In a surprising finding, a Canadian record shop owner in Vancouver stumbled upon what he believes to be Beatles audition tapes from 1962. Rob Frith, the proprietor of Neptoon Records, shared his remarkable discovery on Instagram on March 12, showcasing a video of what could potentially be a treasure trove of early Beatles recordings.
Frith had acquired a tape labeled “Beatles Demos” some time ago, initially assuming it was a bootleg. However, upon listening to it recently, he was astounded by the quality, suggesting it might be a master tape. The recording featured a Beatles cover of Django Reinhardt’s “Sheik of Araby.”
Another clip shared by Frith on March 25 captured the band, consisting of Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, John Lennon, and George Harrison, performing “Money (That’s What I Want).” These recordings are believed to be from the Decca Studios sessions in January 1962, which ultimately did not lead to a contract with the band.
Frith obtained the tapes from Jack Herschorn, the previous owner of Mushroom Records in Vancouver, who received them from a London producer in the 1970s. Herschorn, recognizing the significance of the tapes, opted not to sell copies to ensure the Beatles received the royalties they deserved.
The recordings, which were initially thought to be bootlegs, are now speculated to be authentic based on their quality and unique characteristics. Frith and his friend Larry Hennessey, a music preservationist, are hopeful that Paul McCartney may visit the record store to hear the tapes, or alternatively plan a listening event with proceeds benefiting charity.
Among the rumored tracks on the Decca Studios record are early versions of well-known songs such as “Till There Was You,” “Memphis, Tennessee,” and “September in the Rain.” The discovery has sparked excitement among Beatles enthusiasts and music historians alike.
