The Beatles

Fact and fiction - 1960-1962

Description

Voici la version anglaise de l’ouvrage paru en octobre 2003, un document exclusif sur les années 1960-1962.

While the Beatles’ extraordinary career from 1963 onwards has been amply documented, little attention has been paid to their more obscure early years. A crucial time for the five unknown musicians who already called themselves «The Beatles», the 1960-1962 period has spawned a number of legends that still cause controversy almost 40 years after the group broke up. Did the mysterious Raymond Jones – who supposedly brought the group to the attention of future manager Brian Epstein – really exist? Did the enigmatic fifth Beatle, Stuart Sutcliffe, die as a result of an angry kick from John Lennon? Was ill-fated drummer Pete Best sacked because he was too popular with the girls, or simply because he wasn’t good enough? Why do the surviving Beatles still block the release of their live Star-Club recordings?

Based on rigorous research and extensive use of rare documents, this book sets out to answer the nagging questions concerning the first chapter in the Fab Four’s career. Eric Krasker was given exclusive access to all currently available Polydor archives, enabling him to supply precise details of every recording the Beatles made with singer Tony Sheridan in Hamburg – and clear up the mystery surrounding the song Swanee River once and for all.

«The Beatles – Fact and Fiction 1960-1962» offers a unique insight into one of the most successful musical phenomena of all time.

An internationally recognized Beatles specialist, historian Eric Krasker regularly publishes articles in Record Collector, Beatles Unlimited, Belmo’s Beatleg, The 910 Newsletter, Discoveries and Beatlefan.

«A brilliant book…the best [on] this particular subject». Beatles Unlimited
« Essential ». Jukebox Magazine