Letters and photos from Beatles’ early days to go on show in Hamburg
A collection of rare letters and photographs from the Beatles' early years in Hamburg is set to be displayed during the city's annual port festival. The exhibition highlights the band's formative period between 1960 and 1962, showcasing their development in music and image. Donated materials, including correspondence from Paul McCartney and John Lennon, offer personal insights into the band's experiences and growth during this influential time.
- ▪The exhibition includes the only known letter with writings from both Paul McCartney and John Lennon, addressed to Mike McCartney.
- ▪Photographs by Pete Best and Astrid Kirchherr, along with letters from all five original band members, reveal the Beatles' early style and mindset.
- ▪Mike McCartney donated personal letters, noting that the Hamburg period was crucial in transforming the band into a professional, unified group.
- ▪The Beatles performed for up to eight hours a night in Hamburg, using stimulants to endure the demanding schedule.
- ▪A BBC six-part series about the Beatles' early days is currently being filmed in Hamburg, with potential plans to bring the exhibition to Liverpool in the future.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
The original Beatles lineup in Hamburg (l-r): Pete Best, George Harrison, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Stuart Sutcliffe. Photograph: Astrid Kirchherr/K & K/RedfernsView image in fullscreenThe original Beatles lineup in Hamburg (l-r): Pete Best, George Harrison, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Stuart Sutcliffe. Photograph: Astrid Kirchherr/K & K/RedfernsThe BeatlesLetters and photos from Beatles’ early days to go on show in HamburgExclusive: The collection, including donations from Paul McCartney’s brother Mike, shows band’s development in early 60sRobyn Vinter North of England correspondentSat 2 May 2026 05.00 EDTLast modified on Sat 2 May 2026 05.02 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleA rare set of letters and photos from the early days of the Beatles, in which they write about feeling…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at World news | The Guardian.
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