The Beatles 1966 International Tour
(Part 2 of 2)
Many thanks to the website meetthebeatlesforreal.com for much of the photos and information provided here along with Mark Lewisohn's book "The Complete Beatles Chronicle".
Note: For this portion of the tour, I did also utilize for reference the book, "Ticket to Ride: The Extraordinary Diary of The Beatles' Last Tour" [1997] by Barry Tashian who was the leader of The Remains, one of the Beatles' opening acts during this time.
"Christianity will go. It will vanish and shrink. I needn't argue about that, I'm right and I will be proved right. We're more popular than Jesus now; I don't know which will go first -- Rock 'n' Roll or Christianity. Jesus was all right, but his disciples were think and ordinary. It's them twisting it that ruins it for me." -John Lennon
ca. 31 July 1966 - Angry reaction to John Lennon comments leads to public Beatles bonfires in Birmingham, Alabama.
1 August 1966 - Paul McCartney makes a return solo appearance with David Frost, this time on the radio in this 9 minute excerpt (below) from "At the Phonograph" broadcast on August 6, 1966. (Photo from "The Beatles Monthly" #37 August 1966 issue.)
6 August 1966 - John Lennon and Paul McCartney return to discuss their music as covered by other artists on the radio program "The Lennon and McCartney Songbook", which was broadcast August 29, 1966.
Recorded at Paul's home in St. John's Wood, you can hear his newly acquired pet Martha (as in "Martha My Dear", yes 'that' dog!) in the background, at this time only 7 weeks old.
Interviewed by Keith Fordyce, it was saved in beautiful condition when it was pressed to disc for overseas broadcasting. I couldn't get it up to SoundCloud right now because they say I don't have enough room for it, so I uploaded it here in the mp3 format.
Originally as an hour long radio show, without the music here, it clocks in at 17 minutes.
6 August 1966 - Brian Epstein travels to New York to give a press conference in the hopes of settling the furor down in America over that quote made by John Lennon.
8 August 1966 - Despite Brian Epstein's best efforts to calm the furor in America against the Beatles, the backlash continues. Here, Tommy Charles (left) & Doug Layton (right) promote a "Ban The Beatles" campaign at radio station WAQY, Birmingham, AL.
11 August 1966 - On their way to, as George said, "get beaten up by the Americans". Leaving London and heading first to Boston.
11 August 1966 - Landing at Logan Airport in Boston and making a quick transfer to another plane bound for Chicago.
As if one was not enough, a second press conference was held also on this day, August 11, 1966. (See film of the first one at my Dailymotion Account.)
From Mark Lewsohn's "The Complete Beatles' Chronicles": High up on the 27th floor of the Astor Towers Hotel, in beautiful lakeside Chicago, John Lennon faced the worst situation in his 27 action-packed years to that time.
Ignominiously led by WAQY in Birmingham, AL, a total of 22 radio stations banned Beatles music indefinitely from their airwaves (although some of them never broadcast Beatles music in the first place).
For once there were no shallow 'teen' questions, and no irrelevant egotistical bonhomie from ingratiating local disc jockeys. John was placed firmly under the spotlight and grilled by American newsmen over his so-called blasphemous remarks.
11 August 1966 - Bob Scoggin of the Ku Klux Klan sponsors another public Beatles Bonfire in Chester, SC.
12 August 1966 - In-between shows on this day in Chicago, instead of yet another press conference, this time reporters were invited into what was called a 'taping session'.
Judith Sims, Editor, TeenSet Magazine: "There were no formal introductions--most of the press party had been on last year's tour, so they just picked up where they had left off, and everyone sort of wandered around from Beatle to Beatle, tape recorders whirring away."
14 August 1966 - Huge thanks to meetthebeatlesforreal.com, as without this site I would have nothing to present for this day. About the best photos to be found are the ones which are said to be taken in the Beatles' trailer (above) that was provided to them in Cleveland for the singular concert event that evening at the Municipal Stadium. Unfortunately I can not identify the people that are with the Beatles here.
14 August 1966 - Municipal Stadium, Cleveland, OH. The stadium itself earlier that day in preparation for the event that evening.
14 August 1966 - The thing this Cleveland concert seems to be most famous for is when, after the Beatles started to sing "Day Tripper", close to 3,000 fans began to rush the stage.
From an article in the "Cleveland Plain Dealer" by Kenneth J. Moynihan: It happened in the third number, and it happened first near home plate.
A boy decided to hop down into the area immediately in front of the stands, still separated from the infield and The Beatles by a snow fence and police.
