The Beatles - The Complete Hey Bulldog Recording / Filming Sessions (February 11, 1968)

The recording session for "Hey Bulldog" on Sunday, February 11, 1968, at Studio Three, EMI Studios, Abbey Road, stands as a testament to The Beatles' creative spontaneity and innovative spirit. Led by producer George Martin and engineer Geoff Emerick, the band embarked on a journey to capture the essence of John Lennon's latest composition amidst the hustle and bustle of filming a promotional clip for "Lady Madonna."

The day began at 4 pm in Abbey Road's Studio Three, where The Beatles, accompanied by NEMS employee Tony Bramwell filming the session, decided to seize the opportunity to record "Hey Bulldog." Lennon took to the piano, McCartney shook a tambourine, Harrison strummed rhythm guitar, and Starr kept the beat on drums as they laid down the foundation of the track in 10 takes.

McCartney later overdubbed a bass guitar part onto take 10, enhancing the song's rhythmic drive, while Harrison added the main riff on a distorted guitar and Starr contributed additional off-beat snare drum accents. Lennon and McCartney then shared a single microphone to deliver the vocals, infusing the recording with their signature harmonies and playful banter.

The session was marked by a collaborative spirit and creative experimentation, with the band exploring various sonic textures and effects to enhance the song's impact. Emerick applied artificial double tracking (ADT) to certain sections of the track, adding depth and dimension to the sound.

After Bramwell concluded filming, final overdubs were added, including a lead guitar solo performed on Harrison's Gibson SG Standard, though the identity of the player remains uncertain. Two mono mixes of "Hey Bulldog" were then created, with the second mix being provided to King Features for an animated sequence in the Yellow Submarine film.

The recording session for "Hey Bulldog" encapsulates The Beatles' boundless creativity and collaborative synergy, resulting in a timeless and dynamic rock track that continues to captivate listeners to this day.

 

Earliest Footage of the Beatles: Live At St. Paul’s Church, Birkenhead - Color Home Movie (February 10, 1962)

Headlining the "beat session," alongside support act The Zeroes, The Beatles embarked on what would be a transformative journey, both for themselves and for the world of music.

Four shillings secured entry to this event, which took place from 7:30 to 11:00 pm. Little did the attendees know that they were witnessing the early steps of a band destined for global acclaim.

Fortunately, fragments of this momentous occasion were captured on cine camera, preserving a glimpse into the past for future generations to marvel at. The footage, acquired by Roag Best, brother of original Beatles drummer Pete Best, resurfaced in Peter Jackson’s music video accompanying The Beatles' 2023 single, ‘Now And Then’.

 

Pattie Boyd Pictures

George Harrison Records Wonderwall (January 10, 1968)

The recording session for George Harrison's soundtrack album "Wonderwall Music" on Wednesday, January 10, 1968, at EMI Recording Studio in Bombay, India, was a momentous occasion that captured the essence of Harrison's creative journey in the heart of India.

Having arrived in Bombay on January 7, 1968, Harrison was immersed in the vibrant atmosphere of the city as he embarked on recording the soundtrack for the film "Wonderwall." This particular session marked the second day of recording, following the commencement of sessions on January 9.

The studio was alive with energy as Harrison and a talented ensemble of Indian musicians came together to bring his vision to life. Among them were Ashish Khan on sarod, Ahapurush Misra on tabla and pakavaj, Sharad Jadev and Hanuman Jadev on shanhais, Shambu-Das, Indril Bhattacharya, and Shankar Ghosh on sitar, Chandra Shakher on sur-bahar, Shiv Kumar Sharma on santorr, SR Kenkare and Hari Prasad Chaurasia on flute, Vinayak Vohra on taar shehnai, and Rijram Desad on dholak, harmonium, and tabla-tarang.

The studio buzzed with activity as Harrison took on the dual role of producer and creative visionary, guiding the musicians through the intricacies of each composition. Camera crews from Reuters and BBC News were invited to capture the magic of the session, providing a rare glimpse into the creative process behind the album. Though the footage was silent, it offered a visual testament to the collaborative spirit and cultural fusion that defined the recording sessions.

The EMI Recording Studios, located at the Universal Insurance Building in Bombay, provided the perfect backdrop for this musical exploration. As the musicians worked tirelessly to bring Harrison's compositions to life, the studio reverberated with the sounds of traditional Indian instruments blending seamlessly with Harrison's distinctive musical style.

The recording session for "Wonderwall Music" in Bombay stands as a testament to Harrison's adventurous spirit and his deep appreciation for Indian music and culture. It was a pivotal moment in his artistic journey, paving the way for future explorations and collaborations that would leave an indelible mark on the world of music.

 

John Lennon: Declassified (2007)

John Lennon's activism and outspokenness against the Vietnam War and other political issues during the 1960s and 1970s drew the attention of the FBI, particularly under the leadership of J. Edgar Hoover. Lennon's anti-war activities, involvement with left-wing groups, and popularity made him a target for surveillance by the Nixon administration.

The FBI's surveillance of Lennon primarily focused on monitoring his activities, associations, and travels. This included wiretaps, physical surveillance, and compiling extensive files on him and his acquaintances. The FBI was particularly concerned about Lennon's potential influence on public opinion, especially among young people.

The surveillance of Lennon became public knowledge through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and legal actions. In 1972, journalist Jon Wiener filed a FOIA request for Lennon's FBI files, which initiated a legal battle to obtain the documents. After years of litigation, Wiener finally succeeded in obtaining a significant portion of the FBI's Lennon files, revealing the extent of the government's surveillance of the former Beatle.

The FBI's surveillance of John Lennon underscores the agency's historical tendency to monitor and sometimes target individuals perceived as threats to the political status quo, regardless of their fame or influence.

 

Pattie Boyd Pictures

24 Hours: The World of John and Yoko (December 1969)

24 Hours: The World Of John And Yoko offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of John Lennon and Yoko Ono during a five-day period, captured by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). Filmed at their estate, Tittenhurst Park in Ascot, Berkshire, the documentary provides extensive access to the couple's daily activities and thoughts.

The filming coincided with Lennon and Ono's participation in another documentary titled Man Of The Decade for rival broadcaster ATV. Remarkably, the BBC crew also captured behind-the-scenes moments of this concurrent project, showcasing a unique perspective on the filming process.

Desmond Morris, who selected Lennon for the ATV documentary, is seen walking with the couple around the estate, engaging in conversation and posing thought-provoking questions. Candid moments unfold as Lennon and Ono share their views on politics in the comfort of their mansion's kitchen.

The documentary unfolds over the course of five days, culminating in a 35-minute portrayal of Lennon and Ono's world. First aired on BBC 1 on December 15, 1969, 24 Hours offers viewers an immersive experience into the lives of two iconic figures of the era. Selected excerpts from the documentary later found their way into the 1988 production Imagine: John Lennon, further cementing its significance in documenting Lennon and Ono's legacy.