Leslie Cavendish

Penzance Literary Festival presents: 'My Life as the Beatles' Hairdresser'

Leslie Cavendish left school at 15 years old to become a hairdresser. He worked for the iconic 1960s hair stylist Vidal Sassoon, counting many of the stars of the day among his clients. But, the jewel in his career’s crown was styling four very famous heads of hair: those of The Beatles. Leslie was part of their inner circle from 1966, attending Beatles recording sessions and joining the band on their Magical Mystery Tour from London to Teignmouth, Bodmin, Liskeard and Plymouth. He wrote about his days with The Beatles in his book, ‘The Cutting Edge’, and will share stories and photos of this time.

The Beatles Hairdresser from 1967 to 1975, Leslie Cavendish left school at 15 years old, without any artistic qualifications to become a hairdresser. He worked for the iconic ’60s hair stylist Vidal Sassoon. Leslie counted many of the stars of the day among his clients — including Keith Moon, Bee Gees, Dave Clark Five, James Hunt, Terry Stamp, Jane Asher, James Taylor and so many more — but the jewel in his career’s crown was styling perhaps the four most famous heads of hair in history: The Beatles.

In late 1966, through Paul McCartney’s then-girlfriend, Jane Asher who was Leslie’s client, met and began cutting McCartney’s hair at his home in St. John’s Wood on a street ironically called Cavendish Avenue. Eventually, he styled the other three Beatles’ as well and became part of their inner circle, attending Beatles Recording Sessions and joining the band on the Magical Mystery Tour. They even tempted him away from Sassoon’s to open his own salon at their Apple Tailoring boutique in London’s King Rd. Leslie was also in the building at 3 Saville Row for that famous Roof Top Concert.

Today Leslie attends many Beatles related events and lectures at Conventions, Universities, TV and radio about fashion, music, and Sixties culture.