Late Night Line-Up (partially found Beatles "Abbey Road" special; 1969): Difference between revisions

From The Lost Media Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search
(The program is significant for being the earliest known example of an pop/rock album being represented as a music video.)
mNo edit summary
(31 intermediate revisions by 3 users not shown)
Line 2: Line 2:
|title=<center>Late Night Line-Up</center>
|title=<center>Late Night Line-Up</center>
|image=BeatlesAbbeyRoadSpecial01.jpg
|image=BeatlesAbbeyRoadSpecial01.jpg
|imagecaption=An animation cel from the "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" sequence.
|imagecaption=An illustration of The Beatles used during the "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" sequence.
|status=<span style="color:orange;">'''Partially Found'''</span>
|status=<span style="color:orange;">'''Partially Found'''</span>
}}
}}
[[File:BeatlesAbbeyRoadSpecial02.jpg|thumb|An article from New Musical Express covering the TV special, dated September 13th, 1969.]]
[[File:BeatlesAbbeyRoadSpecial02.jpg|thumb|An article from New Musical Express covering the TV special, dated September 13th, 1969.]]
'''''Late Night Line-Up''''' was a pioneering British television discussion program broadcast on BBC2 between 1964 and 1972. On Friday, September 19th, 1969, the program devoted an entire 33-minute show to highlight the then-upcoming Beatles album ''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abbey_Road Abbey Road]''. The program featured short music videos of each of the album's songs (except ''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oh!_Darling Oh Darling]'', ''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Want_You_(She%27s_So_Heavy) I Want You (She's So Heavy)]'' and ''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/She_Came_In_Through_the_Bathroom_Window She Came In Through The Bathroom Window]'').  The program is significant for being the earliest known example of an pop/rock album being represented as a music video.   
'''''Late Night Line-Up''''' was a pioneering British television discussion program broadcast on BBC2 between 1964 and 1972. On Friday, September 19th, 1969, the program devoted an entire 33-minute show to highlight the then-upcoming Beatles album ''Abbey Road''. The program featured short music videos featuring abridged versions of the album's songs.  The program is significant for being the earliest known example of a pop/rock album being represented as a music video and being commissioned by The Beatles themselves as a visual representation of the ''Abbey Road'' album.   


==Background==
==Production History==
The special was produced in cooperation with The Beatles' company Apple Corps to promote their album ''Abbey Road'', which was to be released the following week of the program's air-date<ref>The Complete Bealtes Chronicle, Mark Lewishon</ref>"The Beatles approached us", the BBC told the Daily Mirror. "It seems they often watch the program and they like the way pop music has been covered visually." Rowan Ayers, the editor for Line-Up, said that he planned to "illustrate the music with captions, film sequences and electronic devices."
The special was produced in cooperation with The Beatles' company Apple Corps to promote their album ''Abbey Road'', which was to be released the following week of the program's air-date.<ref>The Complete Beatles Chronicle, Mark Lewishon</ref> "The Beatles approached us", the BBC told the Daily Mirror. "It seems they often watch the program and they like the way pop music has been covered visually." Rowan Ayers, the editor for Line-Up, said that he planned to "illustrate the music with captions, film sequences and electronic devices."


Ayers met with The Beatles at Apple Corps to discuss the project. According to Ayers account of that meeting, although John Lennon was "laconic" and George Harrison seemed "lost in thought" it was Paul McCartney that showed enthusiasm for the show. Coming up with "plenty of suggestions and ideas" of the program. Ringo Starr too showed interest and asked Ayers questions about the production and it's production crew<ref>The Beatles Book, Hunter Davis, 2019, Ebury Press, ISBN: 978009158633</ref><ref>Rowan Ayers wrote a letter written to the buyer of an animation cell from the "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" animation. The letter titled "Background To The Signed Caption" detailed the making of the TV special.</ref>.  Ayers recalls "We had a fortnight's notice...and we used all kinds of devices, like captions and film, and the Beatles were wild about it”<ref>Radio Times. 17th January, 1970.</ref>The program was directed by Granville Jenkins.
Ayers met with The Beatles at Apple Corps to discuss the project. According to Ayers's account of that meeting, although John Lennon was "laconic" and George Harrison seemed "lost in thought" it was Paul McCartney that showed enthusiasm for the show. Coming up with "plenty of suggestions and ideas" of the program. Ringo Starr too showed interest and asked Ayers questions about the production and its production crew<ref>The Beatles Book, Hunter Davis, 2019, Ebury Press, ISBN: 978009158633</ref> Rowan Ayers wrote a letter written to the buyer of an animation cell from the "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" animation. The letter titled "Background To The Signed Caption" detailed the making of the TV special. Ayers recalls "We had a fortnight's notice...and we used all kinds of devices, like captions and film, and the Beatles were wild about it.”<ref>Radio Times. 17th January 1970.</ref> The program was directed by Granville Jenkins.
 
==Airing==


The program first aired in the U.K. on Friday, September 19th, at 10:55-11:30 pm on BBC2 and then again on Saturday, October 10th, in a full repeat at 11:25-12:00 pm.
The program first aired in the U.K. on Friday, September 19th, at 10:55-11:30 pm on BBC2 and then again on Saturday, October 10th, in a full repeat at 11:25-12:00 pm.
Line 17: Line 19:
To this date, the entire program has not surfaced and the master tapes are presumed to have been wiped by the BBC.
To this date, the entire program has not surfaced and the master tapes are presumed to have been wiped by the BBC.


