Studio Two, EMI Studios, Abbey Road
Producer: George Martin
Engineer: Norman Smith
The Beatles had recorded ‘Day Tripper’ at Abbey Road on 16 October 1965. Four days later they began work on the other song on the double a-side single, ‘We Can Work It Out’.
Two recording sessions were scheduled on this day. The first lasted from 2.30-6.30pm, and saw the rehearsal of ‘We Can Work It Out’ plus the taping of two takes of the rhythm track. This included bass guitar by Paul McCartney, drums by Ringo Starr, John Lennon’s Gibson Jumbo acoustic guitar, and tambourine by George Harrison.
The evening session took place from 7-11.45pm. On track two of the four-track tape McCartney and Lennon recorded their vocals, and track three contained a harmonium part played by Lennon.
The song was completed on 29 October with the addition of more vocals by McCartney and a second harmonium part from Lennon.
Also on this day...
- 2015: Ringo Starr live: Massey Hall, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- 1998: US album release: Rushes by The Fireman (Paul McCartney and Youth)
- 1969: Mixing: Live Peace In Toronto 1969 by Plastic Ono Band
- 1969: US single release: Cold Turkey by Plastic Ono Band
- 1969: US album release: Wedding Album by John & Yoko
- 1968: Paul McCartney and Linda Eastman holiday in New York
- 1967: Recording: The Fool On The Hill, Hello, Goodbye
- 1964: Live: Caird Hall, Dundee
- 1963: Television: Thank Your Lucky Stars
- 1962: Live: Majestic Ballroom, Hull
- 1961: Live: Knotty Ash Village Hall, Liverpool
- 1961: Live: Cavern Club, Liverpool (lunchtime)
- 1960: Live: Kaiserkeller, Hamburg
Want more? Visit the Beatles history section.
I have listened to the instrumental backing track on YouTube and it’s evident that there are actually two acoustic guitars, so obviously this implies that the backing track would’ve been George and John on acoustic guitars, Paul on bass and Ringo on drums and tambourine – unless he overdubbed it, that is.