The History of Rock and Roll

Show Topic: The Beatles Spotlight – Liverpool, Legendary Collections & Inside the Recording Studio

This Thursday, July 23rd, 2026, we’re dedicating another special edition of The Beatles Spotlight to the music and remarkable legacy of the Fab Four. Throughout the program, you’ll hear nothing but Beatles classics as we continue exploring the people, places, and stories that made John, Paul, George, and Ringo the most influential band in music history.

This week’s guests offer unique perspectives on every stage of the Beatles’ incredible journey. We’ll travel back to Liverpool to discover the city’s rich Beatles heritage, visit one of the world’s finest Beatles museums, learn about a tribute band dedicated to preserving every corner of the Beatles’ catalogue, and step inside Abbey Road Studios to uncover the recording techniques and musical innovations that forever changed popular music.

We’ll also take an in-depth look at Recording the Beatles, the definitive study of the group’s studio sessions, and explore George Martin: The Scores, the landmark publication that reproduces Sir George Martin’s original handwritten orchestral scores and reveals the creative brilliance behind many of the Beatles’ greatest recordings. It’s a fascinating look at how innovation, musicianship, and collaboration combined to create timeless music.

Whether you’re fascinated by Liverpool history, rare Beatles memorabilia, the band’s recording sessions, or simply love the music of the Fab Four, this promises to be another unforgettable Beatles celebration. Mark your calendars and join us for this special edition of The Beatles Spotlight. Don’t miss it!

Guest(s) for our show:

Date: Thursday, July 23rd, 2026

🎤 Mike & Bernadette Byrne

Mike and Bernadette Byrne are the founders of The Beatles Story, the world-famous Beatles attraction located at Liverpool’s Royal Albert Dock. Since opening in May 1990, the museum has welcomed millions of Beatles fans from around the globe and has become one of Liverpool’s premier destinations.

Mike was a Merseybeat musician and knew members of the Beatles during their early years, while Bernadette was a regular at the Cavern Club and developed a close friendship with the band, including dating George Harrison in the early 1960s.

They’ll share personal memories of Liverpool, Beatlemania, and the creation of one of the world’s greatest Beatles attractions.

🏛️ Harlen Brown

Harlen Brown is the curator of the Penny Lane Beatles Museum, home to more than 1,600 Beatles artifacts collected over four decades. His remarkable collection preserves the history and legacy of the Fab Four through rare memorabilia and unique historical pieces.

We’ll discuss the museum’s exciting reopening in St. Petersburg, Florida, this August and hear some of the fascinating stories behind the collection.

https://pennylanebeatlesmuseum.com/

🎸 Apple Jam

Formed in Seattle in 2005, Apple Jam has earned a reputation as one of America’s premier Beatles tribute bands. Rather than relying on costumes or impersonations, the group focuses on faithfully recreating the Beatles’ music with exceptional musicianship.

The band is especially celebrated for performing deep album cuts, solo recordings, rare material, and songs written by the Beatles but never officially released, giving audiences a fresh appreciation of the Fab Four’s remarkable catalogue.

https://applejamband.com/home

🎼 Brian Kehew

Musician, producer, historian, and author Brian Kehew returns to the program to continue our conversation about the Beatles’ revolutionary recording techniques.

As co-author of the acclaimed Recording the Beatles, Brian has spent years researching every aspect of the band’s work at Abbey Road Studios.

We’ll explore the recording equipment used during the Beatles’ sessions—including microphones, mixing consoles, tape machines, speakers, and outboard gear—and discuss George Martin: The Scores, the extraordinary collection of Sir George Martin’s handwritten musical scores and archives that offers an unprecedented insight into the work of the Beatles’ legendary producer.