The auction house provides a detailed description of the equipment on the lot’s page. “Recording industry giant E.M.I. Corporation did so many things extremely well back in their heyday, including manufacturing their own professional recording equipment, namely the BTR (British Tape Recorder), a ¼” tape, twin-track valve (vacuum based) machine. In 1953 they started building the ‘BTR2′ tape recording console and at the time, these were considered state-of-the-art mono recorders – the best that money could buy.”

The lot’s orientation continues, “They were extremely well built, using high-quality components and expert craftsmanship, and they weighed almost 600 pounds apiece. Originally made for ‘in-house’ use only – they were very highly regarded due to the fact that they were fabulous recording machines with great sound quality, were extremely dependable and relatively easy to operate – and as such there was a high demand for them outside of E.M.I. Orders were placed by The British Broadcasting Corporation (B.B.C.), who ultimately purchased and used many BTR2s throughout Great Britain..”

The recording consoles’ heydays were from 1957 until the 1980s, they were installed and used prior to and during the studio’s rename and rebranding. In 1970 the then named E.M.I Studios was renamed as Abbey Road Studios and acts continued to flock to the then state-of-the-art workplace. The BTR2s used by Abbey Road have always stood out, the studio mainly used machines which were painted grey.

Recording equipment from Abbey Road Studios is very rare to find and is rarely found for sale let alone on auction. Only a couple of items from the studios have been sold, the pieces were quickly snapped up by collectors and private buyers. This particular BTR2 console has changed hands prior, it originally was sold by Abbey Road Studios in 1980 within their Sale Of The Century. In 1988 the console was again sold to the Hard Rock Café which in turn sold it again to its current owner, the same owner who is now selling it.

These consoles are responsible for a long list of legendary albums, one particular group which regarded the console as family were The Beatles. The equipment has become a major part of the band’s history, a vast amount of the band’s discography was produced and recording using the BTR2 including such albums as A Hard Day’s Night, Beatles For Sale, Revolver, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, Magical Mystery Tour, The White Album and of course Abbey Road. The group’s eleventh studio home sired many of the band’s most loved hits including “Come Together” and “Here Comes The Sun“.

The Beatles and BTR2s are heavily integrated with each other, included within the auction are two photographs of the “Get Back” band with the equipment, one of John Lennon with the BTR2 and another of Ringo Starr and George Harrison with cake and champagne with the auction item. Also included within the auction is a letter penned by The Abbey Road Chief Engineer, the original instruction booklet that was used by the studios and a certificate  of authenticity from Gotta Have Rock & Roll.

The lot’s description further explains its importance to the fab four’s career, “These BTR2 recording consoles are of great importance related to the recording history of The Beatles. Very little exists in any collection, public or private, with regard to Abbey Road / Beatles used recording equipment in any form and the rarity and significance of these BTR2s cannot be overstated.”

These important artifacts of modern music are also responsible for six of Pink Floyd’s albums, The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn, A Sauceful Of Secrets, More, Ummagumma, Atom Heart Mother, Meddle and their seminal 1973 release The Dark Side Of The Moon. Other acts who utilised the renowned consoles include some of popular music’s most sought after artists, Cliff Richard And The Shadows, Jeff Beck, Connie Francis, Deep Purple and The Pretty Things.

Click here to view the auction.

I’m excited to share my first venture into Web3, “Ringo Starr NFT Collection | The Creative Mind of a Beatle” Each NFT comes with a signed print and access to join me on an exclusive virtual tour of the groundbreaking digital gallery experience, RingoLand. Peace & love Ringo! pic.twitter.com/6RVt5NlWxj

— #RingoStarr (@ringostarrmusic) May 24, 2022

The 81-year-old artist’s NFT collection will include digital artworks which will accompany canvas prints signed by Sir Starr. The collection will also include five original artworks by the artist, two paintings, one self-portrait in the style of Bansky and two further pieces, with each purchase customers will also be given a signed physical print of the purchased piece of art. Each one bought will also include a musical accompaniment, customers will receive an original composition by Starr, these exclusive recordings of the drummer will be inspired by the artwork and has been specifically created for the collection.

Also included within the collection’s range is RingoLand, a digital musical wonderland which consists of a virtual gallery featuring the drummer’s artworks. With a purchase from the upcoming NFT collection customers are granted access to an exclusive virtual tour of the innovative experience of Starr’s creative digital universe. Fans and customers will be able to access the gallery via Spatial, a metaverse platform.

A statement from the drummer provides further information concerning the NFT collection, “I only ever wanted to be a drummer, yet you never know where a new idea or path will lead you. This new technology is so far out it’s inspired me and I loved creating these NFTs combining my art and my music. Who’d have thought I would be spreading Peace and Love in the MetaVerse.”

