What do you think?
Rate this book
How They Became the Beatles, A Definitive History of the Early Years 1960-1964
Traces the beginnings of the world's most influential rock-and-roll band, drawing almost entirely upon never-before-seen photographs--some undeveloped since 1960--to chronicle the period before superstardom
208 pages, Hardcover
First published November 30, 1989
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
January 23, 2017
Amazingly compiled collection of very early photos of The Beatles.
Contains many exceptional pre-1964 photographs of the 'Lads from Liverpool' (including a very early one of Ringo when he was still with Rory Storm and The Hurricanes live in Hamburg, Germany), a number of press shots (with Pete Best), and on stage in Hamburg with Stu Sutcliffe (before Paul shoved him out of the group and then took up playing Bass because Stu couldn't play it properly). Very few of these photos have been previously published and gives a look at The Beatles before they became a world-wide sensation.
The book is out-of-print, but if you are a major Beatles fan do try to track down a copy for your collection. You truly won't regret doing so.
Contains many exceptional pre-1964 photographs of the 'Lads from Liverpool' (including a very early one of Ringo when he was still with Rory Storm and The Hurricanes live in Hamburg, Germany), a number of press shots (with Pete Best), and on stage in Hamburg with Stu Sutcliffe (before Paul shoved him out of the group and then took up playing Bass because Stu couldn't play it properly). Very few of these photos have been previously published and gives a look at The Beatles before they became a world-wide sensation.
The book is out-of-print, but if you are a major Beatles fan do try to track down a copy for your collection. You truly won't regret doing so.
July 1, 2009
I truly enjoyed this book which tells the story of the very early years of the Beatles. It covers in great detail the years with Tony Sheridan, playing at the Cavern Club, the change-over from Pete Best to Ringo Starr, etc. Literally filled with lots of photos: of the band, records, hand written lyrics, concert posters, advertisements, etc. Great stuff - and fascinating for any Beatles fan.
November 4, 2016
Muy guay!! Un montón de información sobre las fechas de grabación y en general la agenda y viajes de los chicos, lo mejor en mi opinión es la gran cantidad de fotos muy raras y fantásticas que contiene.
January 4, 2024
I was given this years before the internet existed so I had never seen so many cool photos of the boys pre-fame. A lot of effort went into this book and I enjoyed looking through it.
March 19, 2025
I especially liked the first couple years as once it got to 1963 it's a lot of performances being listed. I think the most valuable part were all the photos!
September 6, 2025
Fascinating look into their early music and the people around them.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews