Recording: All You Need Is Love

Studio One, Olympic Sound Studios, London
Producer: George Martin
Engineer: Eddie Kramer

On 18 May 1967 a contract was signed committing The Beatles to represent the BBC and Britain in a worldwide satellite broadcast on Sunday 25 June. They were to be shown performing an especially-written song: ‘All You Need Is Love’.

John Lennon's lyrics to All You Need Is Love, 1967

Unable to book space at EMI Studios at short notice, the group assembled at Olympic Sound Studios in Barnes, London, on this day to record the rhythm track. They mostly used unfamiliar instruments: John Lennon played harpsichord; Paul McCartney used a double bass; George Harrison played a violin; and Ringo Starr was on drums.

The Beatles recorded 33 takes, but felt that take 10 was the best. A reduction mix was then made, with all instruments copied onto track one of a new four-track tape.

Last updated: 12 June 2018
US album release: The Family Way
Recording: All You Need Is Love
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  1. David J Harvey Friday 24 June 2022

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