On the Record: The Beatles – Please Please Me (1963 UK Black & Gold Label First Pressing)
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The Beatles’ Please Please Me launched a global phenomenon — but before Beatlemania truly took hold, the band’s debut album was quietly pressed and released by Parlophone in the UK on March 22, 1963. That first pressing, featuring the black and gold Parlophone label, is now one of the most coveted Beatles vinyl records ever produced.
Only around 25,000–30,000 copies were made before Parlophone switched to the more common black and yellow label later that year. This mono-only first edition wasn’t just a snapshot of a new band — it was the spark that lit the fuse.
Behind the Pressing
The entire album was recorded in just over 13 hours at Abbey Road Studios, with George Martin producing. Songs like “I Saw Her Standing There,” “Love Me Do,” and “Twist and Shout” captured the Beatles' live energy before overdubs and polish became the norm.
The first pressing:
Was released in mono only (catalog #: PMC 1202)
Featured black and gold Parlophone labels with “Dick James Music Co.” credit on several tracks
Included “Made in Gt. Britain” text and “Recording first published 1963” on the label
These small details are crucial to distinguishing the genuine first press.
How to Identify the First Pressing (Black & Gold Label)
Label: Black & gold Parlophone, large “33⅓” text
Publishing Credits: “Dick James Music Co.” for tracks like “Please Please Me” and “I Saw Her Standing There”
Matrix/Runout: Side A: XEX 421-1N / Side B: XEX 422-1N
Mother/Stamper Codes: Low numbers = earliest copies
Cover: Ernest J. Day sleeve with “Photo: Angus McBean” credit on the far right
⚠️ Second pressings use black and yellow Parlophone labels — far more common and less valuable.
Collector’s Value
True first pressings in clean condition can sell for $4,000–$8,000 AUD, with near mint or sealed copies commanding even more. Copies with early mother stampers and complete original sleeves are especially prized by Beatles collectors worldwide.
Why It Matters
Please Please Me is where it all began — the birth of a band that would change music forever. Owning a black and gold first pressing isn’t just owning a Beatles album. It’s owning the moment before history erupted.