{"id":6979,"date":"2017-05-09T17:22:46","date_gmt":"2017-05-09T22:22:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thefest.com\/kdstaging2\/?p=6979"},"modified":"2017-05-09T19:09:57","modified_gmt":"2017-05-10T00:09:57","slug":"tell-me-what-you-see","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/staging.thefest.com\/tell-me-what-you-see\/","title":{"rendered":"Tell Me What You See"},"content":{"rendered":"

Jude talks about her #1 favorite moment in Beatles history\u2026what was yours? Tell us YOUR fav Fab moment! We want to hear from you! We\u2019ll draw a name from all responses to win a Beatles gift package. Read on\u2026<\/i><\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I\u2019ve always longed for a magic time machine. I have no desire at all to whisk away to the future (where I\u2019ll have even more wrinkles than I presently have! Geez!). No, my dream of dreams is to go to the past\u2026to land squarely inside The Cavern Club on Thursday, 5 April 1962 just as the evening set is about to get started:<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What a night! Freda\u2019s here. She\u2019s standing in her usual lunchtime spot just under the first arch. It\u2019s rare for her to be here of an evening, but this is a special night. One-of-a-kind. <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

You see, Brian has \u2013 without making a big deal of it \u2013 decided to make this night a sort of debutante\u2019s <\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i>\u201ccoming out\u201d party. With his usual command of the dramatic, he\u2019s planned a never-to-be-forgotten set.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The posters call it \u201cThe Beatles: For Their Fans,\u201d and all week long, comp\u00e8re Bob Wooler has proclaimed it as \u201ca singular soiree for the beauteous Beatlettes \u2019n all \u2019n sundry Beatles devotees.\u201d The show\u2019s to be one-of-a-kind: during the first set, John, Paul, George, and Pete Best are to bound out from the Green Room in their traditional, tight leathers and to offer up random, uncensored raucous favorites that\u2019ll shake \u201cthe Cavern dandruff\u201d from the ceiling and set the room on fire. <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Then, after a short break, the lads are to emerge again, this time wearing (for the first time ever in The Cavern) their new, exquisite Beno Dorn suits. This set is to be guided by a strict playlist, good manners, and deep bows from the waist. Brian, you see, is introducing loyal fans to the newly re-engineered Fab Four \u2013 the group that will soon leave Liverpool behind and step onto the world stage.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I would give almost anything to experience that night\u2026to feel the passion and energy in the room when the boys opened the first set with \u201cSome Other Guy\u201d and closed with \u201cTwist and Shout.\u201d I\u2019d love to see John snarl at the girls calling Paul\u2019s name and see Paul\u2019s puckered brow when John made the front three rows swoon. I\u2019d love to hear the inside jokes and perspire in the heat (some of it, at least, from the temperature in the underground room). And as an historian, I feel the need to experience the dead hush that raced across the floor when the suited Beatles emerged, full-blown in their finery \u2013 and to understand the sobs, when the Liverpool girls who had known the boys all too well realized that they were losing them.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

5 April 1962 touched every end of the emotional spectrum. It was the happiest night ever in the Cavern. And it was the most tragic. Of all of the moments in Beatles history that preceded this night or followed after, to me, <\/span>this<\/span><\/i> was the most important. On that one evening, the wacks from Liverpool (through their own tacit agreement with Brian Epstein) became men of the world. They made the conscious choice to say a fond and loving \u201cgood-bye\u201d to their dearest ones Merseyside and then, to walk away.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

That\u2019s my \u201cgo-to moment.\u201d That\u2019s the Beatles memory I\u2019d most love to relive. What\u2019s yours? <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

If you could wander back in time and experience one Beatles event, what would it be? Share your story; email us. Tell us where you\u2019d like to go and why. And from the entries we receive, we\u2019ll send one winner (drawn at random) a gift pack including a signed and dated copy of <\/span>Shoulda Been There<\/span><\/i> (Vol. 1 in <\/span>The John Lennon Series<\/b>), a signed and dated \u201cDoors of Liverpool\u201d art poster, and a copy of <\/span>Recipe Records: A Culinary Tribute to The Beatles.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

