Disclaimer: the date and nature of this session is far from certain. What follows is a current ‘best guess’ based on available evidence, but any corrections or further comments are welcome.
Photographs by Ethan Russell published in the Get Back book (which accompanied the Let It Be box set in 1970) and the hardback book from the 2012 vinyl box showed The Beatles recording in a session in the studio basement at Apple’s headquarters. However, comparisons with the film footage and other photographs by that time show that the images cannot have come from the Get Back/Let It Be sessions in January 1969 – the main giveaway being the length of head and facial hair of the musicians.
Following the Get Back/Let It Be sessions in January 1969, The Beatles reconvened at Trident Studios on 22 February to work on ‘I Want You (She’s So Heavy)’. This session is believed to have taken place before that date.
The Beatles are known to have re-recorded parts of ‘Don’t Let Me Down’ at an undocumented session; the vocals on the session tapes and the single are different, with an extra overdub having been added sometime after January 1969. John Lennon and Paul McCartney both corrected elements of their vocals parts, with Lennon double-tracking his during the middle eight and ending.
Although uncertain, it appears likely that this session was a rehearsal for ‘I Want You (She’s So Heavy)’, in which the new ‘Don’t Let Me Down’ vocals were also recorded. Additionally, a typewritten sheet next to Ringo Starr in one photograph looks like the lyrics for ‘Get Back’, although that shouldn’t imply that The Beatles performed it on this day.
Dating it precisely has proved problematic, but it is known that George Harrison was in hospital from 7-15 February having his tonsils removed, and hair length indicates this session took place after that time. Starr was filming The Magic Christian during this period, although he was free on most evenings and weekends.
Glyn Johns and Billy Preston had been in America during mid-February, returning in time for the Trident session on Saturday 22 February. It is therefore possible that The Beatles reconvened for a rehearsal a day or two beforehand, to best prepare the song and minimise timewasting in the studio – a practical consideration following the drawn-out sessions for the Get Back project.
Also on this day...
- 2024: Sam Mendes to direct four Beatles biopics
- 2017: McCartney and Starr reunite for new Ringo recordings
- 2008: Paul McCartney live: Brit Awards 2008, Earls Court Exhibition Centre, London
- 1999: Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band live: Mohegan Sun Event Center, Uncasville
- 1979: US album release: George Harrison by George Harrison
- 1970: Mixing: Sentimental Journey by Ringo Starr
- 1970: US single release: Instant Karma! by John Lennon
- 1969: Ringo Starr attends the UK premiere of Candy
- 1968: Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr arrive in Rishikesh, India
- 1967: Recording, mixing: Being For The Benefit Of Mr Kite!, Good Morning Good Morning
- 1965: Recording, mixing: If You’ve Got Trouble, Tell Me What You See, You’re Going To Lose That Girl, That Means A Lot, You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away
- 1963: The Beatles live: St James Swimming Baths, Doncaster
- 1963: Radio: Parade Of The Pops
- 1963: Recording: Misery, Baby It’s You
- 1962: The Beatles live: Floral Hall, Southport
Want more? Visit the Beatles history section.
I have always loved this soulful, simple John Lennon tune. The repetition in Lennon’s lyric delivered in his smokiest vocal is a powerful performance. George Harrison’s guitar work, particularly the lattice-like movement in the middle eight, is elegant and bluesy. I wish John had given George the solo to close out the song. His guitar playing was on fire around that time.
One hundred percent agree.
A phenomenal article!
Maybe it is worth pointing this date – 20 February’69 (though not entirely certain) to the article about the song Don’t Let Me Down (in the parts: Recorded and In the studio)?
I’d actually rather wait till more certain information on the date comes to light. Hopefully if the forthcoming Let It Be box set and book will give us the info we need.
I know, I know! It’s pictures of the recording session of the newly discovered ‘I Want You’ recording on feb 24th, testing the new equipment in the Apple studio. You can read about it in the 50th anniversary Abbey Road booklet.
Kevin Howlett in the “Track By Track” chapter of the book added to the anniversary release of the album Let It Be briefly mentioned an additional recording session for Don’t Let Me Down, which “possibly” took place in February 1969. Finally, official confirmation! Unfortunately, there are probably no documents indicating a specific date for this mystery session.
I understand the pic of John Lennon, without a full beard, playing his Epiphone and singing on the rear cover of Let It Be, was taken during the same session that Ethan Russell photographed on February 22,1969.
That could well be the correct date then. What’s your source for 22 Feb?