The donation of Randall’s French horn by his daughter encouraged the museum to reach out to the family of John Burden, who also played French horn on the album. Relatives of the two attended the ceremony, travelling to Liverpool from Ireland and the US, with members of the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra performing the same parts performed by Burden and Randall on the album’s opener, ‘Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’.

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Tim Burden, John’s son, was interviewed by ITV, and said: “It’s something we as a family are all so proud of. Growing up, it’s such a cool thing to think that your dad was part of this iconic album, and now it’s being displayed in this wonderful museum.”  

Paul McCartney and George Martin are often credited for the album’s unique feel, but session musicians like Randall and Burden were instrumental in bringing its sound to life. Burden later revealed how McCartney would hum melodies, which he then transcribed into sheet music that the other horn players could then read.

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“It was amazing to see Paul so hands-on with the overdubbing process,” Burden recalled before his death in 2010. “They didn’t really know what they wanted, but Paul had this incredible vision that came to life as we worked together.”

Randall enjoyed a distinguished career beyond his work with the Beatles. He conducted the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and taught brass at the London College of Music. Burden’s life followed a similar path, playing in orchestra’s before moving into teaching, working at the Trinity College of Music. 

The brass sections on ‘Sgt. Pepper’ helped shape the album’s distinct music hall style, giving tracks like ‘She’s Leaving Home’ their old-timey charm. Affectionately known as ‘Pepper’ to some fans, the record is widely recognised as one of the most innovative of its time, and effectively ended the “Beatles vs. Beach Boys” debate.

George Martin, one of the few bestowed with the title of “The Fifth Beatle,” was pivotal in blending classical and pop elements, using his traditional musical background. At the time, the album’s scale was immense, with more than 40 musicians contributing to its standout track, “A Day in the Life.” The album was the most expensive album ever recorded at the time, and took over 700 hours to complete. 

The Beatles remain Liverpool’s most famous sons, and their legacy continues to boost the city’s economy. In 2015, the BBC reported that Beatles tourism brought in £82 million annually and supported over 2300 local jobs. Though the report is relatively old, the appeal of the Beatles hasn’t dwindled, with the band nominated for two Grammy’s at the upcoming 2025 awards for their song ‘Now and Then’, as well as a nomination at this years BRIT Awards for the same song.

The Beatles Story museum, spread across three floors, is filled with memorabilia, from Shea Stadium seats to Hamburg-era instruments. The new additions of Randall and Burden’s French horns honour the unsung heroes behind the Fab Four, who helped achieve their timeless sound.

What a great morning, the Philharmonic were fab, and it was lovely to chat to the family of Tony Randell and hear their memories of the talented musician. Well done Roag. pic.twitter.com/CjAs9mOWPB

— Paul Sudbury (@PaulSudbury1) January 23, 2025

One attendee at the unveiling posted on social media: “What a great morning! The Philharmonic were fab, and it was lovely to chat with the families of Tony Randall and John Burden.” 

That two French horns from an album released nearly 60 years ago could draw such attention speaks volumes about The Beatles’ enduring appeal. The donation celebrates not only the genre-defying album the instruments appeared on, but also all of the musicians who gave the Fab Four the foundations on which to shine.

Screens for public viewing will be located in London’s Hyde park, centenary Square in Birmingham, Sheffield’s Cathedral Square, Holyrood Park in Edinburgh, Carlisle’s Bitts Park and Coleraine Town Hall located in Northern Ireland. If you are unable to get to one of the Big screens, selected cinemas will also be broadcasting the funeral. For those watching at home, the funeral service and the processions will be available to watch live via BBC one, ITV and Sky.

Details of how people can watch Her Majesty The Queen’s state funeral and the ceremonial processions have been publishedhttps://t.co/H7MFy0CXFe

— Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (@DCMS) September 18, 2022

As the world remembers Queen Elizabeth II for her time on the throne, many are left reminiscing about her influence within the arts, particularly those whom she has knighted and awarded for their service within music. Within Queen Elizabeth II’s long and storied 70-year reign, some of music’s most influential artists have received a royal nod of recognition. Named the Order of the British Empire, it consists of five levels of importance. The first is MBE, otherwise known as Member; the next is Officer (OBE), second to the top is Knight and Dame Commander (KBE and DBE) and the most important is Knight and Dame Grand Cross (GBE).

Here are some of the most notable names to be honoured by Queen Elizabeth II. Many know Bob Geldolf as the organiser and figurehead for Live Aid; not surprisingly, he was given an honorary knighthood by the late monarch on 10th June 1986. Otherwise known as the fifth Beatle, George Martin was given the GBE title in 1996 for his work as a record producer. The Beatles band member and solo artist Paul McCartney was knighted by the late Queen on 11th March 1997, fellow bandmate Ringo Starr joined the knighthood ranks at a ceremony on 29th December 2017.

Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger took the knee in 2003 for his knighthood, fellow singer Ray Davies, frontman for The Kinks, was knighted in 2017. Some inductees are not English but are considered for an Order of the British empire due to their time spent within the UK; Barry Gibb from The Bee Gees is an example of this ruling; although the group are often linked to Australia, Gibb was knighted in 2017 due to the amount of time spent within the UK.

Even though most artists put forward for the award accept the invitation, many have refused to accept the Order of the British Empire. Famously David Bowie refused a CBE in 2000 and a Knighthood (GBE) in 2003. Speaking on his decision, the “Starman” singer gave the following statement, “I would never have any intention of accepting anything like that. I seriously don’t know what it’s for. It’s not what I spent my life working for. It’s not my place to make a judgement on Jagger, it’s his decision. But it’s just not for me.“

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The Guardian formed the tribute to Martin by gathering a number of modern day producers including Mark Ronson, Paul Epworth, Nigel Godrich and also the man who produced Nirvana’s breakthrough album from 1991 ‘Nevermind’ which became the iconic album of the 90’s. He mentioned that Martin was ‘”the most important producer in the history of rock’n’roll” and went on to tell an anecdote about his time in the studio with Kurt Cobain.

“I can’t tell you how many bands I have worked with who would bring up Martin’s production techniques, there was a point where I wanted Kurt Cobain to double-track his vocals on a song when we were recording Nevermind, and he was reluctant to do so because he thought it sounded too fake and I said: ‘Well, John Lennon double-tracked his vocals.’ And as soon as I said that, Kurt said: ‘OK.’ He pretty much double-tracked all the vocals after that.”