Vancouver's Official Press Conference Flexi-Disc

A recording of the Beatles at their August, 22nd, 1964, press conference in Vancouver became the basis for this flexi disc which was given away by Kelly's Records, a local independent Vancouver record store.  A few years earlier Kellys had issued an Elvis Presley flexi in the identical format.

The recording of the Beatles was sourced from a tape made by a local reporter at Empire Stadium prior to the concert.  The flexi contains an excerpt of the news conference along with a few intro and outro seconds of George Martin arranged instrumental Beatles music.  A more complete recording of the news conference can be found on a number of double L.P. Vancouver concert bootlegs.  The flexi itself is made of soft clear vinyl and is attached by two rivets to a Beatles photograph printed on thin paper. 

In September, 1964, the flexi was given to customers at Kelly's four Vancouver area stores who purchased a Beatles L.P. or 45 RPM. It has been reported, but not confirmed, that initially Kelly's gave copies of the flexi away to customers who could produce a Beatles' concert ticket.  In June, 1965, 1000 copies where made available for free to fans at the grand opening of Kelly's downtown Victoria store.  

Some copies of the flexi came in a red Kelly's paper envelope

Most likely a minimum of 3000 and a maximum of 5000 copies were produced. Some copies were distributed in a bright red Kelly's paper envelope or sleeve while most were simply inserted into L.P.'s or Kelly's shop bags.

Announcement for the grand opening of Kellys' Victoria
 store were 1000 copies of the flexi were available for free.

 

As can be expected most copies of the flexi turn up in the Vancouver & Victoria area.  They are hard to find in top condition as the soft vinyl is easily creased or dented and the paper backing easily becomes detached. 

Flexi disc and tickets.

This item is easily damaged and surviving copies are often creased or dented and/or found without the backing photograph.  Further, the discs which are slightly larger than a regular 7" record were often trimmed down one edge or cut into a circular shape by their teenager owners so they would then fit into a 45 RPM carrier.  Not many copies have survived so excellent to near mint copies are rare. 

The flexi in VG+ condition has a current value of approximately $200. In excellent condition the value is closer to $300 and in near mint condition has sold as high as $600.  The most current 2019  selling price, without the red envelope, in excellent condition, is $425. 

At these valuations the flexi has a similar value to the Capitol of Canada promotional issue of "Strawberry Fields/Penny Lane" or a first pressing of "Love Me Do" and easily makes the list of the top five most valuable Canadian Beatles 7" records.