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The Beatles.

Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons

Right to left: Joe Leary, Larry Hennesey, Rob Frith, Aaron Chapman. Bottom right Danny Fillipone.

Photo courtesy Scott Jensen

Vintage Beatles’ recording discovered

By Joe Leary

Published 12:41 PDT, Fri June 20, 2025

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It’s extremely rare that a vintage recording of a legendary band would be unexpectedly uncovered, over six decades later. But that’s exactly what recently happened for Rob Frith; owner of Neptoon Records on Main Street.

In this case, the recording session can be traced back to 1962. And it’s not just any old band, it’s The Beatles.

The value of such a find is incalculable. What’s even more unusual is that this recording has been hiding in plain sight in the record store, seemingly collecting dust!

“I had this tape on a shelf that had sat there for years and I never really checked what was on it,” says Frith.

Fortunately, he, along with radio veteran and producer, Larry Hennessey were tracking recordings in the latter’s studio for an upcoming project when they decided to give the old tape a listen. What they heard sent shivers down their spines.

“We had been working on The History of ‘Vancouver Rock Volume 5’; transferring tapes for the project one evening,” recalls Hennessey.

“It was about 11:15 p.m. and Rob asked “Do you think it’s too late to play this one? I’ve had the tape for some time”.

It had ‘Beatles demo’ listed on the box and Hennessey quickly recognized it’s potential.

“I noticed it was a metal reel from the early 1960’s and had been prepared as a Master recording with leader tape separating the songs,” he says.

“Once you know what you’re looking for its visually very easy to spot.” They threaded the tape on the machine and started to play it.

“Right away we realized this was incredible quality Beatles music and probably three or four songs in, we surmised it was likely a copy of the Decca demo tape”.

In 1962, The Beatles famously auditioned for Britain’s Decca Records at the label’s suburban London studios. In that session, the group recorded a number of tracks including Three Cool Cats, Like Dreamers Do and The Sheik of Araby.

These songs would eventually be released in 1995 on The Beatles Anthology 1 compilation.

“We listened to about six songs and knew we had something pretty special; but not exactly just how special” adds Hennessey. That would become apparent in the ensuing days.

“We realized that this was indeed a very high-quality copy of the Beatles Decca demo tape and it was incredible to be in the middle of a viral moment.

“I’ve described it like being in a canoe without a lifejacket shooting down over Niagara Falls”. Frith posted a short 30 second video to social media; remarking on the find and its supreme quality. Within days it went viral; with its authenticity as being direct from Decca Records as good as verified.

“I was contacted by a recording engineer named Luke Pacholski” says Hennessey. “He is a huge fan of all things Beatles Decca Session and was instrumental in tracking the validity of this tape. In going back-and-forth with several other engineers, it was pretty much decided that this very tape—if not the actual Master—is likely the highest quality copy presently available”.

Though Frith is in the business of buying and selling records, tapes, posters and the like, he doesn’t specifically recall where he acquired this particular gem.

“I don’t remember exactly who; or what collection it came from,” adds Frith.

“I bought two very large collections from prominent Vancouver recording engineers so it possibly came from one of those.”

While the original seller may remain a mystery, the recording’s value is certainly considerable, and interest in the find is worldwide.

“Rob and I were interviewed for many high-profile media, including the New York Times; featured on Good Morning America and in People and Rolling Stone magazines, to name a few,” says Hennessey.

“The world‘s Beatles fans are a very enthusiastic bunch and there are many experts in all facets coming forward; both from the historical standpoint and also the technical view of this whole thing.

“It was all over the entertainment and Beatles content on social media”.

As for the cherished tape’s future, Frith has stated that he would give it to Paul McCartney if he could personally put it into his hands. That’s a wish that might just come true.

And as an interesting aside in regards to that original recording session audition at Decca Records back in 1962—the ‘Fab Four’ flunked.

The label rejected The Beatles—as in their opinion, “guitar groups are on the way out”, and ‘The Beatles have no future in show business.”

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