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The Songs The Beatles Gave Away
The Songs the Beatles Gave Away was inspired by the 2009 BBC Radio 2 documentary of the same name on which Colin worked with Bob Harris and his wife, Trudie Myerscough-Harris. For his book, Bob and Trudie have kindly given Colin permission to access the interviews they conducted in 2008/9 with Sir Paul McCartney, Sir George Martin, Cilla Black, Mary Hopkin, Jackie Lomax, Billy Hatton and others. Previously only small extracts from these exclusive interviews have ever been available, but now, for the first time, these gems are accessed in full.
Among the last interviews they gave, Sir George and Cilla spoke candidly about their work and experiences. To read their words is a moving reminder not only of their individual talents but of a period in recent musical history, the impact of which, still resonates to this day.
Since making the original Radio 2 documentary, Colin has been able to speak to artists who did not contribute directly to the programme, such as Billy J. Kramer, Peter Asher, Megan Davies of the Applejacks and John Clay who played with the Black Dyke Mills Brass Band in 1968 when Paul McCartney visited Saltaire, in Yorkshire, to record ‘Thingumybob’, an instrumental tune he had written especially for a brass band to play.
For extra background detail, and to further contextualise the songwriting of John, Paul and George, Colin has unearthed extensive interviews he conducted with Astrid Kirchherr and Klaus Voormann before he became custodian of the Lennon house in Liverpool in 2004. He has also spoken with eye-witness, and former member of the Plastic Ono Band, Alan White who played on many Apple recording sessions.
The Songs the Beatles Gave Away is illustrated with photographs of records culled from Colin’s private collection of original 45rpm vinyl singles, together with photographs kindly donated to the project by his friends, some of his own personal photographs, as well as many promotional photographs from the period.
While encompassing the origins of the Beatles as a group and the emergence of John, Paul and George as composers, the central focus of The Songs the Beatles Gave Away is on tunes John, Paul and George wrote for other artistes rather than just for The Beatles themselves. As such the stories featured here are not about ‘covers’ of songs the Beatles had already released. It is about songs the Beatles did not release commercially or even record at all during the active lifetime of the group. Such ‘giveaways’ were unique and each song and its singer are discussed in detail and side stories and background explored.
This is the first time a book focusing on this aspect of the Beatles’ legacy has been attempted.
Among the last interviews they gave, Sir George and Cilla spoke candidly about their work and experiences. To read their words is a moving reminder not only of their individual talents but of a period in recent musical history, the impact of which, still resonates to this day.
Since making the original Radio 2 documentary, Colin has been able to speak to artists who did not contribute directly to the programme, such as Billy J. Kramer, Peter Asher, Megan Davies of the Applejacks and John Clay who played with the Black Dyke Mills Brass Band in 1968 when Paul McCartney visited Saltaire, in Yorkshire, to record ‘Thingumybob’, an instrumental tune he had written especially for a brass band to play.
For extra background detail, and to further contextualise the songwriting of John, Paul and George, Colin has unearthed extensive interviews he conducted with Astrid Kirchherr and Klaus Voormann before he became custodian of the Lennon house in Liverpool in 2004. He has also spoken with eye-witness, and former member of the Plastic Ono Band, Alan White who played on many Apple recording sessions.
The Songs the Beatles Gave Away is illustrated with photographs of records culled from Colin’s private collection of original 45rpm vinyl singles, together with photographs kindly donated to the project by his friends, some of his own personal photographs, as well as many promotional photographs from the period.
While encompassing the origins of the Beatles as a group and the emergence of John, Paul and George as composers, the central focus of The Songs the Beatles Gave Away is on tunes John, Paul and George wrote for other artistes rather than just for The Beatles themselves. As such the stories featured here are not about ‘covers’ of songs the Beatles had already released. It is about songs the Beatles did not release commercially or even record at all during the active lifetime of the group. Such ‘giveaways’ were unique and each song and its singer are discussed in detail and side stories and background explored.
This is the first time a book focusing on this aspect of the Beatles’ legacy has been attempted.
528 pages, Hardcover
Published September 30, 2022
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August 24, 2025
Book Review: A Richly Layered Tribute to the Beatles’ Early Years
At first glance, this book appears to follow the familiar format of the Sonicbond "On Track... Every Song" series — a chronological exploration of an artist’s catalogue, peppered with commentary and background. However, it quickly becomes clear that Colin Hall’s work offers something far more expansive and rewarding.
Despite its title, the book is not merely a song-by-song analysis. It doubles as a compelling and deeply informed history of The Beatles, particularly their formative Merseybeat years. What sets it apart is Hall’s unique vantage point: as the long-time custodian of John Lennon’s childhood home, Mendips, he brings an insider’s intimacy to the narrative. His connection to the band’s legacy is not just academic — it’s lived. That authenticity permeates every page.
Hall’s storytelling is vivid and often revelatory, even for seasoned Beatles aficionados. His ability to unearth lesser-known details and frame them within the broader cultural and musical context makes for an engaging read. The song analyses are honest, insightful, and woven seamlessly into a broader tapestry of Liverpool’s vibrant music scene. His depiction of the era — both its front-facing glamour and its behind-the-scenes grit — is particularly evocative.
As a Searchers fan as well, I was disappointed they were seldom mentioned but they did their own thing so maybe I was expecting too much.
This is an essential addition to any Beatles fan’s library. It not only informs but inspires — encouraging readers to revisit the music with fresh ears and renewed appreciation. Hall’s passion and perspective make this more than just a reference book; it’s a heartfelt celebration of a cultural phenomenon.
Highly recommended.
At first glance, this book appears to follow the familiar format of the Sonicbond "On Track... Every Song" series — a chronological exploration of an artist’s catalogue, peppered with commentary and background. However, it quickly becomes clear that Colin Hall’s work offers something far more expansive and rewarding.
Despite its title, the book is not merely a song-by-song analysis. It doubles as a compelling and deeply informed history of The Beatles, particularly their formative Merseybeat years. What sets it apart is Hall’s unique vantage point: as the long-time custodian of John Lennon’s childhood home, Mendips, he brings an insider’s intimacy to the narrative. His connection to the band’s legacy is not just academic — it’s lived. That authenticity permeates every page.
Hall’s storytelling is vivid and often revelatory, even for seasoned Beatles aficionados. His ability to unearth lesser-known details and frame them within the broader cultural and musical context makes for an engaging read. The song analyses are honest, insightful, and woven seamlessly into a broader tapestry of Liverpool’s vibrant music scene. His depiction of the era — both its front-facing glamour and its behind-the-scenes grit — is particularly evocative.
As a Searchers fan as well, I was disappointed they were seldom mentioned but they did their own thing so maybe I was expecting too much.
This is an essential addition to any Beatles fan’s library. It not only informs but inspires — encouraging readers to revisit the music with fresh ears and renewed appreciation. Hall’s passion and perspective make this more than just a reference book; it’s a heartfelt celebration of a cultural phenomenon.
Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 of 1 review