Entertainment news and discussion on TalkFuse.
The 1963 Beatles song John Lennon was “bitterly ashamed of”
The article says John Lennon later felt “bitterly ashamed” of his vocal on The Beatles’ 1963 recording of ‘Twist and Shout’, believing he could have sung it better. The performance nevertheless became one of the group’s most recognisable recordings, illustrating the demanding conditions behind their early studio work.
The song was recorded at the end of a roughly 12-hour session for the debut album Please Please Me, when Lennon had a fever and a strained voice. Producer George Martin deliberately saved the vocally strenuous track until last; the band recorded two takes, but used the first after Lennon’s voice gave out, leaving him with throat pain for some time afterwards.
In short
- Lennon disliked his ‘Twist and Shout’ vocal.
- It was recorded after a 12-hour session.
- The released version came from the first take.
Explained simply
John Lennon recorded 'Twist and Shout' with The Beatles in 1963, but later expressed deep dissatisfaction with his vocal performance. Despite his reservations, the recording has become one of the band's most recognisable songs. The track highlights the demanding physical conditions that the group faced during their early studio work.
The song was recorded towards the end of a roughly 12-hour recording session for The Beatles' debut album Please Please Me. Lennon was unwell at the time, suffering from a fever and a strained voice when he came to tackle this vocally demanding track. Producer George Martin deliberately scheduled the song last in the session, meaning Lennon had to perform it when both physically and vocally depleted.
The band recorded two takes, but the first was used as Lennon's voice could not sustain a second attempt. The performance caused him throat pain that lasted for some time afterwards.