This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with Chuck Gunderson.
Chuck Gunderson, author of “Some Fun Tonight! The Backstage Story of How The Beatles rocked America: The Historic Tours of 1964-1966,” was raised in San Diego, California, the site of the Beatles’ eighth stop on the 1965 North American tour.
Gunderson was too young to attend the show, but he fondly recalls his older siblings spinning the records of the Fab Four as he grew up, which perked a life-long love for the band.
He has worked in the outdoor advertising industry most of his life, although his true passion is history. He holds two degrees in history—a B.A. from San Diego State University and an M.A. from the University of San Diego.
Having published a few articles over the years, Gunderson turned his sights to researching and writing this epic two-volume set on the history of the Beatles’ North American tours of 1964 to 1966.
With hundreds of photographs and images of rare memorabilia, it is a definitive reference for what is arguably the most important period in the Beatles’ long and winding career.