The Beatles live: NME Poll-Winners’ All-Star Concert

Sunday 21 April 1963 | Live

The Beatles performed at the NME 1962–63 Annual Poll-Winners’ All-Star Concert, held at the Empire Pool, Wembley, London, before an audience of 10,000.

Although they did not win any awards—due to the poll reflecting late-1962 popularity—they were placed second on the bill as their chart success in early 1963 rapidly elevated their status.

The show was headlined by Cliff Richard and The Shadows, but contemporary reports suggested that The Beatles were the standout act of the night.

🎤 Setlist

• Please Please Me
• From Me To You
• Twist And Shout
• Long Tall Sally

The Beatles would go on to headline the NME Poll-Winners’ Concert in 1964, 1965, and 1966, reflecting their meteoric rise to national and international dominance.

Location Map

FAQs

Did The Beatles headline the 1963 concert?

No. They were the penultimate act, with Cliff Richard and The Shadows topping the bill.

Why didn’t The Beatles win any awards?

The poll results were based on popularity in late 1962, before The Beatles had achieved nationwide fame.

How many songs did they perform?

They performed a short four-song set during the concert.

Did they return to headline the event?

Yes. The Beatles headlined the NME Poll-Winners’ Concert in 1964, 1965, and 1966.

Was this an important performance in their career?

Yes. It marked a key moment where they outshone established stars in front of a large national audience.