Kaiserkeller Where the Beatles got their beat

The beginning of a global success story: located on 36 Grosse Freiheit just off the Reeperbahn, the Kaiserkeller has been in business since the 1950s. This is where the Beatles first met their drummer Ringo Starr, and together with their new band member they would soon achieve world fame. Today, the Kaiserkeller still attracts a colourful rock scene and is considered one of the top live venues on Grosse Freiheit.

There was a time when live bands would provide background music rather than being the centre of attention as celebrated stars during a big night out. The Beatles first came to Hamburg in the early sixties and got their first gigs at the Indra, followed by the nearby Kaiserkeller, which was established in 1959. At the beginning, they would spend the night playing the same repertoire over and over again. Thus they made some money, worked on their performance – and got to know their drummer Ringo Starr, initially a member of the band Rory Storm & the Hurricanes.

Today, many years later, this rustic club continues to be part of St Pauli’s vibrant and popular nightlife scene. Every Monday, young bands and musicians conquer the stage as part of the “Kaiserkeller Live” event. During the rest of the week, the Kaiserkeller caters for various genres such as gothic, wave, industrial as well as nu metal, heavy rock and indie rock. Above the Kaiserkeller you will find the venue “Grosse Freiheit 36”, which hosts concerts, DJ sets and parties and turns into a true melting point during the annual Reeperbahn Festival. And if you are aiming even higher, you should make sure to try out the Galeria 36 bar, a popular spot for Hamburg’s Latino scene. With its huge panorama window, it invites you to enjoy the hustle and bustle of St Pauli from a bird’s perspective.