To add some more fun to this blog, here’s a chapter from my new book, Shivering Inside<\/em>…<\/strong><\/p>\n

5 April 1962<\/b><\/p>\n

The Cavern Club<\/b><\/p>\n

Liverpool<\/b><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Music drifted in from the vaulted room \u2013 Bob Wooler was indeed testing the platters he\u2019d spin: finding the right crescendo of music, the perfect blend of tension and anticipation. Wooler played one hit after another, listening. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For the moment, The Cavern was hollow \u2013 echoing sound. It was a cool sepulcher waiting to be filled, a gaping hole in the ground, yawning for bodies to make it viable.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cEvenin\u2019 Beatles.\u201d Neil scuffed in, his arms loaded with four large zip bags, each neatly monogrammed with the Beno Dorn insignia. \u201cSuits here!\u201d he said. He hung the elegant covers on the tiny metal rolling rack they called a \u201cwardrobe.\u201d \u201cThough I must say,\u201d he smirked, \u201cyou three look quite smashin\u2019 in that fab gear! I almost recognize you, y\u2019know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201c\u2019Ullo, everyone.\u201d Pete strolled in, his Bobby Darin coif curled to perfection. \u201cHave y\u2019seen the queue out there? Subzero climes, but the line\u2019s well out into Stanley anyway.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd why not?\u201d Neil unzipped the garment bags and fluffed each suit individually. \u201cIt\u2019s yer goin\u2019 away bash, yer swan song \u2013 the last hurrah before Hamburg, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0George pointed to the large poster Bob had hung on the band room wall. It was a photograph of the four of them staring haughtily, almost disdainfully into the camera. Leather collars upturned, guitars slung across their shoulders or resting on their knees, they looked dark and dangerous. It was the same shot Bill Harry had chosen for the December issue of Mersey Beat. It was The Beatles as they had once been, before Brian Epstein.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cThe Beatles for Their Fans,\u201d George read the poster caption aloud, \u201cor An Evening with John, Paul, George (always third) and Pete. Sponsored by The Beatles Fan Club. The Cavern Club, Mathew Street, 5 April 1962, 7:30 p.m. Free photograph to all ticket holders.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cOh,\u201d John slipped his boots on. \u201cI was wonderin\u2019 what we were doin\u2019 here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSay\u2026any lookers out there, in the queue?\u201d Paul asked Pete.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSaid the free man,\u201d John intoned. Paul had just broken it off with his long-time \u2018gerl\u2019 and Cynthia\u2019s chum, Dot Rhone. Now the game was afoot.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a coupla o\u2019 not-so-bads,\u201d Pete grinned. \u201cWhat\u2019re y\u2019after exactly?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDunno,\u201d Paul winked and clicked his cheek twice. \u201cI\u2019m footloose and fancy free. The wind\u2019s at me back, mate!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust where Eppy\u2019d like to be,\u201d John sneered.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGerroff, John!\u201d Pete scowled. \u201cBrian\u2019s the perfect gentleman! I mean, all right, yeah, he propositioned me the once, but when I politely declined, he never brought it up, ever again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

