Additions and Corrections to The Beatles Get Back To Abbey Road

The Beatles Get Back to Abbey Road went to press prior to the release of the Anniversary Edition of Abbey Road. Kevin Howett, who wrote the notes included in the book of the super deluxe edition of the Anniversary Edition, had the benefit of listening to all of the tapes from the Abbey Road sessions. His descriptions of who played what instrument on the songs vary from prior written treatments. I have complete confidence that Kevin’s information is accurate and accordingly have changed some of the musicians credits in the digital edition of The Beatles Get Back to Abbey Road to match Kevin’s information as detailed below.

“Something” (first recorded version) The line-up for the backing track was George on electric guitar, John on bass guitar and Paul on drums. Ringo was not available as he was involved in the filming of The Magic Christian. (Page 158)

“Maxwell’s Silver Hammer” The acoustic guitar was overdubbed by Paul and not played by John. Ringo sang backing vocals with Paul and George. John did not participate in its recording as his arrival for the July sessions was delayed due to an auto accident. (Page 161)

“Oh! Darling” The line-up for the backing track was Paul on piano, John on guitar, George on bass and Ringo on drums. Billy Preston played Hammond organ on some of the takes, but not on the finished master. (Page 162)

“Octopus’s Garden” The instrumental backing included piano played by Paul. (164)

“Sun King” It is John’s guitar rather than George’s guitar that was played through the Leslie speaker. (Page 168)

“Polythene Pam”/”She Came In Through The Bathroom Window” In the final mix, there is no piano. (Pages 170 – 171)

“Old Brown Shoe” The line-up for the backing track was George on slide guitar, John on piano and Paul on drums. George overdubbed guitars and Paul overdubbed bass. Ringo was not available as he was involved in the filming of The Magic Christian. (Page 183)

In between takes of “Sun King”/”Mean Mr. Mustard,” the Beatles recorded some songs associated with Gene Vincent. In addition to the three listed in the book, the group also recorded the 1930s standard “Up A Lazy River,” which was written by Hoagy Carmichael and Sidney Arodin. (Page 182)

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