigatesThe Case of the Missing WillThe Veiled LadyThe Lost MineThe Chocolate Box—------------------We are your hosts:Gillian Porter - a long-time Agatha Christie reader and collector,And her husband Alan Porter, who after almost 40 years of sharing a house with Agatha Christie books has decided he should read them.We’ll be tackling the books in UK publication order as detailed on t...2025-06-1536 min
Longbox CrusadeThe Forgotten Beatles - Episode 08: Hanton & HutchinsonThe Forgotten BeatlesEpisode 08: Hanton & HutchinsonWelcome to the seventh episode of Before They Were Beatles presents: The Forgotten Beatles in which we turn the spotlight on on drummers Colin Hanton and Johnny Hutchinson*******Links mentioned in this episodeBooks:The Quarrymen by Hunter Davis - https://www.amazon.com/Quarrymen-Hunter-Davies/dp/071198526XBefore They Were Beatles by Alan J. Porterhttps://www.amazon.com/Before-They-Were-Beatles-1956-1960/dp/1413430562Finding the Fourth Beatle by David Bedford...2025-06-0216 min
Before They Were BeatlesEpisode 13 - Jimmie NicolThis month we turn the spotlight on drummer Jimmie Nicol.--------------------Links mentioned in this episode Jimmie NicolJimmy Nichol - wikipedia entry https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmie_Nicol The Parlogram series 30 minute mini documentary on Jimmie’s story - https://youtu.be/onKRSu5C3EI?si=-f4n9Ejh2OcHKTgt Finding The Fourth Beatle by David Bedford and Garry Popper https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Fourth-Beatle-Drummers-Behind/dp/3732398420 The Beatle Who Vanished by Jim Berkenstadt. - https://www.amazon.com/Beatle-Who-Vanished-Beatles-Anniversary/dp/B0D3BD4GS3/ 2025-06-0126 minChronological ChristiePoirot Investigates - Part 2In this episode, we take a look at the next five short stories in Poirot InvestigatesThe Adventure of the Egyptian TombThe Jewel Robbery at the Grand MetropolitanThe Kidnapped Prime MinisterThe Disappearance of Mr. DavenheimThe Adventure of the Italian Nobleman—------------------We are your hosts:Gillian Porter - a long-time Agatha Christie reader and collector,And her husband Alan Porter, who after almost 40 years of sharing a house with Agatha Christie books has decided he should read th...2025-05-2541 minChronological ChristiePoirot Investigates - Part 1In this episode, we take a look at the first five short stories in the Poirot Investigates collection.The Adventure of “The Western Star”The Tragedy of Marsdon ManorThe Adventure of the Cheap FlatThe Mystery of Hunter’s LodgeThe Million Dollar Bond Robbery—------------------We are your hosts:Gillian Porter - a long-time Agatha Christie reader and collector,And her husband Alan Porter, who after almost 40 years of sharing a house with Agatha Christie books has decided he should r...2025-05-1149 min
Before They Were BeatlesEpisode 12 - Mason, Moore, and NewbyThis month we turn the spotlight on trumpet player David Mason, drummer Tommy Moore, and bass player Chas Newby.*******Links mentioned in this episode Dave MasonWikipedia entry - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Mason_(trumpeter) Obituary - https://www.theguardian.com/music/2011/jun/08/david-mason-obituary Tommy MooreWikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tommy_Moore_(musician) Finding The Fourth Beatle - https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Fourth-Beatle-Drummers-Behind/dp/3732398420 Johnny Gentle and The Beatles - The First Tour - https://www.amazon.com/Johnny...2025-05-0118 minChronological ChristieThe Man In The Brown SuitIn this episode, we take a look at The Man in the Brown Suit—------------------We are your hosts:Gillian Porter - a long-time Agatha Christie reader and collector,And her husband Alan Porter, who after almost 40 years of sharing a house with Agatha Christie books has decided he should read them.We’ll be tackling the books in UK publication order as detailed on the official Agatha Christie website, and sharing our thoughts on each from the viewpoint of someone familiar with them, and someone reading them...2025-04-1330 min
