A TOILET roll the Beatles refused to use while recording the Abbey Road album could be sold for £1000 a sheet.
The Fab Four allegedly rejected the paper because they thought it was too “hard and shiny”.
They also objected to every sheet having EMI stamped on it.
The unusual memorabilia is currently owned by Beatles fan Barry Thomas, who bought it for £85 in 1980, and comes complete with an authentication letter from EMI manager Ken Townsend.
The letter, signed by Townsend, reads: “Most things went very smoothly with the Beatles at Abbey Road – but not this roll of toilet paper which they complained was too hard and shiny.
“They thought it disgraceful that the management should stamp each sheet of paper with EMI Ltd.
“The paper was immediately withdrawn and things became much smoother for staff after that.”
ORIGINAL AND UNIQUE
Barry, 66, told the Daily Mail: “I went along to the auction as I was a Beatles fan, I mean who couldn’t be?
“I saw the roll and I just loved it, it seemed like such an original and unique thing to have.
“People have the memories and the signed records and pictures and stuff, but no one else can say they have a toilet roll John Lennon rejected.
“It wasn’t the only thing John specifically complained about in the studios, he also hated the lock on the freezer, so he had a few odd hates.
“At the time it caused a load of interest, the trade for band memorabilia hadn’t taken off then like it has today, even ABC from America wanted to interview me there and then at the auction.”
Shortly after making the purchase Barry, who still lives in Coventry with his wife of 45 years, Margarita, was approached by the wealthy collector who wanted a piece of the action.
“This Japanese Beatles memorabilia collector came up to me,” said grandfather of three, Barry.
“He offered me a thousand pounds for one piece of the roll, just one piece.
“I told him I wouldn’t sell him it, I didn’t want to unroll it, but also I felt it would be less special if it was shared across the world.
“Now I’m thinking about selling it, I had the idea that I could split the whole roll now and sell it off in pieces.
“I say I’ll do that, but to be honest I reckon when I try I won’t be able to bring myself to. The Japanese collector has approached me again and I’ve said no, but no one has been able to put an official value on it.”
