COVENTRY Music Museum is set to mark a special city appearance from one of the world’s most recognised bands with a unique tribute performance.
They labelled it one of the ‘worst nights ever’, however it didn’t stop The Beatles becoming one of the world’s most iconic bands in music history.
It was 54 years ago today legendary Liverpudlian rock quartet The Beatles returned from a small tour of Germany to perform on stage in the Matrix Hall building on Fletchamstead Highway in Tile Hill.
And now, more than half a century later, Music Museum curator Pete Chambers has arranged for ‘It’s The Beatles’ to perform a special set showcasing some of the five-piece’s most memorable tunes.
Having played numerous sell-out shows at the world-famous Cavern Club in Liverpool – and endorsed by John Lennon’s sister – both Gaz Starkey and Phil Thompson have performed in Beatles tribute acts across the world.
Their appearance marks what is known as ‘Coventry Beatles Day’ – marking the anniversary of the group’s appearance in the city.
Though it may be hard to believe, the band suffered from nerves – none more so than drummer Ringo Starr.
Their performance that night in Coventry may well be blamed on nerves after Paul McCartney revealed his displeasure of the gig, despite performing hits including I saw Her Standing There and Twist and Shout.
Despite their displeasure and immediate rise to fame the following year, The Beatles found time to return to Coventry three months later when they played at the Coventry Theatre on February 24, 1963 and for a third and final time exactly one year after their first show in the city.
Nobody in the crowd could have predicted just how big this four-piece band were to be that night in November more than half a century ago.
But Coventry, like most of the nation, was soon to be gripped Beatlemania and will always remain a part of ‘Fab Four’s’ rise to fame.
Coventry Music Museum curator and author of the book ‘The Beatles Sent to Coventry’ said: “We have always wanted to do a day like this in Coventry and today is the perfect day.
“We have a ‘Lennon Corner’ in the museum and its always a popular area.
“This day is about the Beatles visits, it’s about when John and Yoko planted acorns at Coventry Cathedral – we hope others will pick up on this and the day will grow.”
Both Gaz and Phil will take to the stage at Coventry Music Museum at 1pm to mark Coventry Beatles Day.
Visit www.covmm.co.uk for further information about The Beatles in Coventry.