Before They Were BeatlesEpisode 11 - George MartinThis month we turn the spotlight on the man who probably has the best claim to the title of “The 5th Beatle,” producer George Martin .*******Links mentioned in this episode George MartinAll You Need Is Ears memoir - https://bookshop.org/a/10029/9781250784049 Limited edition Playback autobiography - Copies for sale on Abe Books - https://www.abebooks.com/book-search/title/playback-illustrated-memoir/author/george-martin/ George Martin’s wikipedia page - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Martin David Bennet’s excellent video on George’s contributions...2025-04-0116 minChronological ChristieQuestions Revisited (Episodes 1-3)In this bonus mini-episode, we look back and provide some updates for questions raised during the first three episodes.—------------------We are your hosts:Gillian Porter - a long-time Agatha Christie reader and collector,And her husband Alan Porter, who after almost 40 years of sharing a house with Agatha Christie books has decided he should read them.We’ll be tackling the books in UK publication order as detailed on the official Agatha Christie website, and sharing our thoughts on each from the viewpoint of someone familiar with them, ...2025-03-2311 min
Longbox CrusadeThe Forgotten Beatles - Episode 07: Graham, Griffiths, & GufastonThe Forgotten BeatlesEpisode 07: Graham, Griffiths, & GufastonWelcome to the seventh episode of Before They Were Beatles presents: The Forgotten Beatles in which we turn the spotlight on drummer Bobby Graham, the Quarrymen’s guitarist Eric Griffiths, and one-off bass player Johhny Gustafson*******Links mentioned in this episodeBooks:The Quarrymen by Hunter Davis - https://www.amazon.com/Quarrymen-Hunter-Davies/dp/071198526XBefore They Were Beatles by Alan J. Porterhttps://www.amazon.com/Be...2025-03-2119 minChronological ChristieThe Murder On The LinksWelcome to the Chronological Christie podcast.In this episode, we take a look at the return of Poirot inThe Murder on the Links —------------------We are your hosts:Gillian Porter- a long-time Agatha Christie reader and collector,And her husbandAlan Porter, who after almost 40 years of sharing a house with Agatha Christie books has decided he should read them.We’ll be tackling the books in UK publication order as detailed on the official Agatha Christie website, and sharing our thoughts on each from the viewpoint of someo...2025-03-0953 min
Before They Were BeatlesEpisode 10 - Lomax and LoweThis month we turn the spotlight on singer Jackie Lomax and pianist John “Duff” Lowe.*******Links mentioned in this episode Jackie LomaxWikipedia entry - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jackie_Lomax Official website - http://www.jackielomax.com Obituary - https://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/sep/17/jackie-lomax John LoweWikipedia entry - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Lowe_(musician) Obituary - https://www.theguardian.com/music/article/2024/may/02/john-duff-lowe-obituary Websites:Alan J. Porter - YouTube Channel...2025-03-0114 min
Longbox CrusadeThe Forgotten Beatles - Episode 06: Garry & GentleThe Forgotten BeatlesEpisode 06: Garry & GentleWelcome to the sixth episode of Before They Were Beatles presents: The Forgotten Beatles in which we turn the spotlight on Quarrymen’s Len Garry, and singer Johnny Gentle*******Links mentioned in this episodeBooks:The Quarrymen by Hunter Davis - https://www.amazon.com/Quarrymen-Hunter-Davies/dp/071198526XBefore They Were Beatleshttps://www.amazon.com/Before-They-Were-Beatles-1956-1960/dp/1413430562 John, Paul & Me: Before The Beatles - Len...2025-02-2115 minChronological ChristieThe Secret AdversaryIn this episode, we take a look at the introduction of the young adventurers, Tommy & Tuppence in The Secret Adversary
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We are your hosts:
Gillian Porter - a long-time Agatha Christie reader and collector,
And her husband Alan Porter, who after almost 40 years of sharing a house with Agatha Christie books has decided he should read them.
