This Day in Beatle History

December 17

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 17) - Sir Paul Plays Benefit at the 100 Club

Sir Paul McCartney performed an intimate lunchtime gig at the 100 Club on London’s Oxford Street, the historic music venue threatened with closure. Around 300 fans were treated to a set lasting almost two hours, in what was McCartney’s smallest gig in the UK for nearly 10 years. A campaign to keep the 100 Club open had attracted support from Primal Scream’s Bobby Gillespie and Sir Mick Jagger.

December 18

1962 (Dec 18) - Beatles Begin Fifth Visit to West Germany

On their fifth visit to West Germany The Beatles played the first night of a two-week engagement at the Star-Club, Hamburg. A 13 night run, playing 3 hours each night. The final night’s performance, on New Year’s Eve, was recorded and became known as ‘The Star-Club Tapes’, released in 1977 against the wishes of the ex-Beatles themselves.

1963 (Dec 18) - One Beatle Tune Replaces Another

“I Want To Hold Your Hand” replaces “She Loves You” at #1 on the UK singles chart.

1966 (Dec 18) - Car Crash Inspires 'A Day In The Life'

Tara Browne was killed when driving at high speed in his Lotus Elan after it collided with a parked lorry in South Kensington, London. A close friend of The Rolling Stones’ Mick Jagger and Brian Jones his death was immortalized in The Beatles song ‘A Day In The Life’ after John Lennon read a report on the coroner’s verdict into Browne’s death.

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’.

1972 (Dec 18) - Ringo Directed 'Born To Boogie' Premieres

The Ringo Starr-directed T. Rex documentary, Born to Boogie, premieres at Oscar’s Cinema in Brewer Street, Soho (UK). In attendance are Starr, the members of T. Rex, and Elton John.

2004 (Dec 18) - Guitar Used by George and John Auctioned

A guitar played by George Harrison and John Lennon sold for £294,000 ($570,000) at auction in New York. The Gibson SG guitar was used by Harrison from 1966 to 1969, including the recording of Revolver , and by Lennon during The White Album sessions.

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