Decca Recorder declined to hire band after ill -fated test in 1962; Now, owner of Canadian records store found hearing master tape
You Beatles They became the largest cultural phenomenon of the 1960s and one of the most relevant names in music history. But not everything happens overnight. This story began with a series of rejections and failures.
In 1962, the band tried a contract with the Deca Recordsat the time one of the powers of an increasing music industry. They performed on the first day of that year a test, which was recorded, but those responsible for the label evaluated that the band was not promising. The already late A&R head of the company, Dick Roweeven said that “Guitar groups have everything to end”. You know nothing, innocent.
I wanted fate that, more than six decades later, a record of Canada’s record store ended up finding the material. It is a direct and extremely rare copy of the original hearing tape. The content is not unprecedented, but the origin is very unlikely, which makes the story special.
Rob Frithowner of NECONTON RECORDS In Vancouver, it is the lucky one. He discovered a labeled roller ribbon as Beatles’ 60s Demoslast week after keeping her for years. At first it didn’t even give morale: I believed it was a bootleg. By allocating more attention, he found that he had nothing pirate.
Through Instagram, Frith shared an excerpt from the material – more specifically, the music “Money” – and stated:
“Years ago, I took this tape that said ‘Beatles we gave’ her. I thought it would be a pirate album ribbon. After listening to her last night, it looks like a master tape. Quality is surreal. How can you have what looks like a Master of 15 Beatles songs?”
To get an idea of the historical context of the record, the Beatles still even had Ringo Starr. The drummer was PETE BESTwhich would be dismissed eight months later to privilege a more professional approach musician.
FIRTH guarantees not to commit exaggeration when it says that the quality of the material is “Surreal”. It describes the sensation when hearing the record – with an excerpt available below:
“Looks like the Beatles are in the room.”
See this photo on InstagramA publication shared by Rob Frith (@frith.rob)
The origin of the material
After discovering the record, Rob Frith was put in contact with JACK HERSCHORNthe former owner of MUSHROOM RECORDS. Also from Vancouver, the businessman originally brought the recording to Canada. This, in turn, received the tape of a producing friend in the 1970s, traveling to London.
The idea was, of course, picking up the record in North America. In pre-ininternet times, Bootlegs were the only way for fans to have access to unofficial materials. However, in an interview with CBCHerschorn said he was afraid; Soon, he gave up on the initiative.
“I thought a lot about it. I didn’t want to launch that because I didn’t feel it was totally moral to do. These guys are famous and deserve to have the right royalties about it … it deserves to be released correctly.”
FIRTH does not want to sell the tape, even considering that it can be worth very high figures. There is only one situation that would allow it to give a copy: if the Decca agrees to launch the material, correcting one of the greatest mistakes in the history of music. And only one case that would make it deliver the registration for free: if Paul McCartney in person attend your record store.
Why the Beatles were rejected by Decca
In fact, Decca’s negative to Beatles is seen today as one of the greatest commercial misconceptions at all times of music. However, it must be recognized that the conditions of that hearing on January 1, 1962 were not ideal (via Igor Miranda website).
In addition to proof that Pete Best did not look like a suitable drummer for the talented “front trio”, the musicians arrived tired to the place of performance. The quartet had to drive in the middle of a blizzard from Liverpool to London on a trip of approximately 340 km. One of the executives, Mike Smithhe still arrived late and made everyone wait for his arrival. The reason? He had celebrated New Year’s Eve a lot.
The repertoire that mixed its own compositions (as “Love of the Loved”, “Like Dreamers Do” and “Hello Little Girl”) and covers of Chuck Berry, Phil Spector and Buddy Holly did not convince. Apart from tiredness and chair tea, the musicians got annoyed after being forced to use Decca’s sound equipment, not theirs. There was potential, but it was not so clear, hence the refusal.
But the destination was amazing with the FAB Four. Less than a semester later, the band signed with the Emi/Parlophone Recordslabel where I worked George Martinproducer quoted fairly as “the fifth beatle” and responsible directly for the growth of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. The Deca, in turn, redeemed itself by hiring the Rolling Stones Shortly thereafter. The rest is history.
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+++ Read more: Why the Beatles were not a rock band, according to Bob Dylan
+++ Read more: the error made by the Beatles that Ringo Starr defines as “stupidity”
+++ Read more: The only better rock band than Beatles, according to Forbes
+++ Read more: The great regret that Ringo Starr has regarding the Beatles
+++ Follow Rolling Stone Brasil @rollingstonebrasil on Instagram
+++ Follow journalist Igor Miranda @igormirandasite on Instagram
Source: Rollingstone
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
