Liverpool band Focal Point were the first act signed to Apple in 1967 but The Beatles’ embryonic organisation did not yet have a record label. The group signed to Apple Publishing with their single “Love You Forever” / “Sycamore Sid” released on Deram.  

Focal Point (left to right), Back Row: Tim Wells, Dave Slater, Dave Rhodes, Front: Ted Hesketh and Paul Tennant

In early 1968 they were one of the hottest prospects in British rock, named by Brian Epstein and praised by The Beatles, but as Apple turned sour so did the group’s fortunes. Much of their material was finally released in 2003’s “94 Baker Street” compilation and their own well received 2005 cd “First Bit of the Apple” which is packed with pop-psych gems.

For the first time, Focal Point’s bassist Dave Slater, tells Jason Barnard of the Strange Brew about his time in the band, Apple and The Beatles:

http://thestrangebrew.co.uk/articles/dave-slater-focal-point-apple-the-beatles-pt1

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