A mob estimated at 3,000 followed him, and they stormed the fence. There was no chance of stopping them. Police lining the fence fell back to gather in front of the stage, then on the stage.
The Beatles kept singing. As police poked and pushed the fans away, they formed a cordon to whisk the singers backstage and into their trailer. That was guarded like the White House.
Bess Coleman of Teen Life Magazine: Police made a gallant effort to stop the onslaught, but they were vastly outnumbered, and the best they could do was to keep hurling a succession of people off the stage.
The Beatles, who were still playing on in all this, were eventually given the order, "Run for your lives!" And, did they run! Not that they had that far to go. Just behind the stage was a huge caravan (trailer, ed.) which the boys were given as a dressing room. But, it wasn't even safe in there. I know--I was in there with them, and we were all pretty scared. Fans were beating on the window, climbing on the roof and the thing was rocking about wildly. We sat in there for half an hour while police cleared the masses. I sat and bit my fingernails nervously while the boys just laughed and remarked that this was the best reception they'd ever had for "Day Tripper".
15 August 1966 - The entourage is allowed to sleep in a little this day before leaving Cleveland for Washington DC.
Barry Tashian (of the Remains): Awoke at 9:30am. After I showered, shaved and packed, I met the others in the lobby at twelve o'clock high. We took the bus to the airport, but the plane wasn't there, so we had to wait a good hour. Meanwhile, the Beatles arrived on another bus.
Judith Sims, Editor, TeenSet Magazine: Three of the Beatles circulated about the plane from time to time, but John usually remained seated. John seemed friendly and attentive when speaking with someone, but he appeared troubled and reflective when he wasn't busy. I could be wrong... We (most of the press people) were all aware of John's difficult position this year; so many people had taken verbal potshots at him that we were all a bit sensitive about anything relating to him.
Barry Tashian: Soon, a number of people were standing in the aisle, socializing and smoking cigarettes. I had a question about a percussion sound on "Rubber Soul" and thought this was a good opportunity to ask Ringo. "What's that tapping sound on 'I'm Looking Through You'?" I asked. He said, "Oh, I just tapped on a pack of matches with my finger." Fantastic!
The Beatles had a little gut string guitar on board. George said, "Wanna try it?" and passed me the guitar. I played a few bars of "Freight Train." George called me a "Show off!"
15 August 1966 - Judith Sims, Editor, TeenSet Magazine: In Washington (DC) we pulled into the back entrance of the Shoreham Hotel where the Beatles and the rest of us had to trek through the lower depths and ride a creaky freight elevator to the lobby. That is, we went to the lobby for our room keys, but the Beatles don't have to do that sort of thing.
We had a lovely ride through parks and past monuments. The Beatles, a least, saw a goodly--and good--portion of our capitol.
The (press) conference was held before the show in a hot stadium room, but the heat and humidity did little to dampen the enthusiasm of the aggressive Washington press. ...it was generally a positive, pro-Beatle thing. And, those are nice.
The Washington Post said it was "three lonely...Klansmen...paraded for twenty minutes under close surveillance."
John Lennon remarked earlier in the day, "It's something now. But, there aren't as many people seriously upset as I was led to believe."
17 August 1966 - "A small boy whose name was John Lennon was taken up to see Beatle, John Lennon" - fan Lance Blair. (Toronto, Canada)
18 August 1966 - It is said about 25,000 seats were filled at this concert. The Boston Globe called it a sellout "several weeks in advance".
Joseph Kennedy, 13 year old son of Robert Kennedy was there with "34 friends and relatives. They occupied two blocks of seats in the front sections. Joe...declared his favorite Beatle was John Lennon, adding, 'He looks suave and debonair, and I like his hair. I don't think my parents would let me grow mine very long.'"
Hear the Beatles' Boston "Taping Session" and radio commentary of the show by selecting this link.
[Audio archived at my account on SoundCloud]
Ringo discusses life away from touring. George talks about his music, going back to his old neighborhood. John mentions George has cut his hair for him and discusses what makes him happy. Paul talks about his farm in Scotland and answers the question, "Is this the final Beatles' tour?"
Also includes some talks with a Suffolk Downs Racetrack worker, a fan who consequently jumps on stage with the Beatles, and a general commentary of the event.
Hear the Beatles' Memphis "Taping Session" (August 19, 1966) by selecting this link.
[Audio archived at my account on SoundCloud]
19 August 1966 - Barry Tashian: They (the Beatles) seemed happy and relieved that the Memphis show was behind them and they were still in one piece!
