#OriginalPresentation • THE BEATLES: Official Fan Club Record (1964) + Rare Outtake

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.

Another Beatles Christmas Record

[1964 – LYN 757]

Not surprisingly, the second Beatles Christmas greeting finds them much goofier and sounding a lot more confident than on the first greeting after their staggering worldwide success during 1964.

Again written and produced by their press secretary Tony Barrow, each Beatle expresses thanks to the club members for either group or individual accomplishments during the past year.

During George’s segment, he specifically expresses hope that their fans enjoyed the Beatles’ first film from earlier in 1964 (A Hard Day’s Night) and alludes to their new one – as yet untitled – that will begin production in February of 1965 and be in color (Help!).

It’s easily the briefest of the seven annual greetings, with much of the presentation seeming rushed and somewhat forced. The likely explanation? They had just wrapped up a grueling 12-hour recording session for their forthcoming album Beatles For Sale, and late-night fatigue was taking hold.

Program

Location: Studio Two, Abbey Road/London
Recording Date: October 26, 1964
Release Date: December 18, 1964
Running Time: 3:58

•

Jingle Bells
Paul: Monologue
John: Monologue
George: Monologue
Ringo: Monologue
Can You Wash Your Father’s Shirts?
(Shouts) Happy Christmas!

[Replay]

More Greetings

1963: The Beatles’ First Christmas Record
1965: The Beatles’ Third Christmas Record
1966: The Beatles’ Fourth Christmas Record
1967: The Beatles’ Fifth Christmas Record
1968: The Beatles’ Sixth Christmas Record
1969: The Beatles’ Seventh Christmas Record

Another Beatles Christmas Record

[Outtake]

Here’s a very rare, totally different and lengthier “outtake” version. It’s just one of five different greetings which were actually recorded during that session.

Program

Location: Studio Two, Abbey Road/London
Recording Date: October 26, 1964
Release Date: N/A
Running Time: 4:37

•

Hello Dolly
(Silence)
(Chatter)
(Intro by Tony Barrow): “The Speech” (Take 1)
Paul: Monologue
(John Interrupts)
“The Speech” (Take 2)
Paul: Monologue
George: Monologue
Ringo: Monologue
John: Monologue
Hello Dolly (Reprise)
(Piano)