We’ll be tackling the books in UK publication order as detailed on the official Agatha Christie website, and sharing our thoughts on each from the viewpoint of someone familiar with them...2025-02-0940 min
Before They Were BeatlesEpisode 9 - Jackson and JonesWelcome to the ninth episode of Before They Were Beatles presents: The Forgotten Beatles in which we turn the spotlight on singers Simone Jackson and Davy Jones
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Links mentioned in this episode
Websites:
Alan J. Porter - YouTube Channel - Forgotten Beatles related videos - https://www.youtube.com/@AlanPorterWriter
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Thanks for listening to this episode of Before They Were Beatles Presents: The Forgotten Beatles. If you would like to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast platform that would be great and don’t forg...2025-02-0110 minChronological ChristieThe Mysterious Affair At StylesWelcome to the Chronological Christie podcast.
In this episode, we take a look at Agatha Christie’s debut novel - The Mysterious Affair At Styles
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We are your hosts:
Gillian Porter - a long-time Agatha Christie reader and collector,
And her husband Alan Porter, who after almost 40 years of sharing a house with Agatha Christie books has decided he should read them.
We’ll be tackling the books in UK publication order as detailed on the official Agatha Christie website, and sharing our thoughts on each from th...2025-01-1239 min
Before They Were BeatlesEpisode 8 - Hanton and HutchinsonWelcome to the eighth episode of Before They Were Beatles presents: The Forgotten Beatles in which we turn the spotlight on on drummers Colin Hanton and Johnny Hutchinson
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Links mentioned in this episode
Books:
The Quarrymen by Hunter Davis - https://www.amazon.com/Quarrymen-Hunter-Davies/dp/071198526X
Before They Were Beatles by Alan J. Porter
https://www.amazon.com/Before-They-Were-Beatles-1956-1960/dp/1413430562
Finding the Fourth Beatle by David Bedford and Gary Popper
https://bookshop.org/a/10029/9783732398423
Pre:Fab! By Colin Hanton wi...2025-01-0118 min
Before They Were BeatlesEpisode 7 - Graham, Griffiths, and GustafsonWelcome to the seventh episode of Before They Were Beatles presents: The Forgotten Beatles in which we turn the spotlight on drummer Bobby Graham, the Quarrymen’s guitarist Eric Griffiths, and one-off bass player Johhny Gustafson
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Links mentioned in this episode
Books:
The Quarrymen by Hunter Davis - https://www.amazon.com/Quarrymen-Hunter-Davies/dp/071198526X
Before They Were Beatles by Alan J. Porter
https://www.amazon.com/Before-They-Were-Beatles-1956-1960/dp/1413430562
Finding the Fourth Beatle by David Bedford and Gary Popper
https://bookshop.org/a/1...2024-12-0120 min
Longbox CrusadeThe Forgotten Beatles - Episode 05: Davis, Day & DouglasThe Forgotten Beatles
Episode 05: Davis, Day & Douglas
Welcome to the fifth episode of Before They Were Beatles presents: The Forgotten Beatles in which we turn the spotlight on The Quarrymen’s Rod Davis, and singers Tanya Day, and Craig Douglas
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Links mentioned in this episode
Books:
The Quarrymen by Hunter Davis - https://www.amazon.com/Quarrymen-Hunter-Davies/dp/071198526X
Before They Were Beatles
https://www.amazon.com/Before-They-Were-Beatles-1956-1960/dp/1413430562
Websites:
Alan J. Porter - YouTube Cha...2024-11-1815 min
Before They Were BeatlesEpisode 6 - Garry and GentleWelcome to the sixth episode of Before They Were Beatles presents: The Forgotten Beatles in which we turn the spotlight on Quarrymen’s Len Garry, and singer Johnny Gentle
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Links mentioned in this episode
Books:
The Quarrymen by Hunter Davis - https://www.amazon.com/Quarrymen-Hunter-Davies/dp/071198526X
Before They Were Beatles
https://www.amazon.com/Before-They-Were-Beatles-1956-1960/dp/1413430562
John, Paul & Me: Before The Beatles - Len Garry -
https://www.amazon.com/John-Paul-Me-Before-Beatles/dp/1784560782/
Johnny Gentle and The Beatles First Ever T...2024-11-0116 min
Before They Were BeatlesEpisode 5 - Davis, Day, and DouglasWelcome to the fifth episode of Before They Were Beatles presents: The Forgotten Beatles in which we turn the spotlight on The Quarrymen’s Rod Davis, and singers Tanya Day, and Craig Douglas
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Links mentioned in this episode
Books:
The Quarrymen by Hunter Davis - https://www.amazon.com/Quarrymen-Hunter-Davies/dp/071198526X
Before They Were Beatles
https://www.amazon.com/Before-They-Were-Beatles-1956-1960/dp/1413430562
Websites:
Alan J. Porter - YouTube Channel - Forgotten Beatles related videos - https://www.youtube.com/@AlanPorterWriter
The...2024-10-0116 min
Longbox CrusadeThe Forgotten Beatles - Episode 04: “Eddie Clayton” aka Eric ClaptonThe Forgotten Beatles
Episode 04: “Eddie Clayton” aka Eric Clapton
This month we turn the spotlight on on the man on the weeping guitar originally credited as “Eddie Clayton” perhaps better known as Eric Clapton
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Thanks for listening to this episode of Before They Were Beatles presents: The Forgotten Beatles. If you would like to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast platform that would be great and don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss out on future episodes.
