Category Archives: People

Memorial Auditorium, 650 South Griffin Street, Dallas, Texas 75202-5005, USA

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Live: Memorial Auditorium, Dallas

Friday 18 September 1964 Live 13 Comments

This was The Beatles’ only concert in Dallas, Texas. They topped a bill which also included, in order of appearance, The Bill Black Combo, The Exciters, Clarence ‘Frogman’ Henry, and Jackie DeShannon.

Ticket for The Beatles at the Memorial Auditorium, Dallas, 18 September 1964

When the group arrived in Dallas they were driven to the Cabana Motor Hotel, which was then owned by Doris Day. There were chaotic scenes outside the Cabana, with fans pressing so hard against a glass door that it broke. The Beatles’ journey from their car to the building’s rear entrance proved equally hazardous, with both George Harrison and Ringo Starr losing their footing in the mêlée.

John Lennon at the Memorial Auditorium, Dallas, 18 September 1964

Prior to the show they held their customary press conference, their last of the tour. A number of enterprising teenage girls, purportedly from radio stations, managed to talk their way in.

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The brother of American singer Trini Lopez, who had toured with The Beatles in 1963, was present at the press conference. He wore a suit that Trini had given him, which had been worn on the English tour. The Beatles recognised the suit and invited Lopez’s brother to join them for dinner that evening.

 

EzoicAt the Dallas Memorial Auditorium, the stage was three times the normal height for a Beatles concert. A telephoned bomb threat delayed the start of the show, although no bombs were found. However, during the search a number of fans were discovered hiding under the stage and in washrooms.

 

There were 12 songs in the group’s setlist: ‘Twist And Shout’, ‘You Can’t Do That’, ‘All My Loving’, ‘She Loves You’, ‘Things We Said Today’, ‘Roll Over Beethoven’, ‘Can’t Buy Me Love’, ‘If I Fell’, ‘I Want To Hold Your Hand’, ‘Boys’, ‘A Hard Day’s Night’ and ‘Long Tall Sally’.

The Beatles at the Memorial Auditorium, Dallas, 18 September 1964

The Beatles performed in front of 10,000 fans; each of the tickets had sold out in a day. Following their 30-minute set, the group were driven to the Dallas Love Field, from where their charter aeroplane took off at 11.08. The Beatles were taken to a Missouri ranch for a day off.

During the flight, in the early hours of 19 September, Paul McCartney led The Beatles’ entire entourage in a rendition of Happy Birthday for manager Brian Epstein, after which a number of gifts, including glassware and a vintage telephone, were presented.

 

Abbotsfield Park, 32 Chassen Road, Urmston, Manchester M41 5DH

Monday 5 August 1963 Live 1 Comment
Abbotsfield Park, also known locally as Chassen Park, is located in Urmston, Manchester, specifically off Chassen Road in Flixton. Here are some key features and points of interest about the park:

 

  • Miniature Railway: Operated by the Urmston & District Model Engineering Society since 1948, the railway offers rides on a continuous circuit of 2200 feet of raised track. It runs on Sundays throughout the year, except on Christmas Day, and also during some bank holidays, weather permitting. The cost per ride is 30p for both adults and children. The track includes both 3½” and 5″ gauges and is one of the largest elevated tracks in the country.

  • Facilities: The park includes a play area for children (with separate sections for under 5s and older children), three tarmac tennis courts, and a bowling green. This makes it an ideal spot for family outings or sports activities.

  • Events: Abbotsfield Park hosts various events throughout the year, including the annual May Day Steam Rally, the Mayor’s Bonfire, and Silcock’s Fair, adding to its community appeal.

  • Historical Significance:
Notably, the park was the venue for one of The Beatles’ early gigs on Monday 5th August 1963, when they topped a four-act bill at the annual bank holiday Urmston Show with a subsequent 50th-anniversary concert marking the occasion. However, such musical events have not been recurrent.
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They performed in a marquee in the park, and the compère was a disc jockey, David Hamilton. 
    • Access: The park is well-connected by public transport with Chassen Road Station nearby, making it accessible by train on the Manchester-Liverpool line. Various bus routes also serve the area.

    • Maintenance and Community Involvement:

The Friends of Chassen Park, a group of local volunteers, contribute to keeping the park clean and well-maintained, enhancing its appeal as a community space.

General Atmosphere:

Described as a hidden gem for dog walkers, cyclists, and families, Abbotsfield Park provides a pleasant environment with well-managed green space. Reviews highlight the park’s cleanliness, good management, and the unique attraction of the miniature railway.

This park combines recreational facilities with historical significance, making it a worthwhile destination for both locals and visitors interested in a day out with family activities, especially on Sundays when the miniature railway operates.