Beatles'first venue gets listed status

The club where The Beatles played their first gig has been given listed building status.

John Lennon, Paul McCartney and George Harrison played in the The Casbah Coffee Club, the converted coal cellar of their soon-to-be drummer Pete Best, in August 1959.

When Best joined the group The Quarrymen adopted the name The Silver Beatles and went on to play at the cosy venue on many occasions. It eventually closed in 1962, with a last gig watched by around 1,500 fans.

It has survived in excellent condition, however, and still contains art by the band and Lennon's then wife Cynthia. Now Culture Minister David Lammy has recognised its historical importance by awarding it Grade II listed status.

He explained: "It is absolutely right that the club where the group first learnt their craft should be badged as an important part of our heritage and receive the extra protection from harmful redevelopment that listed building status affords."

The move was recommended by English Heritage. Officer Bob Hawkins commented: "The basement rooms are historically significant because they represent tangible evidence of The Beatles' formation, their growth in popularity and their enduring cultural influence.

"The club survives in a remarkably well-preserved condition since its closure in 1962, with wall and ceiling paintings of spiders, dragons, rainbows and stars by original band members along with 1960s musical equipment, amplifiers and original chairs. We know of no other survival like it in Liverpool or indeed anywhere else."