Oliver Murray on completing "The Beatles Anthology" and bringing Episode Nine to life (#263)
In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by acclaimed filmmaker Oliver Murray — the British writer–director redefining modern music documentary through his bold, cinematic approach. Following his 2023 short film Now and Then, The Last Beatles Song — made in collaboration with Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Sean Lennon and the Harrison Estate to celebrate the release of the Beatles' final single — Oliver continues his creative relationship with the band by directing the brand-new, final chapter of the legendary Anthology series. First released three decades ago, The Beatles Anthology reinvented the music documentary format. Instead of outside narration and talking heads, it featured John, Paul, George, and Ringo telling their story in their own words — a groundbreaking approach that shaped the way music history is now documented. Under Murray's direction, the series now receives its long-awaited conclusion: Episode Nine, a completely new instalment filled with unseen footage, including intimate behind-the-scenes moments of Paul, George and Ringo reuniting between 1994 and 1995 at Abbey Road. Oliver discusses how he approached taking on one of the most important music stories ever told, the responsibility of handling unreleased Beatles material, and the emotional legacy carried by Episode Nine — both for the surviving members and for generations of fans discovering the band anew. "Watching Paul, Ringo and George together in the '90s, the chemistry is exactly the same as when they were young — it's hard-wired. It feels almost scripted, but it isn't. That bond is still alive." — Oliver Murray A rising force in film and music storytelling, Murray has previously collaborated with some of the biggest names in music, including The Rolling Stones (My Life As a Rolling Stone), The Beatles (Now & Then), and Quincy Jones (They All Came Out to Montreux). His work spans genres — from jazz in Ronnie's: The Story of Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club to classical music with Lang Lang — and has been featured on Disney, Netflix, and the BBC. Listen as Oliver Murray takes us inside the making of Episode Nine — revealing unseen moments of Beatles history and the evolution of his craft — exclusively on the XS Noize Podcast. This is the definitive deep dive into the Beatles' final chapter. "Episode nine concludes the anthology, but it's not an end. The Beatles' legacy isn't a full stop — it's something that's in the groundwater now, something we all inherit." — Oliver Murray About The XS Noize Podcast With over 250 episodes, the XS Noize Podcast has become a trusted home for music's legends, innovators, and trailblazers — a place where real conversations meet real stories. Hosted by Mark Millar, the show has featured an extraordinary lineup including The Charlatans, Gary "Mani" Mounfield, Glen Matlock, Miles Kane, Matt Berninger, Saint Etienne, D:Ream, Gavin Rossdale, The Farm, Snow Patrol, John Lydon, Will Sergeant, Ocean Colour Scene, Gary Kemp, Doves, Gavin Friday, David Gray, Anton Newcombe, Peter Hook, Razorlight, Sananda Maitreya, James, Crowded House, Elbow, Cast, Kula Shaker, Shed Seven, Future Islands, Peter Frampton, Bernard Butler, Steven Wilson, Travis, New Order, The Killers, Tito Jackson, Simple Minds, The Divine Comedy, Shaun Ryder, Gary Numan, Sleaford Mods, and Michael Head — among many more. Explore the complete XS Noize Podcast archive here. New episodes drop weekly — subscribe for more in-depth conversations with the artists who shape our lives.
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