We Hope You Have Enjoyed The Show

I'm back! 

I hope you've all been well whilst I've been without the Internet for the past two weeks. Our trip was pretty fantastic but I'll leave that for another post. Right now I want to talk about The Bootleg Beatles. 

If someone introduces me to another person for the first time, without a doubt it will go something along the lines of: "This is Lucy. She loves The Beatles". And it's true. So when I first heard over three years ago that The Bootleg Beatles were coming to town I had to book a ticket to their show. And my goodness, what a show. If you are a die-hard Bealtes fan like me you will see just how much work these four men put into recreating the essence of John, Paul, George and Ringo, and how successfully they do it. 

Last night I attended my third Bootleg Beatles show with my younger sister. As some of you may know, it is now 50 years this month since The Beatles toured Australia. Last night half a century ago The Beatles (with Jimmy Nicol replacing Ringo Starr) performed at Centennial Hall in Adelaide, Australia - the city where the fab four greeted a massive crowd of over 300, 000. Although I saw the tribute band locally, I still got right into the spirit of Beatlemania and dressed the part all the while pretending that I was seeing my very favourite band in concert way back in 1964.

Of course, I took my inspiration from Cynthia Lennon circa 1964, who you most probably know by now is one of my biggest style icons. I wore a new skirt and vintage coat that I picked up on our trip. 

The show was incredible. We didn't want it to end. We sang, danced and clapped along to every song and kicked into full blown Beatlemania mode. Being two young girls amongst a crowd of people from past generations, we got quite a few smiles from the four boys up on the stage which made us very happy indeed. A great set was played with songs spanning their Beatlemania to Sgt. Pepper's to Let it Be/Abbey Road days. An orchestra was present, which was incredible to hear as we witnessed a live performance of "A Day in the Life". During the show they also performed "In My Life". It was so wonderful that I had tears in my eyes, thinking of John and George and how much the music of The Beatles means to me. 

After the show I felt very much like this young girl here, holding her treasured Beatles ticket to her lips and seeming to be bursting with joy and excitement. Two women and a man after the show who had been sitting in front of us asked to take our picture as they were so glad to see young people from this day and age still living the legend that is The Beatles. We all had a good chat. The man had seen both Elvis and The Who back in the 60's, and was also wearing a coat that had once belonged to the great Vince Melouney.

If you have not yet witnessed the talent and accuracy that is The Bootleg Beatles you must watch this video from Delfien Taillieu of Adam Hastings performing "You've Got To Hide Your Love Away" as John Lennon.

Have you ever seen The Bootleg Beatles?

"Misery" - The Stories Behind the Songs of The Beatles

Song: "Misery"
Album: "Please Please Me" - Track 2
Recorded: 11th February 1963
Released: 22nd March 1963 (UK), 22nd July 1963 (US)
Writing Credits: McCartney-Lennon
Producer: George Martin
Personnel:
John Lennon: vocals, rhythm guitar
Paul McCartney: vocals, bass guitar
George Harrison: lead guitar
Ringo Starr: drums
George Martin: piano

Determined to be recognized in the music world as songwriters, and not just another generic British group making a living through cover versions, The Beatles' song writing duo of Paul McCartney and John Lennon made the effort to write and include their own material on their debut album as well as covers of American numbers. One of these compositions of their own making that would be included on the album was "Misery". However, it was originally intended for someone else to record instead. 

Flyer for Helen Shapiro's 1963 February tour. Here you
can see  that The Beatles as well as Kenny Lynch
 are included as supporting acts.