===Contemporary reviews===
==Contemporary Reviews==
On the day of the first screening, newspapers published reviews of the program. Two contemporary reports were more descriptive of the show's content than critical of the program itself. ''The Coventry Evening Telegraph'' said: "Many different kinds of visuals will be used including film, captions, studio elements and electronic color devices."<ref>The Coventry Evening Telegraph, Friday, 19 September 1969</ref> The Daily Mail's description was similar.<ref>The Daily Mail, Friday, 19 September 1969</ref>


On the day of the first screening, newspapers published reviews of the program. Two contemporary reports were more descriptive of the show's content than critical of the program itself. ''The Coventry Evening Telegraph'' said: "Many different kinds of visuals will be used including film, captions, studio elements and electronic colour devices."<ref>The Coventry Evening Telegraph, Friday, 19 September 1969</ref>  The Daily Mail's description was similar<ref>The Daily Mail, Friday, 19 September 1969</ref>.
In George Melly’s 1970 book ''Revolt Into Style''. Melly was critical of the program:


In George Melly’s 1970 book ''Revolt Into Style''. Melly was critical of the program:
<blockquote>The new puritan climate at the Television Centre (and Broadcasting House come to that) will allow pop music within limits, but seems totally against allowing any overt display of teenage revolt. Modified psychedelia is acceptable. The Late Night Line-Up show Colour Me Pop is a pretty, but rather than an empty exercise in this genre, and the film made to present the Beatles’ new LP Abbey Road was equally innocuous, but the ideas seem, for the moment at any rate, back under lock and key.</blockquote>


''"The new puritan climate at the Television Centre (and Broadcasting House come to that) will allow pop music within limits, but seems totally against allowing any overt display of teenage revolt. Modified psychedelia is acceptable. The Late Night Line-Up show Colour Me Pop is a pretty, but rather empty exercise in this genre, and the film made to present the Beatles’ new LP Abbey Road was equally innocuous, but the ideas seem, for the moment at any rate, back under lock and key."''
Shortly after the screening, a reader’s letter in the ''Beatles Monthly'' praising the special.


==Discovered Footage==
==Discovered Footage==
On October 20th, 2019, Steve Hoffman Forum user [https://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/beatles-abbey-road-bbc2-tv-special-1969.654988/page-9#post-22364531 dormouse] shared an uploaded video from Dig Media that contained what is believed to be 53 seconds of silent footage from the TV special. The footage is black and white and appears to be captured from a TV monitor. The same footage with audio was uploaded to Dig Media’s Twitter account.<ref>[https://twitter.com/DigMediaLtd/status/1182410296452943872?s=20 Dig Media’s Twitter post that has the footage with sound.] Retrieved 21 Oct '19</ref> It was relieved by Dig Media on their user account that the complete program was on that video. Footage containing audio was uploaded onto their Twitter account.<ref>[https://twitter.com/DigMediaLtd/status/1182410296452943872 Dig Media Twitter post on the program.] Retrieved 11 Oct '19</ref>  
On October 20th, 2019, Steve Hoffman Forum user [https://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/beatles-abbey-road-bbc2-tv-special-1969.654988/page-9#post-22364531 dormouse] shared an uploaded video from Dig Media that contained what is believed to be 53 seconds of silent footage from the TV special. The footage is black and white and appears to be captured from a TV monitor. The same footage with audio was uploaded to Dig Media’s Twitter account.<ref>[https://twitter.com/DigMediaLtd/status/1182410296452943872?s=20 Dig Media’s Twitter post that has the footage with sound.] Retrieved 21 Oct '19</ref> It was relieved by Dig Media on their user account that the complete program was on that video. Footage containing audio was uploaded onto their Twitter account.<ref>[https://twitter.com/DigMediaLtd/status/1182410296452943872 Dig Media Twitter post on the program.] Retrieved 11 Oct '19</ref>  


The video shows the "Come Together" segment that has the song playing over the ''A Day In The Life'' promo video. The song cross fades into a still from the Beatles' final photo session which transitions into the "Something" segment. "Something" features a female dancer, superimposed psychedelic lighting and effects. DIG Media had the footage because they were administering the video library left by sixties’ counterculture figure Jack Henry Moore. The footage appears to be sourced from an off-air recording from one of the two BBC2 broadcasts.
The video shows the "Come Together" segment that has the song playing over the ''A Day In The Life'' promo video. The song crossfades into a still from the Beatles' final photo session which transitions into the "Something" segment. "Something" features a female dancer, superimposed psychedelic lighting and effects. DIG Media had the footage because they were administering the video library left by sixties’ counterculture figure Jack Henry Moore. The footage appears to be sourced from an off-air recording from one of the two BBC2 broadcasts.


On February 12th, 2020, Dig Media posted another still shot from their Twitter account from the "[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maxwell%27s_Silver_Hammer Maxwell's Silver Hammer]" segment.<ref>[https://twitter.com/DigMediaLtd/status/1227552996218822657 Dig Media Twitter post on the program.] Retrieved 21 Feb '20</ref>
On February 12th, 2020, Dig Media posted another still shot from their Twitter account from the "Silver Hammer" segment.<ref>[https://twitter.com/DigMediaLtd/status/1227552996218822657 Dig Media Twitter post on the program.] Retrieved 21 Feb '20</ref>


