25 January 1963
Radio broadcast:
Here We Go
BBC Light Programme, 5.00 - 5.29 pm
Recorded 16 January
Radio broadcast:
The Friday Spectacular
Radio Luxembourg, 10.00 - 11.00 pm
Recorded 21 January
Concert:
Co-operative Hall, Market Street, Darwen, Lancashire
"A retired night club bouncer recalled how he got a lift home from Paul McCartney and George Harrison.
David Yates was on duty on January 25th, 1963 when The Beatles played at Darwen Co-operative Hall, a week before they had their first UK number one 'Please, Please Me' . Within a few months the group went on to achieve world wide.
Mr Yates, who ran a fish stall on Darwen market for many years, said that he met the group at the front door of the hall and took them up in a lift to their dressing room.
He said: "They arrived separately. John Lennon and Ringo Starr had driven to Darwen in a van with their roadies, and Paul and George had made their way here in a green Ford Corsair. I couldn't help thinking they were a scruffy bunch. In the dressing room George was even laughing at a tatty string vest he was wearing. What a transformation though when they went out onto the stage, smart grey high collared suits and shiny black Chelsea boots.
"A few girls were hanging around in the corridors as they went to the stage and the group had a bit of a chat with them. The girls were well behaved and there wasn't any hysterical screaming or grabbing at them - like you see in TV clips of their concerts. The girls straight away made a bee line for Paul. He was definitely the favourite.
"After their stage act, which I thought very polished and very professional they signed autographs for another bunch of girls. Their dressing room was filled with loads of women! I managed to get an autograph from all four myself. I still have it today and treasure it."
Mr Yates added: "When they were ready to go Paul asked me which was the best way to get to Southport. I said: 'down the main road and I asked if they'd give me a lift, as I was going that way'. They were happy to oblige and they chatted away as we drove towards Blackburn. Paul dropped off me at the corner of Birch Hall Estate and they disappeared down the road."
Another local had been stopped earlier in the evening by two of the group when they asked him for directions.
Douglas Hargreaves was near The British Queen pub making his way home with his then fiancée, Eileen.
He said: "A rusty white van pulled up beside us and a friendly Scouser with long hair poked his head out of the vehicle and asked me directions to the Co-operative Hall. I knew immediately who they were. I'd heard they were coming and had seen them on TV. I pointed out which way they had to go and they thanked me and drove off. There were two blokes in the front and two in the back all wearing jeans and leather jackets."
Mr Hargreaves added: "Lots of people find it amazing I actually spoke to them but at the time I wasn't really impressed. I wasn't into their music and I was totally focused on getting married at the time - The Beatles were the last thing on my mind!"
Meanwhile, Valerie Baron, 63, of Philip Street was an excited 16-year-old waiting at the Co-operative Hall for the Beatles to arrive that evening
She recalled that things were very different then. Alcohol wasn't allowed and only crisps and soft drinks were for sale. The hall was also very brightly lit and the lights weren't even dimmed when the acts came on.
She said: "I went to the concert with two friends and we'd bought the tickets weeks in advance. I didn't earn very much and I had to borrow money off my dear old mum so I could go.
"I can remember exactly what I was wearing that night, a green fitted dress with lace sleeves and white shoes. It was just before the mini skirt became fashionable so it was just above my knees. I thought I looked great at the time but I laugh about it now. The place was packed with mainly girls. The group had been on a local TV station a few weeks before and everyone knew who they were. We were impatient for the support acts to be finished. They were good but we just wanted The Beatles on stage.
"When they finally came on the whole place erupted into shouts and screams. We pushed to the front and got a good view of the lads. Paul was the one I wanted to get close to. He was so good looking. Some of the girls were really lucky - as the lads bent over singing to them. They sang their new song Please, Please Me which I went out and bought the next week."
Mrs Baron went on: "After they'd finished and left the stage I tried to get their autograph but I was disappointed as I couldn't get in their room. It was too full. I was really excited when they hit the big time knowing that I'd been within a few inches of them. I also thought 'good for them' they seemed decent guys.""
Source: Darwen News
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