Fixing A Hole - The Beatles podcast you didn't know you needed

In August 2024 when we published episode 1, I had no idea that 20 months later we would be publishing weekly, or that we would reach the milestone of 50 episodes! To celebrate this achievement Mark and I take a look back at our highlights of the previous 49 editions. Share some details about our backgrounds and why Fixing A Hole came about. Plus tells a few stories about his 52 years of being a Beatles fan. Welcome to episode 50 of Fixing A Hole. The Beatles podcast you didn't know you needed.An extended version of this podcast is available from our Patreon site:http://patreon.com/fixingahole You can contact Paul and Mark via:Email:[email protected] DM:Search Fixing A Hole The Beatles Podcasthttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562724166069 All previous episodes are available via all major podcast platforms, or our website:http://fixingahole.transistor.fmand YouTube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/@fixingahole62_70Fixing A Hole is a 1386 Audio productionhttps://www.1386audio.com

When you read the biographies of John, Paul, George and Ringo, it's very obvious how hard they worked to progress from 4 school boys playing music for fun, to becoming the entertainment phenomenon of the 20th Century.This work ethic did not stop when fame came. In fact with everyone wanting a piece of them, record company, Television, radio, journalists, fans. There daily schedule exploded.In this weeks episode we take a deep dive into 5th March 1963. A day of photoshoots and recording sessions.Welcome to episode 49 of Fixing A Hole. The Beatles podcast you didn't know you needed.An extended version of this podcast is available from our Patreon site:http://patreon.com/fixingahole You can contact Paul and Mark via:Email:[email protected] DM:Search Fixing A Hole The Beatles Podcasthttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562724166069 All previous episodes are available via all major podcast platforms, or our website:http://fixingahole.transistor.fmand YouTube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/@fixingahole62_70Fixing A Hole is a 1386 Audio productionhttps://www.1386audio.com

Back in episode 20 of Fixing A Hole, my co-presenter and producer Mark declared that his favourite Beatles album is Revolver. That's the UK 14 track edition, not the edited 11 song Capitol version from American which I discovered back in 1975.I on the other hand have avoided this question, as depending on what day of the week it is, my favourite could be one of two, or three, or four.....In this episode Mark has finally made me put on record what my Top 10 favourite Beatles albums are. Well at least on the day we recorded this episode!Here then for you is my Top 10......Welcome to episode 48 of Fixing A Hole. The Beatles podcast you didn't know you needed. An extended version of this podcast is available from our Patreon site:http://patreon.com/fixingahole You can contact Paul and Mark via:Email:[email protected]:Fixing A Hole The Beatles Podcasthttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562724166069 All previous episodes are available via all major podcast platforms, or via our website:http://fixingahole.transistor.fm Fixing A Hole is a 1386 Audio productionhttps://www.1386audio.com YouTube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/@fixingahole62_70

Back in the October of 2022, my good lady and I travelled into London, to see a lecture by world renowned Beatles expert Mark Lewisohn.Evolver 62 at the Bloomsbury theatre was a fascinating in site into the year The Beatles evolved from a club band to EMI recording artists and beyond. From his unique archive Mark presented 62 facts about the groups progression in 1962.Now, a DVD and download via Amazon Prime allows every Beatles fan the opportunity to experience what I did back in 2022. In this weeks episode I review the original show and the new video release to give you my thoughts on this new release, which surprised me when it dropped a few weeks ago.Welcome to episode 47 of Fixing A Hole. The Beatles podcast you didn't know you needed.An extended version of this podcast is available from our Patreon site:http://patreon.com/fixingahole You can contact Paul and Mark via:Email:[email protected]:Fixing A Hole The Beatles Podcasthttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562724166069 All previous episodes are available via all major podcast platforms, or via our website:http://fixingahole.transistor.fm Fixing A Hole is a 1386 Audio productionhttps://www.1386audio.com YouTube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/@fixingahole62_70

