The Silver Beetles performed around a dozen times at manager Allan Williams’s cafe in Liverpool’s city centre.
Williams asked them to play on Monday nights when the normal house band, The Royal Caribbean Steel Band, had a night off. The Silver Beetles were paid with beans on toast and Coca-Cola.
Allan Williams ran the Blue Angel and the Jacaranda. He was the little local manager (little in height, that is – a little Welshman with a little high voice – a smashing bloke and a great motivator, thought we used to take the mickey out of him).
The Jac, as it was known, opened in September 1958 on Liverpool’s Slater Street, and quickly became a popular destination among local students. Williams asked them to play there on occasions when he was unable to secure them bookings elsewhere.
Last updated: 31 January 2010
Also on this day...
- 2022: Ringo Starr live: CMAC, Canandaigua, New York
- 2018: Limited edition Yellow Submarine picture disc single to be released
- 2013: Paul McCartney live: BOK Center, Tulsa, Oklahoma
- 2012: Ringo Starr’s childhood home is saved from demolition
- 2003: Paul McCartney live: the Cavern Club, Liverpool
- 1975: UK album release: Venus And Mars by Wings
- 1973: US album release: Living In The Material World by George Harrison
- 1969: UK single release: The Ballad Of John And Yoko
- 1968: Recording: Revolution 1
- 1966: US single release: Paperback Writer
- 1964: Press conference at NEMS Enterprises
- 1963: Live: Odeon Cinema, Manchester
- 1962: Live: Star-Club, Hamburg
- 1961: Live: Top Ten Club, Hamburg
Want more? Visit the Beatles history section.
Paid them in beans on toast with coca cola, how tight-dusted is that!! A few bob would have been nice. Was that what he paid th Royal Caribbean Steel Band. If so I can see why they went to Hamburg. Emeraldeyes