Paul McCartney’s 1960s Photographs to Be Showcased in Los Angeles Exhibition
Paul McCartney’s Rediscovered Photos to Shine at Gagosian LA This Spring
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In a thrilling convergence of music history and visual art, Gagosian LA will host a captivating exhibition this spring featuring a collection of 36 recently rediscovered photographs by none other than Paul McCartney. The exhibition, aptly titled “Paul McCartney,” opens its doors on April 25 and will run through June 21, showcasing images that encapsulate a transformative moment in rock and roll history.
Among the featured works are expressions of intimate artistry from McCartney’s own archive—some photos previously published in his acclaimed book, Eyes of Every Storm, but many that have never before seen the light of day. These snapshots were taken during a pivotal period in music history, from December 1963 to February 1964, a time when The Beatles were poised to conquer America, igniting Beatlemania across the nation.
Highlighting the collection is an unforgettable shot of Ringo Starr drumming at Miami Beach’s Hotel Deauville, donned in a loose-fitting white shirt just days before the band made their second appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show. Captured on February 15, 1964, this image perfectly encapsulates the youthful exuberance and raw talent of a band on the brink of legend.
Joshua Chuang, the photography director at Gagosian, recounts the urgency of the moment. “The Beatles’ manager Brian Epstein arranged for two live appearances on that popular Sunday television program,” he tells Rolling Stone. “The press nicknamed the hotel ‘Beatle Central’ as fans milled about, writing messages in the sand below their balconies, desperate to catch a glimpse of their idols.”
The collection includes a wealth of photos taken at the Deauville Hotel, showcasing the iconic band’s rehearsal process as they prepared their now-legendary setlist. McCartney’s lens captures not only his fellow bandmates—like John Lennon, effortlessly cool in sunglasses, and Starr, caught in a whimsical haze of light and chemistry—but also the raw energy of the arrival of Beatlemania.
With early selfies, candid images, and never-before-seen moments, the exhibition serves both as a visual diary and an exploration of McCartney’s inherent connection to photography, an art he has frequently shared through collaborations with renowned artists like Peter Blake and Jann Haworth. Prices for these signed works will range from $12,000 into the high five figures; proceeds will aid recovery efforts for victims of recent wildfires in Southern California.
In an exclusive promotion by Gagosian, McCartney himself appears in a video reflecting on the photographs. He shares previously unspoken stories about the band’s visit to America and the significance of their performances on The Ed Sullivan Show: "We didn’t really know how important Ed Sullivan was," he says. “It’s just another TV show, we thought.”
Moreover, this exhibition complements McCartney’s ongoing visual journey, paralleling the current showcase at San Francisco’s de Young Museum, Paul McCartney Photographs 1963–64: Eyes of the Storm. Chuang emphasizes the importance of these rediscovered images, arguing that they offer a rare and indispensable perspective on The Beatles during a vital turning point in their journey.
“Paul’s own engagement with photography was unknown to many until now,” he notes. “Bringing this collection to the public has been a privilege, and it feels momentous to witness McCartney’s unique vision as he captured the dawn of his legendary band.”
As we reminisce and celebrate The Beatles’ profound impact on music and culture, this exhibition promises to enrich our understanding of their legacy—one snap at a time. For fans and art lovers alike, “Paul McCartney” at Gagosian LA is a must-see this spring.
