8th March 1958: George Plays with the Quarrymen

In February 1958, a young George Harrison took his first step toward music history by joining The Quarrymen. This pivotal moment was documented by 14-year-old aspiring photographer Mike McCartney, who took what is now the earliest known colour photograph of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison together as The Quarrymen. The photo was taken on Saturday, 8th March, 1958.

The historic image, shown above, was snapped at a McCartney family wedding reception in Liverpool, where the boys had been invited to perform. Titled John, Paul, George and Dennis (a nod to family friend Dennis Littler, seen on the right), the portrait is part of Mike McCartney’s Early Liverpool print portfolio. It offers a rare glimpse into what may have been George Harrison's very first gig with the band.

Mike McCartney: 'George had only just turned 15 and this may well have been his first performance with the group. John without his glasses couldn't see a thing, but we could clearly see from his red cheeks that he was bevvied… In those days, colour film was very expensive so it would have been a special present from Dad.' 

In Mike McCartney’s Early Liverpool book, Mike shares more memories of those formative years, along with a second, never-before-seen photograph of Paul, John, and George performing at the event—published exclusively for Genesis subscribers. Order your copy today with FREE shipping to discover more.

FREE Shipping on Books + Prints

To mark this moment in music history, you can use the gift code QUARRY58 to receive FREE Shipping on any new purchase of Mike McCartney's Early Liverpooland/or Mike McCartney's Early Liverpool Prints until Sunday 9th March at midnight while stocks last.

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Terms & Conditions

• The QUARRY58 gift code is valid on all new orders of Mike McCartney's Early Liverpool limited edition book and/or prints placed from today until midnight Sunday 9th March.
• The QUARRY58 gift code must be entered at checkout during the offer period.
• This offer is made subject to availability while stocks last.
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