The 7th November 1957 was the first time ''The Quarrymen' played at this notoriously rough venue in the Garston district of Liverpool. The venue was situated opposite the Garston bus depot, and had been built by Francis Wilson and it was here that George Harrison probably first saw 'The Quarrymen' perform on the 6th of February 1958, although he had met them before that time.
This was one of promoter Charlie Mac's 'Rhythm Nights', held every Thursday. 'The Quarrymen' performed at Wilson Hall four times in total. Charlie McBain was the pioneer promoter of the 'Mersey Sound' venues, with venues such as Wilson Hall, Wavertree Town Hall and New Clubmoor Hall and it was he who booked 'The Quarrymen' at Wilson Hall.
The venue was a popular hangout for local Teddy boys and was notorious with gangs from Garston and the Dingle going there not just to dance and meet girls but also to beat the crap out of each other with fists, boots, bicycle chains, brass knuckle-dusters and flick-knives bought from Spanish sailors on the banana boats in Garston docks.
Thursday the 1st of January 1959 was the last known performance by 'The Quarrymen' at Wilson Hall. Unlike the previous three, it wasn’t promoted by Charlie ‘Mac’ McBain, as the event was a late Christmas party for the Speke Bus Depot Social Club. George Harrion's father Harry was the club's chairman, which helped 'The Quarrymen' land the booking. Harry was the club's MC, and his mother also ran a learners' ballroom dancing class at the venue. It was also the last time Colin Hanton played with the band. In the interval, free ale meant too much was consumed and their second spot was terrible. There was a row about this on the bus going home resulting in Colin carrying his drums off the bus, despite it not being his stop, and he played no more in 'The Quarrymen' who had really broken up on his departure..
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| Ringo standing back left with The Eddie Clayton Skiffle Group |
When 'The Eddie Clayton Skiffle Group', with Ritchie Starkey on drums, performed at Wilson Hall, on the 23rd of May 1957, it was possibly the earliest confirmed photo of any early 'Beatle' performing.
In 1960, Chris Curtis accepted an invitation to join the band for a gig at Wilson Hall, when he became the seventh member of 'The Searchers'.
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| The venue now sells carpets |
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