Sunday 12 August 1962 | Live
| Venue | Cavern Club, 10 Mathew Street, Liverpool |
| Show type | Evening show |
| Evening show number | 90th evening performance at the Cavern |
| Overall appearance number | 213th (including lunchtime shows) |
The Beatles’ 90th evening show at the Cavern Club took place on 12 August 1962. Overall, it was their 213th appearance at the underground Mathew Street venue, counting both lunchtime and evening performances.
This show took place just four days before Pete Best was dismissed and replaced by Ringo Starr on 16 August 1962. It was therefore one of the final Cavern appearances with Best on drums.
The Cavern Club
The Cavern Club at 10 Mathew Street, Liverpool, was the most important venue in The Beatles’ early career. Originally a jazz club opened in 1957, it became the epicentre of the Merseybeat scene in the early 1960s under the management of Ray McFall.
The Beatles first performed at the Cavern on 9 February 1961 and went on to play there regularly until 3 August 1963, by which time they were already one of the biggest acts in Britain. The precise number of their Cavern performances is not known with certainty, although they played at least 155 lunchtime and 125 evening shows — a total of at least 280 appearances.
The lunchtime shows were a particular feature of the Cavern’s programme, drawing workers and students from across Liverpool during their lunch breaks. The evening shows attracted a younger crowd and were often more raucous affairs. Both formats were crucial to The Beatles developing the tight, energetic live act that would eventually conquer the world.
The original Cavern Club was demolished in 1973 to make way for a ventilation shaft for the Merseyrail underground railway. A replica was built on the same site in 1984, using many of the original bricks, and continues to operate today.
The Beatles — officially licensed merch
The Beatles: The Cavern T-Shirt (Black).
August 1962: a pivotal month
August 1962 was one of the most significant months in Beatles history. The group were on the cusp of national fame, with their debut single ‘Love Me Do’ due to be recorded at EMI Studios on 4 September 1962. Manager Brian Epstein had secured them a recording contract with Parlophone, and producer George Martin was waiting in London.
But the month was also marked by upheaval. On 16 August 1962 — just four days after this Cavern show — Epstein informed Pete Best that he was no longer in the group. Best was replaced by Ringo Starr, who had been the drummer with Rory Storm and the Hurricanes. Starr’s first Cavern appearance with The Beatles took place on 18 August 1962.
The Beatles — officially licensed merch
The Beatles: Love Me Do Graffiti Heart T-Shirt (Black).
Cavern Club, Mathew Street, Liverpool
The Cavern Club, 10 Mathew Street, Liverpool — where The Beatles performed at least 280 times between February 1961 and August 1963.
Key Facts
| Date | Sunday 12 August 1962 |
| Venue | Cavern Club, 10 Mathew Street, Liverpool |
| Evening show number | 90th |
| Overall appearance number | 213th |
| Drummer | Pete Best (replaced by Ringo Starr four days later, 16 August 1962) |
| Total Cavern appearances | At least 280 (155 lunchtime + 125 evening), 9 February 1961 – 3 August 1963 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times did The Beatles play at the Cavern Club?
The precise number is not known, but The Beatles played at least 155 lunchtime and 125 evening shows at the Cavern Club between 9 February 1961 and 3 August 1963 — a total of at least 280 appearances.
When did The Beatles first play the Cavern Club?
The Beatles first performed at the Cavern Club on 9 February 1961. Their final appearance was on 3 August 1963.
Does the Cavern Club still exist?
The original Cavern Club was demolished in 1973 to make way for a Merseyrail ventilation shaft. A replica was built on the same site in 1984 using many of the original bricks, and continues to operate today as a live music venue.
Who was the drummer at the Cavern on 12 August 1962?
Pete Best was The Beatles' drummer on 12 August 1962. He was dismissed four days later on 16 August 1962 and replaced by Ringo Starr, who made his first Cavern appearance with the group on 18 August 1962.
→ The Beatles live: Aintree Institute, Liverpool – 12 August 1961
→ Pete Best auditions for The Beatles – 12 August 1960
→ The Beatles Knowledge Hub
→ August in Beatles History
→ On This Day in Beatles History
Shop Beatles merch: The Cavern T-Shirt | Love Me Do Graffiti Heart T-Shirt | Beatles collection
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