George Harrison’s mother wrote that she was “really embarrassed I was a woman” after witnessing screaming fans at a Beatles concert.
Louise Harrison told teenage Janet Gray about the “Beatlemania” scenes she saw while performing in Manchester in November 1963.
Janet, from Crosby, Liverpool, sent weekly fan mail to the Harrison family home in Mackets Lane, Woolton, from 1963 to 1966.
Ms. Harrison diligently answered thousands of letters from fans around the world.
Their correspondence was intimate, as Mrs. Harrison took a keen interest in the teenager’s personal life as she shared her son’s exploits as his fame soared.
In a November 1963 letter, she wrote, “Dear Janet, I know nothing about your mother’s letter. I didn’t have one yet.
“I really hope my writing to you is not the cause of trouble at home. Because if it is, I certainly won’t be writing anymore.
British musicians George Harrison (right) and Ringo Starr (left) dance with their mothers at the premiere party for their 1964 film ‘A Hard Day’s Night’
A letter from Louise Harrison, mother of The Beatles’ George Harrison, one of thousands of letters she sent in response to fan mail. The letter is part of a series of 25 reply letters from Mrs. Harrison that have been put up for sale
“Last Wednesday I went to Manchester and I was really disgusted by the way the so-called fans were screaming the whole Beatles act.
“Nobody in their right mind would pay and queue for a ticket just to stand on a chair and scream, not hearing a single sound from the stage. I was really ashamed that I was a woman.
“Now Janet, I hope you try to remember that your mother is your best friend, even if you disagree on some issues. Thank God I get along well with all my four children and they with each other.
“Anyway, I will be praying that everything works out for you in the very near future. Much love, Louise Harrison.
“PS I have about 90 letters unopened and hundreds opened awaiting replies (sic).”
In another reply in July 1964, she said, “Dear Janet, this will have to be short.
‘George was home for two days or rather nights – rehearsing all day in Blackpool. George, thank goodness, was not injured in the crash.
‘Oh, I’m surprised you believe shit about Paul. Why on earth do you believe it, I don’t.
‘You seem to be having a good time, don’t you! I want to go away this weekend.
“I have to close now for shopping. Love, Louise Harrison
‘Thanks for the snap, it’s very good.’=’
In September 1964 she wrote: ‘Dear Janet, I have been in Surrey for five weeks.
“George was there five days before I got home. He is very skinny but OK.
Glad to hear you have a boyfriend. I hope you pass the GCE well. I’m so busy I could scream. At least 3000 letters to answer. So I say cheerio for now.”
Nearly two years later, in August 1966, she wrote: “Dear Janet, I have just been on holiday and have traveled in France, Spain, Switzerland, Germany and now I am back to about 500 letters and so I am afraid this will should be quite short.
“I hope the guys will have a successful tour of America despite all the rumors we’ve heard.
“Congratulations and good luck to your brother. I’m sorry to hear about your breakdown with the moped. You are lucky to receive such a good salary.
‘I hope your mother enjoyed Lucerne, we were there.
“Best wishes, Louise Harrison.”
Two female fans watch The Beatles perform in Manchester on November 20, 1963
A Beatles recital in Manchester, England, with police officers on standby to deal with agitated fans. February 11, 1963
A set of 25 reply letters from Mrs. Harrison has been put up for sale by Mrs. Gray’s family.
They will be one of the items on offer at the Liverpool Beatles Memorabilia auction taking place in the city on Saturday 26 August.
More details can be found at http://www.beatlesauction.co.uk