Friday 20 July 1962 | Cavern Club, Mathew Street, Liverpool
On 20 July 1962, The Beatles gave their 117th lunchtime performance at the Cavern Club on Mathew Street in Liverpool's city centre — their 200th known appearance overall at the soon-to-be-famous cellar venue, including evening appearances.
The group's lunchtime shows typically ran from 12pm to 2pm. The precise total number of The Beatles' Cavern performances is not known, although they played at least 155 lunchtime and 125 evening shows between 9 February 1961 and 3 August 1963.
The Cavern Club in July 1962
By the summer of 1962, the Cavern Club was the undisputed home of Merseybeat. The Beatles had been playing the venue since February 1961 and had built a devoted local following through relentless lunchtime and evening appearances. The cellar on Mathew Street drew office workers, students and teenagers from across Liverpool, packing the low-ceilinged room for two hours of live music unlike anything else in British popular music at the time.
July 1962 was a pivotal month for the group. Within days of this performance, Ringo Starr would replace Pete Best on drums — a change that completed the classic Beatles line-up. The group were also preparing to record their debut single Love Me Do at EMI Studios in London that September.
The Beatles at the Cavern: By the Numbers
| Date | Friday 20 July 1962 |
| Venue | Cavern Club, Mathew Street, Liverpool |
| Session type | Lunchtime (12pm – 2pm) |
| Lunchtime show number | 117th |
| Overall Cavern appearance | 200th known |
| Total lunchtime shows | At least 155 (9 Feb 1961 – 3 Aug 1963) |
| Total evening shows | At least 125 (9 Feb 1961 – 3 Aug 1963) |
The Cavern in 1962 — on a T-shirt
Officially licensed Beatles merchandise celebrating the Cavern era.
The Cavern Club, Mathew Street, Liverpool — the venue where The Beatles performed at least 280 times between 1961 and 1963.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times did The Beatles play the Cavern Club?
The Beatles played at least 155 lunchtime and 125 evening shows at the Cavern Club between 9 February 1961 and 3 August 1963, giving a minimum of 280 known appearances. The precise total is not known due to incomplete records.
What time were the Cavern Club lunchtime sessions?
The Beatles' Cavern Club lunchtime sessions typically ran from 12pm to 2pm, drawing office workers, students and teenagers from across Liverpool.
When did The Beatles first play the Cavern Club?
The Beatles' first performance at the Cavern Club was on 9 February 1961. They continued to play the venue regularly until their final Cavern appearance on 3 August 1963.
When was The Beatles' last Cavern Club performance?
The Beatles' final performance at the Cavern Club was on 3 August 1963, by which time they were already a national phenomenon following the success of Please Please Me and From Me To You.
What was significant about The Beatles' 200th Cavern appearance?
The Beatles' 200th known appearance at the Cavern Club took place on 20 July 1962, during a lunchtime session. It came at a pivotal moment — within days, Ringo Starr would replace Pete Best on drums, completing the classic Beatles line-up.
Celebrate the Cavern Club — the venue that made The Beatles
Officially licensed Beatles Cavern Club merchandise.
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→ Paul McCartney: Beatles History, Solo Career, Songs & Legacy
→ George Harrison: Beatles History, Solo Career, Songs & Legacy
→ Ringo Starr: Beatles History, Solo Career, Songs & Legacy
→ The Beatles Knowledge Hub
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