The Beatles live: Subscription Rooms, Stroud

This was The Beatles’ first of two performances at the Subscription Rooms, a grand building situated on George Street in Stroud, Gloucestershire.

It was their second show in the south of England, and the first to be booked under the auspices of manager Brian Epstein. Previously they had played a disastrous show at the Palais Ballroom in Aldershot on 9 December 1961.

The Subscription Rooms wasn’t much more suitable, although unlike the Aldershot event, which was promoted by Sam Leach, it was booked through an established London company. The Cana Variety Agency was run by John (Jack) Fallon and Bill Fraser Reid, who promoted events across the south of England.

They shared a bill with The Rebel Rousers on this occasion. Doors opened at 8.30pm, and the night finished at 11.45pm. A flyer for the event stated: “At the request of the Council – No Teddy Boys and Ladies please do not wear stiletto heels.”

Fallon and Reid also ran a number of venues under another of their companies, Jaybee Clubs. The Beatles played four different Jaybee venues altogether.

The Beatles’ other performance at the Subscription Rooms took place on 1 September 1962.

Jack Fallon played another role in The Beatles’ story. On 12 July 1968 he played a violin part on Ringo Starr’s song ‘Don’t Pass Me By’, recorded for the White Album.