R2OK!

Fred · Posted: Mon Aug 17, 2009 9:44 am Post subject: Beatles Bank Holiday

http://www.jinglenews.com/2009/08/17/beatles-bank-holiday-on-bbc-radio-2/

Just heard of what is called a "Beatles Bank Holiday" on BBC Radio 2...

Daz_M · Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 40 Location: England

SATURDAY 29th

10.00pm George Harrison: What Is Life

Michael Palin presents a tribute to his friend George Harrison. It features archive interviews with George, as well as contributions from his wife and son, Bob Geldof, Jim Keltner, Jeff Lynne, Brian May, Gary Moore, Tom Petty, Ringo Starr, Ravi Shankar and The Beatles' producer George Martin. The programme highlights George's contribution to the extraordinary and enduring legacy of the Beatles; although John or Paul would usually sing the lead vocal, George played a vital role in the distinctive harmonies that enhanced the Beatles' records. Guitarist Gary Moore demonstrates the brilliance of George's solos on their records and Ravi Shankar talks about how George's love for Indian music and culture influenced Beatles records. After the Beatles split in 1970, all four released solo records but - to the astonishment of many - it was George who initially achieved the most commercial and critical success. His single My Sweet Lord was a worldwide number one in 1971 and returned to the top of the UK chart in 2002. He organised the Concert for Bangladesh and the triple album of the recordings topped charts around the world. This event, and George Harrison's understanding of the power and responsibility that rock musicians could wield in the world, have had a lasting influence. George's solo career had periods of great productivity and also two phases when his profile dipped below the horizon. He enjoyed a late 1980s comeback with his hit album Cloud Nine, released the number one single Got My Mind Set On You and two albums with his supergroup The Traveling Wilburys (featuring Bob Dylan, Jeff Lynne, Roy Orbison and Tom Petty). The year after George died Brainwashed was released, which featured the music he had worked on since his last solo album in 1987. Among them was the beautiful instrumental Marwa Blues, which won a Grammy Award.

11.00pm Bigger than Jesus

Documentary telling the story of John Lennon's infamous interview with Evening Standard journalist Maureen Cleave, in which he claimed the Beatles were more popular than Jesus. This secured his reputation as the Beatle with attitude and sparked huge controversy and opposition that dogged the group's tour of America in 1966. Includes contributions from Maureen Cleave, Cynthia Lennon, Beatles press officers Tony Bramwell and Tony Barrow and Lennon biographer Ray Connolly

12.00am Sgt Pepper Recreated

Another chance to hear the programme broadcast on Radio 2 in June 2007 to mark the 40th anniversary of Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by the Beatles. Oasis, Kaiser Chiefs, Razorlight, Stereophonics, Bryan Adams and Jamie Cullum are among the artists who joined the album's original audio engineer Geoff Emerick in the studio to record their own interpretations of the album's tracks. Using the original analogue four-track equipment Geoff demonstrates the innovative techniques he employed for the recording at Abbey Road studios back in 1967. The programme also hears from the artists about the importance of Sgt Pepper and listens in on the recording in action to see just how different the experience is for them.

Also No Johnnie Walker Sounds of the 70's. Yet to be confirmed, no doubt something Beatles related

MONDAY 31st

9.30am The Great Beatles Songbook: Volume 1

Ken Bruce presents a countdown of the top 30 biggest selling Beatles tracks in the UK, as compiled by the Official Charts Company. There's also a special Beatles edition of PopMaster.

12.00 The Beatles At The Beeb

Bill Kenwright presents a journey through the many Beatles songs and interviews recorded at the BBC during the 60s. The Beatles played on 53 different radio shows between March 1962 and June 1965, giving no less than 275 performances of 88 different songs. Remarkably, 36 of those songs were never issued on record while the group was in existence. Kevin Howlett produced his first documentary about the Beatles' BBC recordings as a young Radio 1 producer in 1982. It made headlines around the world because Kevin tracked down many BBC Beatles sessions not heard since their original broadcasts. Out of the 53 BBC programmes with live Beatles music, just one was in the BBC Archive. Following further investigations, Kevin produced the award-winning The Beeb's Lost Beatles Tapes in 1988. Discoveries are still possible: this programme features an interview that has remained unheard since 1965, in which the Beatles talk about their second movie, Help! They chatted live from a radio car at Twickenham Film Studios for the BBC Light Programme show Pop Inn. The 'lost' master tape of The Lennon and McCartney Songbook can also be heard for the first time since its original broadcast on August Bank Holiday Monday in 1966. The programme also features other interviews and music recordings that have not been broadcast since the 1960s. In addition to the archive Beatles interviews with presenters such as Brian Matthew and Alan Freeman, Brian and Alan (recorded in 1988) reminisce about their time with The Beatles at the Beeb.