In the February of 1963 The Beatles toured with popular young British singer Helen Shapiro as one of her seven supporting acts. Her manager, Norrie Paramor of EMI's Columbia label, had asked The Beatles earlier if they would write a song for Shapiro to appear on her next album and they had agreed. On the 26th of January the band performed at the King's Hall on Glebe Street, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire. Whilst backstage before the show they penned what was to become "Misery", their intended song for Shapiro, with Lennon as the main contributor. Tony Bramwell, an at the time employee to Beatles' manager Brian Epstein, claims that Hollies members Allan Clarke and Graham Nash also contributed to the song's composition. "John and Paul were stuck on one of the lines and Allan and Graham began throwing in suggestions. The boys wanted to get it ready for Helen Shapiro" he said. Clarke validates Bramwell's claim, though does not recall what words or lines he contributed specifically. He says "John and Paul were plucking along writing this song and we helped with a couple of words." The song is said to have been completed at McCartney's Liverpool home at Forthlin Road.

Ticket from the night in which The Beatles began
composing what was to be "Misery"

Shortly after a tape was made and sent to Paramor to consider for Shapiro. McCartney expressed "We've called it 'Misery' but it isn't quite as slow as it sounds. It moves along at quite a steady pace and we think Helen Shapiro will make quite a good job of it".  However, Paramor turned the tune down. Shapiro remembers:

British singer Helen Shapiro whom The Beatles
toured with and composed "Misery" for her to record in 1963.

"I got on great with them and John was like a brother to me. Very protective. He and Paul certainly offered 'Misery' to me first, through Norrie, but I didn't know anything about it until I met them on the first day of the tour [February 2nd 1963, Bradford, Yorks]. Apparently he'd turned it down even though I'd hadn't heard it".

Instead, the song was covered by another artist who was also part of the same February tour: a black British  singer named Kenny Lynch. This made him the first artist, out of countless to come, to cover a Lennon-McCartney composition. You can listen to Lynch's cover here.

"Misery" written by Lennon-McCartney
and covered by British artist Kenny Lynch

Eleven takes of "Misery" were recorded during the single 15 hour recording session of "Please Please Me". The song was recorded at 30 inches per second, double the standard 15 inches per second. This was so George Martin could add the piano section in played at a preferred slower speed, lower octave and later date, the 20th of February, without The Beatles present.

"Misery"

The world is treating me bad... Misery

I'm the kind of guy
Who never used to cry
The world is treating me bad... Misery!

I've lost her now for sure
I won't see her no more
It's gonna be a drag... Misery!

I'll remember all the little things we've done
Can't she see she'll always be the only one, only one

Send her back to me
Cos everyone can see
Without her I will be in misery

I'll remember all the little things we've done
She'll remember and she'll miss her only one, lonely one

Send her back to me
Cos everyone can see
Without her I will be in misery (Oh oh oh)
In misery (Ooh ee ooh ooh)
My misery (La la la la la la)

"Misery" - Please Please Me (1963)

"Misery" - Takes 2, 3 4, 5, 6 - The Beatles Anthology 1 (1995)

Sources

Turner, S. (2005). "The Beatles: The Stories Behind The Songs (A Hard Day's Write)". Carlton Books Limited. SevenOaks.

Anon. (n.d.). "Misery". Retrieved from http://www.beatlesbible.com/songs/misery/

Helen Shapiro tour flyer image retrieved from http://www.multiplusbooks.com/630223.html

Beatles ticket image retrieved from http://www.multiplusbooks.com/630126.html

Helen Shapiro image retrieved from http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/arts/music/albumreviews/article3724404.ece

Kenny Lynch 45 image retrieved from http://www.45cat.com/record/pop1136

"I Saw Here Standing There" - The Stories Behind the Songs of The Beatles

And so my " Every Little Thing - The Stories Behind the Songs of The Beatles Project" begins now.

Song: "I Saw Her Standing There"

Album: "Please Please Me" - Track 1

Recorded: 11th February 1963

Released: 22nd March 1963 (UK), 22nd July 1963 (US)

Writing Credits: McCartney-Lennon

Producer: Sir George Martin

Personnel: 

Paul McCartney - lead vocals, bass guitar, hand claps

John Lennon - backing vocals, rhythm guitar, hand claps

George Harrison - lead guitar, hand claps

Ringo Starr - drums, hand claps

The song's composition is believed to have begun in September of 1962. One night, on the drive back to his home, 20 Forthlin Road in Allerton Liverpool, Paul McCartney deduced that the band needed to have more songs that their adoring teenaged female fans could relate to. He was fancied by the idea of writing a song about a girl of 17 and came up with the first two lines: "She was just seventeen/Never been a beauty queen". The next day McCartney presented the idea to John Lennon, whom decided to change the second line to "You know what I mean" instead, as not only did it sound better, but it could also be interpreted how ever the listener liked, whether it be a line filler or a sexual connotation referring to the female persona being above the legal age of sexual consent in England at the time, 16.

