THE BEATLES
Special Report
First Guitars of John and George
New styles of music fascinate the English teenagers. The skiffle is an easy way to try they luck : they sing a mixture of folk and blues accompanied by guitars and by weird do-it-yourself instruments. John Lennon creates in 1956 a skiffle band named The Quarrymen.
He early meets two other boys from Liverpool, Paul McCartney and George Harrison. During the summer of 1957 Paul and George hitchhike together. With their guitars, of course.
To do better than the skiffle, two styles are possible, jazz and rock-and-roll. An electric guitar should be the next choice.
Mona Best decides to help young musicians by opening a rock and roll live club. She buys an espresso machine and opens the Casbah Coffee Club in her cellar in Liverpool on August 29, 1959.
A fan of Bill Haley and Elvis Presley, John is interested. He comes to Mona with three guitarist friends, Paul, George and Ken Brown. Needing a name for their group, they again use The Quarrymen. Pete, Mona's elder son, will soon become the drummer of The Beatles and as such the predecessor of Ringo.
While helping the Bests to prepare for the opening, John buys his first electric guitar, a Höfner Club 40, with the help of £ 17 brought by Aunt Mimi, the real starting point for his legendary career.
His choice of the Club 40 had been made with George who at 16 was already a great connoisseur of guitars. George had played a jazz acoustic Höfner that he exchanges to acquire a Club 40 and its pickups. George and John now play the same type of guitar. Paul will follow.
In the USA Buddy Holly plays a Fender Stratocaster but that brand is not available in Liverpool. In November 1959 George purchases for 55 guineas with his Mom as a guarantor a solid body electric Futurama by CSHN, a Czech ersatz of a Strat.
George made an extensive use of the Futurama although he later acknowledged that it was "a dog" to play. A historian considers that it was played by him on over 324 Beatles performances including Hamburg and Cavern Club in 1960 and 1961 plus on their first official recordings for Polydor in 1961.
He donated the Futurama in 1964 in a promotional event. The Futurama was sold for $ 1.27M by Julien's on November 20, 2024, lot 236.
George owned his Club 40 until 1966 when he accepted that it becomes the prize in a pop band competition in Germany. It was sold for $ 430K by Julien's on May 19, 2018, lot 550. Please watch the video shared by the auction house. A next George's preferred guitar was a Gretsch Duo Jet still owned by his estate.
He early meets two other boys from Liverpool, Paul McCartney and George Harrison. During the summer of 1957 Paul and George hitchhike together. With their guitars, of course.
To do better than the skiffle, two styles are possible, jazz and rock-and-roll. An electric guitar should be the next choice.
Mona Best decides to help young musicians by opening a rock and roll live club. She buys an espresso machine and opens the Casbah Coffee Club in her cellar in Liverpool on August 29, 1959.
A fan of Bill Haley and Elvis Presley, John is interested. He comes to Mona with three guitarist friends, Paul, George and Ken Brown. Needing a name for their group, they again use The Quarrymen. Pete, Mona's elder son, will soon become the drummer of The Beatles and as such the predecessor of Ringo.
While helping the Bests to prepare for the opening, John buys his first electric guitar, a Höfner Club 40, with the help of £ 17 brought by Aunt Mimi, the real starting point for his legendary career.
His choice of the Club 40 had been made with George who at 16 was already a great connoisseur of guitars. George had played a jazz acoustic Höfner that he exchanges to acquire a Club 40 and its pickups. George and John now play the same type of guitar. Paul will follow.
In the USA Buddy Holly plays a Fender Stratocaster but that brand is not available in Liverpool. In November 1959 George purchases for 55 guineas with his Mom as a guarantor a solid body electric Futurama by CSHN, a Czech ersatz of a Strat.
George made an extensive use of the Futurama although he later acknowledged that it was "a dog" to play. A historian considers that it was played by him on over 324 Beatles performances including Hamburg and Cavern Club in 1960 and 1961 plus on their first official recordings for Polydor in 1961.
He donated the Futurama in 1964 in a promotional event. The Futurama was sold for $ 1.27M by Julien's on November 20, 2024, lot 236.
George owned his Club 40 until 1966 when he accepted that it becomes the prize in a pop band competition in Germany. It was sold for $ 430K by Julien's on May 19, 2018, lot 550. Please watch the video shared by the auction house. A next George's preferred guitar was a Gretsch Duo Jet still owned by his estate.
1962 Lennon's Gibson Jumbo
2015 SOLD for $ 2.4M by Julien's
Electric guitars play a key role from very early in the career of The Beatles up to becoming a symbol of the music of the new generation.
The Beatles liked the Gibson ES-175 guitar of their friend Tony Sheridan. John and George desired to own guitars from this US brand. Their choice went on the Jumbo Electric J-160E that was not regularly available in England. This acoustic-electric hybrid model can be used unconnected, which is nice when you are traveling.
The two identical marvels are delivered to them on September 10, 1962 through a specialized shop in Liverpool. These instruments meet their needs and they make a regular use of them for composition and recording, at home and in the studio. Their collaboration is so close that they swap their Gibsons, certainly unknowingly.
A few days after a Christmas show in 1963, John observes that his guitar has left. He will never see it again.
For the last 45 years, a guitarist living in San Diego owned this instrument without identifying its glorious past. In 2014, he realized the likeness of his Gibson with its widely documented twin which had been kept by George. Serial numbers are very close together.
The veins in the wood allow the identification of a guitar with the same certainty as fingerprints for a human. The best expert of equipment used by the Beatles compared the instrument with period photographs. He is formal and admiring : half a century after being pinched, John Lennon's Gibson has resurfaced in its unmodified configuration, like a time capsule.
This historic guitar was sold for $ 2.4M from a lower estimate of $ 600K by Julien's on November 7, 2015, lot 278.
John Lennon was one of the most influential guitarists in rock history, known for his rhythm work, distinctive chord voicings, and evolving tones that shaped the Beatles' sound from skiffle roots through Beatlemania, psychedelia, and beyond. His guitars often reflected key phases of the band's career, with iconic models like Rickenbackers defining the early jangly sound and hollow-body Epiphones marking the later, rawer era.
