This was The Beatles’ first live show in Coventry, Warwickshire.
They performed at Matrix Hall on Fletchamstead Highway at Tile Hill. They headlined a bill which also featured The Mark Allen Group and Lee Teri. Tickets were five shillings and sixpence, and the night lasted from 7.45-11.45pm. Around 80 people turned up.
Although he misremembered it as taking place at De Montfort Hall in Leicester, in the Let It Be film Paul McCartney discussed this show with John Lennon, describing it as “the worst first-night ever” following their recent return from Hamburg.
The Beatles returned to Coventry on 24 February and 17 November 1963, playing both times at Coventry Theatre.
Last updated: 25 January 2024
Also on this day...
- 2009: US album release: Good Evening New York City by Paul McCartney
- 2008: McCartney: “The time has come” for Carnival Of Light
- 2003: Album release: Let It Be… Naked
- 2002: Paul McCartney live: Kyocera Dome, Osaka
- 1980: Album release: Double Fantasy by John Lennon and Yoko Ono
- 1967: Mixing, editing: I Am The Walrus
- 1964: Radio: Top Gear
- 1963: The Beatles live: Coventry Theatre, Coventry
- 1961: The Beatles live: Knotty Ash Village Hall, Liverpool
- 1961: The Beatles live: Cavern Club, Liverpool (lunchtime)
- 1960: The Beatles live: Kaiserkeller, Hamburg
Want more? Visit the Beatles history section.
The Matrix Hall is very much still standing, although sadly no longer a music venue. It also hosted the Who, the Rolling Stones, Jerry Lee Lewis and many others.
Ah, OK, my mistake. Could you give me an accurate Google Maps link please? I couldn’t find the building when I was researching these dates. Is it now the Highway Club?