In spite of the substantial contribution made by "Scousers" in the cellar at 13 Temple Street, the Iron Door has been one of Liverpool's best kept secrets. How is it that such a thriving club with its stage graced by likes of The Beatles, The Searchers, The Animals and Gerry and The Pacemakers has so little documentation with regard to its impressive history?

One reason certainly has to be the fact that The Cavern was the first cellar club and as such developed an excellent reputation. Its reputation, however, was for jazz and not the newly emerging British Invasion. Its beginnings can be traced back to January 16, 1957 a full four years prior to the opening of the Iron Door. Surprisingly, the competing lunchtime and all night sessions of the Iron Door seem to have faded over the years. Developing a reputation of excitement associated with The Beatles, The Cavern would be the musical magnet that continued to attract and pull fans from around the world. This same level of magnetism would not take place with The Iron Door. It must not be forgotten, however, that the Iron Door hosted musical events that were some of the biggest of their day. They were so popular that the legend of the events carries on whilst the memory of the venue has diminished.

An additional factor reponsible for the fading history of the Iron Door may have been to promote those acts that shared the stage with him. The Cavern had the dynamic announcing of the well-known Bob Wooler who had the professional flair required to promote those who shared the stage with him. Wooler was very popular in the port city and his personality generated much enthusiasm. Those Liverpudlian's who have visited both clubs during their peak generally agree that the balance of the excitment was at 10 Matthew Street.

Perhaps most significantly, The Cavern had the Beatles while the Iron Door did not. While the Fab Four performed at the Iron Door on a handful of occasions, these appearances were limited in comparison to the 292 performances at the Cavern. Most Beatle fans have only recently learned of the Iron Door performances of the Fab Four thanks to Sam Leach.

Finally, the folklore associated with the Iron Door, although fascinating and important in its contribution to the Merseybeat sound, has not stood the test of time. History has not been kind to the Iron Door. The Cavern has been rejuvenated, based primarily on the popularity of the Beatles, while the success of other famous Liverpool groups has not rekindled the same excitement for the Iron Door. Interestingly, both of these clubs were torn down in the name of progress. In the end, the Cavern was ressurected to pay tribute to The Beatles. It is with some sense of unfairness that the Cavern lives on as a legend while the memories of the Iron Door have paved the way for a parking lot. It is sincerely hoped that renewed interest in the history of the Iron Door will enable it to rise from the rubble where "Sweets For My Sweet" and "Mashed Potatoes" may be heard once again. It has often been said that history is written by the winners. While this view would seem to hold in the case of the Iron Door, it is hoped that this small contribution will allow this important club to its rightful place on the podium of Scouser Rock music.

It is most evident from the research conducted in the writing of this article that the Iron Door has had an important place in the history of the British Invasion. It was at the Iron Door that thousands of fans first experienced very large Rock Music events that would set the stage for the fervor of the British Rock Music explosion that was to follow. Sam Leach and "The Iron Door" got the word out quickly and in a way that captured the attention of promoters and proprietors and the enthusiasm of young fans who were the first wave of the British Invasion. Consequently it is the Iron Door and its management and promoters that bridged the gap between the traditional small jazz venues and the modern large concert hall events. Not only did Sam Leach get the attention of Liverpool and London, but the eyes of the world soon fell on Britain. The invasion had begun, from the ground up in cellars and clubs all over Liverpool and England. So too it began in the premises of a butter packing plant at 13 Temple Street in an old warehouse.

In closing, perhaps one of the most important contributions of the Iron Door was its philosophy of allowing all interested parties to perform. While the Cavern and other clubs were more rigid in their approach to stage performances, the fair and liberal view of the Iron Door allowed for the success of a number of artists who might not otherwise been recognized by promoters of the day. This open spirit is embodied in the culture of Liverpool where "everyone loves a trier." This view of life was, and forever shall be, the secret to the success of all great performers. The freedom of musical expression. After all, at the end of the day, whether you think you can or you think you can't - your're right!

Perhaps the story told herein will generate the enthusiasm necessary for others to write about the Iron Door Club. While memories have faded they are cleary not forgotten. This project is a work in progress and those who have additional information are encouraged to send their photos and comments to the email address below. I am indebted to Geoffrey Hogarth, Sam Leach, countless contributors to this site and to all Liverpool's performers.