Unheard 1966 Beatles Cassette Tapes Set For Auction
via iconic / Youtube
Three cassette tapes containing rare audio recordings of The Beatles during their 1966 tour are up for auction. These tapes, believed to have been recorded on Ringo Starr’s personal tape recorder, offer approximately 248 minutes of captivating content. The audio treasures will be part of “The Beatles Collection” auction, scheduled to take place on March 26.
Unveiling The Beatles’ Candid Conversations
According to OmegaAuctions.co.uk, the tapes showcase various candid moments, including Ringo Starr discussing The Beatles’ experiences during their 1966 tour in Germany and Japan. Additionally, the recordings feature conversations among the band members as they discuss the setlist for their Japan performances. Notably, several recordings capture the Fab Four’s electric performances at the iconic Budokan venue in Tokyo. Moreover, the tapes include a conversation where John Lennon asks Beatles manager Brian Epstein for his thoughts on one of the concerts.
One highlight is a solo performance by Starr on the piano, presenting the first-ever song he wrote for The Beatles, “Don’t Pass Me By.” The tapes also contain two other believed-to-be-unreleased tunes. In an intriguing segment, Epstein offers advice on avoiding taxes and import fees when leaving Japan.
It’s worth mentioning that some of the audio appears to have been recorded after 1966. The description by Omega Auctions notes that the tapes feature segments captured while The Beatles were in India, experimenting with traditional Indian instruments. This aligns with their famous trip to Rishikesh in 1968, where they sought to study Transcendental Meditation under the guidance of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.
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The Beatles’ Audio Clips and Auction Details
For a sneak peek into this remarkable collection, a video featuring selected audio clips from the tapes has been shared on Omega Auctions’ YouTube channel. The clips include Starr bidding a goodnight message during the Japan tour, McCartney discussing the brevity of Beatles songs, and a snippet of Ringo playing “Don’t Pass Me By.”
In terms of value, the cassette tapes have an estimated price range of £10,000 to £20,000 (approximately $12,700 to $25,300). Alongside these rare audio recordings, “The Beatles Collection” auction will feature additional prestigious items such as a belt buckle once owned and worn by John Lennon, autographed collectibles, rare vinyl discs, and a variety of photographs.
While fans eagerly await the outcome of the upcoming auction, Ringo Starr has also been making headlines recently with his All-Starr Band’s 2024 tour plans. The tour is set to commence on May 22 at The Venetian theater in Las Vegas and will wrap up on June 9 in Austin, Texas. The Las Vegas performance is part of a special six-show residency at The Venetian. Additionally, the band will be performing in California and Mexico City on June 5-6 during this tour. Starr has also shared that more shows are being scheduled for September and October.
From Auctions to All Starr Tours
If you’re eager to secure your spot at one of these highly anticipated shows, tickets are already available through various outlets, including StubHub.
The rare audio recordings from The Beatles’ 1966 tour, now up for auction, offer a unique glimpse into the candid moments shared by the Fab Four. With highlights including personal insights, conversations, live performances, and even unreleased material, these tapes are an invaluable treasure to fans and collectors alike. As the auction approaches, fans can indulge in a preview of the tapes through selected audio clips available on YouTube. Meanwhile, Ringo Starr’s All Starr Band is gearing up for an exciting tour, ensuring that the Beatles’ legacy continues to resonate with audiences around the world.
