[Speech]
[Brian Matthew:] But despite the fact that the next request comes from Anton, 32
Perry Road, Sherwood, in Nottingham, it’s headed “Up the Pool” and starts,
“Dear Wack!” So, John, you take it from there.
[John:] “Dear Wack! Please, ask thos gorgeous lads,” ha, ha,” called the Beatles
to sing ‘You Really Got a Hold on Me’ for Di, Gus, Wizz, and me, also for the
Beatles, themselves, especially Paul,” ha, “and everybody that was in the Roy
Orbison Tour. I’m a regular listener of ‘Pop Go the Beatles,'” good lad, “and,
please, tell the boys that all the girls in our office think it is a fab show.
Thank you.”
[Brian:] All right, stop the band. Oh, that’s splendid and now, what are you
gonna sing for us?
[John:] “You Really Got a Hold on Me…Mother.”
A Glimpse into Beatlemania’s Radio Days
“Dear Wack!” offers listeners a window into the Beatles’ playful relationship with their audience and radio hosts during their rise to stardom. The track, delivered as a spoken-word exchange, features Brian Matthew and John Lennon reading out a fan letter on the popular BBC radio program, Pop Go the Beatles. The banter is lighthearted, with John injecting humor and warmth as he relays the fan’s requests and compliments. This snippet not only highlights the Beatles’ approachability and wit but also showcases the communal spirit of 1960s pop culture, where fans, artists, and broadcasters were closely connected. The segment ends with a cheeky promise to perform “You Really Got a Hold on Me,” reflecting the Beatles’ penchant for engaging directly with their listeners.
Song Credits
- Artist: The Beatles
- Release Year: 1963 (BBC Radio Broadcast)