On This Day in Beatles History: Paul McCartney and George Harrison Produce Jackie Lomax – 11 March 1969
On Tuesday 11 March 1969, Paul McCartney and George Harrison produced a recording session for singer Jackie Lomax at Apple Studios in Savile Row, London.
The session was organised as work began on a potential follow-up single for Lomax, who had signed to the Beatles’ Apple Records label. His debut single for the label, ‘Sour Milk Sea’, had failed to achieve the commercial success expected despite strong backing from the Beatles.
With Lomax’s debut album Is This What You Want? nearing release, a new single was quickly arranged in the hope of generating greater chart interest.
Recording ‘Thumbin’ A Ride’
During the session, Paul McCartney suggested recording a cover version of ‘Thumbin’ A Ride’, originally recorded by The Coasters, as the intended a-side of the next Lomax single.
The track was recorded in the basement studio at Apple’s headquarters at 3 Savile Row. McCartney took an active role in the session, playing drums on the recording, while both McCartney and Harrison contributed guitar parts, with Harrison performing the lead guitar.
The recording demonstrated how heavily the Beatles often supported artists signed to Apple Records during this period.
‘Going Back To Liverpool’
The session also produced Lomax’s original song ‘Going Back To Liverpool’, which was intended to serve as the b-side of the planned single.
Although the exact recording details remain uncertain, it is widely believed that the track may have been recorded during the same 11 March 1969 session. The drumming style on the recording suggests that McCartney likely played drums, and he is also known to have contributed backing vocals and guitar.
Changes to the single release
At the time, trade reports indicated that ‘Thumbin’ A Ride’ and ‘Going Back To Liverpool’ would form Lomax’s next single. The pairing was reported in an issue of the music newspaper New Musical Express dated 22 March 1969.
However, the release plans later changed. A different song titled ‘New Day’ was eventually issued as the a-side, with ‘Thumbin’ A Ride’ appearing as the b-side instead.
The track ‘Going Back To Liverpool’ remained unreleased for many years before eventually appearing as a bonus track on the 1991 reissue of Is This What You Want?.
Apple Records and the Beatles’ production work
The session illustrates how members of The Beatles often supported artists on their Apple Records label by producing, performing on, or arranging recordings.
George Harrison had already worked extensively with Lomax on ‘Sour Milk Sea’, and the continued involvement of both Harrison and McCartney in this March 1969 session reflected their commitment to helping the label’s artists find success.
Why 11 March 1969 matters
The Jackie Lomax session on 11 March 1969 is an interesting example of Beatles members working behind the scenes as producers and session musicians. It also highlights the collaborative atmosphere surrounding Apple Records during the late 1960s, when the Beatles used their influence to support other artists.
Recording Session – Quick Facts
Date: 11 March 1969
Artist: Jackie Lomax
Location: Apple Studios, Savile Row, London
Producers: Paul McCartney and George Harrison
Songs recorded: ‘Thumbin’ A Ride’, ‘Going Back To Liverpool’
Label: Apple Records
Studio Location
Apple Studios – 3 Savile Row, London
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