Mersey Beat - Alexandra Hall, Crosby

The Alexandra Hall, locally known as the Rodways Room, opened in 1888 and was originally the Town Hall for the Crosby Urban District Council. When the Great Crosby and Waterloo with Seaforth Urban Districts were merged into the Borough of Crosby, the council offices were transferred to Waterloo Town Hall. The frontage of the red brick Hall had an ironwork and glass canopy, which was removed in the late 1950s because of rust erosion.



It was on Thursday the 19th of January 1961 when 'The Beatles' only performance at Alexandra Hall, College Road, Crosby, Liverpool took place. It was booked by Brian Kelly, who ran Beekay Promotions in a number of Liverpool venues, including Litherland Town Hall, Alexandra Hall and the Aintree Institute.

The Beatles performed at numerous Beekay shows in their early days. Apparently this night they were seen in their Hamburg black leather look, had brand new instruments and played brilliantly.

Although 'The Beatles' played there just once, Alexandra Hall hosted many bands including 'Rory Storm and The Hurricanes' who played there on Rory's birthday on the 7th of January 1961, Johnny Gustafson of 'The Big Three' standing in for the ill Ty Brien. Rory had first appeared there as early as the 14th of March 1959 and again on the 4th of April when, acccording to Johnny Guitar, "We played terrible. Drummer was no good. Finished at Meadows."
The place has since been demolished.

see also :- http://www.thefootballvoice.com/2017/10/mersey-beat-albany-maghull.html