Incredibly rare and unreleased 8mm color home movie footage (no sound) of two different Beatles concerts in Stockholm, Sweden in 1963 and 1964. Single reel of film is stored on a 5″ diameter reel which holds approximately 75’ of film. The movies were taken by an 18 year old Swedish fan who recorded the concerts on a camera she received for her 16th birthday. The complete film runs 4:17, with 3:08 of the film featuring the Fab Four. Film opens with a few quick shots of the original owner and friends as well as about 37 seconds of the Swedish pop group Jerry Williams and the Violents.
The first Beatles performance was recorded on October 26, 1963, at the Royal Tennis Hall in Stockholm. This footage, taken from the third row, shows the band on stage performing behind a row of policemen, with great images of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison singing and playing; George and Paul sharing a microphone for background vocals; John Lennon singing lead on a song; Ringo behind his drum kit; Paul singing lead vocals; and some great interaction between the band members; and two instances of members of the band taking their easily recognizable trademark unison bow and unplugging their guitars.
The second concert was recorded July 29, 1964, at Johanneshovs Ice Stadium in Stockholm. This footage was shot from the front row and shows Paul talking to the crowd; John singing; Paul and George sharing a microphone; John and George sharing a microphone as they sing background vocals; a great shot of Ringo playing drums; and several shots of Harrison singing lead vocals.
The film has been stored very well with the images still crisp and clear. In fine condition. While other bootleg concert footage of the Beatles exist, a majority of the examples are dark and grainy. The example offered here is particularly well shot with a steady hand and slow movements, resulting in fantastic and clear color images, capturing the great onstage chemistry of the band. Offered to the public for the first time, the footage within this reel captures the beginning of Beatlemania. RR Auction COA.
