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LEAVING LIVERPOOL (Room 121)
Epstein recognised the need for quality photographs to maximise publicity for The Beatles. Initially, he used local photographers like Albert Marion, Peter Kaye (who captured many shots at The Cavern and around Liverpool), and Graham Spencer (whose studio was opposite Brian’s home in Childwall, Liverpool). However, as the band’s profile grew, Brian turned to London-based photographers such as Dezo Hoffmann and Angus Bean.
He also sought a more fashionable image, switching from Liverpool stylist Beno Dorn to London designers Pierre Cardin and Dougie Millings. Publicity was previously handled by Bill Harry of Merseybeat and Bob Wooler at The Cavern, but Brian appointed his own press officer, Tony Barrow, who wrote the sleeve notes for their first album. Soon, they had large fan club offices in both Liverpool and London, along with a dedicated fanzine, ‘Beatles Monthly’.
Many local fans felt alienated by the band’s increased time away from Liverpool, believing they had become ‘too big for their boots’ and felt abandoned. However, it was unrealistic to expect the band to reach a global stage without being based in London, the centre of the music industry. Although Liverpool’s sense of loss lingered for years, by the release of their third single, ‘From Me To You’, in April 1963, The Beatles had effectively relocated permanently to London, on their way to becoming national and global superstars.
Artwork © Shannon
LEAVING LIVERPOOL (Room 121)
Epstein recognised the need for quality photographs to maximise publicity for The Beatles. Initially, he used local photographers like Albert Marion, Peter Kaye (who captured many shots at The Cavern and around Liverpool), and Graham Spencer (whose studio was opposite Brian’s home in Childwall, Liverpool). However, as the band’s profile grew, Brian turned to London-based photographers such as Dezo Hoffmann and Angus Bean.
He also sought a more fashionable image, switching from Liverpool stylist Beno Dorn to London designers Pierre Cardin and Dougie Millings. Publicity was previously handled by Bill Harry of Merseybeat and Bob Wooler at The Cavern, but Brian appointed his own press officer, Tony Barrow, who wrote the sleeve notes for their first album. Soon, they had large fan club offices in both Liverpool and London, along with a dedicated fanzine, ‘Beatles Monthly’.
Many local fans felt alienated by the band’s increased time away from Liverpool, believing they had become ‘too big for their boots’ and felt abandoned. However, it was unrealistic to expect the band to reach a global stage without being based in London, the centre of the music industry. Although Liverpool’s sense of loss lingered for years, by the release of their third single, ‘From Me To You’, in April 1963, The Beatles had effectively relocated permanently to London, on their way to becoming national and global superstars.
Artwork © Shannon