Loaf Me Do: George Harrison’s Toast from 1962 Changes Hands Again

This article explores the fascinating story behind a piece of toast left by George Harrison in 1962, now a collector's item.

A Toast to History

A piece of toast that was left behind by George Harrison in 1962 has recently been sold, making headlines for its unique backstory.

The Fan Behind the Toast

The crust of this legendary bread was saved by a die-hard fan named Sue Houghton, who was just 15 years old at the time. According to the Daily Express, she meticulously preserved the bread on a scrapbook page, captioning it: “Piece of George’s breakfast 2-8-63.” This date indicates it was around the time the Fab Four returned to Liverpool after an extensive seven-week tour.

How It All Happened

Reportedly, Houghton snagged the remnants from Harrison's plate after forming a friendship with his family and visiting their home. Her scrapbook was not just a keepsake of this famous toast; it also contained other oddities from Harrison's life, like fluff from under his bed and thread from his jeans.

Previous Sales and New Ownership

Originally, this cherished piece of toast was auctioned off in 1992 when Houghton decided to sell her scrapbook for $1,600 (£1,265) to fund some home repairs. Now, the piece of bread has changed hands once again. It has been purchased by memorabilia collector Joseph O’Donnell, although he hasn’t disclosed the price he paid. He did share that the toast has been carefully preserved in a museum-standard UV-protected glass frame.

“It’s a brilliant story that is both bizarre, historical and a story I’ll continue telling friends, memorabilia collectors, and fellow Beatles fans,” he shared with the Daily Express.

The Beatles pose for a portrait in circa 1962. CREDIT: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

The Inside Joke Among the Beatles

Interestingly, news of this quirky toast has reached members of The Beatles and it has become somewhat of an inside joke among them. In 1992, Harrison humorously declared in an interview with Vox that the toast couldn't have belonged to him, saying, “I ate all my toast! I never left any!”

In another light-hearted moment, Paul McCartney chimed in during a 1999 interview with Der Spiegel, revealing that his children would tease him whenever he didn't finish his breakfast, exaggerating that the toast had sold for an astounding $40,000. “‘Dad, you don’t have to finish the bread roll,’ [they’d say] or ‘Do you really want half an egg? Let’s clear the table,’” McCartney recalled.

A Sad Farewell

Sadly, George Harrison passed away in November 2001, after a valiant fight against lung cancer at the age of 58. His legacy, however, continues to thrive through stories like this and the memorabilia that keeps his memory alive.

In Other Beatles News

In more recent happenings, Paul McCartney announced details of a new book titled Wings: The Story Of A Band On The Run. It promises to deliver a rousing, stereophonic celebration of songs and performances that shaped the soundtrack of the late 20th century, along with countless previously unseen photographs. McCartney has also hinted at plans to finish a new solo album this year and has recently played three surprise intimate gigs in New York City. Not to mention, he reunited with Ringo Starr during the final date of his ‘Got Back’ tour in London last year.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the significance of the toast? The toast symbolizes a unique connection to George Harrison and the Beatles’ history, transforming an ordinary item into a remarkable piece of memorabilia.
• Who preserved the toast? The toast was preserved by a fan named Sue Houghton, who kept it in a scrapbook.
• How much was the toast sold for? The exact selling price of the toast remains undisclosed by the current owner, Joseph O'Donnell.
• Is there any other memorabilia associated with Harrison? Yes, Houghton’s scrapbook included various items, such as fluff from under Harrison’s bed and thread from his jeans.
• What has Paul McCartney been up to lately? Paul McCartney has announced a new book and teased a new solo album while also performing surprise gigs.

If you’re a fan of unique memorabilia, don’t forget to shop for your favorite album cover poster at our store to add a touch of nostalgia to your collection!