Earliest Footage of the Beatles: Live At St. Paul’s Church, Birkenhead - Color Home Movie (February 10, 1962)

Headlining the "beat session," alongside support act The Zeroes, The Beatles embarked on what would be a transformative journey, both for themselves and for the world of music.

Four shillings secured entry to this event, which took place from 7:30 to 11:00 pm. Little did the attendees know that they were witnessing the early steps of a band destined for global acclaim.

Fortunately, fragments of this momentous occasion were captured on cine camera, preserving a glimpse into the past for future generations to marvel at. The footage, acquired by Roag Best, brother of original Beatles drummer Pete Best, resurfaced in Peter Jackson’s music video accompanying The Beatles' 2023 single, ‘Now And Then’.

 

Pattie Boyd Pictures

George Harrison Records Wonderwall (January 10, 1968)

The recording session for George Harrison's soundtrack album "Wonderwall Music" on Wednesday, January 10, 1968, at EMI Recording Studio in Bombay, India, was a momentous occasion that captured the essence of Harrison's creative journey in the heart of India.

Having arrived in Bombay on January 7, 1968, Harrison was immersed in the vibrant atmosphere of the city as he embarked on recording the soundtrack for the film "Wonderwall." This particular session marked the second day of recording, following the commencement of sessions on January 9.

The studio was alive with energy as Harrison and a talented ensemble of Indian musicians came together to bring his vision to life. Among them were Ashish Khan on sarod, Ahapurush Misra on tabla and pakavaj, Sharad Jadev and Hanuman Jadev on shanhais, Shambu-Das, Indril Bhattacharya, and Shankar Ghosh on sitar, Chandra Shakher on sur-bahar, Shiv Kumar Sharma on santorr, SR Kenkare and Hari Prasad Chaurasia on flute, Vinayak Vohra on taar shehnai, and Rijram Desad on dholak, harmonium, and tabla-tarang.

The studio buzzed with activity as Harrison took on the dual role of producer and creative visionary, guiding the musicians through the intricacies of each composition. Camera crews from Reuters and BBC News were invited to capture the magic of the session, providing a rare glimpse into the creative process behind the album. Though the footage was silent, it offered a visual testament to the collaborative spirit and cultural fusion that defined the recording sessions.

The EMI Recording Studios, located at the Universal Insurance Building in Bombay, provided the perfect backdrop for this musical exploration. As the musicians worked tirelessly to bring Harrison's compositions to life, the studio reverberated with the sounds of traditional Indian instruments blending seamlessly with Harrison's distinctive musical style.

The recording session for "Wonderwall Music" in Bombay stands as a testament to Harrison's adventurous spirit and his deep appreciation for Indian music and culture. It was a pivotal moment in his artistic journey, paving the way for future explorations and collaborations that would leave an indelible mark on the world of music.

 

John Lennon: Declassified (2007)

John Lennon's activism and outspokenness against the Vietnam War and other political issues during the 1960s and 1970s drew the attention of the FBI, particularly under the leadership of J. Edgar Hoover. Lennon's anti-war activities, involvement with left-wing groups, and popularity made him a target for surveillance by the Nixon administration.

The FBI's surveillance of Lennon primarily focused on monitoring his activities, associations, and travels. This included wiretaps, physical surveillance, and compiling extensive files on him and his acquaintances. The FBI was particularly concerned about Lennon's potential influence on public opinion, especially among young people.

The surveillance of Lennon became public knowledge through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and legal actions. In 1972, journalist Jon Wiener filed a FOIA request for Lennon's FBI files, which initiated a legal battle to obtain the documents. After years of litigation, Wiener finally succeeded in obtaining a significant portion of the FBI's Lennon files, revealing the extent of the government's surveillance of the former Beatle.

The FBI's surveillance of John Lennon underscores the agency's historical tendency to monitor and sometimes target individuals perceived as threats to the political status quo, regardless of their fame or influence.

 

Pattie Boyd Pictures