Last updated: 01 September 2009
Capitol Theatre, Cardiff
Sunday 12 December 1965
The Beatles' final shows of 1965 weren't just their last in the Welsh capitol; they were actually their final tour dates in the whole of the United Kingdom.
Not that anyone knew it at the time. Around 5,000 fans were lucky enough to get tickets for The Beatles' two separate performances on this night, although 25,000 had applied.
Support acts were The Paramounts (who later became Procol Harum), Beryl Marsden with Steve Aldo, The Moody Blues, Liverpool group The Koobas, and The Marionettes. The compère was Jerry Stevens.
The Beatles' 11-song sets each lasted around 30 minutes. They performed I Feel Fine, She's A Woman, If I Needed Someone, Act Naturally, Nowhere Man, Baby's In Black, Help, We Can Work It Out, Yesterday (Paul McCartney solo on an electric organ), Day Tripper and I'm Down.
In between the two 'houses' The Beatles gave interviews to the South Wales Argus and South Wales Echo.
During the second show, as John Lennon introduced Day Tripper, a male fan appeared onstage and attempted to grab Paul McCartney and George Harrison. He was swiftly removed from the stage by security staff and thrown out of the venue.
The Beatles didn't hang around after the second show. They were taken by limousine back to London, where they attended a Christmas party held at a nightclub.
After this date The Beatles played live on just two occasions in the UK: a New Musical Express Poll-Winners' concert on 1 May 1966; and the famous rooftop show at Apple in January 1969.
