Leslie Cavendish Speaker | Creative & Lifestyle & New Speakers & Music

Leslie Cavendish

Beatles Hairdresser and culture of the sixties

Leslie Cavendish was the hairdresser to many celebrated stars, including The Beatles, both as a band and then as solo artists from 1967 to 1975. Having left school at just 15, he started working for the iconic "60s" hair stylist, Vidal Sassoon.

In late 1966, after being introduced through the actress, Jane Asher, Leslie cut Paul McCartney’s hair at Paul’s home in St. John’s Wood. Soon after he became the regular stylist to John, George and Ringo and was quickly accepted into the band’s inner circle. This led him to attend iconic Beatles recording sessions, including rehearsals for Sgt Pepper at Abbey Road, Hey Jude at Trident Studios, parts of The White Album, sitting in on John and Yoko recording at Olympics studios, as well as joining the filming of Magical Mystery Tour.

Eventually the FAB4 spirited Leslie away from Sassoon to open his own salon at their Apple Tailoring boutique, in London’s King Road. Leslie was also in the building at 3 Savile Row for the famous Roof Top Concert in January 1969. Leslie’s star continued to rise, gaining many iconic 60s and 70s stars as clients, including Keith Moon, the Bee Gees, The Dave Clark Five, James Taylor, racing driver James Hunt, actors Tony Curtis, Terry Stamp and Jane Asher, to name but a few, but the jewel in his career’s crown remained styling the four most famous musical heads in history: The Beatles.

It is often said that hairdressers get the best anecdotes in the industry and Leslie was lucky enough to gain stories and insights as to what made many of the most popular stars in 20th century history tick. His book, ‘The Cutting Edge’ shares a unique look at the global stars of the time, as well as giving a broad insight into 60s and 70s culture. Leslie has gone on to regale these stories at events, festivals, universities, as well as on radio, podcasts and TV, along with offering his own VIP Beatles Tours. His tales are legendary, fascinating, entertaining and often hilarious. Leslie has become a consummate and much loved speaker.

Testimonials from Teachers

"I have known Leslie for nearly ten years. His knowledge of The Beatles along with the music, fashion and culture of the sixties is something that is worth listening to as he paints a very interesting picture of those times in history. His presentation, talks and stories would be of great interest and enjoyment to both students and adults alike."

– Reno Savva, Former teacher, Latymer Upper School 2003 - 2015, Mill Hill School 2015 -2020

"I have known Leslie Cavendish for over 20 years. Leslie has a unique background and knowledge of the fashion, music and culture of the 1960s and 1970s, based his experience as a hair stylist for the iconic Vidal Sassoon in London. Leslie's intimate knowledge of the period provides a unique viewpoint through which to engage very well with all those who wish to find out first hand the relevance of the popular culture at that time."

– Ruth Hitchcock, Teacher

"In 2014, Leslie Cavendish was employed by the Department of History and Archaeology at the University of Chester as a guest lecturer for a module that I taught alongside my colleague, Dr James Pardoe. The module, “The Past in the Present: An Introduction to Heritage.”

Each heritage theme focused on a particular case study, with The Beatles chosen as the case study for musical heritage. Students visited the Cavern and St Peter’s Church Hall, with classes taught on-site by Cavern directors and performers and heritage managers.

It was within this context that we were privileged to engage Leslie Cavendish as a guest lecturer. He led a lively, engaging, informative and impressive seminar, which held the students enthralled for the full two-hour session. He described how he became the Beatles’ hairdresser and shared his memories of his time working for the group. He also brought along items from his personal collection, allowing the students to engage not only with oral history but also with material culture. These are now considered essential elements in the study of History and thus Leslie made an invaluable contribution to the students’ programme of study with regards to both content and methodology.

We would not hesitate to employ Mr Cavendish as a guest lecturer in the future and I recommend him to you unreservedly."

– Donna Jackson, Senior Lecturer in Modern History Department of History & Archaeology, University of Chester