ON THIS DAY IN 1963, THE BEATLES WERE PREPARING TO SET OUT ON ONE OF THEIR EARLY TOURS ALONGSIDE THE LEGENDARY ROY ORBISON

Orbison was originally slated as the headline act of the tour, with the Beatles opening, but after the reaction to The Beatles early on, the boys were promoted to co-headliners, making this tour the first where the band was the featured act. The band also played a set in Norwich today without Orbison, which was an enthusiastic success as over 1700 people arrived to see the concert.

The tour ran through 21 dates throughout England, Wales and Scotland, continuing until the 9th June. The band played a number of tracks, including early hits like “Love Me Do”, “Twist and Shout” and “Please, Please Me”. These early tours were instrumental and building The Beatles popularity at home before they hit the US for the British Invasion in the mid-60’s.

Interestingly, years later in 1988, Orbison and Beatle George Harrison would be reunited to perform in the supergroup known as The Traveling Wilburys alongside Jeff Lynne, Tom Petty and Bob Dylan.