Here are some of his most famous and significant guitars, focusing on those played during the Beatles years (and a few notable later ones):
1. 1958 Rickenbacker 325 Capri (Black Finish, Serial V81)This is widely regarded as the most iconic Lennon guitar—the "Holy Grail" of Beatles instruments. Lennon bought it in Hamburg in 1960, painted it black, and used it extensively from the early Beatles days through 1964–1965. It powered early hits like "Please Please Me," "I Want to Hold Your Hand," and "All My Loving," and appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1964. Its short-scale neck and semi-hollow body contributed to the bright, chiming rhythm tone central to Beatlemania. Lennon later modified it (e.g., Bigsby vibrato added). A 1964 version (jetglo finish) he used later is also legendary.
2. 1962 Gibson J-160E (Sunburst Acoustic-Electric)One of Lennon's primary acoustics, bought in Liverpool (along with George Harrison's matching one). It featured built-in electronics for amplification and was used heavily from 1962–1965 on albums like Please Please Me, With the Beatles, and hits such as "She Loves You" and "I Want to Hold Your Hand." Lennon composed many early songs on it. A second J-160E was used on tours in 1964–1965. This model sold for a record $2.41 million at Julien's Auctions in 2015, the highest price ever for Beatles memorabilia at the time.
Its photo in an exhibit at Austin in 2015 was offered to the public domain and is available on Wikimedia:
The Beatles liked the Gibson ES-175 guitar of their friend Tony Sheridan. John and George desired to own guitars from this US brand. Their choice went on the Jumbo Electric J-160E that was not regularly available in England. This acoustic-electric hybrid model can be used unconnected, which is nice when you are traveling.
The two identical marvels are delivered to them on September 10, 1962 through a specialized shop in Liverpool. These instruments meet their needs and they make a regular use of them for composition and recording, at home and in the studio. Their collaboration is so close that they swap their Gibsons, certainly unknowingly.
A few days after a Christmas show in 1963, John observes that his guitar has left. He will never see it again.
For the last 45 years, a guitarist living in San Diego owned this instrument without identifying its glorious past. In 2014, he realized the likeness of his Gibson with its widely documented twin which had been kept by George. Serial numbers are very close together.
The veins in the wood allow the identification of a guitar with the same certainty as fingerprints for a human. The best expert of equipment used by the Beatles compared the instrument with period photographs. He is formal and admiring : half a century after being pinched, John Lennon's Gibson has resurfaced in its unmodified configuration, like a time capsule.
This historic guitar was sold for $ 2.4M from a lower estimate of $ 600K by Julien's on November 7, 2015, lot 278.
John Lennon was one of the most influential guitarists in rock history, known for his rhythm work, distinctive chord voicings, and evolving tones that shaped the Beatles' sound from skiffle roots through Beatlemania, psychedelia, and beyond. His guitars often reflected key phases of the band's career, with iconic models like Rickenbackers defining the early jangly sound and hollow-body Epiphones marking the later, rawer era.
Here are some of his most famous and significant guitars, focusing on those played during the Beatles years (and a few notable later ones):
1. 1958 Rickenbacker 325 Capri (Black Finish, Serial V81)This is widely regarded as the most iconic Lennon guitar—the "Holy Grail" of Beatles instruments. Lennon bought it in Hamburg in 1960, painted it black, and used it extensively from the early Beatles days through 1964–1965. It powered early hits like "Please Please Me," "I Want to Hold Your Hand," and "All My Loving," and appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1964. Its short-scale neck and semi-hollow body contributed to the bright, chiming rhythm tone central to Beatlemania. Lennon later modified it (e.g., Bigsby vibrato added). A 1964 version (jetglo finish) he used later is also legendary.
2. 1962 Gibson J-160E (Sunburst Acoustic-Electric)One of Lennon's primary acoustics, bought in Liverpool (along with George Harrison's matching one). It featured built-in electronics for amplification and was used heavily from 1962–1965 on albums like Please Please Me, With the Beatles, and hits such as "She Loves You" and "I Want to Hold Your Hand." Lennon composed many early songs on it. A second J-160E was used on tours in 1964–1965. This model sold for a record $2.41 million at Julien's Auctions in 2015, the highest price ever for Beatles memorabilia at the time.
Its photo in an exhibit at Austin in 2015 was offered to the public domain and is available on Wikimedia:
_-_Ladies_and_Gentlemen..._the_Beatles!_exhibit_at_LBJ_Presidential_Library,_Austin,_TX,_2015-06-12_11.37.55.jpg)
1963 Ludwig Drum Kit of Ringo Starr
2026 SOLD for $ 2.4M by Christie's
The Beatles reach the top position in the hit parade in February 1963. They now require the best instruments, not only for guitars. In April, Epstein and Starr choose together a three piece drum kit of Ludwig brand in a London specialized shop.
Ringo takes possession of his new instrument on May 12. The activity of the Beatles is intense and even frantic. Between that date and February 4 of the following year, Ringo uses his Ludwig drums in 200 live performances and 180 studio recordings, covering all titles from this period of great enthusiasm preceding their trip to America.
The Ludwig Oyster Black Pearl kit was retained by Ringo and has not been seen in public for half a century. However, it was used in part in 1969 and 1970 by Paul McCartney when he recorded his first solo albums.
The prestigious drum kit of Ringo Starr was sold for $ 2.1M by Julien's on December 4, 2015, lot 696 in the sale of the collection of Ringo Starr and Barbara Bach. No less than seven drum kits used by the musician with the Beatles or in his subsequent career were offered in this auction. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
It was sold for $ 2.4M by Christie's on March 12, 2026, lot 5 in the sale of the Jim Irsay collection.
The Ludwig drum kit in question is Ringo Starr's first Ludwig Oyster Black Pearl Downbeat three-piece kit (bass drum, rack tom, floor tom), acquired by him in April 1963 from Drum City in London. It is the iconic setup he used as his primary (and sole) drum kit with The Beatles from May 12, 1963, through February 4, 1964.
This kit was sold by Ringo Starr (from his and Barbara Bach's collection) at Julien's Auctions in Los Angeles on December 3, 2015 (as lot 696). It fetched a then-record $2.11 million (including premium; often reported around $2.1–$2.2 million), purchased by Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay. It included components like an Ajax cymbal, Zildjian cymbals, a Premier drum stool, and later cases stenciled with "Ringo ★" or "RS / 1". Two Zildjian 5A drumsticks used by Starr on this kit (at a 2023 event) are also associated.
It is now being offered again by Christie's as lot 5 in "The Jim Irsay Collection: Hall of Fame" auction on March 12, 2026 (part of a larger series of sales from Irsay's estate/collection, with public exhibition beforehand). Current estimates range from $1 million to $2 million (or higher in some reports), reflecting its enduring value as one of the most significant Beatles artifacts ever auctioned.
