Lost Beatles Footage Rediscovered: The Beatles Perform 'Can't Buy Me Love' and 'You Can't Do That' on Top Of The Pops in 1964
Lost footage of The Beatles performing on the BBC's Top Of The Pops in 1964 has been rediscovered. The footage features the band performing 'Can't Buy Me Love' and 'You Can't Do That', which were released as a single the following day and became their fourth UK Number one hit. The BBC did not preserve these performances, as they often reused tapes in the 1960s, resulting in the loss of many episodes of shows like Top Of The Pops. Film Is Fabulous, a film preservation group, obtained a 35mm BBC negative of the performance from the family of a deceased industry professional at a film convention in Surrey. They plan to restore the footage and return it to the BBC Archives for wider distribution.
The footage was recorded on March 19, 1964, at the BBC's Television Theatre in London, capturing The Beatles during the height of Beatlemania. The recordings show behind-the-scenes glimpses of the studio, technicians, and make-up artists. There were multiple takes of 'Can't Buy Me Love' due to technical issues, with the band joking and dancing during breaks. The second take of 'You Can't Do That' featured John Lennon making a funny face during a close-up shot, adding a humorous touch to the performance. If successfully restored, this footage would be the oldest surviving footage of The Beatles on Top Of The Pops.
In other Beatles news, the band will be celebrating Global Beatles Day on June 25, an annual event initiated by fans to commemorate their iconic legacy. Additionally, Paul McCartney recently released his new solo album, The Boys Of Dungeon Lane, marking his return to the music scene after a five-year hiatus. Stay tuned for more updates on The Beatles and their enduring influence on music history.