September 2017

In 1989, Paul McCartney hit the road again for the first time in a decade. That same year, the longest running sitcom in US TV history debuted, and like Sir Paul, The Simpsons is still in action today. In addition to the high-calibre talent involved from day one, the show has made frequent references to The Beatles, culminating with three episodes featuring guest appearances by the three ex-Beatles. In this special expanded edition, we hear from writer/producer Jeff Martin, who wrote “Homer’s Barbershop Quartet” (which featured George); and writer/director/show runner David Mirkin, who went to Sussex to record the McCartneys (for “Lisa the Vegetarian”) and experienced something every Beatle fan can only imagine… This is a NEW PHASE SATB episode…. Making his final appearance is our original co-host. Making a cameo in this episode is upcoming guest, Arion Salazar – original bassist with Third Eye Blind and on tour this year with XEB.

  Our guest’s 13 year-old face has left an indelible impression upon the memory of every Beatles fan who has ever watched their debut appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show. Deb Supnik (nee Gendler), dubbed “the first fan” by director Andrew Solt,  is much more than just an attendee of The Beatles’ first live TV performance in America: her life changed forever that evening. Over the next several years, she worked tirelessly on behalf of the group (and their US fans) while maintaining relationships with members of the group’s organization (and even the odd Beatle parent or two). Deb has shared her amazing stories in documentaries before, but here she gets to present them full-length and in exquisite detail. Find Richard’s books here. Find Robert’s books here.

49 years ago, The Beatles launched their Apple label with one of rock’s most successful single releases. Paul’s “Hey Jude,” backed with John’s “Revolution” – if not officially a double A-side release – surely ranks as among the finest 7″ records the group ever produced. It was also, as George observed years later, a real turning point in the band’s fortunes: a high point after which things could only go downhill. In this episode, Richard and  Robert discuss the context of this record, as well as the writing, the recording and the public presentation of Apple’s first issue: a record that spent two weeks atop the UK charts and nine at number one in the US. Find Robert’s books here. Find Richard’s books here.