We all began singing together and laughing. George asked me if I wanted a smoke. I said sure, so we got off the plane and walked out onto the grass. Smoking was prohibited onboard while the plane was on the ground. It was groovy just being out there on the field with the stars and the runway lights in the distance. Briggs and Neil Aspinall joined us. We didn't mention the cherry bomb incident, but we were all relieved it was nothing serious.
(Later back on board the plane.) John Lennon was in a good mood and looked especially relieved. It really blows my mind that I can sit and talk with The Beatles on the plane and feel perfectly relaxed and welcome. We talked about the fact that we'd be home in about ten days.
20 August 1966 - Arriving in Cincinnati in the early morning hours. It was a Saturday and the one show that day was to be at 8:30pm. Everyone was able to get a late start to the day having obtained some much needed rest.
The group had left Memphis in such a hurry that they didn't bother to get out of their stage clothes until they were air-born.
Judith Sims, Editor, TeenSet Magazine: Cincinnati did not give a good impression. The hotel "was a sort of residential hangout of older people in a not-too-groovy section of town. ...there was no room service, nor was there an all-night coffee shop in the hotel. There was a hamburger stand a few blocks away, but we were cautioned not to go there because it was a rough neighborhood. Our rooms were decorated in Early American Poor Taste..."
20 August 1966 - When it came down to show-time, however, they got right up to the point where the opening acts were to begin and suddenly it all had to be held up because of rain.
Barry Tashian of the Remains explains: Am in the dressing room now--we go on in 15 minutes, and it's raining.
Well, the show was cancelled because of the rain. We changed and got ready for the show, then they cancelled it at about 10:15 pm!
Bussed back to the hotel, I just found out that room service is closed! NO #!*&@ FOOD!
Judith Sims, Editor, TeenSet Magazine: The Saturday night concert was rained out; the promoter kept saying things like, "But it's never rained on a Saturday night before." There was no canopy over the stage in anticipation of rain, so the equipment was soaked.
Dale Stevens, The Cincinnati Post & Times-Star: The Saturday night rainout was really something. It started pouring just before show time. The stage covering hadn't been installed, and before it could be, all electrical outlets were too soggy to permit the electric guitars to be used.
Still, I'm told, the Beatles were insisting that since the audience was getting wet, they were willing to get wet, too. But, the danger of electrocution was a major factor.
ca. 20 August 1966 - And so that is it! I really don't have anything else to share for the 20th of August, except there is a little story about this letter that was composed around this time and signed by the Beatles. It's one of those minor stories that helps show another side and little revealed private moment from those days.
While on the subject of Deejay friends of the Beatles, there was another one, this time an American from the state of Georgia named Ron O'Quinn, who became popular in England as the first program director for "Swinging Radio England" a powerful pirate radio station that broadcast rock and roll music from the international waters 4-1/2 miles off the shore of Great Britain. Ron brought a live radio format to the off-shore studio in May of 1966. In August 1966, Ron was known well enough and liked by the Beatles to be invited to become a member of their touring party in the States.
21 August 1966 - Ringo leads the way to his drums and the stage in Cincinnati, one day after a postponed concert because of rain.
21 August 1966 - Paul on his way to the stage in Cincinnati, and making an attempt to tune his guitar, one day after a postponed concert because of rain.
21 August 1966 - George and Neil ready to head out of Cincinnati and onto St. Louis for another show on the same day.
21 August 1966 - Judith Sims, Editor, TeenSet Magazine: Because of the the rain, the Beatles went on in the middle, with The Cyrkle and The Ronettes finishing up the bill.
First, we waited around for a bus to show up backstage. Then we waited in limousines. Then, we just waited. Finally, we were told that the bus was out in front of the stadium and we would have to brave the throngs to get to it. At this point, no one seemed to know exactly how The Beatles would get out through that crowd. We were told later that The Beatles had escaped in a police car, through a back exit, with little trouble.
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch: The Beatles played...before 23,143 paying spectators at Busch Memorial Stadium. ...the rain was substantial at times.
(Tony) Barrow said more American fans had gone to see The Beatles in the first half of their tour this year than had attended in the first half of last year's tour.
Jack Goggin, public address system operator, said the music was piped through more than 200 speakers in the structure. The system works well when performers speak distinctly, he said, but distinct enunciation is not a notable ingredient in rock 'n' roll music.
(So that's how they pushed the blame back on these performers...)
