Memories of Beatle George (From Stroud News and Journal)

Memories of Beatle George

THE death of George Harrison on Friday brought memories flooding back to people who followed the Beatles phenomenon in the sixties.

Beatlemania gripped the nation and threw the teenage population into a state of hysteria, the likes of which no-one had seen before. But before the rags turned to riches the pop idols toured the country, playing gigs in the most unlikely places.

Stroud's Subscription Rooms was just one of the venues the lads were booked into during their quest for fame and fortune - but it was a hard slog. They were paid just £30 to play here on March 31, 1962.

But that wasn't their only performance that night. John, Paul, George and Ringo also played a warm-up gig on the same evening at the Flamingo, a now-defunct cafe above Bateman's sports shop.

The publicity put out by the council barred Teddy Boys from the concert in the Sub Rooms and asked ladies not to wear stiletto heels.

The fab four offered to perform for a second time at the Stroud venue for a staggering £70 but it was politely declined by the management as being 'a little steep.'

For more local reaction to George Harrisons death see this weeks SNJ