Post by Dr Winston on Dec 10, 2004 12:22:19 GMT 1
HE wasn't a fan and still doesn't know any of their songs, but Paul Cole can now be revealed as part of Beatles history.
The retired American salesman, 92, has finally admitted he was the "extra Paul" on one of the group's most famous album covers, Abbey Road.
Taken in August 1969, the photograph enjoys iconic status - and Mr Cole is the one next to the black police van, just behind John Lennon's head.
He said: "I was on holiday in London with my wife and I told her, 'I've seen enough museums. You go on, take your time and I'll see you later'.
"I saw this police van and I went over. I must have been talking to the policeman for about half an hour.
"I then saw these four guys walking across the street like a line of ducks.
"A bunch of kooks I called them because they all had long hair and one of them was even barefoot."
Mr Cole had no idea who they were or that they were being photographed.
It wasn't until six months later, back at home in America, he found out.
"My wife used to play the organ and a couple wanted her to play a song off the album at their wedding.
"I saw the album and I recognised myself right away. I had a new sports jacket on and I'd just bought new shell-rimmed glasses. I said to my children, 'get a magnifying glass out and you'll see me'." Mr Cole, who lives in Florida, used to tell his friends that "my picture is in millions of houses".
But no one else had a clue who he was - until now. Yet despite being forever linked to the album, he has never actually listened to Abbey Road.
"It's still brand new in its sleeve," he said. "I couldn't name a single song."
At the time, though, his children were delighted. "They blew up pictures for their bedroom walls which they got me to sign as a joke," he said.
The famous shot was taken by photographer Iain McMillan.
The Fab Four were pictured on a pedestrian crossing outside their studio in Abbey Road, North London. It was the last album they recorded.
When it appeared, the picture sparked rumours that Paul McCartney was dead. As well as being barefoot he was out of step with the rest of the group.
Fans also pointed to the number plate of a Beetle car parked on the left which ended: "28IF". McCartney would have been 28 if he had died that year.
But Mr Cole does at least know Macca is very much alive. "If you ever see the Beatle, tell him he's a wonderful guy."
The retired American salesman, 92, has finally admitted he was the "extra Paul" on one of the group's most famous album covers, Abbey Road.
Taken in August 1969, the photograph enjoys iconic status - and Mr Cole is the one next to the black police van, just behind John Lennon's head.
He said: "I was on holiday in London with my wife and I told her, 'I've seen enough museums. You go on, take your time and I'll see you later'.
"I saw this police van and I went over. I must have been talking to the policeman for about half an hour.
"I then saw these four guys walking across the street like a line of ducks.
"A bunch of kooks I called them because they all had long hair and one of them was even barefoot."
Mr Cole had no idea who they were or that they were being photographed.
It wasn't until six months later, back at home in America, he found out.
"My wife used to play the organ and a couple wanted her to play a song off the album at their wedding.
"I saw the album and I recognised myself right away. I had a new sports jacket on and I'd just bought new shell-rimmed glasses. I said to my children, 'get a magnifying glass out and you'll see me'." Mr Cole, who lives in Florida, used to tell his friends that "my picture is in millions of houses".
But no one else had a clue who he was - until now. Yet despite being forever linked to the album, he has never actually listened to Abbey Road.
"It's still brand new in its sleeve," he said. "I couldn't name a single song."
At the time, though, his children were delighted. "They blew up pictures for their bedroom walls which they got me to sign as a joke," he said.
The famous shot was taken by photographer Iain McMillan.
The Fab Four were pictured on a pedestrian crossing outside their studio in Abbey Road, North London. It was the last album they recorded.
When it appeared, the picture sparked rumours that Paul McCartney was dead. As well as being barefoot he was out of step with the rest of the group.
Fans also pointed to the number plate of a Beetle car parked on the left which ended: "28IF". McCartney would have been 28 if he had died that year.
But Mr Cole does at least know Macca is very much alive. "If you ever see the Beatle, tell him he's a wonderful guy."