John smirked with delight. \u201cThere\u2019s so many innuendos in that statement, I wouldn\u2019t know where to begin!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m lockin\u2019 ya in, lads!\u201d Bob Wooler popped his head inside the tiny room. \u201cPaddy\u2019s openin\u2019 the doors in five. They\u2019ll be creepin\u2019 and crawlin\u2019 down, all those creatures of the cloister. They\u2019ll be clawin\u2019 at ya, if I don\u2019t bar the way.\u201d He stopped and smiled. \u201cBy the by\u2026you look smashin\u2019, one and all! I\u2019d forgotten how workin\u2019 class you four can be, when you really put yer minds to it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t go soft on us, Da,\u201d John spat.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, Johnny boy,\u201d Bob tossed back, \u201cme heart\u2019ll be broken these next seven weeks with you so far away. I don\u2019t know how I\u2019ll manage, actually.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCold winds may blow o\u2019er the icy sea,\u201d Paul crooned, \u201cbut we\u2019ll take with we the warmth of thee\u2026\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They laughed, while Wooler grinned and saluted before closing the battered, metal door.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSeven weeks in Hamburg!\u201d George\u2019s eyes sparkled.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, Hamburg\u2026the place for us!\u201d Paul was just as elated. He tossed his hair, then brushed his shoulder with a flannel guitar cloth.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAstrid \u2019n Stu\u2019ll be there to meet us\u2026waitin\u2019 for The Beatles in that little, grey Beetle of hers.\u201d John\u2019s tone changed at the very mention of his friends. \u201cI had a post from her today.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cRight,\u201d George swallowed, sensing bad news. \u201cAnd uh\u2026how <\/span>is<\/span><\/i> Stu this week, eh?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot great.\u201d But before John could wander down the path of anxiety, Paul steered the conversation back to anything that could spark pre-show confidence.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMersey Beat, y\u2019know, just published this article about the fact that we\u2019ve written \u2018at least seventy original tunes\u2019! Seventy!\u201d He rallied them. \u201cCan you believe it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cEven George Martin \u2019n Parlophone should be impressed with information of that ilk!\u201d George agreed.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cEppy\u2019s already posted him the article,\u201d Paul nodded. \u201cSent it out first thing this mornin\u2019.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAh, post haste,\u201d John punned weakly, his humour now forced.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDid y\u2019see in that same issue,\u201d Pete interjected, \u201cVirginia\u2019s story that Ringo\u2019s turned \u2019round and is leavin\u2019 The Hurricanes\u2026after all these years?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cReally?\u201d Paul and George snapped their heads around.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cRight,\u201d Pete shrugged, \u201caccordin\u2019 to her, Ring\u2019s defectin\u2019 to Derry and the Seniors.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThasso?\u201d George\u2019s eyes were bright.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly, from the other side of the door the sound of feet pounding down stairs, voices chatting and laughing, and wooden chairs grating across concrete inundated them. Yells, coughs, whoops, insults \u2013 the sound of people being people grew and increased and swelled to noise. Just on the other side of the thin metal barrier that divided the boys from The Cavern were the punters \u2013 the fans, the Beatlettes, the believers, the horde of young men and women who had over and over again traipsed down thirteen potholed stairs to the murky, underground club.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0Tonight they had gathered to say goodbye. They\u2019d come to wish The Beatles well and to send them off reluctantly to Hamburg\u2019s Star- Club. They\u2019d come to celebrate their lads\u2019 success and to mourn over the forty-nine barren days to come.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The door opened a tad, and Brian inched in. \u201cShowtime, boys,\u201d he said quietly. \u201cAnd it\u2019s a packed house, mind you. Not an inch to spare. In fact, I\u2019m not sure how you\u2019ll navigate to the stage! Your fans, every one of them, have come out for you, as it were \u2013 sending back messages of good luck, Godspeed, \u2018good on yer lads,\u2019 or \u2018play one for Vi\u2019\u2026that sort of thing.\u201d He was talking in circles; John suspected pep pills. It had been Brian\u2019s trend of late.<\/span> \u201cOne girl in particular \u2013 Bernadette Farrell, I believe \u2013 said her brother has a camera, and he\u2019ll be in the second row. She said to smile at him, if you don\u2019t mind.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I do mind,\u201d John sniffed. \u201cI make it a rule never to smile towards the second row.\u201d Then he jammed his tongue behind his lower lip and crossed his eyes. \u201cHow\u2019s that fer a second row grin, Eppy?\u201d he employed his old man\u2019s voice. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

