Rock N Roll Fieldtrip

Inside the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum's New Paul McCartney & Wings Exhibit with Head of the Exhibit, Andy LeachHost Alice welcomes listeners to the Rock and Roll Field Trip Podcast and interviews Andy Leach, Senior Director of Museum and Archival Collections at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, about the new Paul McCartney and Wings exhibit in Cleveland. Leach describes founding the museum’s library and archives, the extensive collaboration with Paul’s MPL team, and how a casual May 2023 meeting at 1 Soho Square evolved into the first major museum exhibition on Wings and the largest public display of McCartney’s personal artifacts. He explains selecting items such as instruments, clothing, handwritten lyrics, tour memorabilia, and imagery, and recounts coordinating with former Wings members for additional artifacts. Leach highlights the exhibit’s “Heart of the Country” kitchen scene and Linda McCartney’s camera, emphasizing Linda’s underappreciated role in Wings’ sound, aesthetics, and photography, and discusses professional archival handling and the exhibit’s planned run through at least May 2027.00:00 Podcast Welcome01:31 Meet Andy Leach01:59 Opening Night Highlights04:59 How the Exhibit Began08:35 Selecting Artifacts13:17 Linda and Heart of Country18:42 Archivist vs Fan Mode23:38 Will Paul Visit26:41 Wrap Up Email us at: [email protected] in this episode:Paul McCartney and Wings Exhibithttps://rockhall.com/exhibitions/paul-mccartney-and-wings/Andy Leach 's Substack Article on the Exhibithttps://rockandrollhalloffame.substack.com/p/growing-wings-the-making-of-a-paulThanks for listening! Please follow the podcast, leave us a (preferably five star) review, and tell a friend about us!

U2 Turns 50: Fans Gather in Memphis for a 2026 Anniversary MeetupHost Alice welcomes Scott Calhoun and Verlinda Henning to the Rock and Roll Field Trip podcast to discuss U2’s 50th anniversary and a fan-organized meetup in Memphis, May 15–17, 2026. They reflect on the band’s longevity, the excitement around two surprise EPs (Days of Ash and Easter Lilly) and Propaganda issues, and why fans are eager to reconnect in person.Verlinda, a Memphis native, and Scott explain Memphis’s deep musical and civil-rights significance, including U2’s Rattle and Hum-era ties to Sun Studio, Graceland, and the National Civil Rights Museum at the former Lorraine Motel where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. They preview community-centered meetup plans—group discussions, sightseeing, a fan showcase, and a service project—and describe how U2 fandom provides friendship, civic engagement, and personal meaning.00:00 Fans Who Found Family00:29 Welcome to Memphis Meetup02:34 New Music for Year 4:57 Why Memphis Matters08:44 Choosing the Host City10:19 Accents and Local Flavor11:38 Weekend Schedule Highlights15:35 What Fandom Means19:15 How Far to Follow U221:40 Join In Anywhere23:21 Podcast FarewellEmail us at: [email protected] in this episode:Meet Up Details: https://u2conference.com/memphis26/

Host Alice welcomes listeners to part two of her conversation with Beatles scholar Dr. Allison Bumsted, wrapping up discussion of the Paul McCartney documentary Man on the Run with themes around Liverpool, fame, and the impossibility of living privately there despite local sentiment that “the Beatles left us.” They discuss Liverpool’s post-war and de-industrial history, EU-funded rebuilding, Capital of Culture, and the growth of Beatles tourism and landmarks, plus the film’s use of archival material, family voices, and emotional moments including Stella describing Paul learning of John’s death. They share personal stories of meeting music figures and traveling, note Paul’s extensive archives, and talk about the Rock Hall’s upcoming Wings exhibit. Both rate the documentary, discuss “spirit Beatle” ideas, and share hopes for more fan perspectives, women’s stories, and future podcast interviews, including dreams of interviewing Giles Martin and Mary McCartney.Contact host Alice at [email protected] the podcast on Instagram at: Rock ‘N’ Roll Fieldtrip (@rocknrollfieldtrip) • Instagram photos and videosThank you for listening! Please consider following the podcast here on Spotify or on Apple podcasts. It's free.

Host Alice welcomes Dr. Allison Bumsted to discuss the new Paul McCartney documentary “Man on the Run". They outline themes from the film including Paul’s “growing up,” reactions to his post-Beatles work, portrayals of John Lennon and John’s death, and Paul’s risk-taking versus sentimental image. Dr. Bumsted discusses 1970s rock-press criticism , masculinity-coded attacks on McCartney, and sexist treatment of Linda, while also discussing Wings’ band dynamics, pay controversy and Paul’s desire to recreate a “band” experience. Part two to follow.00:00 Podcast Welcome00:45 Meet Dr Bumsted01:54 First Reactions06:27 Fandom and Critique07:26 Book vs Film11:39 Paul and Toughness16:29 Rolling Stone Reviews21:47 Not Cool Enough27:10 Wings Pay and Ego/ Band Dynamics and Control32:46 Linda Under Scrutiny34:28 Sexist Reviews and Criticism41:19 Linda's Vegetarianism and Influence45:41 Wrap Up and Sign OffEmail us at: [email protected] This Episode: https://www.allisonbumsted.com/https://www.paulmccartney.com/news/watch-the-trailer-for-man-on-the-run-out-february-2026

Exploring Liverpool with Beatles Tour Guide Jackie SpencerIn this episode of the Rock 'N' Roll Field Trip Podcast, host Alice sits down with Jackie Spencer, a seasoned Beatles tour guide from Liverpool. Jackie shares her connections to The Beatles, including attending the same school as Paul McCartney's mother. They discuss Liverpool’s unique cultural history, the city's ties to Ireland, and why The Beatles have remained iconic for so many years. also provides tips for Beatles fans on must-see spots in Liverpool and what makes the city a compelling travel destination. Alongside anecdotes about personal encounters with Sir Paul McCartney and the evolution of her tour guide business, Jackie offers insights into the broad appeal of The Beatles across generations.00:00 Introduction to the Rock and Roll Field Trip Podcast00:49 Meet Jackie Spencer: Liverpool's Beatles Tour :04 Jackie's Personal Beatles Connection05:10 The Influence of Irish Heritage on Liverpool and The Beatles10:38 Exploring Liverpool: A Beatles Fan's Guide13:04 Jackie's Encounters with Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr15:08 The Enduring Legacy of The Beatles20:41 Jackie's Journey to Becoming a Beatles Tour Guide26:44 Planning Your Visit to Liverpool30:51 Conclusion and Contact InformationMentioned in this Episode:https://www.jackiespencerbeatleguide.com/https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/travel-classes/monday-night-travel/liverpoolReach the podcast at: [email protected] check us out on Instagram at: InstagramThank you for listening! Please leave us a 5 star review on Apple or Spotify podcasts. We truly appreciate it.