Yesterday and Today

A flurry of developments in the lives and legacies of all four former Beatles permeated October 1988, starting with the debut of the feature-length IMAGINE film chronicling the life of John Lennon, opening in movie theaters across the world. This template for future Beatles archival projects was met with warm embrace by John's fans, and was an important milestone in the preservation of film footage and audio artifacts from throughout Lennon's life. Another former Beatle in preservation mode was Ringo Starr, having finally sought help for alcoholism with his wife Barbara Bach later in the month. After decades of substance abuse Ringo has resolved to clean up, so as to evade the fates of his less fortunate and departed friends and fellow rockers. And lastly a new single, from a super-group calling themselves "the Traveling Wilburys"... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the summer of 1988 and a fresh wave of "Lennon Fever" was sweeping its way across pop culture. In this case, however, not all of the attention on the late great John Lennon was positive - case in point the scathing, unapologetic, and often needlessly cruel biography called The Lives of John Lennon by author Albert Goldman. Goldman's feet were held to the fire by a furious but captivated public...glued to the drama by a media apparatus unable to look away from this trainwreck of a depiction of John's life in book form. While this circus took a toll on Yoko Ono, the Lennon clan nevertheless soldiered onward with its own various rebuttals to the Goldman narrative, and a dose of positivity as well. Not only was the forthcoming theatrical release of the Imagine documentary poised to reignite positive memories of the Beatles and of Lennon's successful solo works, but a star on the Hollywood walk of fame put to pavement a legacy that would, despite its occasional cracks, endure for generations to come. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the summer of 1988 heats up, a new super-group emerges from the primordial soup of rock'n'roll...they are The Traveling Wilburys. Born from a supplementary recording session in support of George Harrison's latest Cloud 9 single, George (aka Nelson Wilbury) was joined by fellow music legends Tom Petty, Jeff lynne, Bob Dylan and Roy Orbison to produce the superb track Handle With Care -- quickly deemed too good to be buried on an extended single release. Of course music and activity continued respectively for Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr at this time, but for the Yesterday & Today podcast we will linger with George for a moment, as opportunity knocks at Friar Park... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was a busy March in 1988, with new music, releases, conventions and interviews surrounding the world of the former Beatles. First up, a first since the Beatle days with George Harrison and Ringo Starr conducting an interview together for the television program Aspel & Company. This eventful exchange covered topics ranging from the death of John Lennon, the status of ex-Beatle relationships, lawsuits from the 70s and much more. In the new releases category, George's new single This Is Love is snatched up from the Cloud 9 LP -- and The Beatles CD leases wrap up with Past Masters (collecting singles and b-sides not yet released on the format). New recordings emerge with George Harrison's Ride Rajbun and Paul McCartney's collaboration with Johnny Cash titled New Moon Over Jamaica...plus a new song from a gathering of a special set of musicians calling themselves the Traveling Wilburys... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's February 1988 and the promotional tour for George Harrison's Cloud 9 album remains in full swing. The former Beatle who often seemed the most uncomfortable with press tours was now in the thick of one, this time labeled as a "come back" story which further fried the nervous system. To cope, George (along with Cloud 9 producer Jeff Lynne) showed up for the radio program Rockline a few glugs too deep, and gave host Bob Coburn one of the most candid interviews Harrison would ever produce in his lifetime. Still, despite the annoyances of a media blitz, the "come back" narrative was hard to ignore - as Cloud 9 continued to sell gangbusters with the record buying crowd and its newest single, When We Was Fab, cracking the top 25 on both sides of the Atlantic... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's 1988 and a busy year of activity in Beatle world kicks off with a wave of retrospection. On January 20th the band was inducted into the Rock'n'Roll hall of fame, a recognition of their achievements in music and their cultural impact upon the world. Unfortunately for them (and for, apparently, one agitated Beach Boy also in attendance), the legal squabbles dogging Paul, George and Ringo for nearly two decades crept their way onto the award stage, made manifest by an absent Paul McCartney. Some tempers flared at this highly visible snub, but cooler heads did eventually prevail, with George Harrison himself speaking fondly of Paul while accepting the award. Yoko Ono, meanwhile, stood poised to unveil the Lost Lennon Tapes radio program to the world, a treasure trove of audio artifacts from her and John Lennon's private archive, made public... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the end of 1987 and George Harrison is riding the wave of a major comeback. With a new hit single in Got My Mind Set On You speeding up the charts, and a new LP - Cloud 9 - connecting with both fans and critics in equal measure, Harrison's resurgence in the latter half of the 80s was proof positive once again of that lingering Beatle magic...so pervasive even nearing 20 years since the band's split. While Paul McCartney's greatest hits LP All the Best was no resurgence of fresh material, strong sales and a slew of tv appearances to promote the new single Once Upon A Long Ago put Macca back in touring mode...an endeavor that would truly take flight in the months to come... