Beatles’ First ‘Top of the Pops’ Appearance Found on 35mm Film

The BBC’s infamous tape-wiping erased countless early television moments, but a sharp image of the Beatles’ first Top of the Pops performance was long among the most sought-after casualties. On March 19, 1964, the day before they released the single “Can’t Buy Me Love” b/w “You Can’t Do That,” the band appeared at the BBC’s Television Theatre in London and mimed through both songs. The master tape was subsequently recorded over, leaving only murky, fragmented clips.

This week, the conservation non-profit Film Is Fabulous! announced that a complete 35mm print has surfaced. It was handed to the group by the family of a deceased industry professional. The reel contains four takes of “Can’t Buy Me Love” — two were abandoned because of technical faults — and two of “You Can’t Do That.” Between attempts, the Beatles joke around, dance, and John Lennon pulls faces at the camera. Shots of the studio, technicians, and makeup staff offer a fuller picture of the session than any previous version.

The film will be restored and returned to the BBC archives, with discussions planned to make the footage accessible to the public. Its recovery lands just before the annual Global Beatles Day on June 25, when Apple Corps will stream a colorized “All You Need Is Love” broadcast. For now, a piece of television history that once seemed erased for good has quietly resurfaced.