Famous Sheffield Beatles show recreated for book launch

History was repeated when a legendary Sheffield Beatles gig was re-staged to celebrate the launch of a new book.
Julia Armstrong
By Julia Armstrong
Published 27th Nov 2019, 09:00 BST
Updated 27th Nov 2019, 10:30 BST
Revellers enjoying a restaging of a famous 1963 Beatles gig in Sheffield at the launch of a book about the city's legendary 1960s King Mojo's ClubRevellers enjoying a restaging of a famous 1963 Beatles gig in Sheffield at the launch of a book about the city's legendary 1960s King Mojo's Club
Revellers enjoying a restaging of a famous 1963 Beatles gig in Sheffield at the launch of a book about the city's legendary 1960s King Mojo's Club

Peter Stringfellow could never have guessed he’d created an event that would enter the annals of rock’n’roll history when he booked the Beatles to perform at St Aidan’s Church Hall on City Road, Sheffield.

The sell-out show – which ended up being moved to the bigger Azena Ballroom in Gleadless - caused near riots as hundreds of young people turned up without tickets.

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The band had just scored a number one hit with Please, Please Me.

Sheffield artist Colin Duffield's famous music posters were on display at the launch event for the Dirty Stop Out’s Guide to 1960s Sheffield – King Mojo EditionSheffield artist Colin Duffield's famous music posters were on display at the launch event for the Dirty Stop Out’s Guide to 1960s Sheffield – King Mojo Edition
Sheffield artist Colin Duffield's famous music posters were on display at the launch event for the Dirty Stop Out’s Guide to 1960s Sheffield – King Mojo Edition

The show took place just before Stringfellow launched his legendary King Mojo club with his brother Geoff.

Neil Anderson’s book, Dirty Stop Out’s Guide to 1960s Sheffield – The King Mojo Edition, was unveiled at a packed Genting Casino Sheffield event headlined by Rotherham-based Beatles tribute band the Beatleg Bootles.

The band’s performance was based on the set list from the Beatles’ Azena show of February 1963.

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Posters by Colin Duffield – a well-known Sheffield artist who worked for Peter Stringfellow – were on display at the launch party.

Sheffield author Neil Anderson said the book from his popular Dirty Stop Out series will be a fitting tribute to Peter Stringfellow, who died last year.

He said: “The contribution Peter and Geoff made to popular culture in the era was quite incredible.

“They were central to The Beatles story and the Azena gig became the stuff of legend.

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“They went on to launch the King Mojo club which created lifelong friendships amongst its teenage audience and attracted acts that went on to conquer the world.”

The event raised money for the charity Cruse Bereavement Care.

The Dirty Stop Out’s Guide to 1960s Sheffield – King Mojo Edition is on sale from www.dirtystopouts.com and bookshops.

Related topics:SheffieldHistory