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Tim is joined by writer and returning guest Vikki Reilly, author of The Beatles 101, to explore Ringo Starr’s classic solo single It Don’t Come Easy. They look at how the song captures Ringo’s resilience, peace-and-love ethos and feelings around the Beatles’ breakup, dig into George Harrison’s vital role in its creation, and trace how it helped define Ringo’s 1970s sound and ongoing legacy.

Guest links

• Vikki on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/bookyvikki.bsky.social
• Vikki on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reillyvikki/
• The Beatles 101 by Vikki Reilly: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-beatles-101-a-pocket-guide-in-101-moments-songs-people-and-places-vikki-reilly/1786264?ean=9781913538149&next=t
• Ringo: A Fab Life by Tom Doyle: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/ringo-a-fab-life-tom-doyle/7914393?ean=9781917923132&next=t
• George Harrison: Behind That Locked Door by Graeme Thomson: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/george-harrison-behind-the-locked-door-graeme-thomson/abb3023b0084bbdb?ean=9781915841872&next=t

Follow My Favourite Beatles Song

• Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/myfavebeatles.bsky.social
• X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/myfavebeatles
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyFavouriteBeatlesSong
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myfavouritebeatlessong

Original music by Joe Kane

Logo design by Mark Cunningham

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Tim is joined by actor, writer, and comedian Laurence Rickard (Ghosts, Horrible Histories) to explore “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” (and its Reprise). They dig into the album’s “new band” concept, that razor-edged guitar tone, Edwardian brass colour, the art and conspiracies of the cover, and how the reprise frames the album like a live show.

Guest links
•Website: https://laurencerickard.com
•Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lazbotron
•Amandaland Christmas Special (BBC announcement): https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/2025/amandaland-christmas-special-series-2-filming-begins

Follow My Favourite Beatles Song
- Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/myfavebeatles.bsky.social
- X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/myfavebeatles
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyFavouriteBeatlesSong
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myfavouritebeatlessong

Original music by Joe Kane
Logo design by Mark Cunningham

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Tim is joined by musician and original Quarryman Rod Davis to explore “One After 909.” They revisit Rod’s early days with John Lennon, the birth of the Quarrymen, and the song’s long journey from skiffle-era beginnings to its roof-top revival.

Along the way they dig into train-song traditions, why the tune’s simple, bluesy structure works so well live, Billy Preston’s sparkling keyboard part, and Lennon’s fondness for the number nine. Rod also shares vivid memories of Julia Lennon, early recordings (and lost tapes), capos and chord choices, and what the Quarrymen are up to today.

Guest links

• The Quarrymen website: http://www.originalquarrymen.co.uk/

Follow My Favourite Beatles Song

• Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/myfavebeatles.bsky.social
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyFavouriteBeatlesSong
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myfavouritebeatlessong
• X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/myfavebeatles

Original music by Joe Kane.

Logo design by Mark Cunningham.

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Tim is joined by musician and YouTuber Nancy Howie (aka Fathom) to explore “And Your Bird Can Sing.” They dive into Revolver-era innovation, Paul’s shape-shifting basslines, those tightly harmonised dual guitars, lyrical interpretations (from Sinatra to Lennon–McCartney dynamics), and why this two-minute gem feels so complete.

Guest links

• Fathom on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fathommusicnz
• Fathom on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fathommusicnz/

Follow My Favourite Beatles Song

• Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/myfavebeatles.bsky.social
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyFavouriteBeatlesSong
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myfavouritebeatlessong
• X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/myfavebeatles

Credits

Original music by Joe Kane.

Logo design by Mark Cunningham.

Solstice version of And Your Bird Can Sing by Tim Tucker, Dave Little & Jenny.

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Tim is joined by songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Nick Frater for a deep dive into the wonderfully strange "You Know My Name (Look Up the Number)." They trace the song's bizarre journey from a playful 1967 jam session to its eventual release as the B-side to "Let It Be" in 1970. The discussion covers the track's suite-like structure of contrasting musical styles, the chaotic and fun-filled recording sessions featuring a guest appearance by Brian Jones of The Rolling Stones, and why Paul McCartney himself has called it his favourite Beatles track.

• Nick’s website: https://www.nickfrater.com/
• Nick on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickfratermusic/
• Nick on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7gAFzlaDvKcnPq27yqtMdJ
• Nick on Apple Music: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/nick-frater/id558502337

Follow My Favourite Beatles Song

• Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/myfavebeatles.bsky.social
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyFavouriteBeatlesSong
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myfavouritebeatlessong
• X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/myfavebeatles

Original music by Joe Kane

Logo design by Mark Cunningham

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Tim welcomes author Tom Cox for a joyful deep-dive into the rooftop rocker I’ve Got a Feeling. They trace Tom’s earliest Fab Four memories (Paperback Writer on the rug, Yellow Submarine with his Liverpudlian nan), his love of that mid-’60s psychedelic sweet spot, and why McCartney’s work ethic and versatility shine here.

Together they unpack Lennon–McCartney’s last true collaboration: two half-songs woven into one, Billy Preston’s spark, George’s tasteful lines, Paul’s volcanic “scream” vocal, Dylan-ish wordplay, and those chromatic, energy-lifting runs.

Along the way they take in the Get Back tensions, the “loose” Let It Be groove, notable covers, and Tom’s new novel Everything Will Swallow You (with a delicious cameo from the Beatles).

Tom Cox – links

• Website: https://tom-cox.com/
• Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/dj-acid-reflux.bsky.social
• Wallflower by RJ McKendree (from Tom’s novel Villager): https://rjmckendree.bandcamp.com/album/wallflower

Follow My Favourite Beatles Song

• Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/myfavebeatles.bsky.social
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyFavouriteBeatlesSong
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myfavouritebeatlessong
• X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/myfavebeatles

Original music by Joe Kane

Logo design by Mark Cunningham

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Tim welcomes documentary filmmaker Alan G Parker for a deep dive into John Lennon’s ethereal 1974 solo classic #9 Dream. They discuss the song’s dream-like production, Lennon’s lifelong fascination with the number nine, and the curious whispers that still intrigue fans. Alan also shares stories from his forthcoming feature documentary Borrowed Time, revealing new insights into Lennon’s unrealised 1981–82 tour plans.

Guest links

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alang.parker.7
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agp1965director/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-g-parker-764b9397/
• Borrowed Time: Lennon's Last Decade: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27687871/

Follow My Favourite Beatles Song

• Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/myfavebeatles.bsky.social
• X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/myfavebeatles
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyFavouriteBeatlesSong
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myfavouritebeatlessong

Original music by Joe Kane

Logo design by Mark Cunningham

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Tim chats with film director and writer Grant McPhee about the Beatles song Yellow Submarine. They talk about the song’s fun sound, its strange mix of ideas, and the way it has grown into a song for all ages.

Find out more about Grant McPhee and his work

• Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/grantmcphee.bsky.social
• X (Twitter): https://x.com/grantmcpheefilm
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grantmcphee

Follow My Favourite Beatles Song

• Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/myfavebeatles.bsky.social
• X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/myfavebeatles
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyFavouriteBeatlesSong
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myfavouritebeatlessong

Original music by Joe Kane

Logo design by Mark Cunningham