Studio Two, EMI Studios, Abbey Road
Producer: George Martin
Engineer: Geoff Emerick
The backing track for ‘Doctor Robert’ was recorded on this day. It was the third song for Revolver written about drug-taking, following ‘Tomorrow Never Knows’ and ‘Got To Get You Into My Life’.
The session began at 2.30pm and ended at 10.30pm. The Beatles recorded the song in seven takes, with John Lennon on rhythm guitar, Paul McCartney playing a Rickenbacker bass, George Harrison on maracas and Ringo Starr playing drums.
Harrison then overdubbed a lead guitar part, and Lennon added harmonium. All the instruments for Doctor Robert were recorded on this day; vocals were added and mono mixes were made two days later, on 19 April 1966.
Also on this day...
- 2016: Paul McCartney live: KeyArena, Seattle
- 2012: Paul McCartney live: Estadio Defensores del Chaco, Asunción
- 2009: Paul McCartney live: Coachella Festival
- 2002: Paul McCartney live: Continental Airlines Arena, East Rutherford
- 1993: Paul McCartney live: Anaheim Stadium, Anaheim
- 1970: UK album release: McCartney by Paul McCartney
- 1967: Mixing: Getting Better, She’s Leaving Home, When I’m Sixty-Four, Lovely Rita
- 1964: Filming: A Hard Day’s Night
- 1963: The Beatles live: Majestic Ballroom, Luton
- 1962: The Beatles live: Star-Club, Hamburg
- 1961: The Beatles live: Top Ten Club, Hamburg
Want more? Visit the Beatles history section.
I understand that Dr. Robert was about a real doctor Robert in NetWork who would give celebrities amphetamine injections to keep them going during hectic schedules. He was a favorite of Eddie Fisher I hear. Emeraldeyes