22 August 1966 - This day in which there would be no live performances, still proved to be a busy one for the Beatles. The touring party landed in La Guardia in New York City near 4:00am in the morning. If it didn't seem like much of a crowd was waiting for them, Judith Sims, Editor, TeenSet Magazine tells of a different story as they neared their destination: All those tall buildings...and all those aggressive teenagers. Avenue of the Americas was cordoned off, as were all streets surrounding the Warwick (Hotel). Not just the hotel was guarded, but all points leading to it! Even so, our car was attacked. We barely made it to the front entrance without a bloody incident.
22 August 1966 - Judith Sims, Editor, TeenSet Magazine: There was a press conference in New York--a very crowded, noisy, hectic affair held in the Warwick (Hotel).
Hear the Beatles' First and Only "Junior Press Conference" held in New York City (August 22, 1966) by selecting this link.
[Audio archived at my account on SoundCloud]
22 August 1966 - Something new. Following the press conference they had (for the first time) what was called a "Junior Press Conference". It consisted of teenage fans (about 150 of them) which had been selected by The Beatles Fan Club U.S.A. and WMCA radio.
Judith Sims, Editor, TeenSet Magazine: It was like a concert in microcosm, with flashbulbs, screams, and rushing. Police lined the front table, stooping so the girls could photograph the Beatles.
Note: My source lead me to believe this radio interview may have been taped on this day, August 22, 1966, however, I do not have conclusive proof this is true. There isn't a mention of a "taping session" occurring this day, although that doesn't mean a reporter didn't get a hold of the Beatles. If not today, it may have been taped at any time while the group awaited to get on stage at Shea Stadium the next day. I'll continue with the presumption that his was taped sometime while they were in New York City in 1966.
Quite a rarity. To wrap up the day, Brian Epstein made an appearance on "The Tonight Show" which is very difficult to get facts on, but you can hear them mention about the up coming concert to be held the next day and, of course, the show was televised from New York City in those days. I did get some assistance from a Lisa F. who let me know the host for this show was actually Hugh Downs filling in for Johnny Carson. Also, the fellow who speaks out in support of John Lennon is Larry Blyden. (The names of the guests are mentioned in the first 20 seconds of the audio, but they are very difficult to make out.)
Once more an extra special "thank-you" to the website meetthebeatlesforreal.com in this case for these two photographs from inside Shea Stadium before the concert in 1966. Without this contribution I would have nothing.
23 August 1966 - Judith Sims, Editor, TeenSet Magazine: The Shea Stadium concert was one of the most exciting (and packed) performances of the whole tour.
The photo above this one I liked because of its sharpness, but it's still pretty small so I copied this one right out of Barry Tashian's book so you can select it and get a larger perspective. (Photo from "Ticket to Ride: The Extraordinary Diary of The Beatles' Last Tour" [1997] by Barry Tashian)
Barry Tashian: It was really strange to be out in front of 50,000 screaming fans with the stadium arc lights full on at night! The crowd was more restless and noisy than most, but a least some of the crowd paid attention to our set.
"Hear the Beatles as Described by Erupting Fans at Shea Stadium" (August 23, 1966) along with a full concert by the Beatles in Memphis (August 19, 1966) by selecting this link.
[Audio archived at my account on MediaFire]
"Hear the Beatles as Described by Erupting Fans at Shea Stadium" (August 23, 1966) without the additional concert audio by selecting this link.
[Audio archived at my account on MediaFire]
23 August 1966 - Judith Sims, Editor, TeenSet Magazine: The press party tried to act as a decoy by running out to two limousines, but the kids knew better and just watched us run. The Beatles went out a different exit, naturally, but they pulled into a way station not far from Shea right behind us. There ensued a comic opera sequence about who goes in what car, how do the Beatles get in, what to do...all because one limousine was overheating and wasn't too reliable. The Beatles vacated the limousine for an armored car.
We went straight from the stadium to the airport, where we were hustled about like something from a Mr. Bond movie. We went to the terminal to wait for the regular commercial flight (not our charter, but a real flight with "outsiders" on board.) The Beatles and party had the entire first class section; the supporting acts were staying over in New York before flying to Seattle the next day. The Beatles were going to L.A. for a press conference and some time off before Seattle.
New York Times: More than 45,000 teen-age girls--and a few anguished parents as well--rent the sultry Flushing Meadow air with shrieks and moans last night as The Beatles returned to Shea Stadium for their annual concert.
The attendance was about 10,000 shy of the Queens stadium's capacity, and at least one person--Sid Bernstein, the tireless promoter--was a trifle disappointed.
