“Glad All Over” is a cover song which The Beatles recorded while at the BBC. Indeed, different versions are available on both “Live At The BBC” and “On Air – Live At The BBC Volume 2” albums.
In Detail
Albums
Release Date: 30th November, 1994 (Live at the BBC), also 11th November, 2013 (On Air – Live at the BBC Volume 2)
Recorded: 20th August, 1963 (Pop Go the Beatles (Live at the BBC)), also 24th August, 1963 (Saturday Club (On Air – Live at the BBC Volume 2))
Genre: Rock and roll, rockabilly
Track Duration: 1:53 (Live at the BBC), also 1:52 (On Air – Live at the BBC Volume 2)
Record Label: Apple
Songwriters: Aaron Schroeder, Sid Tepper and Roy Bennett
Producer: Terry Henebery
Performers
George Harrison: vocals, lead guitar
Paul McCartney: vocals, bass
John Lennon: rhythm guitar
Ringo Starr: drums
Track Sources
Live At The BBC Album (1994)
On Air – Live At The BBC Volume 2 Album (2013)
Glad All Over **
This was on a single by rock and roll and rockabilly artist, Carl Perkins, in January, 1958. The B-side was “Lend Me Your Comb” and The Beatles covered both songs for BBC Radio. Although Perkins’ record didn’t chart this didn’t stop The Beatles from making a cover version of it. In fact, the Fab Four were masters at emulating their idols across the pond and Perkins was a favourite with the band members.
The Beatles, just like other up-and-coming artists of the day, would often sing cover songs at their gigs. Indeed, they sang “Glad All Over” at the Cavern Club in Liverpool and over in Hamburg, Germany. Since it was part of their repertoire, they sang it twice for BBC Radio programmes too. The BBC gave a lot of coverage to The Fab Four and they took full advantage of the publicity, of course.
** A song with a similar name but is a totally different song was by “The Dave Clark Five” in 1964. In fact, it kicked The Beatles’ “I Want To Hold Your Hand” off the top of the UK charts. That was a very popular song and only The Beatles’ “Can’t Buy Me Love” sold more copies in 1964. So, don’t confuse this song with that chart hit.
Recording Studio
To begin with, their 1994 album “Live At The BBC” has a version recorded on the 16th July, 1963. They recorded this version at the BBC Paris Studio in London for the “Pop Go The Beatles” radio programme airing on the 20th August.
The version on their 2013 album, “On Air – Live At The BBC Volume 2” was for the BBC’s “Saturday Club” show airing on the 24th August 1963. However, the Fab Four recorded this version in the Playhouse Theatre in London 30th July.
George Harrison sings on both recording of “Glad All Over” and the quality is really good. But, on the 2013 “Saturday Club” performance, the radio announcer, Brian Matthew, still appears 5 seconds into the song.
