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A MAD DAY OUT IN THE SUMMER OF 1968

The Beatles Mad Day Out
The Beatles Mad Day Out

Mad Day Out

Excellent limited edition books about that famous Mad Day Out photo session taken around the time of the Beatles recording the “White Album.”

The Beatles were photographed in July of 1968 in several locations around London. The photographers taking photos of them that day were: Don McCullin, Ronald Fitzgibbon, Stephen Goldblatt, Tom Murray, Tony Bramwell, and Mal Evans.

Here are a few of the limited edition books about that famous photo shoot.

This book is by photographer and cinematographer, Stephen Goldblatt.

Edition One Books published this work for the non-profit organization Fotovison around 2010. Only issued in an edition of 250 copies, it is the most difficult  Beatles Mad Day Out photo book to acquire. Two people who were instrumental in seeing this book become a reality were Beatles expert Norman Maslov and book designer, Michael Rylander. The images in this book are exclusively black and white!

Mad Day Out by Stephen Goldblatt
Mad Day Out by Stephen Goldblatt

Paul McCartney originally commissioned war photographer Don McCullin to take photos of the Beatles for promotional purposes around the impending release of the “White Album.” The slip-cased signed version of this book containing both color/ colour and black and white photos is very rare, as Don McCullin had emergency surgery while he was beginning the signing of this special edition so very few of the signed slip-cased version of the book has made it to the marketplace. Here are a few photos of the McCullin book:

Published by Jonathan Cape, 2010

A Day in the Life of The Beatles
A Day in the Life of The Beatles
A Day in the Life of The Beatles
A Day in the Life of The Beatles
A Day in the Life of The Beatles
A Day in the Life of The Beatles

Tom Murray

Tom Murray’s book was published by Archivum publishers in 2018 to mark the 50th anniversary of the photoshoot.

Tom Murray was asked by photographer Don McCullin if he was interested in taking photos of a band he was shooting that day in 1968. Only Don McCullin did not notify Tom Murray of the band he was shooting that day. Tom agreed to go with Don that day. With the limited information that Don provided to Tom, he only took one roll of colour/color film with him to shoot that day. Needless to say, he was shocked and startled to see the band that McCullin was scheduled to photograph. Tom’s film was fortunately in color and he was able to take what many consider to be the best color photographs of the Beatles taken that day. Tom is a very friendly and gracious personality and has taken many fabulous photos throughout his illustrious career.

Mad Day Out by Tom Murray
Mad Day Out by Tom Murray

The Beatles: The Summer of 1968

Earlier than the above-mentioned limited edition books,  I was able to acquire a limited paperback version of Tom’s photos entitled: “The Beatles The Summer of 1968” through the UK company Tracks.

The Beatles The Summer of 1968
The Beatles The Summer of 1968
The Beatles The Summer of 1968
The Beatles The Summer of 1968

All of these books are highly sought after as they represent what possibly may be the best Beatles photoshoot of their career.

Is this your favourite Beatles photo shoot? Or do you have another?

Buzz

Another Beatles Photograph Book

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Despair as The Cavern Club Closes

The Sit-in Protest
The Sit-in Protest

And in The End?

Until that fateful last night on 28th February 1966, no one knew anything was wrong. It was just like any other Sunday night at the Cavern – until Ray McFall arrived and informed the staff that the bailiffs would be there the next morning. He said the club was to stay open all night – with free admission. Young men were furious, girls cried, and by the early hours, patrons had blocked the stairs leading down to the club. No one could get in or out.

When the police arrived, Paddy told the protestors to let them in. The kids were escorted out but they wanted doorman Paddy to be the last one to leave.

Cavern Sound Ltd

The two working directors of Cavern Sound Ltd., Nigel Greenberg and Peter Hepworth, whose recording studio occupied the basement of No. 8 Mathew Street, next door to the Cavern at No. 10, had no idea Ray McFall was about to declare bankruptcy when they locked up the previous Friday. The recording studio could only be accessed through the front door of No. 8, where the Cavern offices were situated.

The Bailiffs

Nigel recalls: “When we arrived for work that Monday we found that bailiffs, acting on behalf of the Official Receiver, were sealing up the front roller shutter to prevent anyone from removing any of Ray McFall’s assets, which were to be sold to pay off his debts.

“I tried to explain to one of the bailiffs that Cavern Sound Ltd. was a completely separate legal entity to the Cavern Club and that none of the studio equipment belonged to Ray, but the bailiff would have none of it and prevented us from entering the building.”

Find out more about Cavern Sound Ltd.

What happened next in Cavern history?

The Chairs Stop the Bailiffs
The Chairs Stop the Bailiffs

Find out more about the Cavern story in Debbie’s fascinating book

Debbie Greenberg

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Bruce Spizer’s Beatles Books – Part 2

Bruce's Books
Bruce’s Books

Another format to some of Bruce’s album series is this boxed set of 4 of his titles packaged and available together (above)

Bruce’s Books – The Beatles’ Records

This is Part 2 presenting some of the works of noted Beatles author, Bruce Spizer!