This year, with higher ticket prices, the gross was $292,000... When it as over, the Beatles left with a wave of the hand for Los Angeles, the next stop on their American tour. Mr. Bernstein said he believed the days of English rock 'n' roll groups, with the possible exception of The Beatles, were numbered.
"From now on," he said, "It'll be all American. Remember what I said--I've never been wrong before."
For a look into Mr. Wallie V. Funk's incredible story behind the camera, please select this link.
25 August 1966 - Seattle Post - Intelligencer: After the Beatles fled in a black limousine with a police and sheriff's escort, they boarded their plane at Sea-Tac Airport immediately, leaving about 11:30pm for another appearance in Los Angeles. Inside, a monumental crush developed when several entries were sealed off to frustrate any attempt to reach the dressing rooms.
Barry Tashian of the Remains: Just boarded the plane, an aging charter, for L.A., and we're waiting for the equipment. It's night, and George and I went outside again for our nightly meeting of the "tarmac smoker's club."
The plane was really old. It looked bad and sounded worse. To make matters worse, aviation fuel had been spilled on the runway. As we began to taxi, one of the engines backfired and N.D. (N.D. Smart; the drummer of the Remains) freaked out. He stood up in the aisle and demanded to be let off the plane. He said he had a fear of flying and had premonitions before and was always right. To my amazement, the pilot actually turned the plane around, returned to the hangar, and let N.D. off, along with Estelle of The Ronettes and their road manager, Joey. It takes a lot of guts to do something like that, or a lot of fear.
Next, when we finally taxied out to the takeoff position, it didn't help matters when I looked out the window and saw firetrucks following us down the runway with their blue lights flashing.
After we took off, Tom Dawes, George Harrison and I sat together in the back of the plane. It was late, the lights were low, and most everyone was dozing or asleep. In the dark someone passed me a cigarette with a small piece of hashish smoldering on the tip. I sucked in some of the harsh smoke and passed it on. It burned my throat.
Somehow the subject of Bob Dylan came up and George remarked on the influence Dylan had on The Beatles, saying he had really blown their minds when they first heard him.
I really dug it when Bob went electric and released Like a Rolling Stone, but a lot of folk purists hated it.
The old plane got us back to Los Angeles, but not until almost five o'clock in the morning. Another long day on The Beatles' tour.
29 August 1966 - Barry Tashian: On stage, a wild sea wind was blowing in every direction. There was a double fence around the stage. The only entrance was behind the drums. The audience was about 200 feet away--much farther than usual. It made us feel extremely isolated from the audience. But it was the last show, and we were determined to have a good time. All the acts did a great job to wind up the tour on a high note. The nineteenth and final show is complete now, and we all feel as good, if not better, than we did at the start of the tour!
29 August 1966 - Still at it on the San Francisco peninsula...
29 August 1966 - John Lennon selfie on stage at Candlestick Park (The recording which press officer Tony Barrow made of this final show, at Paul's request, is readily available on YouTube, so I won't bother with providing any links to that audio.)
Candlestick Park Memories (Beatles) August 29, 1966
Judith Sims, Editor, TeenSet Magazine: On the plane heading for L.A. The Beatles faced another hazard of their particular profession--lack of privacy. They were forced to change from their stage suits to regular clothes in front of just about everyone, but they handled it discreetly. They're past masters at handling lack of privacy with aplomb.
Since I hadn't the time to speak with Paul in San Francisco, he sat down next to me on the plane, and we talked all the way back to L.A. We discussed the possibility and probability of a 1967 tour, and he talked at great length about tentative plans. All four Beatles want to cut down on their performing time so they can concentrate more on recording, which they feel is their best way of expressing their creativity.
The flight back was far too short, and when we touched down in L.A., it was time for the real, final goodbye. Three weeks of Beatles had become a sort of delightful habit, and none of us could imagine life without them around.
Barry Tashian: We're on the 707-Boeing Super Deluxe--television, candlelight, stereo, steak dinner, and red wine. Superb feeling! We should be back in L.A. within an hour or so.
When we landed, I asked for The Beatles' autographs (I saved this for the last minute). George wrote his address in my address book, and we had a portrait photo taken on the plane, sitting together--hope it comes out.
It was time to say goodbye to The Beatles. John said, "Whenever you're within a hundred miles, look us up." We shook hands, and I bid them each "Cheerio".
Judith Sims, Editor, TeenSet Magazine: Most of the press party gathered in the hotel bar after that. The men were trying to look casual, but it wasn't working. We all sat around and looked abandoned and bereft. We had, for a brief mourning period, lost our identity and that wonderful sense of belonging. All would be "back to normal" in a few days we assured ourselves.
