They are the biggest and greatest band the world has ever seen, and now the TODAY show will mark the 50th anniversary of the release of The Beatles’ most successful album Abbey Road with a huge week-long Beatle Mania broadcast live from Britain.
Culminating in an exclusive breakfast TV interview with the Fab Four’s Ringo Starr to talk all things The Beatles, Nine’s Entertainment Editor Richard Wilkins and Weather Presenter Stevie Jacobs will take viewers on a musical trip through London and Liverpool.
With the 50th anniversary of the album release being on September 26, the week will end with exclusive access to a party at the Abbey Road Studios and interviews with people who have a unique insight into the making of the iconic album, including a chat with Giles Martin, son of The Beatles’ legendary producer Sir George Martin.
The week starts with Richard and Stevie – joined by a group of Aussie expats – on top of an open-air London bus as they drive around the capital showing some of the world’s most iconic sights that fall as a backdrop to countless of The Beatles songs.
On Tuesday, Stevie will be in Liverpool visiting the Beatles Story interactive museum, while Dickie will be at London’s Carnaby Street, which still retains its Sixties Psychedelic character and was a regular haunt of The Beatles. Dickie will also speak to one of the world’s hottest acts, Fat Boy Slim.
Wednesday will see Stevie visit John Lennon’s childhood home and also broadcast from Liverpool’s Cavern Club. The Beatles played at the Club nearly 300 times, and while it’s now a newer version of its former 60s self, it still retains its Beatles-era charm. Meanwhile, Dickie will be at the Palace Theatre on Shaftesbury Ave in the West End with an inside look at enduring legacy of Harry Potter and takes a behind the scenes look of the magnificent sets of the movies.
On Thursday, Dickie will be in Leicester Square and he will also interview Niall Horan, who along with the rest of his One Direction bandmates, has experienced a new generation of Beatle Mania. Stevie will be at Piccadilly Circus.
Friday will see Dickie and Stevie at the Abbey Road Studios and, of course, they’ll visit the crowds waiting to cross the legendary crossing.
Richard Wilkins said: “As a music fan, I remember when that album was released. It was a huge moment; I played it over and over, and it has since become of the most iconic albums of all time. To be able to revisit and relive some Beatles moments that became a soundtrack to my informative years – and to interview Ringo Starr – is truly an honour and I’m very excited.”
TODAY viewers can also be a part of the action, with an all-expenses paid dream holiday to London to give away. To enter the competition, viewers are being encouraged to send in a video of them singing their favourite Beatles song. Also up for grabs, limited edition Abbey Road 50th Anniversary merchandise packs containing the band’s remastered hits. Watch Monday for more details.
