Matrix Information
Side 1: (mono) 7XCE17559 7AXPA644
Side 2: (mono) 7XCE17560 7AXPA645
June 1976
Side 1: (stereo) 7XCE 17559
Side 2: (stereo) 7XCE 17560
June 1982
Side 2: (stereo) 7XCE 17560-3 AP
Overview
The single that marked the start of Beatlemania in Australia, entering every state chart upon release and reaching #1 the following week - before anywhere else in the world outside of Great Britain.
Its popularity created such excitement that by Christmas 1963, EMI (Australia) had devoted maximum press time and effort but still had no hopes of keeping up with sales demand for Beatles records.
Deleted by mid-1970, the single was recut in June 1976 (both sides in stereo) and reissued in July, where it remained available until the late 1980s. For the recut, EMI (Australia) sourced a fresh tape from EMI UK. For whatever reason, EMI UK despatched the October 1963 stereo mix of 'I Want To Hold Your Hand' rather than the later November 1966 stereo mix that was made for A Collection Of Beatles Oldies. EMI (Australia) dutifully used what it was sent; it didn't care about the mix, just the title. Thus, this single marked the first (and only) 7" appearance of this mix anywhere in the world.
Due to a damaged mother, 'This Boy' was recut at Studios 301 by Allan Parsons in June 1982. For the recut, Allan used a copy of the 1976 single, as EMI (Australia) had sent the master tape over to Capitol US without making a copy! Please visit The Number Ones page for more information.