Significance in Ringo Starr's Career
This was Ringo's inaugural Ludwig kit after switching from his earlier Premier drums (used briefly with The Beatles upon joining in 1962). He remained loyal to Ludwig for over six decades afterward, crediting their reliability. The kit marked his transition into the band's explosive success phase, solidifying his role in the classic lineup.
Significance in Beatles History
This drum kit is arguably the most important instrument tied to the birth of Beatlemania in Britain and the band's global breakthrough:
Ringo takes possession of his new instrument on May 12. The activity of the Beatles is intense and even frantic. Between that date and February 4 of the following year, Ringo uses his Ludwig drums in 200 live performances and 180 studio recordings, covering all titles from this period of great enthusiasm preceding their trip to America.
The Ludwig Oyster Black Pearl kit was retained by Ringo and has not been seen in public for half a century. However, it was used in part in 1969 and 1970 by Paul McCartney when he recorded his first solo albums.
The prestigious drum kit of Ringo Starr was sold for $ 2.1M by Julien's on December 4, 2015, lot 696 in the sale of the collection of Ringo Starr and Barbara Bach. No less than seven drum kits used by the musician with the Beatles or in his subsequent career were offered in this auction. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
It was sold for $ 2.4M by Christie's on March 12, 2026, lot 5 in the sale of the Jim Irsay collection.
The Ludwig drum kit in question is Ringo Starr's first Ludwig Oyster Black Pearl Downbeat three-piece kit (bass drum, rack tom, floor tom), acquired by him in April 1963 from Drum City in London. It is the iconic setup he used as his primary (and sole) drum kit with The Beatles from May 12, 1963, through February 4, 1964.
This kit was sold by Ringo Starr (from his and Barbara Bach's collection) at Julien's Auctions in Los Angeles on December 3, 2015 (as lot 696). It fetched a then-record $2.11 million (including premium; often reported around $2.1–$2.2 million), purchased by Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay. It included components like an Ajax cymbal, Zildjian cymbals, a Premier drum stool, and later cases stenciled with "Ringo ★" or "RS / 1". Two Zildjian 5A drumsticks used by Starr on this kit (at a 2023 event) are also associated.
It is now being offered again by Christie's as lot 5 in "The Jim Irsay Collection: Hall of Fame" auction on March 12, 2026 (part of a larger series of sales from Irsay's estate/collection, with public exhibition beforehand). Current estimates range from $1 million to $2 million (or higher in some reports), reflecting its enduring value as one of the most significant Beatles artifacts ever auctioned.
Significance in Ringo Starr's Career
This was Ringo's inaugural Ludwig kit after switching from his earlier Premier drums (used briefly with The Beatles upon joining in 1962). He remained loyal to Ludwig for over six decades afterward, crediting their reliability. The kit marked his transition into the band's explosive success phase, solidifying his role in the classic lineup.
Significance in Beatles History
This drum kit is arguably the most important instrument tied to the birth of Beatlemania in Britain and the band's global breakthrough:
- It was the visual centerpiece on stage during their rise, with the famous drop-T Beatles logo on the bass drum head (painted by Ivor Arbiter) becoming an instantly recognizable symbol alongside the band's haircuts, suits, and other gear.
- Ringo used it exclusively for every live performance (over 200) and studio recording from mid-1963 to early 1964.
- Key recordings include the album With The Beatles (1963) and major hit singles: "She Loves You," "I Want to Hold Your Hand," and "Can't Buy Me Love"—tracks that propelled them to unprecedented fame.
- It anchored their sound and image during the period when they conquered the UK charts and prepared for U.S. invasion (e.g., Ed Sullivan Show era, though Ringo switched to his second Ludwig kit shortly before that February 1964 appearance).
- Parts (bass drum and rack tom) were later reused by Paul McCartney on his 1970 solo album McCartney.
- As one of the only Beatles-era drum kits to reach the open market (others remain with Starr or are unaccounted for), it represents a rare, tangible link to the band's formative, transformative years.
1963 Lennon's Gretsch
2026 SOLD for $ 1.27M by Christie's
A 1963 Gretsch 6120 used by John Lennon passed at TracksAuction on November 23, 2014, lot 214. The video is shared by the auction house. It was sold for $ 1.27M from a lower estimate of $ 600K by Christie's on March 12, 2026, lot 9 in the sale of the Irsay collection.
The guitar model 6120 was released by Gretsch in 1955 with the promotional support of Chet Atkins. That American instrument accompanies the early history of rock and roll.
George Harrison, who was the de facto expert in guitars of the Beatles, owned a 6120, among others. A guitar from another brand, a Rickenbacker which was one of George's favorite instruments, was sold for $ 660K by Julien's on May 17, 2014.
John Lennon, interested in the sound of George's Gretsch, bought in his turn in 1966 a Gretsch 6120, a Chet Atkins Nashville model manufactured in 1963. At that time, the Beatles were seldom on stage and this instrument was not used in concert.
It is however one of the most prestigious guitars of John who used it in the Paperback Writer session of recordings at Abbey Road on April 14, 1966.
Rock and roll may sometimes be a family affair. In the following year, a cousin of John named David Birch would in turn like to create a group. John presented his Gretsch to David who kept up to now.
John Lennon's 1963 Gretsch 6120 Chet Atkins Nashville (often referred to as Country Gentleman style, though technically the 6120 model; orange/amber finish, hollow-body, double-cutaway, Bigsby vibrato, Filter'Tron pickups, serial number likely around 53940 based on related records) is a standout instrument from the Beatles' transitional 1966 period. This semi-hollow electric guitar, with its distinctive twangy, resonant tone and ornate Western styling (including horseshoe inlays and gold hardware), was used by Lennon specifically during the recording sessions for the groundbreaking single "Paperback Writer" / "Rain" in April 1966 at EMI Studios (Abbey Road).
Key Usage and Significance
Provenance and Auction History
The guitar model 6120 was released by Gretsch in 1955 with the promotional support of Chet Atkins. That American instrument accompanies the early history of rock and roll.
George Harrison, who was the de facto expert in guitars of the Beatles, owned a 6120, among others. A guitar from another brand, a Rickenbacker which was one of George's favorite instruments, was sold for $ 660K by Julien's on May 17, 2014.
John Lennon, interested in the sound of George's Gretsch, bought in his turn in 1966 a Gretsch 6120, a Chet Atkins Nashville model manufactured in 1963. At that time, the Beatles were seldom on stage and this instrument was not used in concert.
