Friday 10 August 1962 | MV Royal Iris, River Mersey
On 10 August 1962, The Beatles performed aboard the MV Royal Iris on the River Mersey ā one of the famous Riverboat Shuffles organised by Ray McFall, owner of the Cavern Club. This was their third of four appearances on the vessel.
On this occasion The Beatles were second on the bill, supporting headliners Johnny Kidd and the Pirates. Also appearing were Pete Maclaine and the Dakotas, an instrumental group from Manchester. The Riverboat Shuffles began and ended at the Pier Head, Liverpool, and typically featured a variety of entertainers to attract the widest possible audience.
The MV Royal Iris and the Riverboat Shuffles
The MV Royal Iris was a River Mersey ferry widely known as The Fish And Chip Boat, a nickname earned from its onboard catering. Ray McFall, who had taken over the Cavern Club in 1959, organised the Riverboat Shuffles as floating dance events ā an extension of the Cavern's spirit onto the water.
The Beatles played four Riverboat Shuffles in total. The other dates were 25 August 1961, 6 July 1962, and 28 September 1962.
Johnny Kidd and the Pirates were one of the most influential British rock and roll acts of the era. Their 1960 single 'Shakin' All Over' ā featuring the distinctive tremolo guitar riff ā reached number one in the UK and is widely regarded as one of the finest British rock records of its time. The Beatles were admirers of the group and covered several of their songs in their early live sets.
Pete Maclaine and the Dakotas were a Manchester-based instrumental group. The Dakotas would later become better known as the backing band for Billy J. Kramer, whom Brian Epstein signed to NEMS Enterprises in 1963.
The Beatles in 1962 ā officially licensed merch
Beatles Cavern Shots 1962 T-Shirt in black.
The Beatles in August 1962
August 1962 was a pivotal month for The Beatles. Ringo Starr had replaced Pete Best as drummer on 16 August 1962 ā just six days after this Riverboat Shuffle. At the time of this performance, Pete Best was still the group's drummer.
The group had recorded their debut single 'Love Me Do' / 'P.S. I Love You' at EMI Studios in London on 6 June 1962, with producer George Martin. It would be released on 5 October 1962, marking the beginning of one of the most extraordinary careers in the history of popular music.
The Beatles in Liverpool ā officially licensed merch
Beatles The Cavern T-Shirt in black.
Key Facts
| Date | Friday 10 August 1962 |
| Venue | MV Royal Iris, River Mersey (departing Pier Head, Liverpool) |
| Event | Riverboat Shuffle, organised by Ray McFall |
| Beatles' appearance | 3rd of 4 Riverboat Shuffle performances |
| Bill position | Second on the bill (headliners: Johnny Kidd and the Pirates) |
| Also appearing | Pete Maclaine and the Dakotas |
| Line-up | John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Pete Best |
The Pier Head, Liverpool ā departure point for the MV Royal Iris Riverboat Shuffles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the MV Royal Iris?
The MV Royal Iris was a River Mersey ferry widely known as The Fish And Chip Boat. Ray McFall, owner of the Cavern Club, used it for floating dance events called Riverboat Shuffles.
How many times did The Beatles play the Riverboat Shuffles?
The Beatles played four Riverboat Shuffles: 25 August 1961, 6 July 1962, 10 August 1962, and 28 September 1962.
Who were Johnny Kidd and the Pirates?
Johnny Kidd and the Pirates were one of the most influential British rock and roll acts of the early 1960s, best known for their 1960 number one 'Shakin' All Over'. The Beatles were admirers and covered some of their material in their early live sets.
Who were Pete Maclaine and the Dakotas?
Pete Maclaine and the Dakotas were a Manchester-based instrumental group. The Dakotas later became the backing band for Billy J. Kramer, who was signed to Brian Epstein's NEMS Enterprises in 1963.
Who was in The Beatles on 10 August 1962?
On 10 August 1962, The Beatles comprised John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Pete Best on drums. Ringo Starr replaced Best just six days later, on 16 August 1962.
ā The Beatles live: Cavern Club, Liverpool (lunchtime) ā 10 August 1961
ā The Beatles live: St John's Hall, Liverpool ā 10 August 1961
ā The Beatles Knowledge Hub
ā August in Beatles History
ā On This Day in Beatles History
Shop Beatles merch: Cavern Shots 1962 T-Shirt | The Cavern T-Shirt | Beatles collection
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