50 YEARS SINCE THE BEATLES PLAYED IN TAMWORTH

FIFTY years ago one of the greatest bands of all time paid a visit to Tamworth to perform at the town's Assembly Rooms.

The Beatles took to the stage on February 1, 1963 to perform their hit songs – and now the Herald is looking for anyone with memories of the occasion to get in touch.

1. ​
   The Beatles played at Tamworth Assembly Rooms.

At the time the Fab Four's debut single Love Me Do had just peaked at number 17 in the charts, and the band's new single Please Please Me had been released.

As the date approached the Herald's 'Record Spin' column, edited by the late Bill Jones, described The Beatles' forthcoming performance as "a rare treat for local pop fans".

Because of the sudden demand for tickets a second concert was also scheduled for the same evening eight miles away in Sutton Coldfield.

The Herald carried an advert promoting the "rock and twist sensational" show which also promised performances from Gerry Levene and the Avengers and The Rebels.

The night was a success and one to be remembered. A huge cheer erupted as The Beatles took to the stage and they performed their hit songs as well as Twist and Shout, I Saw Her Standing There, Roll Over Beethoven and The Hippy Hippy Shake.

Legend has it that John, Paul, George and Ringo all added their signatures to an autographed back wall which has long since been painted over.

Not everyone was happy at the performance though. Some teenagers were disappointed at the short set – around 30 minutes – and complained in the Herald that they had been "ripped off".

But other members of the audience wrote to the paper to express their delight at seeing their favourite group in Tamworth.

A spokesman added that The Beatles might return to the town at a later date for another concert, but they never did make it back.

Were you there for The Beatles performance? Do you have any memorabilia or memories from the night? Do you have any elusive photographs of the occasion?Get in touch with us by calling 01827 848600, email tamworth.editorial@cintamworth.co.uk, or write to The Herald, Ventura Park Road, Tamworth, B78 3LZ.

And exactly 50 years after The Beatles appeared at Tamworth's Assembly Rooms the music of the Fab Four is being brought back to the town – as The Counterfeit Beatles take to the stage. They have established themselves as one of the UK's most sought after international acts and will perform, in full costume, four different sets featuring the band's legendary songs.

The performance takes place on Friday, February 1, from 7.30pm. Tickets cost £17 (£16 concessions).

And on February 2 the Assembly Rooms will be celebrating the anniversary with an event titled 'Local With The Beatles'.The Tamworth music scene is getting together for a night of Beatles classics, featuring a host of local talent, all playing tribute to one of the world's most respected bands on the same stage they performed on 50 years ago.