The Beatles returned to Abbey Road's Studio Three on 26 April 1967 for a late-night overdubbing session on the Magical Mystery Tour title track. The session ran from 7pm to 2am the following morning.

Paul McCartney overdubbed a bass guitar part onto take eight, and the recording expanded into layered percussion — maracas, cowbell, and tambourines — along with additional backing vocals from the band, plus Mal Evans and Neil Aspinall. A reduction mix was executed to free up tape space for further overdubs.

Additional work on the track continued on 27 April and 3 May 1967. The song was released as the title track of the Magical Mystery Tour EP and film (November 1967).

Location

EMI Studios (now Abbey Road Studios), St John's Wood, London, England

FAQs

When was this session?

26 April 1967, running from 7pm to 2am at Abbey Road's Studio Three.

What was overdubbed during this session?

Bass guitar by Paul McCartney, plus maracas, cowbell, tambourines, and additional backing vocals.

Was the track completed on this date?

No — further work continued on 27 April and 3 May 1967.

Explore More

• 26 April in Beatles History – All events on this date
• The Beatles Films: Complete Guide
• The Beatles: Magical Mystery Tour Collection
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