It is however one of the most prestigious guitars of John who used it in the Paperback Writer session of recordings at Abbey Road on April 14, 1966.
Rock and roll may sometimes be a family affair. In the following year, a cousin of John named David Birch would in turn like to create a group. John presented his Gretsch to David who kept up to now.
John Lennon's 1963 Gretsch 6120 Chet Atkins Nashville (often referred to as Country Gentleman style, though technically the 6120 model; orange/amber finish, hollow-body, double-cutaway, Bigsby vibrato, Filter'Tron pickups, serial number likely around 53940 based on related records) is a standout instrument from the Beatles' transitional 1966 period. This semi-hollow electric guitar, with its distinctive twangy, resonant tone and ornate Western styling (including horseshoe inlays and gold hardware), was used by Lennon specifically during the recording sessions for the groundbreaking single "Paperback Writer" / "Rain" in April 1966 at EMI Studios (Abbey Road).
Key Usage and Significance
- Recording Sessions: Lennon played this Gretsch on "Paperback Writer" (recorded April 13–14, 1966) primarily for rhythm guitar parts, contributing to the song's punchy, riff-driven drive and layered harmonies. The track marked a sonic evolution—louder, more compressed production, prominent bass, and innovative engineering (e.g., Geoff Emerick's techniques for boosted levels). Lennon also used it on the B-side "Rain", adding to its bright, chiming texture amid backward tapes and experimental effects. This was a brief but pivotal stint: Lennon wasn't particularly fond of Gretsches (preferring Rickenbackers or his Epiphone Casino later), and this 6120 appears to have been used almost exclusively for these sessions before being set aside.
- Visual and Cultural Impact: Photos from the April 1966 sessions show Lennon trying out the guitar at Abbey Road. The single represented the Beatles' shift toward psychedelia and studio innovation, prefiguring Revolver (though not included on the UK album). The Gretsch's tone complemented the era's jangly-yet-thicker sound, contrasting Lennon's earlier Rickenbacker chime.
- Post-Beatles: In November 1967, Lennon gifted the guitar to his cousin David Birch during a visit to his Kenwood home in Weybridge. Birch, interested in starting a band, received it as a spare from Lennon's collection. Birch kept it for decades, providing strong, direct provenance.
Provenance and Auction History
- Ownership Chain: Lennon (1966) → gifted to cousin David Birch (1967) → remained with Birch until consignment.
- Tracks Auction (UK-based online auction) – November/December 2014: Offered with estimate around £400,000+ (or equivalent ~$600,000+). It did not meet reserve during public bidding but was acquired privately shortly after by Jim Irsay (Indianapolis Colts owner and elite memorabilia collector) for $530,000.
- Post-Acquisition: Added to Irsay's "greatest guitar collection on Earth," occasionally exhibited (e.g., loaned to museums or displays).
- Christie's – The Jim Irsay Collection: Hall of Fame (Live auction, March 12, 2026, New York, Lot 9): Currently offered as "JOHN LENNON: A GRETSCH 6120 CHET ATKINS GUITAR USED DURING THE RECORDING SESSIONS FOR THE BEATLES’ 1966 SINGLE ‘PAPERBACK WRITER’ / ‘RAIN’" (The Fred Gretsch Manufacturing Company, Brooklyn, New York, 1963). Estimate: $600,000–$800,000. Christie's highlights its provenance (direct from Lennon to Birch), session usage, and rarity as one of the most well-documented Beatles guitars to auction in recent decades. This places it in elite company within the Irsay dispersal (e.g., alongside Harrison's SG, Lennon's Rose-Morris Rickenbacker, and others).
1964 Drum Head
2026 SOLD for $ 2.9M by Christie's
The drum head used on Ringo Starr's second Ludwig Black Oyster Pearl drum kit for the Beatles' debut appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show was sold for $ 2.05M by Julien's on November 7, 2015, lot 321. This symbol of the first US visit of The Beatles was sold for $ 2.9M by Christie's on March 12, 2026, lot 7 in the sale of the Jim Irsay collection.
The bass drum head (a 1964 Remo Weather King, painted with the iconic black "THE BEATLES" drop-T logo and Ludwig branding) from Ringo Starr's second Ludwig Oyster Black Pearl Downbeat drum kit is indeed being offered as lot 7 in Christie's "The Jim Irsay Collection: Hall of Fame" live auction on March 12, 2026 (auction 24627 in New York). It carries an estimate of $1,000,000–$2,000,000.
This drum head was acquired by the late Jim Irsay (Indianapolis Colts owner) at a Julien's auction in 2015 for $2.125 million (a record at the time for a drum head). It is now part of his broader estate/collection being dispersed across multiple Christie's sales in March 2026, with public exhibition from March 6–12 at Rockefeller Plaza.
Description and Provenance
This head marked Ringo's switch to his second Ludwig kit upon arriving in the U.S. in February 1964. He traveled light (bringing only his snare, cymbals, and this new head), with the full kit sourced from Manny's Music in New York for convenience and future filming needs (e.g., A Hard Day's Night). It represented his continued loyalty to Ludwig amid exploding fame, and he used similar setups for decades.
Significance in Beatles History
This is arguably the most iconic Beatles drum head—the visual focal point during their American breakthrough:
The bass drum head (a 1964 Remo Weather King, painted with the iconic black "THE BEATLES" drop-T logo and Ludwig branding) from Ringo Starr's second Ludwig Oyster Black Pearl Downbeat drum kit is indeed being offered as lot 7 in Christie's "The Jim Irsay Collection: Hall of Fame" live auction on March 12, 2026 (auction 24627 in New York). It carries an estimate of $1,000,000–$2,000,000.
This drum head was acquired by the late Jim Irsay (Indianapolis Colts owner) at a Julien's auction in 2015 for $2.125 million (a record at the time for a drum head). It is now part of his broader estate/collection being dispersed across multiple Christie's sales in March 2026, with public exhibition from March 6–12 at Rockefeller Plaza.
Description and Provenance
- A front bass drum head (not the full kit; the shell was later mounted on a half-depth 1960s Ludwig bass drum replica with Black Oyster Pearl finish by customizer Jack Lawton, including a modern hoop and SKB case).
- Hand-painted by Eddie Stokes (with visible pencil guide marks), featuring bolder, thicker lettering than the original 1963 version.
