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Sam Leach's Operation Big Beat Book Signed By Ringo

Currency:USD Category:Memorabilia / Music Memorabilia Start Price:NA Estimated At:1,500.00 - 3,500.00 USD
Sam Leach's Operation Big Beat Book Signed By Ringo
1961. Sam Leach’s adept business acumen and attention to detail is succinctly captured within the pages of this handwritten promotion manual; much of it’s contents relating to the first two “Operation Big Beat” concerts at New Brighton’s Tower Ballroom on November 10 and 24, 1961. His ambition and tenacity certainly paid off as the events set successive concert attendance records of 4,100 and 4,600, respectively, on the British mainland at the time. The manual is a most fascinating look into what one must accomplish to produce a successful venture such as the Operation Big Beat series. Here is an overview of the highlights included in this historic manual: Sam’s handwritten design for the first “Operation Big Beat” poster, one of the most historically significant (and valuable) Beatles concert posters. It is interesting to note that The Strangers, Gus & The Thunderclaps and Dale Roberts & The Jaywalkers were originally scheduled to appear. Incidentally, Sam related to us that his wife “burnt 200 original Tower Beatles posters, including Operation Big Beats;” a budget page reveals that the roster of bands (The Beatles, Rory Storm & The Hurricanes, Gerry & The Pacemakers, The Remo Four and Kingsize Taylor & The Dominoes) split a total of 45 pounds for their evening’s work; seven-page ticket distribution list showing John Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr (then a member of Rory Storm & The Hurricanes) as being each given ten tickets to sell. Sam commented to us that “George sold 10 tickets and then spent the money on a girl. I took it out of his fee, then gave it back to him.”) Other notable ticket sellers included Rory Storm, Cilla Black, Dick Matthews, Bob Wooler and NEMS Whitechapel (Brian Epstein’s record shop); six pages of accounting for a June ’61 Valentine Club dance; twenty-two page listing of members of the Casanova Club; ultra-rare Ringo Starr autograph atop one of the pages signed “THE SENSATIONAL RINGO STARR…DRUMS.” Sam relates “this was a response to my calling The Beatles ‘Sensational’ in my advertising. We are aware of only one other such Ringo autograph signed in this manner among collectors; outline and ad layouts for future “Leach Organization” venues and promotions; two pages relating to “Big Beat Sessions” on December 1, 1961, at the Tower Ballroom with mention of John, Paul, George, and Pete receiving tickets to sell and a notation of The Beatles being paid the top paid band at 20 pounds. Sam Leach told us “I actually gave the 20 pounds without telling the other bands;” three pages relating to “The Davy Jones Show” on December 8, 1961, at the Tower Ballroom, with The Beatles backing Jones. Also included with the manual: copy of a two-page handwritten letter from George Harrison to Stuart Sutcliffe talking about the first two “Operation Big Beat” shows; news clippings and photos of Sam Leach dedicating a plaque with a replica of the first “Operation Big Beat” poster on the 40th anniversary of the event. Though the spine of the 8 x 12.5” hardbound manual has separated from the contents, the pages are in overall good condition. An historic artifact from 1961 dating to the month that The Beatles were first seen by their future manager, Brian Epstein.