Expert: Pattie - 1/12/2009

Question
QUESTION: I have a John*Paul*George*Ringo Happy Michaelmas album.  I was wondering about the popularity at the time of its release in 1981? It is unopened. Yoko and all the guys are on it.

Thank you
Rita

ANSWER: Hi Rita!

Yes, I'm familiar with that album. It's actually a bootleg (unauthorized) release. I believe it was put out by the Adirondack Group (perhaps Audiotrack Group?) in 1981. It was never particularly popular, being a bootleg, but the quality is good and the packaging nicely understated. The current value is roughly about $25. It's certainly a fun novelty item to have, and there's some really funny stuff on there. There's really not a lot of information about it, unfortunately. Thanks for the question!

Peace,
Pattie
8^)

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: How long was Peter Beck with the Beatles? How popular was he with the band?
Rita

Answer
Hi again, Rita...

I'm assuming your asking about Pete Best, correct? Well, Pete was with the band from August 12, 1960 through August 16, 1962. He was their drummer when they were playing in Hamburg, Germany as well as in and around Liverpool. As to his popularity with the group, well...there was a point that he was probably the most popular member of the band. His quiet demeanor and good looks make him very popular with the hoards of girls who came to see them perform. In fact, when he was replaced by Ringo Starr, the first time the Beatles performed at the Cavern Club without Pete there was a near riot, with fans chanting "Pete forever, Ringo never!". George Harrison got "nodded" (head-butted) during the melee. This went on for weeks.

His eventual "sacking" is now Beatle legend. It was felt that his personality just didn't fit in with the new direction the band was taking under the wing of Brian Epstein. When asked much later why Pete was replaced by Ringo, John Lennon gave the famous answer "Pete is a great drummer...Ringo is a great Beatle".

Thanks for the question!

Peace,
Pattie
8^)