Wednesday, 6 August 2008

Beatles recording sells for $23,000

Lennon, McCartney giggling on half-hour tape




LONDON -- A newly discovered tape of the Beatles laughing and chatting during an early recording session has sold for around 12,000 pounds ($23,000), an auction house reported Tuesday.

Cameo Auctioneers said the reel-to-reel tape was recorded in 1964 and had latterly been observed by a man in northern England while he was clearing out his father's attic.

The half-hour tape sold to an Internet bidder Tuesday afternoon for 11,900 pounds ($23,446) including tax and the buyer's premium, the auction house said, adding that it had til now to contact the winner.

The tape features John Lennon and Paul McCartney collapsing into fits of giggles as they try to finish the ballad "I'll Follow the Sun."

It as well carries versions of songs including "I Feel Fine," "I'm a Loser" and "Don't Put Me Down Like This."