John meets Paul: 2




What do you play?


The Quarrymen finish playing and come down from the stage. A mutual friend introduces Paul to John. They don’t shake hands but nod to each other.

They begin to talk about music. Lennon smells of beer but is friendly to the younger boy.

‘What do you play?’ he asks.

‘Guitar,’ says McCartney.

‘Show me then,’ said the older boy.

Paul decides

The left-handed McCartney plays Lennon’s right-handed guitar. He plays songs by Eddie Cochrane, Little Richard and Gene Vincent.

The quality of Paul's guitar playing impresses Lennon. And the younger boy knows the chords one of John’s favourite songs, Twenty Flight Rock.

McCartney then shows Lennon a new way to tune his guitar.

‘Do you want to join my band?’ asks Lennon.

‘I’ll think about it,’ said Paul.

McCartney goes on holiday to the Lake District. When he returns he agrees to join The Quarrymen.

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What does this meeting tell us about the relationship between John and Paul? For a listening comprehension exercise click here.


Early History of The Beatles