When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles

Following on from Declan and Paul on the Late Show finale, we start a discussion on the "McCartney/McManus demos", those found on the Flowers in the Dirt Archive Editions, and those that ended up elsewhere.    Continued next week with part two! #madeonzencastr

You know her from the Fests, you know her from "Fab Four Cities", and if you do not, now you will know her from this show!    Welcome Susan Ryan to our rotating cast of co-hosts.        Our first full-length show is a look at the Beatles (and John and Paul, and maybe a little bit of Jared Harris) in and around Central Park.      The news takes us out to brief stops in Queens (Forest Hills), and even a stopover near Fenway Park.     The Beatles and the Park and the Dakota (and more) this week!   https://www.amazon.com/Beatles-Cities-Liverpool-Hamburg-Definitive/dp/1788840917/

Author David Guerrero joins Marv, Jon Stone and myself as we discuss the Beatles in Manila, and his book "You Won't See Me: When the Beatles ghosted Imelda."     Early July, 1966.    The Beatles had left Japan, and had one more stop before their US tour.    Unfortunately, Vic Lewis, Cavalcade and the Marcos family would have something to say about what might have been a triumphant moment in rock history.    #madeonzencastr.    

Start this episode at 11:40 AM, and we will all celebrate "Peace and Love" with Ringo at noon!    Join Marv and I for some good wishes, some thoughts on Ringo Starr "Twotles" releases, and some podcast news!    #madeonzencastr.

Our look at the tour on the verge of the controversial "bigger than" US tour of 1966.    The Beatles run through Germany on a Luxury Train, spend two days in a plane getting to Japan, and play some shows that George Harrison remembered as being questionable, and took off for what is remembered as the most harrowing of trips.      Pt.2 next week with author David Guerrero as we cover Manila, the Philippines. #madeonzencastr

It has been pointed out there was an error in the upload.    Enclosed is the corrected 2026.25 #madeonzencastr

More of George Harrison's guest appearances, along with discussion covering Paul McCartney and Hrishikesh, Sean Lennon on Sodajerker and the latest from Spain on the Beatles biopics.   #madeonzencastr 

Marv amd I return to George Harrison-land.     We present the first half of our look at the music George guested on in the nineties.    Some of our old familiars (Lee, Capaldi, Lynne); some even older friends (Carl Perkins), and a 1992 recording disguised as a demo fro the seventies.    The slide guitar is joined by some recent news, including the latest from the quadrology.   #madeonzencastr.

One more look at the new promotion for "The Boys of Dungeon Lane".    Paul sits down with Willie Geist, Amelia Dimoldenberg, the NME and you, and we converse on the conversations.    This is followed by a bit of chat on Sean Lennon promoting the new "Lennon-Claypool Delirium" album, with even more chat on what's going on.   #madeonzencastr 

Marv, Jon and I sit down and put our heads together on "The Boys of Dungeon Lane."     It might be raining in Costa Rica (and in fact, it is raining in Texas right now), so what else is there to do other than pop on vinyl, CD, stream or maybe tape and listen to Sir Macca.     #madeonzencastr 

More of the McCartney promotion for "Boys of Dungeon Lane."    Paul guests on the final episode of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert", talks with the BBC about "Ten songs that shaped his life," (while Macca hold a large microphone with a giant Yellow flag), and MPL (perhaps in conjunction with Apple and the Quadrology?)  get the two Paul's (Mescal and McCartney) together with a crowd dressed in more or less fifties period outfits.     Review coming soon!   #madeonzencastr. 

Another week of Beatles appearances.     This week we discuss Paul on a number of podcasts, and a little show called Saturday Night Live.    Meanwhile, a faux Ringo (well, Mr. Conductor) narrates a faux Thomas the Tank Engine on SNL UK, while the real Ringo is still out there promoting Long Long Road - including an appearance (via Zoom) with Simon Mayo on UK radio.     Surrounding these bits are some thoughts on the evolving Apple Corps, and other news as we draw ever closer to the release of "The Boys of Dungeon Lane".    #madeonzencastr.

