"I wonder if he was there when Decca turned down The Beatles?"

On 1 January 1962 (!), the Beatles were auditioned at Decca by Meehan, performing a selection of covers they had performed in various clubs over the years, interspersed with three Lennon–McCartney originals. Decca rejected the Beatles choosing the Tremeloes, who auditioned the same day as the Beatles. Meehan expressed condescending comments about the Beatles’ audition with the meeting not going very well. Wikipedia

Love Me Do released on Parlophone in October 1962

Diamonds by Jet Harris and Tony Meehan released on Decca January 1963. Produced by Tony Meehan. Jimmy Page played rhythm on an acoustic guitar. Wikipedia