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The Beatles: The BBC Archives: 1962-1970
Brand new still in shrink wrap
336 pages, Hardcover
First published October 10, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 22, 2015
This book weighs 20# and is far too heavy to hold and read. The review is based on the lovely pictures and memories those pics provoked.
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February 26, 2014Deserves a place on the narrow shelf of absolutely essential books about The Beatles.
February 21, 2021
Honestly, I’m not that big a Beatles fan. I love them but in that sort of way that I think a large portion of society does: for doing to music what Hitchcock did to film and within a decade. But, for my mad prog project, I have been looking at visually arresting music books and this really is that. A gorgeous artefact put together with love and enormously helpful for my book
As for the book itself - because it’s remit is very focussed to the band through the prism of the BBC, Howlett really just has to place the extracts in historical context with very little room to waffle on into cliches or try and “shock” us by being contrary. No, all he has to do is explain what the situation for the interview is and then publish it
Because these are often verbatim, the book can at times be tough going - as to be expected when you’re reading the words of exhausted and very young musicians still obviously slightly in shock about their sudden world dominance. They can be very funny but also sometimes repeat themselves as you can expect. But it’s that reportage which makes the book so interesting, because it shows a lot more about the culture of the era than you would expect. The Beatles obviously are very fond of Alan Freeman and Brian Matthews, more relaxed around Kenny Everett and particularly open with their old school friend. They’re never anything less than polite but their varying tones in interviews very much gives an idea of society at the time
As, indeed, does the viewer comments. As a sociological record of the BBC trying to catch up with the sudden mass mobilisation of youth movements it’s fascinating, but so are the records of viewers trying to work out what the hell these hairy young men are doing on the radio and TV so much. Because these are not always fans, you get far more of a sense of a society trying to work out how this explosion of youth fits into their world view. It’s almost like Mass Observation
The other great thing about it is how often George Harrison must have squirrelled away minor moments of TV or Beatles interviews for the Rutles. I had no idea Ringo had wanted to be a hairdresser, so Barry Wom feels far more warm a portrait now. Similarly the press conference/ interviews about Epstein’s death are almost 90% the similar moments about Leggy Mountbatten. I love that George probably knew exactly the best moments to pass on to Idle and Innes. He always was the dark horse after all
As for the book itself - because it’s remit is very focussed to the band through the prism of the BBC, Howlett really just has to place the extracts in historical context with very little room to waffle on into cliches or try and “shock” us by being contrary. No, all he has to do is explain what the situation for the interview is and then publish it
Because these are often verbatim, the book can at times be tough going - as to be expected when you’re reading the words of exhausted and very young musicians still obviously slightly in shock about their sudden world dominance. They can be very funny but also sometimes repeat themselves as you can expect. But it’s that reportage which makes the book so interesting, because it shows a lot more about the culture of the era than you would expect. The Beatles obviously are very fond of Alan Freeman and Brian Matthews, more relaxed around Kenny Everett and particularly open with their old school friend. They’re never anything less than polite but their varying tones in interviews very much gives an idea of society at the time
As, indeed, does the viewer comments. As a sociological record of the BBC trying to catch up with the sudden mass mobilisation of youth movements it’s fascinating, but so are the records of viewers trying to work out what the hell these hairy young men are doing on the radio and TV so much. Because these are not always fans, you get far more of a sense of a society trying to work out how this explosion of youth fits into their world view. It’s almost like Mass Observation
The other great thing about it is how often George Harrison must have squirrelled away minor moments of TV or Beatles interviews for the Rutles. I had no idea Ringo had wanted to be a hairdresser, so Barry Wom feels far more warm a portrait now. Similarly the press conference/ interviews about Epstein’s death are almost 90% the similar moments about Leggy Mountbatten. I love that George probably knew exactly the best moments to pass on to Idle and Innes. He always was the dark horse after all
November 16, 2014
This book is perfect. Well researched, and very readable.
Makes me want to buy all BBC bootlegs.
Makes me want to buy all BBC bootlegs.
August 21, 2026
I bought this book on Kindle for just $2.99! I will admit I only wanted it for the band photos and memorabilia inside. I only skimmed the text because I am not a huge Beatles fanatic. When I was a child, I thought that Paul was dreamy. As I became a teenager, I switched my loyalty to John. In my opinion, he was the only one with a personality. Even though he was shot at 40, his spirit will never die.
March 2, 2025
This was an in-depth review of The Beatles' relationship with the BBC. I enjoyed learning about their plethora of appearances on the Beeb. I also found out when Paul brought Martha the sheepdog into his home. This book also drove home the incredible influence of Black artists on their music.
March 28, 2026
Ebook Has Terrible Scans of Documents And Many Photographs
The text is well done, very interesting details of the original broadcasts, but sadly, the documents are completely unreadable and many of the photos are blurry. They would have been nice...
The text is well done, very interesting details of the original broadcasts, but sadly, the documents are completely unreadable and many of the photos are blurry. They would have been nice...
September 17, 2023
This in-depth account of The Beatles'BBC apperances featured interview transcripts, photographs of the group and previously unseen documents from archives. It was all seen and heard on the BBC
November 10, 2013
From the moment they came onto the scene, the Beatles captured our hearts, minds and souls. With their groundbreaking music, intelligent comments and undeniable good looks, we couldn’t help but be enthralled. We followed their progress all the way from small time band playing tiny clubs in Europe thru “Beatlemania” and right up to their final appearances when the end was near.
To read more of this review, please see:
http://www.examiner.com/review/a-revi...
To read more of this review, please see:
http://www.examiner.com/review/a-revi...
February 20, 2026
4.5/5
I’ve always liked the Beatles, but this book definitely started my Beatlemania aera. I really enjoyed learning more about their career through the 60s and about the music and radio industry back then. If you have a fascination with older music and the Beatles, I’d definitely recommend it. I do have a feeling this book didn’t cover some details and left out a fair bit about the Beatles, but then again I don’t think it intended to give you alllll the details. I also quite enjoy the pictures in this book
I’ve always liked the Beatles, but this book definitely started my Beatlemania aera. I really enjoyed learning more about their career through the 60s and about the music and radio industry back then. If you have a fascination with older music and the Beatles, I’d definitely recommend it. I do have a feeling this book didn’t cover some details and left out a fair bit about the Beatles, but then again I don’t think it intended to give you alllll the details. I also quite enjoy the pictures in this book
September 25, 2013
You can read my detailed review of the book on my website: http://rnrchemist.blogspot.com/2013/1...
Read
November 16, 2013Many interesting photos, schedules and memos from the time. Very interesting. Some great interviews also.
March 8, 2014
Fascinating insight into the early days of the band.
May 13, 2014
Fun book.
August 10, 2015
Some good interview transcriptions and tons of great photos. A beautiful physical object.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews