The Beatles’ manager Brian Epstein had the idea, perhaps inspired by the early Motown Revues, of a concert featuring the acts within his stable.
Gerry and the Pacemakers, The Big Three, Billy J Kramer and the Dakotas, and, of course, The Beatles all appeared at Nottingham’s Elizabethan Ballroom. The stage announcer was the Cavern Club’s compère Bob Wooler.
All the groups and their assistants, plus 80 fans, travelled from Liverpool in two coaches organised by NEMS Enterprises; the fans’ tickets cost 25 shillings. The Elizabeth Ballroom was situated above the former Co-Operative House on Upper Parliament Street, Nottingham.
Five other similar shows took place over the next three months, in what became known as the Mersey Beat Showcase.
Also on this day...
- 1999: Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band live: Berkeley Community Theatre, Berkeley
- 1990: Paul McCartney live: Tokyo Dome, Tokyo
- 1967: Recording: Lovely Rita
- 1965: Filming: Help!, the Bahamas
- 1962: Radio: Teenager’s Turn – Here We Go – The Beatles’ first radio session
- 1961: The Beatles live: Cassanova Club, Liverpool
Want more? Visit the Beatles history section.
I was there! I still have my ticket for the show on 7 March 1963, Whilst the fans from Liverpool appear to have paid 25 shilling, mine was 6/6p—ie 32.5 pence!!
Thanks for the info on the other acts as I couldn´t remember who they were.
Graham