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City Tours Beatles Tour

A musical journey to the original sites where the Beatles took their first steps into stardom.​​​​​​

The Beatles Tour

Stefanie Hempel’s Beatles-Tour is a musical journey to the original sites where the Beatles took their first steps into stardom. Armed with a little ukulele, Stefanie guides you around the infamous old red light district of St. Pauli, stopping here and there to sing the songs that the Beatles performed night after night in the smoky clubs of Reeperbahn and Große Freiheit. The tour also includes a closing concert where Stefanie performs the Beatles’ big hits.

Follow this link to get further information.

Sights Beatles-Platz Square

Five life-sized silhouettes pose proudly in front of the Große Freiheit street. The Beatles got their first taste of stardom here in the 1960s. 

Explore Reeperbahn Nightlife District

The famous street in the heart of St. Pauli offers everything from theatres and galleries to trendy nightclubs and smoky sailor bars.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Explore Music and Nightlife

Explore Hamburg's vibrant nightlife and music scene. Read all about concert venues, music-themed tours and the best bars for live music.​​​​​​​

Neighbourhoods St. Pauli

Known around the world for its football club and the Reeperbahn, St. Pauli has even more to explore than you'd think.

About Hamburg Culture

Get an insider's view on the Hanseatic mentality and find out what distinguishes Hamburg from the rest of Germany.

Copyright owners of the images

• Visitors : © www.mediaserver.hamburg.de / Andreas Vallbracht
• Stefanie Hempel: © Martina Drignat
• Beatles Square: © www.mediaserver.hamburg.de / Martin Brinckmann
• Reeperbahn: © imago stock & people / Lars Berg
• Music and Nightlife: © www.mediaserver.hamburg.de / Christian Spahrbier
• St. Pauli: © imago stock&people / Lars Berg
• Culture: © www.mediaserver.hamburg.de / Sven Schwarze

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Dank Stefanie Hempel wirkt die Magie der ersten Beatles-Jahre noch heute.

FRANKFURTER ALLGEMEINE ZEITUNG

The greatest Beatles tour of all time.

Accept no copy cat: die beatles-tour, nur echt mit steffi hempel.

SÜDDEUTSCHE ZEITUNG

Die Beatles in Hamburg - sie weiß ALLES darüber.

She’s like a beatles-reincarnate., it’s a labor of love through ten stops in the hippest section of the city..

ARCHITECTS & ARTISANS

Die Beatles-Expertin Hamburgs.

HAMBURGER MORGENPOST

Ein Fest, bei dem alle zusammen singend ihre Liebe zu den Beatles zelebrieren – All you need is Love, All together now!

WELT AM SONNTAG

… eine Institution.

Eine kleine ukulele reicht, um die beatles lebendig zu machen., stefanie hempel begeistert menschen aus aller welt., book a tour led by the charismatic, beatles-besotted, ukulele-playing historian stefanie hempel..

EVENING STANDARD

A magical musical tour!

Stefanie’s business and her heart are interchangeable., auf st. pauli ist diese frau ein popstar..

ELBPHILHARMONIE MAGAZIN

You’ll not spend a better three hours in St. Pauli than on Stefanie’s Beatles tour.

IRISH DAILY MAIL

Dear guests of Hempel's Beatles tour!

20 years of Hempel's Beatles Tour!!! 2004-2024... Hallelujah!!! This year will be a very special one! We start in March and April with three Hempel's Beatles shows at St. Pauli Theater with wonderful guests. Tickets, see link.  The tour season starts on April 6. And of course there will be a big anniversary show with my favourite guests from the last few years. We'll celebrate in autumn. Stay tuned!

https://www.st-pauli-theater.de/programm/hempels-beatles-show/

Why don’t we do it in the road?

Stefanie Hempel is the originator of the musical Beatles-Tour in Hamburg. Follow her on the tracks of John, Paul, George, Ringo, Pete & Stuart across the famous red light district of St. Pauli!   

I hope you will enjoy the show!

THERE ARE PLACES I REMEMBER

From indra to star-club.

“No Hamburg, no Beatles,” says the great Beatles author Mark Lewisohn. And they can still be seen, all those places where the Fab Four grew up to become the band that would conquer the world. Countless stories are set in the streets and backyards of Hamburg-St. Pauli. The tour takes you to all those sites that breathe Beatles history: Indra, Kaiserkeller, Top Ten, Star-Club, Bambi Kino, Lennon’s “Rock’n’Roll” Cover and more…

JUST LET ME HEAR SOME OF THAT…

Rock’n’roll the street.

Hempel’s Beatles-Tour is a musical journey to the original sites. Armed with a little ukulele Stefanie guides you around the notorious old red light district and it is there that Stefanie sings the songs that the Beatles performed night after night in the smoky clubs of Reeperbahn and Grosse Freiheit. The tour also includes a closing concert where Stefanie performs the big hits.

Celebrating George!

George Harrison Birthday Show LIVESTREAM FABRIK Hamburg, 9 April 20:00 CET Stefanie Hempel & Band, Heinz-Rudolf Kunze, Inga Rumpf, Annett Louisan, Stoppok and many more

"MY BONNIE" Live at Friedrich-Ebert-Halle, Hamburg

Book your virtual tour, on beatles-tour, get a glimpse of the tour.

10 Years Hempel’s Beatles-Tour

Stream & Shout - 60 Jahre Beatles Hamburg

NDR 50 Jahre Abbey Road

ARD Nachtmagazin

NDR Hamburg Journal

ZDF Volle Kanne

WDR Rockpalast

ARD Morgenmagazin

I’m looking forward to your feedback on Tripadvisor or facebook

Freda kelly.

Beatles’ secretary and head of the fan club

“It was my great pleasure do a Beatle-Tour with the best guide in Hamburg, the lovely Stefanie Hempel. Stefanie does her tour with an easy charm, a lovely sense of humour, and real enthusiasm and love for ‘the boys’, as my old boss Brian called them. At certain places she bursts into a song- I found myself jiving with my partner to ‘I saw her standing there’. I would recommend Stefanie’s tours to anyone interested in learning about ‘the boys’ and their time in Hamburg. And what a time it was!”

Nancy Lee Andrews

Photographer and former fiancée of Ringo Starr

“When visiting Hamburg at the top of your must do list is Stefanie Hempel’s Beatles-Tour. It’s a fun tour that you will cherish! And be sure you get one of her CD’s, this gifted woman will rock your socks off!”

Mark Lewisohn

Beatles historian

“No Hamburg, no Beatles. St Pauli was crucial to the Beatles’ development – and, thankfully, all these years on, most of the clubs they played can still be seen, along with the places they lived and the locations at which they were photographed. Hamburg needs a Beatles tour guide, and we all need Stefanie Hempel. She has the human touch and she talks, sings and plays her music with heart and soul. It’s clear she loves what she does, and time spent in her company is not only educational – it’s a delight.”

Author and former girlfriend of John Lennon

“Stefanie Hempel gives such an informative tour around Hamburg that if you don’t take it and you’re a Beatles fan, then you are missing out!”

Günter Zint

Photographer and friend of the Beatles

„Die Beatles haben auf St.Pauli viele Spuren hinterlassen. Die informativste und musikalisch beste Erinnerung an die Fab Four liefert jede Woche aufs neue Steffie Hempel mit Ihrer unvergleichlichen Beatles-Tour. Ich habe sie schon oft begleitet und werde nicht müde immer wieder mitzuerleben wie professionell und unterhaltsam Steffie uns die Zeitreise in die ‚Golden Sixties‘ erleben lässt. Wer die Beatlestour nicht kennt – hat den Kiez verpennt.“

Gibson Kemp

Musician and friend of the Beatles

“HEMPEL RULES!”

I read the news today oh boy

Los angeles times 05.2019.

FORGET LIVERPOOL. HAMBURG, GERMANY MADE THE BEATLES... A magical musical tour! It's hard to imagine anyone in Hamburg more effusive about the Beatles than Stefanie Hempel. She conducts walking tours, performs the group's music on a ukulele and is a cultural ambassador for the city.

THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH 02.2020

Roll up for the Mystery Tour! Sixty years after their first visit, the Fab Four still rock in this vibrant port-city.

THE GUARDIAN 03.2020

A Local's Guide to Hamburg - 10 Top Tips by Stefanie Hempel. Stefanie Hempel is a singer and ukulele player, and created the Beatles Tour.

DIE ZEIT Magazin 08.2020

Aus der Serie: Ich habe einen Traum. Die Beatles sind für mich Familie und Schutzengel. Dazu passt ein Traum mit George Harrison, den ich vor vielen Jahren hatte.

FLYBE MAG 06.2019

Stefanie Hempel's Beatles-inspired musical tours of Hamburg are a big hit with fans from around the world. It's not that the Hamburg singer, songwriter and musician takes her business to heart. It's more that her business and her heart are interchangeable...

IRISH DAILY MAIL 11.2018

Or rather you want Stefanie Hempel to show you Hamburg's most famous neighbourhood. Trust me, you really do. Stefanie is something of an institution in St. Pauli. What Stefanie doesn't know about the Fab Four and their teenage days in Hamburg isn't worth knowing... you’ll not spend a better three hours in St. Pauli than on Stefanie’s Beatles tour.

MTV UK 04.2017

The greatest Beatles tour of all time. Thankfully, we have the frankly brilliant Beatles mega-fan Stefanie Hempel to get you up to speed. The creator of Hamburg’s first Beatles tour, her tours have become so popular that they’re now oft-xeroxed, but never beaten.

EVENING STANDARD 07.2017

Yes, but what about The Beatles? There's only one thing a groupie has to do: book a tour led by the charismatic, Beatles-besotted, ukulele-playing historian Stefanie Hempel - as an incognito Bob Dylan once did.

DAILY EXPRESS 02.2018

A ticket to ride in Hamburg - The fascinating story of how the Fab Four were moulded into the supergroup they became by their experiences in Hamburg was the highlight of my visit to the city, as it was told by professional musician Stefanie Hempel.

WELT AM SONNTAG 04-2017

Mit Frau Hempel auf Beatles-Tour durch Hamburg. Sie begeistert damit Menschen aus aller Welt – und sogar Nobelpreisträger. All you need is Love, All together now!

DAILY MIRROR 04.2017

The best way to discover more about the history of the young Mop Tops in the city is taking a tour with musician and major Beatles fan Stefanie Hempel. The effortlessly charming Stefanie will show you round all of the key spots in the group's history and even serenade you with a song or two.

EASY JET MAGAZINE 07.2014

… Passion, that´s not something she struggles with. Head to Grosse Freiheit on a Saturday and you´re bound to hear her belting out hits on her ukulele. 

SH:Z IM NORDEN 09.2019

Auf den Spuren der Fab Four. Mit einer Leidenschaft, die ihresgleichen sucht, erzählt die 42-jährige, mal auf Deutsch, mal auf Englisch, von der wenig glamourösen Frühphase der Beatles... Heute gilt Stefanie Hempel als Hamburgs Beatles-Spezialistin Nummer eins. Das hat sich sogar bis zu Bob Dylan rumgesprochen.

FAZ 05.2010

… Dank Stefanie Hempel wirkt deren Magie der ersten Jahre noch heute. Sie führt ihre Gäste auf den Spuren der Fab Four durch das nächtliche Hamburg, kennt alle Anekdoten.

POLITIKEN 12.2016

Hamburg: En syngende guide... Vi forelsker os også. Dog ikke i Astrid Kirchherr, men i Stefanie Hempel, som fortryller hele gruppen ikke alene med sin Beatles-fortælling og musikalske fortolkning, men også med sin entusiasme og sine strålende øjne.

WESTFÄLISCHE NACHRICHTEN 04.2017

Mit der Ukulele unterwegs - Stefanie Hempel und ihre Beatles-Tour

TIROLER TAGESZEITUNG 12.2016

Paris ist die Stadt der Liebe, Mailand die Stadt der Mode. Und Hamburg? Die Stadt der Musik! Nicht nur wegen der Elbphilharmonie, die bald ihre Türen für Konzertbesucher öffnet. Es sind auch die Menschen, die die Hafenstadt mit Musik erfüllen. Zu ihnen gehört Stefanie Hempel.

DAILY STAR 09.2015

On a busy street corner a girl pulls a ukulele from its case, strikes a chord and starts to belt out 'Twist And Shout‘, stomping her feet to the rhythm.

BILD 11.2014

Die Beatles in Hamburg - sie weiß ALLES darüber. Sie ist DIE Beatles-Kennerin auf St. Pauli: Stefanie Hempel (37). Die Sängerin macht seit genau zehn Jahren Kiez-Führungen.

