On this day The Beatles headlined the Great Pop Prom, an afternoon show at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
The prom was an annual fundraising event for the Printers’ Pension Corporation, promoted by the teen magazines Valentine, Marilyn and Roxy. Eleven other acts appeared on the bill, and the compère was DJ Alan Freeman.
The Beatles also did a photo session behind the Royal Albert Hall with The Rolling Stones. This was one of only a handful of times that the two groups performed at the same show.
Standing up on those steps behind the Albert Hall in our new gear, the smart trousers, the rolled collar. Up there with the Rolling Stones we were thinking, “This is it – London! The Albert Hall! We felt like gods!
Page last updated: 25 January 2024
I was at the Great Pop Prom and am trying to remember all the other acts that took part. I know Susan Maughan was one of them. Does anyone know who the others were?
I was a staff member of Valentine Magazine, and wrote under the name of Davy the Rock n Roll Office Boy. I spent most of the time backstage at this Great Pop Prom (managed to secure The Beatles’ autographs). Other acts on that occasion were The Brook Brothers, Billie Davis, Shane Fenton (Alvin Stardust) and The Fentones, Clinton Ford, Lorne Gibson Trio, Arthur Greenslade and the Gee Men, Kenny Lynch, Susan Maughan, The Rolling Stones, The Vernons Girls and The Viscounts, compereed by Alan ‘Fluff’ Freeman. I attended all the Pop Proms and had a wonderful time!
Cheers,
Sid (Davy)
Sid – Davy – how are you? Wondered whether you were still around. Guess you won’t remember the kid from Farnham in Surrey who ran dances and came to see your band. Sylvia
Yes, I remember you well, Sylvia. Did you at one time work for a coach company in Farnham?
I now live with Jackie in Hailsham, East Sussex – celebrated our Golden Wedding recently. Still sing and play guitar – all the old stuff; doing a 60th birthday gig next week. Am still in touch with my good friend Harvey Hinsley; lead guitarist with Hot Chocolate. He’s been with them for the best part of 40 years!
Best wishes,
Sid (alias Davy of Valentine)
Me e-mail address is Sidney.Hayden@btinternet.com
I remember that Cathy McGowan was one of the comperes.
Hi Joe. If I am right, this was not the only time The Beatles and The Rolling Stones performed at the same show; both groups played at the 1964 and 1965 NME Awards in London.
You are right! Thanks for the catch – I’ve amended the article.
I was there that day…it was the first concert I had ever attended, and what a great show it was! My sister and I were in the cheap seats, so we were quite a distance from the stage, but just to see The Beatles live was such an amazing experience!
P.S. As we were leaving The Royal Albert Hall, the car carrying The Rolling Stones came within inches of running me over, and they were hanging out of the windows screaming at me, like it was my fault!!
Wow, as a first concert that must have been pretty unbeatable!
It was amazing!
I remember it like it was yesterday. Loved it. The Beatles were absolutely amazing. Couldn’t hear them right enough for all the screeming!!! Me and my pal were in row C. I was 14 then. My first concert.
Does anyone know where to find the picture of the Beatles on the south steps of the Royall Albert Hall (taken at the great pop prom I believe)