The Nicest Signed Beatles Fan Card We Have Encountered, with Direct Ties to the Songs ‘Ticket to Ride’ and ‘When I’m Sixty-Four’
Here is a stunning black and white Beatles Parlophone Records promotional card autographed on the reverse by the entire group: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr have all signed beautifully in blue ballpoint pen. On the lefthand side of the card, Paul has added the lengthy inscription, ‘To Diana, lots of love, from The Beatles / Sorry we couldn’t be there to see you!’ while drawing a curly bracket pointing to the four autographs. All four Beatles have added three kiss symbols ‘xxx’ to their autographs. The elaborate inscription would indicate the card was signed for someone close to The Beatles.
The signatures were obtained at the Savoy Ballroom, Portsmouth, England, on April 7th, 1963. The image on the front of the card was taken by renowned British photographer Angus McBean on January 21st, 1963, at EMI House, Manchester Square, London. McBean is best known for capturing the cover photograph for the Beatles’ debut album, Please Please Me, which was released on March 22nd, 1963, just 2 weeks prior to this card being signed. Accompanied by a detailed letter from the original recipient that reads: ‘This letter shall serve to authenticate the full set of Beatles autographs on the rear of a Parlophone Records promotional card, which I obtained shortly after the Beatles performed in Portsmouth on 7th April 1963. I was a young schoolgirl, and my aunt worked for Paul’s cousin Betty who, along with her husband Mike Robbins, owned a pub called the Bow Bars in Union Street, Ryde, on the Isle of Wight. The Beatles were due to perform in Portsmouth and then come over to Ryde to visit Betty and Mike, who had arranged for me to meet the group the following morning. Plans changed and the Beatles had to return to London after the Portsmouth show. I then received the signed photograph card which Paul had given to Betty on my behalf. This explains Paul’s note which reads, ‘To Diana, lots of love from The Beatles, sorry we couldn’t be there to see you!’ At a later date Paul visited, and we had coffee together. As an interesting side note, the song ‘Ticket to Ride’ is based on the memories of John and Paul hitchhiking from Liverpool down to Ryde, to visit Betty and Mike. Paul also namechecks the Isle of Wight in the song, ‘When I’m Sixty-Four.’ Great memories!’
A scarce and desirable Beatles promotional card as most of these were signed by the band’s management or secretaries. The card measures 14.6cm x 9.2cm (5.75 inches x 3.6 inches). The condition is very good plus. A spectacular Beatles piece for the most discerning of collectors! Accompanied by a Letter of Provenance as well as full Letters of Authenticity from Beckett Authentication Services (BAS) and Tracks UK.