GONOMAD 09.2011

Are you a Beatles fan? You can claim to be the biggest “Fab Four” fan on the planet but odds are good that Stefanie Hempel of Hamburg, Germany knows more. She’s like a Beatle-reincarnate.

DAILY TELEGRAPH 08.2010

My hard days and nights in Hamburg. Adrian Bridge goes on the trail of the Beatles... One of the first to recognize the need to take pride in the Beatles link was Stefanie Hempel. She started her own magical mystery walking tour.

HAMBURGER ABENDBLATT 06.2014

Ein Leben mit den Beatles. Seit zehn Jahren macht Stefanie Hempel Führungen auf den Spuren der Fab Four. Und singt deren Songs auf einer CD.

NEW YORK TIMES 03.2011

Twist and Shout! Forever enshrined by the Beatles. The City of Hamburg is a fab foray into Sex, beer and Rock´n´Roll. In 1961, an English art-school screw-up named John Lennon stepped into a doorway in St. Pauli...

MARE 08.2012

… Es gab kein Bandmuseum, keinen Beatles-Platz und keine Beatles-Tour. Und so machte es eben Stefanie Hempel, Songwriter und zugleich der größte Beatles-Fan. Sie wurde zu einer Institution.

SZENE HAMBURG 05.2011

Stefanie Hempel ist die Erfinderin der musikalischen Beatles-Tour. Singend und erzählend katapultiert sie das wilde Rock´n´Roll-Leben der Fab Four auf St. Pauli in die Gegenwart.

SÜDDEUTSCHE ZEITUNG 08.2012

Stefanie Hempel spielt Beatles-Songs auf der Ukulele oder Gitarre und erzählt von Ringo, George, Paul und John, denen sie ihre Begeisterung für Musik verdankt.

HAMBURGER ABENDBLATT 03.2011

Stadtführungen wie die Hempel's Beatles-Tour und die Kiez-Geh-Rock-Revue zeigen die musikalische Seite des Hamburger Rotlichtviertels.

TRAVEL AGENT CENTRAL 07.2013

An enjoyable and enlightening evening can be spent “On the Tracks of the Beatles,” courtesy of Hempel’s Beatles-Tour, hosted by the engaging young singer-songwriter Steffi Hempel.

HAMBURGER ABENDBLATT 05.2013

Seit neun Jahren führt die Musikerin Beatles-Fans und Touristen durch Hamburg. Dabei zeigt sie ihnen die Plätze, an denen die Pilzköpfe zwischen 1960 und 1962 den Grundstein für ihre Weltkarriere legten.

POLITIKEN 12.2011

Genoplev Beatles i Hamburgs festlige kvarter Før Beatles indtog verden, indtog de Hamburg. Guidet tur fortæller den ukendte historie om bandets barske år i de tidlige 1960'ere.

NORDJYSKE (DK) 10.2013

Well, she was just seventeen, you know what I mean ... Med firestrenget ukulele synger, spiller og fortæller Stefanie Hempel, mens vi følger i Beatles fodspor rundt i Hamburg.

Get the Press Kit (40MB)

Book the tour, every saturday or as exclusive tour, beatles-tour.

Book the classic Beatles-Tour with live music on the street, all the sites plus Specials. Including closing singalong concert in a Beatles/ St. Pauli Location

April to November. Saturday at 6 p.m.

DEPARTS FROM

Subway Station Feldstrasse

German/English

Stefanie Hempel [email protected]

EXCLUSIVE BEATLES-TOUR

Book your private Beatles-Tour with live music. For small or bigger groups. We would be glad to cater to your individual wishes. Tell us your desired date, group size and favourite songs.

All-season Dates as desired

Beatles-Platz, Reeperbahn

Hempel's Beatles-Show

Experience Stefanie Hempel on stage with her personal hommage to the greatest band of all time.

Beatles-Tour Album

Listen and buy here, impressum / datenschutz.

Verantwortlich für den Inhalt:

Stefanie Hempel

Telephone: +49 151 56047984

E-Mail: [email protected]

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Hamburg Beatles Tour Honest Review

Updated on  January 28, 2024  

As a lifelong Beatles superfan, I've always dreamed of walking in the footsteps of my favorite band during their early days playing the seedy clubs of Hamburg.

So when I finally had the chance to visit Hamburg last year, booking the 2.5 hour Beatles-themed walking tour through the St. Pauli district was a no-brainer. 

This tour exceeded my lofty expectations and delivered an unforgettable experience that brought the Fab Four's history to life.

The tour was great, seeing the many places in their original form with the very detailed stories about them. You don't have to be a Beatles fan, then you know that music history began, and not just for the Beatles, in Hamburg. This is a part of Hamburg's history and is perfect with the musical performances that almost everyone still knows. The finale was great for us; since two groups ran in parallel, the final concert with two people was even nicer. Thank you for the lovely evening."

- a satisfied tour attendee

(see 104 reviews)

2.5-Hour Beatles Music Tour

• See main Beatles spots
• Enjoy live performances

Hamburg Beatles Tour Review

Our meeting point was outside the Feldstraße U-Bahn station, where our enthusiastic guide Thomas greeted the group.

We set off on foot down the bustling streets as Thomas launched into tales about the Beatles' first visits to Hamburg in the early 1960s as raucous teenage rockers eager to perfect their stage act.

The first stop was the Indra Club, a tiny venue where the Beatles made their Hamburg debut in August 1960, crammed into the dingy basement beside strip clubs and brothels. [ 1 ]

Thomas pointed out the modest doorway they once walked through, regaling us with stories of their marathon sets, ramshackle sleeping quarters, and adventures in Hamburg's notorious St. Pauli district .

We continued onto the Kaiserkeller, where the Beatles graduated to after the Indra, playing grueling 8-hour sets. [ 2 ]

Thomas emphasized what a pivotal moment this was for honing the Beatles' sound and stage presence.

We paused by the curious Herbertstrasse, the street of legal prostitution, where Thomas shared amusing anecdotes about the band members' encounters with local women.

Turning onto Grosse Freiheit street, we passed the iconic Star Club, where the Beatles had a triumphant final residency in Hamburg before rocketing to stardom.

Thomas then led us to the site of the Bambi Kino, the old cinema where the band first crashed upon arriving in Hamburg, sleeping on the filthy concrete floor.

It was mind-blowing visualizing the cramped spaces where John, Paul, George and Pete played during their Hamburg days.

Besides the historical insight, I really appreciated Thomas bringing the early songs to life with impromptu renditions on his guitar.

When he belted out raw, rocking covers of tracks like 'Twist and Shout' and 'Long Tall Sally', it wasn't hard to imagine the youthful energy the Beatles radiated back then. 

Thomas's passion for the band and knack for storytelling made the entire experience vivid and engaging.

We eventually popped into a local pub , where Thomas treated us to a mini-concert, masterfully belting out classics on his guitar.

Everyone sang along, transported back to the early 60s when the Beatles were just a fledgling bar band with unmatched charisma. It was a joyful way to wrap up the tour.

Over the 2.5 hours , I gained a much deeper appreciation for how the Beatles' time in Hamburg shaped their evolution.

Thomas expertly peeled back the layers on this transformative chapter that took them from wide-eyed Liverpool teenagers to confident rock n' rollers laying the foundation for Beatlemania.

Walking in their footsteps past the dingy clubs and through the seedy red light district was surreal. Thomas brought context and color to the landmarks with his captivating tales and musical numbers.

I discovered so many fascinating details I never knew before. This was a bucket list memory for any Beatles aficionado.

The Beatles will always be the greatest band of all time in my book. But before changing the world, they were nobodies cutting their teeth in Hamburg's gritty clubs.

Thomas made their incredible origin story come alive with his passion and knowledge. I left with immense gratitude that I could tread the same streets that launched these four lads into stardom.

For any Beatles fan visiting Hamburg, this is an utterly unmissable experience . Thomas's engaging tour set the bar sky-high.

His storytelling and musical interludes transported me back to the early 60s, as if I was there when it all began. I rediscovered my love for John, Paul, George and Pete while gaining a newfound appreciation for the city that shaped them.

Whether you're a lifelong Beatlemaniac like me or simply curious about music history, do yourself a favor and take this tour.

You'll come away with a deeper connection to some of the most gifted musicians of all time, seeing Hamburg through their eyes.

Thomas brings infectious energy and expertise that makes the whole experience an absolute joy. My only regret is not having more time to pepper him with every obscure Beatles question I could think of!

Self-Guided Beatles Tour Alternative

While Thomas' guided walking tour of the Beatles' Hamburg brought their history to life in vivid detail, I know not everyone has the time or budget for an in-depth group tour.

Fortunately, there's now an excellent self-guided Beatles tour option that lets you explore St. Pauli at your own pace.

This interactive digital tour begins at the iconic Davidwache police station and uses your smartphone's GPS to guide you to the key sites related to the Beatles' early days.

Armed with the printable/mobile map, you can follow the outlined route through the St. Pauli streets while referring to the text summaries about each landmark's history.

The best part is you can take as much time as you want at each stop. I loved being able to stand outside the Bambi Kino cinema and soak up the history without someone rushing me along to the next site.

I also appreciated the freedom to wander down seedy Herbertstrasse and imagine the teenage Beatles strolling that street of legal prostitution.

The self-guided tour is packed with obscure Beatles facts and fun stories you'd never find in a guidebook.

When I felt like taking a break, I could put the tour on pause, duck into a cafe, then resume whenever I was ready.

It was cool hearing songs from the Beatles' Hamburg setlists play on my headphones as I walked the same streets they did. Definitely helped transport me back in time!

Unlike a regular tour in Hamburg , I could revisit spots that interested me most and skip ones I'd already seen before. The flexibility let me fully indulge my Beatles obsession at my own pace. I ended up uncovering stories and anecdotes that even Thomas didn't mention.

While I loved Thomas' infectious energy, not everyone may feel up for a fast-paced, crowded group tour.

This self-guided digital option lets you customize the experience so it works for your stamina and interests. The GPS-guided route ensures you won't get lost as you hunt down Beatles history.

I'd suggest doing this tour first as an introduction before a more in-depth walking tour like Thomas' . That way you'll already have context on the sites and history. 

Whichever option you choose, exploring the Beatles' Hamburg is an unforgettable experience for any true fan. With the DIY tour, you can nerd out on their legacy at your own pace without missing any key stops.

References:

1: 17 August 1960: Live: Indra Club, Hamburg | The Beatles Bible, retrieved from https://www.beatlesbible.com/1960/08/17/live-indra-club-hamburg/

2: 4 October 1960 – The Beatles' first show at the Kaiserkeller, Hamburg | The Beatles Bible, retrieved from https://www.beatlesbible.com/1960/10/04/live-kaiserkeller-hamburg/

About the Author

Stephan Drescher

Stephan Drescher, founder of germanytravel.blog, is a German travel expert and insider, providing trusted tips and advice for a perfect trip to Germany. Born & bred German.

Forget Liverpool. Hamburg, Germany, made the Beatles into the band they became

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At the tender age of 8, I knew the Beatles were extraordinary. In their appearance on “ The Ed Sullivan Show ,” they sang and played effortlessly, their timing perfect despite rarely looking at one another.

Like thousands of others, I basked in that black-and-white glow on that Sunday night in February 1964, but when it was over, I had a burning question: How did they do that?

I recently had the chance to find out. On a business trip to Germany, I spent three days in St. Pauli , the Hamburg district where the Beatles became really good before they became really, really famous.

My expert guide: Peter Paetzold , a bearded 68-year-old with the street cred of a chain-smoking rock drummer, well versed about St. Pauli’s music scene of the 1960s. He grew up around the corner from the Indra club, one of four venues the group played.

In August 1960, when the Beatles arrived, the Indra was a seedy strip joint complete with a neon-lighted elephant beckoning passersby. The band’s contract required the five of them (John, Paul, George, drummer Pete Best and bassist Stuart Sutcliffe) to perform for 30 hours, six nights a week. Each one received the generous sum of 30 Deutsche marks a week, about $51 in those days.

“We had to learn millions of songs because we’d be on for hours,” George Harrison later said. “Hamburg was really like our apprenticeship, learning how to play in front of people.”

The Indra’s owner provided the group free lodging. On my private tour, Paetzold and I crossed the street to the entrance of those accommodations, the back door of the Bambi, a movie theater. The Beatles slept behind the screen in two dark, dank, cramped storage rooms with small beds, folding cots and a couch. The nearby men’s room, where broken toilets sometimes overflowed into their rooms, served the group’s personal hygiene needs.

