Opinion
19 Jan 23

Book Review: Dafydd Rees - The Beatles 1963: A Year In The Life

Book Review: Dafydd Rees - <i>The Beatles 1963: A Year In The Life</i>

At the start of 1963, The Beatles were a successful local Liverpool band with one hit single; twelve months, two albums, and the arrival of Beatlemania later, they were on the cusp of world domination. Featuring daily entries covering every pivotal event, the book draws on hundreds of new eyewitness accounts and provides numerous unseen photographs.

Have you ever wondered how a band can go from releasing one hit single and enjoying local success to being on the cusp of world domination in just 12 months? In The Beatles 1963: A Year In The Life, Dafydd Rees asks just that question.

Over 527 pages, filled with never-before-seen pictures and eyewitness accounts, the book details every day of the fateful year for the Liverpool quartet in diary-entry style. From hearty cooked breakfasts, guitar problems, Cavern shows (including a pay rise to £30), and a purposefully scruffy look, to fancy photoshoots, fans lining up on the streets and ‘She Loves You’ surpassing one million sales in November, the book is compelling, humorous and quite unbelievable at times.

It even includes a rather entertaining section on discrepancies, myths and mistakes relating to the iconic band. Beatles aficionados will not want to miss out on this lengthy but informative read.

Out now via Omnibus Press.