Piano used by Beatles to write songs headed for auction

LIVERPOOL, England, March 5 (UPI) -- The piano used by The Beatles while writing songs including "Help!" and "Yesterday" is among band-related items to be auctioned in England.

Organizers of the Omega Auctions sale March 20 in Liverpool, England, said the piano owned by film director Richard Lester will be among the 200 lots of rare Beatles items to be sold in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the release of Beatles hit "Can't Buy Me Love," the Liverpool Echo reported Wednesday.

The piano is expected to sell for more than $83,000, Omega Auctions said.

Lester, who directed Beatles films "A Hard Day's Night" and "Help!" during the 1960s, said John Lennon and Paul McCartney used the 1907 Bechstein Concert Grand piano to write the title song for the latter film. He said McCartney also used the piano to write "Yesterday" in his spare time while filming.