Monday 14 August 1961 | Live, The Beatles
| Venue | Cavern Club, Mathew Street, Liverpool |
| Session | Lunchtime (12–2pm) |
| Lunchtime appearance number | 25th lunchtime performance |
| Overall appearance number | 34th known appearance at the Cavern |
On 14 August 1961, The Beatles gave their 25th lunchtime performance at the Cavern Club on Mathew Street in Liverpool city centre — their 34th known appearance overall at the venue. Lunchtime sessions typically ran from 12pm to 2pm.
By August 1961 The Beatles had been performing at the Cavern for six months, having made their debut there on 9 February 1961. They were still six months away from being discovered by Brian Epstein, who would first see them perform at the Cavern on 9 November 1961.
The Cavern Club in 1961
In the summer of 1961, The Beatles were at the heart of the emerging Merseybeat scene centred on the Cavern Club. The group had recently returned from their second Hamburg engagement (April–July 1961), during which they had recorded with Tony Sheridan for Polydor. Back in Liverpool, the Cavern lunchtime sessions were a regular fixture — drawing office workers, shoppers and students into the cellar on Mathew Street.
The lineup at this time was John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Pete Best on drums. Ringo Starr would not join the group until 18 August 1962.
The Beatles — officially licensed merch
The Beatles: Cavern Unisex Unplugged T-Shirt (Light Blue) — a tribute to the iconic Liverpool venue.
The Cavern Club, Mathew Street
Cavern Club, 10 Mathew Street, Liverpool — where The Beatles performed at least 280 times between 1961 and 1963.
Key Facts
| Date | Monday 14 August 1961 |
| Venue | Cavern Club, 10 Mathew Street, Liverpool |
| Session | Lunchtime (12–2pm) |
| Lunchtime appearance | 25th |
| Overall Cavern appearance | 34th known |
| Lineup | Lennon, McCartney, Harrison, Pete Best |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was The Beatles’ drummer at the Cavern in August 1961?
Pete Best was The Beatles' drummer at the Cavern in August 1961. He had joined the group in August 1960 ahead of their first Hamburg trip. Ringo Starr replaced him on 18 August 1962.
When did Brian Epstein first see The Beatles at the Cavern?
Brian Epstein first saw The Beatles perform at the Cavern Club on 9 November 1961, leading to him becoming their manager.
How many times did The Beatles play the Cavern Club?
The Beatles played at least 155 lunchtime and 125 evening shows at the Cavern Club between 9 February 1961 and 3 August 1963.
→ The Beatles live: Cavern Club, Liverpool (lunchtime) – 13 August 1962
→ The Beatles’ fourth and final Ed Sullivan Show – 14 August 1965
→ People in Beatles History
→ August in Beatles History
→ On This Day in Beatles History
Shop The Beatles Cavern merch: Cavern Unplugged T-Shirt | The Cavern T-Shirt (Black) | Cavern Ankle Socks
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