A picture of John Lennon changing the sign of West 74th street on Broadway to “Sgt Pepper Way” will feature as part of a new display to mark what would have been his 80th birthday.
The previously unseen photographs were taken on October 17 1974, as Lennon visited New York City to watch a performance of the Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band on the Road show at the Beacon Theatre.
The black and white photos were taken by freelancer photographer Robert Deutsch, who had kept them private in his own home for more than 45 years.
Another picture shows Lennon sitting at an organ in a dark velvet suit, with a hat and lapel badge featuring Elvis Presley.
They will go on display at The Beatles Story in Liverpool this Friday, October 9, celebrating the late singer’s birthday.
Mr Deutsch said: “I met a John a few times and he was always very charming and very easy to talk to, but I was very nervous because he was a Beatle and I was a big Beatles fan.
“He went up on the ladder and changed the street sign to Sgt Pepper Way and when that was over he went into the theatre and invited us all to come in with him.
“He was having a great time talking to us, then he sat down at the organ and started playing – I couldn’t believe it, this is John Lennon, playing music for me.
“He was very nice, very friendly and very accessible.”
Fans who visit the Sgt Pepper Way exhibition at the Albert Dock attraction will also be able to see Lennon’s last piano and enjoy an immersive experience in the updated Imagine White Room.
The exhibition will run for three years, with more previously unseen pictures being added during that time.
Additional reporting by PA
