Meat The Beatles: The Butcher Cover [Encore]

Sixty years ago today, June 15, 1966, Yesterday and Today was scheduled to arrive in record stores across America. Instead, Capitol Records was already deep into what would become one of the most famous album recalls in music history.

The Beatles' controversial "butcher cover" had triggered a backlash unlike anything the label had anticipated. By the time the official release date arrived, thousands of jackets had already been recalled, distributors were scrambling for answers, and the image was on its way to becoming a legend.

To mark the 60th anniversary of the album's intended release, we're revisiting our 2024 episode, "Meat The Beatles." This conversation explores the origins of the butcher cover, the events that led to its withdrawal, and the remarkable afterlife that transformed a discarded sleeve into one of the most sought-after collectibles in popular music.

Ironically, on the day it was meant to debut, the butcher cover was already disappearing. Six decades later, we're still talking about it.

Episode originally released in January 2024. Reposted June 15, 2026, on the 60th anniversary of the planned release date of Yesterday and Today.

 

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