If...2024-06-1710 min
Longbox CrusadeThe Forgotten Beatles - Episode 03: Calandra, The Chants, and ChapmanThe Forgotten Beatles
Episode 03: Calandra, The Chants, and Chapman
This month we turn the spotlight on n Vince Calandra, The Chants, and Norman Chapman
If you want to know more about Vince Calandra he did a four-hour interview for the Television Academy on his career which is available in their online archives. There are a few extracts from it on YouTube that refer to the Beatles' Ed Sullivan appearance.
For info on The Chants, I recommend the Sixties City website which includes l...2024-05-2014 min
Before They Were BeatlesEpisode 4 - “Eddie Clayton” aka Eric ClaptonThis month we turn the spotlight on on the man on the weeping guitar originally credited as “Eddie Clayton” perhaps better known as Eric Clapton
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Thanks for listening to this episode of Before They Were Beatles Presents: The Forgotten Beatles. If you would like to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast platform that would be great and don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss out on future episodes.
If you would like to make a comment or ask a question you can follow the podcast Twitter account at @Befor...2024-04-2411 min
Longbox CrusadeThe Forgotten Beatles - Episode 02: Ken BrownThe Forgotten Beatles
Episode 02: Ken Brown
This month we turn the spotlight on guitarist Ken Brown of The Quarrymen and The Blackjacks
If you want to know more about Ken Brown’s story I recommend, The Beatles: The True Beginnings, published by Thomas Dunne Books in 2003
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Thanks for listening to this episode of Before They Were Beatles presents: The Forgotten Beatles. If you would like to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast platform that would be great an...2024-03-1812 min
Before They Were BeatlesEpisode 3 - Calandra, The Chants, and ChapmanThis month we turn the spotlight on n Vince Calandra, The Chants, and Norman Chapman
If you want to know more about Vince Calandra he did a four-hour interview for the Television Academy on his career which is available in their online archives. There are a few extracts from it on YouTube that refer to the Beatles' Ed Sullivan appearance.
For info on The Chants, I recommend the Sixties City website which includes links to their full discography. There is also an extract on YouTube from the documentary "Get Back: The City That Rocked The W...2024-03-0616 min
Longbox CrusadeThe Forgotten Beatles - Episode 01: Pete BestThe Forgotten Beatles
Episode 01: Pete Best
Welcome to the first episode of Before They Were Beatles presents: The Forgotten Beatles in which we turn the spotlight on drummer Pete Best
If you want to know more about Pete Best’s story I recommend,
Beatle! The Pete Best Story - Plexus Publishing - Pete’s autobiography (although it is going for crazy money these days - if you can find a copy it is well over $200 for the paperback)
The Beatles: The True Beginnings is a ni...2024-02-1914 min
Before They Were BeatlesEpisode 2 - Ken BrownThis month we turn the spotlight on guitarist Ken Brown of The Quarrymen and The Blackjacks
If you want to know more about Ken Brown’s story I recommend, The Beatles: The True Beginnings, published by Thomas Dunne Books in 2003
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Thanks for listening to this episode of Before They Were Beatles presents: The Forgotten Beatles. If you would like to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast platform that would be great and don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss out on future episodes.
