The Beatles performed just twice in the Cheshire town of Runcorn, 14 miles south of Liverpool. This was the second visit.
They played both times at the La Scala Ballroom on the High Street. The group had previously performed at the venue on 16 October 1962. This date, unlike the first, was promoted by Brian Epstein’s company NEMS.
Designed by Leonard Clegg, La Scala was built in 1913 and was initially used as a cinema. From 1957 it was converted to a ballroom, and featured live acts on alternate evenings. It was used as a club until 1987 when it was converted to a bingo hall, but closed in 2006. Demolition of the building began in August 2012.
Last updated: 27 October 2012
Also on this day...
- 2010: Paul McCartney appears on Saturday Night Live
- 2009: Rubber Soul to be released as Rock Band download next week
- 1970: Album release: John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band
- 1969: George Harrison live: Falkoner Theatre, Copenhagen with Delaney & Bonnie
- 1969: World première of The Magic Christian in London
- 1968: John Lennon appears in The Rolling Stones’ Rock And Roll Circus
- 1965: Live: Astoria Cinema, Finsbury Park, London
- 1963: Live: Futurist Theatre, Scarborough
- 1961: Live: Cavern Club, Liverpool (lunchtime)
Want more? Visit the Beatles history section.
The La Scala Ballroom was my very first experience of the swinging 60’s.
My Father & Uncle both worked there and took me to see The Beatles in Rehearsals before they played I was 7 years old then and it was fantastic to be in the Ballroom it was a fantastic place to see – I was only seven years old.
It is with great sadness to see that La Scala has been demolished, however it will Always be a memory and a part of my childhoood that I will Always remember.
Hi Robert
We are trying to locate staff that worked at la scala or anybody that remembers the piano player think his name was jock cambell or ian he might have had sons called steven and john or they were his brothers. We are trying to locate him as my mother inlaw was related to him and we are trying to find lost relatives on his side. Any help would be much appriciated
Rgds Dave