Beatlemaniacs will be able to hear, for the first time ever, the unedited version of an interview that John, George and Ringo gave to Melbourne radio personality Binny Lum ahead of their Australian tour in April 1964.

The publication of the 16-minute conversation marks the 50th anniversary of The Beatles’ Australian tour on 11 June. While it is true that edited versions have been broadcast and included on special discs in the past, the full interview had never been released.

Radio curator Maryanne Doyle says, ‘The Beatles were at the height of their popularity and it was a real coup that an Australian radio personality, unknown in the UK, had managed to secure an interview with the English rock band, the hottest property in show business. The fact that this occurred says as much for Lum’s tenacity as her well connected network of contacts.’

The NFSA blog (http://www.nfsa.gov.au/blog/) will also be publishing additional Beatles-related materials throughout the week.

Archive Beatlemania concludes with a free event, “The Vinyl Lounge – The Beatles Down Under,” this Friday, June 13, at 5:30pm when NFSA sound curators will play the Fab Four’s top tracks from rare British, Australian, Japanese and Spanish vinyl pressings from the 1960s – as well as selections from the interview disc The Beatles Down Under. They will also show television footage featuring the band about to board their transcontinental flight, Lennon’s aunt, Mimi Smith, in Australia, and excerpts from their press conference in Adelaide.