If you would l...2024-02-0714 min
Longbox CrusadeBefore They Were Beatles - Episode 26: Red & BlueBefore They Were Beatles
Episode 26: Red & Blue
In this episode, Alan shares some thoughts on the recently released, remixed, and remastered extended Red and Blue albums, and wrap things up with Alan’s reactions to the “last Beatles song” Now & Then
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Thank you for joining us over the last three seasons and listening to the story of John, Paul, George, and Ringo - Before They Were Beatles.. - and I hope you also enjoyed this bonus episode.
But there are other tales still left to tell.
W...2024-01-1517 min
Before They Were BeatlesEpisode 1 - Pete BestWelcome to the first episode of Before They Were Beatles presents: The Forgotten Beatles in which we turn the spotlight on drummer Pete Best
If you want to know more about Pete Best’s story we recommend,
Beatle! The Pete Best Story - Plexus Publishing - Pete’s autobiography (although it is going for crazy money these days - if you can find a copy it is well over $200 for the paperback)
The Beatles: The True Beginnings is a nice illustrated hardback on the history of the Casbah Club by Roag Best published by Thom...2024-01-0316 min
Before They Were BeatlesIntroducing THE FORGOTTEN BEATLESComing to this podcast soon, a new series -
Before They Were Beatles presents:
The Forgotten Beatles
We all know the story of John, Paul, George, and Ringo, The Beatles - BUT, there are other tales still left to tell.
Who were Pete, Ken, Norman, Johnny, Colin, Rod, Stuart, Eric, and more who all played their part in the story of the greatest band in rock history?
These will be the stories we share
The stories of THE FORGOTTEN BEATLES
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I hope you will...2023-12-1606 min
Before They Were BeatlesEpisode 26 - Red & BlueIn this episode, I share some thoughts on the recently released, remixed, and remastered extended Red and Blue albums, and wrap things up with my reactions to the “last Beatles song” Now & Then
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Thank you for joining us over the last three seasons and listening to the story of John, Paul, George, and Ringo - Before They Were Beatles.. - and I hope you also enjoyed this bonus episode.
But there are other tales still left to tell.
Whatever happened to Pete, Ken, Norman, Johnny, Colin, Rod, Stuart, Eric, and more who a...2023-11-1519 minBefore They Were BeatlesEpisode 25 - Beginnings and EndingsIn this episode, we complete our journey as The Beatles return to the recording studio, make their TV debut, and say goodbye to Hamburg.
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This is the story of how one of the thousands of amateur British schoolboy skiffle bands in the mid-1950s evolved into the beginnings of the greatest band in popular history. It’s a story of hope, creativity, and exploring musical boundaries. It’s also a story of tragedy, coincidence, and at times just sheer luck.
It is a story of beginnings, the story of John, Paul, George, and Ring...2023-07-1425 minBefore They Were BeatlesEpisode 24 - Farewell Pete, Hello RingoIn this episode, we will take a deep dive into the events surrounding Pete Best’s departure and Ringo’s arrival as a member of The Beatles.
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This is the story of how one of the thousands of amateur British schoolboy skiffle bands in the mid-1950s evolved into the beginnings of the greatest band in popular history. It’s a story of hope, creativity, and exploring musical boundaries. It’s also a story of tragedy, coincidence, and at times just sheer luck.
It is a story of beginnings, the story of John, Paul, Ge...2023-06-0723 minBefore They Were BeatlesEpisode 23a - Dinner and a ShowIn this short bonus episode I’m delighted to announce the first in-person “Before They Were Beatles” event.
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Stereo Dinner and Pershing present “Before They Were Beatles” a one-night-only celebration of the Fab Four’s early days with historian and author Alan J Porter. The event on June 2 will feature an intimate multi-course ticketed dinner followed by access to the after-dinner concert with Liverpool’s The Savage Young Beatles.
Before they were The Beatles, a pre-Fab Four John, Paul, George, (and even a bit of Ringo) were infamous for their brand of raucous, rough, hard roc...2023-05-1104 minBefore They Were BeatlesEpisode 23 - I'm With The BandIn this special episode, we take a look at what it takes to start a new Beatles tribute band with interviews with the folks behind The Savage Young Beatles and the organizers of the Abbey Road on the Road Festival.
