2012 10 17 - BBCR2 - The Casbah

 The Casbah

The Casbah: Birthplace of Merseybeat celebrates the 

somewhat neglected and hugely significant venue where 

The Beatles enjoyed a residency prior to their later and

 more often recognised success at the Cavern Club. 

The documentary is presented by original Beatles' drummer 

Pete Best whose mother Mona both owned and ran the club.

The Casbah, a private members club in the basement of the 

Best family home, was distinctive in a number of ways having 

opened as a strictly Rock'n'Roll venue. The majority of 

Liverpool clubs in the late 50's having had roots in Jazz, Folk 

& Country music. It was also notable in that it was run by a 

woman, Mona Best, in an era when music/club promoters 

were invariably male. The documentary will explore the 

history of the club (decorated by The Beatles and now awarded 

Blue Plaque status) while examining the broader context of the 

boom that came to be known as Merseybeat. 

Contributions from Merseybeat newspaper founder Bill Harry 

alongside Merseybeat veterans Mike Pender of The Searchers, 

Georgie Spruce (AKA Earl Preston of Earl Preston & The TT's), 

Howie Casey (of Derry & the Seniors-the first Liverpool combo 

to play in Hamburg and secure a recording contract), and 

Geoff Nugent (of The Undertakers). The programme will also 

feature the recollections of Casbah Club members and a fleeting,

 though noteworthy, contribution from Paul McCartney