The Beatles in Scotland

by Ken McNab

The Fab George, John Paul and Ringo, a quartet of working-class kids whose magical songs and revolutionary influence still inspires four decades on. More has been written about The Beatles than any other rock group in history and every moment of their lives has been captured, celebrated and analysed. It is difficult to imagine that there remains anything new to say, but lifelong Beatles fan Ken McNab reveals for the first time, in intimate detail, the pivotal part Scotland played in the genesis of the group and the extraordinary connections that were fostered north of the border before, during and after their meteoric rise to unprecedented fame.McNab follows The Beatles as rough and ready unknowns on their first tour of Scotland in 1960 and again, in 1964, as all-conquering heroes. He also discovers that the momentous decision to break up the band was made in Scotland. The personal association to Scotland is highlighted too with details on the McCartneys' lives in Mull of Kintyre and Lennon's childhood holidays in Durness. With these new and previously unheard stories, "The Beatles in Scotland" will appeal to any Beatles fan.It's a fantastic celebration and a uniquely Scottish magical mystery tour. This book contains eyewitness accounts and previously unheard anecdotes from the band's Scottish tours. You will discover the truth about McCartney's Kintyre drug busts and Lennon's Highland car crash. McNab pays tribute to the Scots who helped create the myth of the Fab Four including legendary photographer Harry Benson.

Genres: Music

324 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2009

About the author

Ken McNab is a lifelong Beatles fan and well-respected journalist with Scotland's Evening Times. He lives in Glasgow with his wife and children.

Reviews

[Markel Tumlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finally got around to finishing this fun little book that I started during a trip to Scotland a while back. It’s full of stories describing the Beatles connections to Scotland, from John Lennon’s childhood summer vacations there to Paul McCartney’s post-Beatles life on the Mull of Kintyre. It covers their first Scottish tour in 1960 backing up Johnny Gentle as well as later tours. Also included are profiles of noteworthy Scots who came into the Beatles’ orbit. Perhaps not a book for everybody, it would likely be enjoyed by many if not most Beatles fans.