Photos return to 'Beatlemania' city

Dundee was so mad for the Fab Four that it's said the phrase 'Beatlemania' was coined in the city after a particularly wild night at the Caird Hall.

The term "Beatlemania" is said to have been coined in Dundee given the devotion of fans. PIC: Dundee City Council (Dundee's Art Galleries and Museums)

Now images from The Beatles last gig at the venue, on October 20 1964, are to return to Dundee.

The 33 photographs and 28 negatives are now held by The McManus art gallery and museum after being purchased from photographer Winnie Forbes-Cochrane.

The images of the band's last gig at the Caird Hall, on 20th October 1964, have returned to the city. PIC: Dundee City Council (Dundee's Art Galleries and Museums).

The city paid more than £6,000 for the images, including copyright, it is understood.

The images offer a snap shot of fans’ devotion at the height of the craze for the band, who were mobbed as they tried to enter the back entrance of Caird Hall.

More than 6,000 screaming fans, most of them teenage girls, all but drowned out The Beatles set at the show.

The Beatles captured backstage before the show. PIC: Dundee City Council (Dundee's Art Galleries and Museums).

Museum chiefs said the photographs captured a piece of social history, with hopes the images will go on show later this year.

It is said local music promoter, Andi Lothian, first came up with the Beatlemania phrase following a gig in Caird Hall in 1963.

Sinclair Aitken, chair of Leisure & Culture Dundee, said: “We have such a rich and diverse musical heritage in Dundee. Caird Hall and the concerts there are a huge part of that, so it’s really pleasing to see these pictures of The Beatles come home. These pictures are a fantastic acquisition for The McManus and will now be preserved in our collections for future generations to enjoy.”