As the iconic ‘Whispering’ Bob Harris and music journalist, Colin Hall, stepped out on stage, the audience at Newport’s Quay Arts erupted in applause, excited for an informative evening exploring The Songs The Beatles Gave Away.

From showing off vinyl records by Adam Faith and Billy J Kramer, to playing rare interview clips with Cilla Black and Sir Paul McCartney, the pair discussed the Fab Four's music, from formation to split.

Speaking to the Isle of Wight County Press backstage, Colin and Bob revealed they had both managed to meet The Fab Four.

Colin, growing up in 1950s Liverpool, unaware he was witnessing music history, attended the first fete where John Lennon met Paul McCartney.

Isle of Wight County Press: The stage was set for Bob Harris and Colin HallThe stage was set for Bob Harris and Colin Hall (Image: Jake Curran)

BBC Radio legend Bob, on the other hand, was at Wembley in 1966, for the band’s final scheduled UK concert.

“That year was the NME Poll Winners' Concert. It was The Beatles, The Stones, The Kinks and The Small Faces,” he reminisced, recalling being surrounded by screaming girls.

"I was in the last row of one of the tiers and two girls fell over the edge, into our level!

"They just lost themselves in the moment."

Colin and Bob's show ran chronologically, from the late 1950s, when John Lennon could be found performing with The Quarrymen, to 1970, when The Beatles released their final album, Let It Be.

Colin talked about the work of the late Liverpudlian musician, Johnny Gentle, who died in February, aged 87.

Isle of Wight County Press: Colin Hall and Bob Harris, back stage Colin Hall and Bob Harris, back stage (Image: Jake Curran)

Among the rare demo tracks and interview clips, played during the show, was a soulful version of Step Inside Love, featuring Cilla Black and Paul McCartney.

Surrounding himself with The Beatles’ music almost all his life, Colin was the custodian of Mendips, John Lennon’s childhood home.

He described as surreal the moment Bob Dylan visited.

Colin said: “A golden moment for me was standing in John’s tiny bedroom and Bob Dylan said to me ‘Hey man who’s this Just William guy?" 

“That’s what Bob Dylan wanted to know about: The books that John would have read when he was young.”

In the second part of the show, we were invited to sing along to a rendition of Stand By Me, as ‘Whispering’ Bob waved his phone light 'Coldplay style', and Colin danced on the auditorium steps.

The pair were happy to pose for photos and sign autographs after the show and had a selection of merchandise on sale, including radio scripts, CDs and both of Colin’s books, Pre:Fab and The Songs The Beatles Gave Away.

Overall, an incredible array of facts were showcased - ones even die-hard fans of The Beatles may not have known.

Colin can even tell you which direction Paul McCartney faced, whilst rehearsing at John’s house!