Check out our Monkees "mini-episode" and Monkees page!
Including Mitch & Tony's 2011 interview with Micky Dolenz

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175-Solo Beatles Greatest Hits LPs of the 70s

In the 1970s each of the four ex-Beatles scored his share of Top 40 singles, and they had all hit the number one slot by the end of 1975. By the end of the decade, all of the members had left their long-time ‘home’, Capitol Records. But before they went – Paul to Columbia, George to his own Dark Horse, Ringo to Ahmet and Arif on Atlantic, and John into retirement – each one saw a solo ‘greatest hits’ collection released on Capitol. Each Beatle had a different amount of control over, and a different level of interest in, their compilations. In this episode, the guys take a look back to the 70s at this first batch of solo Beatles greatest hits collections.

174-Talking 'Sgt. Pepper' with Bruce Spizer

Beatles fans all over the world have enjoyed the incredible, detailed work of Bruce Spizer, a lifelong fan who has published nine books about the Fab Four. And many of us have had the pleasure of chatting with this passionate Beatles historian during his appearances at The Fest for Beatles Fans. Bruce's most recent self-published book, 'The Beatles and Sgt. Pepper: A Fans’ Perspective' was released to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the iconic album. In this spirited episode, the cast of Fab 4 Free 4 All talk with Bruce Spizer about this unique publication; a book that highlights 'us', the Beatles' many fans worldwide, as much as it does the music and the album itself.​​

173-'Flowers in the Dirt' Archive:Analysis and Review pt. 2

The Fab 4 Free 4 All's continue their review and analysis of Paul McCartney's 'Flowers in the Dirt' Archive Edition. In this segment (Show/Part 2) the guys take a close look at the vast assortment of previously unreleased  acoustic demos, previously unheard band recordings, and B-sides of the era that make up CDs 2 and 3 of the box set and the exclusive digital downloads. They also talk about the enclosed DVD that contains some exciting 'home movies', along with promos and 'Making Of' films. Is this an example of how Paul will be ... or should be ... doing things in the future? Could this be the last of the 'tangible' box sets? Is this an anomaly? Only Paul knows for sure ... but the guys can speculate!

172-Talking With Bun E. Carlos

Bun E. Carlos is in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a founding member of a band that has had eight Top 40 Billboard singles. He played drums behind John Lennon and Yoko Ono during the ‘Double Fantasy’ sessions. And Bun E. is a ‘first generation’ Beatles fan who has worked with both Geoff Emerick and George Martin. Eight years ago, Cheap Trick celebrated the 42nd anniversary of ‘Sgt. Pepper’ by recording (and releasing) a live performance of the entire album with a full orchestra. As you might expect, and as anyone who is familiar with his work knows, Ringo Starr is one of his role models as a player. Fab 4 Free 4 All talk with Bun E. Carlos about all of these topics and more in a fun and informative episode.

171-'Flowers in the Dirt' Archive:Analysis and Review pt. 1

The 1989 album ‘Flowers in the Dirt’, the 10th entry in Paul McCartney’s series of catalog remasters that include deluxe ‘archive’ editions, was released in anticipation of Paul’s first tour in almost a decade. His previous album (from nearly three years before), ‘Press to Play’, had been something of a sales disappointment, and an album’s worth of material had been shelved since then. Perhaps a team-up with the incredible talents of Declan MacManus … aka Elvis Costello … would be just what the doctor ordered to get Paul back on top of his game?! Paul’s creative spirit led him to new collaborators, a slew of producers, and a songwriting binge that took listeners from the silly to the sublime. It also resulted in three top twenty UK singles, a bunch of interesting and sometimes exquisite B-sides, and an album that included a number of personal and introspective songs. In part one of their analysis and review of the ‘Flowers …’ deluxe edition, the guys review the original album release.

