This Day in Beatle History

December 8

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.

1968 - 'White Album' is #1 in the US

It was the group’s 12th US #1 album. The double album has no graphics or text.

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’.

1980 (Dec 8) - John Lennon Murdered

John Lennon was shot five times by 25 year old Mark Chapman outside the Dakota building in New York City where John and Yoko lived. Chapman had been waiting for Lennon outside the Dakota apartments since mid-morning and had asked for an autograph earlier in the day. Lennon was pronounced dead from a massive loss of blood at 11.30pm. Chapman has since said he shot the former Beatle because he wanted to “steal” his fame — stating that now he was a bigger nobody than he was before. He also revealed he planned the killing for three months and considered murdering other celebrities who he thought were “phonies.”

2000 (Dec 8) - Plaque Commemorating John Unveiled

A plaque to commemorate the 20th anniversary of John Lennon’s death was unveiled outside his childhood home in Liverpool.

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.

December 9

1944 (Dec 9) - Beatles Imitator Neil Innes Born

English writer, comedian and musician Neil Innes who was a member of Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band. They had the 1968 UK No.5 single ‘I’m The Urban Spaceman’. He composed music for Monty Python’s Flying Circus and wrote and performed The Rutles a TV spoof on The Beatles. He died on 29 December 2019 aged 75.

1961 (Dec 9) - Beatles Attempt To Break London Market

The Beatles agent Sam Leach attempted to introduce the group to London agents by promoting a show at The Palais Ballroom in Aldershot, England. The show was not advertised properly and, as a result, only 18 people attended, (local newspaper, The Aldershot News, failed to publish the advertisement for the show). However, the band and friends had their own fun after the show, including a mock funeral for Paul McCartney. Article about.

1965 (Dec 9) - Beatles at the Odeon Cinema, Birmingham

Beatles perform at the Odeon Cinema in Birmingham.

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.

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