The Beatles perform six songs for BBC radio’s ‘Saturday Club’ at Playhouse Theatre in London 60 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (May 21 1963)


Video: 'The Beatles - Boys (BBC, Saturday Club - 25 May 1963)'

(Tuesday, May 21, 1963, 5:30-6:30 p.m. BST) — The Beatles recorded the first of two radio sessions for different BBC shows tonight, both at the Playhouse Theatre in London.

They arrived for a 2:30 p.m. rehearsal for a bill-topping appearance on Saturday Club – the first time they were the headline act on the program.

The Beatles chatted to presenter Brian Matthew and performed six songs: “I Saw Her Standing There,” “Do You Want To Know A Secret,” “Boys,” “Long Tall Sally,” “From Me To You” and “Money (That’s What I Want).”

The edition of Saturday Club was first broadcast on the BBC Light Programme on May 25, 1963, between 10:00 a.m. and midday.


Video: 'The Beatles - Long Tall Sally (BBC, Saturday Club - 25 May 1963)'

The Beatles took a 45-minute break after the recording, returning to the Playhouse at 7:15 p.m. to rehearse an appearance on a new Light Programme show, Steppin’ Out.

The hour-long edition, first broadcast on June 3, 1963, from 10:31-11:30 a.m., was recorded from 10-11:15 p.m.

Performing before a lively audience, The Beatles performed another six songs: “Please Please Me,” “I Saw Her Standing There,” “Roll Over Beethoven,” “Twist And Shout,” “Thank You Girl” and “From Me To You.”