‘Oh-my-gosh’

As we stood outside the back entrance of the Bambi, Paetzold removed a photo from an envelope, a black-and-white image of John Lennon taken in 1960 at the theater. The singer is reading a newspaper and wearing only a cap, sandals and white briefs. It marked one of my “oh-my-gosh” moments in St. Pauli.

There were many more OMG moments the previous night.

It’s hard to imagine anyone in Hamburg more effusive about the Beatles than Stefanie Hempel. She conducts walking tours , performs the group’s music on a ukulele and is a cultural ambassador for the city. She is organizing a celebration in September of the “Abbey Road” album with a band and orchestra.

Hempel vividly remembers the moment — she was 9 — when she first heard “She Loves You” on a cassette tape her father had acquired surreptitiously in the 1980s because rock music was verboten in East Germany. “It was the moment of my life,” she said.

She often is asked what it was like for the Beatles playing small, noisy, smoke-filled clubs in Hamburg.

“It was a very tough time for them, but it was the wildest time of their lives,” she said, an allusion, I think, to the musicians’ introduction to prostitutes and “prellies,” the nickname for Phenmetrazine, a stimulant.

“They were never again as free as they were in Hamburg,” she said. “As John Lennon said, ‘We could try anything and the audience liked it, as long as it was really loud.’ ”

Magical musical tour

I joined Hempel and 30 others on her weekly Saturday evening musical tour , more magical than mysterious, through St. Pauli’s red-light district. Her clients have included Bob Dylan, Steve Winwood and John Lennon’s half-sister, Julia.

Hempel’s three-hour excursion, now in its 15th year, includes a stop at the site of the Star-Club, where the Beatles and other musical icons, including Bill Haley and Jimi Hendrix, performed in the 1960s. The venue closed in 1969; it was destroyed 18 years later in a fire.

After leading us in a robust sing-along of “Twist and Shout,” Hempel walked us to Beatles-Platz , a circular plaza with five metal silhouettes, a tribute to the pre-Fab Four. Names of their songs (in English), from “My Bonnie,” recorded in Hamburg in 1961 with singer Tony Sheridan, to “The Long and Winding Road,” are incised in the ground representing the grooves of a record.

The plaza is the city’s only public recognition of the group, and I wondered why Hamburg had not capitalized on this extraordinary musical legacy,

“They spent their time in a very sleazy area, and it is still that way,” said British radio broadcaster Spencer Leigh, author of “The Beatles in Hamburg.” “If Hamburg were to clean up the area, they presumably would be turning away profitable enterprises ... a real conundrum.”

Carsten Brosda, head of Hamburg’s office of culture and media, contends the Beatles’ legacy lives on in the annual Reeperbahn Festival , four days in September when rock, pop, folk, soul and jazz abound in clubs and blocked-off streets. The name refers to the half-mile main boulevard in the heart of the red-light district.

“It’s grown to become one of the most important European music festivals,” Brosda said. “So you could say that the lively music culture in this part of town is one of the best commemorations of the Beatles and the long tradition of music around the Reeperbahn.”

Vintage market

That lively culture extends beyond the Reeperbahn. A short walk led me to the waterfront district where the promenade along the Elbe River is filled with locals and tourists. The crowd was almost shoulder to shoulder on a Sunday morning as they converged on the Hamburg Fish Market , which dates back more than 300 years.

I was not shopping for cod, flowers or fresh fruit and vegetables. Rather, I was admiring the street artists and buskers, some of whom may have their sights on this year’s Reeperbahn Festival (Sept. 18-21).

Another St. Pauli tradition, although not three centuries old, is the Flohschanze, a Saturday flea market that was a 15-minute walk from my hotel. With my “find,” an Art Deco picture frame from the 1920s, I strolled around the corner to two more Beatles landmarks.

Musik Rotthoff is crammed to the ceiling with Gibson, Fender and other brands of guitars. Claus-Dieter Rotthoff is the third-generation proprietor of this family business. In 1961, his father sold Paul McCartney the stylish violin-shaped Hõfner bass guitar the singer played in concert and in recording studios throughout the 1960s.

The shop is adjacent to Hotel Pacific , where in December 1962 the four Beatles, now with Ringo Starr on drums, stayed two weeks, each with his own room. The group closed its pre-Beatlemania Hamburg run, which totaled more than 1,100 performance hours on five trips from Liverpool, with a New Year’s Eve show in 1962 .

Eleven days later, “Please Please Me,” which record producer George Martin accurately predicted would be the group’s first No. 1 hit, was released in Britain. A little more than a year later, the Beatles played “The Ed Sullivan Show.”

The best way to Hamburg, Germany

From LAX, Lufthansa, KLM, Air France, Austria, British, United and Delta offer connecting service (change of planes) to Hamburg. Restricted round-trip fare from $1,070, including taxes and fees.

To call the numbers below from the United States, dial 011 (the international calling code), 49 (the country code for Germany) and the local number.

Peter Paetzold , [email protected]

Hempel’s Beatles-Tour , 6 p.m. Saturdays, April-November. About $40 for a 2½- to three-hour tour.

Where to stay

Ibis Budget Hamburg St Pauli Messe , 64 Simon-von-Utrecht-Strasse, Hamburg, Germany; 40-31765620 . Doubles from $94, breakfast included

Hotel Pacific , 30-31 Neuer Pferdemarkt, Hamburg, Germany; 40-4395095. Doubles with private baths from $100.

Arcotel Onyx Hamburg , 1a Reeperbahn, Hamburg, Germany; 40 2094090 . Doubles from $170 a night.

Where to eat

Captain’s Dinner Restaurant and Cafe , St. Pauli Landungsbrücken, bridge 3; Hamburg, Germany; 40-312121. Lovely waterfront setting overlooking the Elbe River; several fish entrees. Dinner for two from $80.

Freudenhaus St. Pauli , 7-9 Hein-Hoyer-Strasse, Hamburg, Germany; 40-314642. Elegant dining just off the infamous Reeperbahn. Nice array of veal, pork and other “sinful meats.” Dinner for two, $100.

It’s Like Kandie , 16 Wohlwillstrasse, Hamburg, Germany . Specializing in dessert waffles; a two-minute walk from the John Lennon “doorway,” featured on the cover of his 1975 “Rock ’n’ Roll” album.

To learn more

Contact the Hamburg tourism office .

[email protected]

@latimestravel

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Hempel’s Beatles Tour On the trail of the Fab Four

One city of unlimited music experiences Music in Hamburg

There are a thousand good reasons for embarking on a music-themed trip to Hamburg – from classical and electronic festivals to music history, and from live gigs to club culture, there is plenty to be discovered here. Discover now

A Milestone in Pop Music The Beatles in Hamburg

In the matter of two years, five young lads from Liverpool transformed into the most famous pop band of the 1960s: the Beatles! It was in the live music clubs of St Pauli that the Beatles developed their distinctive style and laid the foundations for their world career More

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

BEATLES-TOUR HAMBURG - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

In the Footsteps of the Beatles in Hamburg With a Local

As the sun sets over the bustling streets of Hamburg, travelers have the chance to walk in the footsteps of legends, tracing the path that led the Beatles to stardom with a knowledgeable local guide by their side.

But what hidden stories and iconic locations await those who embark on this musical pilgrimage through the city that shaped the band’s destiny? Join this journey to uncover the secrets behind the Beatles’ transformative experience in Hamburg and the profound impact it had on their illustrious career.

• Explore iconic locations where the Beatles performed and evolved creatively.
• Gain insights into the band’s Hamburg experience from a local guide.
• Understand the lasting impact the Beatles had on Hamburg’s music scene.
• Uncover hidden gems and personal stories related to the band’s time in Hamburg.

Here's some more nearby activities we've reviewed

• Elphi Plaza and Hafencity Culinary – the Food Tour
• Hamburg Half Day Walking Tour With a Local: 100% Personalized & Private
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Beatles’ Early Years in Hamburg

During their formative years, The Beatles honed their musical craft and laid the foundation for their future global stardom in the vibrant city of Hamburg. Immersed in the pulsating Hamburg nightlife, the band played over 270 nights in clubs like the Indra and the Kaiserkeller.

This period was pivotal in shaping the Beatles’ influences, exposing them to diverse musical genres and pushing them to experiment with their sound. Hamburg’s dynamic music scene provided an eclectic backdrop for the band’s growth, allowing them to evolve creatively and develop their distinctive style.

The raw energy of the city seeped into their performances, setting the stage for their meteoric rise to fame.

Music Scene Immersion

Enjoy Hamburg’s vibrant music scene, where the Beatles honed their craft and found their unique sound that would propel them to international stardom. Hamburg’s music scene, with its diverse influences and rich history, had a profound impact on the Beatles’ early development.

The city’s eclectic mix of rock, jazz , blues , and avant-garde music provided the band with a melting pot of musical influences to draw from, shaping their signature style. The cultural impact of Hamburg on the Beatles is undeniable, as the band’s time spent performing in the city’s clubs not only refined their musical skills but also solidified their identity as a groundbreaking force in the music industry.

Explore this pivotal period in music history and uncover the roots of the Beatles’ legendary journey to fame.

Iconic Locations Exploration

Explore Hamburg’s iconic locations that played a pivotal role in shaping the Beatles’ early years and ultimately influencing their journey to fame. When delving into the historical landmarks associated with the Beatles in Hamburg, visitors can expect to:

Visit the Indra Club: Begin at the club where the Beatles first performed in 1960.

Explore the Kaiserkeller: Discover the venue where the band honed their craft and solidified their musical style.

Step into the Star-Club: Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere where the Beatles gave legendary performances.

Stroll along the Reeperbahn: Walk the same streets where the band members lived, socialized , and drew inspiration for their music.

Band’s Journey to Fame

Embarking on their musical journey, the Beatles swiftly captivated audiences and carved their path to fame through relentless dedication and innovative sound. The band’s influence and cultural impact reverberated globally, shaping the music scene for generations to come. Their early years in Hamburg played a crucial role in honing their craft and solidifying their identity. The gritty clubs of St. Pauli, like the Indra and Kaiserkeller, provided the perfect backdrop for the Beatles to experiment and evolve their musical style. These iconic locations not only witnessed the band’s journey to fame but also became integral parts of music history. The Beatles’ time in Hamburg marked a transformative period that laid the foundation for their unparalleled success.

Local Guide Insights

With the guidance of a knowledgeable local guide, visitors can explore lesser-known anecdotes and historical tidbits about the Beatles’ time in Hamburg. Here are some insights they might discover from a local perspective :

Hidden Gems : Uncover off-the-beaten-path locations where the Beatles performed and socialized during their early days.

Personal Stories : Hear captivating accounts and personal anecdotes about the band members’ experiences in Hamburg that aren’t widely known.

Music Scene Evolution : Gain a deeper understanding of how the vibrant music scene in Hamburg influenced the Beatles’ sound and career trajectory.

Impact on Local Culture : Learn about the lasting legacy the Beatles left on Hamburg and how their presence shaped the city’s cultural landscape.

In the Footsteps Walking Tour

Uncover the tangible connections to the Beatles’ legacy through the immersive In the Footsteps Walking Tour, where historic narratives intertwine with modern-day insights in Hamburg.

This tour takes you on a journey through the historical landmarks that played a crucial role in shaping the cultural significance of the Beatles during their time in Hamburg. Walk in the footsteps of the iconic band and discover the Top Ten Club, where their legendary performances took place.

Gain valuable insights into the Beatles’ early years, their struggles , and the milestones that paved their way to fame. This guided experience offers a unique perspective on the band’s evolution, allowing you to learn about the music scene that influenced their remarkable journey.

Hamburg’s Beatles History

Explore Hamburg’s rich Beatles history by tracing the iconic band’s footsteps through the city’s vibrant music scene. The Beatles’ influence in Hamburg is undeniable, shaping not only their sound but also their image. Hamburg memories are alive in the streets where the band once performed tirelessly, honing their craft. Walking in the footsteps of The Beatles allows one to enjoy the music scene that played a significant role in their early years. Discovering iconic locations in Hamburg where the band frequented provides a unique insight into their journey to fame.

Gain a deeper understanding of The Beatles’ history by exploring Hamburg with a local guide who can share fascinating stories and anecdotes.

• Experience the Beatles’ early years in Hamburg firsthand.
• Enjoy the vibrant music scene that influenced The Beatles.
• Discover iconic locations where The Beatles performed and socialized.
• Gain insights into the band’s journey from Hamburg to international stardom.

Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we have reviewed.

• Jewish Hamburg – Private Tour
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Experience the Beatles’ Legacy

Enjoy the enduring musical legacy left behind by The Beatles as you journey through their iconic history in Hamburg.

The Beatles’ influence abroad began with their transformative time in Hamburg, where they honed their craft and rose to fame. Hamburg’s cultural impact on the band was profound, shaping their music and performance style.

Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby

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Don’t miss the chance to follow in the footsteps of the Beatles in Hamburg with a local guide. Enjoy the vibrant music scene that shaped the band’s early years and explore iconic locations that played a significant role in their journey to fame.

Gain a deeper understanding of the Beatles’ legacy and the connections they had with the city of Hamburg. Book your tour now and uncover the fascinating history behind this legendary band.

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The Beatles in Hamburg - Private Tour

• Professional guide
• Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option selected)
• Private tour
• Transport by private vehicle (if option selected)
• Food and drinks
• Entry/Admission - Hamburg
• Beatles-Platz, Reeperbahn 174, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
• Police Commissionerate 15 – Davidwache, Spielbudenpl. 31, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• Beatles-Platz
• Indra Musikclub

Similar experiences

• You'll start at Beatles-Platz Reeperbahn 174, 20359 Hamburg, Germany See address & details
• 1 Beatles-Platz Stop: 15 minutes See details
• 2 Indra Musikclub Stop: 15 minutes See details
• 3 Kaiserkeller Stop: 15 minutes See details
• 4 Reeperbahn Stop: 15 minutes See details
• 5 Police Commissionerate 15 – Davidwache Stop: 15 minutes - Admission excluded See details
• 6 Herbertstraße Stop: 10 minutes See details
• You'll end at Police Commissionerate 15 – Davidwache Spielbudenpl. 31, 20359 Hamburg, Germany See address & details

• Vacationer732145 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Engaging And Educational Experience Delivered By A Passionate Guide Ian knows his stuff. He presented a wide variety of facts with the sprinkling of witty comments. Through the tour, his personality shone through, which made his presentation even more engaging. Through the facts in his presentation, Ian gave us the panorama of the human story of the Jews of Hamburg. Finally, we appreciated a humanist note in his stories and insights. Read more Written January 4, 2024
• iris w 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Last minute tour Ian gave an impressive, informative overview of the Jewish community at a moments notice. He was so accommodating to my very tight schedule and meet up location. I was so impressed that I will be booking another tour with him! Thank you, Ian!! Read more Written November 11, 2019
• Shajukel 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Jewish Hamburg tour with Ian Shulman Ian Shulman arrived on time. He was extremely well informed and has a very pleasant way about him. He gave us a very good insight into the Jews of Hamburg and told most interesting and humorous anecdotes of some famous Jewish businessmen. He also recommended a restaurant after the tour which was excellent. We would highly recommend him. Thank you Ian.. Read more Written October 27, 2019
• Earl M 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Hamburg and Lubeck Ian provided great history, was very positive. Worked well with our group who could not walk fast. Use him, you'll like him! Read more Written September 25, 2019
• wscottbraznell 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Private Lubeck tour for two seniors Perfect in every way. Ian came to our Hamburg hotel and from their we went to the train. At Lubeck he showed us all of the sites (about six) we asked for over five hours. He knew how to pace the tour for one of us with a cane. The Mariner's Hall for lunch was an historic and fascinating place. His knowledge of Lubeck history was in depth and impressive.More than fluent English from a well-educated guide, not boring and not pedantic, A pleasure and a value., Read more Written May 14, 2019
• Carlos A 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Don^t hesitate Having read all previous notes, I have not much to add...my Suggestion...if you visit Hamburg and really want to have an in Depth first Impression of the City, try to book Ian Schulman for a tour....believe me you will not regret it..... Read more Written February 25, 2019
• beatrip 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Wealth of Information We met Ian and immediately we began our tour. Hamburg came alive with the stories of people and the history of the areas we visited. Highly recommended for a guide who knows his stuff! Read more Written October 4, 2018
• LuvTaTrek 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Could not be better! Ian Shulman has both the sensitivity and knowledge to provide an amazing tour to meet your needs and interests. He is a charming young man with a great sense of what interests you, as well as what you would not find of interest. Ian met me at my hotel and showed me in our walk what was once an impressive Jewish community and not just how it was destroyed, but what it provided to Germany and the world. Ian has an incredible knowledge base, but rather than knock you over with facts, he tells the history like the storyteller that he is. What a wonderful experience! Read more Written August 6, 2018
• Tanya W 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Informative A fabulous walking tour of Jewish Hamburg. Ian gave us perspective on each site we visited. The time flew by! Read more Written July 28, 2018
• LevinsonGedera 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Brilliant half day tour. Ian is very knowledgeable and very courteous. He is a great storyteller and gave us a wonderful insight into Hamburg. The walking tour was a real eye opener. We learnt a lot and also made friends with this charming gentleman. Don't hesitate to book any of his tours. Read more Written July 20, 2018
• johndoedoe 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Wonderful Tour Guide Ian is a completely engaging and interesting guide. We visited Hamburg in May 2018 to see and learn about where my father’s family had lived. I had e-mailed Ian a list of addresses of interest that included former family residences and the stolpersteine that commemorate some of the family members that were lost. When he picked us up at our hotel, he had already mapped out a route that included key Jewish historical sites as well as all of the addresses that I requested. He had good stories and information to share about Hamburg then and now and also was a patient listener to my family stories. It was a very enjoyable three hours. Read more Written May 29, 2018
• gavin687 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Top class tour guide Was in Hamburg on a conference, and always doing Jewish tours of places I visit - I booked Ian’s Jewish Walking tour. I can without hesitation say that Ian is a world class guide who is exceptionally knowledgable and passionate about Jewish History, European Jewry and Jewish History. Not only was it a hugely informative and interesting tour, but Ian weaves the personal stories of people and places into the tour - which brings the history to life. All done by an interesting, professional and immediately and very likeable guy. Highly recommended! Read more Written April 27, 2018
• pb150 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Really enjoyable tour I had very limited time in Hamburg and wanted some Jewish history. I booked Ian for around 4 hours--we had a great time. It was just me, and I found it so easy to talk to Ian. He is very pleasant, and had good information. I really enjoyed his tour and the history he shared with me. It was pretty cold out and we stopped for a coffee in a shop near the Jewish school, which was a treat. I found Hamburg to be so interesting....made me want to read more about it. I definitely recommend Ian. Read more Written April 18, 2018
• Marty J 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fabulous walking tour! Strap on your walking shoes because Ian is going to show you Hamburg. He is a great tour guide and story teller. He makes things flow seamlessly. Ian has been leading tours in Hamburg for four years. Like most of the city's population, he wasn't born and raised here but moved here by choice. He is fluent in several languages including English and Ukrainian. Ian has a wonderful sense of humor and truly loves his subject. He will tailor the tour to your wishes and interests. You simply can't go wrong with Ian Shulman! Read more Written September 1, 2017
• Andy F 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Deeply knowledgeable, fascinating, charming guide I have traveled extensively and taken many tours, but rarely have I been as fascinated and delighted by a 3 hour conversation and tour that could have easily been twice as long. Ian listened carefully for what I was looking for, narrowed the tour to my interests, and was laser focused on telling me and showing me what I needed to know, yet gently broadening my horizons. Hamburg is a huge, walkable, very beautiful, and interesting city with a complex history that is written in the architecture, streets, and bridges. Don't miss out on spending time with Ian. He will open you eyes. He also has a great sense of humor and a vast fund of general knowledge. Read more Written July 10, 2017

More to explore in Hamburg

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

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The Beatles in Hamburg - Private Tour provided by Impressive Hamburg Tours - Hamburg, Germany

'As Luck Would Have It' by Spencer Leigh

Spencer Leigh tells the story of how good luck came The Beatles' way.

What you’re about to read is light-hearted but it makes the serious point that the Beatles knew what to do with good luck. I’ve tried not to be silly: for example, you could say it was good luck that the five-year-old John Lennon chose his mother Julia and Liverpool over his father, Alf and New Zealand.

This story tells how good luck came the Beatles way.  There was bad luck too: deaths of friends and relations, the burning of Beatles’ records, and bad vibes between Paul McCartney and Allen Klein, but that’s a different story.

There is an opportunity for feedback and we’d love to hear from you on The Beatles Story’s social media channels!

Spencer Leigh

In November 1963 Marlene Dietrich came to London for the Royal Variety Performance and was astonished by the screaming fans outside the Prince of Wales Theatre. Had she gained a new following that she knew nothing about? She soon discovered they were screaming for the Beatles,

The excitement was described by the Daily Mirror as “Beatlemania”, and then in December, William Mann, the music critic of The Times , referred to their Aeolian cadences, followed by another serious critic, Wilfrid Mellors, calling Lennon and McCartney “the greatest songwriters since Schubert”. John and Paul laughed but it heralded a wider acceptance and led to the Beatles being reviewed in quality newspapers.

Unquestionably, the Beatles’ success can be attributed to their talent, their personalities, their management and their adaptability, but I would suggest that luck also played a substantial part. The Beatles had supreme good luck and perhaps more to the point, they knew what to do with it. The Beatles always seemed to be in the right place at the right time.

John, Paul, George and Ringo were all born in Liverpool in the early 1940s and were raised in a maritime city which had been heavily bombed during the War. Years of austerity followed but families secured televisions around the time of the Coronation in 1953. There were no teenage programmes. Teenagers – the term had only just been created! –  aspired to be younger versions of their parents.

The youthquake came from America in the early months of 1956. Elvis Presley and Little Richard could have come from outer space as their exuberant rock’n’roll was so different from the bland ballads of the day. In the UK, Lonnie Donegan developed a frenetic form of American folk music, called skiffle.

With schoolfriends and a couple of outsiders, John Lennon formed a skiffle group, the Quarrymen, but he was edging towards rock’n’roll. In the hall at St Peter’s Church in Woolton in July 1957, Paul McCartney played John Lennon Twenty Flight Rock and he was soon a Quarryman.

With their talent and interests, John and Paul would have been involved in the growing beat scene on Merseyside in any event but that encounter set the pattern for the rest of their lives – and our lives too.

More good luck – compulsory national service was abolished in 1960 and all future Beatles sighed with relief. It would have meant living in barracks for 18 months, accepting firm discipline, and having regulation short-back-and-sides. They’d have made new friends and it is unlikely that a beat group would have reestablished itself with the same members.

One of the great marketing points about the Beatles was that they all came from Merseyside – indeed, from south Liverpool. This gave them a striking public identity which would have been different if say one of them had been born in Wigan, just 20 miles away.

Instead of being conscripted, young lads took paid employment. Soon teenagers could afford electric instruments (on hire purchase) and the latest American records and so the Merseybeat era was coming together. Buddy Holly played Liverpool Philharmonic Hall in March 1958. There was an import ban on American instruments, and the youngsters saw Holly with his Fender Stratocaster and yearned to play one.

The Quarrymen reduced to John, Paul and George, but early in 1959 George Harrison moved to the Les Stewart Quartet as bookings fell away. He returned in August for the opening of the Casbah, run by Pete Best’s mother in their family home. They added John’s friend from art college, Stuart Sutcliffe, and with a passing drummer Tommy Moore, they backed Johnny Gentle on a short tour of Scotland. Gentle praised them to his manager Larry Parnes but fortunately, Parnes didn’t follow up: it would have been too early and he would have been the wrong manager.

The Quarrymen performed in Allan Williams’ Jacaranda coffee bar. Allan and calypso singer Lord Woodbine sampled night life in Amsterdam seeking ideas for Liverpool clubs and on a whim, they moved to Hamburg. Allan heard beat music in the St Pauli district and told club owner, Bruno Koschmider that he could provide better. First, Howie Casey and the Seniors were successful and then Williams recommended the Beatles, largely because they didn’t have day jobs and were available, which was very good luck indeed.

So, in August 1960, John, Paul, George, Stu and drummer Pete Best headed for Hamburg. They played several hours a night and developed a raucous, rebellious style that German teenagers loved.

The Beatles met Tony Sheridan in Hamburg, a rock’n’roller from Norwich who had been too unruly for Larry Parnes and not accepted his discipline. He was however perfect for the wild, anything goes Reeperbahn. He taught the Beatles not to go through the motions: don’t be satisfied with bland covers of American songs. Own your time on stage and do what feels right. This made Sheridan an erratic, argumentative performer but the Beatles saw how to use this approach to their own advantage.

Stuart Sutcliffe suggested the biker look and the name ‘Beatles’, an improvement on the Quarrymen. It was a nod to Buddy Holly’s Crickets but spelling Beatles with an ‘a’ ensured a double take as fans would argue over the spelling and chuckle at its punning humour. Stu’s girlfriend, Astrid Kirchherr was the first to photograph the Beatles and her stark, black-and-white images remain classic. The Beatles radiated star quality even though at the time, they were nobodies.