170-Giles Martin On The SPLHCB 50th

The Fab 4 Free 4 All were invited to a very special listening party where we were treated to an advance playback of the new 50th Anniversary remix of 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band'. It was truly an incredible event, and a splendid time was, indeed, had by all (shout out to Mitch's new pal, Elvis Costello!). At the closing of the event, the guys had the chance to speak with Giles Martin, the producer of this exciting anniversary package!

169-The 'Red' Interviews Part 2

Fab 4 Free 4 All listener Scott Jackson continues his series that collects  'Best of'  segments from the many interviews that we've recorded so far in the run of the show. We are having a great time with these compilations, and until we're back in the studio, we hope that you're all having fun with them. too. Thank you again, Scott. From what we're hearing, you're doing great work!

168-The 'Red' Interviews Part 1

We do ‘Fab 4 Free 4 All’ for so many reasons, but a few quickly come to mind. We enjoy one another’s company. We get off on talking about music that means so much to us, and to fans all over the world. We find it a challenge to try and ‘dig deep’ when we talk to the authors, musicians, and ‘inner circle’ members who have written about, played with, or spent time with the Beatles. And, of course, we love the relationships that we’ve established with all of you, our listeners. While we've been gathering our wits (and our health!) and prepare to record some new shows, one of our listeners, Scott Jackson, has done an incredible job of compiling ‘Part 1: The Red Interviews', a ‘Best of’ collection of segments from our many interviews throughout the run of the show. We had a blast listening to it, and we know you will, too. Thank you, Scott, from the bottom of our Beatle-geek hearts!

167-Are We 'Too Close'?

In this episode, a phrase comes up that summarizes one aspect of what we do: “Come for the facts, stay for the fun!” But Fab 4 Free 4 All has never been strictly about facts. We have, since the beginning, offered a WHOLE LOT of opinion. Between our ‘Analysis and Review’ episodes, and our ongoing comments about contemporary Beatles-related releases and current events, our opinions are a huge part of the show. And you, our listeners, seem to appreciate that. But the question is: Has the cast of Fab 4 Free 4 All gotten ‘too close’ to the topic of the Beatles to truly be objective? Comments from fans about our ‘Eight Days s Week’ show prompted the guys to take a look at themselves under a Beatle-tinted microscope. Join them for a peek. “It’s all in the mind y’know!”.

166-1972: A Year In Review pt. 2

165-1972: A Year In Review pt. 1

In this two-part episode, the Fab 4 Free 4 All take a close look at 1972; a year of transition for the four solo Beatles. John Lennon was coming out of the introspective period that had yielded the ‘Plastic Ono Band’ and ‘Imagine’ albums, and was now experiencing a heightened political awakening in New York. George Harrison was finally coming up for air after ‘All Things Must Pass’, and the ‘Concert for Bangladesh’ concert and album. Paul McCartney was creating some … well, let’s just say ‘confusing’ … music while trying to spread his newly-formed Wings. And Ringo was spending a lot of time behind the camera. It all adds up to an interesting year, and a fun and fact-filled conversation.

164-'Back to the Egg': Analysis and Review (pt. 2)

163-'Back to the Egg': Analysis and Review (pt. 1)

With the departure of Joe English and Jimmy McCulloch during sessions for the album ‘London Town’, Wings was once again down to a threesome. After enlisting guitarist Laurence Juber and session drummer Steve Holley, Paul and 'Wings Mach III' began work on what would become ‘Back to the Egg’. Macca reached out to his old friend Chris Thomas, now enjoying a hot-streak as a producer. Thomas had played on four songs on ‘The Beatles’, and worked extensively with both Pink Floyd and Badfinger. But he had also been at the helm for debut albums by both the Sex Pistols and the Pretenders. Some of the music that Paul submitted for their collaboration was somewhat edgy, but the diverse songs … while making for a fine collective listen … were not all ‘hip’ or ‘current sounding’. So, was the resulting album a success either musically or commercially? In this two-part episode of Fab 4 Free 4 All the guys review and analyze the final Wings album release, the eclectic ‘Back to the Egg’.

