The BBC is producing a six-part drama series titled Hamburg Days that centers on the Beatles’ formative years in Germany and the influence of their early co-manager, Harold “Lord Woodbine” Phillips. The series explores the band’s 1960-1962 residency in Hamburg, where they played over 250 gigs near the Reeperbahn to refine their stagecraft before achieving global stardom.
The Role of Lord Woodbine in the Beatles’ Early Career
Harold Adolphus Phillips, known as Lord Woodbine, was a Trinidadian calypso musician and former Royal Air Force flight engineer who arrived in Britain in 1943. According to scriptwriter Jamie Carragher, who discussed the project with The Guardian, Woodbine served as a mentor and co-manager alongside Allan Williams during the band’s infancy.
Phillips’ influence was both professional and musical. Academic Malik Al Nasir, who researched Phillips for the British Library’s Beyond the Bassline exhibition, notes that Lennon and McCartney frequently offered to clean and collect glasses for Woodbine at the Jacaranda club in exchange for food and lessons on guitar chords. This connection to the calypso tradition is evident in the band’s early output, including one of John Lennon’s first compositions, “Calypso Rock.”
Correcting the Historical Record of the Hamburg Stint
While the Beatles’ time in Hamburg is a staple of rock history, the contribution of Black Liverpool’s community has often been marginalized. Al Nasir argues that Phillips’ role was “airbrushed” out of the official narrative. Some accounts suggest Phillips was instrumental in the move to Germany, driving the group to Hamburg in a Volkswagen, though Al Nasir clarifies that the exact nature of their contractual agreement remains uncertain.
The erasure of Phillips’ legacy became a personal point of contention for the musician. In 2000, Phillips stated that seeing himself removed from a group photo used in a Beatles-themed play in Liverpool was a deeply hurtful experience. He died in a house fire that same year at age 72. In 2023, his family installed a plaque from the Windrush Foundation outside the Jacaranda in Liverpool to recognize his cultural impact.
Production Details of ‘Hamburg Days’ and Upcoming Biopics
Hamburg Days is currently filming in Liverpool and Germany. The series draws inspiration from the memoirs of Klaus Voormann, the artist who befriended the band in Hamburg and later designed the cover for their 1966 album Revolver. Jorden Myrie, known for Sherwood and Mood, will portray Lord Woodbine.
This series arrives amid a surge of Beatles-related cinema. Director Sam Mendes is developing four separate biopics scheduled for release in 2028, with each film focusing on a different member. The cast for the Mendes project includes:
- Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney
- Harris Dickinson as John Lennon
- Joseph Quinn as George Harrison
- Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr
Comparison of Beatles Narratives
| Focus Area | Traditional Narrative | ‘Hamburg Days’ Perspective |
|---|---|---|
| Management | Primary focus on Brian Epstein | Highlights Allan Williams and Lord Woodbine |
| Musical Roots | American Rock and Roll/Skiffle | Influence of Calypso and Black Liverpool culture |
| Hamburg Experience | General “hardening” of the band | Specific mentorship and socio-economic ties |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Lord Woodbine?
Harold Adolphus Phillips was a Trinidadian musician and co-manager of the Beatles in their early years. He provided the band with food, musical guidance, and logistical support during their transition to professional performing.
Where did the Beatles play in Hamburg?
The band performed in various clubs near the Reeperbahn, a district in the port city of Hamburg, Germany, between 1960 and 1962.
What is the connection between Lord Woodbine and the Empire Windrush?
Phillips returned to the UK on the Empire Windrush after serving in the RAF during World War II, appearing in historic footage alongside calypsonian Lord Kitchener.