DAFYDD REES – The Beatles 1963: A Year in the Life

1963 was undoubtedly one of the most eventful and action-packed years in Beatles history and saw the group evolve into a global and widespread phenomenon that cemented their legend. This beautiful hardback sees author Dafydd Rees explore that hallowed year in great detail and essentially provides the reader with an account of what went down on each and every day of 1963, which means that what you get here is a painstakingly researched piece of work that is bound to thrill hardcore fans of the band. 

The Beatles were a whirlwind of activity in 1963 – both collectively and individually – and it saw them expand their fanbase, play larger venues, achieve more acclaim and critical approval, and develop their impeccable compositional skills. The highlights and triumphs of their time on the road, the TV shows and photo shoots, the recording sessions, the parties and backstage shenanigans, the endless commutes up and down the British motorways, and the long ques outside the venues – all of that is covered here and makes for an entertaining and enlightening read that very much makes one feel as if one is actually there and in the moment, almost akin to a fly-on-the-wall documentary in literary form, if that makes sense. Having said that, the form and structure of the narrative tend to feel somewhat rigid and predictable at times as everything more or less follows the exact same pattern throughout, and as marvelous and interesting as the pioneering outfit were sixty years ago, some days were simply less significant and noteworthy than others. The format of the story oftentimes results in the reading experience feeling somewhat monotonous in that many pages and entries appear interchangeable. Then again, there are some real gems to be discovered in terms of anecdotes and remembrances that range from touching and reflective to hilarious and even sweetly melancholic in that they speak of lost youth, a bygone era, and the exhilarating feel of discovering music that speaks to the soul.

A treasure trove of funny trivia, noteworthy information, lovely anecdotes, and precious memories of music that will outlast us all, A Year in the Life is and a must-have for any devotee of the Fab Four, but as stated earlier on, it does tend to come across as slightly repetitive and unvaried now and then. A rewarding read and worth one’s time without necessarily being a page-turner or a thrilling tome that one feels the urge to devour quickly.