Beatles demo tape up for auction
Recorded on New Year’s Day 1961, Decca artists and repertoire man Dick Rowe passed over the Liverpool group and signed The Tremeloes instead. The Beatles went on to sign for EMI and became world stars. Bootleg copies exist but few have heard the original “pristine” master tape, containing 10 cover versions.
It is being auctioned in London on Tuesday by the Fame Bureau, with an asking price of 30,000 pounds ($58,000). It does not, however, come with the rights to the tracks.
“Apple, the company set up by The Beatles, holds the copyright to their voices and if anyone tried to release the material without their permission they would certainly be sued,” said Fame Bureau Managing Director Ted Owen, according to The Times. “This has never officially been released. It is unique and the sound quality is crystal clear. We have spoken to various experts, and this is the best quality recording of this session there is.”
Bassist Paul McCartney, lead guitarist George Harrison, rhythm guitarist John Lennon and drummer Pete Best - later sacked and replaced by Ringo Starr - appear on the demo tape, recorded at Decca studios in West Hampstead, north London.
It is marked the “Silver Beatles,” the group’s former name, and comes with a hand-written track list and a black-and-white image of the band wearing leather jackets and posing with their instruments.
AFP
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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