In the UK The Beatles chose to issue the six songs from the Magical Mystery Tour film as a double gatefold EP with a 28-page booklet. EPs, however, were far less popular in America, and Capitol chose to turn it into a full LP, with added tracks from singles released in 1967.
Magical Mystery Tour was issued on 27 November 1967 as Capitol MAL 2835 (mono) and SMAL 2835 (stereo). The package was a huge hit with the public, generating the highest level of initial sales of any album to date, and netting the label more than $8 million in just three weeks.
Realising the Capitol had created a product too popular to ignore, EMI imported a number of copies to the United Kingdom. It wasn’t officially released there, however, until 1976.
In 1987 the US format of Magical Mystery Tour became the standard issue worldwide, when The Beatles’ back catalogue was issued on compact disc.
Also on this day...
- 2011: Paul McCartney live: Mediolanum Forum, Milan
- 1993: Paul McCartney live: Foro Sol, Mexico City
- 1989: Paul McCartney live: Forum, Inglewood
- 1974: George Harrison live: Mid-South Coliseum, Memphis
- 1970: US album release: All Things Must Pass by George Harrison
- 1969: John Lennon is interviewed about returning his MBE
- 1967: US single release: Hello, Goodbye
- 1966: John Lennon films a sequence for Not Only… But Also
- 1964: UK single release: I Feel Fine
- 1963: The Beatles live: Rialto Theatre, York
- 1962: Radio: The Talent Spot
- 1961: The Beatles live: Cavern Club, Liverpool (lunchtime)
- 1960: The Beatles live: Kaiserkeller, Hamburg
Want more? Visit the Beatles history section.
just curious if you know the value of a 1967 Capitol records release of the beatles magical mystery tour smal2835 with a red sticker?
No idea. I’m sure some other sites give values for releases, but I won’t be doing so here.
does the 1969 release contain abooklet
Do you happen to know or can you recommend where I might find the answer to this question: what was the manufacturer’s suggested list price for Magical Mystery Tour in the U.S. when released in 1967?
Thanks very much!
Darriel