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On November 2nd 1987 Dark Horse Records releases Cloud 9 by George Harrison. While George himself would insist (and rightly so) that one cannot be in the midst of a "comeback" if one has been there the entire time, no one - not even George - could not deny the reinvigorated attention upon his music heralded by the LP's lead-off #1 single Got My Mind Set On You. The happy album in which this smash-hit record resided within was produced by buddy Jeff Lynne to sound (controversially to some) much like Jeff's work with the Electric Light Orchestra - energetic, grand in scope, and future-facing in its production techniques.From the nostalgic When We Was Fab to the defiant That's What it Takes, George Harrison WAS back, and at the top of his game nearly two decades after the breakup of the Beatles. Of course George would be joined on the charts shortly by a new single from Paul McCartney, and some fresh talk about the possibility of a Beatles reunion (of sorts)... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Even 17+ years after the breakup of the Beatles, solo career competition remained alive and well in the worlds of Paul McCartney and George Harrison. In October of 1987, George's first new single from a studio album release in over 5 years - Got My Mind Set On You - was blazing up the charts and stood poised to top them. The public's embrace of this unlikely comeback foretold the success of the forthcoming Cloud 9 LP, and - as if no time at all had passed since the days of all Things Must Pass - George Harrison hit the promotional trail. Not to be outdone by his former bandmate, McCartney's All the Best greatest hits compilation hit shelves the following November, and while its single Once Upon a Long Ago failed to reach the heights of Harrison's, this mammoth set of Macca marvels was no slouch on the album charts. All this, plus a return to Suzy and the Red Stripes as fall turns to winter, 1987... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s the summer of 1987, and once again a Beatle joins the Prince's Trust stage — and this time not one but TWO! First up the heretofore reclusive George Harrison, busy preparing his latest audio album and dipping his toe back into the waters of pop star life for the first time since his musical hiatus began nearly half a decade prior. Joining George to sing an all-star rendition of With A Little Help From My Friends was Ringo Starr, decidedly less busy following the crumbling Memphis sessions that caused his some substantial public embarrassment. All this and an LP of rock oldies from Paul McCartney as the heat rises on yet another momentous year in Beatles history! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The next wave of Beatles compact discs arrived as spring turned to summer, 1987 - marking (handily) the 20th anniversary of Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. Taking the theme of "It was twenty years ago today" and running with it, Apple and their distribution arms at Capitol and EMI launched an elaborate campaign that culminated in a documentary film featuring current interviews with both Paul McCartney and George Harrison. An enchanted public teeming with nostalgia (and a chance to own such an iconic release in pristine CD-quality) drove Pepper to the #1 position on billboard's top compact discs chart, and the #3 overall slot in the UK. But this was only the beginning of the fruits of this event, as both Paul and George were busy crafting new music with a similarly-attuned nostalgic bent... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

And speaking of things that are "now" and "then"...It's 1987 and another momentous chapter in the Beatles story is unfolding at break-neck pace. As Capitol/EMI plan for the launch of the first round of Beatles CDs (heralding the arrival of fab four music on compact disc for the first time), Paul, George and Ringo were all in their respective studios preparing new music. First up, the rambling Duane Eddy - pioneering guitarist of the early rock days - is making a new album and has enlisted not one but two Beatles to play on it. McCartney's contribution was a slinky, slidey cover of the 1979 Rockestra Theme - while George Harrison )with current producer Jeff Lynne offered up more than one new composition for the guitar legend to record. In February Harrison would also find himself on stage with Lynne, backing up CCR frontman John Fogerty and joined by none-other-than Bob Dylan. Dylan ALSO happened to be working with another former Beatle at this time, joining Ringo in Memphis on sessions for Starr's new album.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the year 1986 draws to a close, the musical direction and legacy of the three surviving former Beatles rounds the corner on another eventful decade. With Paul McCartney still busy promoting his less-than-smash-hit LP Press to Play - Macca turns his attention to a new year that would embrace the successes of his past...and an eye toward the next phase of his career in the latter half of the decade. George Harrison, after such a long hiatus from the music business, finds himself too at a crossroads -- feeling once again ready to re-enter the studio and make new music. All this, as we enter 1987... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Paul McCartney's latest studio album, Press to Play, at last reached the ears of the listening public, the modest success of its top 40 lead-off single Press must have been bittersweet for its creator. After nearly two years of gestation, Paul's failure to crack the top 20 on either side of the Atlantic with the catchy earworm foreshadowed the album's lukewarm reception worldwide (as compared to prior projects, certainly) -- despite the strength of some of the album's strong musicianship and songwriting. Though a top ten showing in the UK was nothing to sneeze at, this contemporary-sounding LP fell short of resonating with modern audiences as envisioned, and a reassessment of the trajectory of Paul's career was in order. Yoko Ono, meanwhile, was busy at the bottom of the barrel with her late husband's unreleased catalog - releasing the LP Menlove Avenue by John Lennon in October (and sporting snazzy Andy Warhol cover art!) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oklahoma was never like this...it's summer of 1986 and a new Paul McCartney album is on sale worldwide! Press to Play - Paul's 5th solo studio album in nearly as many years - represented a man on a mission to capture the sounds of the day, forge a new songwriting partnership, and undo the negative attention his Give My Regards to Broadstreet project attracted from all the bitter critics seeking to take a former fab down a peg. Begun mere days in the aftermath of Broadstreet, this project was also one of Macca's longest-gestating studio efforts - and while the music itself exudes trademark McCartney optimism, a darkness also lay on the brim with songs that seemed - at least at the time - bitter and resentful of his critics. But the sunny "Press", released as a single in mid-July, jauntily trotted to decent position in the charts - and while the record would fall short of Paul's "comeback" aspirations, it did point the way to projects, and collaborations, to come... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Spring turns to summer in 1986, a flurry of activity points to an early clue to the new direction for the key players in Beatle World. Julian Lennon, fresh off the release of his sophomore LP The Secret Value of Daydreaming, embarked on his second North American tour in June. Ringo Starr's children's entertainment resume grew once more in May, with freshly re-recorded voice acting on the animated Harry Nilsson film The Point. George Harrison returned to EMI/Abbey Road studios after a 15 year absence in May to continue work on the Shanghai Surprise soundtrack. And finally, Paul McCartney returned to the stage once more in June for the Princes Trust star-studded concert - playing some classic Beatles songs for the first time in public in decades. For Paul, Ringo and George, this activity would inspire more moves and music as they enter the back half of the decade.... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

George Harrison's return to the limelight was underway in the Spring of 1986, with yet another public appearance fresh off the heels of his Shanghai Surprise press tour. This time the former Beatle took to the stage for the charity concert Heartbeat '86 - and, playing alongside rock contemporaries including former Wings founding member Denny Laine, it's easy to see a relaxed Harrison having fun playing in public once more. Also in the Spring, Julian Lennon released his sophomore album The secret Value of Daydreaming - the newly-minted pop idol's follow-up to the successful 1984 outing Valotte. A host of guest stars and some truly stellar production graced Lennon's latest, which he himself admitted was more slap-dash in terms of writing than his 1984 debut. A Harrison on the rise and a Lennon at his peak in March of 1986... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's 1986 and the latter half of the 80s is off with a bang...but not a hitch. The set of George Harrison's latest Hand Made Film's project, Shanghai Surprise, found itself rife with unwanted press attention after a skirmish between star Sean Penn (beside girlfriend and co-star Madonna) and the paparazzi - eager for a story. George himself flew down to the filming location to quell tensions and ensure the remainder of the shoot went smoothly. Despite the drama behind the camera, Harrison was growing more accustomed to the idea of making music, developing several cuts for the movie's original soundtrack. Meanwhile Paul McCartney accepts the American Music Award of Merit, Ringo Starr drums on the protest song Sun City, and Yoko Ono begins her landmark Star Peace tour... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The YESTERDAY & TODAY and TAKE IT AWAY podcasts are crossing over! In this special double-feature, double-interview episode, hosts Wayne Kaminski, Chris Mercer and Paul Kaminski join forces to discuss Paul McCartney historiography with special guest authors who have fresh releases on shelves now. Luca Perasi is certainly no stranger to the TAKE IT AWAY podcast -- Luca was interviewed by Chris and Ryan in 2019 to discuss his book PAUL McCARTNEY: RECORDING SESSIONS (1969-2013), which provided much of the framework for the original run of TAKE IT AWAY shows. Luca has returned to promote a brand-new book, PAUL McCARTNEY: MUSIC IS IDEAS, the first volume in a multi-part series which explores the stories behind Macca's massive catalog of solo songs from 1970-1989. Next up, returning YESTERDAY & TODAY guest Paul Salley -- author of LITTLE WING: THE JIMMY McCULLOCH STORY -- is back for the first time in 3 years to discuss the release of his definitive biography of Wings' exceptional young-gun lead guitarist. All this, plus a special announcement about the future of the TAKE IT AWAY podcast in this all-new crossover episode. We hope you will enjoy the show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the end of 1985, and in many ways the end cap on a year of realignment for the former Beatles. While the successes of the Spies Like Us single and his lauded Live Aid performance kept Paul McCartney a part of the cultural conversation, Macca's critical and commercial wounds from 1984's Broadstreet fiasco remained. Ringo Starr and George Harrison's continued musical silence left only Julian Lennon - still riding high on the success of 1984's Valotte - standing to carry the torch of Beatles-related relevance as the back half of the decade approached. Yoko Ono's Starpeace LP too faltered commercially, despite the continued goodwill John's widow enjoyed since that fateful day in 1980. Of course, the latter half of the 80s would see a number of tables turn, and further developments within the legacy of the Beatles... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.