Some believe that the song was actually inspired by Iris Caldwell, the sister of Rory Storm (from Rory Storm and the Hurricanes), who McCartney dated briefly in the December of 1961. At the time of their meeting she was only 17 and was seen by McCartney as she wore fishnet stockings and danced the twist at the Tower Ballroom in New Brighton as a professional dancer.

Iris Caldwell, who is believed to be Paul McCartney's
inspiration for the song "I Saw Her Standing There"

"It was never that serious. We never pretended to be true to each other. I went out with lots of people. I was working away in different theatres at the time but if I was back home then we would go out. There were never any promises made or love declared" 

- Says Iris Caldwell about her relationship with McCartney

Caldwell also claimed that McCartney had intended to give the song to Rory Storm to record for his band, but Beatles manager Brian Epstein refused this.

In an interview with Beat Instrumental, McCartney later explained that the bass riff of the song was actually taken from "I'm Talking About You", a song by Chuck Berry in 1961. McCartney said "I played exactly the same notes as he did and it fitted our number perfectly".

"I'm Talking About You" - Chuck Berry

There is a photograph in existence of the famous duo writing the song, taken by McCartney's younger brother Mike at 20 Forthlin Road. On the floor in front of McCartney and Lennon is a Liverpool Institute exercise book with the lyrics of the song in the making writing up on it. McCartney is pictured playing his first guitar, a Zenith acoustic, in which he composed the song on.

Paul McCartney and John Lennon in the living room of the
McCartney home at 20 Forthlin Road, Allerton Liverpool, 1962.
Photographed by Mike McCartney

By the final months of 1962, "I Saw Her Standing There" had been incorporated into The Beatles' stage act at The Cavern in Liverpool, though under the title of "Seventeen" and sometimes last over ten minutes with multiple guitar solos. When recording The Beatles' debut studio album, "Please Please Me", producer Sir George Martin changed the name and decided that it would be the opening track as he believed that it set the scene of The Beatles' traditional musical environment of The Cavern. This is why the "1-2-3-4!" intro (which was taken from Take Nine) was kept, to make the listener feel as if they had been transported to The Cavern to witness a live performance of these four Liverpudlian lads.

Nine Takes were recorded of "I Saw Her Standing There" during the single 15 hour recording session of "Please Please Me". Take One is what is heard on the released album. Later on throughout the day each Beatle overdubbed hand claps on the track. 

"I Saw Her Standing There"

(1,2,3,4!)

Well, she was just 17
You know what I mean
And the way she looked was way beyond compare
So how could I dance with another (Ooh)
When I saw her standing there

Well she looked at me, and I, I could see
That before too long I'd fall in love with her
She wouldn't dance with another (Whooh)
When I saw her standing there

Well, my heart went "boom"
When I crossed that room
And I held her hand in mine...

Whoah, we danced through the night
And we held each other tight
And before too long I fell in love with her
Now I'll never dance with another (Whooh)
Since I saw her standing there

Well, my heart went "boom"
When I crossed that room
And I held her hand in mine...

Whoah, we danced through the night
And we held each other tight
And before too long I fell in love with her
Now I'll never dance with another (Whooh)
Since I saw her standing there

"I Saw Her Standing There" - Please Please Me (1963)

"I Saw Her Standing There" (Live) - The Beatles Anthology 1 (1995)

Sources

Turner, S. (2005). "The Beatles: The Stories Behind The Songs (A Hard Day's Write)". Carlton Books Limited. SevenOaks.