{{Video|perrow  =2
In April 2020, DigMedia replied on the recovered footage's YouTube video to a question about the video's content.  DigMedia said that they were still working on recovering the footage and that remaining footage was in need of "serious recovery".  They also said that the restoration plans had been slowed down due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
{{Video|perrow  =1
   |service1    =youtube
   |service1    =youtube
   |id1          =oGbvs0-Mnb8
   |id1          =oGbvs0-Mnb8
   |description1 =Discovered footage from the Late Night Lineup special uploaded to YouTube. The footage appears to have been filmed from a black and white monitor.
   |description1 =Discovered footage from the Late Night Lineup special uploaded to YouTube. The footage appears to have been filmed from a black and white monitor.
  |service2    =
  |id2          =
  |description2 =[[File:Maxwell 1969.jpg|thumb|center|A screenshot of an off-air recording from the "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" sequence. This was posted by Did Media on their Twitter account.]]
}}
}}


==Content==
<center>'''Link:''' [https://archive.org/details/abbey-road-special-1969 Complete clip with sound.  Internet Archive]</center>
 
On June 23, 2022, a represented from the now rebranded, Dig Media Archive posted an update about the special on the [https://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/beatles-abbey-road-bbc2-tv-special-1969.654988/page-19#post-29852266 Steve Hoffman Music Forum's ''Beatles Abbey Road BBC2 TV special 1969''] thread:<blockquote>
 
 
Hi guys,
 
Just a quick heads up that we’re continuing to work on the Late Night Line-up video.
 
It takes a lot of resources – repairing tape, image enhancement and lots more. As well as running a not-for-profit business and working our way through thousands of other tapes. We’ll be posting a few more clips on Socials in the coming months. Thanks for your interest in this, it’s really appreciated. Any help you can give us in boosting our profile will really help with more engagement so hopefully we can share more material.
 
Thanks!</blockquote>On the same day, a video was uploaded to the [https://fb.watch/e3oMaeN9lJ/ Dig Media Archive Facebook page], about the TV special.<ref>[https://fb.watch/e3oMaeN9lJ/ Dig Media Archive - Facebook page]</ref>
 
== Content==
According to recollections of people how saw the program at the time; the program began with a copy of the Abbey Road record spinning on a turntable. Each song was linked by footage of the album playing on a turntable.  Fans who saw the special and other publications have reported the special was a mixture of stock footage, art-house films, dancers, animation and exclusive Beatles footage.   
According to recollections of people how saw the program at the time; the program began with a copy of the Abbey Road record spinning on a turntable. Each song was linked by footage of the album playing on a turntable.  Fans who saw the special and other publications have reported the special was a mixture of stock footage, art-house films, dancers, animation and exclusive Beatles footage.   
<br>


===''Come Together''===
===''Come Together''===
The footage used was the (then unreleased) promotional video for ''A Day In The Life''. It was originally meant for an abandoned ''Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band'' TV special planned for 1967. The footage sent to the BBC was silent, and the track ''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Come_Together Come Together]'' placed over it by the show's producers. The version of ''Come Together'' used is a unique mono mix that has never been commercially released. In 2017, the ''Come Together'' segment was released in full from a 16mm print on the TMOQ bootleg DVD ''The 1967 Sgt. Pepper Commemorative Issue''.<ref>[https://www.collectorsmusicreviews.com/beatles/the-beatles-1967-sgt-peppers-commemorative-tmoq-gazette-hmc-043/ Review of the TMOQ DVD set.] Retrieved 21 Oct '19</ref>
An edit collage of footage from the orchestral recording session of "A Day In The Life" on 10th February, 1967. The footage was originally planned to be used in [[Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (partially found unproduced television special; 1967)|an abandoned ''Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band'' TV special planned for 1967]]. Although edited into what was meant to be the "A Day In The Life" segment, the completed sequence was never used and the idea of a TV special, later evolved into ''Magical Mystery Tour'' (which was released in the UK on BBC1 as a Boxing Day TV special).  


[[File:BeatlesAbbeyRoadSpecial03.jpg|thumb|An animation cel from the "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" sequenceThis cel features autographs from the members of The Beatles and was for sale on eBay in 2004.]]
The footage sat unused until the Late Night Line-Up Special.  Apple Corps. sent the footage to the BBC to be used and "Come Together" replaced the audio of "A Day In The Life" (either by the show's producers or Apple themselves).  The version of ''Come Together'' used is a unique mono mix that has never been commercially released.<ref>''The 1967 Sgt. Pepper Commemorative Issue'' liner notes. Pages 8, 9, 10.  TMOQ. Retrieved 15 July, 2022</ref>  
 
A short clip of the footage would later repair during the 3rd December, 1982 edition of ''The Tube'' (Channel 4, UK).  Since then, the complete "A Day In The Life" version has been featured in many documentaries on The Beatles, including the official John Lennon documentary ''Imagine: John Lennon'' (1988) and The Beatles' own ''The Beatles Anthology'' series (1995).  It's also officially available in full on ''The Beatles 1+'' (2015) promotional video compilation and on their official YouTube channel.
 
In 2017, the ''Come Together'' segment was released in full from a 16mm print on the TMOQ bootleg DVD ''The 1967 Sgt. Pepper Commemorative Issue''.<ref>[https://www.collectorsmusicreviews.com/beatles/the-beatles-1967-sgt-peppers-commemorative-tmoq-gazette-hmc-043/ Review of the TMOQ DVD set.] Retrieved 21 Oct '19</ref>


===''Something''===
===''Something''===
After a transition from a photographic still (taken from the group's final photo session), the "[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Something_(Beatles_song) Something]" segment featured a woman dancing to the song with psychedelic images superimposed over her.  After the program aired, an official promotional music video would later be created to promote the song's single by Apple Corps.  This video would feature The Beatles themselves.
 
