The Beatles live: Empire Theatre, Liverpool

Although The Quarrymen had performed at Liverpool’s Empire Theatre on two occasions (9 June 1957, and 18 October 1959), this was The Beatles’ first appearance at the prestigious venue.

The event was a NEMS Enterprises promotion, and featured eight acts performing in two separate concerts at 5.40pm and 8pm. They were headlined by Little Richard, and joining The Beatles as support acts were Craig Douglas (backed by The Beatles) former Shadows bassist Jet Harris and The Jetblacks, Kenny Lynch, The Breakaways and Sounds Incorporated. Brian Epstein had hoped to enlist soul singer Sam Cooke too as a surprise guest, but he was unavailable.

The Empire Theatre was an important venue for up-and-coming and established acts alike, and The Beatles’ appearance there signified to their local fanbase that they were becoming real contenders for success.

Last updated: 25 January 2024
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