Cry for a Shadow

"Cry for a Shadow" is an instumental by The Beatles. It was recorded on June 22, 1961 at the Friedrich-Ebert-Halle, Hamburg-Harburg, Germany while they were performing as Tony Sheridan's backup band for a few tracks. It was the group's first instrumental release, and one of only two instrumentals by the group (not counting experimental tracks such as the "Revolution 9" sound collage and The Inner Groove) to be released by the group (the other being "Flying").

Composition
It was written by George Harrison with John Lennon as a parody of The Shadows' style. (The Shadows, who backed Cliff Richard, were the biggest British instrumental rock & roll group at the time of the recording.) It imitates the lead guitar with typical Hank Marvin licks, the melodic bass fills, and even has an imitation during the second middle 8 of the famous Jet Harris yell. It is the only Beatles track to be credited to Lennon and Harrison alone.

Release
It was intended to be released as the b-side of "Why", another Sheridan song with The Beatles, but the record company chose to release another song instead. In early 1964, as The Beatles were gaining popularity, the record company Polydor decided to release it, with "Why" changed to the b-side. According to Bill Harry, editor of the Mersey Beat newspaper, Cry for a Shadow's original title was "Beatle Bop".

It was also released in 1995 as part of the Anthology 1 compilation.

Credits
John Lennon – rhythm guitar (1958 Rickenbacker 325)

Paul McCartney – bass, vocal scream

George Harrison – lead guitar (1957 Gretsch Duo Jet)

Pete Best – drums