This was The Beatles’ only live show at the Thistle Cafe in West Kirby, a town on the north-west corner of the coast of the Wirral Peninsula, about 10 miles from Liverpool.
The booking was the first for which The Beatles’ manager Brian Epstein took a commission; he received 10% of the group’s fee of £18, a relatively large amount for them at the time.
The event took place in a dance instruction hall above the Thistle Cafe, which was situated at 38 Banks Road in the town. Live music was a rarity there, so Epstein managed to persuade the venue owner to rename it “The Beatle Club”, and this was the “Grand opening”, although they never returned for another show.
Tickets cost four shillings and sixpence, and support was from Steve Day and the Drifters. The show took place from 7.30-11.30pm.
Also on this day...
- 2024: Beatles painting Images Of A Woman sells at auction for $1.74 million
- 1990: Paul McCartney live: The Palace, Auburn Hills
- 1970: Ringo and Maureen fly to New York from Los Angeles
- 1969: Allen Klein discusses The Beatles’ purchase of NEMS
- 1968: Ringo Starr rehearses for Cilla Black’s television show
- 1967: Recording: Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band
- 1965: US EP release: 4 By The Beatles
- 1964: The Beatles live: Olympia Theatre, Paris
- 1963: The Beatles live: Assembly Rooms, Tamworth
- 1963: The Beatles live: Maney Hall, Sutton Coldfield
- 1962: The Beatles live: Cavern Club, Liverpool (lunchtime)
- 1961: The Beatles live: Hambleton Hall, Liverpool
Want more? Visit the Beatles history section.
A copy of either a flyer or poster for this event was posted today in the Facebook Wirral History Old and New and I can send it to you if you would like it.
Yes please
Brilliant. I would love a copy of Beatles West Kirby gig poster or flyer. Thanks