Monday 7 January 2019

The Casbah - 1. Episode 1

THE CASBAH - 1. EPISODE 1 (320kbs-m4a/69mb/30mins)
BBC Radio 6 Music broadcast: 23rd October 2018

The Casbah: Birthplace Of Merseybeat celebrates the somewhat neglected and hugely significant venue where The Beatles enjoyed a residency prior to their later and more often recognised success at the Cavern Club. The documentary is presented by original Beatles' drummer Pete Best whose mother Mona both owned and ran the club.

The Casbah, a private members club in the basement of the Best family home, was distinctive in a number of ways having opened as a strictly Rock'n'Roll venue. The majority of Liverpool clubs in the late 50's having had roots in Jazz, Folk & Country music. It was also notable in that it was run by a woman, Mona Best, in an era when music/club promoters were invariably male. The documentary will explore the history of the club (decorated by The Beatles and now awarded Blue Plaque status) while examining the broader context of the boom that came to be known as Merseybeat.

Including contributions from Merseybeat newspaper founder Bill Harry alongside merseybeat veterans Mike Pender of The Searchers, Georgie Spruce (AKA Earl Preston of Earl Preston & The TT's), Howie Casey (of Derry & the Seniors-the first Liverpool combo to play in Hamburg and secure a recording contract), and Geoff Nugent (of The Undertakers). The programme also features the recollections of Casbah Club members and a fleeting, though noteworthy, contribution from Paul McCartney.

First broadcast on Radio 2.

Cliff Richard & The Drifters - Move It [EMI]
The Beatles - Hallelujah, I Love Her So [BBC]
The Beatles - You'll Be Mine [Parlophone]
The Beatles - Cayenne [Apple]
The Beatles - Money (That's What I Want) [EMI]
The Chants - I Don't Care [Sequel]
Howie Casey & The Seniors - Bony Maronie [Esoldun]
Howie Casey & The Seniors - I Ain't Mad At You [United Artists]
The Searchers - Hey Joe [Philips]
Earl Preston & The T.T's - Watch Your Step [Fontana]
The Beatles - Be-Bop-A-Lula [Lingasong]
The Beatles - Memphis, Tennessee (BBC Pop Go The Beatles, 30 Jul 1963) [Apple]
The Undertakers - Money (That's What I Want)

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