Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

She Loves You: "You never had it so good"

Stuart Maconie recounts the social change, economic optimism and Beatle-mania of Britain in the early 60s, hearing memories of those who were told they'd "never had it so good".

1963 was a monumental year in Britain. The Profumo Affair was uncovered. The Great Train Robbery took place. The Dartford Tunnel and the National Theatre opened. And a manufactured Northern pop band started doing rather well.

A new economic and social optimism coincided with the birth of Beatlemania in a country that had, according to Prime Minister Harold MacMillan, "never had it so good". However, it was an optimism that had been almost two decades in the making, following the horror of WW2, then the lean years of rationing, poverty and re-building. The Beatles' humour, drive and infectious music chimed perfectly with the country's new-found confidence.

57 minutes

Broadcast

  • Sun 19 Apr 2020 21:00

Song Profiles

Read the stories behind featured songs, listen to & watch related clips & cover versions!