Radio: Pop Inn – The Beatles Live on BBC Radio

Tuesday 13 April 1965 | Radio, Help! era

On 13 April 1965, following the completion of the slow-motion sequence for Help! at Twickenham Film Studios, The Beatles remained on site to participate in a live BBC radio broadcast for the programme Pop Inn.

The Live Broadcast

The programme was broadcast from 1:00pm to 1:55pm, with The Beatles’ contribution forming a dedicated interview segment. The group participated from the BBC radio car stationed in the Twickenham Film Studios car park, beginning their segment at approximately 1:45pm.

The use of the BBC radio car allowed the broadcast to be conducted on location without disrupting the film production schedule — a practical solution that reflected the tightly coordinated workflow of the Help! production period.

A Packed Day: Three Events on 13 April 1965

The Pop Inn appearance was the middle of three major commitments on one of The Beatles’ busiest single days:

• Morning: Help! slow motion sequence completed at Twickenham
• 1:45pm: Live Pop Inn BBC radio interview from the studio car park
• 7:00pm–11:15pm: Recording ‘Help!’ at Abbey Road Studio Two

Location

Also on This Day in Beatles History

• 13 April 1961 – The Beatles at the Top Ten Club, Hamburg
• 13 April 1962 – The Beatles’ Star-Club Hamburg debut
• 13 April 1963 – The Beatles’ first national BBC TV appearance
• 13 April 1964 – George Harrison filming A Hard Day’s Night
• 13 April 1965 – Help! slow motion scene, Twickenham
• 13 April 1965 – McCartney buys 7 Cavendish Avenue
• 13 April 1965 – Recording ‘Help!’ at Abbey Road
• 13 April 1966 – Revolver sessions: Love You To & Paperback Writer
• 13 April 1971 – Paul McCartney mixing RAM in Los Angeles

FAQ

What was Pop Inn?

Pop Inn was a BBC radio programme featuring interviews and music segments with contemporary pop artists.

Where did The Beatles record their Pop Inn interview?

From the BBC radio car located in the Twickenham Film Studios car park.

What time did The Beatles appear on Pop Inn?

Their segment began at approximately 1:45pm within the 1:00–1:55pm broadcast window.

What else did The Beatles do on 13 April 1965?

They completed the Help! slow motion scene at Twickenham in the morning, gave the Pop Inn interview at lunchtime, then recorded the ‘Help!’ title track at Abbey Road from 7:00pm to 11:15pm.

Explore more Beatles history: The Beatles Knowledge Hub | On This Day in Beatles History | April in Beatles History | 13 April in Beatles History

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