A prized set of Beatles' autographs from the band's famous Royal Variety Performance appearance will go on sale later this month.
After forming in 1960, the Beatles quickly rose to fame, gaining fans from across the world. But there is no denying the Fab Four still have a hold on the city, and beyond today.
From local concerts, to worldwide tours, many fans were desperate to get their hands on tickets to see them perform. But this month, special autographs from their famous Royal Variety Performance on November 4 1963, will go on sale.
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The night is best remembered for John Lennon's request to the crowd ahead of the group's final song: "For our last number I'd like to ask for your help. To the people in the cheaper seats clap your hands, and the rest of you, if you'd just rattle your jewellery."
It was also a special evening for Fiona James, whose dad - actor Gerald James - was also performing for the Queen Mother. She wanted the signatures of the Fab Four, and the moment her dad passed a pen to John Lennon was captured on camera, with fellow band member Ringo Starr in the foreground.
Gerald also obtained the signatures of the other two Beatles, Paul McCartney and George Harrison, at the Prince of Wales Theatre in London. Mr James had performed in the show as one of the Pickwickians with Harry Secombe.
The signatures on two pieces of paper, along with the photograph and a full letter of provenance, are expected fetch up to £5,000 at auction. They will go on sale in the Beatles Memorabilia Auction at the Cato Crane auction rooms in Liverpool on Saturday, August 27.
Other items up for auction are a Selcol Jnr Beatles Guitar - the size of a ukulele - attached to its original backing card, and an original Cavern Club brick complete with box and receipt. The brick was bought for £5 but is estimated to sell for up to £600, with proceeds to Liverpool cancer charity The Bloom Appeal. For further details visit www.beatlesauction.co.uk
The ECHO previously reported that as the Fab Four rode the wave of their global stardom, cracks began to show. The band halted all tours in 1966, with Paul citing the main reason being they could not hear themselves performing on stage. However, this was just one aspect of the decision.
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