That was the problem. After being with The Beatles, who wanted to go back to normal?
30 August 1966 - All I can find from this day is this very small photo of the Beatles leaving Los Angeles and heading home...and giving that one last autograph of the tour.
Barry Tashian (who stayed in L.A.): I'm feeling kind of low today--having been on The Beatles' tour was much too exciting. But, one thing is true, I feel lucky to have spent some time with The Beatles. They're so bright, funny, and enlightened. After three weeks on The Beatles' tour, normal life looks pretty dull. I didn't expect to feel such a let-down after leaving The Beatles' party.
Once again a huge thanks to the website meetthebeatlesforreal.com especially for these final photos that are invaluable. They may be tiny, but without them I wouldn't have an ending!
31 August 1966 - Barry Tashian: Vern is leaving for Boston tomorrow morning and Ed is going to San Francisco to visit Peter Childs. Briggs and I will stay on until we feel like going to San Francisco--then back to New York City.
The clock just struck midnight--it's now September 1st. Goodnight.
So play the game "Existence" to the end...
... Of the beginning, of the beginning.
* * *
Many thanks to the website meetthebeatlesforreal.com for much of the photos and information provided here along with Mark Lewisohn's book "The Complete Beatles Chronicle".
Note: For this portion of the tour, I did also utilize for reference the book, "Ticket to Ride: The Extraordinary Diary of The Beatles' Last Tour" [1997] by Barry Tashian who was the leader of The Remains, one of the Beatles' opening acts during this time.
"Christianity will go. It will vanish and shrink. I needn't argue about that, I'm right and I will be proved right. We're more popular than Jesus now; I don't know which will go first -- Rock 'n' Roll or Christianity. Jesus was all right, but his disciples were think and ordinary. It's them twisting it that ruins it for me." -John Lennon
March 1966 - I suppose you could say the first seed was sown for a turbulent year ahead for the Beatles with the publication of this article in England's London Evening Standard. At the time, nothing much would become of it, no surprises, but when it was quoted later in July for the Americans to see, things would change.
I couldn't find the complete article (there are a few sentences lopped off of this copy in frame #1 above) but I did find a transcript which is shown in the following frames that you can select to enlarge and read.
As mentioned above nothing was said of this article when it first came out in the London Evening Standard. Than a quote from John Lennon was taken, out of context, from the article and pasted on front of an American Teen magazine, "Datebook" from what I understand was published on July 29, 1966.
It's a shame I can't get a larger photo of the front cover of this magazine, but I believe although it is dated September of that year, I do recall magazines coming out way ahead of their so-called publication date in those days.
I'm led to believe this is what the reprinted article looked like in "Datebook" magazine.
When blown up, what stands out to me in these headlines is the 'quote' from Paul McCartney. Where did that come from? Yet, history seems to show that it was John's quote that caused the upcoming furor.
Recorded at Paul's home in St. John's Wood, you can hear his newly acquired pet Martha (as in "Martha My Dear", yes 'that' dog!) in the background, at this time only 7 weeks old.
Interviewed by Keith Fordyce, it was saved in beautiful condition when it was pressed to disc for overseas broadcasting. I couldn't get it up to SoundCloud right now because they say I don't have enough room for it, so I uploaded it here in the mp3 format.
Originally as an hour long radio show, without the music here, it clocks in at 17 minutes.
[Video archived at my account on Dailymotion]
6 August 1966 - Brian's arrival in New York.
8 August 1966 - That same day a new Beatles LP, "Revolver" (released on August 5th in the UK) makes its way across the Atlantic for an American debut.
Inner sleeves for the Beatles USA version of "Revolver".
10 August 1966 - Sign along Route 93 in Beaver Meadows, PA
11 August 1966 - British fans see the Beatles out of Heathrow Airport.
11 August 1966 - Fans in Boston show support and welcome for John and the Beatles.
11 August 1966 - A fans' welcome to Chicago.
11 August 1966 - Before the first press conference in Chicago at the Astor Tower Hotel.
[Video archived at my account on Dailymotion]
From Mark Lewsohn's "The Complete Beatles' Chronicles": High up on the 27th floor of the Astor Towers Hotel, in beautiful lakeside Chicago, John Lennon faced the worst situation in his 27 action-packed years to that time.
Ignominiously led by WAQY in Birmingham, AL, a total of 22 radio stations banned Beatles music indefinitely from their airwaves (although some of them never broadcast Beatles music in the first place).