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This is the story of beginnings, the story of Tom, George, Booby, and Ed - The Savage Young Beatles.
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Links mentioned in this episode.
Tom’s “Mean Mr. Mustard” Beatles’ covers - https://www.youtube.com/@meanmrmustard6184
Little Triggers YouTube page - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvkklUXh...2023-04-2438 min
Before They Were BeatlesEpisode 22 - Studio TwoThe Beatles make their first visit to Studio Two at Abbey Road, continue to expand their gig schedule, make their final line-up change, and attract the attention of a local TV station.
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This is the story of how one of the thousands of amateur British schoolboy skiffle bands in the mid-1950s evolved into the beginnings of the greatest band in popular history. It’s a story of hope, creativity, and exploring musical boundaries. It’s also a story of tragedy, coincidence, and at times just sheer luck.
It is a story of begi...2023-03-1721 minBefore They Were BeatlesEpisode 21 - Suits and Star ClubThe Beatles make their radio debut, change leather for suits, and make a return to Hamburg.
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This is the story of how one of the thousands of amateur British schoolboy skiffle bands in the mid-1950s evolved into the beginnings of the greatest band in popular history. It’s a story of hope, creativity, and exploring musical boundaries. It’s also a story of tragedy, coincidence, and at times just sheer luck.
It is a story of beginnings, the story of John, Paul, George, and Ringo - Before They Were Beatles.
The...2023-02-1719 min
Before They Were BeatlesEpisode 20 - Decca DemosIt’s early 1962 and John, Paul, George, and Pete, are headed down to London to audition for a major record label. Will they land that much desired recording contract?
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This is the story of how one of the thousands of amateur British schoolboy skiffle bands in the mid-1950s evolved into the beginnings of the greatest band in popular history. It’s a story of hope, creativity, and exploring musical boundaries. It’s also a story of tragedy, coincidence, and at times just sheer luck.
It is a story of beginnings, the story of John...2023-01-1119 min
Before They Were BeatlesEpisode 19 - Mr EpsteinThe Beatles' wild ride continues with the formation of a one-off Liverpool ‘supergroup,’ and a momentous lunchtime visit to the Cavern by a local record store owner
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This is the story of how one of the thousands of amateur British schoolboy skiffle bands in the mid-1950s evolved into the beginnings of the greatest band in popular history. It’s a story of hope, creativity, and exploring musical boundaries. It’s also a story of tragedy, coincidence, and at times just sheer luck.
It is a story of beginnings, the story of John, Paul, Ge...2022-11-1726 minBefore They Were BeatlesEpisode 18 - The Savage Young BeatlesThe leather-clad “Savage Young Beatles” continue to take Liverpool by storm.
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This is the story of how one of the thousands of amateur British schoolboy skiffle bands in the mid-1950s evolved into the beginnings of the greatest band in popular history. It’s a story of hope, creativity, and exploring musical boundaries. It’s also a story of tragedy, coincidence, and at times just sheer luck.
It is a story of beginnings, the story of John, Paul, George, and Ringo - Before They Were Beatles.
The music heard in this episode...2022-10-1315 minBefore They Were BeatlesEpisode 17 - Top TenThe Beatles return to Hamburg under promises to behave, take up residence at a new venue, make a record, sack their manager, and discover a haircut.
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This is the story of how one of the thousands of amateur British schoolboy skiffle bands in the mid-1950s evolved into the beginnings of the greatest band in popular history. It’s a story of hope, creativity, and exploring musical boundaries. It’s also a story of tragedy, coincidence, and at times just sheer luck.
It is a story of beginnings, the story of John, Paul, Geor...2022-09-2721 minBefore They Were BeatlesEpisode 16 - Three Gigs A DayBefore They Were Beatles - Episode 16 - Three Gigs A Day
In this episode - The experience of playing extended sets in Hamburg pays off as The Beatles chase every opportunity to play in front of the newly appreciative Liverpool audiences. Soon they are playing as many as three gigs in a single day including kicking off their legendary run at The Cavern.
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This is the story of how one of the thousands of amateur British schoolboy skiffle bands in the mid-1950s evolved into the beginnings of the greatest band...2022-08-2120 minBefore They Were BeatlesEpisode 15 - Hamburg DaysWelcome to Season Two of the Before They Were Beatles podcast. This season we take a look at the group's first few trips to Hamburg, Germany, and their rise to the most popular band in Liverpool.
