The Beatles Book had been published each month since August 1963 until this, the 77th and final issue.
Published on 1 December 1969, the last edition included a leader column from editor Sean O’Mahoney, writing as Johnny Dean, in which he criticised The Beatles for encouraging drug experimentation among their fans.
O’Mahoney took the decision to cease publication after it became obvious that The Beatles were unlikely to continue recording. However, it was revived in May 1976 with reissues of the original 77 editions, along with new content. The second run ended with issue 321 in January 2003.
Last updated: 15 November 2009
Also on this day...
- 2011: Paul McCartney live: Lanxess Arena, Cologne
- 1991: George Harrison live: Yokohama Arena, Yokohama
- 1979: Wings live: Gaumont Theatre, Southampton
- 1972: UK single release: Hi, Hi, Hi by Wings
- 1971: US single release: Happy Xmas (War Is Over) by John Lennon
- 1969: Ringo Starr is interviewed for the BBC’s Line-Up
- 1964: Ringo Starr goes into hospital
- 1963: The Beatles live: De Montfort Hall, Leicester
- 1962: The Beatles live: Tower Ballroom, New Brighton, Wallasey
- 1962: The Beatles live: Memorial Hall, Northwich
- 1961: The Beatles live: Tower Ballroom, New Brighton, Wallasey
- 1961: The Beatles live: Cavern Club, Liverpool (lunchtime)
Want more? Visit the Beatles history section.
I have most of the reissues that began around 1976 or so.
In the early to mid seventies I got around half of the original copies via pen pals selling them through the mail. Then in 76 forward until they reissued them all, I got all of the reprinted issues. Because this was their official British mag, I was very proud to get original copies of the mag as I found them for sale in the early to mid seventies.