The Beatles’ first concert in Luton, Bedfordshire, took place on 17 April 1963. They returned to the town on two subsequent occasions, but never to the Majestic Ballroom.
The ballroom stood on Mill Street. It later became a bingo hall, but was destroyed by fire in 1982.
This was The Beatles’ first of three visits to Luton. They subsequently performed at the Odeon Cinema on 6 September 1963, and at the Ritz Cinema on 4 November 1964.
The setlist for the show, handwritten by Paul McCartney, was auctioned by Bonhams in London on 28 October 2021. According to the setlist, The Beatles performed the following songs at the Luton show:
Also on this day...
- 2012: Paul McCartney live: Estadio Defensores del Chaco, Asunción, Paraguay
- 1970: UK album release: McCartney by Paul McCartney
- 1967: Mixing: Getting Better, She’s Leaving Home, When I’m Sixty-Four, Lovely Rita
- 1966: Recording: Doctor Robert
- 1964: Filming: A Hard Day’s Night
- 1962: Live: Star-Club, Hamburg
- 1961: Live: Top Ten Club, Hamburg
Want more? Visit the Beatles history section.
I was there – It was a dance hall and we danced!
Set list, according to Paul, to be auctioned by Bonhams on 28 October:
(I) Saw Her Standing There
(A Shot of) Rhythm & Blues
Do You Wanna Know a Secret
Beautiful Dreamer
Anna
Thank You Girl
(If You’ve Got to Make a) Fool of Somebody
Sweet Little 16
From Me to You
Long Tall Sally
https://www.beatlesbible.com/forum/yesterday-and-today/beatles-news/page-191/#p367157
Last number at the Majestic Luton 17 April 1963 was Twist and Shout.. Lennon almost lost his voice.