Sutcliffe remained in Hamburg to study art, and when the other Beatles returned home in December 1960, they would have played Allan Williams’ new club, the Top Ten, but it burnt down in its first week. Not to worry. Bob Wooler added them to a post-Christmas dance at Litherland Town Hall for a measly £6. Other musicians (the Searchers, Kingsize Taylor and the Dominoes) as well as audience members were astonished by their raw, uninhibited rock’n’roll.

Early in 1961, the Cavern, a jazz club in the city centre, was moving towards rock’n’roll under its new owner, Ray McFall. Following Bob Wooler’s recommendation, the Beatles became his resident band and, again because they were free during the day, they played lunchtime sessions for office workers.

The Beatles now had what became the standard beat group line-up with lead guitar, rhythm guitar, bass guitar and drums. Okay, the Shadows had that first but they were largely an instrumental group, who also worked with Cliff Richard.

Bob Wooler, the DJ at the Cavern, would discuss songwriting with the Beatles and brought professionalism to their performances. Wooler would play ‘Piltdown Rides Again’ as they were about to appear. It added tension to a church hall performance – you knew that the Beatles were about to let rip. It was the Beatles’ good luck that Wooler took such a shine to them.

There were many great pop and soul songs from the early 60s that hadn’t been hits in the UK, largely through lack of publicity – Arthur Alexander’s ‘Anna’, the Isley Brothers’ ‘Twist And Shout’, Barrett Strong’s ‘Money’ and the Marvelettes’ ‘Please Mr Postman’. The Beatles brought their joie de vivre to these songs.

However, the familiar story of the Cunard Yanks can be discounted as the originals of all the Beatles’ covers had been released in the UK and were available in the well-stocked NEMS in Whitechapel, owned by Harry Epstein and managed by his son, Brian.

NEMS was only 300 yards from the Cavern. The beat groups would spend afternoons listening to records in the shops on Whitechapel, scribbling down lyrics and chords, checking out instruments in Frank Hessy’s and drinking coffee in the Kardomah. Whitechapel became the heart of Merseybeat.

In retrospect, it was lucky that the Liverpool Echo contained little editorial matter about beat music as it provided an opportunity for another art student, Bill Harry to create a biweekly magazine, Mersey Beat . The first issue sold 5,000 copies and encouraged solidarity amongst the Liverpool musicians.

Brian Epstein sold Mersey Beat in NEMS and had seen the Beatles on the cover as well as in his shop. An 18-year-old, Raymond Jones requested ‘My Bonnie’, a record that the Beatles had made in Germany accompanying Tony Sheridan, and Epstein, somewhat intrigued, ordered 25 copies.

Raymond Jones was a good-looking biker in a black leather jacket. It is plausible that Epstein thought, “If this guy likes them, they must be good.” Whatever, it was good luck. Raymond Jones kickstarted Brian Epstein’s interest in the Beatles. Epstein determined to see them, and he and his deputy manager, Alistair Taylor, attended a lunchtime session at the Cavern on 9 November 1961. That 300-yard walk is a key moment in musical history. After performing, George Harrison drawled, “And what brings Mr Epstein to the Cavern?”, little realising that Epstein had already decided to manage them.

The Beatles had fallen out with Allan Williams over commission, and he advised Epstein to have nothing to do with them: they’d cause him trouble. Fortunately, Epstein ignored the advice or at least, thought he could handle them. The ill-disciplined Lennon accepted that Epstein would find them work outside the area (first stop, Southport!) and in return, they would not smoke on stage, smarten up, and be punctual. Having Epstein as a manager was right on so many levels. He loved their music, their chemistry and their individual personalities and yes, they did conquer Southport.

Epstein knew that the Beatles needed a recording contract to propel them out of Liverpool. Because NEMS was an important retailer, Decca Records gave the Beatles an audition on New Year’s Day, 1962. Their success would have been a good start to the year, but Decca turned them down. They weren’t at their best: they were bored by a long journey in treacherous conditions, and they had to return the same way. They had also spent midnight in Trafalgar Square so possibly were hung over.

But again this was good luck. If they had gone with Decca, they wouldn’t have worked with George Martin and would have been recorded by the staid Dick Rowe or the younger Mike Smith, who admitted that he would have encouraged their bad habits.

In June 1962, the Beatles auditioned for EMI and played better, although George Martin had reservations about Pete Best’s drumming. He did not, however, demand his sacking, but he wanted to use a session drummer. But there were other issues.

The sacking of Pete Best is a mystery worthy of Agatha Christie but at its core Best’s playing wasn’t versatile enough for the developing Beatles. Bob Wooler recalled McCartney and Best staying behind after a lunchtime session with McCartney on drums showing Pete what to do. Bob thought Paul was being arrogant – after all, Pete was the drummer – but obviously Paul knew what was needed. A few weeks later Pete was replaced by Ringo, a happy-go-lucky guy who did what the Beatles wanted and had the ideal personality.

Another stroke of luck was in Brian Epstein recognising the attraction of a regional accent. Larry Parnes had told Billy Fury not to speak on stage as audiences might think him common. Flash forward a couple of years and we have Brian Epstein encouraging the Beatles to use their Scouse accents, which emphasised their natural wit.

Indeed, Epstein was keen to identify the Beatles with Liverpool. The Beatles’ first photographs with Ringo Starr were arranged through Peter Kaye’s studio. In line with Epstein’s requirements (and probably exceeding them!), the Beatles were taken to the waterfront and photographed aboard the salvage vessel, SS Salvor.

Again, more luck. There are no bad photographs of the Beatles, apart from those in Victorian bathing costumes. That may sound obvious but it’s not always the case with rock acts. Look at the Byrds or the Beach Boys and see how uncoordinated they can look, even on LP covers. The Rolling Stones were managed by Andrew Loog Oldham as the anti-Beatles – a clever marketing ploy that benefited both groups – but look again at the Stones: they were rebellious and anti-establishment, but Charlie Watts was always immaculate.

Although Epstein handled the sacking of Pete Best insensitively, he learnt from the experience. The Beatles were lucky to have Epstein as he differed from the dishonest or exploitative managers that were around. Epstein was efficient and honest and the Beatles could concentrate on their main job, that is being Beatles. They didn’t have money worries and they trusted each other.

Unknown to the Beatles and Brian Epstein in 1962, there was a power struggle at EMI which would benefit them. EMI’s big labels were HMV and Columbia, while Parlophone was a minor offshoot with Scottish music (Jimmy Shand), novelty records (Charlie Drake, Bernard Cribbins) and middle of the roaders like Matt Monro, admittedly a wonderful singer.

Norrie Paramor ran Columbia and had huge success with Shirley Bassey, Michael Holliday (from Liverpool), Helen Shapiro and Cliff Richard. George Martin was envious of Paramor’s wealth, which was partly attributable to extra income from writing B-sides under pseudonyms for his artists. In 1962 Martin shopped him to David Frost for the BBC’s satirical programme, That Was The Week That Was . Paramor was horrified to be outed, especially as he had to justify himself to EMI’s managing director, Sir Joseph Lockwood. He was sure Martin was behind it, but he couldn’t prove it.

Beatle authors often wonder why Helen Shapiro turned down Lennon and McCartney’s ‘Misery’. The answer is simple: she was produced by Norrie Paramor and there is no way he would have recorded a song from one of Martin’s acts.

Brian Epstein was unhappy with EMI’s publishing arm, Ardmore and Beechwood as they could have done more with the Beatles’ first Parlophone single, ‘Love Me Do’. In their place, George Martin recommended his friend, the singer Dick James, with his own publishing company. James, anxious to make his mark, did a tremendous job promoting Lennon and McCartney as the UK’s best songwriters and getting other acts to record their songs.

George Martin was the perfect producer for the Beatles, able to understand their whims and wishes and make valid suggestions. He had produced the anarchic comedy of the Goons and so he knew all about crazy sound effects.

Within NEMS, Epstein assembled an excellent team, notably the press officers, Tony Barrow and Derek Taylor, ‘Mr Fix-It’, Alistair Taylor, and the road crew Mal Evans and Neil Aspinall. In a press release, Tony called the Beatles the “Fab Four”, a phrase which quickly took hold.

But not everything in the garden was rosy. There was one incident in June 1963 with the potential to derail the Beatles. The Beatles had taken a break from each other but rather than go home to his wife and baby son, John Lennon went to Spain with Brian Epstein. In my view, this was not sexual – it was power politics: John was making it clear to Epstein that the Beatles was his group and not Paul’s. When the Beatles were back together for Paul’s twenty-first in Liverpool, Bob Wooler sarcastically asked Lennon, “How was the honeymoon, John?” John beat him up and a specialist’s report, displayed in 2023 at Liverpool Central Library, showed that Bob Wooler’s nose had been broken. The incident made the national press, via Allan Williams as it happens, but it wasn’t front page news.

We don’t know what happened behind the scenes. My guess would be that the ambitious McCartney was furious with John. This thuggish behaviour went against the Beatles’ image of lovable moptops. It’s possible that Paul persuaded George and Ringo that John would have to go. Fortunately for everyone, Brian Epstein resolved the matter with John apologising and paying £300 compensation.

The differing personalities of John and Paul was their good fortune as it gave their music an edge. By and large they wrote individually and then asked each other for improvements A very good example, ironically called ‘We Can Work It Out’, perfectly puts McCartney’s verses alongside Lennon’s bridge. Note McCartney’s approach “Try to see it my way” – in other words, “I’m right, follow me”.

EMI was the leading stockholder in the US label, Capitol, but the Americans resented being under their control. EMI was happy to release Capitol product in the UK as they had Frank Sinatra, Nat ‘King’ Cole and Peggy Lee, but Capitol showed little enthusiasm for releasing British product in America. Throughout 1963, they turned down the Beatles’ UK hit singles, saying that they weren’t right for the market and anyway, they had a potentially great teenage attraction in the Beach Boys. Instead, Beatles’ tracks were licensed to Vee-Jay, Tollie and Swan, receiving little promotion and negligible sales.

By 1963 and notwithstanding the Beach Boys, American pop was in the doldrums. The rock’n’roll heroes had ceased to be relevant. Elvis Presley was making bland beach movies; Chuck Berry was in jail; and Little Richard was a minister. Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran had died while touring. There was a wave of boy-next-door teen idols, but Roy Orbison and Del Shannon were coming through.

In October 1963, the American TV host Ed Sullivan happened to be at London Airport when the Beatles were arriving from Sweden. He witnessed the screaming fans and thought this could be something for his Sunday night variety show.

Brain Epstein sensed that this could be the breakthrough that the Beatles needed. British rock’n’roll artists had not fared well in America, and in particular, Cliff Richard had been humiliated as the opening act on a Frankie Avalon tour. The Beatles said they wouldn’t tour America unless they first had a major hit single.

The cards fell into place. EMI ordered Capitol to issue the Beatles’ product. A marketing budget was agreed for ‘I Want To Hold Your Hand’ with the intention of getting it to the top. The Beach Boys’ manager, Murry Wilson, was furious about all this attention being given to the Beatles and not to his own group.

Brian Epstein persuaded Ed Sullivan that the Beatles merited three appearances on the show. An American impresario Sid Bernstein, who read English newspapers and knew about the Beatles, offered them dates at Carnegie Hall and Washington Coliseum. Bernstein knew the prestigious Carnegie Hall didn’t book rock’n’roll acts but he skilfully booked the Beatles in a series which included Tony Bennett and a British singer known in America, Shirley Bassey.

As the plans were falling into place, President Kennedy was assassinated. The nation was in shock and mourning, so much so that the Singing Nun found herself at Number 1. By January 1964, the American public was desperate for something new and exciting and, as luck would have it, the Beatles had the antidote, ‘I Want To Hold Your Hand’.

It is remarkable how easily the Beatles adapted to this tsunami of fame. In the UK they had been playing theatres which might hold 3,000 fans. In 1964 they were playing US sports stadiums that held 50,000 and the move did not faze them.

The Beatles achieved international fame on the level of Sinatra and Presley, but with one big, lucky distinction. The Beatles were four individuals who could each appreciate what the others were going through and that shared experience kept them grounded.

George Martin encouraged the Beatles to be adventurous and was in his element when they made Sgt Pepper and Abbey Road , but he had been the right man from the start, even on simpler, beat group recordings. He encouraged them to pick up the tempo on ‘Please Please Me’ and suggested that ‘She Loves You’ and ‘Can’t Buy Me Love’ should open with the chorus for maximum impact. Technically, Martin knew what to do but he was also a great man manager, able to channel their whims and wishes.

