1962

January 1 - The Beatles audition for Decca Records and are rejected. One executive issued the now-infamous comment, "Guitar groups are on the way out..."

January 24 - the band signs a management contract with Brian Epstein.

April 10 - Stuart Sutcliff is killed by a brain hemorrhage shortly after quitting the band. Paul takes over on bass guitar.

June 4 - The Beatles audition for George Martin and EMI Records and are offered a contract.

June 6 - First recording session at EMI's Abbey Road studios.

August 18 - after George Martin describes to Brian Epstein that drummer Pete Best is "not good," Ringo Starr of the group Rory and the Hurricanes takes Best's place.

August 23 - John and Cynthia are married, with Paul as best man.

September 11 - the band cuts their first single for EMI; "Love Me Do/P.S. I Love You". The song peaked at #17 on the UK charts in December. The tracks were recorded with session drummer Andy White.