Rock N Roll Fieldtrip

Rocking in Memphis: U2's 50th Anniversary Fan Celebration

U2 Turns 50: Fans Gather in Memphis for a 2026 Anniversary Meetup Host Alice welcomes Scott Calhoun and Verlinda Henning to the Rock and Roll Field Trip podcast to discuss U2’s 50th anniversary and a fan-organized meetup in Memphis, May 15–17, 2026. They reflect on the band’s longevity, the excitement around two surprise EPs (Days of Ash and Easter Lilly) and Propaganda issues, and why fans are eager to reconnect in person. Verlinda, a Memphis native, and Scott explain Memphis’s deep musical and civil-rights significance, including U2’s Rattle and Hum-era ties to Sun Studio, Graceland, and the National Civil Rights Museum at the former Lorraine Motel where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. They preview community-centered meetup plans—group discussions, sightseeing, a fan showcase, and a service project—and describe how U2 fandom provides friendship, civic engagement, and personal meaning. 00:00 Fans Who Found Family 00:29 Welcome to Memphis Meetup 02:34 New Music for Year 4:57 Why Memphis Matters 08:44 Choosing the Host City 10:19 Accents and Local Flavor 11:38 Weekend Schedule Highlights15:35 What Fandom Means 19:15 How Far to Follow U2 21:40 Join In Anywhere 23:21 Podcast Farewell Email us at: rocknrollfieldtrip@yahoo.com Mentioned in this episode: Meet Up Details: https://u2conference.com/memphis26/ [https://u2conference.com/memphis26/]

Preview: Why Memphis, Tennessee for U2 Fan 50th Anniversary Meet Up in 2026?

Verlinda, a long time U2 fan and native of Memphis, Tennessee, tells me why Memphis is the perfect location for a U2 Fan Meet up. U2 celebrates their 50th Anniversary this year and this group of fans are planning a Memphis based celebration. Email: rocknrollfieldtrip@yahoo.com

Part Two: Conversation with Dr. Allison Bumsted, Beatles Scholar and Author

Host Alice welcomes listeners to part two of her conversation with Beatles scholar Dr. Allison Bumsted, wrapping up discussion of the Paul McCartney documentary Man on the Run with themes around Liverpool, fame, and the impossibility of living privately there despite local sentiment that “the Beatles left us.” They discuss Liverpool’s post-war and de-industrial history, EU-funded rebuilding, Capital of Culture, and the growth of Beatles tourism and landmarks, plus the film’s use of archival material, family voices, and emotional moments including Stella describing Paul learning of John’s death. They share personal stories of meeting music figures and traveling, note Paul’s extensive archives, and talk about the Rock Hall’s upcoming Wings exhibit. Both rate the documentary, discuss “spirit Beatle” ideas, and share hopes for more fan perspectives, women’s stories, and future podcast interviews, including dreams of interviewing Giles Martin and Mary McCartney. Contact host Alice at rocknrollfieldtrip@yahoo.com Find the podcast on Instagram at: Rock ‘N’ Roll Fieldtrip (@rocknrollfieldtrip) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/rocknrollfieldtrip/]Thank you for listening! Please consider following the podcast here on Spotify or on Apple podcasts. It's free.

Preview: The Beatles Leaving Liverpool (w/ Dr. Allison Bumsted) Part Two

Coming this week: Part two of my conversation with Dr. Allison Bumsted. Can't wait to share the full episode with you soon!

Part One - "Man on the Run" Film Discussion with Dr. Allison Bumsted: Paul McCartney, Wings, Linda, and the Critics

Host Alice welcomes Dr. Allison Bumsted to discuss the new Paul McCartney documentary “Man on the Run". They outline themes from the film including Paul’s “growing up,” reactions to his post-Beatles work, portrayals of John Lennon and John’s death, and Paul’s risk-taking versus sentimental image. Dr. Bumsted discusses 1970s rock-press criticism , masculinity-coded attacks on McCartney, and sexist treatment of Linda, while also discussing Wings’ band dynamics, pay controversy and Paul’s desire to recreate a “band” experience. Part two to follow. 00:00 Podcast Welcome 00:45 Meet Dr Bumsted 01:54 First Reactions 06:27 Fandom and Critique 07:26 Book vs Film 11:39 Paul and Toughness 16:29 Rolling Stone Reviews 21:47 Not Cool Enough 27:10 Wings Pay and Ego/ Band Dynamics and Control 32:46 Linda Under Scrutiny 34:28 Sexist Reviews and Criticism 41:19 Linda's Vegetarianism and Influence 45:41 Wrap Up and Sign Off Email us at: rocknrollfieldtrip@yahoo.com In This Episode: https://www.allisonbumsted.com/ [https://www.allisonbumsted.com/] https://www.paulmccartney.com/news/watch-the-trailer-for-man-on-the-run-out-february-2026 [https://www.paulmccartney.com/news/watch-the-trailer-for-man-on-the-run-out-february-2026]