The Beatles' Early Tours: Johnny Gentle and Helen Shapiro [Encore]

This week, we’re re-releasing a double header of episodes (two-in-one!) that digs into pivotal moments from the Beatles' touring career. The first part is about their very first tour backing Johnny Gentle in 1960. Part two discusses the band’s Winter 1963 tour, opening for UK singing sensation Helen Shapiro — a tour that intersected directly with the rapid rise of British Beatlemania. 

These two episodes are the first two parts of a three-part series on the Beatles’ touring years. And next week we dive into the harrowing incident with the Beatles in the Philippines — the final installment of this series. 

• Johnny Gentle and The Beatles: First Ever Tour, by John Askew (Johnny Gentle)
• Helen Shapiro singing "Look Who It Is" on Ready Steady Go! with special guests John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr

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