Sunday, October 28, 2012

Another Step Up

October 28, 1962

Brian Epstein, armed with a record in the charts connects with Arthur Howes, a big time concert promoter in Britain.  Howes immediately books the Beatles into a tour with another successful recording artist, Helen Shapiro.  In addition, he books them (unpaid) into a show in his own home town of Peterborough, so he can get all look at them and see what all the fuss is about for himself.

On the same day the Beatles headline at Liverpool's premier venue, the Empire Theatre.  Many years ago this theater was instrumental in the formation of the Beatles when Johnny and the Moondogs participated in a battle of the bands competition there back in 1959.  John and Paul didn't win then, but they are on top now.

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Back to Here We Go

October 25, 1962

The Beatles journey to Manchester's Playhouse Theatre to tape another apperance on the BBC's teenager's show "Here We Go".  They record live versions of "Love Me Do", "A Taste of Honey" and "P.S. I Love You".  The first and third are the A and B sides of their first commercial release which is fighting its way up the UK charts.

Friday, October 12, 2012

Epstein and the Tower

October 12, 1962

Taking a page from Sam Leach's book, Brian Epstein pulls out all of the promotional stops today by organizing a show himself for 12, count 'em 12, acts to appear at the Tower Ballroom on one bill.  The headliner - Beatle hero, Little Richard.  They have been covering his material for so long.  And with a record entering the charts - they must feel as if this is it! They have finally made it to the toppermost.  No, not quite yet, boys.




At the same time, they make the acquaintance of one of Richard's musical entourage - keyboardist Billy Preston. (Yeah, THAT Billy Preston.  See 1:12 in the video below.  Also note the snatches of Cavern bouncer Mal Evans, the gentle giant with the glasses in this video.)




Also on the bill, Lee Curtis and the All Stars with their new drummer Pete Best.  Awkward!  The Beatles don't speak to or even seem to notice him

Friday, October 5, 2012

Get 'em While They're Hot

October 5, 1962

IT HAS HAPPENED!!!

After all the years of learning new chords, new chord sequences, new vocal techniques, and how  to blend them  into a coherent and pleasing sound...  Parlophone releases the first true Beatle record - Love Me Do / P.S. I Love You - on a 45 RPM vinyl disk.  In the coming days, the Beatles become autograph machines, showing up wherever there were kids around to buy the new single.  On the 6th at Dawson's Music Shop in Widnes in connection with their appearance at Hulme Hall in Port Sunlight.  On the 8th down in London at EMI House where they've gone to tape a appearance for Radio Luxembourg, a short wave radio show originating on the continent and beamed directly at the UK to get around the sometimes hidebound BBC monopoly on British broadcasting.  (Take that, Sir Hugh Greene.)

Pic from The Beatles Rarity, one of my favorite Beatles web sites

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Is Everybody Happy?

October 2, 1962

Three days before the release of their first record, Brian Epstein and the four Beatles sign a five year management contract.  YES!