Beatles Lovers are in for a Valentine’s Night treat when King’s Heath commemorates the anniversary of The Beatles Birmingham debut that took place at King’s Heath’s old burnt down Ritz Ballroom on 15 February 1963.
The Ritz Ballroom was one of four venues run in the 1960’s by legendary Irish couple Ma and Pa Regan. Originally booked to appear on 11 January 1963 The Beatles were prevented from getting to the Ritz Ballroom that night by blizzard like conditions from another venue on the Regan circuit – the Plaza in Old Hill.
The gig had to be re-arranged for the 15 February but the Regans were delighted because by then The Beatles second single “Please Please Me” was No.1 in the Charts and the Regans had persuaded Brian Epstein not to increase their fee!
Hundreds of screaming fans inside and outside meant The Beatles had to enter the ballroom on York Road by climbing over a rear fence from Milford Place.
Now 63 years later top tribute band The Fab 4 return on Saturday 14 February after last year’s sold out show to again re-create the magic of that night playing hit after hit after hit with a special segment featuring songs actually performed by The Beatles on that 1963 night.
The Fab 4 were the first band invited to play at the Paul McCartney Auditorium at the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts…..what higher accolade could a Beatles tribute band be accorded?
The Fab 4 starred in the Liverpool celebrations of the re-release of the Beatles “Yellow Submarine”.
The Fab 4 performed for the BBC’s “Music Live” celebrations at the RoyalAlbert Hall.
The Fab4 starred in a sell out “Cavern to Rooftop” national tour.
Alistair Taylor, former General manager of Apple Corporation, who organised the tour and worked very closely with The Beatles, said
“I have seen and heard hundreds of Beatles tribute groups. Some of them have been very, very good, but none have surpassed The FAB 4. There is a passion in their playing which reminds me of ”the boys”
Don’t miss out on this unique celebration of the day Beatlemania first came to King’s Heath and Birmingham! On display at the gig will be 4 photographs of The Beatles taken of the Beatles on stage at the Ritz Ballroom in 1963 courtesy of fan Jane Chapman who travelled to the gig from Pershore plus other memorabilia
Tickets will make ideal Valentine’s day presents for all fans of The Beatles!!!
Earlybird advance tickets now on sale for just £12 then £15 from www.wegottickets.com/event/656413.
£20 On Door if any tickets are left as this event always sells out in advance!
The gig will take place less than half a mile away from the derelict site of the old Ritz Ballroom at King’s Heath Cricket and Social Club, 247 Alcester Road South, King’s Heath, B14 6DT
It is an unreserved seated venue with dance floor and reasonably priced real ale bar.
There is a Car Park at the rear and No 50 Bus stops outside.
“We are delighted to welcome back the highly acclaimed Fab 4 Tribute band after their sell out show last year” said Bob Prew and Ken Whittaker from local charity King’s Heath Walk Of Fame who are organising the anniversary event.
We are expecting Beatles fans from all of the Midlands to attend for a fantastic night out commemorating the day when Beatlemania first came to Birmingham. We are expecting another sell out show and would advise fans to buy tickets well in advance! It is also great that the gig is actually taking place on Valentine’s Night because as The Beatles sang All You Need Is Love!”