Anon. (n.d.). "I Saw Here Standing There". Retrieved from http://www.beatlesbible.com/songs/i-saw-her-standing-there/

Rolling Stone (2011). "I Saw Her Standing There". "The Beatles: 100 Greatest Songs"

Mike McCartney image retrieved from http://www.songfacts.com/songimage.php?id=2

Iris Caldwell image retrieved from http://www.mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/going-out/music/the-beatles-teenager-who-inspired-paul-1362890

Every Little Thing - The Stories Behind the Songs of The Beatles Project

Some years ago I purchased Steve Turner's book, "The Beatles: The Stories Behind the Songs", and let me tell you it is just brilliant. It is an archive listing each and every recorded and released Beatles song and, in as much detail as possible, describes how they came into this world as musical masterpieces to be remembered and valued always. 

As a solid Beatles fan, I am beginning a project in which I will dedicate a post to each and every one of these Beatles songs and the unique and precious stories that they have behind them with assistance from this book as well as other sources.  From "Please Please Me" to "Abbey Road", I will do so in chronological order of each album and include songs that were not released on albums separately according to the year that they were released.

I know that this is a mammoth task, and will possibly continue into next year, but it is something that I would like to do, and I know if you are a Beatles fan like me, you will appreciate these stories just as much as I do.
And no this does not mean that all my posts will be consumed by the likes of John, Paul, George and Ringo. I will still maintain my usually posts of all things that Lucy likes.

And so it begins!

First on the list we have The Beatles' 1963 debut album, "Please Please Me".

"They Probably Know The Chords Better Than I Do" - George Harrison

On Saturday night, I finally saw The Bootleg Beatles in concert. And my, it was unbelievably wonderful!

 

The flyer read:

 The world's first and finest tribute band, The Bootleg Beatles, continue to thrill audiences with their performing of their acclaimed homage to the Fab Four.

Neil Harrison (former John Lennon); Andre Barreau (George Harrison); and David Catlin-Birch (Paul McCartney) met in 1979 when they were all cast in the hit West-End production, Beatlemania. When the show finished its run the band, knowing the repertoire inside out, decided to continue performing it and thus The Bootleg Beatles were born in 1980, along with the entire tribute genre.

What started as four musicians with black polo necks and a wig has evolved into The Bootleg Beatles' lauded show which combines note perfect renditions of Beatles repertoire, spectacular costume changes and a visually stunning video backdrop. The Bootleg Beatles faithfully re-create 6 phases of the Beatles' rise from a basement (The Cavern in Liverpool) to a rooftop (The famous Apple concert in 1969) via Shea Stadium, Sgt. Pepper's and the Magical Mystery Tour.

After 31 years portraying John in The Bootleg Beatles, Neil Harrison announced his intention to retire from performing in January 2011. Following an intensive audition process and much more media speculation, in Jul 2011 The Bootleg Beatles announced Adam Hastings would don the wigs and glasses in the band. His debut performances with The Bootleg Beatles have been met with rave reviews from fans and critics alike!

Adam Hastings (John Lennon) - guitar, vocals, keyboards

David Catlin-Birch (Paul McCartney) - bass, vocals

Andre Barreau (George Harrison) - guitar, vocals

Hugo Degenhardt (Ringo Starr) - drums, vocals

 The lead up to the night was exciting in itself. Each time I've been to see a Beatles tribute concert I pretend with all my might that I am going back in time to see my boys in the flesh. This night was no different. And with all my dolly gear and ten ton of trusty hairspray, I did my very best to look like an authentic screamie from the crowds of Beatlemania in 1964.

 

We booked out tickets early, and were lucky enough to get second row seats; the closest I've been at a tribute Beatles show yet! Scattered upon the stage were replicas of well known Beatle instruments, such as Paul's psychedelic bass and signature Hoffner, and George's 360/12 Rickenbacker, along with Vox speakers. I almost could not contain my excitement!

And then boom! Out they came!

