“A Guitar, a Friendship, and a Flashbulb: The Night George Harrison Bonded with Joe Brown at the Tower Ballroom”
On July 27, 1962—57 years ago—the Beatles were still on the cusp of global stardom, gigging as one of the supporting acts at the Tower Ballroom in New Brighton. That evening, they were opening for Joe Brown and the Bruvvers, a lively and respected act on the British rock scene. While the Beatles were quickly becoming a phenomenon in Liverpool and Hamburg, they were still starstruck by established musicians. One of them in particular—George Harrison—had his eye on more than just the performance.
According to Mike McCartney, brother of Paul and an avid photographer, George was instantly enamored with Joe Brown’s guitar, especially the distinctive horse brasses that adorned its strap. “George absolutely loved Joe’s guitar,” McCartney recalled, “and the horse brasses on the strap.” When Joe momentarily stepped away backstage, George seized the opportunity and urged McCartney: “Quick, get a picture of me with the guitar before he comes back.”
The photo captures a moment of pure fandom and youthful admiration. Just a few years later, George Harrison would be one of the most famous guitarists in the world, but that night he was simply a young musician awed by the style and charisma of another. When Joe returned, Mike snapped another photo—this time of Brown slinging the same guitar onstage.
That fleeting backstage interaction sparked a genuine and lasting friendship. Joe Brown and George Harrison grew incredibly close in the years that followed. Their shared love of music, humor, and craftsmanship led to a deep bond—so much so that George later became the best man at Joe’s wedding.
This quiet anecdote from a sweaty summer night in New Brighton isn’t just a snapshot of early Beatlemania—it’s a reminder of the connections music forges, long before the fame and frenzy take hold. Harrison’s admiration was sincere, and his friendship with Joe Brown, forged that night, would endure well beyond the stages and the spotlights.