In June 1964, The Beatles were in Sydney, Australia when Paul McCartney turned 22. They were in the middle of their world tour, but still had time to throw a birthday party. According to reports and the 1982 book The Beatles Down Under, the party came about through the newspaper The Daily Mirror.
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The Beatles often did meet and greets with fans. However, at the time McCartney’s party was the largest meetup they had done. The Daily Mirror organized the party at a Sheraton in Sydney, under the supervision of Brian Epstein. They published a contest for girls between 16 and 22 to enter to win a chance to attend the party. All they had to do was write an essay.
Apparently, more than 10,000 essays flooded the newspaper. Eventually, 17 girls were chosen from all over Australia. The youngest attendee was Jannette Carroll, who was 16 and entered the contest on a whim. She modeled her essay after John Lennon’s writing style, having read his book, and was eventually chosen as a finalist.
“We rushed into the city so I could get my hair done. Then I was shoved into this room at the Mirror that was entirely full of men,” Carroll described, according to an account put together by a Beatles fan site. “Derek Taylor was there but most of the questions were from Dave Allen. They asked me why I’d entered and I said I didn’t have anything else to do at the time. That must have amused them because I was chosen over a whole lot of rich debutantes that were streaming in and out of the place while I was there.”
What Did The Beatles Get Up To At Paul McCartney’s 22nd Birthday Party?
It’s an interesting way to throw a party, but managers often see a marketing opportunity when it presents itself. Still, according to reports of the party, people seemed to have fun. Allegedly, it was relaxed, fairly tame, and respectable.
“They didn’t want to have it go crazy, so they decided to get some sensible people who weren’t going to go loco – I don’t know how I got in there – so a few of us were chosen,” said attendee Jenny Lamb in a 2002 interview. “I was about 17 years old, so I was pretty naive, but the party was fairly relaxed, just like a drinks party, where you could mingle and chat with the Beatles. I particularly remember talking with George – I really liked him – he was just a gentle guy and a bit more down to earth.”
Delphine Dockergill genuinely praised Paul McCartney for his dancing and demeanor. Even after admitting she thought he might be stuck up.
“Paul is the most divine person I have ever met,” she said. “I thought he would be terribly conceited but he was natural and friendly. He is the most fantastic dancer, the way he moves is amazing. And when he danced cheek-to-cheek with me I thought I’d faint!”
Photo by Mark and Colleen Hayward/Redferns
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