But the William Tell Overture drowned out any response, and the boys stood up to stretch.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWelcome to The Cavern! The Best of Cellars!\u201d Bob Wooler\u2019s melodic tones filled the low-slung room and bounced off the rough stone walls. \u201cAnd what an evenin\u2019 you have in store for you, Cavern Dwellers! What a night to remember!\u201d The crowd rumbled and moved. \u201cRight on the brink of another conquerin\u2019 tour of Hamburg\u2026\u201d There were boos from the girls who would miss them most. \u201cOn the eve of their departure for seven long weeks\u2026\u201d More boos and derogatory whistles. \u201cI give you the latest and greatest recordin\u2019 stars in all of Mother England! The stars of radio as well! Your hometown lads!\u201d He paused and let the music play. \u201cThe Beeeeeeatles!\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When the band room door smashed open and crashed into the wall behind it, the screams began. And when the Liverpool boys \u2013 decked from head to toe in skintight leathers \u2013 forced their way into the jampacked room, the swell shook the street above. Reverberating screams rent the Liverpool night. The North shuddered, goose-fleshed. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Brian Farrell raised his new Kodak above his head, above the arms reaching and clawing for the boys, and he snapped the first frame. Seventeen shots left\u2026all he had. But Farrell was determined to capture this night forever. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When the bulb didn\u2019t flash, he lowered the camera and removed the fat, squatty bulb. Farrell licked the metal connector and then jammed the bulb back into its socket again. With a second try, he attempted to capture the lads taking their places on the stage, hoisting their famous guitars and waving to the crowd. He tried to save the smiles and the shine in their eyes as The Beatles laughed and danced about…but the flash still failed. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood evenin\u2019, everyone!\u201d Paul shouted into the primitive microphone. A screech of feedback answered him. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201c\u2019Ullo, boys \u2019n girls!\u201d John rasped, geriatrically. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Pete took his seat on the rostrum and picked up his drum sticks. George gave a rippled finger wave and shy grin. More screams. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

And without further ado, The Fabulous Beatles ripped into \u201cSome Other Guy.\u201d They tore through the song like the Liverpool gales that kept alleyways pristine but nooks and crannies packed with leaves and debris. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

From the corner of the room, Epstein watched and nodded. Even he could see a difference tonight \u2013 could see that the boys before him had reclaimed the magic of their early years. In the transformation to sedate, refined performers, The Beatles had supplanted professionalism for primal appeal, and something exciting had been relinquished. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

But Brian stood firm. He felt the trade, a necessary barter. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNext up,\u201d Paul almost kissed the microphone, \u201cis a little number\u2026\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNah, I left her at home,\u201d John deadpanned. The girls bit their fingers and squealed madly. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNext up,\u201d Paul tried again, \u201cis a little number by Carl Perkins. \u00a0It\u2019s called \u2018Sure to Fall.\u2019 This one\u2019s a favourite of ours, and it goes somethin\u2019 like this\u2026\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The affectionate, folk-songy, bit of close harmony was a crowd pleaser. The Cavern Dwellers sang along \u2013 holding hands, swaying to the music \u2013 some closing their eyes and drinking in the moment.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Brian Farrell leaned over and shouted to his sister, Bernadette. He pointed to his camera face, miming that he needed a new flashbulb. But when she finally got the message, Bernadette scowled and mouthed, \u201cWait, yew!\u201d \u2013 forcing Brian to grab his sister\u2019s purse and go fishing for himself. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo hold me tight, let tonight be the night,\u201d Paul crooned. \u201cDarlin\u2019, don\u2019t ever let me go.\u201d \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

John winked at long-time fan, Val Davies, and she winked right back, her hands clasped under her chin in singular adoration. John pulled a face, and Val giggled. \u201cLovin\u2019 you is the natural thing to do,\u201d John harmonized with Paul. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

And Val sang with them from her chair, \u201cI want you for the rest of my life!\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

