IT’S 1964 and the Beatles were at the height of their fame, drawing huge crowds of screaming fans.
Now photos of the “Beatlemania” phenomenon, taken in the Scottish city where the phrase was coined, have been acquired by one of the country’s leading museums.
The McManus Gallery and Museum in Dundee has acquired a set of 33 photographs and 38 negatives from the Beatles’ performance on October 20, 1964, at the city’s Caird Hall.
The images were taken by Dundee-based professional photographer Winnie Forbes-Cochrane and include a letter of provenance and copyright documents.
The phrase Beatlemania was first conceived in Dundee after promoter Andi Lothian witnessed fans’ frenzy at the Caird Hall. Gallery managers said the pictures were a vivid snapshot of the craze.
The images show fans surrounding their car as the Beatles arrive, the Fab Four sitting together on a couch being interviewed before the show, and the band playing on stage.
(Paul McCartney and George Harrison sing harmony vocals)
According to reports on the day, there were 6,000 screaming teenage girls who all but drowned out the Beatles’ set. Indeed, 15 of the photographs are of fans in a frenzied state.
Sinclair Aitken, chairman of Leisure & Culture Dundee, said: “We have such a rich and diverse musical heritage.
“Caird Hall and the concerts there are a huge part of that, so it’s really pleasing to see these pictures of The Beatles come home.
“These pictures are a fantastic acquisition for The McManus and future generations will enjoy them.”
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