- This is known as the "number two" drop-T logo head (second of seven made for The Beatles' various kits).
This head marked Ringo's switch to his second Ludwig kit upon arriving in the U.S. in February 1964. He traveled light (bringing only his snare, cymbals, and this new head), with the full kit sourced from Manny's Music in New York for convenience and future filming needs (e.g., A Hard Day's Night). It represented his continued loyalty to Ludwig amid exploding fame, and he used similar setups for decades.
Significance in Beatles History
This is arguably the most iconic Beatles drum head—the visual focal point during their American breakthrough:
- Used exclusively for the band's U.S. debut on The Ed Sullivan Show (February 9, 1964), viewed by an estimated 73 million Americans (over a third of the population), catapulting Beatlemania stateside and launching the British Invasion.
- Also featured on their first U.S. concert (Washington Coliseum, February 11), two Carnegie Hall shows (February 12), and return Ed Sullivan appearances (February 16 and 23).
- The only Beatles logo drum head to appear on album covers: front of Capitol's The Beatles’ Second Album and Something New (1964), plus the gatefold interior of Parlophone's Beatles For Sale (1964).
- Symbolizes the moment The Beatles conquered America, shifting global pop culture, youth fashion, music, and media forever—often called the most important TV performance in rock history.
The Beatles' performance on The Ed Sullivan Show on February 9, 1964, remains one of the most pivotal moments in music and cultural history. It marked their first live U.S. television appearance (following some prior filmed clips aired on other programs) and is widely credited with igniting full-scale Beatlemania in America, launching the British Invasion, and transforming popular culture overnight.
Key Details
Ringo Starr's Role and Drum Kit
Ringo used his second Ludwig Oyster Black Pearl kit, sourced in New York (with the iconic Remo Weather King bass drum head featuring the hand-painted black drop-T "THE BEATLES" logo by Eddie Stokes). This head—now a major artifact in the Jim Irsay collection (Christie's lot 7, March 12, 2026)—was the visual centerpiece, symbolizing the band's American arrival. Ringo traveled light, bringing only his snare, cymbals, and this head; the full kit came from Manny's Music.
Cultural and Historical Impact
Key Details
- Date and Location: Sunday, February 9, 1964, broadcast live from 8:00–9:00 PM EST on CBS from Studio 50 (now the Ed Sullivan Theater) in New York City.
- Audience and Viewership: An estimated 73 million viewers tuned in—roughly 40% of the U.S. population at the time (around 190 million total). This set a record for television, with a Nielsen rating of 45.3 (45.3% of TV-owning households) and a 60 share (60% of sets in use were tuned to the show). For context, a typical Ed Sullivan Show drew about 21 million viewers. Over 50,000 ticket requests flooded in for the 728-seat studio, far exceeding demand for Elvis Presley's 1957 appearance.
- Introduction and Atmosphere: Ed Sullivan introduced the band amid pandemonium, quipping about the screaming audience: "If you don't keep quiet, I'm going to send for a barber." The studio crowd—mostly teenage girls—screamed so loudly that it drowned out parts of the performance, a phenomenon that became iconic.
- Performance Structure: The Beatles appeared in two segments during the hour-long variety show (which also featured other acts like magician Fred Kaps and Broadway performers from Oliver!).
- First set (opening the show): "All My Loving," "Till There Was You" (a Meredith Willson cover from The Music Man, with on-screen name captions including the famous "SORRY GIRLS, HE'S MARRIED" under John Lennon's face), and "She Loves You."
- Second set (later in the program): "I Saw Her Standing There" and "I Want to Hold Your Hand."
- Setlist Summary:
- All My Loving
- Till There Was You
- She Loves You
- I Saw Her Standing There
- I Want to Hold Your Hand
Ringo Starr's Role and Drum Kit
Ringo used his second Ludwig Oyster Black Pearl kit, sourced in New York (with the iconic Remo Weather King bass drum head featuring the hand-painted black drop-T "THE BEATLES" logo by Eddie Stokes). This head—now a major artifact in the Jim Irsay collection (Christie's lot 7, March 12, 2026)—was the visual centerpiece, symbolizing the band's American arrival. Ringo traveled light, bringing only his snare, cymbals, and this head; the full kit came from Manny's Music.
Cultural and Historical Impact
- The broadcast is often called "the night that changed America" or a "cultural watershed." It shifted youth culture, fashion (mop-top haircuts, mod suits), and music—sparking massive record sales, fan hysteria, and inspiring countless future musicians.
- Beatlemania exploded: Within weeks, the band dominated charts, radio, and media. It paved the way for their U.S. concerts (e.g., Washington Coliseum on February 11, Carnegie Hall on February 12) and films like A Hard Day's Night.
- The performance's legacy endures as one of rock's defining TV moments, often compared to the moon landing in its unifying national impact during a pre-cable, three-network era.
1964 Rickenbacker Guitar ex John and Ringo
2026 SOLD for $ 1.27M by Christie's
When the Beatles became a worldwide phenomenon, the manufacturers of guitars were extremely sensitive to the needs of the group. In 1964, the Rickenbacker 325 that was used by John is damaged. The importer of the brand in England, Rose-Morris, rushes to offer to the star a Rickenbacker 1996.
The gift is promotional. The new Rickenbacker receives the nickname Beatle Backer and John's effigy is used in the advertisements of the brand.
In 1968, the same instrument is the subject of another gift. Epstein had died in the previous year and the boys are not trained to run their own business. Relationships are strained for personal reasons. Ringo leaves the group at a key stage of their recordings in progress.
Ringo needed two weeks of holidays for keeping quiet again, during which he composed songs. The other three are worried about a possible termination of the group and the come back of Ringo is warmly welcomed. John gives his Beatle Backer to Ringo.
Ringo Starr had kept the instrument. It was sold for $ 910K by Julien's on December 4, 2015, lot 778. Please watch the video shared by the auction house. It was sold for $ 1.27M by Christie's on March 12, 2026, lot 8 in the sale of the Irsay collection.
The Rickenbacker guitar in question is a 1964 Rose-Morris Rickenbacker Model 1996 (semi-hollow body, fireglo finish, serial number DE519), often nicknamed the "Beatle Backer." It has deep ties to John Lennon and, by extension, the Beatles' iconic sound during their peak years.
