The Beatles’ second live show of the day was an evening performance at the Majestic Ballrom, Birkenhead.
This was the group’s first engagement at the venue in 1963, and their 14th overall. Tickets sold out in advance of the show, and 500 hopeful fans had to be turned away on the night.
In March 2015 the Tracks website put a fan-written setlist on sale. It detailed most of the songs played at the Majestic Ballroom show, along with the lead singer.
- –
- Shimmy Like Kate – John
- Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On – George
- ‘PS I Love You’ – Paul
- H
- ‘Chains’ – George
- ‘A Taste Of Honey’ – Paul
- ‘Please Please Me’
- ‘Three Cool Cats’ – George
- –
- Anna – John
- Hey Good Looking – George
- Hippy Hippy Shake – Paul
- Talking ‘Bout You – John
- ‘Devil In Her Heart’ – George
- ‘Some Other Guy’ – John
- ‘Ask Me Why’ – John
- ‘Roll Over Beethoven’ – George
- ‘Love Me Do’
The Majestic Ballroom was owned by Top Rank, Britain’s largest entertainment organisation at the time, which ran ballrooms, cinemas, theatres and bingo halls around the country. The Beatles played at 12 of the company’s 28 ballrooms.
Their other performances at the venue took place on 28 June; 5, 12, 19 and 28 July; 17 and 24 August; 8 and 22 September; 15 October; 22 and 29 November; and 15 December 1962; 31 January; 21 February; and 10 April 1963.
What’s remarkable about this set-list:
1) I’m surprised they were still playing so many songs in a set, into ’63
2) George is listed as lead singer on 6 songs; John, on 5; Paul, on 3!
Very interesting set list. For the Shapiro tour in February/March 1963 they started with 4 songs, adding a couple as they went along. But for gigs where they were the headliners, perhaps the only act performing, they would need to play more. Playing time for these songs including introductions would seem reasonable for a one-hour gig. Being January in England, a reason for the lack of Paul-songs could be a slight cold or something.
Its hard to believe George singing Whole lotta shakin’
Really wish a recording of George singing Hey Good Lookin and Whole Lotta Shakin existed.
I suspect Please Please Me was there – she wouldn’t have known it.