Bill Harry, childhood friend of John Lennon and founder and editor of the influential British music paper Mersey Beat, will talk about the history of his publication that covered the rise of the Beatles as it happened at a lecture July 7 at the British Music Experience at the 02 Bubble in London. The event comes two days after the 50th anniversary of the founding of the paper.
Harry laid the groundwork for the paper in the late 50’s by keeping notebooks with details of groups, venues and promoters. He later decided to write about the scene himself with his own music paper.
Mersey Beat was launched July 5, 1961 with 5,000 copies and focused on the burgeoning Liverpool scene. Beatles manager Brian Epstein took an interest in the paper right away. He ordered twelve dozen copies of the second issue, which was headlined, "Beatles Sign Recording Contract."
As the Beatles' popularity grew, the paper tracked how Liverpool's growing musical influence affected the world.
Only 50 tickets, priced at £7.50, are available and they can be purchased from the British Music Experience.
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