The Beatles performed at St John’s Hall on Snaefell Avenue in Tuebrook, Liverpool on Thursday 13 July 1961 — their third appearance at the venue, and their first live engagement since returning from Hamburg on 2–3 July.
| Date | Thursday 13 July 1961 |
| Venue | St John’s Hall, Snaefell Avenue, Tuebrook, Liverpool |
| Show number | 3rd of 11 Beatles appearances at this venue |
| Promoter | Mona Best (also owner of the Casbah Coffee Club) |
| Era | Pre-fame / Hamburg era |
The Beatles at St John’s Hall, 13 July 1961
This was The Beatles’ third performance at St John’s Hall in Tuebrook — a north Liverpool suburb a few miles from the city centre. The show was promoted by Mona Best, mother of Beatles drummer Pete Best and owner of the Casbah Coffee Club in nearby West Derby, who also ran occasional nights at the hall.
The Beatles had returned to Liverpool from their third Hamburg residency on 2 and 3 July 1961, and had enjoyed a well-earned break from 4–12 July. This show on 13 July was their first live engagement since leaving Germany. It should not be confused with a hall of the same name in Bootle, where The Beatles also performed on separate occasions.
The Hamburg connection
By July 1961, The Beatles had already completed three extended residencies in Hamburg, Germany — the crucible in which they forged their extraordinary live performance skills. Their third Hamburg trip had taken them to the Top Ten Club on the Reeperbahn, where they played alongside Tony Sheridan and recorded their first professional recordings, including a version of ‘My Bonnie’ released under the name Tony Sheridan and The Beat Brothers.
The Hamburg residencies transformed The Beatles from a promising local act into a tight, relentless live band capable of playing for hours at a stretch. Every Merseyside show they played on their return was shaped by that experience.
Mona Best and the Casbah Coffee Club
Mona Best was one of the most important figures in the early Beatles story. She opened the Casbah Coffee Club in the basement of her home at 8 Hayman’s Green, West Derby, Liverpool, in August 1959. The Beatles — then known as the Quarrymen — helped paint the club before its opening and were among its first resident acts.
Her son Pete Best joined The Beatles as their drummer in August 1960, in time for their first Hamburg trip. Mona promoted several Beatles shows at St John’s Hall as part of her wider involvement in the Liverpool music scene. The Casbah Coffee Club is now a Grade II listed building and a significant Beatles heritage site.
All 11 Beatles appearances at St John’s Hall, Tuebrook
The Beatles performed at St John’s Hall, Snaefell Avenue, Tuebrook on 11 occasions in 1961:
- 17 February 1961
- 10 March 1961
- 13 July 1961 (this show)
- 20 July 1961
- 27 July 1961
- 3 August 1961
- 10 August 1961
- 17 August 1961
- 24 August 1961
- 31 August 1961
- 8 September 1961
The Beatles in July 1961
In July 1961, The Beatles comprised John Lennon (vocals, rhythm guitar), Paul McCartney (vocals, bass guitar), George Harrison (vocals, lead guitar), and Pete Best (drums). Stuart Sutcliffe, Lennon’s art school friend and the group’s original bass player, had remained in Hamburg with his fiancée Astrid Kirchherr — leaving McCartney to take over on bass.
Brian Epstein had not yet entered the picture — he would first see The Beatles at the Cavern Club on 9 November 1961 and become their manager in January 1962. In July 1961, the group were managed informally and were building their reputation show by show across Merseyside and beyond.
Tuebrook, Liverpool
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Frequently Asked Questions
- How many times did The Beatles play St John’s Hall, Liverpool?
- The Beatles performed at St John’s Hall on Snaefell Avenue, Tuebrook, Liverpool on 11 occasions, all in 1961, between February and September.
- Who was Mona Best?
- Mona Best was the mother of Beatles drummer Pete Best and the owner of the Casbah Coffee Club in West Derby, Liverpool. She promoted several Beatles shows at St John’s Hall and was a key figure in the early Liverpool music scene.
- What was the Casbah Coffee Club?
- The Casbah Coffee Club was a music venue opened by Mona Best in the basement of her home at 8 Hayman’s Green, West Derby, Liverpool, in August 1959. The Beatles — then the Quarrymen — helped decorate it before its opening and were among its first resident acts. It is now a Grade II listed building.
- Why had The Beatles just returned from Hamburg in July 1961?
- The Beatles had completed their third Hamburg residency, playing at the Top Ten Club on the Reeperbahn. They returned to Liverpool on 2–3 July 1961. During this Hamburg trip they also recorded their first professional recordings with Tony Sheridan.
- Who was in The Beatles in July 1961?
- In July 1961, The Beatles were John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Pete Best. Stuart Sutcliffe had remained in Hamburg. Brian Epstein had not yet become their manager.
- Where is Tuebrook?
- Tuebrook is a residential suburb in the north of Liverpool, a few miles from the city centre. St John’s Hall was located on Snaefell Avenue in Tuebrook.
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