Since 1987 and the 20th anniversary of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. You could be forgiven for thinking that every year their is a celebration of a Beatles anniversary.March 2026, marks a forgotten anniversary, at least as far as Apple are concerned. For on March 6th 1976 all 22 original UK Beatles singles were reissued in smart new picture sleeves. Amazingly all 22 plus a new release of Yesterday b/w I Should Have Known Better entered the UK Top 100. With some, Hey Jude, Get Back and Yesterday even hitting the Top 20.In this week's episode Mark and I discuss why this reissue series came about. And tell the story of a young 11 year old Beatles fan named Paul, purchasing his first brand new Beatles single.Welcome to episode 46 of Fixing A Hole. The Beatles podcast you didn't know you needed.An extended version of this podcast is available from our Patreon site:http://patreon.com/fixingahole You can contact Paul and Mark via:Email:[email protected]:Fixing A Hole The Beatles Podcasthttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562724166069 All previous episodes are available via all major podcast platforms, or via our website:http://fixingahole.transistor.fm Fixing A Hole is a 1386 Audio productionhttps://www.1386audio.com

Unthinkable as it might appear today, by January 1967 The Beatles had not released any new recordings for 5 months. Back then, rumours started to circulate that John, Paul, George and Ringo couldn't come up with any new material, and was this the end of the Fab Four?In February, we got the answer. Yes, it was the end of the Fab Four, the mop top image of 63 and 64 was now a distant memory. With a new image, each Beatle having grown a moustache. There was also new music to support this new look. The first fruits of recording sessions which behan at Abbey Road in November 66, hit the streets. Strawberry Fields Forever b/w Penny Lane had arrived. Not only a masterpice on two sides of a 7" vinyl single, but also a taster of what would arrive in the summer of 67, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.In this weeks podcast we take a deep dive into the story behind these songs and uncover why the public were not ready to embrace the new Beatles.Welcome to episode 44 of Fixing A Hole. The Beatles podcast you didn't know you needed.An extended version of this podcast is available from our Patreon site:http://patreon.com/fixingahole You can contact Paul and Mark via:Email:[email protected]:Fixing A Hole The Beatles Podcasthttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562724166069 All previous episodes are available via all major podcast platforms, or via our website:http://fixingahole.transistor.fm Fixing A Hole is a 1386 Audio productionhttps://www.1386audio.com YouTube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/@fixingahole62_70

In this week's episode Paul and Mark discuss what it was like to be a band looking for fame in the early 1960's and was it all they hoped it would be, when they achieved it! The discussion is centred around 4 British films originally released between the mid-60's and early 70's. The Beatles own 'A Hard Day's Night'. Two vehicles for 70's heartthrob David Essex 'That'll Be The Day' staring Ringo and 'Stardust'. Plus the now cult classic 'Slade In Flame'.Welcome to episode 43 of Fixing A Hole. The Beatles Podcast You Didn't Know You Needed.If you’re a fan of the podcast, or you like to be a guest on an episode, we’d love to hear from you. Please get in touch via:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/FixingAHoleFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=fixing%20a%20hole%20beatles Email: [email protected] website: fixingahole.transistor.fm

In August 1963 Johnny Dean published the first issue if The Beatles Monthly. A UK magazine aimed directly at teen fans oof John, Paul, George and Ringo.For the next 6 years it documented the activities of the group, together with song lyrics, letters and pen pal connections. With exclusive pictures and a direct link to the band. It is an an often overlooked primary source for collectors, 60 years later.In this episode Paul and Mark discuss the background to the publication. How it began a reprinting in 1976. Before relaunching with new content in the October of 1982. Before finally calling it a day in 2003. Welcome to episode 42 of Fixing A Hole. The Beatles Podcast You Didn't Know You Needed.If you’re a fan of the podcast, or you like to be a guest on an episode, we’d love to hear from you. Please get in touch via:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/FixingAHoleFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=fixing%20a%20hole%20beatles Email: [email protected] website: fixingahole.transistor.fm

In the summer of 2006 a new Beatles album was announced, 'Love'. The soundtrack to the Cirque De Solei production in Las Vegas.When the album appeared in November of that year it received a mixed reaction. You were either in the this is sacrilege camp. 'How dare they tamper with the band pack catalogue'. Or, you were of the mindset of being curious as to how, Giles Martin with the help of his farther, had mashed up Beatles songs and what these remixes would reveal of the the original sessions tapes.I am definetely in the later camp. With this album becoming one of the most played CD's in my collection.Of course the album was a huge seller. As was the song which ran in Vegas for 17 years.In this episode we take a deep dive into the show and its soundtrack. Welcome to episode 41 of Fixing A Hole, The Beatles podcast you didn’t know you needed. If you’re a fan of the podcast, or you like to be a guest on an episode, we’d love to hear from you. Please get in touch via:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/FixingAHole?utm_source=campaign-search-results&vanity=FixingAHoleFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=fixing%20a%20hole%20beatles Email: [email protected] website: fixingahole.transistor.fm

