The Beatles were fans of Perkins and performed "Matchbox" during their shows in 1961 and 1962. The song served as the vocal spot for their drummer, Pete Best, until his sacking in August 1962, at which point John Lennon took over as lead singer. A live version from December that year was included on the 1977 album "Live! at the Star-Club in Hamburg, Germany; 1962". In July 1963, the Beatles performed "Matchbox" with Ringo Starr, Best's replacement, on lead vocals for their BBC radio show "Pop Go the Beatles". This version was included on the 1994 compilation "Live at the BBC".