On it went. George delivered \u201cDo You Want to Know a Secret?\u201d from the back of his throat, his tongue thick with Scouse. \u00a0John gave them \u201cBad Boy,\u201d \u201cYoungblood,\u201d and the edgy, \u201cBaby, It\u2019s You.\u201d But when Pete did \u201cMatchbox,\u201d the punters began to dance. There were arms and legs everywhere. The room gyrated and wiggled. It was a room kinetic. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Plops of moisture began dripping from the ceiling. Brian Farrell covered his camera with a cupped hand and cradled the Kodak close to his chest. The room was raining perspiration. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cExactly why we\u2019re headed for the better clubs!\u201d Brian Epstein puckered his brow and shouted to Alistair Taylor beside him. Alistair nodded agreement, shielding himself with the latest copy of Mersey Beat. But as Taylor watched George Harrison do his little \u201cthree-steps-up, three-steps-back dance-walk boogie,\u201d Alistair wondered if Brian\u2019s grand plan for the group would succeed in the long run.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0The Beatles were clearly Liverpudlian. They were rowdy, unruly, \u201cmickey-talkin\u2019 miscreants,\u201d as Bob Wooler always referred to them. Moreover, they were umbilically joined to the Scousers surrounding them tonight. Would Germany embrace them as warmly? Would the far-away-and-someday America love the lads as fervently as this lot clearly did? <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPlay \u2018Soldier of Love,\u2019 pleeeeeese, Johnny!\u201d a girl whined, seductively. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPlay, \u2018Searchin\u2019,\u2019 Paul!\u201d called another. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

These fans knew The Beatles as well as the boys knew themselves. They had grown together, rooted in one close vessel. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNext set\u2026all right, luv?\u201d Paul took a seat on one corner of the stage. He was flexing Brian\u2019s rules tonight, and he knew it. They all were. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

But it was only the once. A night that would never come again. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Brian Farrell snapped the shot, and this time the flash worked. It pop-sizzled, catching Paul in the moment. A mad scramble with slippery hands to switch bulbs, and Farrell caught John in a soft-shoe, his arms wind-milling everywhere. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Success!<\/span><\/i> Farrell cheered. <\/span>Fourteen shots to go.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When the last of the set concluded and the boys tumbled to the band room under a barrage of cheers, Bernadette plowed through her purse for her brother\u2019s other bulbs. \u201cHere! Keep \u2019em yer bleedin\u2019self!\u201d she shoved them in his direction. \u201cI\u2019m not yer nursie, am I?\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAw, c\u2019mon!\u201d the boy tried to protest. But Bernadette held up a hand and prissed away to the unforgivably gritty ladies\u2019 loo. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHmmpf! She\u2019s gorra a cob on!\u201d Brian grumbled. But as brothers will, he shrugged it off. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

*********<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Break time at The Cavern was almost unbearable. Without the lads to distract them, the punters noticedthe body odor a la antiseptic. They noticed the suffocating heat, weeping walls, and low ceilings. The claustrophobic ones fought their way upstairs, only to subject their sodden shirts to Mathew\u2019s biting chill. But most \u2013 afraid to lose their vantage points, stayed below \u2013 their lips sucking in putrid air.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Backstage, John ripped off the sweat-soaked polo and tossed it to the floor. His leather jacket was already crumpled at his feet. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt felt fuggin\u2019 great to be us for a change, didn\u2019t it?\u201d he crowed, his funk over Stu forgotten momentarily. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, it wasn\u2019t half bad, y\u2019know,\u201d George said euphorically. \u201cIt almost made me forget how tired and rundown I\u2019ve been lately.\u201d \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Both John and Paul snapped their heads around in the boy\u2019s direction. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve a trip in one week, son!\u201d John threatened. \u201cOne week!\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRight,\u201d Paul mandated, wiping his arms before slipping into his new dress shirt and suit. \u201cNo comin\u2019 down with anythin\u2019 this late in the game!\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, yeah, I\u2019m fine, I\u2019m fine,\u201d George reassured them. \u201cI\u2019m fine!\u201d he shouted. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMake it so,\u201d John commanded, and the leather kecks were torn away, discarded. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul took his new, thin-lapelled jacket from the hanger and wriggled into it while John held his arms out like a scarecrow, struggling to line-dry in the watered air. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cReady, then?\u201d Brian\u2019s head popped in at the door. But he could see they weren\u2019t. Only Paul was partially dressed. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIn three\u2026or four,\u201d George wrangled with the inner button on the mohair slacks. \u201cThey\u2019re awfully itchy \u2013 these kecks.\u201d He made a face. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re excellent quality,\u201d Brian insisted. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd itchy,\u201d George said again. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m ready.\u201d Pete buttoned his suit coat and took a deep breath. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey Pete, remember the tempo on \u2018\u2019Til There was You,\u2019 right?\u201d Paul slipped into his dress boots. \u201cIt\u2019s not just the ticky, ticky, ticky, yeah?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cY\u2019hearin\u2019 a fluctuation that\u2019s not there, McCartney.\u201d Pete handed John his shirt. \u201cY\u2019er over- meticulous, aren\u2019t you?\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust keep in mind how I showed you to do it, all right?\u201d Paul ignored the rebuttal. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGet knotted.\u201d Pete looked away. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go, boys!\u201d Brian tapped the doorframe twice. \u201cIt\u2019s been remarkable thus far! Keep it up.\u201d He vanished, and the theme music began again. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

