Extremely rare Beatles performance among ‘lost’ footage to be shown for the first time in more than 50 years

  • The Beatles singing "Paperback Writer"

Tapes of international artists including The Beatles, Tom Jones and the Spencer Davis Group, previously thought lost, will be shown for the first time in more than 50 years at Birmingham City University.

The clips feature Top of the Pops performances from 1966, and will be revealed to an audience following the discovery by TV experts Kaleidoscope.

The footage was believed to have been lost forever, until David Chandler, a music enthusiast, contacted Kaleidoscope after seeing recent publicity on BBC television about another Beatles discovery.

More than 200 lost performances were donated to Kaleidoscope on videotape by one collector.

David Chandler handed over a series of 8mm film reels, previously believed to have been wiped from archives and deleted forever.

Kaleidoscope then digitally remastered the footage and enhanced the sound.

Birmingham City University alumnus and Kaleidoscope CEO Chris Perry said: “Kaleidoscope thought finding 11 seconds of Paperback Writer was incredible, but to then be donated 92 seconds – and nine minutes of other 1966 Top of the Pops footage was phenomenal.”

Here are the clips that will be screened on on Saturday 1 June:

  • Spencer Davis Group – Gimme Some Lovin’ (17/11/66)

  • Troggs – Anyway That You Want Me (15/12/66)

  • Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich – Save Me (29/12/66)

  • Dusty Springfield – Goin’ Back (30/6/66)

  • Gene Pitney – Nobody Needs Your Love (30/6/66)

  • The Hollies – Bus Stop (30/6/66)

  • Ike and Tina Turner – A Love Like Yours promo film (17/11/66)

  • The Shadows – The Dreams I Dream (17/11/66)

  • Small Faces – My Mind’s Eye (15/12/66)

  • Tom Jones – Green, Green Grass of Home (15/12/66)

  • Cliff Richards and the Shadows – Cinderella at London Palladium rehearsal (12/66)

  • The Beatles - Paperback Writer (16/6/66)

  • Tom Jones singing "Green, Green Grass of Home"

Robert McLaughlin from Birmingham City University’s Centre for Digital Media Technology said: “Top of the Pops was a major part of the UK’s cultural heritage, led the television industries through a number of ground-breaking initiatives, and was an institution that helped shape the careers, aspirations and dreams of musicians across the globe.

"We’re proud to enjoy the benefits of great working relationships with industry professionals such as Chris Perry and his team at Kaleidoscope.

"The screening event will provide the perfect event at which to celebrate the dedication, commitment and enthusiasm of all involved in unearthing and restoring this exceptional footage.”

  • Spencer Davis Group singing "Gimme Some Lovin"

The screening will be held at Birmingham City University’s Parkside Building between 10am and 6pm on Saturday 1 June.