Exceptionally rare and historic complete issue of the Mersey Beat newspaper, Vol. 1, No. 13, January 4–18, 1962, eight pages, 9.75 x 12.75, with the front cover featuring the bold headline, “Beatles Top Poll!”, and a classic image of the young leather-clad Beatles with Pete Best on drums, a photo taken by Liverpool photographer Albert Marrion in his studio on December 17, 1961; Paul McCartney's surname is misspelled below to read: "McArtrey."
The fourth page contains the full results of the “Mersey Beat Popularity Poll,” with the list of 20 musical acts topped by the Beatles; also making the top five are Gerry and the Pacemakers, The Remo Four, Rory Storm and the Hurricanes (which featured Ringo Starr on drums), and Johnny Sandon and the Searchers. The following page features an interesting article about a Beatles Christmas Party concert, with an extract towards the end noting “Pete Best was also feeling bad, and Ringo Starr took over the skins at the Beatles Christmas Party.” Page seven contains an article by the Beatles headed “Parisian Rock,” which includes their take on the rock and roll music scene in Paris, as well as an article by Brian Epstein, headed “My Top Pops—1961,” which discusses his favorite singles of 1961.
The back cover features an advertisement for forthcoming concerts at the Cavern Club and lists the Beatles as performers on the 6th, 10th, 12th, and 17th of January 1962. In fine condition, with light toning along the intersecting folds. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Tracks. A rare opportunity to own what many consider the rarest and most desirable of all the Mersey Beat newspapers.
