The Beatles were no strangers to being on stage. John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr spent almost every night of the week on stage performing their show-stopping hits to their countless fans. Just before the band split up in 1969, they had reportedly performed 1,400 gigs over the course of four years.
And although very few of them were cancelled, one almost got cut right at the last minute.
The band were due to play the Stockton Globe at Stockton-on-Tees on November 22, 1963, continuing their British leg of their UK tour.
Unfortunately for them, this was the day that American President John F Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas.
Upon hearing the news, the band were just about to go on stage, and were unsure if they should go through with the gig.
READ MORE: The Beatles: ‘John Lennon and I used music as a psychiatrist’ admits Sir Paul McCartney
Fans of The Beatles were given a treat earlier this week as McCartney announced he is releasing his third DIY album this year.
He first released his solo album McCartney in 1970, which was written and recorded all by himself.
A decade later, he wrote and produced McCartney II, continuing the trend of doing everything on the album himself.
While he has released albums since, the newly announced McCartney III is the third album created completely by him, without any help.
Speaking to the BBC about his new album, McCartney explained: “I was just messing around, never suspecting for one second that this was going to be an album.”
He also divulged some information about his songs, which allude to the ongoing pandemic – during which he wrote most of the lyrics.
The singer then revealed some words from one of his new songs, which read: “When the cold days come, we’ll wish that we had seized the day.”
After referencing these lyrics, he explained: “That was me reminding myself, and anyone listening, that you’ve got to grab the good stuff and get on through the pandemic.”
Going on to talk about the production of the new album, he explained it was just him trying to have some fun.
McCartney said: “Paul went on: “Because I wasn’t aiming at a proper record release, I was just having a go.
“I think it has ended up being exactly what it is – which is me not really trying very hard, except to have fun.”
McCartney III will be released on December 11, 2020.
The Stockton Globe closed in 1976. The legendary venue will now be reopening in 2021, 45 years after it was shut down.
After receiving a £28 million restoration, the Stockton Globe has been given a lease for life, and will see incredible acts take the stage next year.
The Globe historically hosted the likes of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Shirley Bassey. Continuing the trend of icons taking to the stage, next year will see Paloma Faith, Jools Holland, Midge Ure, and Steve Hacket in the first set of musical talent claiming their spot in the history books.
General Manager of the Globe Jo Ager said: “We’re ecstatic to reveal the amazing names that we are bringing to Stockton Globe when we re-open next year. The people of Stockton know the history of the venue, but what we have planned for the future will make everyone, everywhere, sit up and take notice.
“This is the start of something really special; as we move forward, we will continue to focus on music, comedy and family-based performances and bringing the best in the business to our stage.”
Tickets for Stockton Globe’s 2021 line up are on sale today.