Uploaded September 2018 | Updated September 2026, 17 hours ago
Renowned graphic artist, lifelong friend and musical collaborator, Klaus Voormann has a unique perspective on Beatles history since a chance encounter with the pre-Fab five at the Kaiserkeller club in Hamburg in 1961, Andy Rawll spoke to Klaus for Record Collector Magazine at a recent London event, promoting all things Hamburg.
Please excuse the level of background noise during the interview, we hope that it doesn't detract too much from this fascinating insight.
london.hamburgontour.com/en is the annual showcase event in Brick Lane that extolls the delights of the vibrant waterside Germany city and provides ample opportunity to sample local food and drink and find out more about their fantastic ongoing calendar of art, culture and live music.
Best of all, renowned musician, artist and designer Klaus Voormann was present to speak about his new book 'It started in Hamburg' that's the subject of an exhibition back in Hamburg reeperbahnfestival.com
Having recently celebrated his 80th birthday, the book was compiled for him by his family as a surprise gift and beautifully represents his 60 years as a graphic artist, that extends much deeper and wider than his 1966 cover art for The Beatles' 'Revolver' album.
In fact, his artistic career included significant success as a session musician performing on some of the most recognised songs from the era, including: 'You're so vain', 'Perfect day', 'Short people' and 'WIthout you'. He was also a trusted and integral part of many of the post-Beatles solo recordings, including 'Imagine', 'Jealous guy', 'Instant karma', 'My sweet lord' and 'Don't come easy'. He succeeded Jack Bruce in Manfred Mann's band and was a full member of the Mike D'Abo fronted line-up that recorded 'The mighty quinn' and 'My name is Jack' iheartklaus.com/discography.html
He was gracious and generous with his time as the Q&A extended across the Beatles' universe revealing his role as elder role model, artistic collaborator and life-long friend and his insights into how the talent and personality of each of the band members evolved over time.
recordcollectormag.com @RecCollMag
voormann.com @KlausVoormann
hamburgontour.com/en @hamburgontour
Interview timeline
00:00 Intro; early realisation of artistic talent; piano
01:15 Saul Bass (American graphic designed) as early influence
01:41 Living with dyslexia
02:45 Interest in photography and appreciation of the work of Robert Freeman & Robert Whittaker and influence of teacher Reinhart Wolf
03:50 Astrid (Kirchherr) soon was taking most of the photos
04:15 First time playing bass on stage
05:00 The irony of returning to rock n roll covers on John Lennon's solo album, although the studio environment could not be compared with the atmosphere of playing live in a Hamburg club.
06:25 Being introduced on-stage by John Lennon at a post-Beatles charity concert
07:47 Paid a flat fee for designing the cover of 'Revolver'
08:30 Session work, including latterly, Trio and their hit 'Da da da'
09:30 Period of which he's most proud
10:05 Favourite album cover (after Revolver): Turbo Negro
10:55 End
Renowned graphic artist, lifelong friend and musical collaborator, Klaus Voormann has a unique perspective on Beatles history since a chance encounter with the pre-Fab five at the Kaiserkeller club in Hamburg in 1961, Andy Rawll spoke to Klaus for Record Collector Magazine at a recent London event, promoting all things Hamburg.
Please excuse the level of background noise during the interview, we hope that it doesn't detract too much from this fascinating insight.
london.hamburgontour.com/en is the annual showcase event in Brick Lane that extolls the delights of the vibrant waterside Germany city and provides ample opportunity to sample local food and drink and find out more about their fantastic ongoing calendar of art, culture and live music.
Best of all, renowned musician, artist and designer Klaus Voormann was present to speak about his new book 'It started in Hamburg' that's the subject of an exhibition back in Hamburg reeperbahnfestival.com
Having recently celebrated his 80th birthday, the book was compiled for him by his family as a surprise gift and beautifully represents his 60 years as a graphic artist, that extends much deeper and wider than his 1966 cover art for The Beatles' 'Revolver' album.
In fact, his artistic career included significant success as a session musician performing on some of the most recognised songs from the era, including: 'You're so vain', 'Perfect day', 'Short people' and 'WIthout you'. He was also a trusted and integral part of many of the post-Beatles solo recordings, including 'Imagine', 'Jealous guy', 'Instant karma', 'My sweet lord' and 'Don't come easy'. He succeeded Jack Bruce in Manfred Mann's band and was a full member of the Mike D'Abo fronted line-up that recorded 'The mighty quinn' and 'My name is Jack' iheartklaus.com/discography.html
He was gracious and generous with his time as the Q&A extended across the Beatles' universe revealing his role as elder role model, artistic collaborator and life-long friend and his insights into how the talent and personality of each of the band members evolved over time.
recordcollectormag.com @RecCollMag
voormann.com @KlausVoormann
hamburgontour.com/en @hamburgontour
Interview timeline
00:00 Intro; early realisation of artistic talent; piano
01:15 Saul Bass (American graphic designed) as early influence
01:41 Living with dyslexia
02:45 Interest in photography and appreciation of the work of Robert Freeman & Robert Whittaker and influence of teacher Reinhart Wolf
03:50 Astrid (Kirchherr) soon was taking most of the photos
04:15 First time playing bass on stage
05:00 The irony of returning to rock n roll covers on John Lennon's solo album, although the studio environment could not be compared with the atmosphere of playing live in a Hamburg club.
06:25 Being introduced on-stage by John Lennon at a post-Beatles charity concert
07:47 Paid a flat fee for designing the cover of 'Revolver'
08:30 Session work, including latterly, Trio and their hit 'Da da da'
09:30 Period of which he's most proud
10:05 Favourite album cover (after Revolver): Turbo Negro
10:55 End