After a transition from a photographic still (taken from the group's final photo session), the "Something" segment featured dancer Jane London.  London danced to the song with psychedelic images superimposed over her.  After the program aired, a different official promotional music video would later be created to promote the song's single by Apple Corps.  This video would feature The Beatles themselves.
{{Video|perrow  =1
  |service1    =youtube
  |id1          =UelDrZ1aFeY
  |description1 =The official promotional video for "Something".  Filmed in late-October after the special had aired.  The video was directed by long-time Beatles Road Manager and future Apple Corps CEO Neil Aspinall.
}}
<br>


===Maxwell's Silver Hammer===
===Maxwell's Silver Hammer===
The "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" segment was an animated short featuring The Beatles (with their mid-1969 hairstyles and breads) dressed as a barbershop quartet. In December 2004 a signed animation cel from the "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" segment of the program put up on eBay for $2.25m. The cell was listed again on eBay for $1 million USD in October 2019. This time it ended with no bids. The cell included a typed letter from the editor of ''Late Night Line Up'', Rowan Ayres detailing the history of the cell and the special.<ref>[https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com.au%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F233350704581 eBay listing for an animation cell from the "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" segmet.] Retrieved 21 Oct '19</ref>
The "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" segment was said to be an animated short featuring Maxwell and The Beatles.  The segment also featured a shot of an illustration of The Beatles (with their mid-1969 hairstyles and breads) dressed as a barbershop quartet. The heads of the illustration moved to emulate the group signing.  This effect was achieved by the director by cutting out the heads, reattaching them on pin and using a fan off screen to make the head wobble. 
<br>
 
====The barbershop quartet drawing====
In December 2004 a signed drawing from the "Maxwell's Silver Hammer” segment of the program put up on eBay for $2.25m. The drawing was listed again on eBay for $1 million USD in October 2019. This time it ended with no bids. It included a typed letter from the editor of ''Late Night Line Up'', Rowan Ayres detailing the history of the cell and the special.<ref>[https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com.au%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F233350704581 eBay listing for an animation cell from the "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" segmet.] Retrieved 21 Oct '19</ref>
 
In April 2020, the drawing was listed again, this time with starting bid of $3.5 million.  The description listed more information about its history:
 
<blockquote>THE LAST SIGNED ARTWORK BY THE BEATLES MAXWELLS SILVER HAMMER ONLY PIECE IN EXISTENCE
 
You MUST Message me before Bidding with full identification details, mobile number etc name or your bid will be immediately deleted and you will be blocked.
 
This incredible piece of Historical signed Art was accepted for sale by Sotherbys but I did not agree to the terms of sale. The Beatles contacted me years ago showing an interest in buying this back even writing to me but I did not sell. This was arranged through their EMI agent Michael Heatley and the original of this letter also comes with this piece.
 
Sadly the split of the band has been captured uniquely and forever immortalised, John and Ringo signing in black marker and George and Paul in blue pen this incredible feature the split of the band has never been seen before or captured in such a way. The framers markings are on the back '' D.N 29/1 '' 29th January 1970 [[File:BeatlesAbbeyRoadSpecial03.jpg|thumb|An illustration of The Beatles used during the "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" sequence. This illustration features autographs from the members of The Beatles and was for sale on eBay in 2004.]]
 
The Iconic drawing of Maxwell's Silver Hammer created by John Lennon and signed by The Beatles is the only piece of actual memorabilia in existence from the launch of Abbey Road on BBC 2 show Late Night Line Up. It was signed and presented to Rowan Ayers in early February 1970 he was the Chief Editor and Producer of the show a pioneering 60s music and talk back television presentation. Argueably the last known autographs of the band quite large from 3 - 4 inches in length magnificently signed they surround the one of a kind hand drawn caricature which featured in the film clip for Maxwell's Silver Hammer. The caricature can only be described as ICONIC having been seen by millions world wide in late 1969 dancing and wobbling to the film clip created by Rock Video pioneer Phillip Jenkinson, the heads are separated from the bodies so they could wobble to Maxwell's Silver Hammer. The memento has featured in many magazines and newspaper articles since it's discovery in 1997 when I purchased it from Rowan Ayers and has been written about in books including the official biographer of The Beatles Hunter Davies and recently featured in a full colour spread by renown Beatles author Bruce Spizer. The caricature mistakingly called a cell in some internet websites is a one of a kind drawing by John Lennon and measures 26cm x 16cm. The original black framed historical piece has now been housed in a gold vintage frame and measures around 90cm x 80cm. Rowan has signed a typed story on the back on how he met The 4 Beatles for lunch to discuss the launch of Abbey Road. This is a virtually priceless piece of historical signed art of great importance and sadly is for sale though I have enjoyed owning it for many years. Should be a major draw card to any reputable museum. Buyer to pay Insurance fees or can arrange pick up from my lawyers office in Sydney.</blockquote>
{{Video|perrow  =1
  |service1    =
  |id1          =
  |description1 =[[File:Maxwell 1969.jpg|thumb|center|A screenshot of an off-air recording from the "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" sequence. This was posted by Did Media on their Twitter account.]]
}}
 
 
Only 1 second of footage has so far been recovered from the Jack Henry Moore tape by DigMedia.  A still of this frame was posted on their Twitter account.  The frame shows a cartoon Maxwell swinging his arm that has a hammer as a hand. The Maxwell segment came after "Something" as it does on the ''Abbey Road'' album.
<br>


===''Because''===
===''Because''===
Reportedly, footage from the first moon landing was used during this segment.
Reportedly, footage from the first moon landing was used during this segment.
<br>


===Other Content===
===Other Content===
Line 66: Line 118:
   |description1 =''On/Off (1967)''.
   |description1 =''On/Off (1967)''.
}}
}}
===Songs Used in the Special===
<br>


