Dingwall Beatles gig-goers answer author's call
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AN author looking for music fans who witnessed the appearance of The Beatles in Dingwall in January 1963 has been overwhelmed by the responses.
Richard Houghton from Manchester called on the North Star to help him track down gig-goers who saw the flop show at the Town Hall in Dingwall for a people’s history he is writing about the group.
The Dingwall concert took place just before the Fab Four had a top 10 hit and before their second single Please Please Me stormed to the top of the charts.
Only 19 people turned out for the Dingwall gig, as the big draw that night was local group The Melotones who were playing a few miles away in Strathpeffer to 1000 local youngsters.
Mr Houghton said: "I’ve had several readers get in touch with some great memories."
Among those who contacted Richard was Highland councillor Margaret Paterson, who remembered: "I was one of the 19 who attended the original Beatles concert in Dingwall.
"It was my first date with my late husband Tommy and I thought he had stood me up as he went to the Strathpeffer gig. I sat on the stage chatting to the Beatles and Paul in particular who told me not to be upset as there was more fish in the sea than ever came out of it."
Sarah Purchase was also at the Town Hall that night and recalled: "Myself and my friends were not impressed with them and left for Strathpeffer to see the group at the pavilion.
"Ringo was not there and the rest just sat around the stage making conversation with us and disappointed with the turnout."
Doreen Douglas was 18 when The Beatles came to Dingwall.
She told Mr Houghton: "The Beatles were getting pennies thrown at them along with the jeers."
Also in contact was Dingwall man Billy Shanks who helped organise a reunion of the "Town Hall 19" five years ago in the same venue with tribute act The Upbeat Beatles.
After the reunion, a plaque was installed on the exterior wall of the Town Hall telling of the venue’s association with the band.
Mr Houghton said: "These Beatle memories are a fantastic insight into the past and I’m delighted to have received so many stories.
"I’ve also been sent a copy of the contract that The Beatles signed to perform the five concerts in Scotland in January 1963 which included their Dingwall appearance, for which they were paid £42."
Mr Houghton is the author of You Had To Be There: The Rolling Stones Live 1962-69.
You can share your Beatles’ memories with him at thebeatlesinthe60s@gmail.com or by writing to 7 Hartley Road, Manchester, M21 9NG.
