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Deconstructing The Beatles

Wednesday, June 12 at 8pm on MPT - A Stroll Down Penny Lane

After their decision to quit touring in 1966, The Beatles took a hiatus. John Lennon penned "Strawberry Fields Forever"; Paul McCartney aimed to write a song that could stand alongside it. The result was "Penny Lane." Originally intended for a Liverpool-themed album, "Penny Lane" captures the daily essence of Liverpool. Based on a Liverpool roundabout named Smithdown Place that was a transit point for young John Lennon, George Harrison, and Paul McCartney, Scott explores how "Penny Lane" was inspired by characters and places of the area that actually existed. In addition, he explores McCartney's musical brilliance, highlighting unexpected chord changes and intricate arrangements, including the incorporation of an iconic piccolo trumpet solo.

  • Episode 5 - Deconstructing A Day in the Life - airing on June 12, at 8:34pm
  • Episode 6 - The Beatles Go East - airing on June 12, at 9:13pm

 

Preview: Deconstructing The Beatles: Deconstructing A Day in the Life

About the program

While the craze known as "Beatlemania" had taken over the UK, in the fall of 1963, the Beatles were practically unknown in America. Through the efforts of band manager Brian Epstein, TV host Ed Sullivan, and a teenage fan from Silver Spring, MD, all of that would change by February 1964. By the time The Beatles arrived at JFK Airport on February 7, 1964, "Beatlemania" was a full-blown phenomenon in America. Their first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show garnered 73 million viewers, making it one of the most watched shows in television history.