The Lost Beatles Photographs

Book excerpt: An intimate, revealing look at the legendary band, documented in a series of personal, never-before-seen photographs taken during The Beatles' three U.S. tours—the largest single trove of such important unknown rock photographs ever uncovered In the early 1960s, four working-class lads from Liverpool invaded America, igniting a cultural revolution that would transform a generation and change the world. During that time, few were closer to The Beatles than Bob Bonis, the tour manager for all three U.S. tours, 1964, 1965, and 1966. While on the road with the Fab Four, Bonis, a passionate amateur photographer with a keen eye, an innate sense of composition, and a deep love for his subjects, snapped some nine hundred photographs of the band—a remarkable collection that until now has only been known to family and close friends. Unearthed after forty-five years, the photos that comprise The Lost Beatles Photographs form a groundbreaking portrait of the most iconic band of the twentieth century at a pivotal time in their career, conquering America. Bonis's photos offer fans unprecedented, behind-the-scenes access to The Beatles during their breakthrough moments on the world stage, from rehearsing backstage to stellar performances in concert. Here are John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr in casual moments, in rehearsal, in concert, in dressing rooms, on vacation, at press events, on the road. Funny, surprising, provocative, beautiful, these photos recall an unforgettable period in history and offer a fresh look at these legends at the beginning of their fame. Whether you're a devoted aficionado or just discovering the Fab Four, The Lost Beatles Photographs is a remarkable addition to Beatle lore and a must-have for every fan.