2.00pm The Great Beatles Songbook: Volume 2

Craig Charles shares Radio 2 listeners' Beatles stories, with tracks from the Fab Four's albums and solo projects. Includes the Top 10 selling
Beatles albums, as supplied by the Official Chart Company.

5.05pm The Beatles Covered with Cilla Black

Cilla Black presents a two-hour programme devoted to cover versions of Beatles hits, including tracks from Ella Fitzgerald, Kris Kristofferson, Aretha Franklin and Tom Jones. The programme focuses on the group's original releases on the Parlophone and Apple record labels, and follows the band's highest chart positions, as verified by the Guinness Book Of British Hit Singles.

7.00pm The Record Producers: Sir George Martin

The Record Producers profiles the man often labelled 'the Fifth Beatle': Sir George Martin. Richard Allinson and Steve Levine examine his work as a producer, arranger and, through his experiments with sound, technical innovator. Highlights include the first chance to hear newly restored versions of the original master tapes for Please Please Me, Day Tripper and Let It Be. This programme also gives Radio 2 listeners the opportunity to hear some of the Beatles most famous songs in a new way. Because of the limitations of tape machines during the 1960s, it was necessary to either record or mix various instruments and voices onto the same track. Once they'd been committed to tape there was no way of separating them. But now, through the use of revolutionary software, listeners can hear some of these parts in isolation for the first time. In this exclusive interview, Sir George talks about various aspects of the studio and recording process, the albums Sgt Pepper and Abbey Road, along with a number of songs, including Strawberry Fields Forever, Tomorrow Never Knows and Rain.

The Beatles Bank Holiday For You![/u]
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Daz M

SantaFefan · Posted: Wed Aug 19, 2009 7:38 pm Post subject:

Some good stuff there I reckon. I'd better buy a new SD card so I can record most of it ( bit late for me to listen )
I'll be interested to hear how Gary Moore explains how George's solos were brilliant though... Confused

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Johnnie Walker read out my message on Pirate Radio! Very Happy

13/8/07
I have heard how radio should be.

RockitRon · Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 7646

Sgt Pepper Recreated

Funny how those recordings have never seen the light of the record shops.

I'm sure the intention was that they'd be issued as a CD, like the "Rubber Folk" sessions were, although no mention as such is made in the BBC report at the time http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6530959.stm

Contractural difficulties, I suspect, plus the fact that some of the artists weren't too chuffed with their performances.
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Ron

Helen May · Joined: 10 Dec 2006 Posts: 19382 Location: Cheshire

Sounds good I'll have to record some of them as well.

I wonder who will be taking part on the Beatles Popmaster? Will it be celebs or just the usual listeners I wonder?

H
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88 - 91 FM this is Radio 2 from the BBC!

I said it live on air in the studio with Jeremy Vine on 10/3/2005

colby · Joined: 06 Feb 2009 Posts: 1216

Dammit. I wonder if I can get out of the posh wedding reception we're supposed to be going to on Saturday evening?

On second thoughts, I don't think 'er indoors will allow it!

I'm going to have to capture the iPlayer output later!
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gazmando · Joined: 15 Apr 2007 Posts: 560 Location: Huntingdon

I don't mean to dig at Ken Bruce again as I actually like him as a DJ, but he only ever plays a Beatles track about once a year.
Surely someone who actually likes them or plays their records should present the show?

mark occomore · Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 9955 Location: UK

Fantastic jingles made by wise buddah again. I think they should be commissioned to resing all radio 2 jingles.

Gnasty Gnome · Joined: 28 Jul 2007 Posts: 313 Location: West Wales

Clive55 · Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 1336

I think devoting the whole weekend to the Beatles is a bit barking.
Maybe feature a few of the re issued albums on a few shows, but it is not that huge an even.

colby · Joined: 06 Feb 2009 Posts: 1216

Although the general concensus is that the digitally re-mastered albums do indeed sound as fabulous as they're claimed to be, it's not something that we're generally going to notice on FM radio - and especially in a highly-compressed web form!

Still, I'm happy for any excuse to feature the greatest pop band of all time on national radio.
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mark occomore · Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 9955 Location: UK

Kicks off with Richard Allinson covering Sarah K on 28th Aug and Johnnie Walker will probably play some Beatles tracks at breakfast on Friday and Bank Holiday Monday?

Nickbucks · Joined: 30 Dec 2006 Posts: 100

So how does the R2 management claim this fits in with the quest for a younger listener profile ? After all anyone who was say 15 in 1965 and
raved about the Fab 4 is now 59. Much to old for R2 then ! Anyone who
is now 30 was born in 1979 and for most will not have a clue who the Beatles were !

colby · Joined: 06 Feb 2009 Posts: 1216

Clive55 · Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 1336

Odd thing is I like Radio 2 best on Friday evenings when I'm around. They play stuff from way before my era

mark occomore · Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 9955 Location: UK

Very interesting interview with Johnnie Walker talking to Paul McCartney about the days with the Beatles. Talking about Linda and the times with the beatles. I don't really rate Paul as a solo artist. I'm sure he's a nice person, but I wouldn't pay to go and watch him. I do rate him what he's contibuted to music.

