- LONDON: Decca has teamed up with Paul McCartney to release his upcoming ballet nearly 50 years after the record label famously rejected taking on the Beatles in what has often been called one of the music industry's biggest blunders.
The ballet, "Ocean's Kingdom," is the former Beatles' first foray into the world of dance, and has its world premiere at the New York City Ballet on Sept. 22. The Decca recording hits shelves in Britain on Oct. 3. Decca famously snubbed the Fab Four early in 1962, reportedly saying at the time that "guitar groups are on the way out" and "the Beatles have no future in showbusiness.
" The quartet from Liverpool went on to sign with EMI label Parlophone and became arguably the most successful and influential pop band in history. "Ocean's Kingdom," commissioned by the New York City Ballet, is conducted by John Wilson and performed by the London Classical Orchestra. When he decided to write a ballet, McCartney visited the Royal Opera House in London and saw "Giselle," meeting the dancers of the Royal Ballet afterward to discuss the work.