28 February 1963
Concert:
Granada Cinema, Castle Gates, Shrewsbury, Shropshire
Helen Shapiro was healthy enough to rejoin the tour this evening. On the bus from York to Shrewsbury, John and Paul had composed "From Me To You" for The Beatles' next single, its title inspired by the New Musical Express letters page, "From You To Us".
Roger Greenaway of The Kestrels remembered:
"The Beatles at this time had had their first number one, and John and Paul were writing songs at the back of the coach. Kenny Lynch, who, at this time, fancied himself as a songwriter, sauntered up to the back of the coach and decided he would help John and Paul write a song. After a period of about half an hour had elapsed and nothing seemed to be coming from the back, Kenny rushed to the front of the coach and shouted, 'Well, that's it. I am not going to write any more of that bloody rubbish with those idiots. They don't know the music from their backsides. That's it! No more help from me!' The song that John and Paul were writing at this time was a track called From Me To You."
"There is no question that a fully signed Beatles memento is the absolute 'Holy Grail' for any collector. Over the years fewer and fewer 'authentic' pieces have become available, whereas the demand continues to increase. The item in this lot is both exhilarating and historic and comes with great provenance.
On February 28, 1963, the original owner attended the Helen Shapiro Tour which came to the Granada Theatre in Shrewsbury (England). The Beatles were 4th on a bill of 11 that evening. After the show, the owner took his February 2, 1963 copy of 'Pop Weekly' magazine backstage (with help of a local manager) and was able to have all 4 Beatles sign the page as featured.
In 1998 - after having owned and carefully stored this item for 35 years - it was sold to the current owner. The transaction included a full set of signed affidavits, as well as an independent authentication by Frank Caiazzo.
The signed magazine page - as well as a page from the concert program - have been professionally matted and framed in this dramatic and elegant frame, which measures 17 1/2 x 22 inches. The signed magazine page has 4 tiny pinholes in each of the corners, as well as a single pinhole in the top and bottom center of the page. The signatures are vibrant and overall, the condition is excellent. All original affidavits and CAO are included."
Source: Backstage Auctions Inc.
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