Interview for Saturday Club

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On this day, May 2, 1966, the Beatles gave two sets of interviews for BBC radio programs.

The first was for the 400th edition of Saturday Club, hosted by Brian Matthew. The Beatles discussed their work on the then-untitled album “Revolver”, their upcoming US tour, and their lower public profile in 1966. This interview was broadcast from 10 am to midday on June 4, on the BBC Light Programme service.

Afterwards, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr remained behind to be interviewed again by Matthew for Pop Profile, a show for the BBC Transcription Services to be syndicated overseas

Brian Matthew “You don’t perform on radio, television or anything.”

Paul: “Of course we do.”

George: “We spend more time on recording now, because we prefer recording.”

Brian Matthew (on their new album) “When is it gonna be finished?”

George: “It should be finished in about two or three weeks time, really, that is because, if it’s not, then we won’t be able to get another holiday. Anyway, we’ll never be able to get another holiday in before we go away again.”

Paul: “If we don’t get it done soon, we’ll lose our jobs!”

Brian: “Can you disclose any secrets about this LP? Have you introduced any unusual musical instruments this time?”

John: “No!”

Brian “You can’t use a sitar again because everybody’s using it.”

John: “Yes we can.”

Ringo: “Well, it’s like saying you can’t use a guitar because everyone’s using it.”

George: “Yeah, I play sitar on another track, but I don’t care if everyone’s using ‘em, you know, I just play it because I like it.”

Brian: “What do you know about your (upcoming) American tour?”

George: “We’re going to fourteen different places.”

Paul: “We’ve got an hour’s holiday in the middle of it.”

Brian: “Are you doing Shea Stadium in the middle of it?”

John: (humorously) “Yeah, because some of the audience couldn’t get out from last time. They’re still in there!”

Big plans for ‘Saturday Club’; Dee Manns, Faces; Beatles interview set

MANFRED MANN, the Bachelors, Small Faces and Unit Four Plus Two are among latest bookings for the Light Programme’s “Saturday Club.” The Dave Dee group is set for two appearances within three weeks. The Beatles will be interviewed during the special 400th edition. The series is to visit Great Yarmouth and Blackpool during the summer.

A star-studded edition of the “Cub” on May 7 will feature the Bachelors, Small Faces, Mindbenders, Paul and Barry Ryan, and the Rockin’ Berries. Booked for the following week (14th) are Unit Four Plus Two, Marty Wilde and the Art Woods.

In the May 21 edition which is broadcast from Southampton, Dave Dec, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich will appear live before a Saturday morning audience. Also set for this date are Manfred Mann, David and Jonathan, the Acker Bilk Band. Nita Rossi and the Dowlands.

Dave Dee and Co. have also been added to the April 30 line-up, for which other new bookings include Dee Dee Warwick and David Ballantyne.

The 400th edition of the series will be aired on June 4. The Beatles will be beard in conversation with Brian Matthew during the show. Producers Jimmy Grant and Brian Willey are also hoping to book some of the artists who appeared in the very first “Saturday Club”; first to be set is Humphrey Lyttelton.

At the end of June, the “Club” moves for one week to Great Yarmouth, to feature some of the artists in summer season there. An August edition of the show will be broadcast from Blackpool.

From New Musical Express – April 22, 1966

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