This was The Beatles’ only concert at Luton’s Odeon Cinema, although they did perform in the town on two other occasions.
The Luton show was the third of four consecutive concerts promoted by John Smith. The mini-tour of England was granted by Brian Epstein after he cancelled a number of Mersey Beat Showcase nights earlier in 1963. The Beatles earned £250 for each of the concerts.
The Odeon Cinema was located at 127 Dunstable Road, Bury Park, Luton. It opened on 12 October 1938, and had seating for 1,332 in the stalls and 626 in the circle. In 1983 it was converted to a bingo hall, and in 2001 became a church.
This was The Beatles’ second of three visits to Luton. They had previously performed at the Majestic Ballroom on 17 April 1963, and gave two concerts at the Ritz Cinema on 4 November 1964.
I was 7 when my mum took me to see the Beatles at the Odeon cinema. You couldn’t hear the music for all the screaming so half way through the concert I decided I wanted to go to toilet which was situated to the right of the stage in the corner. As I walked across in front of the stage John Lennon looked down and winked at me. I have told this story to a number of people over the years who normally look at me as it to say -Yeh sure , but its the truth ! My claim to fame-John Lennon winked at me !
Yes I was there and still have the programme and ticket – was 15 at the time.
As a regular plane spotter at Luton Airport I happened on a limo with John, George, Cynthia and Patti on their way to a private plane charter. Just 1 yard away from them in the car window I was asked how to get to the terminal ! I have tried to research when this was (probably spring 64) but never found the exact date. Where were they going ? Can anyone tell me ?
That’s an easy one, Edward.