The Beatles Special aired on May 31st 2017, which was the 50th anniversary of the eve of the release of Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band.
Paul McLoone wanted to mark the occasion on radio, and do so with a difference.
We wanted to create a show as if it was modelled on today's industry standard, where shows like The Paul McLoone Show get radio exclusive first plays of albums or tracks.
So to twist it, we set about time-travelling back to 1967, a world where London was swinging, free love was happening across the atlantic, the show-bands were the biggest draw on the Irish music scene and an unknown David Jones just released his first ever single as David Bowie.
Special thanks go to Mario Rosenstock, who provided the voice over for the 60s themed adverts, our sound team came together (pun intended) to create an amazing package of adverts modelled on the products of the 60s. With Head of Sound Paul Duffy creating some groovy sweeps.
Paul McLoone donned a Sgt Peppers outfit, curated the show and brought his one of a kind talent to another level to create this award-winning music special.
Have a listen to show highlights here (click the play button at top or bottom of the page), including some very special music choices, adverts, news and chat!
**Update:**
'It Was 50 Years Ago Today' - A Beatles Special by Paul McLoone scooped a Silver Award for 'Best Music Special' at the 2017 IMRO Radio Awards.
**Double Update:**
'It Was 50 Years Ago Today' - A Beatles Special by Paul McLoone scooped another Silver Award for 'Best Music Special' at the New York Festivals Radio Awards 2018.
Follow the night as it happened below:
Somebody is nearly ready for his trip back in time #1967 #McLooneSgtPeppers #SgtPeppers50 @PMcLoone @UniMusicIreland pic.twitter.com/vS7y7TLEtx
— Today FM (@TodayFM) May 31, 2017
We hope you are enjoying the show so far! #1967Radio #SgtPeppers50 #FirstForMusic pic.twitter.com/zFLFslx3zv
— Today FM (@TodayFM) May 31, 2017
Well what's all this now?
'WithinYouWithoutYou' #SgtPepper50 @PMcLoone pic.twitter.com/mcmefKw1L8
— Today FM (@TodayFM) May 31, 2017
Hard at it #1967McLooneSpecial.
Only half an hour left! pic.twitter.com/y9wODR91GA
— Today FM (@TodayFM) May 31, 2017
Just brilliant !! Thanks so much for a great night @PMcLoone @kbrennanharding @todayfm 💚â¤ï¸ðŸ’–💜💙💛 #properradio #1967McLooneSpecial #SgtPepper50
— polly molotov â¤ï¸ðŸ’œâ¤ï¸ðŸ§¡ðŸ’–💛💚💙💛💚🖤💖â¤ï¸ (@NursepollyRgn) May 31, 2017
Phenomenal radio show by @PMcLoone on @todayfm 2nite! Well done to everyone involved. What a year for music 1967 was! 🎤#1967McLooneSpecial
— Laura McVeigh (@bernasher) May 31, 2017
Nothing but pure class tunes on @PMcLoone tonight, what a show.... #1967McLooneSpecial #SummerOfLove
— Niall Thomas (@niallthomas) May 31, 2017
Seriously, @PMcLoone on @todayfm at the mo is putting me in the BEST mood! Super stuff! Even the ads ... #1967McLooneSpecial #SgtPeppers50
— Rita Quigley (@RitaBQ) May 31, 2017
Thank you @todayfm and @PMcLoone for your company this evening. Great radio.
— Tom Gallagher (@baronvontease) May 31, 2017
Listening to @PMcLoone on @todayfm tonight makes me realise why radio is better than tv #TheBeatles #SgtPepper50
— the grinder (@cmcguirl) May 31, 2017
🌈Well done chaps! Groovy radio this eve. ðŸ
— Alison Rogers . . . . . . . . . . . . . (@AlisonGildedALM) May 31, 2017
Can't remember the last time i listened to the radio for 3 hours solid .. what a show ðŸ‘ðŸ»
— Tim Lynch (@SkillsMcKenzie) May 31, 2017
Listening to @PMcLoone on @todayfm and I haven't even been born till the following year . All the weirds .
— Patrick M Barrett ™ (@Pat_M_Barrett) May 31, 2017
Absolutely incredible radio from @PMcLoone and @kbrennanharding on @todayfm tonight. I'm floating about 1967 like incense smoke! pic.twitter.com/6jZRF9yrrq
— âš½ On me 'Ed Smith âš½ (@edsongsofpraise) May 31, 2017
Loving the #SgtPepper50 special with @PMcLoone on @todayfm esp the retro news with @tomswift111
— Sinead Spain (@sineadspain) May 31, 2017
And just to top it off:
Paul McLoone, @pmcloone is now trending in Irelandhttps://t.co/twmLiozXAm pic.twitter.com/NPa3tOZ0vf
— Trendsmap Ireland (@TrendsIreland) May 31, 2017
