The Beatles’ only appearance at Leeds’ Queen’s Hall took place on 28 June 1963, although they did perform at the city’s Odeon Cinema on three other occasions.
The concert was seen by 3,200 people. Also on the bill was Acker Bilk and his Paramount Jazz Band. The Queen’s Hall was demolished in 1989.
Page last updated: 25 January 2024
I recall going to the Beatles Queens Hall “All Night” concert as they were actually billed as the support act for Acker Bilk as Acker was on last.The earlier acts (and I think also playing after the main concert)were local bands who were finalists from the local paper’s “Battle of the Bands” competition. Also playing that night were Tony Dale and the Wanderers who rehearsed at Stainbeck Youth Club and later morphed into The Grumbleweeds. As the Queens Hall was actually an old Tram Shed,I doubt that it would have impressed the Beatles much
I recall going there where the still unknown Animals were playing…. They were fantastic and gave me a lift home on their way to the A1 to head back to Newcastle.
I went to this concert with my good friend John Hewitt (RIP). I was 16 and we got tickets outside from touts for 10/- (that’s 50p). Although I remember vividly going, I can’t remember Acker Bilk and couldn’t hear much of The Beatles because the screaming was so loud. They were pretty good though, She Loves You, Please Please Me and others. I think local band (sorry group) The Shekanes played that night and they did a superb ‘Somethin’ Else’, tight rhythm and Burns Black Bison guitars.