This was the opening date of The Beatles’ third and final residency at the Star-Club in Hamburg, Germany, situated on Große Freiheit off the infamous Reeperbahn.
During this trip they performed a total of 39 hours on stage over 13 days. The Beatles had previously appeared at the Star-Club on two occasions, in April-May and November 1962.
This time around they each received a fee of 750 DM (£67) per week. They performed for three hours each night until 31 December 1962, with a night off on Christmas Day.
By December 1962 The Beatles’ career in the UK was definitely on the up. Their debut single ‘Love Me Do’ had charted well; they had recorded a follow-up, ‘Please Please Me’; and Brian Epstein’s management gave them a professionalism they had lacked for so long.
The Beatles were reluctant to fulfil this contractual obligation, as their profile in Britain was rapidly ascending. Back home they were enjoying burgeoning chart success, more prestigious live shows, plus television and radio appearances. Despite the enduring fondness they felt towards Hamburg and its residents, there was little the city could do for their career now.
Also on this day...
- 2020: Album release: McCartney III by Paul McCartney
- 2010: Paul McCartney live: Hammersmith Apollo, London
- 2009: McCartney on X Factor chart battle, video for (I Want To) Come Home
- 1969: John Lennon and Yoko Ono are interviewed by Associated Press
- 1969: John Lennon and Yoko Ono are interviewed for CBC-TV
- 1969: John Lennon and Yoko Ono record a message for Japanese radio
- 1968: John Lennon and Yoko Ono appear onstage in a white bag
- 1966: Paul McCartney and Jane Asher attend the première of The Family Way
- 1966: Tara Browne dies
- 1963: Radio: From Us To You
- 1962: Travel: Liverpool to Hamburg
- 1961: The Beatles live: Cavern Club, Liverpool (lunchtime)
Want more? Visit the Beatles history section.