Lennon and McCartney had an instinctive grasp of what made songs work and what didn’t. Willie Nelson once told me that his favourite Beatles song was ‘Yesterday’. “But” I said, “is it a great song? You don’t know what happened yesterday.” Willie said, “That’s what makes it a great song.”

When it came to films, the Beatles had a script from a Liverpool/Welsh playwright Alun Owen, noted for TV dramas, especially the socio-realism of No Trams To Lime Street . He spent time with the band and emulated their repartee. A Hard Day’s Night was directed by Richard Lester, who knew how to shoot comedy and music performances. Like George Martin, he had worked with the Goons and he encouraged the Beatles’ zaniness. Help! was more contrived but had a fine soundtrack with some sequences paving the way for pop videos.

The Beatles moved to London when it was developing into Swinging London with Carnaby Street and Kings Road and again, they never looked stupid in those fashions. Major artists (Peter Blake, Richard Hamilton) created album sleeves and they chose photographers well.

The UK voting age was still 21 and plans to reduce it to 18 were not enacted until 1969. Politicians realised it was inevitable and wanted to appeal to teenagers. The usual step would have been for the Prime Minister Harold Wilson to honour Brian Epstein for his services to British exports, but no, he awarded MBEs to the four Beatles instead.

The Beatles showed little interest in the making of Yellow Submarine until they realised that it involved some of the world’s most imaginative animators. The results were innovative, and it is regarded as groundbreaking.

The Sixties became very competitive with Bob Dylan, the Beach Boys and the Kinks plus songwriters like Carole King, Burt Bacharach and Jimmy Webb. The Beatles could match anyone, mixing mix avant-garde with commercialism and being at the forefront of new ideas.

Even the chaos of the Let It Be sessions has a magic of its own, especially now that the footage has been re-edited. The Beatles are about to break up: we know that but they don’t and it gives an added poignancy to the footage. Jean-Luc Godard made an extremely boring film about the Rolling Stones recording ‘Sympathy for the Devil’, but no one would say Let It Be was boring. There is so much to discuss as well: for example, is it a good idea to bring your partner to work?

In the early 1970s Bruce Springsteen became the ultimate stadium rocker, filling auditoriums but despite his many albums, he has not created a crossover catalogue to match the Beatles and few of his songs have become standards.

The punk and new wave era was supposedly anti-Beatles but it was a sham. Glen Matlock was sacked from the Sex Pistols for liking the Beatles but this was a publicity stunt (although he did love the band!) The Clash recorded ‘No Elvis, No Beatles, No Rolling Stones’ but they were being provocative. Punk was a variation of 60s beat but they never said so.

In 1980 when John Lennon was assassinated, Beatles tourism was in its infancy. The Cavern site was filled with rubble, with a car park at ground level. Fans left flowers there because there wasn’t anywhere obvious to put them. Tragic though it was, the aftermath created Beatles tourism. It would have happened anyway but not, I suspect, to this level. Bob Wooler referred to the new fans as “the death-watch Beatles”.

Starting in 1995 the Beatles put alternative takes and outtakes into their Anthology albums, the first volume of which sold 13m copies. It was a brilliant example of remarketing the Beatles.

The list of Number 1 hits by Liverpool artists displayed in Mathew Street has been recently expanded with the addition of the Beatles’ ‘Now And Then’, but nobody new from Liverpool had had a Number 1 for many years. The city needs new major artists so that it does not become a heritage site like Stratford-upon-Avon. I’m pinning my hopes on Jamie Webster who already has the Kop singing one of his songs.

The Beatles reaching Number 1 in 2023 shows we are dealing with something far greater than nostalgia – and that’s been very lucky for all of us.

Abba scored a remarkable success with their avatars and who knows where this will lead? The AI Beatles can’t be far behind and that will lead to another generation of fans. But despite their success, Abba will never match the Beatles.

Nor will Elton John. He has written many standards, but there is still something middle of the road and jokey about his performances: it may be unfair but to me, he looks like a man playing at being a rock star. Ed Sheeran is Elton John-lite, and can anyone imagine his songs being performed in 20 years’ time? I even have my reservations about Oasis – in my view, they took a Beatles’ B-side Rain and rewrote it – and then did that again and again.

Time can be very hard on pop acts. Look at the record collections given to charity shops. Who wants James Last, Jim Reeves, Shakin’ Stevens or even the Spice Girls today? The Beatles are immune from this. When their vinyl has been donated to charities, it is sold on ebay rather than placed in the racks with Val Doonican and Harry Secombe.

The Beatles could have fallen out of fashion, but they haven’t: they’re even in the new series of Doctor Who . The Beatles reaching Number 1 in 2023 shows we are dealing with something far greater than nostalgia – and that’s been very lucky for all of us.

Luck was certainly an important factor with the Beatles but there was also hard work, perseverance, flexibility and a whole lot of talent. The Beatles saw the opportunities and seized them, usually making the right decisions. Well done, lads.

Best Things to Do in Hamburg, Germany

Weekend in hamburg itinerary – top things to do in hamburg germany.

H amburg, Germany’s Harbor City, is still a relatively undiscovered treasure among foreign tourists, but well worth a visit. I had been to Hamburg and Northern Germany a few times as a child/teenager, but not recently and so I was really excited when I was invited on a press trip to Hamburg for a few days to explore the top things to do in Hamburg, Germany.

What makes the city of Hamburg so special? Despite being Germany’s second largest city, it is still overlooked by many international tourists. Yet this city is full of surprises and lots of cool stuff is happening here. Did you know that Hamburg is considered the coffee capital of the world? Or the craft beer capital of Germany? Or that The Beatles spend more time performing in Hamburg than anywhere else in the world?

The Hamburg itinerary I followed was incredible and showed me not only the top tourist attractions in Hamburg but also some stuff only the locals know about. I can’t wait to share some of my favorites sights, travel tips, and things to do in Hamburg with you.

Insider Tip:  If you plan a jam-packed Hamburg Itinerary and want to see and experience all the top things to do in Hamburg, I highly recommend getting the Hamburg Card . It not only includes free public transportation but also up to 50% discounts on all Hamburg Museums, many tours, Alster cruises, experiences, and even restaurants. You can buy your Hamburg Card here in advance and either print it or use it on your smartphone.

And here is a great guide for the best Restaurants in Hamburg Germany .

Elbphilharomonie Hamburg

Let’s start with the top Hamburg tourist attraction: The Elbphilharmonie Hamburg.

Built on top of a historical warehouse in the heart of Hamburg’s HafenCity, the Elbphilharmonie concert hall has not only become a stunning addition to Hamburg’s cityscape but is becoming one of the most recognizable and iconic buildings in Germany.

Elbphilharmonie Acoustics

The Elbphilharmonie Hamburg – lovingly called Elfie – opened its doors for the first concert in January 2017 and has impressed music aficionados with its acoustic excellence.

The large concert hall is not only visually striking but also optimized the architecture to create the perfect sound experience from every seat in the audience. No seat is more than 30 meters (98 ft) from the conductor and the vineyard-style seating allows undisturbed views of the orchestra.

Elbphilharmonie Concert

I was lucky to enjoy a concert at the Elbphilharmonie, which was definitely a highlight of my Hamburg itinerary. The piece, written by the conductor himself, was perfect to showcase the sound capabilities of this renowned concert hall.

You can find a list of upcoming concerts at the Elfie here .

Elbphilharmonie Tickets

If you like to attend a concert at the Elbphilharmonie during your Hamburg trip, I recommend you book tickets ahead of time, in case of popular artists or performances even months in advance. Make sure that you get tickets for the Grand Hall (Großer Saal in German).

In case you decide spontaneously, you can always try to get a ticket on the day of the performance at the ticket booth inside the concert hall.

Elbphilharmonie Hamburg

Platz der Deutschen Einheit

20457 Hamburg

Find the Elbphilharmonie on Google Maps here>>

Westin at the Elbphilharmonie

My already perfect evening at the Elfie became even more memorable because I spend the night there. Yes, you can sleep inside one of the most famous concert halls in the world. Inside the Elfie building, surrounding the concert hall is the Westin Hamburg .

This 5 Star Hotel is one of the best Hotels in Hamburg and leaves nothing to be desired in terms of luxury and comfort. If you book a premium room, you will be spoiled with stunning views over the city or the Elb river, which connects Hamburg to the North Sea.

Book your room at the Westin Hamburg here>>

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Speicherstadt and Kontorhaus District of Hamburg

Germans are practical when it comes to naming places, so the name Speicherstadt is nothing but a literal translation of “storage city”. I have to say, the German name sounds a bit more idyllic and fitting for the beautiful buildings that make up the largest warehouse district in the world.

UNESCO recognized the Speicherstadt in Hamburg as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015, but it has been a magnet for tourists long before.

What makes a warehouse district so special, you might wonder? Three things:

• History: Learning about the importance of Hamburg as one of the major trading cities (Freie und Hansestadt Hamburg) in the world is fascinating. Starting in the 11th century, the Hanseatic League – a confederation of merchant guilds and trade towns in Northern Germany and Scandinavia dominated the Baltic trade in Europe. You can learn more about this at the Maritimes Museum Hamburg . The port of Hamburg is still known as one of the largest trade centers for coffee and rugs in the world. Lots of warehouses are still used for their original purpose. While the Speicherstadt and Kontorhaus District were extensively damaged during World War II, it was rebuilt in an authentic way.
• Architecture: The red brick warehouses, built between 1883 – 1927, are absolutely stunning. Rows and rows of Neo-Gothic style buildings, alternating with cobblestoned streets and canals make the Speicherstadt extremely picturesque.
• Modern Use: While it is forbidden to live in the Speicherstadt due to flood management restrictions, many of the old warehouses are now office space or specialty shops, restaurants, bars and more. I really liked that these historic buildings were not turned into a museum, but rather are part of the city, where tourists and locals enjoy themselves, go to work and hang out.

Kontorhaus District

The Kontorhaus District is part of the UNESCO Heritage Site , but not directly located in the Speicherstadt. It is famous for 8 Kontorhouses: The Chilehaus, Messberghof, Sprinkenhof, Mohlenhof, Montanhof, former Post Office Building at Niedernstrasse 10, Kontorhaus Burchardstrasse 19-21 and the Miramar-Haus.

These huge office buildings were built between 1920 – 1950 and are prime examples of modern city planning in dense urban areas. Pure office buildings were a new concept, as it was more common to have mixed-use buildings in urban settings.

Due to the rapid expansion of the Hamburg Harbor and the Speicherstadt, the demand for office space also increased and the Kontorhaus District was the solution to provide office space for trading companies as well as port authorities.

Chilehaus Hamburg

The most iconic and famous Kontorhaus in Hamburg is the Chilehaus designed by architect F. Höger and a prime example of expressionist architecture. The wavey facade of the building leads to a sharp corner, looking like a ship’s prow.

Inside, you will find stunning tile work, art deco details, and beautiful staircases, as well as one of the only still working paternoster elevators in the city. Also, don’t forget to check out the nice courtyard in the center.

Chilehaus on Google Maps>>

Elbphilharmonie, Speicherstadt, Kontorhaus, HafenCity Walking Tour

Because the history of the Speicherstadt and the Kontorhaus District is so interesting, I highly recommend a walking tour of the area. This one includes a visit to the Plaza of the Elbphilharmonie, a tour of the Speicherstadt, Kontorhaus District and HafenCity and you can book it here .

Hotels in Hamburg HafenCity:

Westin Hamburg  

My stay at the Westin was a real treat. The service is impeccable and nothing could beat the view from my room. Sleeping inside one of the most iconic buildings in Hamburg is an unforgettable experience and simply walking through the lobby to access one of the most famous concert halls in the world can’t be topped. If you want to treat yourself, I highly recommend the Westin Hamburg .

25 Hour Hotel Altes Hafenamt

I stayed here for 2 more nights during my weekend in Hamburg and really enjoyed it. The decor feels like Indiana Jones meets National Geographic with a hint of Hipster. The rooms are very large and the location is very convenient. Their breakfast is also noteworthy – they had an extensive buffet selection and offered made to order dishes as well, including omelets, shakshuka, and of course eggs in all shapes and forms.

Top Attractions in Hamburg’s Speicherstadt

• Elbphilharmonie
• Miniatur Wunderland (see info below)
• Coffee museum
• Dialogue in the Dark
• HafenCity Visitor Center (with an impressive model of Hamburg City)

Miniatur Wunderland

Unfortunately, I did not have time to visit the Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg myself, but my father and my nephew went there last year and they both absolutely loved it.

