Beatles in Rome 1965

"Marcello Geppetti . . . found a startling new style of shooting celebrities that would change the nature of journalism and the public’s relationship with the rich and famous.”—David Schonauer, American Photo magazine

Originally published in Italy, this dynamic book captures the moment when the world’s most adored and electrifying rock group entered the setting of Fellini’s La Dolce Vita. All of the excitement, expectation, and romance of The Beatles in 1965 is caught by the camera of Italy’s most famous celebrity photographer during the height of Rome’s glamorous epoch, when everyone was fabulous and anything was possible.

Marcello Geppetti’s candid shots of John, Paul, George, and Ringo, their entourage and fans—from their arrival at Rome’s airport to the Parco dei Principi hotel, where they held a press conference and stayed before playing four concerts—depict the glowing youthfulness and frenzy of The Beatles’ Help! era. With commentaries by photographer Rolando Giambelli, Barcelona poet Ianus Pravo, and the photographer’s son, Marco Geppetti.

Classic vintage Beatles photos from 1965 by Italy's legendary paparazzo, photographer Marcello Geppetti.

Marcello Geppetti was born in Rieti, Italy in 1933. In the late '50s, as Rome entered the Dolce Vita years, Geppetti became famous through his candid photos of Anita Ekberg, Liz Taylor, and Sophia Loren among other celebrities. In later years, he was associated with Rome's daily evening newspaper, Momento Sera. He died in 1998. Poet, writer and translator. Author of "Mudrà" (2004) Photographer and president of Italy's largest Beatles fan club. Photographer and son of Marcello Geppetti