As we start Season Two - John, Paul, George, Pete, and Stuart have arrived in Hamburg, Germany. But what awaits these young men from Liverpool?.
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This is the story of how one of the thousands of amateur British schoolboy skiffle bands in the mid-1950s evolved into the beginnings of the greatest band in popular history. It’s...2022-07-2721 min
Before They Were BeatlesEpisode 14 - Hamburg BoundWith their first tour behind them, the Silver Beatles start to get regular gigs in and around Liverpool leading to an invitation to play in Hamburg, Germany; but first, the boys must find that most elusive of creatures, a permanent drummer.
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This is the story of how one of the thousands of amateur British schoolboy skiffle bands in the mid-1950s evolved into the beginnings of the greatest band in popular history. It’s a story of hope, creativity, and exploring musical boundaries. It’s also a story of tragedy, coincidence, and at times just shee...2022-05-0429 minBefore They Were BeatlesEpisode 13 - First TourRingo gives up the day job, while the Silver Beetles find another drummer, fail a major audition, but still end up going on their first tour.
Before They Were Beatles - Episode 13 - First Tour
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This is the story of how one of the thousands of amateur British schoolboy skiffle bands in the mid-1950s evolved into the beginnings of the greatest band in popular history. It’s a story of hope, creativity, and exploring musical boundaries. It’s also a story of tragedy, coincidence, and at times just sheer luck.
It i...2022-04-1528 minBefore They Were BeatlesEpisode 12 - A Man On A Flaming PieThe first half of 1960 turned out to be a significant one for John, Paul, and George as they find a new bandmate, a manager, and even a new name for their band.
Before They Were Beatles - Episode 12 - A Man On A Flaming Pie
This is the story of how one of the thousands of amateur British schoolboy skiffle bands in the mid-1950s evolved into the beginnings of the greatest band in popular history. It’s a story of hope, creativity, and exploring musical boundaries. It’s also a story of tragedy, coincidence, and...2022-03-1616 minBefore They Were BeatlesEpisode 11 - Rocking The CasbahIt’s late 1959 and The Quarry Men have a new gig, but not for long, while Ringo continues to rock the joint with The Hurricanes. The Quarry Men transform into The Moondogs and John gets persuasive with his friend Stuart.
Before They Were Beatles - Episode 11 - Rocking The Casbah
This is the story of how one of the thousands of amateur British schoolboy skiffle bands in the mid-1950s evolved into the beginnings of the greatest band in popular history. It’s a story of hope, creativity, and exploring musical boundaries. It’s also a stor...2022-02-1017 minBefore They Were BeatlesEpisode 10 - Three Cool CatsWe pick up our journey in early 1959 when we find “Three Cool Cats” anxious to find somewhere to continue playing, while some other guy with a drum set finds himself in high demand.
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This is the story of how one of the thousands of amateur British schoolboy skiffle bands in the mid-1950s evolved into the beginnings of the greatest band in popular history. It’s a story of hope, creativity, and exploring musical boundaries. It’s also a story of tragedy, coincidence, and at times just sheer luck.
It is a story of begin...2022-01-2117 minBefore They Were BeatlesEpisode 9 - A “Get Back” SpecialIn this episode, we take a break on our journey through the Beatles’ past and jump ahead to 1969 and the tail end of the group’s creative output as we will discuss the “Get Back” project.
We’ll be dividing the discussion into three parts:
The TV documentary series
The “Let It Be / Get Back” vinyl box set
The “Get Back” book
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Thanks for listening to this episode of the Before They Were Beatles podcast. If you would like to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast platform that would be great, and don’t f...2021-12-2642 minBefore They Were BeatlesEpisode 8 - Tragedy & First RecordingIn this episode, we enter 1958, a year of personal tragedy and the first few steps towards recording for The Quarrymen.
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This is the story of how one of the thousands of amateur British schoolboy skiffle bands in the mid-1950s evolved into the beginnings of the greatest band in popular history. It’s a story of hope, creativity, and exploring musical boundaries. It’s also a story of tragedy, coincidence, and at times just sheer luck.
