Winter of Discontent - A Beatles Podcast

A brief mini episode updating you all on the story of Paul’s missing 1961 Hofner Bass, how it came to be stolen and how it was eventually returned.

Restored missing episode 18

January 8th 1969- Paul has a couple of new songs to teach George and Ringo. Michael and Denis try to get a decision about the show. Ringo moves to Yugoslavia and George puts his foot down.

George teaches his band mates a new song. John and Yoko dance, Kevin has gone missing. And we learn what John and Yoko did in that Bag.

January 8th 1969. George shows John “I Me Mine” but there’s a delay in rehearsals as they try out a new piece of equipment. George toys with using a new guitar. John auctions a painting and Paul introduces a new song.

This Summer I made a pilgrimage to Liverpool and recorded my observations while I was there. I visited a number of Beatles related historical sites as well as some of the city’s unique buildings and monuments. This is an audio travelogue of my trip.

January 7th 1969. It’s John’s turn to lead rehearsals but his indecisiveness quickly drains the energy out of the session.

The conclusion of rehearsals on Jan. 6th 1969. It all ends on an upbeat note, Paul offers a new song to rehearse and this last hour is the most enjoyable of the day.

January 6th 1969. We’re nearly at the end of today’s rehearsals. Following a tortuous rehearsal of Don’t Let Me Down and Two of Us, The Beatles begin work on George’s All Things Must Pass. But George has another song he’d rather do.

The one with the argument. Paul steers the band through rehearsals of Two of Us having already tried everyone’s patience. Tensions that were stirring during afternoon finally rise to the surface. This is the full unedited discussion which doesn’t appear in this way in any of the documentaries.

Part 2 of our two-parter chronicling the evolution of the arrangement for Don’t Let Me Down. Aware of the lack of time to get ready for the live show tensions rise. But in the end… whether they know it or not, a classic emerges.

Don’t Let Me Down Pt.1 - The Beatles finally settle down to some serious work arranging John’s song. Progress is made but it’s a long laborious process, but we do get introduced to a pioneer of percussion.

The Beatles reconvene after lunch and a location scouting trip. A lengthy discussion with Yoko to the fore follows. Then the Beatles pick up instruments and still don’t get any work done

Merry Christmas- here is a brief recap of the year plus an extra special feature. Just for you.

January 6th and the run up to lunch. But first The Beatles have some fun jamming and playing with some new gadgets.

January 6th 1969 - The Beatles pick up instruments and make some noise, not all of it productive. Ringo debuts a new song, Paul also has a new idea to present and John resurrects can old one.

January 6th 1969 - Paul and Ringo are eventually joined by John, Yoko and finally George. The main topic of conversation is last nights Cream show. The recording equipment arrives and we learn about a certain Greek electronics guru.

Back for Season 3. It’s now January 6th 1969, Paul is the first to arrive. Michael, Glyn and possibly Tony share their opinions on a number of artists and discuss the Cream documentary aired the night before.

The finale of season two. It’s tea-time January 3rd 1969 and The Beatles set about learning one more new song before finishing for the day. Paul switches to piano, George picks up a bass and Michael tries to spell out his concerns.

More work on All Things Must Pass, George settles on a guitar, John has a go at the drums, Paul finally gets involved and the Raelettes make an appearance.

It’s late afternoon, January 3rd 1969. George is teaching the band ‘All Things Must Pass’ but he’s in for a shock! Paul also has his patience tested by Glyn Johns.

It’s still January 3rd 1969. The Beatles work on Two of Us before lunch, adding ideas that they’d later use in another song instead. They return from lunch a little merrier, and procrastinate some more before George offers to teach them one of his songs.

Still Jan. 3rd 1968. The Beatles take a trip down memory lane, showcasing many unpublished originals; one of which is only ever performed here. George leads them astray with covers before trying to steer them back on track.

It’s around midday on Jan. 3rd 1969 and The Beatles are relaxed and enjoying playing together. Now they’re finally getting down to some serious rehearsal.

January 3rd - John and Yoko finally arrive. The Beatles start the session proper warming up by running through some good natured covers and parody’s of their own songs. The most difficult dialogue so far to decipher; see how well I did.

It’s still the morning of Jan.3 1969. George has arrived and while we wait for John the 3 Beatles amuse themselves with a copy of Beatles Monthly

It’s January 3rd 1969; the second day of filming. It’s a good opportunity to spend some quality time with Paul and Ringo at the Piano.

The story of Peter Sellers and the Magic Christian. We explore why this production was important to both Sellers and Starr.

We’re finally at the end of the first day. George demos a new song, but instead of working on that Paul teaches the band a new tune of his own. We conclude season one with a summary of the first day - and I complain about my back

It’s still January 2nd 1969. It’s now the late afternoon and work starts on John’s “Don’t Let Me Down” although rehearsals get a little bogged down in discussions rather than performing. We learn Ringo and George have a new hobby. The P.A finally turns up and Yoko finally speaks.