Importance Score: 65 / 100 🔴
Rare Beatles Audition Tape Discovered in Vancouver Record Store
A remarkable piece of Beatles history, the legendary group’s audition tape, has surfaced in an unexpected location: a modest record shop in Vancouver. This extraordinary find offers a fresh glimpse into the early career of the iconic band.
Serendipitous Discovery at Neptoon Records
Rob Frith, the proprietor of Neptoon Records, made the astonishing discovery. Initially, he mistook the reel-to-reel tape, labeled “Beatles 60s Demos,” for a mere bootleg recording. Consequently, the tape remained unplayed for years after its acquisition.
Unveiling a Piece of Music History
However, upon finally listening to the tape, Frith realized its true significance: it was a direct copy of the original 1962 audition tape submitted to Decca Records. This revelation highlighted a pivotal moment in the Beatles’ journey before global fame.
Authenticity Confirmed: A Master Tape Sound
Frith expressed his astonishment on Instagram, noting his initial skepticism. “I just assumed it was a copy from a bootleg record,” he admitted. “But upon listening last night for the first time, it’s evident this is a master tape. The audio quality is incredible. How is it possible to possess what sounds like a master of the Beatles’ 15-song Decca tapes?”
The 1962 Decca Records Audition Session
The tape is indeed believed to be a reproduction of The Beatles’ pivotal audition session conducted at Decca Studios in London on January 1, 1962. This session marked a critical juncture for the then-nascent band, featuring Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, and Pete Best on drums – before Ringo Starr’s arrival.
Rejection and Rise to Stardom
Despite their performance, Decca Records ultimately rejected the Liverpool quartet. This setback, however, proved to be a turning point. The Beatles subsequently signed with Parlophone, under the guidance of producer George Martin. Martin, often dubbed the “Fifth Beatle,” became instrumental in their success, starting with their debut LP “Please Please Me” in 1963 and continuing throughout their illustrious career.
“Like Being in the Room with The Beatles”
Frith recounted his awe at uncovering such a treasure, initially dismissing it as commonplace. He described the remarkable clarity of the recording to CBC British Columbia, stating, “It seemed like the Beatles were right there in the room.”
Expert Verification of Original Recording
Music preservation expert Larry Hennessy corroborated the tape’s authenticity. Hennessy, speaking to CBC, pointed to the tape winding as evidence, explaining, “The way it’s wound on the tape, you can see that it separates the tracks… it’s not a rushed copy or a bootleg.”
Tape’s Journey from London to Vancouver
Following Frith’s social media announcement, he connected with Jack Herschorn, former owner of Vancouver’s Mushroom Records. Herschorn revealed he had acquired the tape from a producer during a business trip to London in the early 1970s. However, Herschorn made the decision not to commercially release the recording at the time.
Ethical Considerations and Preservation
“I brought it back and gave it considerable thought,” Herschorn explained to CBC. “I opted against releasing it as I felt – I didn’t believe it was entirely ethical to do so.” The tape eventually found its way to Frith’s store, where it is now considered a prized artifact.
Unearthing a Treasure: Preservation, Not Profit
Frith intends to keep this significant piece of music history, dismissing any thoughts of selling it. “People suggest it could be highly valuable,” he acknowledged. “But I am just pleased it is preserved.”