February 9, 2013
BEATLES PLAY CAVERN CLUB FOR FIRST TIME
London (JFK+50) The Beatles played Liverpool's Cavern Club* for the 1st time 52 years ago today, February 9, 1961.
The Beatles, which would go on to record more #1 albums & singles than any other band, played clubs in Liverpool & Hamburg in 1960, 1961 & 1962.
*The Cavern Club opened on January 16, 1957 in a location used as an air raid shelter in WWII.
The Cavern began as a jazz club but soon became a hangout for skiffle groups & would not allow rock n roll. (Skiffle is a mixture of jazz, blues, folk & roots music using homemade instruments such as washboards, jugs & saws).
The Beatles final performance at the Cavern Club was on August 3, 1963.
The Beatles at the Cavern Club
The origin of the Beatles goes back to 1957 when 16 year old John Lennon formed a band called "the Blackjacks," but when it was discovered there was another band that had that name, it became "the Quarrymen."
Lennon added Paul McCartney, who was 15 years old at the time, as well as 14 year old George Harrison. These 3 would remain with the band until its breakup.
Another band member, Stu Sutcliffe, who was the one who suggested the name Beatles, left for art school & the 1st regular drummer, Pete Best, was replaced by Ringo Starr.
Paul, George & John
The Beatles
Dutch TV performance
June 5, 1964
Beelden Geluidwiki-Gallery
Brian Epstein, a music columnist, became manager of the group which signed with EMI & did their 1st recording session at Abbey Road Studios on June 6, 1962.
In 1965, Queen Elizabeth II appointed John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison & Ringo Starr members of the Order of the British Empire.
John Lennon Statue
The Cavern Pub
Liverpool, U.K.
by George Groutas