===Abbey Road songs used/not used in the special===
The correct order of songs is yet unknown.  From the footage released by Dig Media, "Come Together" is followed by "Something", just like on the released ''Abbey Road'' album.  
The correct order of songs is yet unknown.  From the footage released by Dig Media, "Come Together" is followed by "Something", just like on the released ''Abbey Road'' album.  
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Song Title
!Status
!Notes
|-
|Come Together
|'''Found'''
|Found by Dig Media Archives in 2019.
|-
|Something
|'''Found'''
|Found by Dig Media Archives in 2019.
|-
|Maxwell's Silver Hammer
|'''Partly Found'''
|One second of footage was recovered by Dig Media Archives.
|-
|Oh Darling!
|'''Unconfirmed'''
|Liner notes of the ''The 1967 Sgt. Pepper Commemorative Issue'' bootleg state this song was not used.
|-
|Octopus's Garden
|'''Missing'''
|
|-
|I Want You (She's So Heavy)
|'''Missing/Unconfirmed'''
|Liner notes of the ''The 1967 Sgt. Pepper Commemorative Issue'' bootleg state this song was not used.  However, a fan diary entry from the time states seeing this song.
|-
|Here Comes The Sun
|'''Missing'''
|
|-
|Because
|'''Missing'''
|Reportedly, footage from the BBC's moon landing coverage was used.
|-
|You Never Give Me Your Money
|'''Missing'''
|
|-
|Sun King
|'''Missing'''
|
|-
|Mean Mr Mustard
|'''Missing'''
|
|-
|Polythene Pam
|'''Missing'''
|
|-
|She Came In Through the Bathroom Window
|'''Unconfirmed'''
|Liner notes of the ''The 1967 Sgt. Pepper Commemorative Issue'' bootleg state this song was not used.
|-
|Golden Slumbers
|'''Missing'''
|
|-
|Carry That Weight
|'''Missing'''
|
|-
|The End
|'''Missing'''
|
|-
|Her Majesty
|'''Missing'''
|
|}


# Come Together
==Gallery==
# Something
{{Video|perrow  =1
# Maxwell's Silver Hammer
  |service1    =archiveorg
# [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Octopus%27s_Garden Octopus's Garden]
  |id1          =abbey-road-special-1969
# I Want You (She's So Heavy) (reported by viewer)
  |description1 =Partial footage of the special recovered by DigMedia with audio.
# [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Here_Comes_the_Sun Here Comes The Sun]
}}
# [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Because_(Beatles_song) Because]
# You Never Give Me Your Money
# [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun_King_(song) Sun King]
# [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mean_Mr._Mustard Mean Mr Mustard]
# [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polythene_Pam Polythene Pam]
# [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Slumbers Golden Slumbers/Golden Slumbers] (reprise)
# [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_End_(Beatles_song) The End]


==Gallery==
<gallery mode="packed" heights="175px">
[[File:Rowan Ayres letter.jpeg|thumb|center|A letter from Late Night Line Up Editor, Rowan Ayers detailing the history of the Abbey Road special.]]
TMOQ DVD Slick 31.jpeg.jpg|TMOQ Gazette bootleg DVD features the "Come Together" segment in colour.
{{Video|perrow  =4
Beatles last photo session.jpg|A colour version of the photo used in the transition from "Come Together" and "Something".
Something Beatles TVSpecial.jpeg|A screenshot from the “Something” segment featuring dancer, Jane London, superimposed with psychedelic lighting.  The video quality is due to the source being a black and white off-air recording
Rowan Ayres letter.jpeg|A letter from Late Night Line Up Editor, Rowan Ayers detailing the history of the Abbey Road special.
Beatles Monthly Book Nov 69.jpg|A viewer review of the program found in Beatles Monthly Book (issue 76) from November 1969.
</gallery>
 