This is Bruce’s website provided for your perusal:

The Beatles on Capitol

A fascinating 2 book series chronicling the Beatles history and association with the record label and company that saw their explosion in the world’s largest record market of the time-the US! Without question, a must-have for your book collections!

The Beatles On Capitol Records Part 1
The Beatles On Capitol Records Part 1
The Beatles On Capitol Records Part 2
The Beatles On Capitol Records Part 2

The Beatles Are Coming!

An excellent book detailing the evolution and the development of the Beatles invasion and the details preceding the revolution:

The Beatles Are Coming
The Beatles Are Coming

The Beatles On Apple Records

I love the Apple Records story and learning what the Beatles’ goals for the company were. However, the quote about the “best-laid plans of mice and men” surely applied to this story. A fabulous 2 volumes documenting the Apple label story!

The Beatles on Apple Records - Part 1
The Beatles on Apple Records – Part 1
The Beatles on Apple Records - Part 2
The Beatles on Apple Records – Part 2

The Beatles on Parlophone

A detailed history of UK record releases by the Beatles on Parlophone!

The Beatles on Parlophone
The Beatles on Parlophone

The Beatles on Vee-Jay

A fantastic book dealing with one of the record labels the Beatles were on in America before they were signed to Capitol. Once again a fascinating story as to the details of what happened. You do not want to miss the details…

The Beatles on Vee-Jay Records
The Beatles on Vee-Jay Records

The Beatles on Swan Records

The first Beatles record that I ever bought was “She Loves You” on the Swan record label. This was another record label that the Beatles appeared on before they were locked in with the US label, Capitol. Once again another fascinating story presented by Bruce Spizer. Bruce is without peer as an investigator and this tale will amaze you!

The Beatles On Swan
The Beatles On Swan

The Beatles Hard Day’s Night and More

The Beatles Hard Day's Night & More
The Beatles Hard Day’s Night & More

Beatles For Sale To Help!

Bruce’s new title able to be pre-ordered on April 4, 2025 and to be published in August of 2025. No doubt that it will be another wonderful and informative title in the Bruce Spizer catalog:

The Beatles For Sale To Help!

A fantastic series of books on The Beatles’ records. Check out Bruce’s website for more information.

Home – beatle.net

What did you learn about the Beatles that you did not know before as a result of reading these fantastic books?

Buzz

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Bruce’s Books on the Loose

Bruce Spizer
Bruce Spizer

Bruce Spizer’s Books on the Loose

For many years, I have dedicated myself to the pursuit of purchasing all of the Beatles-related books compiled and written by Bruce Spizer. These books are put together with a host of other very prominent Beatles experts and authors contributing to his books. Not only does one benefit from learning fabulous new information about the Beatles’ recording career, but Bruce’s research and writing skills are impeccable. Waiting for a new book from Bruce is like waiting for the next significant holiday, with all the pleasure and enjoyment that entails! Bruce’s books come in many formats. Hardcover and softcover editions, signed special collector’s boxed editions with lots of extras provided, and yes kindle editions as well are available to purchase. My favorite item to purchase of Bruce’s books are the limited-edition special collector’s editions. Limited to 500 copies, these are truly special and you will treasure them in your Beatles library forever.

Here is Bruce’s excellent website at www.beatle.net 

The Beatles Please Please Me to With The Beatles

Recently Bruce announced this forthcoming work is expected in the fall of 2023. The main focus of this title of Bruce’s excellent album series will be to highlight and discuss the recording of their first two UK Parlophone releases of “Please Please Me” and “With the Beatles”. Other early recording ventures of the Beatles such as the famous Decca audition, will also be discussed in this book. Looking forward to this!

The Beatles Please Please Me to With The Beatles
The Beatles Please Please Me to With The Beatles

Want to see how comprehensive Bruce’s Beatle Book catalog is?  These books are not presented in the order they were released, but it provides a good sampling of the tremendous library and literary contribution Bruce Spizer has made to the Beatles book canon.

The Beatles Rubber Soul to Revolver

Fantastic title that highlights the two albums that provided the incredible transition period that the Beatles made in their musical development. Both of these LP’s emphasized the band’s incessant need and desire to push the throttle forward to new sounds and experimentation with the creative process.

The Beatles Rubber Soul to Revolver
The Beatles Rubber Soul to Revolver

The Beatles Magical Mystery Tour and Yellow Submarine

This wonderful book fills in the magical gaps following the release of the Sgt. Pepper album and discusses the origins and creation of these two works as 1967 cruised into 1968.

Magical Mystery Tour and Yellow Submarine
Magical Mystery Tour and Yellow Submarine

The Beatles Finally Let It Be

Though not the last Beatles album officially recorded, it was the last album issued. Though it had a few Beatles gems in the grooves it served as a reminder to fans that the group was about to move on to their solo careers. It is hard to explain but this book’s details make me feel simultaneously happy and sad!

