I just finished reading Waiting for the Beatles: An Apple Scruff’s Story by Carol Bedford. What a fun read! It was really evocative and easily put me in London in the late 1960s, sitting outside the Abbey Road EMI studios, waiting for the Beatles to come or go…

Carol Bedford, the author, was one of the the Apple Scruffs. These were the world’s most dedicated fans. They weren’t groupies in the usual sense of the word, in that, they weren’t offering or trying to get sexual favours from the band. Instead, they just waited for hours at a time in all kinds of weather just to get a glimpse, to say hello, to give the Beatles gifts (for birthdays, for example). The Apple Scruffs eventually even produced their own magazine!

I was quite interested in the insights into George Harrison’s personality offered by this book. The author formed a friendship with him and while I don’t entirely understand why she basically walked away from him (well, I kind of get it, but she may have left some stuff out that would make it clearer) and ended their friendship, I do appreciate the glimpse she gives into his personality and mannerisms. Very interesting (and, like the author, George is my favourite).

The book was published in 1985 and has been out of print for some time, so it can be hard to find. I bought a second hand copy through Amazon, but you can probably find it through your local library system if you look hard enough. Anyway, it’s a really excellent read, and I enjoyed it very much. I think most Beatles fans would, as well.

The book is out of print, but you might be able to pick up a used copy (which is what I did) or find it at a library (maybe through a larger intra-library loan scheme; I’m always surprised at the books that I can find that way).

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