They opened with "I Want To Hold Your Hand" in their black polo neck sweaters and beatle boots. After playing a set, they then went to exit the stage. I quite loudly declared my love for George, and he blew me a kiss. Then a minute later they returned in their Shea Stadium outfits and broke out with a brilliant performance of "She's A Woman". George did the most amazing job of playing the solo from "Taxman" live - amazing! Their resemblance to The Beatles was really quite stunning. But the star was definately Adam Hastings, the man who played John. I honestly could not believe how similar he looked to him. It was like having John Lennon right there on stage in flesh and blood. Each time he looked my way my heart jumped, as for a moment I really believed it was him. I could not tell you how much I wanted to jump up on the stage and tell John how much I love him and hold him forever.

 Adam Hastings as John Lennon

Andre Barreau as George Harrsion

"End of Part One. Intermission"

The gentlemen next to me (who I'd sing and dance with for the rest of the night like an old drunken friend at the pub with) complimented that my hairstyle took him way back to '64 when he saw The Beatles.

Another gentleman behind me compliment on my twist during "Twist And Shout", and I began talking with he and his wife. She'd been to see The Beatles in 1963, and had also visited the Dakota Apartment Building, as well as Strawberry Fields, in New York. I found that George was also her favourite, and for the rest of the night we shared smiles and knowing glances.

"End of Intermission. Part Two"

The most fabulous Sgt. Pepper's outfits I'd ever seen - custom made and identical to those of the actual Beatles back in 1967. Each little detail in each individual outfit was stunning. They were accompanied by a mini orchestra consisting of a trombone, trumpet, curved soprano and alto saxophones and a cello, and opened (of course) with "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" followed by "With A Little Help From My Friends". John looked even more like John with his cropped hair, moustache and national health glasses.

After this set they then changed into their "Let It Be" costumes. John continued to amaze me further more. I cannot tell you how unbelievably surreal it was.

What was also really beautiful was when the stage was left for George alone to play "Here Comes The Sun". My sister and I got tears in our eyes. "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" did not help either. I closed my eyes, and for a moment I really believed that my George was right there in front of me. I could not have asked for anything more in my life at that moment.

Finally, they closed with "Hey Jude", which also almost brought me to tears. They took their bows and then left the stage. I did not want them to leave! But thankfully they came back to play "Back In The USSR" and finally a spectacular, spectactular, rendition of "Long Tall Sally". The lady who was sitting behind me pulled me out into the aisle and we danced like it was '63, completely in love with music, and completely in love with The Beatles. We shared a big, big hug afterwards. It was so wonderful to connect with strangers in such a sincere way through such a strong and shared love of something. The happiness I felt was immense. I had never danced so much in my life. My knees were wobbling when it finished. My little sister later told me that I looked as if I was completely in my own little world, in a time bubble. She also later told me that through the night I was enjoying myself and getting into it so much that everyone around me must of thought that I was drunk!

They played such a fantastic selection of songs, and some that I never ever thought I'd hear live, such as "Lady Madonna", "Strawberry Fields Forever" and "The Ballad Of John And Yoko", which I am so thankful for. Really, their performance was amazing. Each musician so accurately replicated the mannerisms of each of the Liverpudlian lads. Vocals, playing styles, foot stomping, facial expressions, humour. You name it. Even Paulie's winks and finger-pointing, and John's cheekiness and gum-chewing were present.

What also made the night so special was their interaction with the audience. They all smiled and winked at me all night, especially Paul, as I sang along with every single lyric and squealed at the introduction of every single song. I felt so proud of my love for my boys, and I'm sure that they were glad to be bringing so much joy at the same time.

All in all, The Bootleg Beatles are a must see for any Beatle fan.

