music
May 2, 2026
Letters and photos from Beatles’ early days to go on show in Hamburg
Exclusive: The collection, including donations from Paul McCartney’s brother Mike, shows band’s development in early 60s
TL;DR
- A new exhibition in Hamburg will display rare letters and photos from the Beatles' early period (1960-62).
- The collection includes the only known letter signed by both John Lennon and Paul McCartney, written to Paul's brother, Mike McCartney.
- The artifacts showcase the band's development, their first feelings of stardom, and the intense Hamburg performance schedule.
- Photographs by Stuart Sutcliffe, who influenced the band's style, are also featured.
- Mike McCartney shared that the Beatles used stimulants to endure their non-stop performances in Hamburg, which significantly improved their professionalism upon returning to Liverpool.