Shortly ahead of the release of Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, a press launch was held at Brian Epstein’s house at 24 Chapel Street, London.
Epstein had bought the house on 20 December 1964, and lived there until his death on 27 August 1967. He hosted many parties at the house, the best-remembered of which was this press party for The Beatles’ masterpiece.
Around a dozen selected journalists and broadcasters were invited to attend the event. Several photographers were also present, among them Linda Eastman, who had met her future husband Paul McCartney just four days previously.
I took my portfolio over to Brian Epstein’s office and left it with his assistant, Peter Brown… Peter Brown got back in touch and said that Brian had liked my portfolio and invited me to a press launch for Sgt Pepper at Brian’s home. Peter also said that Brian wanted to buy copies of two of my photos – one of Keith Moon wearing a lace cravat and one of Brian Jones at The Rolling Stones boat party.So I went to the press launch where Sgt Pepper was played for the first time to the media, to take my first photographs of The Beatles. Because I was so used to working almost exclusively with black-and-white I didn’t have any color film with me, and had to get some from another photographer. I eventually sold a color print of The Beatles from this session for $100 and I thought that I had it made!
Sixties: Portrait Of An Era
The Beatles were photographed in Epstein’s drawing room and on the steps outside the front door. The guests were served champagne, poached salmon and caviar.
I got one good photo that I liked, which is that thumbs-up one. The rest are just like everyone else’s photographs, but for that one I said, ‘Oh, come on, guys! You know?’ and that shows at least they were relating, because if you believe the press you’d never think John and Paul ever related.
Many Years From Now, Barry Miles
Hi i have a Framed picture of the Beatles that is signed and autographed on the left side and says collection underneath his autograph It also says The Beatles Launching Stg Pepper June 1967 and hand tinted by Jon Franklin. Please let me know more information about this Framed picture of them sitting on the porch steps. with an iron gate. Please let me know if you have anymore information on this picture. Thank you very much Michelle
Hi Michelle,
I too am very interested in what sounds like the same image as I have, but on a huge (1 x 1.4 mtrs) poster, I think that it would look marvelous in a large frame and displayed in a large room. I have scoured the internet and, this is the only website that I can find any mention of it.
I have been wondering if there is any value to it.
Regards
Adrian
In the top photo, what is hanging from John Lennon’s belt? 🙂
It’s a sporran! Lennon claimed it was for keeping his keys in.
Thanks Joe, I had never thought about it before.
If you look through a bunch of photos from this party at once, you’ll start to notice John looks a little extra happy. I think he was on acid at the press party.
Today, May 19, 2022, is the 55th anniversary of the press release of Sgt. Pepper. A good time to publish an interactive version of the cover that I’ve built for my friend Jann Haworth, the artist that has been instrumental in creating this cover but only recently started to get the credits she deserves for her effort.
Here the site: https://www.antarticagalleries.com/sgtpepper/index.html
I will create some translations and provide updates based on Jann’s feedback in coming weeks.
Cheers,
Gert
This occasion is also apparently the first appearance of John Lennon’s talisman necklace, which he would wear constantly for the next year-and-a-half or so (and was the only piece of “clothing” worn on the Two Virgins cover).