The Beatles live: Albany Cinema, Liverpool

This afternoon show was The Beatles’ first live appearance since John Lennon and Paul McCartney returned to Liverpool following their trip to Paris.

It was the group’s only appearance at the Albany Cinema, which was on Northway in Maghull, Liverpool. The event was a charity fundraiser for the local St John Ambulance Brigade, and in the audience was the mayor, councillors and civic dignitaries.

The event lasted for three hours. It was put on by Jim Gretty, a country and western guitarist who worked in Hessy’s music store in Liverpool, and who sold Lennon his first guitar in 1957.

Top of the bill was comedian Ken Dodd, and the compère was Arthur Scott. Also on the bill, in order of appearance, were The Dusty Road Ramblers, Les Arnold, Joe Cordova, Dunn and Markey, Bob McGrady, Lennie Rens, Shirley Gordon, Bert King, The Eltones, The Beatles, Dennis Horton and Gladys Ambrose, Jackie Owen and the Joe Royal Trio, Edna Bell, Jim Gretty and Denis Smerdon.

The Beatles were the first act following the interval. Later that evening they performed in more familiar surroundings, at Hambleton Hall in Huyton, Liverpool.

The Albany Cinema was later demolished, and a supermarket was built on the site.