The Beatles Winter 1963 Helen Shapiro Tour

The Beatles' first English tour lasted from 2 February 1963 until 3 March 1963. The Beatles were fourth on an eleven-act bill headed by 16-year-old Londoner, Helen Shapiro. Other acts on the tour were the Red Price Band, The Kestrels, The Honeys (UK), Dave Allen, Kenny Lynch and Danny Williams. They were also joined briefly by Billie Davis during the latter part of the tour.

The tour was organised by the Arthur Howes Agency. This was the first time that the Beatles had worked with Howes.

Programme
The programme for the tour was:


 * Red Price Band
 * The Honeys
 * Dave Allen
 * The Beatles
 * Dave Allen
 * Danny Williams


 * —Interval—


 * Red Price Band
 * The Kestrels
 * Kenny Lynch
 * Dave Allen
 * Helen Shapiro

Set list
The Beatles typical set list for the shows was as follows (with lead singers noted):


 * 1) "Chains" (George Harrison)
 * 2) "Keep Your Hands Off My Baby" (John Lennon)
 * 3) "A Taste of Honey" (Paul McCartney)
 * 4) "Please Please Me" (John Lennon / Paul McCartney)

Two other songs were used as prepared alternatives during the tour:


 * 1) "Love Me Do" (Paul McCartney / John Lennon)
 * 2) "Beautiful Dreamer" (Paul McCartney)