A portion of the proceeds that occurred from the sales of the new collection will be donated to The Lotus Foundation, the musician’s charity which was originally formed to provide support to the Tsunami disaster which affected South East Asia in 2004, the organisation continues to provide relive to those in need.  An announcement has also been made that the NFT carbon footprint will be counterbalanced by the efforts of Carbon Fund, a charity leading the way in the battle against climate change.

Sir Starr is currently performing a two-day residency at Ontario’s Casino Rama Resort. On the 30th of May, the artist will perform in New York and will kick off the long North American leg of the tour. After 20 performances across the pond, Starr will conclude his Summer appearances on 26th June 2022 with a set in Florida. The legendary musician will resume his touring schedule this autumn with an appearance in Bridgeport on 23rd September 2022 and will conclude his string of live shows on 20th October 2022.

Click here for further information concerning the auction.

The sixty-minute feature is set to bring the rooftop performance to the big screen, and will enjoy a global theatrical run from 11th-13th February 2022. IMAX took to their Instagram to post an announcement concerning the upcoming release.

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The feature’s global run will kickstart with a one-night event held within participating theatres. The exclusive screening will take place on 30th January 2022, the premiere screening of the feature marks 53 years since the famous gig. The very special screening will be broadcasted via satellite across selected IMAX theatres and will include a Q&A with the filmmaker. The director and creator Peter Jackson has provided the following statement concerning the upcoming feature, “I’m thrilled that the rooftop concert from The Beatles: Get Back is going to be experienced in IMAX, on that huge screen, It’s The Beatles’ last concert, and it’s the absolute perfect way to see and hear it.”

President of IMAX Entertainment Megan Colligan also has provided a statement regarding the theatre’s excitement to host the upcoming feature. “Ever since Peter Jackson’s beautiful and illuminating docuseries debuted, we’ve heard non-stop from fans who want to experience its unforgettable rooftop performance in IMAX, We are so excited to partner with Disney to bring ‘Get Back’ to an entirely new stage and give Beatles fans everywhere a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to watch and hear their heroes in the unrivalled sight and sound of IMAX.”

The concert which Jackson beautifully portrayed in his recent docu-series is cited as the band’s final live performance. The unannounced concert was held on 30th January 1969 on the rooftop of the Apple Corps headquarters located in London. The impromptu performance lasted for 42 minutes before the Metropolitan police marched to the Savile Row offices to request a sound reduction. Although unplanned, the performance was part of an ongoing preconceived project which aimed to return The Beatles to a live band. The iconic concert obtained its namesake due to the setlist, the single “Get Back” concluded the unusual performance. Along with the setting and subsequent law involvement, the concert inclusion within pop culture is cemented by John Lennon’s closing words. The artist and cultural figure ended the gig with the now infamous quote, “I’d like to say thank you on behalf of the group and ourselves and I hope we’ve passed the audition”.

Fans of the upcoming feature’s predeceasing release will be able to pre-order the docu-series on Blu Ray. Jackson’s complete series, ‘The Beatles: Get Back’ will be available on the format from 28th February 2022.

Click here to pre-order ‘The Beatles- Get Back‘ on Blu-ray.

Click here to purchase tickets.

The new material will follow Starr’s recent release of the EP ‘Zoom In’, the EP was released on 19th March 2021. Much like the musician’s March release the new EP was recorded and produced at Roccabella West studio, Starr’s home studio. The artist’s home studio has been home to many releases from the drummer and musician and has seen many celebrated artist’s work within its walls. Also similar to the ‘Zoom In’ EP, Starr has recruited his friends and other artists to work together on the new material.

The release’s lead single titled ‘Let’s Change The World’ has an obvious message of hope evident in the single’s title, the single features the three guests artists on backing vocals. The track’s guest vocalist includes American singer Amy Keys, Billy Valentine, actor and singer Darryl Phinnessee and Zelma Davis, known for her work with C+C Music Factory.

Included within the four-track EP is the song ‘Just That Way‘, written by Starr with producer and long time musical partner Bruce Sugar, the track is said to hold a reggae influence. The injection of reggae is also seen within the ‘Zoom In‘ track ‘Waiting For The Tides To Turn‘, and features the previous guitarist Tony Chen with further backing vocals supplied by Zelma and Zho Davis.

The new track ‘Coming Undone’ sees Starr’s first collaboration with Linda Perry, Perry is best known as the lead singer for 4 Non Blondes. The American alt-rock group are famed for their mega-hit ‘What’s Up?’ and the immense popularity in which followed during the ’90s. The new release also features a collaboration with celebrated guitarist Joe Walsh on the aptly named song ‘Rock Around The Clock’, the talented duo also worked together on track ‘Here’s to the Nights’, the track was the lead single from EP ‘Zoom In’.

