Thursday, September 18, 1969

The “Abbey Road” listening party

Last updated on April 30, 2025

Location

Location: Apple offices, 3 Savile Row • London • UK

Timeline

Article Sep 16, 1969 • Maclen Ltd launches legal proceedings against Northern Songs Ltd

Article Sep 17, 1969 • Meeting to discuss the Capitol / EMI agreement

Article Sep 18, 1969 • The "Abbey Road" listening party

Session Sep 18, 1969 • Recording "Rock Of All Ages"

Article Sep 19, 1969 • BBC Late Night Line Up previews "Abbey Road"

Related master release

Abbey Road
By The Beatles

Related album

Abbey Road
By The Beatles • LP

On this day, The Beatles hosted a listening party for their forthcoming album “Abbey Road” at their Apple headquarters, ahead of its UK release on September 26, 1969. Invitations, signed by Paul McCartney, were sent out to an unknown number of guests.

From Beatles: Paul McCartney Signed Invitation | RR Auction – Supremely rare personal invitation from The Beatles to attend an ‘Abbey Road’ listening party at Apple Headquarters in London on September 18, 1969, 6 x 3, signed on the reverse in red ballpoint, “Paul McCartney.” On the front is an image of the iconic album artwork, with invitation text imprinted on the reverse: “The four of us would be greatly honoured if you would grace the first floor at APPLE 3, Savile Row, with your presence at 3:45 p.m. on September 18th (Thursday this week) so that we can meet you all again and play you our new album ABBEY ROAD. Love from John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr.” One week later, on September 26, 1969, the album would be released worldwide to the general public. In fine condition. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Tracks.

From Meet the Beatles for Real: Abbey Road listening party – September 18, 1969

Going further

The Beatles Diary Volume 1: The Beatles Years

"With greatly expanded text, this is the most revealing and frank personal 30-year chronicle of the group ever written. Insider Barry Miles covers the Beatles story from childhood to the break-up of the group."

Buy on Amazon

Solid State: The Story of "Abbey Road" and the End of the Beatles

Acclaimed Beatles historian Kenneth Womack offers the most definitive account yet of the writing, recording, mixing, and reception of Abbey Road. In February 1969, the Beatles began working on what became their final album together. Abbey Road introduced a number of new techniques and technologies to the Beatles' sound, and included "Come Together," "Something," and "Here Comes the Sun," which all emerged as classics.

Buy on Amazon

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