This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/16/2023
Among the most prized of all investment-grade Beatles signed or handwritten materials are stage-used set lists. These were not done for the gratification of a fan, but for the group's own private use. That any survived the decades at all is incredible and, in fact, very few are known to exist, as they were created for the moment -- to be used by the band for reference for a very short period of time and then tossed out.
There is simply no denying that, in the realm of handwritten artifacts, few pieces can approach the scarcity, historical appeal and intrinsic value of an original Beatles stage-used set list. Particularly in the very early days when their show repertoire was in a constant state of flux, a set list was needed to guide their performance, to literally give them a quick reference for the order of songs they would play at a given show. These were hastily written out -- often just prior to the show -- on whatever was available at the moment. The lists could be written on hotel notepaper, envelopes, paper scraps, promotional cards, even cigarette packs.
To demonstrate the extreme rarity of an authentic Beatles handwritten set list, it should be noted that, to date, only around a dozen have ever surfaced and been accounted for. Of these scant few, several of these lists still remain within the collection of the author of the list.
Of the half dozen or so that found their way into the collector’s market, only three have been additionally autographed by the four Beatles (or by any Beatle for that matter - because of the others, none bear even a single autograph.) We sold one of the three earlier this year, with just one other remaining besides this one. With so few known to exist, one can only imagine just how infrequently a Beatles setlist comes onto the market. Of the few in the hands of private collectors, nobody can be certain as to when, if ever, one will become available. On a rare occasion, one will become available to those astute enough to appreciate their historical significance and investment potential. This is one such occasion.
Presented for your consideration, here is a Beatles handwritten, concert-used set list -- this one from the early spring of 1963. The actual show is undetermined, but we know the consignor's grandmother got it signed at the Granada Cinema in Bedford, UK in early spring of 1963.
What makes this setlist better than the rest are two factors, one being the autographs are all on one side, and the provenance to this setlist! The lineage dating back to the original owner. The setlist was obtained in March of 1963. The owner received this setlist directly from Paul McCartney after a show and got all the band members to sign it in a vintage ballpoint pen.
The tunes were written on the back of a March 1963 issue Beatles Parlophone Records promotional photocard which measures 5 ½” x 3 ½”. The overall condition of the card is superb, especially considering that is now exactly 60 years old. (As a side note, the photo on the card was taken on Monday, January 21, 1963 at EMI House in London by none other than Angus McBean, the photographer credited with taking the iconic image used on the cover of the “Please Please Me” LP.)
The reverse of the card boasts a list of 6 song titles handwritten by Paul McCartney. The titles written are Saw Her Standing There, Rhythm + Blues, Beautiful Dreamer, From Me to You (Classics), Taste of Honey and Boys.
Three of the listed songs are featured on the “Please Please Me” LP and one song (“From Me To You”) comprised their latest single at the time, issued on April 11th.
The reverse side, on which the set list was written, has been signed by Paul McCartney (in black ballpoint), Ringo Starr (in blue ballpoint), George Harrison (in blue ballpoint) and by John Lennon (also in blue ballpoint). Paul has added "all the best" to his inscription.
There are only three known setlists that were ever autographed by The Beatles, making this piece extraordinarily rare and incredibly desirable. Add to that the fact that this was a stage-used setlist and the historical value is almost incalculable. Keep in mind that setlists like this were never intended for fans. Most were either left behind on stage to be tossed out, or kept for posterity by members of the group. We cannot understate the rarity of this piece.
And so, for collectors of the rarest of the rare Beatles artifacts, opportunity knocks. If you've ever aspired to own an original Beatles concert set list, this may be your last chance for a long time to come. Don't miss out on a truly top-drawer, investment-grade Beatles piece of high end memorabilia.
Authentication: Frank Caiazzo Letter of Authenticity, a Roger Epperson (REAL) Letter of Authenticity and a Gotta Have Rock and Roll Certificate of Authenticity.