Category: The Beatles Hub

In early 1962, The Beatles were still a local phenomenon centered in Liverpool and the surrounding areas, performing relentlessly at clubs, halls, and small venues while building their reputation through live shows. They had not yet signed with Brian Epstein (their management contract with him began validity around this time, though formal signing was later in January), and Pete Best was still their drummer. Their first single “Love Me Do” was still months away (released in October 1962), so gigs focused on a repertoire of American rock ‘n’ roll covers, R&B standards, and a few early originals.

On February 1, 1962, The Beatles performed two live shows in the Merseyside area. The first was a lunchtime performance at the Cavern Club, 10 Mathew Street, Liverpool L2 6RE, Merseyside. The Cavern was their home base, where they had already played dozens of times since 1961, often during lunch hours for office workers and shoppers. These lunchtime sessions were shorter, energetic sets drawing local fans.

Later that evening, they traveled to the Thistle Cafe at 38 Banks Road, West Kirby, Wirral CH48 0RD, Merseyside. This was their only performance at this venue, held in a dance instruction hall above the cafe. The show ran from 7:30 pm to 11:30 pm, with tickets priced at four shillings and sixpence (about 22.5p). Support came from Steve Day and the Drifters. Live music was rare at the Thistle Cafe, making this a notable local event.

Exact setlists for these specific dates are not fully documented, but their typical 1962 Cavern and local gigs around this period included a mix of covers and emerging originals such as:

• Twist and Shout
• Long Tall Sally
• Roll Over Beethoven
• Chains
• Keep Your Hands Off My Baby
• A Taste of Honey
• Baby It’s You
• Boys
• Will You Love Me Tomorrow
• Memphis, Tennessee
• Early versions of songs like Ask Me Why or I Saw Her Standing There (though these solidified later in the year)

The lineup was John Lennon (rhythm guitar/vocals), Paul McCartney (bass/vocals), George Harrison (lead guitar/vocals), and Pete Best (drums). These performances exemplified their pre-fame grind—multiple gigs in a day, traveling short distances, and honing their tight, high-energy live act that would soon propel them to national and global fame.

Top 10 Songs in the UK Charts on February 1, 1962

Top 10 Songs in the USA Charts (Billboard Hot 100) on February 1, 1962

Top News Headlines and Events from Around the World on February 1, 1962

• U.S. President John F. Kennedy delivered the first presidential message entirely devoted to public welfare, proposing federal aid extensions including job training and day care for children of working parents.
• NASA announced that John Glenn’s Mercury-Atlas 6 orbital mission (Mercury 6) would launch no earlier than February 13, with repairs to the Atlas rocket’s fuel tank leak proceeding on schedule.
• The novel “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” by Ken Kesey was published by Viking Press, becoming a landmark work of counterculture literature.
• “New Faces of ’62” opened at the Alvin Theater in New York City, running for 28 performances as a Broadway revue.
• MLB’s National League released its first 162-game schedule due to league expansion.
• Ongoing Cold War tensions and preparations for space missions dominated headlines, alongside civil rights and domestic policy developments.

Notable People Born on February 1, 1962

• Takashi Murakami, Japanese contemporary artist known for Superflat movement.
• Tomoyasu Hotei, Japanese rock guitarist and songwriter.
• José Luis Cuciuffo, Argentinian soccer defender (d. 2004).
• Manuel Amoros, French soccer defender.

Notable People Who Died on February 1, 1962

• Thomas Westropp Bennett, Irish politician, aged 95