#8feb1964

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Neil does his fifth Beatle duties standing in for George during the rehearsals for The Ed Sullivan Show on 8th February 1964. George was poorly in bed with strep throat. 

Pics: CBS / Getty

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Jackie magazine Beatles pin-ups from the 8th February 1964 issue. The photoshoot took place in late 1963. 

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This is George Harrison of The Beatles and you are listening to Jack Diamond – your Beatle leader in the Springfield area.

A radio promo by George, recorded via telephone on the 8th February 1964, when he was sick and resting at New York’s Plaza Hotel (The other Beatles were out taking photos in Central Park at the time). 

The promo was for WSPR radio DJ, Jack Diamond (who later changed his name to Sandy Beach). He’d been given a phone number by the Beatles record label (presumably Capitol) to call them at the Plaza. When he called, George answered the phone. 

The lucky DJ was able to bag an interview with George and record this radio spot with him. George chatted about his favourite American TV shows, the bands upcoming trip to Miami and the film they were about to start, A Hard Day’s Night. 

Jack Diamond followed up the interview with another call to George on the 16th February, catching him while the Beatles were rehearsing for the Ed Sullivan Show in Miami. That time, George chatted about the weather in Miami, the popularity of the Beatles songs on WSPR and the Ed Sullivan show, then he passed the phone on to Ringo. 

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The Beatles (minus George) explore Central Park, New York on the 8th February, 1964. 

Colour photos: AP Photo. 

Black and White photos: Keystone / Hulton Archive / Getty Images.

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Ed Sullivan Show rehearsals and set construction, 8th February, 1964. 

Pics: courtesy of Dave Morrell.