Thursday Thought: "Why Are The Beatles So Popular?"

The Beatles at the the BBC, 1964

The Sixties were, without a doubt, a revolutionary time in music history but what made the Beatles so popular? Was it because they had an writing team? They could play instruments? They had long hair? They had great personalities? Or was it all of that?

Discuss! :)

Thursday Thought: "Where Is Paul McCartney's Original Hofner Bass?"

Paul with his original Hofner in 1963

Today's thought, on Thanksgiving in the USA, is the location of Paul McCartney's Hofner bass, his original 500/1 that he bought in Germany in 1961 and played until mid 1963 when Hofner gave him an updated model. This is the one he still uses in concert today.

The original Hofner, his first, was consigned to back up duty. It came along on tours just in case his new model failed him in some way but it didn't. The original Hofner bass made a few sporadic appearances over the years, most notably in the video for 'Revolution' which you can see on the new Beatles 1+ DVD

After that, it was stolen during sessions for Let It Be. Who knows where it is now? I imagine it is in someone's attic or hanging on the wall of a guitar shop somewhere waiting for an eagle eyed Beatle fan to walk in and spot it.

In the case of John Lennon's Gibson J-160E, it was found and sold for 2.4m at auction not too long ago. Will we see Paul's bass turn up soon? Where is Paul's Original Hofner Bass???

Thursday Thought: "Imagine There's No Beatles"

Just Another Street in London...

Today's Thursday Thought imagines a world where there were no Beatles, they never formed and never released any music and John never met Paul. What do you think they would be doing today? Do you think they would have had solo careers in some form in the 60s? Do you think they would have been in the music industry at all? Let us know what you think.

Thursday Thought: "Don't You Get Tired Of The Beatles?"

Does One Get Tired of the Beatles?

This is a new series I'm starting called 'Thursday Thought'. They'll be more in the form of a question, like today's question is 'Don't You Get Tired of the Beatles?', It's a question that I've been asked many times in my life by various friends and family. "Don't you get tired of the Beatles?" The answer is....no. I don't.

I've never once felt that I've been bored of them. I have on occasion (shock horror) listened to other bands, other genres of music but I've never abandoned them. I listen to them every day in at least some form or another. They influence my way of thinking, my way of speaking, my general outlook on life. They're a force for the good in the world. That's why I never get tired of them. They are the best. I'm sure many of you feel the same and have been asked this question yourselves. What is your response? Have you ever found yourself being tired of the Beatles?