This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/23/2019
The Beatles extremely rare 1968 signed “Rubber Soul” album cover. The album was signed by John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr in blue ballpoint pen on the back cover on July 28th, 1968 which has becomes known as the Beatles “Mad Day Out”. It is accompanied by a copy of a photograph of Lennon signing the album and a letter of authenticity from Beatles handwriting expert Frank Caiazzo.
In the early afternoon and the early evening of the Beatles “Mad Day Out” the Beatles, accompanied by the well-known war photographer Don McCullin, together with photographers Ronald Fitzgibbon, Stephen Goldblatt, Tony Bramwell and Mal Evans, visited some seven different locations around London. Also in the entourage were Yoko Ono, Mal's young son Gary and Paul's then girlfriend, Francie Schwarz. The sixth stop of the day was at Wapping Pier Head in the London Docks area. A number of now-iconic photographs emanated from this stage of the day's sessions, including Paul, stripped to the waist and draped in a chain, posing by the edge of the River Thames and John, wearing Don McCullin's camouflaged jacket, lying on the ground with the other three Beatles standing over him. During these proceedings, several local residents became aware of their famous visitors, including a female fan who presented this album to the band for their signatures and who was photographed by Stephen Goldblatt as John was adding his autograph (a copy of which accompanied the signed album cover).
Genuine sets of Beatles autographs post-1967 are extremely rare, and this set is even more rare as it was obtained on this historic day which has been well-documented and photographed. Very good condition. A Parlophone PMC 1267, second UK mono pressing. In addition to the Frank Caiazzo letter of authenticity and the copy of the photo of Lennon signing, the signed album cover is also accompanied by a Gotta Have Rock & Roll™ Certificate of Authenticity.
Provenance: Lot 217, Sotheby's London, Stage & Screen, 3rd December 2002.