{{Video|perrow  =2
   |service1    =youtube
   |service1    =youtube
   |id1          =usNsCeOV4GM
   |id1          =usNsCeOV4GM
   |description1 =''A Day In The Life'' promotional film (1967).
   |description1 =''A Day In The Life'' promotional film (1967).  Footage from this was re-edited for the "Come Together" segment.
   |service2    =youtube
   |service2    =youtube
   |id2          =zmjxsgYGezs
   |id2          =GkBFXKWIgNs
   |description2 =The complete animation cel in frame.
   |description2 =A fan recreation of the “Maxwell Silver Hammer” segment. Using their own music (''Till I Met You'' by Purple Cream) over the video.
  |service3    =youtube
  |id3          =GkBFXKWIgNs
  |description3 =A fan recreation of the “Maxwell Silver Hammer” segment. Using their own music (''Till I Met You'' by Purple Cream) over the video.
  |service4    =youtube
  |id4          =9N2L8iHkhT8
  |description4 =A 5-second clip from the “Come Together” promo made for the special.
}}
}}
==See Also (BBC Wiped Programs Media)==
*[[1953 British Grand Prix (partially found footage of Formula One race; 1953)]]
*[[Adam Adamant Lives! (partially lost BBC children's TV series; 1966)]]
*[[Anne of Green Gables (lost TV mini-series; 1972)]]
*[[Dad's Army (partially lost episodes and sketches; 1968-1970)]]
*[[Doctor Who (partially lost episodes of British science-fiction TV series; 1963-1974)]]
*[[Jazz Goes to College (partially found BBC jazz concert series; 1966-1967)]]
*[[Madhouse on Castle Street (partially found BBC television play; 1963)]]
*[[Out of the Unknown (partially found BBC sci-fi series; 1967-1971)]]
*[[Requiem for a Heavyweight (partially found BBC Sunday-Night Theatre TV play; 1957)]]
*[[The Complete and Utter History of Britain (partially found British sketch comedy TV series; 1969)]]
*[[The Quatermass Experiment (partially found BBC sci-fi serials; 1953)]]
*[[The Sad Story of Henry (lost live BBC broadcast adaptation of "The Railway Series" books; 1953)]]
*[[United! (lost British soap opera; 1965-1967)]]
*[[Zingalong (partially found British children's series; 2002-2004)]]
==See Also (The Beatles Media)==
*[[The Threetles (lost unreleased recordings from Beatles reunion sessions; 1990s)]]
*[[The Long and Winding Road (found workprint of unfinished Beatles documentary; 1970s)]]
*[[Help! (partially found deleted scenes from The Beatles film; 1965)]]
*[[Revolution 1 (Take 20) (found mix of The Beatles song; 1968)]]
*[[Late Night Line-Up (partially found Beatles "Abbey Road" special; 1969)]]
*[[The Beatles Cartoon (partially lost skits/bumpers of animated TV series; 1965-1967)]]
*[[Carnival of Light (lost experimental Beatles song; 1967)]]
*[[Late Night Line-Up (partially found Beatles "Abbey Road" special; 1969)]]
*[[A Hard Day's Day - A Day in the Life of a Beatles Tribute Band (found parody film; 2002)]]
*[[Yellow Submarine (partially found production material for cancelled CGI remake of Beatles animated film; 2010-2011)]]
*[[The Beatles - Cavern Club tapes (partially lost recordings of British rock band; early 1960s)]]
*[["Now and Then" (lost overdub session of Beatles song; 1995)]]
==External Links==
==External Links==
*[http://www.thevinylguide.com/episodes/ep179-the-story-of-abbey-road-with-bruce-spizer The Vinyl Guide Episode 179: The Story of Abbey Road with Bruce Spizer.] Retrieved 21 Oct '19
*[http://www.thevinylguide.com/episodes/ep179-the-story-of-abbey-road-with-bruce-spizer The Vinyl Guide Episode 179: The Story of Abbey Road with Bruce Spizer.] A podcast covering the history of the ''Abbey Road'' album that covers the special. Retrieved 21 Oct '19
*[https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Late_Night_Line-Up Wikipedia page on ''Late Night Line-Up''.] Retrieved 21 Oct '19
*[https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Late_Night_Line-Up Wikipedia page on ''Late Night Line-Up''.] Retrieved 21 Oct '19
*[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/10788743/Jack-Henry-Moore-obituary.html The Telegraph Obituary page on Jack Henry Moore.] Retrieved 21 Oct '19
*[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/10788743/Jack-Henry-Moore-obituary.html The Telegraph Obituary page on Jack Henry Moore.] Retrieved 21 Oct '19
*[https://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/beatles-abbey-road-bbc2-tv-special-1969.654988/ Beatles Abbey Road BBC2 TV special 1969 - Steve Hoffman Music Forums] A thread covering updates on the special. Retrieved 12 Oct '21
*[https://www.dig.media/home Dig Media Archive] - the current home of Jack Henry Moore's videotape archive and the only known recording of the ''Abbey Road'' special.


==References==
==References==

Revision as of 08:35, 15 July 2022

BeatlesAbbeyRoadSpecial01.jpg

An illustration of The Beatles used during the "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" sequence.

Status: Partially Found

An article from New Musical Express covering the TV special, dated September 13th, 1969.

Late Night Line-Up was a pioneering British television discussion program broadcast on BBC2 between 1964 and 1972. On Friday, September 19th, 1969, the program devoted an entire 33-minute show to highlight the then-upcoming Beatles album Abbey Road. The program featured short music videos featuring abridged versions of the album's songs. The program is significant for being the earliest known example of a pop/rock album being represented as a music video and being commissioned by The Beatles themselves as a visual representation of the Abbey Road album.

Production History

The special was produced in cooperation with The Beatles' company Apple Corps to promote their album Abbey Road, which was to be released the following week of the program's air-date.[1] "The Beatles approached us", the BBC told the Daily Mirror. "It seems they often watch the program and they like the way pop music has been covered visually." Rowan Ayers, the editor for Line-Up, said that he planned to "illustrate the music with captions, film sequences and electronic devices."

Ayers met with The Beatles at Apple Corps to discuss the project. According to Ayers's account of that meeting, although John Lennon was "laconic" and George Harrison seemed "lost in thought" it was Paul McCartney that showed enthusiasm for the show. Coming up with "plenty of suggestions and ideas" of the program. Ringo Starr too showed interest and asked Ayers questions about the production and its production crew[2] Rowan Ayers wrote a letter written to the buyer of an animation cell from the "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" animation. The letter titled "Background To The Signed Caption" detailed the making of the TV special. Ayers recalls "We had a fortnight's notice...and we used all kinds of devices, like captions and film, and the Beatles were wild about it.”[3] The program was directed by Granville Jenkins.

Airing

The program first aired in the U.K. on Friday, September 19th, at 10:55-11:30 pm on BBC2 and then again on Saturday, October 10th, in a full repeat at 11:25-12:00 pm.

To this date, the entire program has not surfaced and the master tapes are presumed to have been wiped by the BBC.

