8436 - The Yardbirds Original ‘Big Beat Sessions’ Concert Handbill (Stourbridge, 1964) - Eric Clapton Era

The Yardbirds Original ‘Big Beat Sessions’ Concert Handbill (Stourbridge, 1964) - Eric Clapton Era Original 5 x 8 handbill advertising the Yardbirds’ performance at Stourbridge Town Hall in the West Midlands, England, on November 18, 1964, as part of the venue’s “Big Beat Sessions.” The handbill bills “Authentic R & B from The Yardbirds,” with the session scheduled from 7:30 to 10:30 P.M., and also advertises a November 11 appearance by Wayne Fontana and the Mindbenders, promoting ‘Um, Um, Um, Um, Um, Um.’ The upper right corner bears an ink date notation, “1964.” In very good to fine condition, with intersecting folds and light edgewear. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Tracks. The Stourbridge performance dates to Eric Clapton’s tenure as the Yardbirds’ lead guitarist, when the group consisted of Clapton, Keith Relf, Chris Dreja, Paul Samwell-Smith, and Jim McCarty. The “Authentic R & B” billing matches the group’s repertoire at the time, which was rooted in American blues and R&B; their second single, a cover of John Lee ‘Sonny Boy’ Williamson’s ‘Good Morning Little Schoolgirl,’ had been released in October 1964. Stourbridge Town Hall’s “Big Beat” sessions, held midweek that autumn, were promoted by Freddy Bannister and brought numerous touring British groups to the venue.