A tribute to Producer Jack Douglas, our first thoughts on the "Home to Us" single, Boys of Dungeon Lane News and our thoughts on "The Beatles at 3 Savile Row", along with some guesses at where the team might be considering for the second exhibition (in the United States?). #madeonzencastr.

The one and only Ken Womack (misknown by a handful of his compatriots as "Keith") joins us this week.    We start with a chat about Ken's new projects (including the second and possible third volumes in his Mal Evans collections), and wander around Beatles world, touching on not only their 2026 solo projects, but also AI, Rock Band, the quadrology, Mark Lewisohn in Ireland and more, which ultimately leads back to what's important! The music! #madeonzencastr.

The Ringo album is out and we report on the details from the McCartney listening party.     This is followed by out overview, review and comments on the Arena special "McCartney: The Hunt for the Lost Bass!"    A Fab month for sure! #madeonzencastr.

Marv and I sit down with Ringo's new record and discuss the eight new songs (along with some chat on the previously available tunes) 

Too much news!    Marv and I virtually wander the halls of 30 Rock as we learn that Paul will be the musical guest that closes out the 51st season of SNL.     Is it a coincidence the "five timers club" was just opened to musical guests as Sir Macca climbs on for his fifth (official) "musical guest" spot?     Our attention is slightly split though, as we also finish out our look at the tracks on side B of John Lennon's Rock 'n' Roll, and the bonuses from that era that have been uncovered post-"Milk and Honey".   

Marv and I discuss the songs on side A of John Lennon's Rock 'n' Roll.     While we wait for the (fingers crossed) eventual Ultimate Collection, we talk the original versions of the tunes, a bit about how the songs fit into Beatles/Lennon history, and some thoughts on how John chose to modify (or not) the arrangements.     Part 2 (side B + the "others") next week.    #madeonzencastr.

Jon Stone and Marv sit down as we discuss the fun that is the promotion for "The Boys of Dungeon Lane".    Mike Mac, his son Josh, BBC Merseyside, Google, Target and Talk Shop Live all join MPL on introducing and promoting Paul McCartney's new album "The Boys of Dungeon Lane."     Remember, 211 Hale Road at Dungeon Lane! #madeonzencastr.

Marv and I go through some news, and then the power of a new McCartney song summoned Jon Stone from the ether, so the three of us discuss the song, the radio reveal, and lead into next week where we talk about the "Taylorization" (and that's not a negative thing!) of music promotion, even for former Beatles!   #madeonzencastr

Film maker Chris Purcell joins to discuss his new documentary, "Evolver 62" and some of his previous Beatles-related work ("The Beatles and Us").    Along the way we chat about why some Beatles docs work, and others ... not so much.   #madeonzencastr 

Marv and I discuss the Evolution Mixes of the re-christened "New York City" album.     Nine tracks running the demos, early versions, breakdowns and modifications that became "Some Time in New York City" (and then evolved into just "New York City").    #madeonzencastr.   

Following a news segment, more of George Harrison's guest appearances on other people's records.    The "Romanian Angel" collaboration with Eric has just been rereleased, we look through the Wilburys adjacent Del Shannon and Jeff Lynne releases, and wonder just how effective rabbits are at playing cricket!    #madeonzencastr.

Ethan Alexanian and I discuss the theatrical (now streaming) incarnation of Morgan Neville's McCartney documentary "Man on the Run".      Incomplete, but highly entertaining.     Lots of Bert too!  #madeonzencastr

Bonus episode!    A little news, but mostly Marv and I celebrate George Harrison 83 years after his birth.  A reminder of the "British Double Summer" during the second world war, some thoughts on where the new Dark Horse might be headed, and more!    #madeonzencastr.

While we wait for the Amazon premiere of "Man on the Run", we update the news.    Lots of filming on the Beatles quadrology.     A soundtrack for "Man on the Run", and some new zoetrope LPs from George Harrison for record store day!    #madeonzencastr.

Tom Hunyady joins as we look at the decade after Paul was a "Man on the Run".     Tug of War through Flowers in the Dirt.     Paul and Linda.    Paul and Stevie.    Paul and Michael.   Paul and Declan.        More than just    Tom Hunyady (2 Legs) joins for a chat on the decade bookended by the tour that wasn't and the tour that was.   #madeonzencastr.