Contemporary Reviews

On the day of the first screening, newspapers published reviews of the program. Two contemporary reports were more descriptive of the show's content than critical of the program itself. The Coventry Evening Telegraph said: "Many different kinds of visuals will be used including film, captions, studio elements and electronic color devices."[4] The Daily Mail's description was similar.[5]

In George Melly’s 1970 book Revolt Into Style. Melly was critical of the program:

The new puritan climate at the Television Centre (and Broadcasting House come to that) will allow pop music within limits, but seems totally against allowing any overt display of teenage revolt. Modified psychedelia is acceptable. The Late Night Line-Up show Colour Me Pop is a pretty, but rather than an empty exercise in this genre, and the film made to present the Beatles’ new LP Abbey Road was equally innocuous, but the ideas seem, for the moment at any rate, back under lock and key.

Shortly after the screening, a reader’s letter in the Beatles Monthly praising the special.

Discovered Footage

On October 20th, 2019, Steve Hoffman Forum user dormouse shared an uploaded video from Dig Media that contained what is believed to be 53 seconds of silent footage from the TV special. The footage is black and white and appears to be captured from a TV monitor. The same footage with audio was uploaded to Dig Media’s Twitter account.[6] It was relieved by Dig Media on their user account that the complete program was on that video. Footage containing audio was uploaded onto their Twitter account.[7]

The video shows the "Come Together" segment that has the song playing over the A Day In The Life promo video. The song crossfades into a still from the Beatles' final photo session which transitions into the "Something" segment. "Something" features a female dancer, superimposed psychedelic lighting and effects. DIG Media had the footage because they were administering the video library left by sixties’ counterculture figure Jack Henry Moore. The footage appears to be sourced from an off-air recording from one of the two BBC2 broadcasts.

On February 12th, 2020, Dig Media posted another still shot from their Twitter account from the "Silver Hammer" segment.[8]

In April 2020, DigMedia replied on the recovered footage's YouTube video to a question about the video's content. DigMedia said that they were still working on recovering the footage and that remaining footage was in need of "serious recovery". They also said that the restoration plans had been slowed down due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Discovered footage from the Late Night Lineup special uploaded to YouTube. The footage appears to have been filmed from a black and white monitor.

Link: Complete clip with sound. Internet Archive

On June 23, 2022, a represented from the now rebranded, Dig Media Archive posted an update about the special on the Steve Hoffman Music Forum's Beatles Abbey Road BBC2 TV special 1969 thread:


Hi guys,

Just a quick heads up that we’re continuing to work on the Late Night Line-up video.

It takes a lot of resources – repairing tape, image enhancement and lots more. As well as running a not-for-profit business and working our way through thousands of other tapes. We’ll be posting a few more clips on Socials in the coming months. Thanks for your interest in this, it’s really appreciated. Any help you can give us in boosting our profile will really help with more engagement so hopefully we can share more material.

Thanks!

On the same day, a video was uploaded to the Dig Media Archive Facebook page, about the TV special.[9]

Content

According to recollections of people how saw the program at the time; the program began with a copy of the Abbey Road record spinning on a turntable. Each song was linked by footage of the album playing on a turntable. Fans who saw the special and other publications have reported the special was a mixture of stock footage, art-house films, dancers, animation and exclusive Beatles footage.

Come Together

An edit collage of footage from the orchestral recording session of "A Day In The Life" on 10th February, 1967. The footage was originally planned to be used in an abandoned Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band TV special planned for 1967. Although edited into what was meant to be the "A Day In The Life" segment, the completed sequence was never used and the idea of a TV special, later evolved into Magical Mystery Tour (which was released in the UK on BBC1 as a Boxing Day TV special).

The footage sat unused until the Late Night Line-Up Special. Apple Corps. sent the footage to the BBC to be used and "Come Together" replaced the audio of "A Day In The Life" (either by the show's producers or Apple themselves). The version of Come Together used is a unique mono mix that has never been commercially released.[10]

A short clip of the footage would later repair during the 3rd December, 1982 edition of The Tube (Channel 4, UK). Since then, the complete "A Day In The Life" version has been featured in many documentaries on The Beatles, including the official John Lennon documentary Imagine: John Lennon (1988) and The Beatles' own The Beatles Anthology series (1995). It's also officially available in full on The Beatles 1+ (2015) promotional video compilation and on their official YouTube channel.

In 2017, the Come Together segment was released in full from a 16mm print on the TMOQ bootleg DVD The 1967 Sgt. Pepper Commemorative Issue.[11]

Something

After a transition from a photographic still (taken from the group's final photo session), the "Something" segment featured dancer Jane London. London danced to the song with psychedelic images superimposed over her. After the program aired, a different official promotional music video would later be created to promote the song's single by Apple Corps. This video would feature The Beatles themselves.

The official promotional video for "Something". Filmed in late-October after the special had aired. The video was directed by long-time Beatles Road Manager and future Apple Corps CEO Neil Aspinall.


Maxwell's Silver Hammer

The "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" segment was said to be an animated short featuring Maxwell and The Beatles. The segment also featured a shot of an illustration of The Beatles (with their mid-1969 hairstyles and breads) dressed as a barbershop quartet. The heads of the illustration moved to emulate the group signing. This effect was achieved by the director by cutting out the heads, reattaching them on pin and using a fan off screen to make the head wobble.

The barbershop quartet drawing

In December 2004 a signed drawing from the "Maxwell's Silver Hammer” segment of the program put up on eBay for $2.25m. The drawing was listed again on eBay for $1 million USD in October 2019. This time it ended with no bids. It included a typed letter from the editor of Late Night Line Up, Rowan Ayres detailing the history of the cell and the special.[12]

In April 2020, the drawing was listed again, this time with starting bid of $3.5 million. The description listed more information about its history:

THE LAST SIGNED ARTWORK BY THE BEATLES MAXWELLS SILVER HAMMER ONLY PIECE IN EXISTENCE

You MUST Message me before Bidding with full identification details, mobile number etc name or your bid will be immediately deleted and you will be blocked.

