This Day in Beatle History

August 24

1964 (Aug 24) - Brian Epstein Meets 'Colonel' Tom Parker

Taking him up on his telegram invitation to help out in any way he can in America, Beatles manager Brian Epstein meets Elvis Presley manager “Colonel” Tom Parker for the first time when they have lunch at the Beverly Hills Hotel.

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 (Aug 24) - Maharishi Lectures at the Hilton

John, Cynthia, Paul, Jane, George and Patti attend the Maharishi’s lecture at the Hilton in London.

1968 (Jan 20) - 'Judy In Disguise' is #1. Inspired by 'Lucy In The Sky'?

One Hit Wonders John Fred and the Playboy Band started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘Judy In Disguise, (With Glasses)’. It topped at No.3 in the UK. The song was allegedly inspired by The Beatles ‘Lucy In The Sky’.

1969 (Aug 24) - John Lennon 'Cold Turkey'

John Lennon writes, rehearses, and records a song about his recent heroin withdrawal entitled “Cold Turkey,” where he also puts into practice his recent introduction to “primal scream” therapy. Fans and critics are shocked and appalled by the emotionally raw recording, a prelude to his eventual Plastic Ono Band album.

1981 (Aug 24) - Mark David Chapman Sentencing

Mark Chapman was given a 20 year jail sentence for the murder of John Lennon. The 25 year old had shot Lennon five times at close range on December 8th, 1980 in front of The Dakota apartment building in New York City. Over the next few months, Chapman would claim many times to have been beaten by fellow inmates, some of whom allegedly tried to kill him.

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.