BEATLES TAPE

I am writing to clarify some issues regarding the contents of the reel-to-reel tape of supposedly unreleased Beatles material sold by Cameo Auctions on 5 August (News, RC353). I listened to a recording of the tape prior to the auction and whilst it made for an enjoyable listen, only about half the songs on the tape were by The Beatles. All songs appear to originate from BBC radio session recordings. The Fabs tunes all come from the recording of the Top Gear session (though not the actual broadcast itself) for the BBC taped on 17 November 1964, Beeb producer Bernie Andrews could clearly be heard on portions of the tape.

The highlight of the tape was the many versions of I’ll Follow The Sun that were ruined by the Beatles’ laughter - at one point Ringo was asked to turn around so he could stop making the others laugh! The remainder of the tracks on the tape however were definitely not by The Beatles. Don’t Put Me Down Like This is purportedly by Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers, while of the other songs Too Much Monkey Business, Nitty Gritty and Something’s Gotta Hold Of Me are reported to be possibly by The Hollies, while both the BBC themselves (who allegedly listened to the tape) and Cameo were unable to identify the artist performing the final song We Shall Not Be Moved. The tape was certainly a very nice item, but a little expensive perhaps at £9,500!

by Chris Knight
<< Back to Issue 356