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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=61562724166069 Email: [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=61562724166069 Email: [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=61562724166069 Email: [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

If you watch the Beatles Let It Be film, you could be forgiven for thinking that by January 1969, The Beatles were finished. The writing was on the wall and they couldn't wait to go their separate ways. However, as always the truth is very different. 1969 is one of the most productive years in the bands history. Yes they work on solo projects, but they also collaborate on recordings for Apple artists and record another masterpiece in 'Abbey Road'. In this weeks episode, Paul and Mark discuss how productive John, Paul, George and Ringo were during that final 12 months of the 1960's. Welcome to episode 35 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=61562724166069 Email: [email protected]

Starting with the 50th anniversary of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Apple have gifted us deluxe boxed sets of the White Album, Abbey Road, Let It Be and most recently Revolver. Therefore it was assumed as 2025 marks the 60th anniversary of both Help! and Rubber Soul. That this year Beatles fan would gift one or both of these titles the super deluxe treatment. But this was not to be. Instead Apple decided to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Anthology. A worthy release, but not the deep dive into the vault we fans were expecting. In this weeks episode we take a deep dive into both Help1 and Rubber Soul and ask the question, is Rubber Soul The Beatles first masterpiece?. Welcome to episode 34 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 1 September.  Please get in touch via: Facebook: Fixing A Hole https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562724166069 Email: [email protected]

For George, it must have been a double edged sword being a member of the worlds biggest band, with two of the greatest song writers. On the one hand George the budding songwriter was finding it difficult to get his compositions included on a Beatles record. But on the other hand he had two great mentors to learn from. By 1969 he had matured into a great composer. While My Guitar Gently Weeps, Here cones The Sun are classics, while Something is the equal of the best of John and Paul. By January 1969 George had built of a large reserve of unreleased material, that he can be seen in Peter Jackson's Get Back documentary talking to John about recording a solo album. Fast forward 12 months and George gifted us All Things Must Pass. A triple album box set. In this weeks episode we take a deep dive into Georges solo masterpiece. Welcome to episode 33 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 1 September.  Please get in touch via: Facebook: Fixing A Hole https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562724166069 Email: [email protected]

In last week’s episode we took a deep dive into 1962. The final year of John, Paul, George and Ringo’s musical apprenticeship.   This week we look at the first year of the second phase of their career, 1963. In particular, we delve into their live appearances. As this was the year when they moved out of the clubs and halls and entered the world of the package tour circuit. It was also a transition period with regard their fame. As they were no longer the property of a small group of Merseyside teenagers, but now Beatlemania was a nationwide phenomenon.  Welcome to episode 32 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 1 September.  Please get in touch via: Facebook: Fixing A Hole https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562724166069 Email: [email protected]  

By December 1962 John, Paul, George and Ringo had completed their apprenticeship. All the hard work they had put in slogging around the night spots of Liverpool and Hamburg had started to pay off.  The year had begun with an audition for Decca and a single released in the UK from Polydor. National radio for the BBC soon followed. While by the end of the year they had a regional TV broadcast under their belt. Plus. Love Me Do, their first official UK single release reached number 17 in the charts.   In this weeks episode we take a deep dive into 1962. We look at what The Beatles did that year and why it marks the end of the first phase of their career. We also look at what still exists among collectors. Welcome to episode 31 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 1 September.  Please get in touch via: Facebook: Fixing A Hole https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562724166069 Email: [email protected]

In 1966 plans were hatched to commission an animated feature based on The Beatles song, Yellow Submarine. However, with a production team which included the maker of 200 'Popeye' cartoon shorts. John, Paul, George and Ringo wanted nothing to do with it. In fact, The Beatles voices were recreated by a by an ensemble of British character actors and comedians! However, by the time the production was complete and the group watched this psychedelic jukebox of a film, they were 100% behind it. In this week’s episode we tell the story of this one of a kind animated film. Who was behind it, the music, the voice over artists, its premiere and the merchandise. In fact, the complete story. So settle down with a coffee (or tea) and listen to Welcome to episode 30 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 1 September.  Please get in touch via: Facebook: Fixing A Hole https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562724166069 Email: [email protected]

When did The Beatles creativity peak?   For me the answer is 1967.   Why 1967?   That’s what Mark and I discuss in this week episode. We look at John, Paul, George and Ringo output in this pivotal year. A year of not just new music, Penny Lane, Sgt. Pepper’s, Hello Goodbye. But also, film making an equally creative statement, Magical Mystery tour, Our World and of course the Strawberry Fields Forever promotional film.   Do you agree?   Listen to this weeks episode to hear Pauls’ argument for 1967 being peak Beatles!  Welcome to episode 29 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 1 September.  Please get in touch via: Facebook: Fixing A Hole https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562724166069 Email: [email protected]

In April 1966 The Beatles released their 12th UK single 'Paperback Writer'. A Paul composition which tells the story of a budding author who wants to get his book published. In 1968, journalist and author Hunter Davies published the first authorised biography of John, Paul, George and Ringo.  Since then the floodgates have opened and their have been an avalanche of Beatles books about many different aspects of the bands career. Books about the record releases, television and radio broadcasts, their live concerts and much more. In this weeks episode Paul takes a deep dive into his Beatles library and selects 10 volumes which Beatles fans should own. Welcome to episode 28 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 1 September.  Please get in touch via: Facebook: Fixing A Hole https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562724166069 Email: [email protected]

April 1971 marked the first anniversary of Paul's statement that he was leaving The Beatles. During those 12 months the music landscape had changed. The loss of The Beatles was old news. T-Rex were literary riding high in the singles chart with Ride A White Song. Rod The Mod - Rod Stewart was about to hit number one in both the singles and album charts simultaneously in the UK and USA with Maggie May from his album Every Picture Tells A Story. Albums were now big business for record companies, as Led Zeppelin would prove. Plus Slade, Sweet and of course the legend that is David Bowie were waiting in the wings. Ready to dominate the early 70's charts. So was the solo work of John, Paul, George and Ringo relevant to music fans of the 1970's? In this weeks weeks episode we try to answer that question, By looking at the UK singles chart of 18 April 1971. Welcome to episode 27 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 1 September.  Please get in touch via: Facebook: Fixing A Hole https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562724166069 Email: [email protected]

By the end of 1970, John had released 4 albums outside of The Beatles. Two Virgins, Life With The Lions and The Wedding Album were Avant Garde pieces which had more in common with Revolution 9 rather than Strawberry Fields Forever. While Live Peace in Toronto was a record of a live concert performed as the Plastic Ono Band.   Clearly Johns album output away form his band mates did not have the commercial appeal of Revolver, Sgt. Pepper, or Abbey Road. However, his solo singles fared much better on the charts. Give Peace A Chance, Cold Turkey and Instant Karma were all major hits.   Then just before 1970 came to a close. John gave his masterpiece. John Lennon Plastic Ono Band, was a stripped back John, baring his soul about family, relationships and The Beatles.   Imagine might be his most played song, but John Lennon Plastic Ono Band is the real john Lennon, laid bare.  Welcome to episode 26 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 1 September.  Please get in touch via: Facebook: Fixing A Hole https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562724166069 Email: [email protected]