This guitar was provided to John Lennon by Rose-Morris (Rickenbacker's official UK importer/distributor) in December 1964 as a replacement after his primary stage guitar—a black 1964 Rickenbacker 325—was damaged during the Beatles' Christmas shows at the Hammersmith Odeon in London. Lennon used the replacement Model 1996 extensively during those December 1964–January 1965 Christmas concerts. Later, Lennon gifted it to Ringo Starr, adding a personal layer of Beatles history as an instrument passed between two band members.
It sold at Julien's Auctions on December 4, 2015 (part of their Music Icons sale, lot 778), for $910,000 (including buyer's premium; estimate was $600,000–$800,000). This reflected its rarity as a documented Lennon stage-played Rickenbacker from the height of Beatlemania, with provenance linking it directly to both Lennon and Starr.
The guitar was acquired by Jim Irsay (late Indianapolis Colts owner and renowned collector of rock memorabilia). It is now part of his vast collection being dispersed posthumously through Christie's in March 2026 (following his passing). Specifically, it appears as lot 8 in the March 12, 2025, "Hall of Fame" live auction in New York (noting the query's date may reflect pre-sale info; auctions spanned early March 2026 with live events around March 12–14 and online phases). Christie's describes it as a stage-played 'Rose-Morris' Rickenbacker 1996 used by Lennon during the Beatles' Christmas shows, with prior provenance from the 2015 Julien's sale.
Its significance stands out among guitars owned/played by John Lennon and George Harrison:
The gift is promotional. The new Rickenbacker receives the nickname Beatle Backer and John's effigy is used in the advertisements of the brand.
In 1968, the same instrument is the subject of another gift. Epstein had died in the previous year and the boys are not trained to run their own business. Relationships are strained for personal reasons. Ringo leaves the group at a key stage of their recordings in progress.
Ringo needed two weeks of holidays for keeping quiet again, during which he composed songs. The other three are worried about a possible termination of the group and the come back of Ringo is warmly welcomed. John gives his Beatle Backer to Ringo.
Ringo Starr had kept the instrument. It was sold for $ 910K by Julien's on December 4, 2015, lot 778. Please watch the video shared by the auction house. It was sold for $ 1.27M by Christie's on March 12, 2026, lot 8 in the sale of the Irsay collection.
The Rickenbacker guitar in question is a 1964 Rose-Morris Rickenbacker Model 1996 (semi-hollow body, fireglo finish, serial number DE519), often nicknamed the "Beatle Backer." It has deep ties to John Lennon and, by extension, the Beatles' iconic sound during their peak years.
This guitar was provided to John Lennon by Rose-Morris (Rickenbacker's official UK importer/distributor) in December 1964 as a replacement after his primary stage guitar—a black 1964 Rickenbacker 325—was damaged during the Beatles' Christmas shows at the Hammersmith Odeon in London. Lennon used the replacement Model 1996 extensively during those December 1964–January 1965 Christmas concerts. Later, Lennon gifted it to Ringo Starr, adding a personal layer of Beatles history as an instrument passed between two band members.
It sold at Julien's Auctions on December 4, 2015 (part of their Music Icons sale, lot 778), for $910,000 (including buyer's premium; estimate was $600,000–$800,000). This reflected its rarity as a documented Lennon stage-played Rickenbacker from the height of Beatlemania, with provenance linking it directly to both Lennon and Starr.
The guitar was acquired by Jim Irsay (late Indianapolis Colts owner and renowned collector of rock memorabilia). It is now part of his vast collection being dispersed posthumously through Christie's in March 2026 (following his passing). Specifically, it appears as lot 8 in the March 12, 2025, "Hall of Fame" live auction in New York (noting the query's date may reflect pre-sale info; auctions spanned early March 2026 with live events around March 12–14 and online phases). Christie's describes it as a stage-played 'Rose-Morris' Rickenbacker 1996 used by Lennon during the Beatles' Christmas shows, with prior provenance from the 2015 Julien's sale.
Its significance stands out among guitars owned/played by John Lennon and George Harrison:
- Lennon's Rickenbackers (like his famous jetglo 325, 12-string 360/12, and this 1996 replacement) defined the jangly, chiming tone central to early Beatles hits and the British Invasion sound. This one bridges a key moment (replacement during intense touring/performing) and personal band history (gifted to Starr).
- In Irsay's collection (and now the Christie's sale), it joins other elite Beatles-associated instruments, including:
- Lennon's 1963 Gretsch 6120 Country Gentleman (used on "Paperback Writer" and "Rain").
- George Harrison's 1964 Gibson SG (extensively used 1966–1968, including on "Paperback Writer" and the Revolver album).
- Other Harrison pieces like a Maton Mastersound from 1963 tours.
- These place it in elite company: Beatles guitars command premiums due to their role in revolutionizing popular music, cultural impact, and scarcity of authenticated stage-played examples. This Rickenbacker stands as one of the more personally connected Lennon items (direct gift to Starr), enhancing its appeal versus purely performance-used ones from Harrison or others.
(1964)-1965 Lennon's Framus
2024 SOLD for $ 2.86M by Julien's
A German Framus 12 string Hootenanny acoustic guitar acquired by John Lennon in 1964 was played by him in 1965 by in the recording of the Help! album. It is photo-matched to these sessions and also with George Harrison for a further 1965 album, and is seen in the Help! film.
At the end of 1965 John gave the guitar to a member of a British pop duo. The instrument went out of view and passed in the attic of their road manager. After nearly six decades in a dusty oblivion, the sleeping beauty was retrieved in its Australian Maton case paired for John at the shop with the brand new instrument in 1964. The old man said : "Oh ! That's John's".
The Hootenanny had been one of only three non located guitars played by The Beatles. Its authentication was led by Julien's auction house. A reset of the loosened neck, consisting of removing the piece and reassembling it to the body in a suitable angle, was made by a specialized workshop under a non disclosure agreement.
The guitar was sold for $ 2.86M from a lower estimate of $ 600K by Julien's on May 29, 2024, lot 51. The usual price for the model is in the region of $ 3,000. Please watch the video shared by Andy Babiuk, the expert of the Beatles instruments.
The sonic blue Fender Stratocaster used by Lennon on Ticket To Ride and the Gretsch Country Gentleman played by Harrison in the Ed Sullivan show are still missing.
At the end of 1965 John gave the guitar to a member of a British pop duo. The instrument went out of view and passed in the attic of their road manager. After nearly six decades in a dusty oblivion, the sleeping beauty was retrieved in its Australian Maton case paired for John at the shop with the brand new instrument in 1964. The old man said : "Oh ! That's John's".