Here is a rough list of the songs that were played on the night:

• I Want To Hold Your Hand
• Please Please Me
• From Me To You
• She Loves You
• Roll Over Beethoven
• This Boy
• No Reply
• Eight Days A Week
• You've Got To Hide Your Love Away
• She's A Woman
• I Feel Fine
• A Hard Day's Night
• Can't Buy Me Love
• Taxman
• Ticket To Ride
• Help!
• Twist and Shout

Intermission

• Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
• With A Little Help From My Friends
• Got To Get You Into My Life
• Lady Madonna
• Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds
• Strawberry Fields Forever
• All You Need Is Love
• Magical Mystery Tour
• Come Together
• Here Comes The Sun
• While My Guitar Gently Weeps
• Birthday
• The Ballad Of John And Yoko
• Get Back
• Hey Jude
• Back In The USSR
• Long Tall Sally

Gift From A Friend - Gift To A Friend

Outfit:

- Navy blouse with lace collar and black tie
- Vintage red wrap-around skirt
- Black tights
- Black block-heeled mary-janes
- Vintage white bag
- Red plastic bangle
- Red stud earrings

Yesterday I met up with a friend of mine that I haven't seen in too long. Before we met up I made a little parcel up for her filled with magical things like Rose Quartz, a time-piece, and a soft leather journal with pages lined in gold and sprinkled with stars, all wrapped together within brown paper and string.

And being the amazing person she is, she also bought me a gift. She had been in England and visited some of the most wonderful places, including The Beatles Story museum in Liverpool. She was lucky enough to see the original instruments of The Quarry Men, items of clothing, flasks and writings by the Beatles themselves. Knowing how much they mean to me she took a stack of pictures for me. She bought me back a Beatles penny, two souvenir booklets, and a miniature replica of George's Grestch. She knows me too well. Whilst over the her uncle heard of how much I love The Beatles, and though we've never met he was kind enough to send back two Beatle books from his own collection to me. I am so grateful, and it is beautiful to see that there are such wonderful people in the world. With the little bundle of gifts she also gave me a key chain from the London Eye, one identical to another she bought, and a tiny diamond. For Christmas I got Beatles Monopoly, and I was a little disappointed that there was no playing piece for "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds", so she gave me one. I couldn't ask for a greater and more thoughtful friend.

Whilst out that day I also just happened to walk past the little pamphlet rack for our local theatre. And lo and behold, there were my boys! At least the closest I'll ever get to them!

In about a month from now The Bootleg Beatles will be playing. I am buying tickets today. I cannot tell you the excitement I felt when I saw this pamphlet. People think I'm nutty enough in the clothes I wear without having me squealing and dancing up to a paper rack like I've just won lotto. I've seen two Beatles tribute bands so far, but not this one. And apparently they are brilliant.

All the classic songs in one spectacular multimedia show

"Mind boggling accuracy" - Mail On Sunday UK
"Fastidious Authenticity" - Daily Telegraph UK
"Magically Real" - NME
"Flawless" - MOJO

Formed from the West End coast of the Broadway musical 'Beatlemania', The Bootleg Beatles' career begain in 1980 - almost ten years to the day since Paul McCartney announced the original's had split. It didn't take long for the Bootlegs' international reputation to grow immensely, mainly due to the band's many successful concert tours abroad.

Having seen the Bootlegs' at the '94 Glastonbury Festival, Noel and Liam Gallagher of Oasis asked them to be the support act for their record-breaking 1995 Earl's Court shows - culminating with both bands sharing the stage for 'I Am The Walrus'.

Since becoming regulars on the festival circuit, The Bootlegs have played Wembley with Rod Stewart and Elton John and shared the bill with The Corrs, David Bowie and Iggy Pop. Don't miss The Bootlegs, along with their mini orchestral ensemble in their very first Australian tour.

I became even more excited when I saw this video. They are going to play "A Day in the Life". Live. This is like a little dream of mine come true. Never in my life would I have ever dreamed that I'd see that song played live and before me. The orchestra ensemble even wears the masks, glasses and fake noses just like in the recording of the Beatles' version. I cannot wait.

