John Lennon, Paul McCartney and Pete Best Fly to Hamburg

Wednesday 11 April 1962 | Travel, The Beatles

John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and Pete Best flew from Manchester to Hamburg, West Germany, on 11 April 1962, ahead of The Beatles’ first residency at the Star-Club.

George Harrison was unwell at the time and travelled separately the following day alongside the group’s manager, Brian Epstein.

Arrival in Hamburg

Upon arrival, Lennon, McCartney and Best were met at the airport by Astrid Kirchherr.

Tragically, Kirchherr’s fiancé, Stuart Sutcliffe — The Beatles’ former bassist — had died of a brain haemorrhage the previous day, 10 April 1962. His death had a profound emotional impact on the group.

Star-Club Residency

The Beatles began performances at the Star-Club, located on Hamburg’s Grosse Freiheit, on 13 April 1962.

The engagement ran until 31 May 1962, forming a seven-week residency comprising 48 nights of performances.

This residency marked their return to Hamburg following earlier engagements and represented a crucial transitional phase shortly before their breakthrough in the United Kingdom.

Why This Moment Matters

This journey to Hamburg came at a pivotal time in The Beatles’ history.

Within months, the group would undergo major changes — including the departure of Pete Best and the arrival of Ringo Starr — and secure their first recording contract with EMI.

The April–May 1962 Star-Club residency therefore stands as one of the final chapters of the band’s pre-fame era.

Location

Also on This Day in Beatles History

11 April is a significant date in Beatles history. Here’s what else happened:

• 11 April 1961 – The Beatles live at the Top Ten Club, Hamburg
• 11 April 1963 – From Me To You UK single release
• 11 April 1963 – John Lennon meets his son Julian for the first time
• 11 April 1963 – The Beatles live at Co-operative Hall, Middleton
• 11 April 1965 – The Beatles at the NME Poll-Winners Concert, Wembley
• 11 April 1965 – The Beatles on The Eamonn Andrews Show
• 11 April 1966 – The Beatles recording Love You To & Got To Get You Into My Life
• 11 April 1967 – Paul McCartney jam session with Brian Wilson & John Phillips
• 11 April 1969 – The Beatles’ Get Back UK single release
• 11 April 1969 – ATV offers to buy Northern Songs shares
• 11 April 2002 – Paul McCartney live at United Center, Chicago
• 11 April 2019 – Ringo Starr All-Starr Band live in Osaka

FAQ

Why did George Harrison not travel with The Beatles on 11 April 1962?

George Harrison was unwell and travelled to Hamburg the following day with manager Brian Epstein.

Who met The Beatles when they arrived in Hamburg?

Astrid Kirchherr met John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and Pete Best at the airport.

What had happened to Stuart Sutcliffe?

Stuart Sutcliffe died of a brain haemorrhage on 10 April 1962, the day before The Beatles arrived in Hamburg.

How long was The Beatles’ Star-Club residency in 1962?

The residency lasted seven weeks, from 13 April to 31 May 1962, covering 48 performances.

Explore more Beatles history: The Beatles Knowledge Hub | On This Day in Beatles History

Shop the Hamburg era: Cavern Club Collection

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