The 81-year-old musician has spoken on his upcoming release and the benefits incurred during the recording process; he attributes the benefits to his home studio as well as the other artists he was able to work with. “I’ve been saying I only want to release EPs at this point and this is the next one. What a blessing it’s been during this year to have a studio here at home and be able to collaborate with so many great musicians, some I’ve worked with before and some new friends.”

The former Beatle is no stranger to a collaborative musical process, within the artist’s previous EP ‘Zoom In’, Starr was joined by a large list of artists in making the material. The album which was released via Universal Music Enterprises featured two co-producers along with Starr as the lead producer. All but one track was produced by Starr and co-produced by Bruce Sugar who also worked with Starr on a number of albums including his live album ‘Live at the Greek Theatre 2008’, 2010 album ‘Y Not’, 2015 release ‘Postcards From Paradise’ and the 2017 album ‘Give More Love’ as well as an impressive discography of work with other artists. The album’s third track ‘Teach Me To Tango’ was produced by Sam Hollander and co-produced by Grant Michaels, the track’s lead producer Hollander is a well-renounced producer responsible for many certified platinum tracks and albums.

In other news, Starr is set to hit the road next year for his 2022 US tour. The tour will begin in New Jersey on 31st May 2022 and will see Starr perform up and down the country, ending in Florida on 26th June 2022.

Click here to pre-order the EP.

The lot comprises of two setlists, the first setlist dates to the early stages of the band’s career from a concert during their early performing years. During this infantile stage of the group’s progression the band’s name was The Silver Beetles and the band’s line-up was also different, Sir Paul McCartney was not the singer and bassist within the line-up but was the drummer. The first setlist is from 1960 and is written by McCartney, the setlist is for a performance at Liscard’s Grosvenor Ballroom located in the town of Wallasey within the English county Merseyside. The setlist includes various covers played at the gig including the Elvis song ‘Stuck On You‘, as well as Beatles original ‘One For 909‘.

The year of the setlist is a mere three years before the initial formation of what would become the multi-hitmakers Beatles. The second setlist is dated from 1963 and is also from the early years of the band’s career. A year before the writing of the setlist Sir Ringo Starr joined the group as their drummer, completing the group and cementing the band line-up with which they rose to fame. The setlist is from a gig held on 17th April 1963 at the Majestic Ballroom located in Luton and was written on the back of a publicity postcard belonging to record label Parlophone. Signed by the four band-members, included in the setlist is ‘Love Me Do‘ and cover of Little Richard hit ‘Long Tall Sally‘.

Within this same year of 1963, the group released two studio albums, the first being their debut album ‘Please Please Me’. The album was produced by their long-term collaborator, producer George Martin, who is often referred to as the fifth Beatle due to his heavy involvement within the band’s sound and career. Eight months after the release of the Beatles’ debut studio album the second album of the year ‘With the Beatles’ was released on 22nd November 1963, the album featured George Harrison’s first solo composition, ‘Don’t Bother Me’.

The importance of the setlists’ worth is clearly due to the rarity in which each holds, there are only eight setlists by the Beatles which currently exist. Both setlists are predicted to sell for between $150,000 and $250,000, the auction is being held by international auction house Bonhams. Howard Kramer, the Senior Specialist responsible for the music lots within the auction houses’ Popular Culture department has spoken to Rolling Stone concerning the first setlist. “At this point, the Beatles were about to become a band in the truest sense, Pete Best had yet to join the band and the first Hamburg engagement was about two months out. Pretty soon, there was no looking back.”

Kramer has also spoken to Rolling Stone concerning the second setlist, “This setlist shows them as a working band that understands their role as entertainers, This is just one set of two played that night but we can see that they are still balancing their own developing work with songs from other artists and diverse sources.” The Senior Specialist also provided the following comment on the band’s career and the scope in which the setlists hold within their value. “Setlists generally have a short life, Once the gig is over, they’ve served their purpose. Collecting scraps of paper from pop bands wasn’t a thing yet in 1960 and 1963. That scarcity is what makes these setlists so interesting. “The Beatles’ career was relatively brief and there’s very few tangible, physical items directly used by the band that become available to the public, The Beatles are still the most collectible

The collection is said to have been left by members, John Lennon, Sir Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Sir Ringo Starr at Abbey Road Studios during the recording of their first album ‘Please Please Me’. The group’s debut studio album was released through EMI’s partner label Parlophone records on 22nd March 1963 and was produced by the group’s long-time producer George Martin, often known as the fifth Beatle.

