On February 20th 1963, The Beatles posed on the 2nd floor balcony at EMI House for the cover for their debut album ‘Please, Please Me’. But this wasn’t their first attempt at getting that cover shot, nor was it the last. In this video we trace the history of the album cover, from concept to manufacture, including the untold story of Garrod & Lofthouse, the company which printed all The Beatles UK album covers and how all the original negatives for the album cover were accidentally destroyed.
Link to other YouTube videos mentioned in this presentation:
Cleaning & restoring vintage Beatles vinyl video: https://youtube.com/watch?v=eVw7sBzh-I4&si=EnSIkaIECMiOmarE
The Beatles UK LP covers 1963-1965: https://youtube.com/watch?v=1dm4tHynDfA&si=EnSIkaIECMiOmarE
The Beatles UK LP covers 1966-1970: https://youtube.com/watch?v=3xuwg9f7Qn8&si=EnSIkaIECMiOmarE
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It’s really fascinating to learn about all of the photographs and all the different album covers that the Beatles and EMI created and the photographers. please please me it’s one of my favorite albums it’s a great album for a debut.
Always Always Always look forward to Your Content. You could talk about anything and make it interesting.
I know a lot of Beatles history but when I watch your top rate Beatles updates I realise there is still so much more to learn. Fascinating dive into the story of the cover. Was surprised Mal got the boys down safe and sound in London as the harshest winter on record was still in full swing and driving in those conditions in a clapped out van could not have been easy. ( Was a young schoolboy then and experienced it, not much school with the snowdrifts)
Always surprised me too that Ringo by now seven months in as a Beatle was still not sporting the Beatle cut, his quiff still making him look like a stand in, surprised the other Beatles and Brian E let that go…but then it was his musical glue that was the most important thing to them😎👌
Always a very enjoyable watch, interesting and most of all fun. It really takes you back and gets a person to think about how much things have changed. I don't feel as old as I am in a strange way, but so much has changed. Anyway, thanks again to you and your crew.
A good friend in the UK introduced me to a friend who worked at EMI and the EMI House in 1986, after my friend had a hand in helping with several EMI Beach Boys re-issue releases. We went to EMI House in Manchester Square to visit her, and had a wonderful lunch together. On the way back to her office, she asked if I was aware of the PLEASE, PLEASE ME album cover and if I knew where the cover photo had been taken. At the time I didn't know, and when we arrived back at the EMI House, we stepped through the front door, where she quickly stopped us, and told us to "look up". The view and shot was immediate. She then allowed my friend and I into the lobby and directed us up the stairs to the famous railing and she took a few photos for us. Back in California, and a few months later, I took the best photo, had it enlarged and tilted it to the same angle of the PPM cover, matted and framed it. It's been hanging in my back bedroom (i.e. the "music" room) since early 1987. When friends come over and see it, they are amazed when they recognize where it is and are very green with envy that I was able to get this "impossible" shot which many have only ever dreamed about, especially now, since EMI House in Manchester Square doesn't exist anymore. I've been lucky. And yes, it's one of my favorite personal treasures and memories. When I heard they were closing down EMI House, (and later tore it down), I always wondered what became of this treasured rail Andrew….thanks for the information of what happened to it!! I'm glad to know that this piece of railing, so full of history still exists today! Definitely a priceless artifact!! I would also like to note, that there is a famous shot of the Beach Boys in 1966, on that spiral staircase, (shown at 09:19) which used to take one down to the basement at EMI House, with all the news photographers grappling and fighting to get a photo. This was shortly after the release of PET SOUNDS. A shot of them on this staircase from this same day, was also used for the Japanese Picture Sheet for their "Wild Honey" release. Dig, DmGrk
Interesting indeed thanx
Glad you’re feeling much better, Andrew! As usual, a video absolutely packed with information. You are greatly appreciated, good sir!
Andrew, I didn't know you'd had COVID. Very glad to hear you're feeling better. I love your work. Cheers from southern California.
That was fascinating. Thank you for the great research.
AI will come to the rescue
Excellent video Andrew, as always! Absolutely fascinating detail, so many things I didn't know! I was going to suggest a series on each cover, including solo, forgetting you have already covered some of these! Yes, I've been watching so long I might have to revisit some old videos! It was amazing to hear Paul owns the railing!! I wonder what other items The Beatles salvaged from their amazing career? I know John & Ringo had Memorabilia, and John was also a Beatles Bootleg collector. Another video idea maybe?
Cheers,
Jase 👋
Glad to hear you're fit and well now. Thanks loads for such a fascinating wealth of facts in this episode. Entertaining and absorbing as always.
I finally subscribed months after watching your videos
Do you have any data that proves having a goofy or silly expression in your thumbnail actually generates more clicks?
Andrew, this was fascinating and really interesting. I really learned a lot and IMO, I think with todays technology, they will be able to get a great copy of that sleeve if they do a box set. Remember the Summer of Love Capitol promo CD's used picture sleeves from Perry Cox, because they didn't have the artwork for those, and they looked great. That was like 20 years ago, too.
These vids are so fun… I've always read all the books.. magazines..etc. about the Beatles…and now a channel like this just keeps the happy coming. The thought of those negatives though getting tossed….ugh. Great vid 🤠
Love your work my friend. Thank you!
A fantastic topic for the video Andrew and very informative too. It never ceases to amaze me how much information and detail you put into every video. I always learn new stuff that I didn't know about the Beatles and it makes me think there must be a lot more stuff I don't even know about my favourite band. I think your channel is the best on YouTube Andrew for all things Beatles related. You deserve an award for the awesome things you do. I'm so pleased you're feeling better now. All the best.
Andrew, I hope you are feeling better mate. Yet another EXCEPTIONAL video. Loved seeing all those alternate shots of the balcony photos. You are truly becoming a part of Beatlelore with your amazing knowledge and passion. Please keep thinking about doing a book based on the content of your channel. It would be a splendid legacy. Cheers from Steve in Australia 👍
I'm glad that you're safe and sound!
Thanks for the outstanding Videos.
Your knowledge is amazing!
Extremely minor point alert – you mention the photo credit in the bottom right of the cover, but say bottom left (which it would be from your perspective).
It's cool that the bannister has gone on travels, but it was the whole structure that made the photo (to me).
Heartbreaking about the original shots. With any luck there's enough tech and existing footage around to recreate them.
Have to admit that's simple design for the album cover was cool 😃✌️
Don't want to be too much of an arsehole but many cleaners I have met in my trade career haven't had good English language skills, let alone writing; even the English ones. It doesn't pay for a reason.
another great video!