Liverpool Beatles Museum celebrate the unsung heroes of Sgt. Pepper

On March 3, 1967, four talented session musicians – James W. Buck, Neil Sanders, Tony Randall, and John Burden—gathered at Abbey Road Studios to record the French horn parts for the title track of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.

These iconic contributions, which helped define the album’s sound, were created through a collaborative process involving Paul McCartney and George Martin.

Now decades later, their vital role in Beatles history is being celebrated by the Liverpool Beatles Museum.

Thanks to the efforts of their families, the original French horns used by Tony Randall and John Burden during that historic session will be unveiled as part of a special exhibition.

The story began when Sian Kenrick, the daughter of the late Tony Randall, approached the Liverpool Beatles Museum in December 2024. This led to the involvement of Tim Burden, son of John Burden, who also provided his father’s French horn for display.

John Burden had memories of the session:

“They didn’t really know what they wanted. I wrote out phrases for them based on what Paul McCartney was humming to us and George Martin. All four Beatles were there, but only Paul took an active interest in our overdub.”

It was Burden’s scoring of McCartney’s humming that shaped the now-iconic part, integral to the song’s charm.

Tony Randall’s approach to the session was matter-of-fact:

“It was a session at the studio, and you play what is in front of you and play it to the best you can.”

His family expressed how proud he would have been to see his work recognised in this way.

The Liverpool Beatles Museum, located at 23 Mathew Street, will host an event to honour these musicians on January 23 at 9.00am.

The families of Tony Randall and John Burden, some traveling from as far as New York, will be present to share memories of their loved ones with an audience of devoted Beatles fans.

Also four members of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, led by Tim Jackson, will perform the emblematic French horn parts live, bringing the magic of Sgt. Pepper to life once again.

Museum visitors can look forward to this special addition to the exhibits, which pays tribute to the session musicians whose artistry helped shape one of the greatest albums of all time.

For more info on the Liverpool Beatles Museum click here.

For more on The Beatles click here.