THE LARGEST BEATLES CROWD EVER WAS IN AUSTRALIA
The book shown below with the yellow background is a special leatherette edition of only 300 copies by Andy Neill and Greg Armstrong. When I first learned of this book and went to order a copy, I discovered at the purchase stage that because I lived in the United States, that they could not/ would not sell me a copy. Simply put, you could not order a copy if you lived in the States the way the purchasing system was setup. I believe it had something to do with the very high cost of postage in being able to send the book across the Pacific.
Obsessive Beatles Collectors!
There is a part of the mind inherent in some obsessive Beatles collectors that when they are denied something that they wish to acquire, it makes them even more determined to want to obtain a copy. I used the contact information provided at the publisher’s website and informed them that I ran a Beatles Book/Print blog and had the intention of presenting the special edition of the book on my blog indicating it would also help them in informing others of this special book title. I then proceeded to ask them if they would make a one-time exception in that case and allow me to purchase one of the 300 copies of the special edition for that purpose. Their management kindly agreed, and I was able to purchase a copy to show on the blog and to have it securely and safely ensconced in my personal archives.
True to my word, this is my second post about the book!
The book arrived on November 4, 2025, and it is a marvelous addition to my Beatles Book collection! I do not know if that exclusion to US buyers’ policy remains in place but if not, thought you would like to hear the story in the event you ever encounter a similar circumstance in your hunt for limited edition print artifacts!
Leatherette is a type of artificial leather, usually made by covering a fabric base with plastic. It is designed to mimic the appearance and texture of real leather, while being more durable and easier to maintain. It is often used for upholstery, clothing, bags and other items.
BOOK DESCRIPTION AT THE PUBLISHER WEBSITE: INSIDE THE BEATLES AUSTRALASIAN TOUR 1964
Description
The Beatles’ historic – and hysterical – tour of Australasia was now over 60 years ago, but interest in the band and the visit never fades. The importance of the tour remains deeply significant, not only in the memories of baby boomers who lived through it, but also to today’s millennials who wish they had. The Beatles Australasian tour is continually celebrated as a major social landmark for both countries, a huge and lasting step in the advancing development of youth culture, and a major highlight of the Beatles’ remarkable career.
When We Was Fab: Inside The Beatles Australasian Tour 1964 is the definitive and highly illustrated (with many previously unseen photographs) account of this extraordinary tour by the world’s most creative and influential musical force; the key moment in the coming of age of Australian and New Zealand youth as they embraced the cultural explosion of the 1960s. This leatherette hardcover collectors’ edition is limited to 300 copies.
https://www.woodslanepress.com.au/?ref=vjqwamuh
When the site opens up – type in Beatles in the search grid and it will bring up the two October 1, 2025 editions of the book:
The red volume issue of the book at one time was being offered for a limited time on Amazon but I believe most of those copies are now sold out, though a few copies may still be available in certain countries.
The gold edition only appears as a 300 copy limited edition book:
THE AMAZON HARDBACK EDITION
The following book is the edition that started it all for me. I bought it on Amazon and I was very happy I did as I was not aware that the publication of the hardcover was a limited run. I have been told that now there is only a few copies left of the hardcover edition at select Amazon sites! It is a gorgeous book, many beautiful photos and stories.
WHEN WE WAS FAB: INSIDE THE BEATLES AUSTRALASIAN TOUR 1964 by ANDY NEILL and GREG ARMSTRONG
Woodslane Pty Ltd Published: 21 October, 2024
When We Was Fab: Greg Armstrong: 9781922800688: Amazon.com: Books
FLEXI-BOUND EDITION DESCRIPTION–OCT. 1, 2025
WHEN WE WAS FAB: INSIDE THE BEATLES AUSTRALASIAN TOUR 1964 by ANDY NEILL and GREG ARMSTRONG
Description- Flexibound edition-to be issued on October 1, 2025–WOODSLANE PRESS
When We Was Fab: Greg Armstrong: 9781922800688: Amazon.com: Books
The Beatles historic – and hysterical – tour of Australasia was now over 60 years ago, but interest in the band and the visit never fades. The importance of the tour remains deeply significant, not only in the memories of baby boomers who lived through it, but also to today’s millennials who wish they had. The Beatles Australasian tour is continually celebrated as a major social landmark for both countries, a huge and lasting step in the advancing development of youth culture, and a major highlight of the Beatles’ remarkable career.
When We Was Fab: Inside The Beatles Australasian Tour 1964 is the definitive and highly illustrated (with many previously unseen photographs) account of this extraordinary tour by the world’s most creative and influential musical force; the key moment in the coming of age of Australian and New Zealand youth as they embraced the cultural explosion of the 1960s. This new flexi-bound edition follows the sold-out limited edition hardback which was marketed on Amazon
Definition of a flexi-bound book from Imago What is a Flexibound Book? | A Visual Guide (Infographic)
In truth, flexi-bound books are closer in their binding style to a cased book (hardback book) than to a limp book (paperback book). The only difference being that flexi-bound book covers are made of flexible card stock, instead of a rigid binding board. Just like a cased book, the edges of the cover overhang the book block.
This means that while the two book styles are almost identical in their binding processes, a finished flexi-bound book remains lightweight with its flexible cover.
Hope this information helps you if you are attempting to seek out this wonderful book!
Be Healthy and be Happy!
Buzz
OUR PHOTO OF THE WEEK AT THE BEATLES BOOKSTORE – THE QUARRYMEN IN ROSEBERY STREET SIGNED BY THE QUARRYMEN
The Quarrymen in Rosebery Street (B&W) – Signed Photograph
The very first photograph taken of John Lennon with The Quarrymen was on 22nd June 1957 in Rosebery Street, Liverpool 8. The photographer was Charlie Roberts, and he has this amazing photograph of The Quarrymen signed by himself, as well as Quarrymen Rod Davis, Colin Hanton, and Len Garry, plus John Lennon’s sister Julia Baird.