162-F4F4A Answers Your Calls Vol 3

​The guys are at it again! Having gotten SO tired of listening to each other, Mitch, Rob and Tony have decided that they would much rather listen to all of you! I’m kidding. They’re just very thankful that all of you are out there listening, and are getting involved by asking questions. So, once again, they’ve decided to answer them in another installment of the ongoing ‘Listener Calls’ series. We’re labeling this episode ‘Volume 3’, for reasons that may already be obvious. If they’re not, they will become obvious during the show. (And don’t worry, the guys still get along, and thoroughly enjoy hanging out both in and out of the studio! Just ask Ken Scott.)

161-'Vertical Man': Analysis and Review

In 1998 it had been six years since Ringo Starr had released a new album. During that six-year period, the Beatles' 'Anthology' TV broadcasts and album compilations, and the release of two new Beatles' songs, had raised the profile of the drummer's former band. Ringo's friendships with George Harrison and Paul McCartney had also been reinvigorated. He had also forged a relationship with Mark Hudson, Dean Grakal, and guitarist Steve Dudas. All of these elements, combined with the desire to express himself as a songwriter, would come together to help Ringo Starr hit a high creative mark in his solo career with the recording of the album 'Vertical Man'. In this high-energy episode the Fab 4 Free 4 All cast analyze and review this fine 'all-starr' album.

160-'Eight Days A Week': Our Thoughts

It started out life over two years ago as the cryptically titled 'Beatles Live Project'. The endeavor needed, as all Apple projects do, the endorsement of the surviving Beatles and the estates of John and George. And each member of the 'board' put forth their suggestions. White Horse Pictures, a company that already had a few fine documentaries under its belt, was selected to produce.  And veteran filmmaker Ron Howard - a self-proclaimed lifelong Beatles fan - would end up in the director's chair! Footage was sent in from all over the world from fans who responded to ads online and in music trade papers. And the entire Apple vault was at their disposal. Wow. What could possibly go wrong?  Well, in this episode the cast of Fab 4 Free 4 All answers this, and many other similar questions ... and then proceeds to ask a few of their own.

159-F4F4A Answers Your Calls

The crew of Fab 4 Free 4 All have been working together since 2009. They have shared their thoughts and opinions on hundreds of topics with one another over two incarnations of their (sort of!) weekly podcast. And other than the fact that these three truly enjoy one another's company, and respect each others' opinions, it's been their amazing listener base that has kept them coming back a few times each month to record new shows. Well, after all these years, they finally figured out how their listeners can become an integral part of the show! This episode is comprised of the cast's responses to calls that they've received on their Google phone number. In this first of what promises to be an ongoing series, you ask the questions ... and Fab 4 Free 4 All give the answers!

158-'Ringo's Rotgravure': Review and Analysis

In 1975 Ringo Starr was a free agent; his binding contract with Apple Records having finally run its course. His management landed him a deal with Atlantic Records, and Ringo began work on a new album for the label that was, at that time, the home of such chart-topping names as Melissa Manchester, Bette Midler and The Bee Gees. Some ‘fab’ friends offered Ringo a few songs. Other musical pals (and partners in crime!) lent their time as members of the backing band. Was Richie on his way to another ‘Ringo’ album?  Or even a ‘Goodnight Vienna’?  On this episode of Fab 4 Free 4 All the guys give their opinions on the album that resulted from these valiant efforts, ‘Ringo’s Rotogravure’.

157-Beatles Hollywood Bowl CD 2016

On September 9th, 2016 the Beatles and Capitol Records released a newly remastered and remixed 'update' of the 1977 LP release of 'Live at the Hollywood Bowl'.  Anticipation had been building for a possible 'soundtrack' companion to the upcoming 'The Beatles: Eight Days a Week - The Touring Years' documentary. Well, as it turned out ... this newly remastered CD was it! For this highly spirited episode, the guys are joined by fellow podcaster and Beatles historian Allan Kozinn to discuss the back story, and the updated status of, this fascinating new Beatles CD release.

