“PAUL McCARTNEY – NO, JOHN LENNON – YES”

Spencer Leigh opens the BBC’s files on the Beatles, 1962-67

Although the Beatles appeared on Top Of The Pops, no one thought of preserving their performances. Nevertheless, the correspondence between the Beatles and the BBC has been retained at the corporation’s archives in Caversham. It was thrilling to be brought the buff files marked ‘Beatles’. What, I wondered, would they contain? The opening salvo comes from David John Smith of Preston. This young man had seen the Beatles in local clubs and recognised their potential. Early in 1962, he told the BBC: “These boys combine their schoolboy looks with a thick sound which produces one of the most exciting atmospheres ever to come from white artists.”

A perceptive comment but the BBC assumed that David John was connected with the group and sent him a letter for an audition. David John, who later formed the Mood and recorded for Joe Meek, says today, “I was only 16 years old when I got that letter and I was terrified. I thought that if they didn’t attend, they might get blacklisted for life. I sent it through to Brian Epstein’s office.” Through Brian Epstein, the Beatles auditioned for the BBC producer, Peter Pilbeam. His curt assessment is on file: “Paul McCartney – no, John Lennon – yes. An unusual group, not as rocky as most. More country and …

by Spencer Leigh
<< Back to Issue 352