Ridiculous History Podcast Summary Episode: Paul Is Dead, Part Two: Welcome to the Walrus
Host: Ben Bolton & Noel Brown
Producer: Max Williams
Release Date: April 17, 2025
Produced by: iHeartRadio

Introduction

In the second installment of their three-part series on the infamous "Paul Is Dead" conspiracy theory, hosts Ben Bolton and Noel Brown delve deeper into the enigmatic clues allegedly hidden within The Beatles' music and album artwork. Joined by their super producer, Max Williams, the trio navigates through Beatles lore, dissecting songs, and exploring the cultural backdrop that allowed such rumors to flourish.

Recap of Part One

Ben initiates the episode by acknowledging the extensive groundwork laid in Part One, where Noel Brown provided a comprehensive overview of the initial claims surrounding Paul McCartney's alleged death in 1966. They revisit the theory that Paul was replaced by a Canadian doppelgänger named Billy Shears, purportedly orchestrated by MI5 and The Beatles themselves.

Notable Quote:

Noel Brown [01:55]: "And then later they regretted it and decided it was only fair, since they couldn't come out and speak about it openly, to just sprinkle in some little tidbits that fans could decode to let them know that Paul was dead."

Analyzing The Beatles' Music for Clues

Strawberry Fields Forever

Noel discusses the song "Strawberry Fields Forever," highlighting the controversial backmasking allegedly revealing John Lennon saying, "I buried Paul." While some fans interpret it as "cranberry sauce," Noel emphasizes that such interpretations are subjective.

Notable Quote:

Noel Brown [02:56]: "In the song Strawberry Fields Forever, there's a giant Son of Music sound collage fade out at the end where you can hear John saying, what Sounds like I buried Paul, Though it has been determined that he was actually saying cranberry sauce."

Glass Onion

The conversation shifts to "Glass Onion," where the hosts debate the significance of the line, "The walrus was Paul." They explore the symbolic meaning of the walrus, noting its ambiguous representation across various cultures and its possible link to death symbolism.

Notable Quote:

Ben Bolton [08:58]: "Here's another clue for you all. The walrus was Paul."

Noel counters by suggesting that "Glass Onion" is more about John Lennon's commentary on fans' misinterpretations rather than embedding actual clues about Paul's fate.

Notable Quote:

Noel Brown [12:10]: "The whole point of the song Glass Onion is John Lennon saying, you guys are barking up the wrong onion here."

Revolution 9

Ben introduces "Revolution 9," describing it as a sound collage filled with backwards voices and cryptic phrases. They discuss how proponents of the theory interpret certain phrases like "Turn me on, dead man" when played in reverse, despite Noel asserting that the primary intent was artistic experimentation.

Notable Quote:

Ben Bolton [16:48]: "So number nine, it's very clear. So, yeah, okay, when you flip it backwards, it maybe sounds a little bit like, you know, turn me on Deadman. Turn me on Deadman."

Historical Context and Media Influence

Early Rumors and Media Amplification

The hosts trace the origins of the "Paul Is Dead" theory back to a 1969 satirical article by Tim Harper in the Times Delphic, a student newspaper at Drake University. Initially intended as a joke, the story was mistakenly taken seriously by tabloids and radio shows, notably on Detroit's WKNR, leading to widespread dissemination of the conspiracy.

Notable Quote:

Noel Brown [32:32]: "Sure thing. It appeared in the September 17, 1969 issue of the Times Delphic, which was a student newspaper at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, of all places."

Ben adds that the cultural climate of the late 1960s—marked by distrust in authorities and the pervasive anti-Vietnam War sentiment—created fertile ground for such conspiracy theories to take root.

Notable Quote:

Ben Bolton [35:09]: "Because of Vietnam, because the common American member of the public was recognizing the threat of people in power... it's just artifical facts."

Feedback Loop and Mass Hysteria

An anonymous caller's interaction with radio host Russ Gibb on October 12, 1969, is highlighted as the pivotal moment when the theory gained mainstream traction. The episode underscores how media amplification created a self-perpetuating cycle, with listeners fervently seeking and interpreting clues to validate their beliefs.

Notable Quote:

Noel Brown [43:09]: "Like, huh, well, that's weird."

Critical Examination of the Clues

Abbey Road Album Cover

The iconic Abbey Road cover is scrutinized for its supposed depiction of a funeral procession, with each Beatle symbolizing different roles:

• John Lennon in white as the priest.
• Ringo Starr in black as the undertaker.
• Paul (or Billy Shears) barefoot and out of step as the deceased.
• George Harrison behind as the grave digger.

Ben challenges the plausibility of some interpretations, such as the license plate "28IF" on the Volkswagen Beetle, which erroneously suggests Paul's age at death.

Notable Quote:

Ben Bolton [22:56]: "He is not of this mortal plane... he's two-stepping in the afterlife."

Noel mentions how Paul McCartney himself dismissed these theories, expressing frustration over being labeled as a doppelgänger.

Notable Quote:

Ben Bolton [24:31]: "Paul McCartney spoke in an interview with Life magazine in 1969 and said... he is aware of this theory."

Cultural Impact and Legacy

The episode reflects on how the "Paul Is Dead" conspiracy became intertwined with other cultural phenomena, such as the Charles Manson murders, which were partly fueled by misinterpretations of Beatles lyrics like "Helter Skelter." The hosts argue that this period was ripe for conspiracy theories due to widespread societal unrest and skepticism towards authority.

Notable Quote:

Noel Brown [25:43]: "They were all wearing their clothes despite it looking like maybe there was wardrobe for this I can confirm."

Conclusion and Teaser for Part Three

Ben and Noel wrap up the episode by acknowledging the complexity and absurdity of the "Paul Is Dead" theory. They hint at further exploration in Part Three, promising to unravel more Beatles mysteries and the lasting impact of these conspiracies on pop culture.

Notable Quote:

Noel Brown [43:48]: "And this really was kind of the moment where these theories and this kind of concept of Paul is dead began to go wide."

Behind the Scenes and Personal Stories

In a lighter segment, producer Max Williams shares a personal anecdote about his mother's passion for The Beatles and their recent experiences attending Beatles-themed events. This interlude adds a personal touch, illustrating the enduring influence of The Beatles on fans across generations.

Notable Quote:

Max Williams [46:25]: "I'm a big believer that the reason why we have money is we use money to pursue the things that we love and we find interesting."

Final Remarks

Ben and Noel express gratitude towards their listeners and contributors, including a humorous nod to Max Williams and playful banter about their own personas. They set the stage for the final part of their series, promising more in-depth analysis and revelations about The Beatles.

Notable Quote:

Ben Bolton [51:20]: "We talk a bit more in our final installment of this series about the Beatles themselves."

Key Takeaways

• The "Paul Is Dead" theory is a complex amalgamation of hearsay, misinterpretations, and cultural contexts.
• Beatles' songs and album artwork have been scrutinized for hidden clues, though many interpretations lack substantial evidence.
• Media amplification and the socio-political climate of the 1960s played significant roles in popularizing the conspiracy.
• The enduring legacy of The Beatles continues to inspire both genuine admiration and speculative theories among fans.

For more engaging history and bizarre tales from human civilization, tune into the next episode of Ridiculous History on iHeartRadio.