156-Interview with Nigel Sinclair

​Join Fab 4 Free 4 All for a talk with film producer (and major Beatles fan!) Nigel Sinclair. Mr.Sinclair's company White Horse Pictures is one of the producers of the Ron Howard documentary film 'The Beatles: Eight Days a Week - The Touring Years'. Nigel's other film credits include 'Sliding Doors', starring Gwyneth Paltrow; 'Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines', starring Arnold Schwarzenegger; 'Alan Parker’s The Life of David Gale', starring Kevin Spacey and Kate Winslet; 'The Quiet American', starring Michael Caine; and 'The Wedding Planner', starring Jennifer Lopez and Matthew McConaughey. He also produced the highly-praised documentary 'Amazing Journey: The Story of the Who'. Mr. Sinclair also won an Emmy for his work on the George Harrison documentary 'Living in the Material World'. ​And visit the Fab 4 Free 4 All YouTube channel for our conversation with DJ Larry Kane, a Beatles confidante who plays a major role in the Ron Howard film.

155-Spinning a Beatles' Tale!

We can't really tell you all that much about this episode.  It would give the plot away!
​But we CAN say this ...
Forget Alun Owen, Charles Wood and Marc Behms.  The Fab 4 Free 4 All have arrived, and it has to be obvious by now that once that happens the plot thickens. If you leave Mitch, Rob and Tony alone with their imaginations, and an incredible catalog of music, one of them may just unleash a future Academy Award winner on an unsuspecting world.
Just keep Mitch away from the matchbooks at the ceremony!

154-Beatles 'Cheer, There and Everywhere!'

If you’re listening to the Fab 4 Free 4 All, chances are good that the music of the Beatles has affected you at some point … or at many points … in your life in a positive way. Well, the same holds true for the guys in the cast of the show.  There are songs in the Beatles’ catalog that are guaranteed to brighten their spirits up when they’re feeling down. In this unique episode, Mitch, Rob and Tony talk about the songs that always cheer them up … at least this week, anyway. (And don’t worry, only Tony will have a pain at the party!)

153-'Pure McCartney': Analysis and Review pt. 3

152-'Pure McCartney': Analysis and Review pt. 1

​Over the course of the last thirty-eight years, Paul, McCartney’s fans have been treated to a number of compilations of music from the man’s solo catalog. Since ‘Wings Greatest’ was released in 1978, there have been roughly sixteen albums released by McCartney, along with a number of non-LP/CD singles, guest appearances, and releases under (now well-known) pseudonyms. In 2016 Paul took the suggestion of Nancy Jeffries, an employee of his New York office, and set plans in motion to release a career-spanning 4 CD box set compilation of music dating from 1970 through the current day (thank you, Nancy, by the way!). Paul approved a song-list that, according to the songwriter, was meant to be enjoyed as one would a mix-tape; a random collection that could, perhaps, accompany a listener on a long car ride. Well, Fab 4 Free 4 All took the ride with Paul and his box set, and as you would have suspected we’re offering up a two-part analysis and review of this interesting and unique compilation.

151-'Beatles Schmeatles': One For Harry

​He was a songwriter who became a somewhat reluctant star. And some of his biggest fans were the members of the biggest band in the world. Harry Nilsson was a one-of-a-kind talent. And during his all-too-short life and career he was able to rank John and Ringo among his closest friends, and he would occasionally enjoy the company of George and Paul as well. He worked with all of the solo Beatles in some capacity, and took on long-term projects – to varying degrees of success – with John and Ringo. In this episode, the Fab 4 Free 4 All discuss the many connections between Schmilsson and the boys, in an episode we’ve decided to lovingly call ‘Beatles Schmeatles: One For Harry’.