(Image)

A Little Gift from the Heavens

Today whilst walking home from a day out I decided that I'd visit one of my local charity shops that I had not been to for a while. Usually, the section in which they keep the records is closed off, but today it wasn't, so I decided to have a little look.
And whilst flipping through the many piles of them, I found this hiding between two records:

And if you are not too well acquainted with The Beatles, this is what it belongs to:

Yes, the psychedelic inner sleeve of "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band". I literally cursed aloud when I saw it. It was even more so odd that it was here as there are literally no Beatles records, or anything Beatles related really, in my area that haven't been swiped up already by collectors to be resold, or myself for that matter, let alone originals.

Designed by "The Fool", it was the first inner sleeve in history to feature a design upon it, and would only ever be released with the first original British pressing of the album in 1967. Followers of the 'Paul Is Dead' conspiracy believe that the red liquid-like pattern was designed to reminisce the blood of Paul McCartney in a supposed accident that they believe to have happened in November 1966, causing his 'death'.
Written in the bottom corner of the sleeve in white text is "Made in Great Britain, Patents Applied For".

Of course, the sleeve is not in wonderful condition. It is quite torn, folded, creased and even has what looks to be green crayon scribbled on it. But nonetheless I am so grateful for this little gift from the heavens. I do already have a copy of the album on record, but not an original British pressing. So, to think that I was holding in my hands, and now own, something from that time and place is just marvelously brilliant. What was even better was that the gentleman at the store let me have it for free - having no clue what it was from, and giving me a rather odd look for me wanting to buy a sleeve but no record.

(Images: 1. Wogew 2. Eil

Rocky

George Harrison's beloved "Rocky" is perhaps one of the music world's most well known guitars.

"Rocky" began life as a 1961/2 solid body Sonic Blue Fender Stratocaster, and was bought for George second hand, as his first Fender Stratocaster, by Beatles roadie Mal Evans in 1965. He first used it for a recording on "You're Gonna Lose That Girl" from "Help!" (1965). One was also bought for John Lennon, and the two guitars as brothers were used during the recording of "Rubber Soul"(1965), uniting for the eminent solo in "Nowhere Man". "Rocky" would also be used on following albums, such as "Revolver" (1966).


John Lennon and his Fender Stratocaster - what "Rocky" had originally looked like.

In April 1967, The Beatles had just finished recording their momentous album "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band". At this time psychedelia was blooming, influencing music, art, fashion, and even guitars. It was during this time that George decided to transform "Rocky".

“The paint started flaking off immediately... We were painting everything at that time: our houses, our clothes, our cars, our shop. Everything. In those days day-glo orange and lime paint were very rare, but I discovered where to buy them — very thick, rubbery stuff. I got a few different colors and painted the Strat, not very artistically because the paint was just too thick. I had also found out about cellulose paint, which came in a tube with a ball tip, so I filled in the scratch plate with that and drew on the head of the guitar with [wife] Pattie’s sparkly green nail varnish.” George Harrison, The Beatles Anthology.

Also featured on the guitar were the words "Be Bop A Lula", "Go Cat Go", and the guitar's name on the headstock. Despite the strong use of colour, the back of the guitar however, would remain in its original blue.




"Rocky" featured in Guitar Player magazine, November 1987.

The new and improved "Rocky" would then be seen by the greater portion of the world on June 25th 1967, during The Beatles performance of "All You Need Is Love" in black and white on "Our World", the world's first global television link. However, it would be most remembered and more clearly seen in The Beatles' self-directed, psychedelic film "Magical Mystery Tour" (1967), being played by Harrison during the "I Am The Walrus" sequence.

"Rocky" would then remain a very special guitar to Harrison. In approximately 1969 he began playing slide on it, and would use it for many, many years to come. To name a few, it would appear on the Dark Horse Tour of 1974, feature on "Free As A Bird", and make one of its last known public appearances at the Concert for George in 2002, being played by Andy Fairweather-Low.

Andy Fairweather-Low playing "Rocky" at the Concert for George, 2002.

George Harrison discusses "Rocky".

I myself personally honored "Rocky" by naming my first electric guitar after it: "Rocky George II".

(Sources: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. )