*********<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSingle entrance,\u201d John reminded them, his trousers unbuttoned, his tie untied. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul gave him \u201cthumbs up\u201d while George scurried over to knot a traditional Small Knot for him. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, we remember,\u201d George said, concentrating on the tie. \u201cOne of us at a time\u2026\u2019n we\u2019re supposed to wait for our intro. It\u2019s all drama \u2013 that.\u201d \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCavern Dwellers, one and all!\u201d Bob Wooler\u2019s joyous voice boomed as John slipped into his jacket, \u201cPlease welcome back on bass guitar, the talented and terrific\u2026Mr. Paul McCartney!\u201d Screams poured into the band room. Paul squeezed through the door and bounded to the stage. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd next,\u201d Wooler oozed while John located his boots, \u201cthat adorable and amazin\u2019 lad on his American Gretsch lead guitar\u2026Mr. George Harrison!\u201d George waved briefly, saying \u201chello\u201d to this one and that as he edged through myriad bodies to the platform. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow\u2026chanka-chankin\u2019 his way into yer hearts, your favourite Ric-thm guitarist, Mr. JohnLennon!\u201d Bob, like almost everyone Merseyside, said John\u2019s name as one word, <\/span>and John hailed the audience as one \u2013 his leer on them all, his spell cast with one, sweeping glance. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd finally, on drums,\u201d Bob paused eloquently, \u201cour very own Jeff Chandler \u2013 mean\u2026moody\u2026and magnificent\u2026Mr. Pete Best!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The swell of screams almost knocked them over. Pete, watching his footing carefully and looking up only now and again, reached the boards and took the microphone that Paul handed him. Standing centre stage, he cleared his throat and waited to sing his Second Set solo number.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLadies and gentlemen,\u201d Wooler concluded his spiel, \u201chere they are\u2026the stuff that screams are made ofvi<\/span>\u2026The Beeeeeatles!\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

While the punters went mad, Paul scrambled to the rostrum and hoisted the drumsticks. George turned up his new Gibson amp, and John strummed his refitted Rickenbacker. After a dramatic moment or two, John gave the sign, and the four handsomely suited lads opened the second set of the night with an American club tune, Chubby Checker\u2019s \u201cPeppermint Twist.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow, that\u2019s more like it!\u201d Brian mouthed to Alistair, above the din. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Alistair nodded obsequiously, but he was, nevertheless, unconvinced. The suits, he thought, were well and good, but the group on stage now was far more restrained than the rockers that had been standing there ten minutes ago. For Alistair, the metamorphosis had more cons than pros. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was hard to shush the fans after Pete\u2019s song. Shouts! Squeals! Screams went on forever. Paul chuckled a little and held up his hand. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow\u2026\u201d he began. Screams. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow\u2026\u201d \u00a0Cheers and applause. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul looked to Epstein, who motioned for him to go on with the programme, regardless.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow here\u2019s a little ditty,\u201d Paul tried, futilely. \u201cHere\u2019s a little ditty,\u201d he repeated. Scattered shouts. \u201cHere\u2019s a little ditty that was a big hit for the late, great Buddy Holly,\u201d he finally eked out, \u201cand it\u2019s called\u2026well, you tell us!\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As the Cavern Dwellers shouted, \u201cCryin\u2019, Waitin\u2019, Hopin\u2019!\u201d with all their might, George leaned over to John. \u201cSee that kid Eppy was talkin\u2019 about earlier?\u201d George nodded in Brian Farrell\u2019s direction. \u201cThe one in the second row that Eppy said was snappin\u2019 our photos?\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d John smacked his gum, \u201cso what?\u201d \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell,\u201d George smiled wryly, \u201che looks a bit like Alfred E. Newman, doesn\u2019t he?\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

