1963 TV Concert: 'It's The Beatles' Live

Live, television: It's The Beatles
3.45pm, Saturday 7 December 1963

Following their appearance on the BBC television show Juke Box Jury, The Beatles recorded a special concert appearance for the corporation at Liverpool's Empire Theatre.

The performance took place in front of 2,500 members of The Beatles' Northern Area Fan Club, between 3.45 and 4.30pm. It was filmed in its entirety by the BBC, and 30 minutes were broadcast that evening from 8.10pm to 8.40pm during a special programme entitled It's The Beatles.

The group played a short version of From Me To You, followed by I Saw Her Standing There, All My Loving, Roll Over Beethoven, Boys, Till There Was You, She Loves You, This Boy, I Want To Hold Your Hand, Money (That's What I Want), Twist And Shout, and another version of From Me To You.

Technical problems and lack of rehearsal times meant the sound balance for the concert recording was sub-standard. Both The Beatles and senior figures at the BBC later expressed concern at the often embarrassing nature of the footage, which included the absence of Ringo vocals during Boys and the director focusing on the wrong members of the group during key moments.

After the concert the BBC also recorded a two-minute interview with the group to use on the Christmas Day edition of Top Of The Pops.

The Beatles then made the short journey to the nearby Odeon Cinema on London Road where they gave two evening concerts. The police closed Pudsey Street to the public to allow the group to reach the venue unhindered.

[MiTmite]

When "I Wanna Hold Your Hand" came out, you really had to be there. 45rpm record and playing it was pure happiness. At around the same time, The Beachboys were on the charts with "I Get Around." It was a terrific time to be young and I think we all knew history was being made.

[murieltainter]

I was 16 when I fell in love with the Beatles and now at 73 I still love them just as much, except now I carry two in my heart.

[Awebreeze-zmst]

All those sweet young faces so excited, wish no one ever had to get old.

[ジェンマ田中]

I was 13, encountered the Beatles. And now 72. I still love ❤️them ! They are miracles !

[blancalezama]

I was one of those girls who loved the Beatles more than anything else.... I wish I had had the chance to be in one of their concerts, now at 71 love them more than they were young, beautiful and humble, beautiful golden times. Thank you

[theunderfaker]

As a musician who’s performed on many stages, this footage proves that the Beatles were one of the tightest, most cohesive units of all time musically. Unreal how good they were together.

[joebertolini]

57 years later The Beatles have never been equalled, let alone surpassed.
They changed music forever, in a good way.
A GREAT WAY!

[pamelaabulencia]

They were so young then, probably didn't even know and understand their accomplishment in the music world....they changed music and they are still here....then and now.

[roughcutguitars]

6:00 Ringo looking back startled, checking if he's about to be crushed by the weight of his own head... and never missing a beat.
Happy 80th birthday Ringo! Peace & Love

[LightSnowOvernight]

At 63, I still feel like screaming when I watch this !

[peachypie]

I was a fan club member and lucky to get a ticket to this show, it was wonderful. Still love the Beatles, best band ever.

[petarreskusic]

My God I was13 years old. My first teenage year!
I just get my Ticket to ride on Magical Mystery Toor, Yellow Submarine, Helter Skelter, through Strowberry Fields Forever, Penny Lane becouse Tomorrow Never Knows! Now, I am 72 years young and I'll Follow The Sun with Sgt' Peppers Lonley Hearts Club Band as long as my heart is beating. Thank you for EVERYTHING our dearest BAND🐞

[MichaelSmith-jwqw]

3 guitars, one small drum kit, and 4 voices--they made incredible music--still can't believe they did what they did

[arkady]

Few images in pop culture more iconic than The Beatles singing their breakout song in front of a screaming audience.  Their dress, the symmetry on stage, the flawless performance, the audience reaction and all in black & white go down as a genuine historic image of the 20th century and modern man.  It really means that much.

[stevenbrockiv]

Perfect group of guy's, paving the way for other's to come.
But nobody ever surpassed the Beatles.

[newsredux]

Sixty years later and it's indisputable - the Stones were never even close. 2022 and The Beatles are STILL more famous than the Stones will ever be.

[mydozer]

The Beatles had a extraordinary impact on society and culture. I considered them the greatest musical act of the 20th century.

[ComancheWill]

separately they were good....but together they were MAGIC

[EBthere]

These girls were not screaming just because others were screaming. Twenty and thirty year old mothers in their home were not singing and dancing in front of the TV because other mothers down the street were. My God don't you people remember what it was like then? These girls and women who were at the concerts or watching TV were hanging on every word and expression the Beatles were making. What you're seeing and hearing is true love for a band and an experience that had never been seen before or ever again. Young or old, we all felt like we knew them and cared about them. Still do.

[lexlewis]

Not only were The Beatles the greatest songwriters and the greatest singers/band, their amazing personalities made the perfect blend!