This Day in Beatle History

January 31

1967 (Jan 31) -Beatles Continue Filming 'Strawberry Fields Forever' Video

The Beatles spent a second day at Knole Park, Sevenoaks, Kent, England to complete filming for the ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’ promotional video. The film was shot in colour, for the benefit of the US market, since UK television was still broadcasting only in black and white. Taking time out from filming John Lennon bought a 1843 poster from an antiques shop in Surrey which provided him with most the lyrics for The Beatles song ‘Being For The Benefit Of Mr Kite’.

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.

February 1

1937 (Feb 1) - Beatles Influencer Don Everly Born

American singer, songwriter Don Everly from The Everly Brothers.  They had the 1958 UK & US No.1 single ‘All I Have To Do Is Dream’.  Other hits include: ‘Wake Up Little Susie,’ ‘Bird Dog,’ ‘Cathy’s Clown,’ ‘Walk Right Back’ and ‘Crying in the Rain’.  The music of the Everly Brothers influenced The Beatles who based the vocal arrangement of ‘Please Please Me’ on ‘Cathy’s Clown.

1964 (Feb 1) - 'I Want To Hold Your Hand' #1 in the US

The Beatles started a seven week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘I Want To Hold Your Hand’, the first US No.1 by a UK act since The Tornadoes ‘Telstar’ in 1962 and the first of three consecutive No.1’s from the group.

1966 (Feb 18) - Brian Wilson Finishes 'Good Vibrations'

Beach Boy Brian Wilson finished recording the future classic song ‘Good Vibrations’, which went on to become the band’s third US number-one hit. As a child, his mother told him that dogs could pick up “vibrations” from people, so that the dog would bark at “bad vibrations” Wilson turned this into the general idea for the song.

1967 (Feb 1) - Work Begins on 'Sgt Peppers'


At Abbey Road studios in London, The Beatles started work on a new song ‘Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’. It wasn’t until The Beatles had recorded the song that Paul McCartney had the idea to make the song the thematic pivot for their forthcoming album.

1986 (Feb 1) - Dick James Dies

Dick James, co-funder of DJM Records and the Beatles’ publishing company Norhtern Songs, dies of a heart attack at age 65.

2008 (Feb 1) - NASA Announces 'Across The Universe' Heading to Deep Space

US space agency Nasa announced that ‘Across the Universe’ by The Beatles was to become the first song ever to be beamed directly into space. The track would be transmitted through the Deep Space Network – a network of antennas – on the 40th anniversary of the song being recorded, being aimed at the North Star, Polaris, 431 light-years from Earth. In a message to NASA, Paul McCartney said the project was an “amazing” feat.”Well done, Nasa,” he added. “Send my love to the aliens. All the best, Paul.” The actual transmission took place on February 4, 2008.

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.

February 2

1959 (Feb 2) - Last Appearance for Buddy Holly, Richie Valens & The Big Bopper

Buddy Holly, Richard Valens and The Big Bopper all appeared at the Surf Ballroom, Clear Lake, Iowa. This was all three acts last ever gig before being killed in a plane crash the following day.

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