Two photographs of The Beatles playing at the Cavern Club in Liverpool just months before they were discovered by manager Brian Epstein have been revealed.

The black and white images were taken in July 1961, a year before the band released their first single Love Me Do.

John Lennon, then aged 20, and Paul McCartney, 19, are at the microphone, while 18-year-old George Harrison is on guitar just behind them.

The group’s original drummer, Pete Best, 19, can be seen obscured sat at the drumkit at the back of the stage. Ringo Starr replaced Best the following year.

In the images, Lennon, McCartney and Harrison look almost unrecognisable – largely due to their haircuts and clothes.

Beatles historian and author Mark Lewisohn said: “Set inside Liverpool’s cramped and dank Cavern Club, these previously unseen photos capture The Beatles playing for a lunchtime or evening audience in July 1961.

“Just back from Hamburg – slogging 500 stage hours in 90 days – The Beatles are whippet-thin undernourished lads of 20 (John), 19 (Paul and Pete), and 18 (George).

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“So slender has this marathon made them, it’s as if their heads and bodies are stranger. A look emphasised by the unusual clothes – leather trousers and cotton tops. No other photos show them dressed this way.

“Three months from here, John and Paul went to Paris and returned with what became known as ‘The Beatle haircut’.

“Days later, Brian Epstein saw The Beatles in the Cavern, offered to become their manager and set them on (a) course that changed our world.”

To mark the 60th anniversary of Love Me Do’s release back in 1962, Chorley-based dealer Tracks Ltd is offering free rare music memorabilia valuations.

The valuation day takes place at The Beatles Story exhibition at Liverpool’s Royal Albert Dock from 11am-6pm on Wednesday 5 October.

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