This incredible piece of Historical signed Art was accepted for sale by Sotherbys but I did not agree to the terms of sale. The Beatles contacted me years ago showing an interest in buying this back even writing to me but I did not sell. This was arranged through their EMI agent Michael Heatley and the original of this letter also comes with this piece.

Sadly the split of the band has been captured uniquely and forever immortalised, John and Ringo signing in black marker and George and Paul in blue pen this incredible feature the split of the band has never been seen before or captured in such a way. The framers markings are on the back D.N 29/1 29th January 1970

An illustration of The Beatles used during the "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" sequence. This illustration features autographs from the members of The Beatles and was for sale on eBay in 2004.

The Iconic drawing of Maxwell's Silver Hammer created by John Lennon and signed by The Beatles is the only piece of actual memorabilia in existence from the launch of Abbey Road on BBC 2 show Late Night Line Up. It was signed and presented to Rowan Ayers in early February 1970 he was the Chief Editor and Producer of the show a pioneering 60s music and talk back television presentation. Argueably the last known autographs of the band quite large from 3 - 4 inches in length magnificently signed they surround the one of a kind hand drawn caricature which featured in the film clip for Maxwell's Silver Hammer. The caricature can only be described as ICONIC having been seen by millions world wide in late 1969 dancing and wobbling to the film clip created by Rock Video pioneer Phillip Jenkinson, the heads are separated from the bodies so they could wobble to Maxwell's Silver Hammer. The memento has featured in many magazines and newspaper articles since it's discovery in 1997 when I purchased it from Rowan Ayers and has been written about in books including the official biographer of The Beatles Hunter Davies and recently featured in a full colour spread by renown Beatles author Bruce Spizer. The caricature mistakingly called a cell in some internet websites is a one of a kind drawing by John Lennon and measures 26cm x 16cm. The original black framed historical piece has now been housed in a gold vintage frame and measures around 90cm x 80cm. Rowan has signed a typed story on the back on how he met The 4 Beatles for lunch to discuss the launch of Abbey Road. This is a virtually priceless piece of historical signed art of great importance and sadly is for sale though I have enjoyed owning it for many years. Should be a major draw card to any reputable museum. Buyer to pay Insurance fees or can arrange pick up from my lawyers office in Sydney.

A screenshot of an off-air recording from the "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" sequence. This was posted by Did Media on their Twitter account.


Only 1 second of footage has so far been recovered from the Jack Henry Moore tape by DigMedia. A still of this frame was posted on their Twitter account. The frame shows a cartoon Maxwell swinging his arm that has a hammer as a hand. The Maxwell segment came after "Something" as it does on the Abbey Road album.

Because

Reportedly, footage from the first moon landing was used during this segment.

Other Content

While it is unclear what where footage could have been used on which track, other films reportedly used during the special included Scott Barlett's experimental film On/Off (1967).

EmbedVideo is missing a required parameter.


Abbey Road songs used/not used in the special

The correct order of songs is yet unknown. From the footage released by Dig Media, "Come Together" is followed by "Something", just like on the released Abbey Road album.

Song Title Status Notes
Come Together Found Found by Dig Media Archives in 2019.
Something Found Found by Dig Media Archives in 2019.
Maxwell's Silver Hammer Partly Found One second of footage was recovered by Dig Media Archives.
Oh Darling! Unconfirmed Liner notes of the The 1967 Sgt. Pepper Commemorative Issue bootleg state this song was not used.
Octopus's Garden Missing
I Want You (She's So Heavy) Missing/Unconfirmed Liner notes of the The 1967 Sgt. Pepper Commemorative Issue bootleg state this song was not used. However, a fan diary entry from the time states seeing this song.
Here Comes The Sun Missing
Because Missing Reportedly, footage from the BBC's moon landing coverage was used.
You Never Give Me Your Money Missing
Sun King Missing
Mean Mr Mustard Missing
Polythene Pam Missing
She Came In Through the Bathroom Window Unconfirmed Liner notes of the The 1967 Sgt. Pepper Commemorative Issue bootleg state this song was not used.
Golden Slumbers Missing
Carry That Weight Missing
The End Missing
Her Majesty Missing

Gallery

Partial footage of the special recovered by DigMedia with audio.

A Day In The Life promotional film (1967). Footage from this was re-edited for the "Come Together" segment.

A fan recreation of the “Maxwell Silver Hammer” segment. Using their own music (Till I Met You by Purple Cream) over the video.


See Also (BBC Wiped Programs Media)

See Also (The Beatles Media)

External Links

References

  1. The Complete Beatles Chronicle, Mark Lewishon
  2. The Beatles Book, Hunter Davis, 2019, Ebury Press, ISBN: 978009158633
  3. Radio Times. 17th January 1970.
  4. The Coventry Evening Telegraph, Friday, 19 September 1969
  5. The Daily Mail, Friday, 19 September 1969
  6. Dig Media’s Twitter post that has the footage with sound. Retrieved 21 Oct '19
  7. Dig Media Twitter post on the program. Retrieved 11 Oct '19
  8. Dig Media Twitter post on the program. Retrieved 21 Feb '20
  9. Dig Media Archive - Facebook page
  10. The 1967 Sgt. Pepper Commemorative Issue liner notes. Pages 8, 9, 10. TMOQ. Retrieved 15 July, 2022
  11. Review of the TMOQ DVD set. Retrieved 21 Oct '19
  12. eBay listing for an animation cell from the "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" segmet. Retrieved 21 Oct '19