Change of Image


The Beatles returned to Liverpool a much better band. They began attracting big crowds to a local club called The Cavern. One of the visitors to a lunch session was a businessman, Brian Epstein.

When he became their manager, Epstein changed the image of The Beatles. He wanted the group to become family entertainers. Business suits replaced leather jackets.

Epstein took audition tapes of the group to several different record companies. At first there was little interest in their 'new sound'. The head of Decca Records told Epstein, 'guitar groups are on their way out, Mr Epstein.'

Eventually they got a record contract with EMI. In the summer of 1962 they made their first recordings at the Abbey Road studios in London.

New Drummer

The drummer at the first recording session was Pete Best. Best was very popular with female fans in Liverpool but not with the other Beatles. Producer George Martin was also unhappy with Best's drumming.

The Beatles were about to conquer the world - without Pete Best. The band asked Epstein to replace him with Ringo Star in August, 1962. Lennon later said, 'Pete was a good drummer but Ringo was a good Beatle'.



Beatlemania: 1963-66

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Copyright © 2007 Kieran McGovern