The Hootenanny had been one of only three non located guitars played by The Beatles. Its authentication was led by Julien's auction house. A reset of the loosened neck, consisting of removing the piece and reassembling it to the body in a suitable angle, was made by a specialized workshop under a non disclosure agreement.
The guitar was sold for $ 2.86M from a lower estimate of $ 600K by Julien's on May 29, 2024, lot 51. The usual price for the model is in the region of $ 3,000. Please watch the video shared by Andy Babiuk, the expert of the Beatles instruments.
The sonic blue Fender Stratocaster used by Lennon on Ticket To Ride and the Gretsch Country Gentleman played by Harrison in the Ed Sullivan show are still missing.
(1872)-1966 Lennon's Broadwood Piano
2026 SOLD for $ 3.25M by Christie's
John Lennon was a resident in a mansion in Weybridge, Surrey from 1964. He used in that home from ca 1966 an upright piano made ca 1872 by John Broadwood brand which was repainted in psychedelic colors. His period in Weybridge includes the release in 1967 by the Beatles of the art rock Sgt. Pepper album.
The instrument followed John when he moved with Yoko to another residence near Ascot in 1968. Before parting with it, John had a plaque affixed to the piano stating " On this piano was written A Day in the Life, Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, Good Morning, Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite and many others ". Most of these songs and lyrics had in fact been co-written with McCartney.
The piano was sold for $ 690K by Gotta Have Rock and Roll on April 20, 2019, lot 1 and for $ 3.25M by Christie's on March 12, 2026, lot 11 in the sale of the Irsay collection.
The piano in question is the historic John Broadwood & Sons upright piano (made in London, dated 25 September 1873), famously used by John Lennon at his Kenwood and later Tittenhurst Park homes. It's the instrument on which he composed key tracks from The Beatles' 1967 album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, including "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds," "A Day in the Life," and "Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!"
This is the same piano that was previously auctioned by Gotta Have Rock n Roll in Franklin Lakes, NJ, on 10 April 2019, as lot 1. It sold there to Jim Irsay (the late Indianapolis Colts owner and avid memorabilia collector) for approximately $718,750 (including buyer's premium).
It is now being offered again as part of The Jim Irsay Collection: Hall of Fame auction series at Christie's in New York. Specifically, it appears as lot 11 in the live auction scheduled for 12 March 2026 at 5PM EDT (auction code 24627). The estimate is $1,000,000 - $2,000,000 USD.
Provenance includes its time with Lennon during the Sgt. Pepper era, subsequent ownership, the 2019 sale, and acquisition by Irsay. Christie's describes it as a landmark piece of rock and cultural history.
The instrument followed John when he moved with Yoko to another residence near Ascot in 1968. Before parting with it, John had a plaque affixed to the piano stating " On this piano was written A Day in the Life, Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, Good Morning, Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite and many others ". Most of these songs and lyrics had in fact been co-written with McCartney.
The piano was sold for $ 690K by Gotta Have Rock and Roll on April 20, 2019, lot 1 and for $ 3.25M by Christie's on March 12, 2026, lot 11 in the sale of the Irsay collection.
The piano in question is the historic John Broadwood & Sons upright piano (made in London, dated 25 September 1873), famously used by John Lennon at his Kenwood and later Tittenhurst Park homes. It's the instrument on which he composed key tracks from The Beatles' 1967 album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, including "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds," "A Day in the Life," and "Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!"
This is the same piano that was previously auctioned by Gotta Have Rock n Roll in Franklin Lakes, NJ, on 10 April 2019, as lot 1. It sold there to Jim Irsay (the late Indianapolis Colts owner and avid memorabilia collector) for approximately $718,750 (including buyer's premium).
It is now being offered again as part of The Jim Irsay Collection: Hall of Fame auction series at Christie's in New York. Specifically, it appears as lot 11 in the live auction scheduled for 12 March 2026 at 5PM EDT (auction code 24627). The estimate is $1,000,000 - $2,000,000 USD.
Provenance includes its time with Lennon during the Sgt. Pepper era, subsequent ownership, the 2019 sale, and acquisition by Irsay. Christie's describes it as a landmark piece of rock and cultural history.
(1964)-1966 Gibson ex Harrison
2026 SOLD for $ 2.27M by Christie's
A 1964 Gibson guitar owned by George Harrison from 1966 was sold for $ 2.27M from a lower estimate of $ 800K by Christie's on March 12, 2026, lot 10.
George Harrison's 1964 Gibson SG Standard (serial number 227666, cherry red/translucent finish) is one of the most iconic guitars from the Beatles' transitional and innovative mid-1960s period. Acquired by Harrison in early 1966 (despite its 1964 manufacture date), it became his primary electric guitar for recording and performance from 1966 through 1968 (and into 1969 in some accounts), marking a shift from his earlier Gretsch and Rickenbacker tones toward a thicker, more aggressive humbucker-driven sound that suited the band's evolving experimentation.
Key Usage and Significance
Provenance and Auction History
This guitar sold at Christie's in New York in December 2004 (Rock & Roll and Entertainment Memorabilia auction) for $567,000 (including premium; estimate around $500,000), setting a benchmark for Beatles-associated instruments at the time. The buyer was Jim Irsay, who added it to his legendary collection (often called the "greatest guitar collection on Earth").
It was later part of Irsay's posthumous dispersal via Christie's in 2026:
In the pantheon of Harrison/Lennon guitars (like the Rickenbacker 1996 "Beatle Backer" discussed previously), this SG stands out for its central role in Revolver—often hailed as one of the greatest albums ever—and the promo films that helped pioneer the music video format. Its humbucker-equipped, solid-body design offered a heavier, more rock-oriented tone than Harrison's prior instruments, influencing the Beatles' shift toward psychedelia and beyond. Among Irsay's holdings (including Lennon's Gretsch 6120 and the Lennon Rickenbacker), it represents Harrison's personal evolution and a key sonic element of the band's most groundbreaking phase.
Its enduring value lies in that direct link to Revolver's innovation and the visual legacy of those films, making it one of the most historically significant Harrison-owned guitars.
George Harrison's 1964 Gibson SG Standard (serial number 227666, cherry red/translucent finish) is one of the most iconic guitars from the Beatles' transitional and innovative mid-1960s period. Acquired by Harrison in early 1966 (despite its 1964 manufacture date), it became his primary electric guitar for recording and performance from 1966 through 1968 (and into 1969 in some accounts), marking a shift from his earlier Gretsch and Rickenbacker tones toward a thicker, more aggressive humbucker-driven sound that suited the band's evolving experimentation.
