Opened on the 9th of February, 1924, The Grafton on West Derby Road was once a thriving purpose built dance hall which was able to accommodate 1200 people and was situated next door to The Locarno, now known as the Liverpool Olympia. The scene for big bands and ballroom dancing saw rock ‘n’ roll eventually take over on Saturdays when The Grafton became a jive night. All the guys had hairstyles like Tony Curtis with a DA (duck’s arse) at the back, and wore button-up Italian suits, drape coats, tight trousers and beetle-crusher shoes. As with a lot of venues around this time, The Grafton was famous for the fights as well as the dancing.
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| With Jeffrey Archer on 12th June 1963 for an NSPCC fundraiser |
'The Quarrymen' had previously performed at Liverpool's Grafton Rooms but 'The Beatles' first concert here was on the 3rd of August 1962. They would play there four times in total, with the last taking place almost a year later on the 2nd of August 1963. This first show was promoted by Albert Kinder who was a promoter at the Picton Hall and the Liverpool Empire and 'The Beatles' topped a bill which also featured 'The Undertakers', 'Sonny Webb & The Cascades', 'The Coasters' and 'The Dennisons'. Advance tickets cost 7'6 (37.5p), and the Grafton Rooms opened from 7.30 pm to 12.30 am and it is understood there were approx. 1000 waiting to get in. 'The Beatles' fee of £100 for this show was agreed much earlier in the year but by the time it took place the group was able to command much higher fees but they honoured the booking regardless.
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| Paul & George at The Grafton |
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| John sweating at The Grafton |
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