The Hamburg Photo
About
This famous photo of The Beatles in Hamburg (1960) tells us a lot about the of the group at that time.A young German student Astrid Kircherr took The Beatles to an empty fairground for the photo shoot. Kircherr had a big influence on their early image - she created The Beatles ‘helmet’ hairstyle.
John Lennon (3rd left)
John looks a little bored. While Paul pretends to play his guitar, John’s right hand hangs down by his side. Though he is sitting behind Paul he still dominates the photo. At this point, John is clearly the leader of the group.
Paul McCartney (2nd from right)
Paul takes the photo shoot seriously. Unlike the others, he pretends to play his instrument. He is comfortable next to John but has turned away from Stuart.
Paul is also perhaps a little of jealous of Stuart's close friendship with John. He is also unhappy about Stuart's bass playing. He eventually takes over as bass player in the group.
The photo also reminds us that Paul is left handed.
George Harrison (2nd left)
George is only 17 - the youngest Beatle. He looks a little nervous and holds his guitar tightly. Like the other band members he plays six or seven hours a night, seven nights a week. George’s deportation ends The Beatles stay in Hamburg in December 1961.