On this day in 1961, The Beatles joined forces with Gerry and the Pacemakers for a one time show as ‘The Beatmakers’

In the late 1950’s and early 1960’s, phenomenon known as Merseybeat dominated the Liverpool scene and shortly after, the world. Local musicians mixed their own style with the American R&B and rock that they loved, creating a scene that birthed a number of superstar bands. Among these groups were Gerry and the Pacemakers, peers and sometimes rivals of The Beatles that would later also be signed by Brian Epstein and recorded by George Martin.

The event, held at the Litherland Town Hall, was promoted as a Beatles show, with Gerry and the Pacemakers and Karl Terry and the Cruisers as support acts. At some point during the evening it was suggested that the bands play together, going by the name ‘The Beatmakers’. The line-up featured Paul McCartney on rhythm guitar, Pete Best and Freddy Marsden sharing Best’s drum kit, Les Maguire on saxophone, John Lennon on piano, George Harrison on lead guitar and Gerry Marsden on lead guitar and vocals, with Karl Terry also joining on some vocals.

The Beatles had played at the Litherland Town Hall seventeen times before The Beatmakers show,  but this would be their most memorable performance  at the venue. Gerry Marsden later said that “The Beatles and ourselves – we let go, when we get on-stage…  On Merseyside, it’s beat, beat, beat all the way. We go on and really have a ball”. This sentiment was definitely reflected at The Beatmakers performance, as the two groups could really have fun playing with each other and with a wider range of instruments. Unfortunately, little is known about what songs were actually performed at the show, but reviews were positive.

Both bands would rise to stardom in the following years, with Gerry and the Pacemakers finding three UK number one hits and seven songs reaching the top 40 in the US before eventually disbanding in 1967. They reformed with some new members in 1972 and continued touring occasionally over the next few decades.