Episode 40: The 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th Beatles (Extended Episode) I’ve never understood the term 5th Beatle. There were only four members of the group, John, Paul, George and Ringo. However, I will concede that there were four individuals who were integral to the success of the band. In this weeks episode we look at four people Brian Epstein, George Martin, Neil Aspinall and Mal Evans who formed that inner circle around The Beatles and the influence they had on the band back in the 1960’s, but also guided the Beatles legend into the 21st Century. Welcome to episode 40 of Fixing A Hole, The Beatles podcast you didn’t know you needed. If you’re a fan of the podcast, or you like to be a guest on an episode, we’d love to hear from you. Please get in touch via: Facebook: Fixing A Hole https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562724166069 Email: [email protected] website: fixingahole.transistor.fm

Between their split in 1970 and Johns murder 10 years later. The media were obsessed with the question, ‘When are the Beatles getting back together?’ Even after the events of December 1980, the question became, ‘Are you going to regroup with Julian taking Johns place? However, as history tells us, John, Paul, George and Ringo did record together. Just not all in the studio at the same time, and not a Beatles reunion. Instead, it was three ex-bandmates helping their drummer record his third solo album ‘Ringo’ in 1973. In this episode we look at the story behind this album which included two hit singles ‘Photograph’ and ‘You’re Sixteen’. And the cast of musicians that help Ringo record his most successful album of the 1970’s.Welcome to episode 39 of Fixing A Hole, The Beatles podcast you didn’t know you needed.If you’re a fan of the podcast, or you like to be a guest on an episode, we’d love to hear from you. Visit our new patreon channel at patreon.com/fixingahole its currently free to join with new and exclusive material being added from January 2026. Please get in touch via:Facebook: Fixing A Hole https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562724166069Email: [email protected]: fixingahole.transistor.fm

By 1966 John, Paul, George, and Ringo were entering the third phase of their career. No longer playing the clubs, chasing success. No longer interested in the trappings of Beatlemannia. By 1966 developing their creativity and songwriters and musicians was where they were at. The Beatles were no longer pop stars; they were becoming serious rock musicians. In this episode we look at this transition, through the final days of the touring Beatles. Looking at the evidence as to why they gave up touring to become a studio-based band. Welcome to episode 38 of Fixing A Hole, The Beatles podcast you didn’t know you needed.If you’re a fan of the podcast, or you like to be a guest on an episode, we’d love to hear from you. Visit our new patreon channel at patreon.com/fixingahole its currently free to join with new and exclusive material being added from January 2026.. Please get in touch via:Facebook: Fixing A Hole https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562724166069Email: [email protected]: fixingahole.transistor.fm

Having spent a month watching and listening to the newly remastered Beatles Anthology. In this week episode, Paul and Mark review the newly give their thoughts on how this this audio visual feast of Beatlemannia holds up 30 years after its debut.Mark had never watched the TV series, but he does own the accompanying albums. While as you would expect, Paul watched the series on TV, purchased the VHS collection and has been watching the DVD's for over 20 years.Our findings might surprise you! Welcome to episode 37 of Fixing A Hole. The Beatles podcast you didn’t know you needed. If you’re a fan of the podcast, or you like to be a guest on an episode, we’d love to hear from you. Visit our new patreon channel at patreon.com/fixingahole its currently free to join with new and exclusive material being added from January 2026.. Please get in touch via:Facebook: Fixing A Hole https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562724166069Email: [email protected]

Hello, Fixing A Hole listener. Yes, we're back following our extended Christmas break. Just a short episode to wish you a happy 2026 and give you an update on the new improved format of the podcast. Regular episodes drop from the Friday the 9th January 2026. Many thanks for your support during 2025. Best wishes Paul & Mark