John cut his eyes at the kid and burst into cackles. He was still laughing, when Paul and Pete slipped into song \u2013 and when George managed to catch up after the second eight. Finally, John lifted his guitar as well, high on his chest; he loosened his tie a little more and then joined them in the bridge. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At that moment, Brian Farrell took the photo. He snapped it just as John looked straight at him, grinning widely for his camera alone. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAh, great shot!\u201d the boy whispered. \u201cPriceless one!\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

And rather pleased with himself, Farrell folded his arms and leaned back to watch his sister, the other Beatlettes, and all the Cavern Dwellers offer up a teary farewell to their lads: <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCryin\u2019\u2026waitin\u2019\u2026hopin\u2019\u2026 someday soon you\u2019ll come back to me\u2026I think about you all the time.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sources: <\/b><\/p>\n

Lewisohn, <\/span>The Complete Beatles Chronicle<\/span><\/i>, 69. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Harry, <\/span>The Ultimate Beatles Encyclopedia<\/span><\/i>, 552. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Best and Doncaster, 134, 149. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Pawlowski, <\/span>How They Became The Beatles<\/span><\/i>, 64. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Norman, <\/span>Shout,<\/span><\/i> 148. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Miles, <\/span>The Beatles\u2019 Diary, Vol. 1<\/span><\/i>, 61.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Spitz, 299.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Leigh, <\/span>Drummed Out: The Sacking of Pete Best<\/span><\/i>, 23, 26. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Salewicz, <\/span>McCartney<\/span><\/i>, 130. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lennon, Cynthia, \u00a0<\/span>John<\/span><\/i>, 81-82. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

All details in this chapter, including the story of Brian and Bernadette Farrell and Val Davies, are factual. If you are fortunate enough to acquire a copy of Bill Harry\u2019s <\/span>MerseyBeat: The Beginnings of The Beatles<\/span><\/i>, you can read the story about Ringo planning to leave Rory Storm and the Hurricanes on p. 30, in Virginia Harry\u2019s column \u201cMersey Roundabout.\u201d The actual poster mentioned in this chapter is found on page 31. The information about Paul\u2019s drumming requirements of Pete Best come from Spencer Leigh\u2019s book, <\/span>Drummed Out: The Sacking of Pete Best<\/span><\/i> (p. 56-57). \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019d like to see a photograph of Bernadette Farrell, taken by Brian Farrell, see p. 81 of Pawlowski\u2019s <\/span>How They Became The Beatles<\/span><\/i>. <\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Jude Southerland Kessler is the author of the John Lennon Series:\u00a0www.johnlennonseries.com<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Jude is represented by 910 Public Relations —\u00a0@910PubRel<\/a>\u00a0on Twitter and\u00a0910 Public Relations<\/a>\u00a0on Facebook.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Jude talks about her #1 favorite moment in Beatles history\u2026what was yours? Tell us YOUR fav Fab moment! We want to hear from you! We\u2019ll draw a name from all responses to win a Beatles gift package. Read on\u2026   […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":6982,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[14],"tags":[98,117,30],"class_list":["post-6979","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-baby-boomer-beatles-blog","tag-jude-southerland-kessler","tag-the-beatles","tag-the-fest-for-beatles-fans"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.thefest.com\/?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6979","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.thefest.com\/?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.thefest.com\/?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.thefest.com\/?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.thefest.com\/?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=6979"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/staging.thefest.com\/?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6979\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6984,"href":"https:\/\/staging.thefest.com\/?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6979\/revisions\/6984"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.thefest.com\/?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/6982"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.thefest.com\/?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=6979"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.thefest.com\/?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=6979"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.thefest.com\/?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=6979"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}