It is Sixty Years since "The Beatles at Shea Stadium" (the TV production) was completed.    This week, we discuss many different aspects.      Why was the premiere on the BBC, and why did it take "A-Beatle-C" eighteen months to bring the special to American screens.   We talk the re-records, the fun and excitement and the evening at large! #madeonzencastr.

Marv and I go back to 2010 - and actually a bit before, as we briefly sum up the 16-disc "Paul McCartney Collection".     November of this year will mark the fifteenth anniversary of the debut of the McCartney Archive series.    If we don't get another disc in the series by summer, it will be six years since the most recent one entered our lives.    Marv and I consider the past, present and future of McCartney/Wings reissues, and contemplate a physical-media-less reissue future. #madeonzencastr.

Sam Whiles (Paul or Nothing), and "our own" Ethan Alexanian (Fans on the Run) join for a crossover, since none of us want to devote that many episodes to the revised Anthology!      We join the boys in progress, as they move from August of 1964 all the way through a visit to the Philippines! #madeonzencstr

A news update (all best wishes to Lonnie Pena and family), some chat about "rethinking" the Fest for Beatles Fans, which leads into Marv and I chatting about some more of George Harrison's guest appearances from the eighties and into the early nineties. 

News, more of George's guest appearances (some Duane Eddy, some Ravi Shankar, and a bit of Sylvia Griffin), and an interview from Summer 2025 with the one and only Billy J. Kramer.  Marv co-hosts and Kit O'Toole magically appears, filling out our Toppermost trio (http://www.toppermostofthepoppermost.net) on Fab. #madeonzencastr.

Ethan Alexanian joins to complete the six-pack of former hosts as we consider the last 12 months (and a little bit more) in the world of the Beatles.    Ringo hit number one on the UK country charts, Paul played three shows in a small New York City venue all the way through the tours, box sets, books, films and more.   #madeonzencastr

More from (almost) all the Fab Guys.   Dave Persails, Jon Stone, Lonnie Pena, Martin Quibell and me.    We move from our discussion last week of the past ten years to the present (Ringo at 85/86 on the road, Paul "Getting Back" to San Antonio, New Orleans and other places, and then a little bit of future-gazing to our thoughts on where things will go in the next decade and beyond.    #madeonzencastr.

In 1974, Capitol records celebrated "The Beatles Decade."    This week, next (and sort of the one after that), we are celebrating "The Fab Decade."     Original "Beatling About" co-host Dave Persails joins the Gab Four this week and next as we discuss a decade of highlights in the Beatles world  - along with multiple reminders that "we did a show about that."   (Hey, we have to be a little self-congratulatory).    This week, "Get Back", box sets and Jon Stone goes his own way (sorry, wrong band).     #madeonzencastr.

For those of us above a certain age, the biggest expectation of the 2025 Disney+ (sort of, but not quite "A-Beatle-C") Beatles Anthology would be the new episode.    Now we have it!    Does it live up to expectations, is it a disappointment or somewhere in-between.    Tune in for the opinion of Two of Us (writing letters on a Facebook wall!).   #madeonzencastr

Marv and I are joined (for the second time this year) by Luca Perasi, as he has released a new book "Back to the Egg: The Story of Wings' Last Album".     The break between Turkey and Ham (or Green Beans and Tofu) is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a look back at 1979, and some Eggs (or two or three)!  #madeonzencastr.

As promised, our thoughts on the second CD of "Anthology 4" (sides 4-6), along with details on Paul's Canada run surprises, the closing shows in Chicago including a report from "The Queen of All Beatles Media" Kit O'Toole, and a blink-and-you'll miss him cameo from Martin Quibell himself! #madeonzencastr 

Mitch Axelrod joins Jon Stone and I as we discuss the first CD of "Anthology 4" (aka: "The one with most of the new stuff").        Plenty of George Martin discussion, thoughts on "Nowhere Man" and "In My Life", along with the ultimate question - "What was up with George's guitar on [both the rehearsal and released] 'All You Need is Love'".   #madeonencastr.

