The seventh stop on The Beatles’ 1963 Autumn Tour took them from Dublin in the Republic of Ireland to Belfast, Northern Ireland.
They were driven over the border, and shortly after the crossing they stopped to be interviewed by Jimmy Robinson for Ulster News. The item was included in the evening bulletin, broadcast from 6.25-6.35pm.
The Beatles arrived in Belfast at 2pm, and were taken to the BBC television studios, where they recorded an interview with Sally Ogle for the Six Ten programme. The interview took place from 3pm, and was broadcast later that evening from 6.10pm.
That evening The Beatles performed in Belfast’s Ritz Cinema, located on Fisherwick Place. The venue was bombed in 1977 but reopened as the Cannon Cinema. It finally closed in July 1993 and was demolished the following year. A hotel now stands on the location.
The Beatles performed a standard set of 10 songs throughout their Autumn Tour: ‘I Saw Her Standing There’, ‘From Me To You’, ‘All My Loving’, ‘You Really Got A Hold On Me’, ‘Roll Over Beethoven’, ‘Boys’, ‘Till There Was You’, ‘She Loves You’, ‘Money (That’s What I Want)’ and ‘Twist And Shout’.
For the second consecutive day, the group was accompanied by Alun Owen, who had been commissioned by producer Walter Shenson to write the script for The Beatles’ first film A Hard Day’s Night.
This was The Beatles’ first of two visits to Northern Ireland. They returned on 2 November 1964 for two shows at the King’s Hall.
Also on this day...
- 2024: Paul McCartney live: Estadio BBVA, Guadalupe
- 2018: Paul McCartney live: Nagoya Dome, Nagoya
- 2017: Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band live: Parker Playhouse, Fort Lauderdale
- 2016: Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band live: Neal S Blaisdell Arena, Honolulu
- 2013: Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band live: Estadio Luna Park, Buenos Aires
- 2011: Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band live: Estadio Luna Park, Buenos Aires
- 2005: Paul McCartney live: HP Pavilion, San Jose
- 1993: UK album release: Paul Is Live by Paul McCartney
- 1989: Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band live: Yokohama Arena, Yokohama
- 1989: Paul McCartney live: Rotterdam Ahoy, Rotterdam
- 1982: US album release: Gone Troppo by George Harrison
- 1975: Wings live: Hordern Pavilion, Sydney
- 1974: George Harrison live: Oakland Arena, Oakland
- 1968: George Harrison produces Is This What You Want? by Jackie Lomax
- 1968: John and Cynthia Lennon are divorced
- 1966: Mixing: She Loves You
- 1965: Recording: Beatle Speech, Think For Yourself, The Beatles’ Third Christmas Record
- 1964: The Beatles live: Empire Theatre, Liverpool
- 1962: The Beatles live: Star-Club, Hamburg
- 1961: The Beatles live: Cavern Club, Liverpool (evening)
- 1960: The Beatles live: Kaiserkeller, Hamburg
Want more? Visit the Beatles history section.
I was at The Beatles concert in The Ritz Belfast in 1963. I was 15 years old. It was fabulous. It made my day when we all rushed forward to the stage at the last song and John Lennon winked at me. My favourite Beatle was George Harrison.
Hi Christine,
My Aunt Rebecca Birnie was at a concert in N. I. either 1963 or 1964. We found a portait pic from George Harrison, signed in green/blue on the front, on the backside it is writen series 23 out of 60. Question: Did they sell pictures at the concert or how could we find out were she could have purchased it? Thanks Jean Mueller
Hi! It could be a Beatles Topps Card that was sold in chewing gum. That was in a series. Is it a genuine autograph? Do some google imaging (search something like “Beatles chewing gum card George Harrison”) and see if you find a match as I know they did have cards in that similar style!
I don’t remember seeing photos sold. Maybe they were.
No, there wasn’t all the merchandising that happens now. The photos were sent if you wrote to their fan club to ask for them. Of course I don’t suppose anyone ever will say whether they were genuine or if someone on the staff did the signatures! Nice to get all the same when you’re 14 or so.
Don’t know if this will forward to you 7 years after your question!
Believe it or not, you could write to their fan club and ask for an autograph or autographed photo. I have one too. They weren’t on sale at the venues.
Hi Was at 1963 concert. Middle 3 seats in balcony.
Great view. Saw the Beatles but didn’t hear them.
Screaming girls . Atmosphere great though.
Also there at King’s Hall 1964. Great too .
Was at The Bootleg Beatles last night in Belfast
Brilliant Felt 18 again. R