Gimme Some Truth

What is polythene? Who was Pam? In this season's bonus episode, we explore the complete backstory behind Abbey Road's 'Polythene Pam'.

I am thrilled to be joined by master researcher Mark Lewisohn for this special season finale. Mark discusses his methods, decades of research and the extraordinary amount of detail that goes into all his books. For all things Mark Lewisohn, visit his website.

This week we separate fact from fiction in the mythology around The Beatles' 1963 UK tour with Roy Orbison.

One of the chapter's in The Beatles' history that fascinates me the most is their 1968 trip to India. In this week's episode, I am joined by author and researcher Paul Mason to discuss when and why each of the group chose to leave the Maharishi's ashram in Rishikesh. You can find all of Paul Mason's books including my favourite The Beatles, Drugs, Mysticism & India on his website.

There is so much to look at on the cover of Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band that it is easy to miss the sets of six medals that both John and Ringo wore on their colourful military costumes. Join me this week to explore the stories behind these unaccountable artefacts.

Who was Jim Gretty and what chord did he teach The Beatles? More importantly, how did the group integrate this chord into their songs and arrangements? This week, we analyse another juicy, sometimes misunderstood chord.

Returning guests and Lennonology authors extraordinaire Chip Madinger & Scott Raile join me this week to discuss all aspects of The Beatles' MBE awards. As we explore this topic from receipt to John's return, we make a few exciting discoveries along the way! For all things Lennonology go to https://lennonology.com/

The history of when Paul McCartney wrote 'Yesterday' has been confused by contradictory memories. In this week's episode, we explore the gestation of a classic and I make the case for what I think is the most accurate timeline.

For the first episode of Season 5, I am joined by musician/composer Rob Collier to tackle an age old debate. Who played bass on 'She Said She Said'? Did Paul McCartney participate? From the song's conception through recording, we examine the available evidence. Check out Rob's blog, YouTube and Instagram.

Season 5 of Gimme Some Truth incoming! New episodes every Wednesday starting next week.

Malcolm Gladwell's Outliers popularised the concept of the 10,000-hour rule for success and its association with The Beatles has become an accepted part of their history. Did the group really perform 10,000 hours? In this bonus episode, we set the record straight!

For this season 4 finale episode, I am joined by researcher and travel writer Jonathan Knott to present The Beatles' 1967 plans to buy a Greek island. This chapter in the history and one of its key players, Alexis 'Magic Alex' Mardas, have long been shrouded in mystery. With this episode and Jonathan's continued efforts, we get closer to the truth. You can follow Jonathan's research and writing on Substack.

For the second part of this Manila chronicle, we take a close look at The Beatles' harried departure from The Philippines, the aftermath and the legacy of Marcos' presidency.

This week and next we re-examine The Beatles' infamous 1966 visit to Manila. Much has been said about this event but the details are often confused. Part one explores the reasons for visiting The Philippines, the group's arrival, mix-up with the Presidential family and concerts.

Does Brian Epstein deserve the criticism that has been charged against him for his handling of The Beatles' merchandising rights? I am joined by journalist, entertainment lawyer and professor Stan Soocher to answer this question through the history of several lawsuits between NEMS Enterprises and the companies set up to handle The Beatles' merchandise. This episode is inspired by one of the many fascinating chapters from Stan's book Baby You're A Rich Man: Suing The Beatles for Fun & Profit.

This week, my guest Eric Krasker and I tell the unexpectedly complex story of The Beatles' only foreign language recordings made in Paris in January 1964. This and many other details of the Paris residency are detailed in Eric's new book Les Beatles à l'Olympia (available here).

The date that George Harrison first met his friend and mentor Ravi Shankar has never been accurately pinned down until now. This week I am joined by author/editor Oliver Craske to present the evidence he uncovered for his brilliant biography Indian Sun: The Life and Music of Ravi Shankar (more information here).

Much has been said about the end of The Beatles' streak of number one UK singles in 1967 with Penny Lane/Strawberry Fields Forever. This week we look at what really happened and try to understand why.

In the first episode of Season 4, we take a detailed look at John and Paul's October 1961 holiday to Paris. How do we know what we know about this period? And what can we add to Mark Lewisohn's account in Tune In?

I am back with a Fab Fourth season of Gimme Some Truth! First episode drops next week.