Having seeing their name several times in Mersey Beat magazine, and on posters around Liverpool, Brian Epstein had become curious about The Beatles.
Beatles legend has it that Epstein realised there was a buzz around the young group after a customer, Raymond Jones, entered Epstein's NEMS shop and asked for a copy of the My Bonnie single, recently recorded in Hamburg.
Epstein's assistant Alistair Taylor later claimed that he had made up the name while ordering copies of the single for NEMS, after hearing requests from fans. Whatever the truth, Epstein had grown curious about the group, and it was suggested that he and Taylor should go and see them perform.
On 9 November The Beatles performed a lunchtime concert at the Cavern Club. Epstein and Taylor were allowed in without queuing. Epstein was welcomed over the club's PA system by resident DJ Bob Wooler.
I was immediately struck by their music, their beat, and their sense of humour on stage - and, even afterwards, when I met them, I was struck again by their personal charm. And it was there that, really, it all started.
Epstein and Taylor entered the band's dressing room - "as big as a broom cupboard" - after the show. The Beatles recognised Epstein, with George Harrison opening the conversation by asking: "And what brings Mr Epstein here?"
Epstein watched The Beatles at the Cavern Club a number of times over the next few weeks. On 10 December he suggested becoming the band's manager. They signed a five-year management contract on 24 January 1962.
On the evening of 9 November, however, The Beatles performed for the final time at Liverpool's slightly down-at-heel Litherland Town Hall ballroom.
