New York (Top40 Charts/ VH1) - VH1 and VH1 Classic are kicking off a programming bonanza centered on one of the biggest-selling bands in pop culture history - The Beatles. The networks extensive and wide-ranging programming is airing in support of the highly anticipated launch of MTV Games' The Beatles(TM): Rock Band(TM) on
September 9.
The 3-week-long programming block begins with the airing of "The Beatles Anthology," the comprehensive documentary series focused on the history of the "Fab Four." "The Beatles Anthology" simulcasts on VH1 and VH1 Classic on Wednesday, August 26, Wednesday, September 2, and Wednesday, September 9 at 9PM*. Then beginning Tuesday, September 1, VH1 Classic goes into full gear with "9 Days of Beatles" featuring classic Beatles' documentaries, concerts and films.
Footage from "The Beatles Anthology" documentary was compiled from interviews, studio sessions, films, and home videos, with production taking place over the course of five years. From their childhood in England to the band's eventual breakup, this in-depth documentary takes a look into the careers of four of the greatest musicians to grace the stage. Directed by Geoff Wonfor and Bob Smeaton, this Emmy-nominated film follows John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr around the world as they share their stories. Fans will have an opportunity to see and hear some of their favorite Beatles performances as well as rarely seen footage.
All You Need Is. . .. "9 Days of The Beatles" on VH1 Classic
In addition to the Anthology, VH1 Classic will be airing an unprecedented "9 Days of The Beatles" programming. Select programming is highlighted below. For a full schedule visit VH1Classic.com.
On Tuesday, September 1 at 8PM* "9 Days of The Beatles" kicks off with "The Beatles Retrospective" hosted by Mark Goodman. Take a stroll down memory lane as VH1 Classic takes you through The Beatles' catalogue of amazing videos with "She Loves You/I Wanna Hold Your Hand," "You're Gonna Lose That Girl," "Penny Lane," "Revolution," "When I'm 64," "I Am The Walrus" and "Hey Bulldog."
Following on Tuesday, September 1 at 9 PM*, VH1 Classic will premiere the classic Beatles movie "Help!" which showcases The Beatles in a plot that revolves around Ringo's possession of a sacrificial ring, which he cannot remove from his finger. Songs included in the film are "Help!" "Another Girl" and "Ticket to Ride."
"The Beatles Anthology 2" airs on Wednesday, September 2 at 9PM* and is simulcast on VH1. This anthology takes viewers through the harrowing tour of "Hard Day's Night" and into the frenzy of Beatlemania. From performances at Shea Stadium in New York City to receiving medals from the Queen at Buckingham Palace in London to meeting and hanging out with Elvis, the "Fab Four" are seen at the height of their fame. The anthology continues with behind-the-scenes footage of Rubber Soul and takes viewers through one of the group's most prolific albums, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. The documentary also follows the band through their classic "Strawberry Fields" and into the summer of love as Timothy Leary called his "avatars" to sing the Beatles' "All You Need Is Love" during the first world satellite television program.
"A Hard Day's Night" premieres on Thursday, September 3 at 9PM*. This Academy-Award nominated film offers fans a typical day in the life of a Beatle. Songs: "I'll Cry Instead," " A Hard Day's Night," " I Should've Known Better," "Can't Buy Me Love," "If I Fell," "And I Love Her," "I'm Happy Just to Dance with You," "Ringo's Theme (This Boy)," "Tell Me Why." "Don't Bother Me," "I Wanna Be Your Man," "All My Loving'" and "She Loves You."
"The Making of Sgt. Pepper" premieres on Friday, September 4 at 9PM*. This documentary celebrates the classic album, "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" and features outtakes and interviews from Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, George Martin, Brian Wilson, Phil Collins and more.
Later that evening, "Paul McCartney: St. Petersburg Live" premieres on Friday, September 4 at 11PM*. This special documentary story of Paul's historic visit to Russian 2003, marking the first time McCartney set foot on Russian soil. Songs include: "Hey Jude" "Yesterday" and "Let It Be," and "Back in the U.S.S.R."
On Saturday, September 5 at 11PM* VH1 Classic will air "John Lennon Live in NYC." In his last full-length concert, John Lennon delivers some classic performances of songs "Instant Karma," "Come Together" "Imagine" and "Give Peace a Chance" among others.
On Sunday, September 6 at 5PM* VH1 Classic celebrates John Lennon's legacy with the 1998 documentary "Imagine: John Lennon." The self-narrated documentary presents a wealth of Lennon footage and bridges his two musical phases - as a member of The Beatles and as a solo artist - together and presents a career-spanning collection of Lennon's many musical highlights. In addition there are a couple of heretofore unreleased recordings: an acoustic demo of "Real Love" taped in 1979 (an alternate recording of which would be finished by The Beatles for 1996' s Anthology 2 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthology_2) and a rehearsal take of "Imagine" in mid-1971 before the final take was captured.
Two special concerts highlight the Beatles' legacies on Monday, September 7. "The Concert for Bangladesh Revisited," airs at 8PM* and follows the 1971 landmark benefit concert that brought together an extraordinary ensemble of major artists collaborating to raise money for UNICEF to help the people of Bangladesh after the Bhloa Cyclone and Liberation War ravished the country. George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, and more held the sold out concert on August 1, 1971 at Madison Square Garden. Next premiering at 9PM* is "The Concert for George." On November 29, 2002, one year after George Harrison's death, his many friends gathered to celebrate his life by playing his music, including artists Eric Clapton, Jools Holand, Jeff Lynne, Paul McCartney, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, Billy Preston, and Ringo Starr.
The Beatles week on VH1 Classic continues with "Storytellers: Ringo Starr" on Tuesday, September 8 at 8:30PM*. Taped in front of a live studio audience in 1998 before the release of his album "Vertical Man," Ringo devotes his set to the stories behind some of his solo successes including, "Back off Boogaloo" and "It Don't Come Easy" and The Beatles hits including "Love Me Do," "With A Little Help from My Friends" and "Don't Pass Me By."
"9 Days of The Beatles" programming comes to a close with "The Beatles Anthology 3" which premieres on Wednesday, September 9 at 9PM* and is simulcast with VH1. Having already found fame and international success The Beatles form their new recording company, Apple Corp and release a new string of hit albums including, The White Album, Yellow Submarine, and finally one of their quintessential best, Abbey Road.
