The Beatles Live: Star-Club, Hamburg

Wednesday 18 April 1962 | Live, The Beatles

The Beatles performed at the Star-Club in Hamburg, West Germany, on 18 April 1962. This was the sixth night of a 48-night residency at the city’s newest rock ’n’ roll venue.

This engagement marked the first of three separate residencies The Beatles would undertake at the Star-Club during 1962. Across this initial stint, the group performed for approximately 172 hours over a seven-week period.

The residency began on 13 April 1962 and continued through to 31 May, with the band departing Hamburg on 2 June. Their only scheduled night off during this stretch was Good Friday, 20 April.

By this stage, The Beatles were already seasoned Hamburg performers. This was their third extended run in the city within two years, following earlier residencies at the Indra, the Kaiserkeller, and the Top Ten Club.

These repeated Hamburg engagements were instrumental in refining the band’s live performance discipline, expanding their repertoire, and solidifying their reputation as a formidable live act ahead of their breakthrough in the UK.

📍 Location Map

❓ FAQ

How many nights did The Beatles play at the Star-Club in this residency?

They performed 48 nights during this first Star-Club engagement in 1962.

How long did the residency last?

It ran for seven weeks, from 13 April to 31 May 1962.

Did they have any nights off?

Yes, their only night off was Good Friday, 20 April 1962.

Why were the Hamburg residencies important?

They were crucial in developing The Beatles’ stamina, musicianship, and live performance skills.