For once there were no shallow 'teen' questions, and no irrelevant egotistical bonhomie from ingratiating local disc jockeys. John was placed firmly under the spotlight and grilled by American newsmen over his so-called blasphemous remarks.
The 1966 North American Tour Program
12 August 1966 - John Lennon and the Beatles make a triumphant return to America complete with their first show in Chicago. (There were 2 shows this day, each attended by 13,000 fans, slightly below a full house.)
12 August 1966 - The Beatles at the Chicago International Amphitheatre.
According to the Chicago Sun Times both shows this day made a total gross of $136,000.
As Glenna Syse would write: "If this is what happened when The Beatles are banned, what do you suppose would happen if they were abolished?"
12 August 1966 - Rumiko Hoshika follows the Beatles all the way from Japan!
Judith Sims, Editor, TeenSet Magazine: "There were no formal introductions--most of the press party had been on last year's tour, so they just picked up where they had left off, and everyone sort of wandered around from Beatle to Beatle, tape recorders whirring away."
12 August 1966 - Chicago International Amphetheatre.
Judith Sims, Editor, TeenSet Magazine: "Ringo was sitting cross-legged on a couch in front of a coffee table piled high with gifts from fans. (Gifts were everywhere.) George was stretched out on another couch; John was seated behind a desk; and Paul was on a chair near the desk.
"They were surrounded by tape recorders, and the whole thing was most informal. The rule followed for taping sessions was, grab the closest Beatle and talk into the microphone, except that several people usually converged on one Beatle at a time. It made for some very interesting tapes!"
12 August 1966 - At a Beatles' concert that day in Chicago, International Amphitheatre.
Listen to the youth of today! From an article in the Chicago Sun Times by Glenna Syse: ...one of the girls had the final say on John Lennon's now notorious remarks.
"I'm a minister's daughter and I go to church three times a week and I love The Beatles. I think what they meant was they may be more popular than Jesus but they are not better than Jesus."
12 August 1966 - Still going up in smoke, however, in Fort Oglethorpe, GA
13 August 1966 - Candid photo outside the Olympia Stadium, Detroit, MI
Barry Tashian, leader of one of the opening acts, The Remains, recalls: Paul was the only Beatle up and around in flight, working his way slowly through the airplane (en-route to Detroit from Chicago) greeting people and chatting. The rest of The Beatles stayed in the back of the plane, in their own little area.
After landing, we taxied into a hangar away from the public terminal, and unloaded onto a chartered bus to take us to Detroit. We were escorted by three Wayne County Sheriff's cars to the city limits. At that point, six Detroit Police motorcycles took over and escorted us to Olympia Stadium.
On the Ford Freeway, two carloads of girls tried to drive their cars in front of our bus, but the police forced them over to the shoulder of the road.
Judith Sims, Editor, TeenSet Magazine recalls: ...as we pulled into the parking lot The Beatles were asked to put their heads down so the mob wouldn't know they were in the bus. They didn't like that idea, Paul in particular refused to slouch down.
13 August 1966 - Station WKNRs Scott Regan in Detroit
13 August 1966 - Station WKNRs Scott Regan
13 August 1966 - At the Olympia Stadium in Detroit. These are stunning photographs taken by then 16 year old photographer, Doug Elbinger, who was allowed incredible access to the Beatles on stage.
*Photo by Doug Elbinger
*Photo by Doug Elbinger
*Photo by Doug Elbinger
*Photo by Doug Elbinger
*Photo by Doug Elbinger
*Photo by Doug Elbinger
*Photo by Doug Elbinger
*Photo by Doug Elbinger
*Photo by Doug Elbinger
*Photo by Doug Elbinger
John Lennon: I can't express myself very well, that's my whole trouble... I believe that what people call God is something in all of us... But the record burning, that was the real shock, the physical burning. I couldn't go away knowing that I'd created another little piece of hate in the world. Especially with something as uncomplicated as people listening to records and dancing and playing and enjoying what The Beatles are...
If I said tomorrow I'm not going to play again, I still couldn't live in a place with somebody hating me for something irrational... But that's the trouble with being truthful. You try to apply truth talk, although you have to be false sometimes because the whole thing is false in a way, like a game. But you hope sometime that if you're truthful with somebody, they'll stop all the plastic reaction and be truthful back and it'll be worth it. But everybody is playing the game, and sometimes I'm left naked and truthful with everybody biting me. It's disappointing. --Interview with Leroy Aarons of the Washington Post.
13 August 1966 - Detroit, Olympia Stadium. Once more there were two shows, the first at 2pm that had an audience of 14,000 and the evening 7pm show was attended by 16,800. Again, both shows just fell short of selling out but yielded enough sales for a $100,000+ profit.
