The rare, never-seen notebook is now on display at The Beatles Story exhibit in Liverpool.
Photo: The notebook also contains drawings and scribbles. (Image: The Beatles Story)
22 February 2022 | James Porteous | Clipper Media
Paul McCartney’s handwritten lyrics to go on display at The Beatles Story
A rare new addition is now on display at The Beatles Story in Liverpool.
The museum is now home to a previously unseen notebook belonging to The Beatles’ Tour Manager, Mal Evans.
The notebook has been compiled between 1967 and 1968 and features Paul McCartney’s handwritten draft lyrics for a variety of The Beatles’ hits, including Hey Jude and Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band.
The notebook also contains recording notes by George Harrison for All You Need Is Love, alongside lyrics for For The Benefit of Mr Kite, Good Morning Good Morning and All Together Now.
Throughout the notebook are original scribbles in brightly coloured ink from all four members of The Beatles and Mal, offering a glimpse into the ground-breaking era in Beatles’ history when the band produced Sgt Pepper and The White Album.
There’s also poetry and doodles, including a design for the famous Sgt Pepper drumskin featured on the cover of the record, and a list of other requirements for the song, including a “piano painted for John”.
The new exhibit centred around the notebook will include an interactive demonstration allowing visitors to scroll through every page of the notebook via a digital display.
The notebook has been donated to The Beatles Story by a family who bought it at the Sotheby’s rock and pop memorabilia auction. The auction was put on by Mal’s widow, Lily Evans, in 1998, following his death in 1976 when he was killed by Los Angeles police after brandishing an air rifle.
Liverpool businessman Alan Murphy bought the notebook at the auction for his daughter Davinia’s 21st birthday. Davinia said: “As a family we are absolutely delighted to be able to share this treasure worldwide.
“As a Scouser and huge Beatles fan, my dad felt it was so important for the notebook to be available in his hometown of Liverpool and for everyone to enjoy these precious insights into the world’s best band!”
Stephen Maycock, consultant specialist in Beatles Memorabilia, said: “Mal’s notebook is a unique document, covering as it does such an important period in the career of the most important band in pop music history. It provides a fascinating insight into the Beatles’ creative process and shows just how close Mal was to that”.
Mary Chadwick, general manager of The Beatles Story said: “The notebook is an extremely exciting addition to our attraction, and we are delighted to showcase this valuable piece of history at The Beatles Story.
“The story of Mal’s relationship with the band after the recent Get Back documentary has sparked a keen interest from fans, and each page tells a story. Along with Paul’s handwritten Hey Jude lyrics, the notebook offers visitors a unique glimpse into their lives at the time.”