The Beatles Finally Let It Be
The Beatles Finally Let It Be

The Beatles Get Back to Abbey Road

Their last LP and what a way to go out. Served to prove that when the Beatles were all on the same page, no one could beat them and their songwriting skills.  What better way for the Beatles to end their recording career by going out on top and leaving their massive audience yearning for more. Subsequent generations were also drawn to the musical mystique of the band and left those generations with a feeling of “we missed out on a very exciting period of history.”

The Beatles Get Back to Let It Be
The Beatles Get Back to Let It Be

The Beatles White Album

Looking at the Beatles in retrospect, it seems strange that an album that signaled the beginning of the disintegration of the group would also be seen as their greatest work by many. Possibly due to the diversity of musical styles exemplified by the Beatles on this LP, this book serves as a great analysis of that subject matter.

The Beatles White Album and the Launch of Apple
The Beatles White Album and the Launch of Apple

The Beatles and Sgt Pepper

Many people look at this LP as the apex and the zenith of the Beatles’ career. Bruce and his many author contributors do a superb job in putting the Sgt. Pepper LP into its proper historical and cultural perspective. 

The Beatles and Sgt. Pepper
The Beatles and Sgt. Pepper

Part 2 coming soon

Buzz

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The Ingredients of The Stu – Sutcliffe

"Hands" by Stuart Sutcliffe
“Hands” by Stuart Sutcliffe

Stuart Sutcliffe

John’s good friend and artist Stuart Sutcliffe, was a member of the Beatles for a relatively short time, playing bass guitar until he quit the band to pursue his artistic career along with his German girlfriend Astrid. Unfortunately, Stu, who suffered from headaches for a considerable amount of time, died from a brain hemorrhage in Germany in 1962.

Another perspective of the sketch:

Stuart Sutcliffe Sketch "Hands"
Stuart Sutcliffe Sketch “Hands”

I, as time progressed quickly, discovered that I could not afford a Stu Sutcliffe oil painting in collecting circles as they command very high prices and are in high demand, but I was very fortunate to be able to acquire a Stu Sutcliffe sketch of a pair of his hands from the Fest For Beatles Fans. The seller had unfortunately taken one of Sutcliffe’s notebooks and sold the sketches individually to maximize the financial return. I am against that and believe the notebook should have remained intact. However, since the damage had already been done I decided to buy the sketch to give it a permanent and safe home.

Stuart Sutcliffe – the Poet

Most people think of Stu Sutcliffe’s artistic talents but he also dabbled in poetry. This is the cover of Stu’s 1955 poetry notebook.

The Cover to Stuart's Poetry Book
The Cover of Stuart’s Poetry Book

Stu Sutcliffe’s 1955 poem entitled “Lament of Spring,” which I acquired from a dear friend in Texas. Sutcliffe signed his last name near the title of the poem

"Lament of Spring" by Stuart Sutcliffe
“Lament of Spring” by Stuart Sutcliffe

Stuart Sutcliffe Portfolio

A Stu Sutcliffe portfolio put together by his sister, Pauline. This was a large format limited edition portfolio containing reproductions of items associated with Stu’s short tenure with the Beatles. I was able to acquire one of these portfolios from Ebay.

Stuart Sutcliffe - The Beatles Era
Stuart Sutcliffe – The Beatles Era

Below the ad for the portfolio is the certificate signed by Stu’s sister as being copy #162 of a total of the 1,000 that were made. Stu’s sister passed away several years ago.

The Promo for The Stuart Sutcliffe Portfolio
The Promo for The Stuart Sutcliffe Portfolio

Buzz

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Novelty Beatles Records

A Beatle I Want To Be
A Beatle I Want To Be

A Novelty- A Cricket Wants to be a Beatle

Sonny Curtis of the Crickets’ novelty record about the Beatles (above) is one of many novelty Beatles records.

Part of the fun in collecting Beatles items is that there are many areas where collectors can decide to concentrate on. For example, many people love to collect Beatle novelty records or 45s. Here are a few items from my collection of novelty 45s and a brief sentence about why they hold a particular fascination for me.

Paul Is Dead Record

Jose Feliciano’s novelty record (below) about the Paul is Dead hoax. Jose uses the pseudonym

Werbley Finster

Jose Feliciano's Record about Paul
Jose Feliciano’s Record about Paul

Cher

A Beatles novelty record produced and partially written by Phil Spector and sung by none other than Cher using the name Bonnie Jo Mason.

Cher - as Bonnie Jo Mason
Cher – as Bonnie Jo Mason

Two Virgins Too Far

“John, You Went Too Far This Time” by the group Rainbo featured the actress Sissy Spacek singing about her frustrations with John Lennon doing the nude album cover with Yoko called “Two Virgins,” on this Roulette 45.

John You Went Too Far This Time
John You Went Too Far This Time

Buzz

Discover More About Beatles Memorabilia