About 'The Beatles: Eight Days a Week - The Touring Years'

The Beatles: Eight Days a Week - The Touring Years is a 2016 documentary directed by Ron Howard. The film offers an in-depth look at the touring period of the Beatles' career, from 1962 to 1966, during which they performed 815 times in 15 countries and 90 cities around the world.

Making/Production

It took the team almost a decade to compile the footage for the film, which was created with the cooperation of Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and Beatle widows Yoko Ono Lennon and Olivia Harrison. The movie contains rare and unseen archival footage of shows and interviews, as well as new interviews with McCartney, Starr, and numerous prominent observers.

Actors

• Paul McCartney - The Beatles' bass guitarist and vocalist, he offers invaluable insights into their touring years, reflecting on the band's journey and their collective and individual growth.
• Ringo Starr - He served as the drummer for the Beatles and shares his perspectives on the band's quick rise to international fame and the craziness that accompanied it.
• John Lennon - Featured in archival footage, John brings his legendary songwriting and singing talents to the film.
• George Harrison - The lead guitarist for the Beatles, George is also seen in archival footage, contributing with his signature quiet intensity and musical genius.

Trivia/Interesting Facts

• 'The Beatles: Eight Days a Week - The Touring Years' garnered a Grammy for Best Music Film, making it a part of Beatles history.
• Although the film chronicles concert performances, director Howard does not consider it a concert film but rather a survival story.

Awards

The film won the Grammy Award for Best Music Film at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards in 2017. It was also nominated for the BAFTA Award for Best Documentary.

Quotes

• "To me it's ridiculous, and yet it's fantastic"- John Lennon
• "We had each other, and we brought that to the music"- Paul McCartney

Music, Soundtrack

• The film features many classic Beatles songs performed live, including "She Loves You", "I Want to Hold Your Hand", and "A Hard Day's Night."
• It also showcases the iconic song "Eight Days a Week", from which the film takes its name.