Mark Mayhew · Joined: 11 Dec 2006 Posts: 2897

Why do we have to suffer a dose on Ken Bruce on a Bank Holiday Monday.

It's a well known fact that he hsardly ever plays any Beatles records on his Monday-Friday shows.

Lord Evan Elpuss · Joined: 10 Dec 2006 Posts: 3417 Location: Cloud Cuckoo Land

Helen May · Joined: 10 Dec 2006 Posts: 19382 Location: Cheshire

Ken is rarely off on a Bank Holiday so nothing out of the ordinary.

As you should know it's the producer who chooses almost all of the music, but if you listen you would know that Beatles songs regularly crop up in the Tracks of My Years. Not many shows feature Beatles songs (surprisinly JV plays a fair few but then he's a fan!) so Ken isn't the only one to be guilty of the crime.

You have Richard Allinson tomorrow night anyway in the record producers..................

H
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88 - 91 FM this is Radio 2 from the BBC!

I said it live on air in the studio with Jeremy Vine on 10/3/2005

Mark Mayhew · Joined: 11 Dec 2006 Posts: 2897

Yes Richard and his Record Producers Show is the highlight of the day on Radio 2 on Bank Holiday Monday.

mark occomore · Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 9955 Location: UK

In any case Pop Master will have every question about the Beatles. Also counting down the Top 30 Beatles tracks.

Rob · Joined: 27 Feb 2007 Posts: 163 Location: Leicester

iwarburton · Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 2133 Location: Northumberland

I got 30 in the first round of Popmasters but a disappointing 15 in the second. I didn't get any of the cover version questions right. I fancy I might have done better on the discarded topic of Beatles' B-sides.

Ian.

mark occomore · Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 9955 Location: UK

Criag Charles was good listen and live too. Although he does sound like he's out of breath each time he talks. Laughing

Helen May · Joined: 10 Dec 2006 Posts: 19382 Location: Cheshire

Did you hear my memory Mark? After All My Loving.

H
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88 - 91 FM this is Radio 2 from the BBC!

I said it live on air in the studio with Jeremy Vine on 10/3/2005

mark occomore · Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 9955 Location: UK

I missed that Helen.

Helen May · Joined: 10 Dec 2006 Posts: 19382 Location: Cheshire

I think it was the first song after the 3 o'clock news if you want to hear it, the message came afterwards.

H
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88 - 91 FM this is Radio 2 from the BBC!

I said it live on air in the studio with Jeremy Vine on 10/3/2005

mark occomore · Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 9955 Location: UK

Thanks Helen, I take a listen.

Lord Evan Elpuss · Joined: 10 Dec 2006 Posts: 3417 Location: Cloud Cuckoo Land

For me the jury is still out on the idea of the single artist themed day. Firstly I should say that I don't have any strong feelings against The Beatles, or any solo, or group efforts of their members since The Beatles disbanded, but after the 2½ hours of Beatles tracks on Ken Bruce's show, I found that I had been 'Beatled out'. I just didn't want any more. I suspect that the same would have applied whoever the subject artist was, be they a long term favourite artist(s) of mine or anyone else. I hope that Radio 2 will find something else to do for next year's Bank holiday weekends.
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Lord Evan Elpuss, Your ideal job is a Lumberjack.

RockitRon · Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 7646

I was only able to listen to today's output fitfully - will have to catch up on Beatles at the Beeb and The Record Producers tomorrow.

Heard your message, H - nice one. How times have changed - age 11 in 1963 and being able to go alone to a pop concert a) safely and b) without all kinds of regulatory repercussions being brought down upon your parents.

Otherwise, Craig Charles' wheezy presentation was a bit off-putting, but not as much as Cilla Black's nasal whine.

The second set of Popmaster questions was harder than the first. I got the full 39 for both, but then I am a sad old Beatles fan.

Ken did, a few minutes earlier, produce a falling-off-the-chair moment, by introducing Love Me Do, as a favourite of "Janis Ian and Jason Donovan" - it was in fact Donovan (Leitch)!!
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Ron

Helen May · Joined: 10 Dec 2006 Posts: 19382 Location: Cheshire

I suppose it did sound like I was living a bit dangerously Ron! My Mum dropped me at the door of the City Hall and I knew the inside of the place quite well as my school held its prize giving and concert there each year and even juniors had to attend!

It didn't worry me about going alone either but not sure I'd be able to do it in this day and age!

H
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88 - 91 FM this is Radio 2 from the BBC!

I said it live on air in the studio with Jeremy Vine on 10/3/2005