Very early ALS signed “Love, Paul xxx,” one page, 8.5 x 12, no date [circa April–May 1962]. Paul writes from the Star Club, Berlin to a female fan named Linda. In full: “Thanks very much for your letter. We had a good journey out here, and have all settled in. The club is quite good, not like the Cavern club, but with a stage and curtains etc… George was out here in time and he’s feeling O.K. again. I’m glad you like the photo in the suits, will sign it as soon as we get back. I told you the tape wouldn’t work, didn’t I? I suppose it’s better than nothing though. I can’t think of anything else that’s been happening, but thanks again for your letter.” In addition to signing, Paul has also written his full name and return address at top right: “Paul McCartney, Star Club, Grosse Freiheit (39), Hamburg, Altona, Germany.” The first half of 1962 was a busy and tumultuous time for the Beatles. The band had recently switched venues in Germany, and opened the brand-new Star Club with an engagement from April 13 to May 31. Days earlier, on April 10, Sutcliffe had died of a brain hemorrhage; the Beatles’ learned of Sutcliffe’s passing from his girlfriend, Astrid Kirchherr, who had met them at the airport. Paul also makes reference to “the photo in the suits,” which the Beatles introduced as their new look on stage, matching suits, in April of 1962. Following their Star Club engagement, the Beatles signed a recording contract with EMI which included “Love Me Do” and “P. S. I Love You.” In August, Pete Best was fired and replaced by Ringo Starr, who performed with the band for the first time on August 18. The Beatles returned to the Star Club at the end of 1962 for two shorter engagements in November and December, by which time they had released "Love Me Do" and recorded "Please Please Me," their first number-one single in England. Cloth matted and framed with a biographical plaque and an early group photo, including Stuart Sutcliffe and Pete Best, to an overall size of 29 x 23. Intersecting mailing folds, small split along bottom of vertical mailing fold, some light edge wear to left, and just a hint of some light soiling, otherwise fine condition. COA Roger Epperson/REAL and R&R COA. Oversized.
