This Day in Beatle History

December 22

1963 (Dec 22) - Beatles Preview Christmas Show at Empire Theater

The Beatles appeared at the Empire Theatre in Liverpool. This appearance was the second concert-only preview of their ‘The Beatles’ Christmas Show’, which would open in London in two days.

1966 (Dec 22) - One of the Great Beatles Edits

Beatles producer George Martin and his engineer Geoff Emerick pull off one of the all-time great feats of sound editing: combining two takes of “Strawberry Fields Forever” – in different keys and tempos – to make one song. The edit is 59 seconds in, just before John Lennon sings, “Going to…”

1969 (Dec 22) - John & Yoko Meet With Canadian Leaders

John Lennon and Yoko Ono meet with Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau and Minister of Health John Munro to discuss drug abuse.

2008 (Feb 20) - Beatles' Autographed Rolling Stones Album Auctioned

A 1976 Rolling Stones album bought for £2 at a car boot sale sold for £4,000 at an auction. The ‘Black and Blue’ LP was signed by John Lennon, Yoko Ono, Paul and Linda McCartney and George Harrison as well as members of the Rolling Stones. The seller obtained the album after haggling the cost down from £3.

2010 (Dec 22) - 'Abbey Road Crossing' Recognized as Historic

The Abbey Road zebra crossing in north London, made famous after appearing on a Beatles album cover was given Grade II listed status. The crossing, the first of its kind to be listed, was being recognized for its “cultural and historical importance” following advice from English Heritage. The Beatles were photographed on Abbey Road in Ian Macmillan’s iconic cover shot for the 1969 album Abbey Road.

December 23

1967 (Dec 23) - John Lennon Contacts His Father

John Lennon makes the first contact with his estranged father, Alf, in years: After hearing that he’s taken ill, John sends him a get well note and a car so that he can visit his famous son.

1968 (Dec 23) - John is Father Christmas

John & Yoko play Father & Mother Christmas at the Apple Christmas party.

1999 (Dec 23) - George's Maui Home Broken Into

George Harrison’s home in Maui in the Hawaiian Islands was broken into by Cristin Keleher, who cooked a frozen pizza, drank beer from the fridge, started some laundry and phoned her mother in New Jersey. Keleher was later arrested and charged with burglary and theft.

2002 (Dec 23) - Paul McCartney Granted Coat of Arms

Sir Paul McCartney was granted his own coat of arms by the College of Arms, the English heraldic body formed in 1484. The crest featured a bird that appeared to be holding a guitar in its claw. The motto is “Ecce Cor Meum”, Latin for ‘Behold My Heart’, which is the title of an oratorio he composed.

2008 (Feb 20) - Beatles' Autographed Rolling Stones Album Auctioned

A 1976 Rolling Stones album bought for £2 at a car boot sale sold for £4,000 at an auction. The ‘Black and Blue’ LP was signed by John Lennon, Yoko Ono, Paul and Linda McCartney and George Harrison as well as members of the Rolling Stones. The seller obtained the album after haggling the cost down from £3.

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