John, Paul, George, Ringo... and Derek
Diary of press man’s Beatles dramas
A DIARY kept by the wife of the Beatles’ press officer has been uncovered, giving a fascinating new insight into the band’s break-up.
Joan Taylor wrote the entries in 1969 when husband Derek was working with the Fab Four.
The former Daily Express journalist was hired by Beatles manager Brian Epstein after reviewing a Beatles gig in Manchester, and became a key figure behind the group.
Joan’s diary tells how Derek was close to George Harrison but less so to Paul Mccartney.
Entries recall a “rotten day with Paul” and the moment George quit the band during the Get Back sessions: “George has walked out of The Beatles and won’t go back.”
It includes details of Joan getting John Lennon’s piano delivered and “good nights out” with him and Yoko Ono.
But it also tells how Derek watched the band fall apart.
One entry reads: “More trouble with Paul Mc, it went on most of the day and night. We are both pretty exhausted by it all. I think this is the beginning of the end for Derek at Apple [Records].”
Another says: “Derek is having a particularly difficult time at the office as a result of John’s interview. George came for a chat and when they came home it was all OK but they looked whacked.”
A further extract reads: “He has had a rotten day with Paul and another sleepless night.”
Another details the arrest of George and Pattie Harrison in a drugs raid on March 12, 1969 – the day of Paul’s wedding.
It reads: “George and Pattie were busted this afternoon. Derek went with George to the police station.”
Joan also describes the moment recording boss Allen Klein – said to have influenced the break-up – took charge of the band, saying: “It has put the cat among the pigeons.”
Joan’s diary is expected to fetch up to €700 at auction in Newbury, Berks, next week. Special Auction Services called it a “fascinating artefact”.
Derek died aged 65 at home in Sudbury, Suffolk, in 1997.
More trouble with Paul Mc, it went on most of the night JOAN TAYLOR IN ENTRY FROM HER 1969 DIARY