The Beatles live: Thistle Cafe, West Kirby

This was The Beatles’ only live show at the Thistle Cafe in West Kirby, a town on the north-west corner of the coast of the Wirral Peninsula, about 10 miles from Liverpool.

The booking was the first for which The Beatles’ manager Brian Epstein took a commission; he received 10% of the group’s fee of £18, a relatively large amount for them at the time.

The event took place in a dance instruction hall above the Thistle Cafe, which was situated at 38 Banks Road in the town. Live music was a rarity there, so Epstein managed to persuade the venue owner to rename it “The Beatle Club”, and this was the “Grand opening”, although they never returned for another show.

Tickets cost four shillings and sixpence, and support was from Steve Day and the Drifters. The show took place from 7.30-11.30pm.

Last updated: 25 January 2024
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