It is a story of beginnings, the story of John, Paul, George, and Ringo - Before They Were...2021-11-1928 minBefore They Were BeatlesEpisode 7 - ChangesIn this episode we look at a vital three months in our story as the boys face changes in their lives, and John and Paul start their song-writing partnership.
This is the story of how one of thousands of amateur British schoolboy skiffle bands in the mid 1950s evolved into the beginnings of the greatest band in popular history. It’s a story of hope, creativity and exploring musical boundaries. It’s also a story of tragedy, coincidence and at times just sheer luck.
It is a story of beginnings, the story of John, Paul, Geor...2021-10-2225 minBefore They Were BeatlesEpisode 6 - The Day Paul Met JohnFor this episode, we focus on one single day. The date is 6th July 1957 - some say the most imporatnt day in the Beatles story. The day that Paul McCartney was introduced to John Lennon.
This is the story of how one of the thousands of amateur British schoolboy skiffle bands in the mid-1950s evolved into the beginnings of the greatest band in popular history. It’s a story of hope, creativity, and exploring musical boundaries. It’s also a story of tragedy, coincidence, and at times just sheer luck.
It is a story of b...2021-09-0822 minBefore They Were BeatlesEpisode 5 - The Boys Began To PlayIt's 1957 and the boys start to take the stage with the first public performances by the Quarrymen (John), The Rebels (George), and the Eddie Clayton Skiffle Group (Ringo).
This is the story of how one of the thousands of amateur British schoolboy skiffle bands in the mid-1950s evolved into the beginnings of the greatest band in popular history. It’s a story of hope, creativity, and exploring musical boundaries. It’s also a story of tragedy, coincidence, and at times just sheer luck.
It is a story of beginnings, the story of John, Paul, George...2021-08-1622 minBefore They Were BeatlesEpisode 4 - "Quarrymen old before our birth"It's fall 1956 and a return to school means new friends and new ideas for John Lennon - and one idea, in particular, that will be the catalyst for everything that follows - the formation of a schoolboy skiffle group - The Quarrymen.
This is the story of how one of the thousands of amateur British schoolboy skiffle bands in the mid-1950s evolved into the beginnings of the greatest band in popular history. It’s a story of hope, creativity, and exploring musical boundaries. It’s also a story of tragedy, coincidence, and at times just sheer luck...2021-06-0819 minBefore They Were BeatlesEpisode 3 - George, Paul, & RichieOur journey continues as we meet the teenage George Harrison, James Paul McCartney, and Richard Starkey, plus take a side trip to discuss the impact on British rock of guitar virtuoso Bert Whedon.
This is the story of how one of thousands of amateur British schoolboy skiffle bands in the mid-1950s evolved into the beginnings of the greatest band in popular history. It’s a story of hope, creativity, and exploring musical boundaries. It’s also a story of tragedy, coincidence, and at times just sheer luck.
It is a story of beginnings, the stor...2021-05-1223 minBefore They Were BeatlesEpisode 2 - Beginnings: Elvis, Lonnie & JohnWe begin our journey in January 1956, with the rise of Elvis and the beginnings of rock-n-roll, the British skiffle craze, and the impact they had on the young John Winston Lennon.
This is the story of how one of the thousands of amateur British schoolboy skiffle bands in the mid-1950s evolved into the beginnings of the greatest band in popular history. It’s a story of hope, creativity, and exploring musical boundaries. It’s also a story of tragedy, coincidence and at times just sheer luck.
It is a story of beginnings, the story of J...2021-04-1422 minBefore They Were BeatlesEpisode 1 - Strawberry Fields - IntroductionIn Liverpool , England, October 1956. Schoolboy John Lennon and his best friend, Peter Shotton, decide to start a skiffle group as “a bit of a lark.” Four years later John, now accompanied by Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Stuart Sutcliffe, and Pete Best, left Liverpool to start a series of near-legendary gigs in Hamburg, Germany. His group now performing under their newly acquired name – THE BEATLES.
This is the story of those four years. The story of how one of the thousands of amateur schoolboy skiffle bands evolved into the beginnings of the greatest band in popular history. It’s a stor...2021-03-1710 min