Fans share memories of Stroud Sub Rooms in 1962

AN AUTHOR looking for fans who witnessed a performance by The Beatles at the Sub Rooms has been overwhelmed by the response from SNJ readers.

Richard Houghton appealed for people who had seen the band’s only performance in Stroud to get in touch to help him make a people’s history of the group.

Roger Brown, who contacted Richard, said: “They were billed as Liverpool’s number one group which did not mean as much to us in Gloucestershire.

“John Lennon said he was going to play this new record.

“Knowing the quality of the normal Saturday night groups I waited for them to spoil the song.

“Wow – was I surprised. John Lennon on the harmonica was really great and their version was better than the original.

“I was a fan from that day.”

Jen Fabb also got in touch with Richard as her mum used to work at the Sub Rooms providing refreshments when the band visited.

“I looked forward to Saturdays when I heard new bands and singers,” she said.

“I remember I was given plastic caps to wear on my stiletto heels to protect the floor at The Subs.

“Mum particularly remembers when the Beatles came because Paul asked her for some hot water so he could shave.”

Richard told the SNJ: “These Beatle memories are a fantastic insight into the past and I’m delighted to have received so many stories.

“I’ve now received more than 300 stories from around the world and these will be appearing in print, along with any others I receive, later in 2016.”

Richard is the author of You Had To Be There: The Rolling Stones Live 1962 – 69 which is available from gottahavebooks.co.uk.

You can share your Beatles memories with Richard by emailing beatlesinthe60s@gmail.com or write to him at 7 Hartley Road, Manchester, M21 9NG.