What can you expect from Hamburg’s top tourist attraction and who should visit? The Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg is the world’s largest model railway. If you think that is a bit nerdy and not for you, I think you should at least watch this short video to see how cool it actually is:

Pretty cool, isn’t it? Over 1 Million visitors a year will probably agree with you. You can book your tickets in advance here: Miniatur Wunderland Hamburg

St Pauli & the Reeperbahn – Visit Hamburg’s Red Light District

Let’s continue with a little Hamburg tourist attraction that is a little less suitable for kids: St Pauli and the Reeperbahn are in Hamburg’s Red Light District. So what is there to see, other than seedy strip clubs and brothels?

A lot, actually. St Pauli is actually a pretty large neighborhood and the Red Light District around the Reeperbahn is only a tiny fraction. There is the famous FC St Pauli soccer stadium, for example. I did a Beatles Walking Tour (see more below) in St Pauli and it was one of my favorite neighborhoods in Hamburg with a lot of charm, cool bars, and restaurants (once you get away from the Reeperbahn).

Große Freiheit

This street is filled with clubs and bars featuring the hottest DJs as well as live music, some of them for 80+ years. If those walls could talk. Some of the bars and clubs hosted stars like The Beatles, Bill Haley, Jimi Hendrix, Jerry Lee Lewis and many more. In the 60s, Hamburg was THE place to be for young and up and coming musicians.

Beatles Walking Tour

This was another highlight of my Hamburg itinerary, the Hamburg Beatles Tour. If you are a Beatles fan – and who isn’t, really – you might already know that they performed in Hamburg.

The tour led me all across St Pauli and showed me some of the iconic places like the Kaiserkeller or Club INDRA, where The Beatles performed for the very first time on August 17, 1960. Steffi Hempel, the tour guide, knows EVERYTHING about the Beatles and her passion for this band and their music is contagious.

Here are some of the fun facts that Steffi shared with me on the tour:

• The Beatles were the second choice band that the agent selected to go play in Hamburg
• They had NEVER performed together and only had a handful of practices together before coming to Hamburg
• They performed more hours on stage in Hamburg than in any other place in the world
• They slept for months in unheated broom closets in a movie theater in the heart of St Pauli (which showed children’s movies during the day and adult movies at night)

If you are a Beatles fan, this tour is a MUST, but even if you are only remotely interested in the band and their history, you will find the tour interesting. This is also a more child/teenager appropriate tour to see and experience St Pauli and the Reeperbahn.

Herbertsstraße

The most sinful street in the Kiez, the Herbertstraße, is the epicenter of the Red Light District near the Reeperbahn. The entrance is boarded up and only men over 18 are allowed in . Yes, you read this right. Women are not allowed. And ladies, DO NOT TRY TO GO IN! In all seriousness, this is not a game, especially not for the Madames working there.

What will you find in the Herbertsstraße? As I am a woman, I can’t tell you from personal experience, but from research and stories, this is what you will see: Ladies in Boots, as the locals call the working women in Hamburg, sit scantily clad behind windows and use their feminine charms to siren men to their room of pleasure.

*Disclaimer: Prostitution is legal in Germany and most of the women are working as independent contractors or even employees, pay taxes, and receive social benefits just like any other worker in any other industry.

St Pauli Walking Tour

This is an 18+ tour that will take you in the heart of the Kiez and the Red Light District. You will learn about the history of the most sinful mile in Germany, the sex, the crime, and all the other debauchee details.

It also includes visits to some of the most legendary bars and clubs of the Kiez and definitely promises a fun time for the grown-ups. You can book your spot on the 2 hours St Pauli Sex and Crime tour here!

Hamburg Fish Market

Sunday morning is Fish Market in Hamburg. It starts early – at 5 AM – but the only ones you will find there at that time are over-eager tourists and Reeperbahn zombies trying to sober up from last night’s debauchery.

However, at 10 AM sharp, the market sellers have to pack up their stuff and leave, so I recommend getting there at 8 – 8:30 AM to check out the Fish Market.

This gives you enough time to listen to the barkers praising their fish offers and eat a traditional Matjesbrötchen (a bread roll with pickled herring) or a Backfischbrötchen (bread roll with traditional “fish cake patty” and remoulade or any of the other delicious treats you might enjoy.

They do have limited options for people who don’t like to eat fish, but other than fresh produce and fruit, I have not seen anything that might be suitable for vegetarians, so consider that when you have dietary restrictions.

After that, head to the Fish Market Hall right next to the Market and enjoy some live music, coffee, beer, more fish and definitely a good time.

Fish Auction Hall on Google Maps 

Hamburg Harbor Tour by Boat

If it is Sunday, and you already are at the Fish Market, I recommend that you do your Hamburg Harbor Boat Tour right after. It is a nice 15-20 minutes walk along the river to get to the Landungsbrücke (Pier), where the Harbor Tour takes off.

The Hamburg harbor is the 3rd largest port in Europe and Germany’s largest port city, and also plays an important part of the city’s incredible charm. Seeing those huge container ships close up and learning about the history, day-to-day operation and lots of interesting fun facts make the Harbor Cruise a must for your Hamburg itinerary. Book your 1-hour harbor cruise here.

Old Elbe Tunnel

After your harbor cruise, I recommend another Hamburg attraction, which is just around the corner from the cruise pier: The Elbtunnel in Hamburg. Just walk along the bank of the Elbe and you will run right into it.

The Elbtunnel opened its doors in 1911 and was a real sensation for the time and is still amazing to see in today’s time. The 1400 feet (426 m) long tunnel lays 80 feet (24 m) beneath the surface of the river Elbe.

On each end, there are 4 large elevators that hold cars and motorcycles. Yes,  you heard that right, this tiny tunnel was made for cars and is still used as a regular way to commute to and from the city for locals. In 2008, 700,000 pedestrians, 63,000 bicyclists and 300,000 cars used the Old Elbtunnel ( Source Wikipedia ).

When you get out on the Steinwerder side, turn right and follow the signs to the viewpoint and you will have a great view of Hamburg’s skyline and the Elbphilharmonie.

Opening Hours Old Elbtunnel:

Pedestrians/Bicyclists: 24/7, except New Year’s Eve (closed from 9 PM to 4 AM).

Cars and motorized vehicles:

Monday – Friday:

8 AM to 1 PM: One-Way traffic from St. Pauli to Steinwerder

1 PM to 6 PM One-Way traffic from Steinwerder to St. Pauli

Saturday, Sunday, and Bank Holidays: Closed for Cars.

Insider Tip: Due to exhaust fumes, I highly recommend pedestrians and bicyclists to only use the Elbtunnel when it is closed for motorized vehicles. I walked through the Old Elbtunnel on Sunday after the Fish Market and it was a fun stroll, but if I had to walk next to cars with their motors running, I probably would have turned back.

Elbtunnel on Google Maps

Dialogue in the Dark Hamburg

When I first heard about Dialogue in the Dark, I thought it was an interesting concept. I didn’t know that this would be such an incredible experience.

So, what is Dialogue in the Dark?

Dialogue in the Dark is a social concept exhibition that has locations around the world. When you visit, you are experiencing a glimpse of the daily life of a blind person. You will be guided by a visually impaired guide through an exhibit that simulates situations of daily life, such as walking through a park, exploring a living room, crossing a street and even sitting in a boat – in complete darkness.

Why should you visit Dialogue in the Dark?

This is difficult to answer, but let me tell you my personal experience of Dialogue in the Dark and what I got out of it.

• It pushed me outside of my comfort zone as I had to relearn the most basic daily tasks, such as crossing a street or identifying vegetables by touch and smell.
• It made me realize how different my life would have been if I had been born with a visual impairment or if my eyesight had been taken away through disease or an accident.
• A sense of accomplishment, when I was able to identify an object with the senses that I usually pay much less attention to.
• I got to talk to several guides and learned about their personal story, some of them blind since birth, others who lost their eyesight later in life. It was interesting to see and learn more about the difficulties they encounter and actually experience a few of them myself.
• I learned more about how I can become more proactive in helping visually impaired people the right way. I am working on updating the photos on EuropeUpClose to include a better description of the photo and make my website more accessible for visually impaired visitors.
• It also made me feel thoughtful and even a bit somber, as I was able to walk out of the exhibit and see again, while my guides could not. It is their daily life.
• It made me aware of the ingenuity that visually impaired people have to master their lives. I am in awe of their problem-solving skills, their creativity, and their memory skills.

Dialog in the Dark on Google Maps

Explore the Craft Beer Scene in Hamburg

Everyone knows that Germany is the country of beer. German beer is good, some of it even great. But Craft Beer has been a bit slower to take off in Germany than in most other countries. I think this is due to three reasons:

• Part of it is because of the strict German Purity Law, which does not allow any ingredients other than water, barley, and hops. You can’t get too creative with just those three ingredients.
• Another reason might be that because German beer has always been decent, there has been less of an urgent need to come up with more tasty beer recipes.
• And lastly, because Germans are not very adventurous when it comes to their favorite beverage. I know people who have bought the same brand of beer for decades and they simply don’t see a reason to try something else. They buy what they know and what they like. Thankfully, this is slowly changing.

So Craft Beer Breweries and Beers are not as readily available in Germany as in many other parts of the world. If you are a craft beer lover, and you have been missing your Craft Beers while traveling, you should definitely check out these Breweries/Tap Rooms/Brew Pubs when you are in Hamburg:

This brewery/brewpub is located right along the Elbe. This colorful brewery and brewpub was by far my favorite Craft Beer stop in Hamburg.

Their beers are really good and balanced. Many IPAs I have tried in Europe are on the sweet side, but the Supadupa IPA and the World White IPA were nice and dry with a fruity hop aroma. Their Lieblings Lager and the Original (Helles) are a great choice if you don’t like too much hops.

I talked to their Head Brewer and he knows what he is doing. He has brewed all over the world and you can taste his passion in his beers.

They also have amazing pizza there. I had the Margarita and even it was the perfect pairing for the beer flight I had. The dough is fluffy, but not doughy and the toppings are fresh and flavorful.

Überquell also likes to do fun events with other breweries in the area, collaboration brews, live music, and other fun stuff.

Überquell on Google Maps

Ratsherrn Brewery

The Ratsherrn Brewery is located in the Schanzenviertel of Hamburg and offers a brewery experience similar to what you would get in the US. They offer a brewery tour with tasting, have a craft beer store and next door is a brewpub.

They offer English speaking tours every Friday at 1 PM and I highly recommend booking in advance. If you can’t make it on Friday, you can also join any German tour and they will provide you with an audio guide in English. The tour was good, but more targeted towards people who have never been on a brewery tour before. What I liked a lot about the tour was that I learned a lot about the history of beer in Germany and especially Hamburg.

They have a very large selection of beers and I liked their variety of different beer styles. However, they all were a bit too sweet and malty for my personal taste.

Ratsherrn Brewery on Google Maps

Altes Mädchen

Next door to the Ratsherrn Brewery is the Brewpub Altes Mädchen (Old Girl). They have 30 taps on draft and countless bottled beer options, so you will most definitely find something to your liking.

Prices are mid-range and you should definitely try their bread. They take the German bread obsession to the next level with their own Bread Sommelier. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to eat there, but they served their bread during the beer tasting at Ratsherrn brewery and it was knock-your-socks-off DELICIOUS.

If I lived in Hamburg, this would probably be my hangout spot. It is a tiny little bar in a residential neighborhood with about 20 beers on tap. Most of them are from the region and you can get a taster before you commit (which is NOT common in Germany).

The interior design is part dive, part mid-century modern living room with a cozy atmosphere and friendly service. There is not a lot going on, no TVs or loud music or other distractions. It is the kind of place, where you go to talk to your friends, drink some beers, even read a book, write in your diary and just hang out.

Bar Oorlam on Google Maps

Coffee Museum

Most of us drink it every morning yet we know so little about it: Coffee. Did you now that the largest Coffee Wholeseller is located in Hamburg. Every 7th cup of coffee you consume is sold by a family-owned company based in Hamburg. This makes Hamburg de facto the Coffee Capital of the world.

I visited the Kaffeemuseum Burg  in the Speicherstadt. During my visit, I toured their coffee museum and also had a coffee tasting. If you like coffee, I highly recommend this experience. I not only learned interesting facts about coffee and its history but also great tips on how to find good quality coffee, how to prepare it properly and why cold coffee often tastes horrible.

Opening Hours/Tickets Coffee Museum Burg:

Tuesday – Sunday: 10 AM – 6 PM ( please see this site for exceptions )

Public Tours:

Tuesday – Friday: 10 AM – 12 PM – 14 PM – 16 PM

Saturday & Sunday: Every full hour

Ticket Price: 10 EUR for adults, 8 EUR for teenagers (12-18 years), and free for children under 12

Kaffeemuseum Burg on Google Maps

Relax at the Alster

After all this exploring, let’s finish with something more relaxing. I told you that Hamburg is a city surrounded by water. Aside from the Elbe river, there is also the Alster. While the Alster is only about 30 miles long (50 km), it is one of the favorite outdoor recreation areas in Hamburg.