Lonnie and I discuss the many aspects of fandom and the Beatles with Director/Producer/Author Simon Weitzman.    His new film: A Love Letter to the Beatles is available on Amazon, and will be streaming in other places very soon!    #madeonzencastr   A Love Letter to the Beatles: Official Trailer:  https://bit.ly/4o7Jhcn DVD:  https://bit.ly/ALLTTBdvd  Fandango: https://bit.ly/ALLTTB  Prime Video US: https://amzn.to/4o7egWc  Prime Video UK: https://amzn.to/4nEpYYt  

A "Toppermost of the Poppermost" crossover!     Jon Stone, Martin Quibell, and friend of the show Darin Murphy join me as we discuss the Beatles and Bob Dylan.       From 1967 to the 2020's, the Beatles (both solo and together) have crossed pass with Zimmy.     We consider their interactions, both live and studio, including (of course) the Wilburys!         The full conversation will be available for patreons on the Toppermost of the Poppermost Patreon in the near future!    https://www.patreon.com/toppermostpodcast   #madeonzencastr.    

"Help!"    No longer "Coming Up" in the South, sir Paul and the Got Back tour.      Lonnie and I discuss Sir Paul in San Antonio, both recent and through the mists of time.     Has the Alamodome held up as well as Sir Paul over the thirty-plus years?     What about the Tobin Center?     Maybe even some thoughts on Hotel Emma.      #madeonzencastr!

Marv and I continue our look at the next two discs of the "Power to the People" set before we take a bit of a break from this topic!     We review, compare and contrast the evening show, and look at the relationship between "New York City" (disc four) and the original version of the album.   

Sean Lennon provides an interesting look at the political Lennons from the early 1970's.     Disc One (which we are not covering) is a modern "reimagining" of "John Lennon: Live in New York City" - a "best of" combination of the afternoon and evening shows.    We start on the afternoon show.    The mix, the setlist and more.   

More fantasizing, hypothesizing and Beatle-izing on what might happen were Paul and Ringo to decide to go on tour together.    Not advertised as "a Beatles reunion", just two old rock and roll friends joining their talents to play some music (both together and separately), and to pay tribute to some of their comrades in guitar-based arms.

Lonnie Pena and I dive into YouTube (and BluRay/DVD) as we consider the 2018 Documentary "Looking For Lennon".    David Bedford and Roger Appleton consider the Lennons as they came to Liverpool from Ireland, through to Alf and Julia, and then young John's unconventional upbringing from Mimi and Julia, and how all this would lead to Lennon's reaction to schooling and authority, which would eventually lead to meeting one James Paul McCartney, and changing the world.

This week we play a little "What If" and consider what Paul might choose to play were he and Ringo to decide to go on the road for a tour of indeterminate length.      More Beatles?    More solo?    Would he take advantage of the "Wings-mania" that (hopefully) will be running the country in the next few months?    Marv and I consider the possibilities and playlists, with Ringo's side (eventually) to follow!

Lots of funny costumes this month, as George, Eric, Neil, the Splinter Boys, Hall and Oates all hang out together.      They are joined by Macca, Spinal Tap, news concerning Paul's additional tour dates, Ringo talking about Mae West (but not her sweaty vest), and others!

The next disc in "Looney" turns into a discussion of the "Wings Anthology".       We talk, clips of Paul (and friends) covering many of the songs on the LP, and chat concerning John and Paul in the seventies.     We do finally get to "George and..." (it will be completed next week), as we talk about songs George guests on from Splinter (their second album, including ... a bit of Japanese), Tom Scott, "Legs" Larry Smith, and his namesake Larry Hosford.      A Paul and George week, with some John and Ringo too!   #madeonzencastr.   

Martin and I go back a bit more than twenty years to a time before Superdeluxe Editions, when the Lennon estate was uncertain of the best way to proceed.    Their decision?    An album called "Acoustic."    Part "Unplugged", part "Live", part "Unreleased"     Unfortunately, too much of it felt like "Sampler for the Lennon Anthology we just released."    Has time helped, hurt, or not changed the reputation, feel and listen-ability of this release.    We give it a spin and let you know what we think!