Key Usage and Significance
- Revolver (1966): This was Harrison's main guitar during the Revolver sessions. Its distinctive tone is audible on tracks like "She Said She Said," "Doctor Robert," and notably the lead single "Paperback Writer" (recorded April 1966), where it contributed to the song's punchy, riff-heavy rhythm and lead parts. The SG's bright attack and sustain complemented the album's psychedelic and innovative production, including Harrison's growing interest in Indian music (though he used sitar on other tracks).
- Promotional Films: It prominently appears in the groundbreaking color promo videos for "Paperback Writer" and "Rain" (both filmed in May 1966), as well as "Lady Madonna" (1968, filmed during "Hey Bulldog" sessions, where John Lennon is also briefly seen playing it).
- Live and Other Recordings: Used on the Beatles' final tour dates in 1966 (their last official concerts), and on later tracks like "Hey Bulldog," "Hey Jude," "Revolution," and others into the White Album era (where Lennon also played it briefly). It bridged Beatlemania's end and the studio-focused era.
- Post-Beatles: Harrison gifted it to Peter Ham of Badfinger around the late 1960s/early 1970s.
Provenance and Auction History
This guitar sold at Christie's in New York in December 2004 (Rock & Roll and Entertainment Memorabilia auction) for $567,000 (including premium; estimate around $500,000), setting a benchmark for Beatles-associated instruments at the time. The buyer was Jim Irsay, who added it to his legendary collection (often called the "greatest guitar collection on Earth").
It was later part of Irsay's posthumous dispersal via Christie's in 2026:
- Featured as Lot 10 in the live "Hall of Fame" auction on March 12, 2026 (auction 24627 in New York), with an estimate of $800,000–$1,200,000.
- Described by Christie's as used extensively by Harrison from 1966–1968, including on Revolver and "Paperback Writer."
In the pantheon of Harrison/Lennon guitars (like the Rickenbacker 1996 "Beatle Backer" discussed previously), this SG stands out for its central role in Revolver—often hailed as one of the greatest albums ever—and the promo films that helped pioneer the music video format. Its humbucker-equipped, solid-body design offered a heavier, more rock-oriented tone than Harrison's prior instruments, influencing the Beatles' shift toward psychedelia and beyond. Among Irsay's holdings (including Lennon's Gretsch 6120 and the Lennon Rickenbacker), it represents Harrison's personal evolution and a key sonic element of the band's most groundbreaking phase.
Its enduring value lies in that direct link to Revolver's innovation and the visual legacy of those films, making it one of the most historically significant Harrison-owned guitars.
1966 Images of a Woman
2024 SOLD for $ 1.74M by Christie's
In July 1966 the Beatles are in Tokyo. They are placed in lockdown after the concerts in the Presidential suite of the Hilton hotel to keep them safe against the hordes of fans. To keep them quiet, their tour promoter provides them with painting material which they use during three nights. Even in the theater, the audience is held far away from the stage.
The four performers use the same paper simultaneously, each of them on a corner as a silent eight hand work. The picture was much later titled Image of a Woman by a sexual minded Japanese journalist. It is nevertheless fully abstract on a background of psychedelic colors. A lamp in the middle of the surface left a blank circle when it was removed. The group used that space for their four signatures. They left the picture to the local Beatles fan club.
This acrylic and watercolor on Japanese art paper 55 x 79 cm made in a unique moment of respite of the Beatles was sold for $ 155K by Philip Weiss on September 14, 2012 and for $ 1.74M by Christie's on February 1, 2024, lot 39.
This piece is the only painting ever made and signed by the four Beatles.
The four performers use the same paper simultaneously, each of them on a corner as a silent eight hand work. The picture was much later titled Image of a Woman by a sexual minded Japanese journalist. It is nevertheless fully abstract on a background of psychedelic colors. A lamp in the middle of the surface left a blank circle when it was removed. The group used that space for their four signatures. They left the picture to the local Beatles fan club.
This acrylic and watercolor on Japanese art paper 55 x 79 cm made in a unique moment of respite of the Beatles was sold for $ 155K by Philip Weiss on September 14, 2012 and for $ 1.74M by Christie's on February 1, 2024, lot 39.
This piece is the only painting ever made and signed by the four Beatles.
(1965)-1967 Lennon's repainted Rolls-Royce
1985 SOLD for $ 2.3M by Sotheby's
Rolls-Royce is a natural choice for an English performing star. John Lennon began woth a second hand car. He then ordered a brand new Phantom V limousine, the most expensive Rolls-Royce model at that time. The matte black painted car was delivered to him in 1965.
John had added a record player with a suspension preventing the needle to jump, an 8 track tape player, a TV set and a radio telephone. Special back seats could be converted into a double bed. He also hired a driver.
After a damage, John decided to have the limousine repainted in psychedelic gypsy style with a bright yellow background. That decorative work was finished in 1967. The artist Steve Weaver charged £ 290 for his six week job.
The car was ready on May 25, 1967, just for the release of the Sgt. Pepper's album. It was immediately tracked by hordes of paparazzi. According to Lennon an old woman stuck the car with her umbrella while screaming "You swine! How dare you do that to a Rolls-Royce!".
Its time of daily use was over. John purchased a white painted Phantom V in 1968. In 1977 he and Yoko Ono donated the psychedelic car to a museum. It was sold for $ 2.3M from an estimate of $ 300K by Sotheby's on June 29, 1985.
The image is shared by Wikimedia with attribution edvvc, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
John had added a record player with a suspension preventing the needle to jump, an 8 track tape player, a TV set and a radio telephone. Special back seats could be converted into a double bed. He also hired a driver.
After a damage, John decided to have the limousine repainted in psychedelic gypsy style with a bright yellow background. That decorative work was finished in 1967. The artist Steve Weaver charged £ 290 for his six week job.
The car was ready on May 25, 1967, just for the release of the Sgt. Pepper's album. It was immediately tracked by hordes of paparazzi. According to Lennon an old woman stuck the car with her umbrella while screaming "You swine! How dare you do that to a Rolls-Royce!".
Its time of daily use was over. John purchased a white painted Phantom V in 1968. In 1977 he and Yoko Ono donated the psychedelic car to a museum. It was sold for $ 2.3M from an estimate of $ 300K by Sotheby's on June 29, 1985.
The image is shared by Wikimedia with attribution edvvc, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
