Hand-written lyrics to The Beatles’ ‘Hey Jude’ to be displayed in Liverpool
Paul McCartney's 1967-68 notebook will be shown to the public for the first time as part of 'The Beatles Story'
Rare hand-written lyrics to The Beatles classic ‘Hey Jude’ are set to be displayed at a new exhibition in Liverpool.
A notebook of Paul McCartney‘s lyrics collected from 1967-68 will be shown to the public for the first time as part of the new ‘The Beatles Story’ exhibition, which opens next week (February 22).
The notebook is set to go on display after it was purchased by a Liverpool-based businessman, having formerly belonged to Beatles tour manager and former Cavern Club bouncer Mal Evans.
Beatles memorabilia specialist Stephen Maycock said the notebook is “a fascinating insight into the Beatles’ creative process,” adding: “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.”
Alongside the rare ‘Hey Jude’ lyrics, the notebook contains snippets of lyrics for ‘Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band’, recording notes for ‘All You Need Is Love’ and partial lyrics and notes for other songs including ‘For The Benefit of Mr Kite’ and ‘Good Morning Good Morning’.
The Beatles Story exhibit describes itself as “the world’s largest permanent exhibition telling the story of the lives and times of The Beatles,” adding: “Located in the Fab Four’s hometown of Liverpool on the stunning waterfront at the Royal Albert Dock, The Beatles Story takes visitors on an immersive, atmospheric journey through the story of the lives, times, culture and music of The Beatles.”
Elsewhere, an NFT (non-fungible token) of Paul McCartney’s notes while writing The Beatles’ ‘Hey Jude’ has been auctioned off by John Lennon’s son Julian.
The item was one of many pieces of Beatles memorabilia to be auctioned off by Lennon on February 7, with a percentage of the proceeds going to Lennon’s White Feather Foundation.
“This NFT is a one of one edition of the physical item and does not include the physical item,” the listing for the ‘Hey Jude’ notes says, but adds that the purchase comes with an “exclusive audio narration” by Lennon.
Other NFTs being sold by Lennon include three of the band’s Gibson guitars, and outfits worn by John Lennon including a black cape worn in the band’s ‘Help!’ film and an Afghan coat worn in ‘Magical Mystery Tour’.
Read Rolling Stone UK’s new feature, giving rare look behind the scenes at what it’s like to get a Master’s degree in The Beatles at the University of Liverpool — and why people across the world pay thousands of pounds to do it, here.