Mersey Beat: The Beginnings of The Beatles

by Bill Harry

This book contains the cream of the famous 'Mersey Beat' newspaper. The effect of what happened to music in Liverpool of the early sixties is still being felt today. 'Mersey Beat' was the center of the Liverpool sound right from the start

96 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1977

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this book has long been out of print, it is still possible to pick up reasonably priced copies. If you are a Beatles fan, then I would recommend strongly that you try to get hold of one. Mersey Beat was the magazine about a thriving and exciting music scene, begun by Bill Harry in 1961. Bill Harry was perfectly placed to publish such a magazine, knowing many of the bands personally, including the Beatles. He was at Art College with John Lennon and Stuart Sutcliffe and not only featured John's early writing, but his friendship with them meant that he pushed them as much as possible.

This compilation of articles and advertisements not only gives a good flavour of the early days of the Beatles, but also of the era of Merseybeat. This book takes us from 1961 to 1964, when the Beatles were internationally famous. However, this is a wonderful book to pore over and gives you a real sense of Liverpool during the early Sixties. There are advertisements giving advice on "Courting a Catholic" (mixed marriages are always tricky!), articles on Pete Best, the origins of the Beatles ("a man appeared on a flaming pie") and Rory Storm and the Hurricanes without Ringo. Fascinating for both fans of the Beatles and all Merseybeat bands and I am sad it has never been republished. If you have enjoyed Mark Lewisohn's recent book, "Tune In" about the early days of the Beatles, this would be a good companion read to get a sense of those days when Liverpool was poised to break out and change music forever.

[Ella Schilling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great insight into a fascinating era and phenomenon.

[Barry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Facsimile pages from the newspaper that covered the Mersey scene as it happened. This is a great way to experience the birth of Beatlemania as it was happening, and beyond. Highly recommended.