1964: Eyes of the Storm

Photographs and Reflections by Paul McCartney

Paul McCartney's 1964: Eyes of the Storm is a collection of nearly a thousand photographs taken by him on a 35mm camera during the months when Beatlemania erupted in the UK and the band's first visit to the USA. The photographs are a personal record of this explosive time, and include never-before-seen portraits of John, George, and Ringo. The book also includes McCartney's reflections on Britain and America in 1964, the moment when the culture changed and the Sixties really began.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 13 June 2023
Publisher: Penguin Books

About 1964: Eyes of the Storm

'Millions of eyes were suddenly upon us, creating a picture I will never forget for the rest of my life.'

In the year 2020, an extraordinary collection comprising nearly a thousand photographs, all captured by none other than Paul McCartney using a 35mm camera, was serendipitously unearthed from the depths of his personal archive. These images provide an intimate and vivid chronicle of the transformative period spanning the final months of 1963 and the commencement of 1964.

It was during this juncture that the phenomenon known as Beatlemania swept across the United Kingdom, thrusting the Fab Four into the limelight. Following their inaugural sojourn to the United States, they ascended to the status of global icons, garnering unparalleled fame and recognition. Within this treasure trove of photographs, one can trace Paul McCartney's individual recollections of this whirlwind era, a time he describes as being ensconced within the 'Eyes of the Storm'.

The curated compilation titled "1964: Eyes of the Storm" showcases a carefully selected ensemble of 275 of McCartney's photographic masterpieces. These images encapsulate the essence of the vibrant and legendary six cities that played a pivotal role during those fervent months: Liverpool, London, Paris, New York, Washington, D.C., and Miami.

Among the gems are hitherto unrevealed portraits of three other members of the iconic quartet - John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. In the pages of this collection, McCartney's introspective voice emerges in the form of Forewords and Introductions that accompany each city-based portfolio.

He vividly recalls the pandemonium that unfurled during that period, poignantly capturing the atmosphere that surrounded the Beatles' meteoric rise. Through his lens and prose, McCartney ingeniously transports readers back to an era of sheer chaos and excitement, encapsulating the essence of both Britain and America in 1964. This year is oft-regarded as the epicentre of a cultural seismic shift, marking the birth of the transformative Sixties.

The photographs themselves serve as time capsules, each freeze-framing a moment of exhilaration and upheaval. McCartney's expert lens not only captures the frenetic energy of concerts but also provides glimpses into more private, introspective moments of the Beatles' journey. As the band navigates their journey from Liverpool's Merseybeat scene to conquering American shores, these images offer a visual narrative of their evolving fame and cultural significance.

The juxtaposition of candid shots with monumental performances creates a tapestry that conveys the all-encompassing nature of their experience.

Through "1964: Eyes of the Storm," Paul McCartney extends an invitation to revisit history and immerse oneself in the raw emotions and profound societal shifts of that era. The collection functions as a bridge between the past and the present, affording a fresh perspective on the unparalleled frenzy that accompanied the Beatles' ascent to superstardom.

Beyond the confines of musical history, these images delve into the broader cultural zeitgeist, underscoring the tangible transformation that transpired in the early Sixties. As viewers gaze upon these images, they are granted the privilege of witnessing history unfold - not from a distance, but through the eyes of a creative genius who was inextricably intertwined with the very fabric of the tempestuous storm.

1964: Eyes of the Storm includes:-

• Six city portfolios - Liverpool, London, Paris, New York, Washington, D.C. and Miami - and a Coda on the later months of 1964 - featuring 275 of Paul McCartney's photographs and his candid reflections on them
• A Foreword by Paul McCartney
• Beatleland, an Introduction by Harvard historian and New Yorker essayist Jill Lepore
• A Preface by Nicholas Cullinan, Director of the National Portrait Gallery, London, and
• Another Lens, an essay by Senior Curator Rosie Broadley

Weight: 2114g
Dimension: 254 x 293 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780241619711

About Paul McCartney

In 2020, an extraordinary discovery was made in Paul McCartney's archive. Nearly a thousand photographs taken by McCartney on a 35mm camera during a pivotal period in his life were unearthed. These photographs capture the months leading up to Beatlemania's eruption in the UK and the band's historic first visit to the USA, propelling them to global fame. McCartney's personal record of this explosive time is documented in the photographs, which he refers to as "being in the eye of the storm."

1964: Eyes of the Storm is a captivating collection of 275 photographs taken during McCartney's travels to six cities in 1964. These cities include Liverpool, London, Paris, New York, Washington, D.C., and Miami. The book offers a never-before-seen glimpse into the lives of John, George, and Ringo, as well as McCartney himself. McCartney's Foreword and Introductions to each city portfolio provide a vivid account of the pandemonium that characterized these months and his impressions of Britain and America in 1964, a time when cultural change and the Sixties truly began.

The book features six city portfolios, each showcasing McCartney's photographs and candid reflections on the events and experiences he encountered during his travels. The photographs are accompanied by insightful essays and commentary from notable figures, including Paul McCartney, Harvard historian and New Yorker essayist Jill Lepore, Nicholas Cullinan, Director of the National Portrait Gallery, London, and Senior Curator Rosie Broadley.

1964: Eyes of the Storm is a remarkable testament to Paul McCartney's artistic vision and his profound connection to the world around him. It offers a unique window into a pivotal period in history and provides a deeper understanding of the man behind the music.