Wigan Album

great photo mickyboy, first time I've seen a picture of the interior of the Ritz.

It was a great venue. I've seen The Beatles there and The Rolling Stones, probably 1964. I've also seen Tom Jones there in 1964, when he replaced P.J. Proby after P.J. split his pants on stage during one of his concerts. Mary Whitehouse decreed that it was obscene and succeeded in getting the tour cancelled, much to the disappointment of my friend Pat and I because we had tickets.
These are lovely nostalgic photos, which bring back lots of memories.

Me too Margaret. Do you remember the manager coming on stage and telling us PJ Proby had been cancelled and bringing on a then unknown Tom Jones?

Yes Linda, we were very upset that night. Incidentally, Pat and I went to see P.J. in New Brighton last year and he still has a fantastic voice, even though he's now in his seventies.

what a shame such a beautiful building i have seen many a show there gene pitney ,beatles .rolling stones .roy orbison.cilla black i could go on such wonderful memories

Is there a complete list available as to who played there from its opening to it's closure as a music venue?

the last big concert that we went to was the Syd Lawrence band. soon after this the ritz was sectioned off

so many memories,i remember when iwas about 10 or 11, staying in there all day just watching the films going on continuasly, it used to be dark when we were leaving ,loved it

Buddy Holly and the Crickets 1958, i was there, fantastic, still got the programme and still play his music, timeless.

Many happy memories. Last film we saw there was Jaws