Too Much Monkey Business: Beatles song.

Too Much Monkey Business: Introduction

“Too Much Monkey Business” was a chart success for Chuck Berry, who also wrote the song. However, The Beatles recorded a version for their “Pop Go The Beatles” show in 1963. Because of this, we can hear it on their 1994 “Live At The BBC” album.

  • Release Date: November 30, 1994 (UK), December 5, 1994 (US)
  • Recorded: September 3, 1963
  • BBC Radio Show: Pop Go the Beatles (September 10, 1963)
  • Genre: Rock and roll, rhythm and blues
  • Track Duration: 2:06
  • Songwriter: Chuck Berry
  • Producer: Ian Grant

You can still buy this track on this album. Click on the album to find out what other songs it includes.

This was a Chuck Berry song, and he also took the record onto the American charts in 1956. The Beatles decided to perform it while gigging on odd occasions around 1960.

In their early days, The Beatles would be regulars on BBC Radio shows and record programmes for airing. The last time The Beatles recorded “Too Much Monkey Business” at the BBC was on September 3, 1963. The BBC broadcast this show (Pop Go The Beatles) on September 10, and it’s this version we hear on the “Live At The BBC” album.

There are three other BBC recordings, but these versions are not available commercially. However, there are a number of bootlegs available that feature those recordings.

As well as The Beatles covering this song, many other artists did too. For example, The Hollies on their “In The Hollies Style” album (1964). The Yardbirds also covered the song, and this is on their “Five Live Yardbirds” album (1964). Then we have a cover version by The Kinks on their self-titled album, also in 1964.

So, there we have it: some of the best 1960s bands made a cover version of this song!

Finally, let us listen to the song in question. Once you give it a spin, let us know your thoughts about it.

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