The History of Rock and Roll

Show Topic: The Beatles Spotlight – From Liverpool to the Recording Studio

This Monday, July 20th, 2026, we’re devoting the entire show to the music and remarkable legacy of The Beatles. Throughout the program, we’ll feature classics from every era of the Fab Four’s extraordinary career while exploring the stories, people, and places that helped shape the world’s most influential band.

From their beginnings in Liverpool to their groundbreaking studio recordings, this episode offers a fascinating look at the history behind the music.

Joining me is an outstanding panel of Beatles historians, authors, researchers, and recording experts. We’ll visit the historic streets of Liverpool where the Beatles began, examine Beatlemania’s lasting impact in Canada, explore fascinating “what if” moments that could have changed music history, and take an in-depth look at George Martin: The Scores—the extraordinary three-volume collection that opens the door to George Martin’s original handwritten arrangements and offers an unprecedented glimpse into the musical genius behind the Beatles’ recordings.

We’ll also discuss the Quarrymen, the Beatles’ impact on Canada during the height of Beatlemania, the group’s timeless recordings, and the meticulous musical arrangements that helped redefine popular music.

Whether you’re interested in Beatles history, songwriting, recording techniques, or the cultural impact of the Fab Four, this episode offers something for every Beatles fan.

From Penny Lane to Abbey Road, and from Liverpool to the recording studio, this program celebrates the music, innovation, and enduring legacy of the greatest band in rock history. Mark your calendars for this special Beatles edition. Don’t miss it!

Guest(s) for our show:

Date: Monday, July 20th, 2026

📚 David Bedford

Liverpool historian, Beatles author, and respected tour guide David Bedford returns to share his remarkable knowledge of the city where the Beatles’ story began.

Through his guided tours, David introduces fans to iconic landmarks including Penny Lane, St. Peter’s Church, and the Casbah Coffee Club, bringing Beatles history vividly to life.

We’ll discuss his acclaimed book What If: What Could Have Happened, which explores more than 300 fascinating “what if” scenarios that could have dramatically changed Beatles history. We’ll also talk about his work with the Quarrymen and his continuing efforts to preserve Liverpool’s rich Beatles heritage.

davidabedford.com
beatlestours.co.uk

🍁 Piers Hemmingsen

Canadian Beatles author Piers Hemmingsen joins us to discuss his latest book, The Beatles in Canada: The Evolution 1964–1970, the second volume in his acclaimed series documenting the Beatles’ enormous influence on Canadian music, culture, media, and society.

We’ll also explore the Beatles’ visits to Canada, their impact on Canadian fans, and John Lennon’s memorable performance at the Toronto Rock and Roll Revival Festival, one of the defining moments of his post-Beatles career.

thebeatlesincanada.com

🎙️ Brooke Halpin

Los Angeles-based Beatles author and broadcaster Brooke Halpin has spent decades researching and celebrating the music of the Fab Four.

He is the author of several Beatles books, including Experiencing the Beatles: A Listener’s Companion, Do You Really Know The Beatles?, and A Magical Mystery Time.

Brooke also hosts the radio program Come Together with The Beatles, where he continues to share his passion and extensive knowledge of the band’s music and legacy with listeners around the world.

🎼 Brian Kehew & Kevin Ryan

Music historians, producers, and audio engineers Brian Kehew and Kevin Ryan are internationally respected as the co-authors of Recording the Beatles, widely regarded as the definitive reference on the recording techniques, equipment, and studio innovations behind the Beatles’ groundbreaking music.

We’ll focus on their remarkable three-volume publication George Martin: The Scores, which reproduces Sir George Martin’s original handwritten orchestral and musical scores.

The collection offers an unprecedented look into Martin’s genius as arranger and producer, revealing how he helped shape many of the Beatles’ most celebrated recordings.