The Beatles had given a special concert for members of their Northern Area Fan Club in Liverpool on 7 December 1963. One week later they did the same for the Southern Area, with a performance at the Wimbledon Palais in London.
The concert took place in the afternoon. The Palais management, fearing damage to the stage from the fans, built a platform for the group to stand on, and a steel cage to keep the crowds back. The decision was a partial success: as John Lennon noted, in reference to the crush against the cage, “If they press any harder they’ll come through as chips.”
Afterwards, The Beatles stood behind the venue’s bar and shook hands with all 3,000 fans present, most of whom managed to contain their excitement. A few girls fainted, and The Beatles eventually had to stop giving out autographs when the line grew too long.
This was The Beatles’ only performance at the Wimbledon Palais, which stood on Merton High Street, London. The venue closed in 1967 and was later demolished.
Also on this day...
- 2018: Paul McCartney live: SSE Hydro, Glasgow
- 2012: Single release: Cut Me Some Slack by Paul McCartney, Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic, Pat Smear
- 2011: Paul McCartney live: Olimpiyskiy Arena, Moscow
- 2009: Sir Paul McCartney appears on the X Factor
- 2009: UK album release: Good Evening New York City by Paul McCartney
- 1999: Paul McCartney live: Cavern Club, Liverpool
- 1991: George Harrison live: Tokyo Dome, Tokyo
- 1989: Paul McCartney live: Madison Square Garden, New York City
- 1979: Wings live: City Hall, Newcastle upon Tyne
- 1969: Television: With A Little Help From My Friends
- 1962: The Beatles live: Music Hall, Shrewsbury
Want more? Visit the Beatles history section.
I was at the front. It was manic and was glad of the police presence. We all thought we were dreaming 😀
I was in the supporting band The Hustlers and we had to play for an hour to a restless and disinterested audience waiting for the Beatles. The only roar of approval we got was when our singer announced “and now for our final number…”
Geoff – Going through some old papers I came across The Hustlers photo on a card you gave me when we worked together at John Heathcote in Saville Row. Be great to hear from you. John Hiscock
John, what a great surprise. Found your message when browsing. Let’s get in touch. I’m not in Facebook or anything similar but you could send me a mail at geoff.quarterman@arcor.de
Pam Castwood (remember her?) today gave me a photo of The Hustlers that she found in her loft recently. It’s of the band sitting beneath a signpost somewhere near Ightham. “Rag Dance, LSE, Feb 15” has been scrawled across the top. I live in the High Wealden village of Benenden and, by coincidence, Pam has a house in nearby Staplehurst.
If you haven’t got the photo in your Hustlers album, I’d happily let you have it.
I was there that day…Everyone got to meet and shake hands with John, Paul, George and Ringo, and being a cheeky teenager, I kept getting back on the queue, so, I got to meet them 3 times! That night, I wrote to the fan club secretaries to thank them for the wonderful time I had, and my letter was published in The Beatles’ Monthly magazine…
I, too, was there. Only 12 and my dear Dad insisted on accompanying me! He stood at the back and helped the ambulance men whilst I got to the third row! Being cheeky, like you, I managed to kiss Paul on the cheek! The pen he had touched hung above my bed for several years! Will never forget it! How lucky we were! What a great time in which to grow up!
I was there too, with my older sister and her friend…I was 11 years old, and can even remember what I was wearing!
We also got through 3 times, and on the 2nd time Paul said ‘haven’t you 3 been through before?’ to which we said yes, and he said ‘bet you don’t make it again’ and we said ‘bet we do’. He was surprised to see us a third time!
I was one of the London Bobbies who stood right in front of the stage, facing the audience. Our job was to keep law and order 🙂 , and prevent the Beatles from losing their clothes! The noise was incredible, screaming girls to the front, and huge speakers just feet away. Small wonder I now have hearing problems. However, I would not have changed that day for anything!
Remember the night well. Was in front of the queue to go in and stood in front of John at the fencing. Came away with silver paint all over my hands and I know if I had taken my feet off the ground I would not have fallen as the pressure from the crowd kept me in place ! Still have my ticket from the show, #1785
I was there too. I was 13, I travelled all on my own from Pinner, my mother was terrified something dreadful would happen to me. I think I queued for a couple of hours to shake hands with them, I don’t really remember hearing them sing over the screaming. I wasn’t very pushy, so was well to the back, but I remember someone pointing out George Martin who spoke to us, I didn’t know who he was. I still have my programme.
The following year my friend got some tickets to a TV show at Wembley Studios, and I actually heard them sing!
A day I’ll never forget! Me and my friend, Linda Neame, were lucky enough to be invited. We were only 13 and lived in East Kent so her Mum kindly took us up to Wimbledon. She went off to do some shopping and left us at the Palais. I can remember a long line of excited and screaming fans (us being 2 of them) snaking across the dance floor waiting to meet the Beatles who were in the Long Bar. The doors to the Bar finally opened and then it all went crazy, everybody rushed for the door, it was terrifying. I got separated from Linda who fainted in the crush and was lifted out to safety, she woke up to see George Harrison standing over her concerned for her well being and was a little disappointed because it wasn’t Paul !! – at least she got all their autographs. I on the other hand finally managed to get to shake their hands but no autograph. I still avoid being in a crowded place to this day!