DECCA AUDITION TAPE AMONG BEATLES-RELATED ITEMS TO BE AUCTIONED THIS WEEK

It’s hard to imagine a record company turning down The Beatles, but that’s exactly what happened after the band recorded an audition tape for Decca Records on New Year’s Day in 1962. And now, that legendary recording is up for auction at Sotheby’s London.
“This precious tape holds a special place in the annals of music history,” says Dr. Gabriel Heaton, Sotheby’s Books and Manuscripts Specialist. “This is a unique recording from the Beatles’ first commercial for Decca on New Year’s Day 1962—one of the first fruits of Brian Epstein's management and a huge opportunity for the young band"

Songs for on the recording include "Money," "The Sheik of Araby," "Like Dreamers Do," "Three Cool Cats," and "September in the Rain."

Under Epstein’s management, the yet-to-be discovered band recorded 15 songs for the record company during the Jan. 1 session, including “Money,” “The Sheik of Araby,” “Like Dreamers Do,” “Three Cool Cats,” and “September in the Rain.”
Paul McCartney was on lead vocals for seven song.

 

The auction begins on December 6

The headline item is a copy of The Beatles’ audition tape for Decca Records, which is estimated to sell for between 50,000 and 70,000 GBP. This copy previously belonged to the group’s manager Brian Epstein, and occupies a storied place in their history. 
That’s arguably the biggest item in the auction, but there are plenty of other fascinating objects included in it. The overlap of Beatles history and automotive enthusiasts is represented via a selection of car-related paraphernalia from George Harrison and Ringo Starr, as well as Harrison’s Ferrari handbook. 
Buyers looking to take sartorial cues from The Beatles will also have a few options to choose from, including a JelTek raincoat owned by George Harrison and a quartet of suits from Apple Tailoring. 
Also in the mix? A host of 45s, one of Harrison’s guitars and a number of items associated with the film adaptation of Terry Southern’s novel The Magic Christian, which co-starred Starr. It’s a fascinating cross-section of objects, and it offers insight into the lives of The Beatles both inside and outside of music.