The Beatles live: Odeon Cinema, Romford

The last of six ‘Mersey Beat Showcase’ concerts, a format devised by Brian Epstein which consisted of one-off shows featuring his stable of artists, took place on 16 June 1963. The first was on 7 March.

Also appearing at Romford’s Odeon Cinema were Billy J Kramer and the Dakotas, The Vikings with Michael London, and Gerry and the Pacemakers. The compere was Vic Sutcliffe.

Poster for The Beatles at the Odeon, Romford, 16 June 1963

The line-up was something of a coup for pop fans, with The Beatles, Billy J Kramer and the Dakotas, and Gerry and the Pacemakers occupying the top three places in the singles charts that week.

Unlike the others Mersey Beat Showcase nights, this was promoted by John Smith rather than NEMS Enterprises. Additionally, five further dates in the series, planned for 17-20 and 23 June, were abandoned by Epstein.

The Beatles' summer 1963 itinerary

Last updated: 25 January 2024
The Beatles live: City Hall, Salisbury
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