The End of the Grosvenor

July 30,1960

Today is the last of the steady Saturday gigs at the Grosvenor Ballroom for the Beatles.  Disorderly conduct that broke out during and after the dances resulted in a number of complaints against the venue, which was, after all, operated by the local government for the benefit of the citizenry.  Henceforth, it was decided, the dances at the Grosvenor should be of the "strict tempo" variety (e.g. foxtrot, waltz).  Even that term "strict tempo" gives me the willies.  I can easily imagine Sister Katherine Imelda standing there, her rosewood cane at the ready.  Patrons so foolish as to ignore the rules, beware!