#OriginalPresentation • THE BEATLES / Official Fan Club Christmas Record (1963)

For seven straight holiday seasons, from 1963, during the beginning of their rise to fame, to 1969, just prior to the group’s breakup, The Beatles released a specially recorded, limited-edition Christmas greeting available exclusively for the members of their official fan club.

Produced as either 45 or 33 1/3 r.p.m. flexi-disc singles which played on regular turntables, these zany recordings lasted anywhere from five minutes to just under eight, and featured the Fab Four performing spontaneous singing and skits. And as each year evolved, the more off-the-wall they became.

After the group’s official breakup in 1970, an album containing all seven of the greetings – called The Beatles Christmas Album – was subsequently issued by both the UK and U.S. chapters of their fan club.

Since then, numerous bootleg versions have appeared on both vinyl and CD.

You may have not heard these for years, or perhaps not at all. But if you’re a fan, I’m sure they’ll make you at least smile – and hopefully laugh!

Happy Holidays!

[NOTE]
Due to copyright issues, some audio song files may not play on smartphones, tablets or connected devices. A laptop, desktop PC or Mac may be required for optimal enjoyment.

The Beatles Christmas Record

[1963 – LYN 492]

Before beginning work on their next single I Want To Hold Your Hand, the Beatles took a day off to record what became a seven-year holiday tradition for their most die hard fans.

Conceived and produced by the group’s press secretary at the time, Tony Barrow, this debut offering contains separate monologues from each of The Fab Four, thanking the members for subscribing, for buying their records and for all the cards and letters.

Each somewhat stilted “speech” (composed for them by Barrow) is interspersed with their self-styled versions of Good King Wenceslas and Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer Ringo).

All four Beatles appear to be extremely grateful for the past 12+ months of phenomenal success, yet seem somewhat bewildered by their fast-found fame. And this was before the stunning world-wide acclaim which still lay ahead.

Program

Location: Studio Two, Abbey Road/London
Recording Date: October 17, 1963
Release Date: December 6, 1963
Running Time: 5:00

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Good King Wenceslas
John: Monologue
Paul: Monologue
Good King Wenceslas (Reprise 1)
Ringo: Monologue
Good King Wenceslas (Reprise 2)
George: Monologue
Good King Wenceslas (Reprise 3)
Rudolph The Red-Nosed Ringo