A rare original Dezo Hoffman photograph of John Lennon and Paul McCartney rehearsing at Abbey Road Studios, London, September 4, 1962.

This was during The Beatles’ second of three sessions to record their debut single.  At this session, they recorded the version of “Love Me Do” which was released as their first single, as well as a version of Mitch Murray’s “How Do You Do It” (producer George Martin’s originally choice for their debut).  On September 11, at Martin’s behest,  the Beatles returned to Abbey Road to take yet another stab at Love Me Do, with session drummer Andy White, and Ringo Starr on tambourine.  That version was used on their first album, Please Please Me, and subsequent pressings of the single.  But the first Beatles song ever released was the version of “Love Me Do” recorded at the session at which this photograph was taken.

The print, made from the original negative sometime later, has on the back Dezo Hoffman’s copyright stamp, as well as those of photo services Rex Features and its US affiliate, RDR Productions.  9 7/8″ x 6 3/4″.  In excellent condition.