The Beatles Played to Just 18 People in Their First Southern Gig – And It Was More Embarrassing Than John's Jesus Comment

How four lads from Liverpool discovered that military towns don't appreciate rock and roll, even when it comes with Scouse charm and tight harmonies.

• The Beatles' December 1961 Aldershot gig was organised by promoter Sam Leach, who somehow confused a Hampshire garrison town with swinging London

• Only 18 punters bothered to show up, leading to George and Paul dancing the foxtrot together mid-performance whilst their mates played on

• The disaster highlighted the massive cultural divide between the emerging Mersey beat scene and the conservative Home Counties in pre-Beatlemania Britain