Beatles autograph left in cupboard for years up for auction

A scrap of paper left in a cupboard for years that contains the signatures and kisses from the Beatles right before they became famous, could now fetch thousands of pounds at auction.

The unnamed owner, who's now a retired secretary, met the band as a teenager at a gig in Shropshire on January 19th, 1963, and asked the-then four unknown young men to sign a scrap of paper.

It was the same night the Fab Four appeared on Saturday night ITV show "Thank Your Lucky Stars", an appearance which changed their fortunes.

The scrap of paper has been left in a cupboard for the last 56 years - and is now something a Beatles fan will be keen on owning. John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr have since made music history as The Beatles.

The autograph was signed just after they released "Please Please Me' as a single. But the weather played a big part in stopping fans turning up for their gig - it was during one of the worst British winters on record and hardly anyone turned up to see the band perform.

The Beatles with singer Lill Babs Credit: Hansons
The signatures and kisses from the Fab Four on the now-prized autograph Credit: Hansons
Claire Howell, music memorabilia specialist at Hansons Credit: Hansons

The Beatles autographs will be sold at Hansons Auctioneers in Etwall on October 22nd, with an estimate of £2,000-£3,000.

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