The Beatles Filming “Top Of The Pops” at Riverside Studios
Saturday 10 April 1965 | Television, The Beatles
On 10 April 1965, The Beatles recorded an appearance for the BBC television programme Top Of The Pops at Riverside Studios in London.
The performance featured two songs: ‘Ticket To Ride’ and ‘Yes It Is’.
This session marked the final time The Beatles recorded a mimed performance exclusively for the programme.
Filming and Production Details
Rehearsals and filming began at approximately 1.30pm at Riverside Studios.
The Beatles wore distinctive fawn-coloured jackets during the recording—an outfit they would later wear again during their landmark Shea Stadium concert on 15 August 1965.
The performance was later broadcast on Thursday 15 April 1965, airing from 7.30pm to 8.00pm as part of the BBC’s flagship music series.
BBC Archiving and Loss of the Recording
In line with BBC archival practices of the time, the episode of Top Of The Pops featuring The Beatles was later wiped and is considered lost.
This was a common practice during the era, resulting in the loss of many historic television performances.
As a result, the full original broadcast no longer exists in the BBC archives.
Doctor Who Preservation Link
Although the Top Of The Pops episode was erased, a fragment of The Beatles’ performance survived in an unexpected place.
A short excerpt was included in the Doctor Who serial The Chase, specifically in the episode The Executioners, first broadcast on 22 May 1965.
While the original music programme was lost, the Doctor Who episode survived, preserving part of The Beatles’ performance for future audiences.
This makes the surviving footage one of the few remaining visual records of this particular Beatles television appearance.
Unrealised Concept: Beatles in the Future
Originally, the Doctor Who production intended to feature The Beatles appearing as themselves in a futuristic setting, aged with makeup.
However, manager Brian Epstein objected to the concept, and the idea was abandoned.
The production instead incorporated the Top Of The Pops performance footage as a replacement.
Location
Hammersmith
London, England, UK
BBC television recording venue
Location Map
Also on This Day in Beatles History
10 April is one of the most significant dates in Beatles history. Here's what else happened:
- 10 April 1961 – The Beatles live at the Top Ten Club, Hamburg
- 10 April 1962 – Stuart Sutcliffe, original Beatles bassist, dies in Hamburg
- 10 April 1964 – The Beatles’ Second Album released in the US
- 10 April 1964 – The Beatles filming A Hard Day’s Night at Twickenham
- 10 April 1967 – Paul McCartney records with The Beach Boys
- 10 April 1970 – George Harrison BBC Fact Or Fantasy interview
- 10 April 1970 – Paul McCartney announces the Beatles split
- 10 April 1970 – The Beatles’ final Apple press release
- 10 April 1972 – FBI surveillance of John Lennon ordered
- 10 April 2002 – Paul McCartney live at United Center, Chicago
- 10 April 2003 – Paul McCartney live at Manchester MEN Arena
- 10 April 2011 – The Beatles’ first contract goes to auction
- 10 April 2019 – Ringo Starr All-Starr Band live in Amagasaki
FAQ
When did The Beatles film Top Of The Pops?
On 10 April 1965 at Riverside Studios in London.
What songs did they perform?
‘Ticket To Ride’ and ‘Yes It Is’.
Does the recording still exist?
The original BBC broadcast was wiped, but a fragment survives in a Doctor Who episode.
Why is this performance important?
It represents The Beatles’ final mimed-only performance for Top Of The Pops and is one of their lost television appearances.
Explore more Beatles history: The Beatles Knowledge Hub | On This Day in Beatles History
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