Pop Go the Beatles: Introduction
From June 1963 to September 1963, the BBC hosted a weekly radio show called Pop Go the Beatles. The host would converse with The Beatles but they sometimes invited guest artists. However, The Fab Four would also sing about six of their songs. Hence, the release of two albums “Live at the BBC, Volume 1 & 2.”
Overview
- Title: Pop Go The Beatles
- Network: BBC Light Programme
- Air Dates: June 4, 1963 – September 24, 1963
- Episodes: 15 episodes in total
The show presenters could spend up to £100 for each half-hour programme. Lee Peters hosted the first four shows, while Rodney Burke hosted the next 11. So, that meant there were 15 shows costing up to £1500 in total. It was well worth the money when you think about what we got from it!
Although £100 doesn’t seem much now, you need to take in inflation. So, at the time of writing this article, £100 is equivalent to around £1750 in 2020.
Format
- Host: The show was hosted by different DJs, including Lee Peters and Rodney Burke.
- Content: Each episode typically featured The Beatles performing live in the BBC studio. The performances included a mix of their hit songs, covers of popular tracks, and, of course, some witty banter with the host.
- Guests: Occasionally, other artists became guests on the show, and The Beatles sometimes performed alongside them.
All in all, The Beatles performed 92 times on Pop Go The Beatles and there were numerous guests. Those guests included the following famous artists:
- The Bachelors: Week 4
- The Searchers: Week 7
- The Swinging Blue Jeans: Week 8
- The Hollies: Week 9
- Brian Poole and the Tremeloes: Week 12
- Johnny Kidd & the Pirates: Week 13
Significance of Pop Go the Beatles
- Promotion: The show played a crucial role in promoting The Beatles to a wider audience across the UK. It helped solidify their popularity during the early years of Beatlemania.
- Live Performances: The live nature of the show showcased the band’s musical talents and their ability to perform live, an essential aspect of their early appeal.
- Recording: Many of the performances from “Pop Go The Beatles” were recorded and have since been released on various compilation albums, providing a valuable archive of the band’s early sound.
List of Fab Four Songs Sang on Pop Go The Beatles:
On July 2, The Beatles also recorded “Three Cool Cats,” “Sweet Little Sixteen,” and “Ask Me Why.” Meanwhile, for the August 1 session, they recorded “Lucille” and “Baby It’s You.” However, the BBC did not broadcast there tracks at the time. But some of them were recorded again, unless they recycled there previous recordings.
You can see that towards the end of the series, numerous songs are repeats from previous shows, but each one is “live.” In other words, they rerecorded them again for each show.
They were able to do this because they only needed basic instruments. This is unlike their more complicated songs after the heady days of Beatlemania. That is one of the reasons they became a studio band in 1966.
Theme Tune
Of course, the show had to have a theme tune. So, take a listen to the Pop Go The Beatles theme tune. Then imagine going back to the 1960s and the excitement that would bring when you heard it.
Legacy
- Cultural Impact: “Pop Go The Beatles” contributed to the cultural phenomenon that The Beatles became in the 1960s. It also demonstrated their versatility and helped build their reputation as exceptional live performers.
- Archive Releases: Obviously, fans cherish the recordings from the show. Not only that, but they are included in several official and unofficial releases, providing insight into The Beatles’ early career.
In Conclusion
The Fab Four’s appearances on Pop Go The Beatles helped boost their popularity, of course. Indeed, they were good at public relations.
This was at a time before Radio 1, and it was otherwise difficult to hear emerging pop music on the BBC. Therefore, Pop Go The Beatles on the BBC Light Programme was very popular.
We remember “Pop Go The Beatles” as a pivotal radio show that not only entertained listeners but also played a significant role in The Beatles’ rise to fame.
The performances from the show remain a treasured part of The Beatles’ early discography, offering a glimpse into the raw energy and talent that characterized the band during the early years of Beatlemania.
Finally, with up to 2.8 million listeners (5.3% of the British population), the show was an enormous success. So, are you old enough to remember listening to Pop Go The Beatles? If so, leave a comment below.