You can learn sailing or do a sunset sailing cruise, rent a SUP or paddleboat, or do an Alster Cruise, that takes you around the Alster and lets you peek into the backyards of Hamburg’s rich and famous. You will see beautiful villas and gardens, parks and bridges along the way as your enjoy one of the boat tours.

If you like walking, running, or cycling, you can do that along the Alster banks in Alster Park. It is also a great spot to let the kids run around and enjoy themselves if you travel as a family. Hamburg’s stunning city hall with its green copper roof is also with a look, as it is right around the corner from the Jungfernstieg.

Jungfernstieg on Google Maps

Planten un Blomen

This beautiful park is a favorite among the locals and especially during the spring and summer months a nice spot to hang out, relax and enjoy the greenery. If you are traveling with kids to Hamburg, check out the large playground at the southern end of the park.

St Michael – Hamburger Michel

This baroque church in Hamburg’s Neustadt is one of the iconic steeples in Hamburg’s cityscape. What makes this church special is that it was built as a Protestant church, unlike most other churches which were converted from Catholic churches after the Reformation.

So you see, there are so many things to do in Hamburg that you definitely have enough options to fill a few days in this beautiful city. In fact, a weekend in Hamburg might not be enough time to do all the things and see all the sights in Hamburg that interest you.

Hamburg is one of my favorite cities in Germany because it is so full of history and charm, but also has such an international feel to it. I love the architecture in the Speicherstadt and the history of centuries of trade that influenced the city to have such an open-minded character.

If you are looking to add another city to your Europe or Germany trip, I highly recommend Hamburg. It has a very different atmosphere than Berlin and Munich and I am sure you will enjoy your stay.

Things to Do in Hamburg – Pin for Later:

The Beatles live: Indra Club, Hamburg

This was The Beatles’ sixth of 48 consecutive nights performing at the Indra Club in Hamburg, Germany.

They were contracted to perform for four and a half hours each weekday night, from 8-9.30pm, 10-11pm, 11.30pm-12.30am and 1-2am.

They also had to play for six hours on Saturdays, from 7-8.30pm, 9-10pm, 10.30-11.30pm, 12-1am, and 1.30-3am. Sunday hours were 5-6pm, 6.30-7.30pm, 8-9pm, 9.30-10.30pm, 11-12 midnight and 12.30-1.30am.

Also on this day...

• 2023: Ringo Starr announces Rewind Forward EP
• 2019: Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band live: Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, Prior Lake
• 2012: John Lennon’s killer denied parole for seventh time
• 2012: Magical Mystery Tour to be released on DVD and Blu-ray
• 2003: Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band live: Riverfest Amphitheater, Little Rock
• 2001: Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band live: Rosemont Theatre, Rosemont
• 2001: Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band live: Minnesota State Fair, Saint Paul
• 1995: Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band live: Pier 62/63, Seattle
• 1992: Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band live: Iowa State Fair, Des Moines
• 1972: Wings live: Kinema Roma, Antwerp
• 1969: The Beatles’ final photo shoot
• 1968: Recording: Back In The USSR
• 1968: Ringo Starr quits The Beatles
• 1968: Cynthia Lennon sues John for divorce
• 1967: Recording: Your Mother Should Know
• 1966: Junior press conference: Warwick Hotel, New York City
• 1966: Press conference: Warwick Hotel, New York City
• 1965: The Beatles live: Memorial Coliseum, Portland, Oregon
• 1964: The Beatles live: Empire Stadium, Vancouver, Canada
• 1963: The Beatles live: Gaumont Cinema, Bournemouth
• 1963: Television: Day By Day
• 1962: The Beatles live: Cavern Club, Liverpool (evening)
• 1962: The Beatles live: Cavern Club, Liverpool (lunchtime) – their first television appearance

Want more? Visit the Beatles history section .

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Used by The Beatles and Brian May, the Vox AC30 is one of the all-time great amps – what makes it sound so good?

Mention the term “British clean” to any discerning guitar fan and the Vox AC30 will immediately spring to mind. The highly coveted tube amp has been championed by generations of musicians, and is behind the emergence of entire genres and tones while in the hands of the countless artist who have embraced it.

Tracing the AC30's sonic trail across its illustrious 65-plus-year history reveals its timeless allure is no mere coincidence.

The Vox Amplifiers name was first etched onto an amp in 1958. Amp designer and guitarist Dick Denney was plugged in to the rapidly evolving world of electric guitar technology in the late '50s.

He brought his specialist knowledge to JMI Corporations – the original owner of the Vox brand – and produced the Vox AC1/15, which was later renamed the AC15. Denney's amp design offered guitarists a notable presence and volume that cut through on stage, becoming a staple of the UK music scene.

As music delved into the rock 'n' roll era, larger venues and enthusiastic crowds demanded increased on-stage volume. Denney took it up a notch, literally cranking up the design by doubling the AC15's components. The Shadows and a young Beatles, fresh from their Hamburg residencies, were some of the first acts to hit the road with AC30s.

The Vox name gained spotlight on stage and earned its reputation as the quintessential guitar amp brand of the British Invasion.

Who plays Vox AC30 amps?

The distinctive jangly guitar tones of the '60s from the likes of the Beatles, Shadows, Hank Marvin, and the Kinks all came from the Vox AC30. As the '70s unfolded, the rapid adoption of effects pedals gave the amp a fresh voice.

In this era, Brian May utilized his self-made "Red Special" guitar alongside a Rangemaster Treble Booster pedal , crafting his famous ultra-treble tones that highlighted the AC30's sparkling high frequencies.

"The Vox AC30 works in a different way from most guitar amps," May once observed in an interview with Total Guitar . "It does give you that smooth transition into compression and distortion, which to me is just the voice that I always wanted."

His affinity for the amp further solidified the status of the AC30, which had already gained a reputation as a go-to amp for guitarists.

Then, during the '80s digital revolution, The Edge of U2 seamlessly integrated his AC30 with cutting-edge pedal technology, incorporating the Electro Harmonix Deluxe Memory Man – among many other effects – to craft bright, attack-heavy, digitally delayed guitar layers.

In a different musical realm, jazz virtuoso John Scofield, known for his versatile and responsive musicality, embraced the AC30 for its bite and capacity to cut through the mix in both live and studio settings.

What tubes does the AC30 use?

With a significantly higher output, the AC30 utilized four of the EL84 tubes commonly found in record player power amp stages. With the help of additional ECC83 (12AX7) preamp tubes, the amp circuit signal is gain-staged to have enough headroom for clean tones, but easily break up when pushed.

As it reaches higher volumes, the AC30 gets pushed into saturation, accentuating the amp’s colorful midrange of spikey frequencies.

In the 1960s, amplifier wattage was measured at its clean headroom limit before tube breakup. Therefore, despite the 30-watt output of an AC30 appearing unassuming by today’s standards, these amps can reach surprisingly loud levels.

What does an AC30 sound like?

Even today, compared to its historical counterparts in Fender and Marshall, the Vox AC30 maintains an unmistakable character absent in the open cleans of a Twin or the roundness of a JTM45.

Renowned for its honky midrange and sparkling high-end frequencies, the AC30 excels in cutting through dense mixes, providing guitarists with clarity in both live settings and recordings.

The initial lack of low-end at lower volumes might dissuade some players seeking the warmth often found in other amps. This effect is more pronounced in the top boost versions and when attempting to replicate the Brian May-inspired technique of pairing the AC30 with a Treble Booster.

However, with increased volume – even with the top boost maximized for full jangle – the lower frequencies progressively fill out.

What speakers does an AC30 use?

The original AC30s initially featured Jensen Alnico Blue speakers, later replaced by Celestion Greenbacks to cut manufacturing costs. Consequently, some of the iconic tones heard on '60s records owe their character to the Alnico Blue speakers.

AC30s with Alnico Blue speakers are often preferred for their cleaner, subtly rolled-off tone compared to the Greenbacks, which contribute to the perception of AC30s having a slightly harsh character.

As both speaker types are pushed to higher volumes, the distinctions become more pronounced. The Alnico Blue speakers respond with an increased bell-like top end and natural compression at high volumes, setting them apart from Greenbacks and delivering the sought-after, authentic tone associated with '60s records.

What's the best AC30?

Nashville guitarist Jim Lill, renowned for his session work and YouTube channel debunking tonal myths, explored speaker cabinet tone in his video, "Where Does Tone Come From in a Speaker Cabinet?" .

Lill noted a manufacturing difference in vintage and reissue AC30s – namely, the presence of cross-shaped wooden planks in front of the speakers on vintage models that are absent in reissues. Through an A/B test using his custom-built cabinets, Lill demonstrated how these wooden crosses significantly roll off the speaker cabinet’s top end.

Perhaps these wooden crosses play a more defining role in capturing the sought-after '60s vintage tone than one might first expect.

To capture an authentic '60s AC30 tone, speaker types and how closely a reissue aligns with the original design are pivotal considerations. When contemplating a purchase, a balance must be found between the pursuit of the holy grail tone and the challenges of owning a potentially pricey and finicky vintage amp.

Mason Mangela of Vertex Effects points to amps from the brand's Korg era, spanning from the mid-'90s to the early 2000s , as the closest modern reissues to faithfully capture the original 1960s GMI circuit with the top boost channel.

While multiple factors contribute to the elusive AC30 tone, a closer examination reveals more variables. Yet, the instantly recognizable sound remains consistent across numerous amp models.

Regardless of sought-after periods or eras, plugging into an AC30 ensures a unique and unparalleled tonal experience, making it a distinctive addition to any amplifier collection.

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• George Harrison
• The Beatles

The Thing: The Beatles’ Disgusting Honorary Member You’ve Likely Never Heard Of (And Probably Wished You Hadn’t)

by Melanie Davis May 20, 2024, 3:07 pm

The Beatles might’ve been superstars, but offstage, they were average (and gross) human beings like anyone else—an unavoidable, all-natural quality exemplified in stomach-twisting detail by their disgusting honorary Beatles member, whom they nicknamed “The Thing.” The fifth Beatle gave all new meaning to rock and rollers trashing a hotel room.

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The legend of “The Thing” dates back to the earliest years of the Beatles. Pre-Ringo Starr, the quartet was still using their original drummer, Pete Best . Pre-Beatlesmania, the band was performing in rather racy venues across Europe while they worked toward their first big break.

George Harrison Introduced “The Thing” To The Beatles

When the Beatles weren’t playing hours-long sets at the Star-Club in Hamburg, Germany, they were crashing in a modest hostel that the club’s owner, Manfred Weissleder, provided for them. One night, George Harrison vomited in a corner of their hostel after a particularly long drinking session. As the story goes, neither Harrison nor the woman hired to clean the hostel was willing to clean up the mess.

Weissleder tried to get Harrison to tend to the puke pile on several occasions, and each time, he refused—perhaps a revealing glimpse into his future celebrity status or maybe a protest against the band’s less-than-ideal living situation. In any case, Pete Best wrote in his memoir that the vomit corner became a running joke amongst the group.

Eventually, cigarette butts and food scraps made their way into the unsightly corner, creating an even bigger stench and eyesore than the first one Harrison created. The band lovingly (or disgustingly?) dubbed the mess in the corner “The Thing” and called it an honorary Beatle.

The Band’s Hilarious Reaction To Their Fifth Member’s End

After two weeks of living next to a pile of puke and trash, the hostel owner finally cleaned up the mess. The Beatles reportedly protested when the time came to say goodbye to The Thing and even held a mock funeral for their “honorary bandmate.” Best later said of the biohazard, “Now you could probably flog it for thousands on eBay” (via ANI ).

As stomach-turning as the thought might be, Best is probably right about that. The Fab Four’s Hamburg years are a superfan goldmine, offering an intimate, warts-and-all glimpse into the quartet’s earliest stages. The Beatles’ time playing as a house band in Europe was a formative experience professionally, musically, and personally. As John Lennon would later say in Anthology , “I grew up in Hamburg, not Liverpool.”

George Harrison offered similar sentiments in Anthology, describing Hamburg as “brilliant” and the Reeperbahn and Gross Freiheit, two of the main entertainment districts where they played, as “the best thing we’d ever seen, clubs and neon lights everywhere and lots of restaurants and entertainment. It looked really good. There were seedy things about it, obviously, including some of the conditions we had to live in when we first got there.” Gross conditions indeed—thanks in no small part to Harrison and the band’s honorary fifth member, “The Thing.”

Photo by Central Press/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

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