Everything Music. Everything News. Everything live.

Long Lost Beatles Audition Tape Found in Record Store

Library of Congress, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Library of Congress, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

A significant discovery in the world of music history unfolded recently at a modest record store in Vancouver. Neptoon Records, owned by Rob Frith, found itself at the center of a whirlwind story that excited Beatles aficionados globally. Frith unearthed what appeared to be a nondescript bootleg labeled as “Beatles 60s Demos.” Upon closely investigating and playing the tape years after its acquisition, he realized its extraordinary nature: a potentially direct copy of The Beatles' original 1962 Decca audition tape.

This tape captures The Beatles' day of auditioning at Decca Studios on January 1, 1962, an event famously marked by the record label's ill-fated decision to pass on signing the now-iconic band. This decision allowed The Beatles to subsequently sign with Parlophone under George Martin's guidance, leading to their debut album *Please Please Me* in 1963.

The quality of the tape surprised Frith profoundly, likening the listening experience to having The Beatles perform live right in his store. His friend and music preservationist, Larry Hennessey, concurred that the tape’s sound fidelity suggested it was more than just a fan-made compilation. The use of “leader tape,” which separates tracks on master recordings, hinted at its authenticity and historical significance. Recognizing the rarity of his find, Frith shared snippets of the tape on social media, including a clip of “Money (That's What I Want),” which quickly captivated Beatles fans across the globe.

Further intrigue surrounds the tape's journey to Vancouver. Jack Herschorn, a former Canadian music label executive, was identified as the man who brought the tape to Canada. He recounted acquiring the tape from a London producer during the 1970s, who suggested they sell copies in North America. However, Herschorn, valuing ethical practice, declined the proposal, insisting that The Beatles deserved their rightful royalties and that any release should be done officially, preserving the tape's integrity for future generations.

In the spirit of ensuring the tape's proper recognition and preservation, Frith expressed no intention of selling it. Instead, he humorously mentioned offering the tape to Decca Records or personally handing it over to Sir Paul McCartney should the opportunity arise. There are also musings about hosting a listening party, allowing fans to experience this piece of music history while potentially raising funds for charity.

The newfound excitement around the Decca tape underscores both The Beatles' enduring influence and the continuous allure of rock history. Neptoon Records' discovery illuminates an era when the band was on the cusp of global fame, capturing the raw talent that would soon catalyze a musical revolution. For enthusiasts of music history, this tape represents a tangible connection to The Beatles' journey, a symbol of ambition, raw potential, and untold stories still whispering from the grooves of a decades-old tape. Such artifacts remind us that even in an age dominated by digital music, physical media and the stories encased within retain a unique power to inspire, intrigue, and connect fans to the legacies of their musical icons.

Key Takeaways

Related Stories

Carlos Santana Santana in Concert, Nashville, FirstBank Amphitheater, Franklin, USA - 29 Sep 2021

Carlos Santana Collabs With Grupo Frontera on Single Release

Carlos Santana, a rock icon with a career spanning decades, has formed a remarkable collaboration with Grupo Frontera, a prominent…

eard ZZ Top in concert at Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre, Sterling Heights, USA - 08 Sep 2019

ZZ Top Announces Return of Frank Beard

Frank Beard, the dynamic drummer of ZZ Top, is back in the thick of action with the band after a…

Brian Johnson and Angus Young of AC/DC perform at the BB&T Center, Sunrise, Florida, USA - 20 Dec 2008 AC/DC in concert, BB&T Center, Sunrise, Florida, USA - 23 Dec 2008

AC/DC Ends North American Tour in Ohio

Cleveland was the closing chapter for AC/DC’s North American “Power Up” tour, proving once again that the legendary rock band…

Electric Prunes Various

James Lowe of The Electric Prunes Dies at 82

The world of psychedelic rock mourns the loss of James Lowe, the iconic lead singer and co-founder of the Electric…

Arejay Hale, Lzzy Hale of Halestorm performs at the Boardwalk Rock Festival on May 17, 2025 in Ocean City, Maryland Halestorm performs at the Boardwalk Rock Festival on May 17, 2025 in Ocean City, Maryland, MD, USA - 17 May 2025

Halestorm Reveals Title Track ‘Everest’

Halestorm, the GRAMMY Award-winning hard rock band, is making waves in the music scene with the reveal of “Everest,” the…

Evanescence - Amy Lee Download Festival, Day 2, Donington Park, UK - 09 Jun 2023

Amy Lee of Evanescence & Halsey Release Music Video

Halsey and Amy Lee of Evanescence have joined forces to create a sensational new track, “Hand That Feeds,” which is…

Thom Yorke of The Smile Festival d'ete de Quebec, Day 9, Quebec City, Canada - 14 Jul 2023

Thom Yorke Speaks Out On Palestine & Israel Conflict

Thom Yorke, the frontman of Radiohead and The Smile, has made a public statement addressing the ongoing Israel and Palestine…

Taylor Swift wearing Dior arrives at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards held at UBS Arena on September 11, 2024 in Elmont, New York, United States. 2024 MTV Video Music Awards - Arrivals, Ubs Arena, Elmont, New York, United States - 11 Sep 2024

Taylor Swift Regains Rights of Her Master Recordings

In a landmark move in the music industry, Taylor Swift has regained control over her master recordings. This comes after…

Goo Goo Dolls lead vocalist John Rzeznick performs at the 2025 Stagecoach Music Festival on Sunday, April 27, 2025 in Indio, CA. Stagecoach 2025 , Los Angeles, California, USA - 27 Apr 2025

Goo Goo Dolls Played at Demi Lovato’s Wedding

In a celebration as heartfelt as it was glamorous, pop star Demi Lovato tied the knot with musician Jordan “Jutes”…