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Lot #840
Beatles 45 RPM Demonstration Single for 'Love Me Do'

The first official single pressing to feature the classic Fab Four lineup

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Estimate: $12000+
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Description

The first official single pressing to feature the classic Fab Four lineup

Extremely rare Parlophone ‘A-label’ 45 RPM demonstration single of 'Love Me Do' / 'P.S. I Love You' by the Beatles, with “McArtney” misspelling and catalogue number "45-R 4949." This unique demo was the first official pressing featuring John, Paul, George, and Ringo on the same single, (pressed in September 1962), and only 250 copies of the disc were produced and sent to radio stations for promotion. Record label matrix numbers on side A (7XCE 17144 1N) and B (7XCE 17145 1N), with stamped tax codes of "ZT" and “JR.” Includes the original blue-and-white ‘Top Pop’ sleeve. In fine condition.

Perhaps most interesting about this single is the rarity of the music itself—only the first UK pressings used the 'Love Me Do' track recorded in studio with Ringo Starr as the drummer. Dissatisfied with Ringo's work, producer George Martin hired Andy White as a session drummer and had them record a second version. All future British pressings of the single, the American release, and their Please Please Me debut album used the track featuring White on the drums; the version of the song on this 45 has only been sporadically re-released on compilation albums of rare or unusual Beatles recordings.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autograph and Artifacts, Ft. Revolutionary War
  • Dates: #612 - Ended July 14, 2021