The Beatles with Neil Aspinall
Here is an nice little article written by Neil Aspinall for a fan magazine in 1964 (sorry, I already forgot where I got this from)
Beatle gift-giving is most unusual. As you all probably know, when the boys were younger times were bad, so they couldn’t give the usual Christmas and birthday gifts to one another. They settled it by an unspoken agreement not to give anything. This way no one was embarrassed. But now things are looking up (aren’t they, though!) and the Beatles got a boost out of handing one another funny (or very valuable) presents from time to time.They don’t neccessarily do this on holidays, but when they are in the mood or see something that they know another Beatle would like.
Here is a funny sidelight: when John and George go to the dentist, they always go together and they each give themselves (not each other) a nice present before they go. They are dead scared of the dentist, and I suppose this gave them a bit of incentive. The last time they went to the dentist, John came back with a typewriter and George brought back a tape recorder.
Aside from the great car they gave me for Christmas, I remember another smashing present they gave out. It was for their recording manager, George Martin, who is very keen on woodwork repairs and things like that. The Beatles gifted him with a magnificent set of tools –- with real ivory handles. It’s so valuable that George hardly dares use it.
Fans are always asking me what to give the Beatles. I know that Paul was quite thrilled by the electric toothbrush one fan sent him -– but all the other Beatles rushed off and got one, so there’s no point in sending those now. They never use electric razors unless they are dead pressed for time, but Paul loves menthol aftershave lotion.
One thing the Beatles can never keep enough of is cuff-links. I don’t know what happens, but inevitably –- right before they go on stage –- one of them has to borrow some. So there’s a good idea for a Beatle gift!
