Imagine finding a hidden treasure, a lost piece of music history, and then choosing to give it back to its rightful owner. That's exactly what happened when Rob Frith, the owner of Neptoon Records in Vancouver, discovered a reel-to-reel tape containing a long-lost Beatles audition. But here's where it gets controversial... he didn't keep it for himself or try to profit from it. Instead, he decided to return it to Paul McCartney, one of the legendary band members.
Frith has been in the record business since 1981, and over the years, he's seen all sorts of records and tapes come and go through his shop. Some sell quickly, while others gather dust for years. He's learned that true value often takes time to reveal itself.
Last year, one such object turned out to be a remarkable find. It was a pristine master recording of the Beatles' Decca Records audition, which took place on January 1, 1962, before they became the iconic band we know today. This audition, which captured the band's raw talent and ambition, was believed to be lost forever. But Frith had it all along, unknowingly possessing a piece of musical history.
When Frith played the tape for me, I was blown away by its clarity. It sounded like we were listening to the band in person, before they became legends. It was a unique moment, capturing the band's early sound and energy.
As news of the tape's discovery spread, people were intrigued. They wanted to know what Frith planned to do with it. Would he sell it? How much was it worth? But Frith had a different idea. He didn't want to sell it; he wanted to give it back to Paul McCartney.
"I thought it was the right thing to do," Frith explained. "They're the ones who recorded it."
This decision puzzled and angered some people. Online commentators called him foolish, but Frith had a different perspective on ownership. He saw the tape as a responsibility, not an asset. It had come to him by chance, and he felt it should be returned to its rightful owner.
We often treat possession as a right, but Frith's approach was different. He saw the tape as something to be cared for, not as a commodity to be exploited. It's a refreshing perspective in a world where everything seems to be up for sale.
Soon after our listening session, Paul McCartney's representatives reached out. They had read about the tape and appreciated Frith's decision not to monetize it. After some persuasion, Frith agreed to fly to California with his family to return the tape in person.
The meeting was an emotional one. McCartney gave Frith a big hug and expressed his gratitude. "Nobody does what you're doing anymore," he said. They spoke for nearly two hours, and McCartney even invited Frith and his family to watch his band rehearse for an upcoming tour. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for Frith and his family.
Since then, Frith has been asked if he regrets not selling the tape. His answer is a resounding no. "I would never change it," he said. "We got more than money. Meeting your favorite artist and discovering they're an even nicer person than you imagined—that was priceless."
Frith isn't sure what McCartney plans to do with the tape, but he suggests it could be a special release for Record Store Day. For those who have heard it and those who will, the tape represents a rare moment in time—a time before history, before certainty, and before the band became a myth. It's an intimate glimpse into their early days.
In a world of perfect reproductions and digital access, Frith's decision stands out. It refuses the logic of optimization and monetization. It asks us to consider what it means to care for something we don't own and the obligations that come with temporary or accidental possession.
As Frith prepares for Neptoon Records' 45th anniversary, he continues to welcome new objects and bid farewell to others. Some remain on the shelves, waiting for their moment to shine. "There's always something," he says. "You just have to know where to look... and sometimes, what not to keep." A powerful reminder in a world that often values accumulation over appreciation.
