In today’s episode it was my great pleasure to speak to Colin Hall, who has been the custodian of Mendips, John Lennon’s childhood home, for almost 20 years. As part of this role Colin and his wife Sylvia lived at Mendips for some time, and have shown around guests including Yoko Ono Lennon, Bob Dylan, Astrid Kirchherr and Klaus Voormann along with thousands of others from all over the world.

As if this wasn’t enough, Colin has written two publications: The Songs the Beatles Gave Away, where he conducted interviews with Sir Paul McCartney and Sir George Martin among others, which started out as a BBC radio 2 documentary and Pre:Fab! The story of one man, his drums, John Lennon, Paul McCartney and George Harrison which written in partnership with original Quarry Men drummer, Colin Hanton, and has been made into a feature length documentary by StarsNorth Films, and selected to open the 2022 Florida Film Festival.

In 2006 Colin worked friend and music broadcaster, Bob Harris, to help research and contribute to the award-winning BBC Radio 2 documentary, The Day John Met Paul. Colin also found time to have a career as a teacher, has managed bands and been a journalist for What's On London magazine. It was a real treat to speak to Colin and hear his unique experiences and I’m so grateful for his time. 

What the trailer for PreFab! The Documentary here.

Colin Hall on Instagram

UPDATE! I did indeed go and visit Phillips recording studio at 38 Kensington Road, Liverpool and was pleased to see the blue plaque had been changed to feature the image of a young Colin Hanton, instead of Ringo as it had previously. Colin Hall was kind enough to tell Colin Hanton, who was pleased!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.