The lot’s listing states the following concerning the tape’s origins: “Gifted to the vendor, a bass player in a rock band that has sold over 20 million albums. Presented in 1971 while recording their first LP at Abbey Road Studios by a sound technician, the demo itself recorded in the 1960s.”

The lot contains a collection of unreleased and unheard tracks including early recordings of ‘I Me Mine’ with Harrison’s vocals, the Lewis Carroll inspired ‘I Am The Walrus’, featuring Lennon’s vocals and ‘The Fool On The Hill’, featuring McCartney on the piano. All three tracks were later recorded as finished products and released, ‘I Am The Walrus’ and ‘The Fool On The Hill’ were released in 1967, ‘I Me Mine’ was released in April 1970 and was the group’s final new song they worked on as a band before their breakup. The anonymous seller has also stated in a note that the collection features a recording of ‘The Fool On the Hill’ with an alternate ending.

The studio formerly known as EMI Recording Studio was opened in 1931 by the famed conductor Sir Edward Elgar. The studio saw the making of many famous and paramount releases, including ‘The Piper at the Gates of Dawn’ by Pink Floyd and more recently the 2011 album ‘Ceremonials’ by Florence and the Machine. The studio is also famous for the home of many Beatles’ albums including the 1969 release ‘Abbey Road’, famed for the cover art which shows the band outside of the studio. The album’s title was named after the studio’s street, after the album’s release the studio was officially renamed Abbey Road Studios in celebration of the record. In 2010 the studio was protected from property developers by being granted English Heritage Grade ii listed status. The studio’s legacy was further developed in 2015 when the Abbey Road Institute was founded, formed as an educational programme for production and engineering within the field of recorded music.

The unnamed seller’s note concerning the lot states the physical history of the tape and describes the content. “The cassette was transferred to a newer style cassette, as the old style cassettes tended to break and lose Chromium Dioxide causing dropouts. Even though there are some minor drop outs, please enjoy the tongue in cheek ending to ‘Fool on the Hill’ and the almost final version of ‘I am the Walrus.”

The collection has been put on auction today through the auction house, Sworders Auctioneers. A price of £500- £700 has been given as the estimated selling price of the collection. The auction house was founded in 1782 and has experience within specialist objects, including European and British paintings and furniture.

In other news, Starr has spoken on the secret to the band’s success and how other bands would not be able to reach their iconic status. The drummer has equated their influence and success to a telepathic bond which greatly benefited the band while performing live. “When we were playing together as a band, we were the best band in the land. I don’t care what anyone says. We knew each other and it was like psychic. I would be playing drums with my eyes closed and the headphones on and would know John was going to go somewhere. I’d drum in that and hold it together while they went mad and then bring it back.”

The tape is not just an incredible item of Beatles memorabilia but also marks an important point in musical history. The demo provides an intimate snapshot into the incredible influence in which Abbey Road Studios held within music and culture.

Click here to view the listing.

Better still, these said sketches, commissioned by McCartney, were discovered in a skip. It’s a stroke of luck that could lead Andy to a very healthy payday.

In 1999, Andy was leading a team at a mill in Manchester where he encountered the drawings. They’d simply been discarded with other waste. Until now, the sketches had been stored in his loft and left forgotten. Twenty years later, he’s had them valued.

The sketches for the piano, which was designed in 1967, are set to be sold at Omega Auctions. Other items found in the find are due to be auctioned off in a separate sale. In total, they’re expected to reach £10,000.

Andy remains uncertain as to why the papers were left in the skip in the first place, considering their value. The sketches outline a list of commissions, of which were handed to the 1960s art group BEV.

This amazing set of 15 #BagOne lithographs featuring drawings by #JohnLennon created for #YokoOno as a wedding gift are up for sale here March 24th. Each one hand signed by John & with the original vinyl carry bag, as sold by the galleries at the time. https://t.co/3a2j21brvX pic.twitter.com/IeekZO7JKc

— Omega Auctions (@OmegaAuctions) March 9, 2020

The sketches contain McCartney’s own ideas, as well as designs for the Kinks. This comes after the collective were scheduled to work on their album, ‘Sunny Afternoon’.

Talking about the find, Andy said: “I picked them out of the skip.The case burst open as it was thrown in. It was raining and I just picked up what I could. I imagine there was a lot more there but it was damaged.”

He added: “It could have been an art studio at some time or another,” 

“I’ve had them for 20-odd years. You put things away and forget about them and then something triggers your mind.”

The builder admitted: “I haven’t planned what I’ll do with the money yet but I was surprised about the value.”