The Birth of the Beatles

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Summary: Important Only in His Own Mind
Review: An unprecedented personal and humanizing account of The Beatles on the rise in early-60s Liverpool. Moreover, the author provides a no-holds-barred look into what the early years of rock `n' roll promotion were like before the corporations took over. The blow-by-blow writing style places the reader in the thick of all the action, and the generous collection of rare photographs is well worth the cover price alone.

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Summary: Who is nameless from Seattle
Review: I think it's really weird and slimy that this person, obviously with some vested interest, is slamming the book totally anonymously (yes, if you've got something to say that you believe in, why not put a name to it?). The fact is, it's rather silly to say that Sam Leach had little to do with the Beatles when all you have to do is to go to....... and check out the photo page. There are pictures there of Sam with Paul on stage, The Beatles at Sam's engagement party, etc., etc.. The Birth Of The Beatles is an interesting and informative insight into what life was like at grassroots level in the early days of Liverpool and The Beatles' pre-fame. I have no idea how or why anyone other than some rival would even attempt to claim otherwise. Or, as old Albert Einstein once said, "Greatness will always be challenged by mediocrity." Gonna come out of the closet, Seattle?

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Summary: Sam -- You The Man
Review: If you're a Beatles fan, or even just interested in the Mersey sound aborning, you must read this book! I recently had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Leach at a Beatles Faire in San Diego, California. He is a charming, delightful man who tells his story of the birth of not just the Beatles, but the whole phenomenon of Merseyside rock 'n' roll, with wit and wisdom. Make no mistake, this is not just another me-too book from some Beatles hanger-on. This man was a player, an active participant who helped to make it all possible. Without him it would not have been quite the same. Who knows, fate is a fickle thing: without him it might not have been at all. Read the book and you'll see what I mean.

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Summary: A title for my review?
Review: Just an excellent book of how it was like in the early Beatle days. One of my absolute favorite Beatle books. I felt like I was there living the story of the Liverpool scene in those days. Of course I wasn't there, and I didn't live those days...but Sam Leach did! Thanks for the great book. Greg

Rating:
Summary: SAMS THE MAN
Review: Odd that Nameless in Seattle should dispute Mr Leach's relationship with the Beatles-the photographs in the book show Sam onstage with Paul-They also show all the Beatles carousing youthfully at Sam's engagement party etc-and as for being a 'legend in his own mind' the stance taken in the book is that of the eternal fan made even more endearing by Sam's own hilarious descriptions of his ineptitude as a musician-Im puzzled- Did we read the same copy of the book?-or is it a cse of "Hell hath no fury like a vested interest posing as a moral principle? However if you want a good read and are an ardent peruser and purchaser of all things Beatle this is the book for you.

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Summary: Write it again, Sam!
Review: Sam Leach gives us a rockin' account of Liverpool just before the deluge. All the main players are here and Sam situates himself right in their midst. Having the good fortune of a photographer as best friend during the early days of Merseymania ensures some fantastic period pictures, some of which were taken at private parties.
Can't recommend this book too highly for anyone interested in the early days of The Beatles and their contemporaries, you can almost smell the cheap perfume and cheaper alcohol at venues such as Litherland Town Hall and The Tower Ballroom.
Sam should be made to write another book in this vein. Great stuff.

Rating:
Summary: BIRD'S EYE VIEW OF THE BEATLES' EARLY DAYS
Review: Sam Leach has written one of the definitive pre-1964 books about the Beatles. He does a very thorough job of covering their early band years, from the rough German nightclubs in Hamburg to the solid band the world recognizes and honors today.

Leach writes in a clear, strong voice and has plainly done his homework. He has fully researched his material. He has also recreated a period in musical history that has been hailed by many Beatles' fans as "the inception of REAL rock and roll." A biased perception, tis true, but one that many, myself included will readily endorse. His descriptions of the early days are fresh and vivid; his gift for writing makes the reader feel present at the places and scenes he describes.

And the music. Yeah, the music...such a treat...just like this book.

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Summary: Best Beatles Book!
Review: Sam Leach has written the best Beatles book of its kind. He takes you back - back to the days before Beatlemania and tells how it actually was when the Fabs were unknown to the rest of the world. He offers a rare glimpse into the beginning of an era that has affected us all. You feel like you are there, transported back to a more simple, less complicated time. You get an insider's view to an exciting time in Liverpool.

It is one of those books that you want to read from cover to cover, again and again. I could not put it down. The local flavor is fantastic. The style in which it was written makes you feel as if you were there. You can touch the buildings, feel the beat, see the groups, and hear the music. You can taste the fish n' chips! The energy jumps off the pages at you. It leaves you wanting for more when you are finished reading it.

Sam deserves much more credit than the world has given him for the early days of the true Merseybeat. I sincerely hope this book is just the start of the recognition for him that he truly deserves. Sam should be included in every discussion, program, documentary, TV show, and movie about the emerging Beatles.

Tell everyone you know to buy this book for the real story of how the Beatles started. They will thank you and you will be doing your part to set history straight.

Thank you Sam, for letting us know how it really was and for writing such a great account of what must have been a great time to witness! Peace.

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Summary: Just want to ask...
Review: The book is great but can anyone tell me where you can get a copy of the movie? I've seen the movie twice but can't find a copy anywhere - not even on the net.

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Summary: The birth of Merseybeat
Review: This book explodes the myth that Merseybeat started with The Cavern. The Beatles, Gerry & The Pacemakers, The Big Three and Rory Storm were all actively selling out shows according to author Sam Leach, a pioneering promoter who saw the management of The Beatles slip through his grasp by an ambitious and wealthy Brian Epstein. The anecdotes and stories reveal the way it was in Liverpool 1961 and with many unpublished photos we can see an insight from one who was there before the boom.