Take a tour of the storied basement music venue where one of the biggest bands of the 1960s, the Beatles, got their start.
The Casbah Coffee Club played an integral role in the formative years of the Beatles, one of the most famous and successful acts in music history. See the basement stage where the young Liverpudlian musicians honed their craft and hear anecdotes that provide insight into the lives of the band members before they became famous.
Commonly called the Casbah, the club was first opened in 1959 by Mona Best, the mother of the original Beatles’ drummer, Pete Best. Inspired by the coffee bar clubs she had heard about in London, Mona set up the Casbah in her own cellar. Soon after, she enlisted The Quarrymen, a band that included John Lennon, Paul McCartney and George Harrison, as the club’s resident Saturday night act.
Sign up for a guided tour of the space to hear about the early days of the club. Hear stories about the Beatles before they made it, including how the band members helped paint the club. Look to the ceiling to survey the rainbow stripes and silver stars, which were put there by Paul McCartney, John Lennon and George Harrison. The club also features a silhouette of John that was done by his first wife, Cynthia.
Ask the guide to tell you about the Beatles’ rising fame in Liverpool and how they amassed a large fan base, who would come to the Casbah religiously to see them perform. Little has changed in the club since its early 1960s heyday. The Beatles also played in the Casbah on its closing night in June 1962.
The Casbah wasn’t just a launching pad for the Beatles. The club also welcomed other now-famous acts to its stage, including Cilla Black and Gerry & The Pacemakers. Choose between several tour options, including a regular tour of the club, a special tour that focuses on Beatles’ memorabilia and a tour that includes a live concert of Beatles’ music.
Find the Casbah Coffee Club in West Derby. Buses depart from Liverpool city centre. A fee is charged for tours, which can be booked in advance.
