Gimme Some Truth

As a prelude to the season finale, we turn our attention to Evening Standard journalist Maureen Cleave, exploring her background, career and close association with The Beatles.

A highly-requested topic: who played which instruments during the recording of George Harrison's 'Old Brown Shoe'? This week I am joined by four fab guests to wade through contradictory accounts of the recording sessions and find some truth. My guests this week are (in order of appearance): Michael Sokil of The Beatles Reconstructed and Gear, There and Everywhere, Ryan Hendry, Tom Hartman of The Aerovons and author Kenneth Womack.

I am joined once again by journalist and author Bob Kealing to present the second half of a detailed, day-by-day account of The Beatles' February 1964 visit to Miami. In Part 2, we discuss the remaining five days of the visit: press obligations, leisure and songwriting. More on Bob's book Good Day Sunshine State here.

This week and next I am joined by journalist and author Bob Kealing to present a detailed, day-by-day account of The Beatles' February 1964 visit to Miami. In Part 1, we discuss each moment from their 13 February arrival to the afterparty for their 16 February second Ed Sullivan Show appearance, and all the interesting people they met during the first four days of the visit. More on Bob's book Good Day Sunshine State here.

Legendary session drummer Bernard Purdie has long claimed that he played on some of the early Beatles recordings. This week, I investigate the evidence behind those claims and ask: is there any truth to Purdie’s story? I am also joined for part of the episode by German author Axel Korinth, as we delve into the recordings The Beatles made in 1961-62 with and for Tony Sheridan and Bert Kaempfert.

What if one of the most widely quoted reviews of Sgt Pepper is not authentic? This week I trace the dubious origins of a famous quote about the album attributed to critic Kenneth Tynan.

The true story of how Capitol Records finally agreed to sign The Beatles and release 'I Want To Hold Your Hand' has been obscured...until now! I am joined by author and popular historian Andrew Cook to discuss a key revelation from his latest book Capitol Gains. You can find out more about Andrew and his books on his website.

Stay tuned for Season 6 of Gimme Some Truth! Eight new episodes starting next Wednesday.

In this out-of-season bonus episode I am joined by Michael Sokil (The Beatles Reconstructed) and Raymond Schillinger (You Can't Unhear This) to revisit the 'Dear Prudence' debate and highlight new evidence. Video version available here.

What is polythene? Who was Pam? In this season's bonus episode, we explore the complete backstory behind Abbey Road's 'Polythene Pam'.