Mal Evans’ notebook on display in Liverpool museum
Illustration: Beatles’ Story Museum, Liverpool
The Beatles Story, Liverpool, has announced an exciting new addition to its ever-growing exhibition with the inclusion of a previously unseen notebook belonging to The Beatles’ Tour Manager Mal Evans.
The rare notebook, compiled between 1967-68, features Paul McCartney’s handwritten draft lyrics for ‘Hey Jude’, a part-lyric for ‘Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band’, recording notes by George Harrison for ‘All You Need Is Love’ as well as lyrics for a number of other songs including ‘Being For The Benefit of Mr Kite, ‘Good Morning Good Morning’ and ‘All Together Now’.
Illustration: Beatles’ Story Museum, Liverpool
Filled with original scribbles using brightly coloured ink from John, Paul, George, Ringo and Mal, the notebook offers a glimpse into the ground-breaking era in Beatles’ history when they produced ‘Sgt Pepper’ and ‘The White Album’.
Illustration: Beatles’ Story Museum, Liverpool.
As well as lyrics, poetry and doodles, the notebook also includes a design for the famous ‘Sgt Pepper’ drumskin featured on the cover of the record, and a list of other requirements for the song, including a ‘piano painted for John’.
Drumskin logo draft. Illustration: Beatles’ Story Museum, Liverpool
Stephen Maycock, Consultant Specialist in Beatles Memorabilia, said: “Mal’s notebook is a unique document, covering as it does such an important period in the career of the most important band in pop music history. It provides a fascinating insight into the Beatles’ creative process and shows just how close Mal was to that”.
Described as the ‘ultimate memento’, the item was put up at Sotheby’s rock and pop memorabilia auction by Mal’s widow Lily Evans in 1998.
“Hey Jude” Illustration: Beatles’ Story Museum, Liverpool
Purchased by Liverpool businessman Alan Murphy for his daughter Davinia’s 21st birthday, who played ‘Jude’ in popular UK soap series ‘Hollyoaks’. Mr. Murphy has also recently announced plans for a £100m renovation development in Liverpool, the home of the Fab Four.
Davinia said: ‘As a family we are absolutely delighted to be able to share this treasure worldwide. As a Scouser and huge Beatles fan, my dad felt it was so important for the notebook to be available in his hometown of Liverpool and for everyone to enjoy these precious insights into the world’s best band!’
A colourful drawing. Illustration: Beatles’ Story Museum, Liverpool
Mary Chadwick, General Manager of The Beatles Story said: “The notebook is an extremely exciting addition to our attraction, and we are delighted to showcase this valuable piece of history at The Beatles Story.
The story of Mal’s relationship with the band after the recent ‘Get Back’ documentary has sparked a keen interest from fans, and each page tells a story. Along with Paul’s handwritten ‘Hey Jude’ lyrics, the notebook offers visitors a unique glimpse into their lives at the time.”
Illustration: Beatles’ Story Museum, Liverpool
The notebook will be on display for visitors to Liverpool’s leading Beatles’ attraction, The Beatles Story, from February 2022. The interactive demonstration will include a digital display scrolling through every page of the notebook and the ‘Hey Jude’ lyrics alongside a biography about Mal Evans.
Paul’s part of A Day In The Life and a few lyrics for Being For The Benefit Of Mr Kite. Illustration: Beatles’ Story Museum, Liverpool
Source: BBC Merseyside and Beatles’ Story
Great I’ll get in my private jet and head right over.
Do you have room for one more? I hear they have Mal’s library card too.
Sure just send me your bank info and I’ll gladly fit you on board
Your article gave me a lot of inspiration, I hope you can explain your point of view in more detail, because I have some doubts, thank you.