The Beatles Live: NME Poll-Winners’ All-Star Concert
Sunday 11 April 1965 | Live, Television, The Beatles
The Beatles headlined the 1964–65 New Musical Express Annual Poll-Winners’ All-Star Concert on 11 April 1965 at the Empire Pool, Wembley, London.
This marked the third consecutive year the group appeared at the prestigious event, which showcased the UK’s most popular acts as voted by readers of NME.
Performance and Setlist
Performing before an audience of approximately 10,000 fans, The Beatles delivered a five-song set:
- ‘I Feel Fine’
- ‘She’s A Woman’
- ‘Baby’s In Black’
- ‘Ticket To Ride’
- ‘Long Tall Sally’
The performance reflected their transition into a more mature musical phase, blending recent hits with established live favourites.
Television Broadcast
The Beatles’ appearance was filmed and later broadcast on British television on 18 April 1965, extending its reach far beyond the Wembley audience.
The NME Poll-Winners’ Concert was one of the most important televised pop events of the era, capturing the peak of Beatlemania for a national audience.
The Venue’s Beatles Legacy
The Empire Pool — later renamed Wembley Arena — remained closely associated with Beatles history in the decades that followed.
Paul McCartney returned to the venue numerous times, both with Wings and as a solo artist: October 1976 and December 1979 with Wings; January 1990 residency dates as a solo artist.
Why This Concert Matters
The 1965 NME Poll-Winners’ Concert represents a key moment in The Beatles’ dominance of the British music scene.
By this stage, they were not only chart leaders but also the central attraction of major national music events, reinforcing their cultural and commercial supremacy. Later that same evening they appeared on The Eamonn Andrews Show.
Location
Wembley, London
England, UK
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 1962 – The Beatles fly to Hamburg for the Star-Club residency
- 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 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
What was the NME Poll-Winners’ Concert?
An annual event featuring top artists voted for by readers of New Musical Express.
How many songs did The Beatles perform?
They performed five songs during their set.
Was the concert televised?
Yes, it was broadcast on UK television on 18 April 1965.
Where was the concert held?
At the Empire Pool in Wembley, London (now Wembley Arena).
Explore more Beatles history: The Beatles Knowledge Hub | On This Day in Beatles History
Shop the Help! era: Help! Collection
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