Beatles Rare Album Sells For $175,000
A rare first pressing of Beatles classic Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band has sold at auction for $175,698.
The mono edition of the 1967 album was signed by all four members of the Fab Four at a hotel in England.
Sellers RR Auction, who’d set a reserve of $10,000, say the record was taken into the Atlantic Hotel, Newquay in September that year by a young porter who worked there.
In a letter written in 1985 he explained: “To my and everybody’s amazement, the Beatles stayed at the Atlantic for a few days while they were filming Magical Mystery Tour. The manager told all the staff who worked at the hotel not to bother or ask them for their autographs.
“I thought it was a good idea to take something back and have it signed. I sneaked the album into work up my top as I didn’t want the manager to see. The Beatles didn’t seem to mind anyway, as they signed a few items for staff and guests. I remember having to get George’s at a later day, as he wasn’t present when Paul, Ringo, and John signed.”
Expert Frank Caiazzo, who authenticated the signatures, said: “Fully autographed Sgt Pepper LP covers are quite rare and considered by many collector’s to be the holy grail of signed rock and roll albums.”
Meanwhile, surviving Beatles Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr have confirmed they’ll perform at this year’s Grammys ceremony on January 26 in Los Angeles.
The pair will accept a lifetime achievement award on behalf of the entire band.