Loving The Beatles. A Guide’s Personal Beatle History

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By starting with Pepper I had to break with chronological order and swayed from early to late Beatles from one album to the next. The effect was a kaleidoscopic journey of harmonies and styles. Holidays were a minefield of Beatle possibilities. If my parents were willing to make the long drive to Scotland then they must be willing to take me to Mull of Kintyre and a trip to America would be accompanied with pleas to visit The Hollywood Bowl.

Pretty soon cycling back from the local record shop with a new Beatles LP, the corners of it flicking against the spokes of my wheels, became the highlight of my week. I took it home and studied the pictures and lyrics as if they were a sacred text. Henry was a willing disciple when I met him.

Later in life a girlfriend asked me if I thought about the Beatles everyday and I had to admit that the answer was probably ‘yes’. She looked disturbed by this confession, and I needed back up. I phoned Henry and asked him the same question. After a pause he replied ‘Yes, at least once.’ ‘Thanks Henry.’ I replied and put the phone down, content.

It isn’t just us. Now I show people around the city of Liverpool. They are all ages and nationalities. Columbian cover bands return from Beatle tours with tear filled eyes, French school teachers get goose bumps at the gates of Strawberry Field, American visitors leave Paul McCartney’s house thrilled. In my job I go to places I love and talk about a band I have adored since childhood. It is my pleasure to share those places with you, so that they’ll be places you’ll remember too.

Tim Hemmings
Beatles Guide
Pool of Life Tours