Recording, mixing: The Fool On The Hill

Studio Two, EMI Studios, Abbey Road
Producer: George Martin
Engineer: Ken Scott

Paul McCartney had taped a demo of ‘The Fool On The Hill’ on 6 September 1967. During this evening’s recording session The Beatles began proper work on the song.

Three takes of the backing track were recorded, followed by overdubs. By the close of the session ‘The Fool On The Hill’ featured two pianos, drums, acoustic guitar, recorders and lead vocals.

A reduction mix, numbered take four, was also made. A mono mix was made towards the end of the session, which drew to a close at 3am. The work in progress can be heard on 1996’s Anthology 2.

Also present at the session were two Japanese journalists: reporter Rumiko Hoshika and photographer Koh Hasebe from the magazine Music Life. A number of photographs of The Beatles at work were subsequently published, and rehearsals of the song and interviews were also recorded.

This is believed to be the first Beatles recording session attended by Yoko Ono. She was photographed on the day talking to her future husband John Lennon.

John Lennon and Yoko Ono, EMI Studios, 25 September 1967

Last updated: 13 July 2022
Editing: Magical Mystery Tour
Recording: The Fool On The Hill
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