13 August 1966 - Detroit, Olympia Stadium
Judith Sims, Editor, TeenSet Magazine: From Detroit we climbed back on the bus for the ride to Cleveland. Since the bus had remained inside the stadium, there was no James Bondish sort of maneuver getting The Beatles out, as there would be in future adventures.
The Beatles dashed from the stage to the bus -- complete with stage suits and perspiring brows -- and off we went. It was an all-night ride straight through. At one point the bus pulled off the road in a Howard Johnson's parking lot for a rest stop.
Several of us stood outside stretching while Wendy Hanson, Brian Epstein's assistant, went in the restaurant and bought "ice lollies," or ice cream bars.
A few couples walked by and never even glanced our way - but one woman and two young girls soon came charging up waving paper and pens. They informed Paul that they had been following the bus since Detroit, and asked for an autograph.
Barry Tashian: The Beatles' concert is really groovy, but also kind of scary. The crowd just goes completely nuts when The Beatles come into view. The sound of screaming humanity sounds like a rocket ship blasting off. I can't describe the sheer physical force of it. It's also an emotional thrill to be there to witness it! Even with all the security it seems like the crowd could at any moment crush them if they wanted to.
Drove in the bus to Cleveland. En route we stopped at a Howard Johnson's, where some people walking by were surprised to see The Beatles out for a stretch near the bus.
Arrived in Cleveland at 3am. -- tired as hell! I'm going to sleep.
14 August 1966 - Cleveland Stadium was very large, so much so I believe it had the capacity to hold 80,000+ people. The Beatles were selling about 20,000 to 30,000 seats for this show, depending on whom you talked to. This video is interesting in that it contains some radio interviews done on this day and captures John's views of the crowd capacity issue. Also, Ringo discusses their stop at the restaurant parking lot the night before, and George is asked about his marriage life.
14 August 1966 - More interviews in Cleveland, this time with Jane Scott.
The Ronettes backstage in Cleveland. They were one of the opening acts for the Beatles. As confirmed by Barry Tashian of The Remains, Ronnie Spector was not on this tour, her cousin Elaine stood in for her (shown here in the middle with Nedra Talley to the left and Estelle Bennett on the right.)
The Remains on stage in Cleveland. Barry Tashian, lead singer (2nd from the right) of the group recalls their first outdoor concert of the tour: The stadium is HUGE. We felt so strange being out on the baseball field! The stage is behind second base...too far from the audience. The nearest person was at least 125 feet away from us. Felt like we had no contact with them at all. We could hardly see them, and they could hardly see us. What a drag! Hope the people felt differently about it. At least the weather warmed up some. Returned to the Statler Hilton right after our show. Didn't stay to see the Beatles play. There was some ruckus outside the stadium. I wanted to get out of there.
From an article in the "Cleveland Plain Dealer" by Kenneth J. Moynihan: It happened in the third number, and it happened first near home plate.
A boy decided to hop down into the area immediately in front of the stands, still separated from the infield and The Beatles by a snow fence and police.
A mob estimated at 3,000 followed him, and they stormed the fence. There was no chance of stopping them. Police lining the fence fell back to gather in front of the stage, then on the stage.
The Beatles kept singing. As police poked and pushed the fans away, they formed a cordon to whisk the singers backstage and into their trailer. That was guarded like the White House.
Bess Coleman of Teen Life Magazine: Police made a gallant effort to stop the onslaught, but they were vastly outnumbered, and the best they could do was to keep hurling a succession of people off the stage.
The Beatles, who were still playing on in all this, were eventually given the order, "Run for your lives!" And, did they run! Not that they had that far to go. Just behind the stage was a huge caravan (trailer, ed.) which the boys were given as a dressing room. But, it wasn't even safe in there. I know--I was in there with them, and we were all pretty scared. Fans were beating on the window, climbing on the roof and the thing was rocking about wildly. We sat in there for half an hour while police cleared the masses. I sat and bit my fingernails nervously while the boys just laughed and remarked that this was the best reception they'd ever had for "Day Tripper".
One fan believes that when the Beatles returned on stage they skipped "Baby's In Black" and went straight into "I Feel Fine" instead, dropping the number of songs played that evening down to ten.
Judith Sims, Editor, TeenSet Magazine: Back at the hotel, finally -- a bit shaken -- we learned that The Beatles' limo had to crash through an obstacle because it couldn't afford to slow down. There was an estimated $400 damage to the car, and the limousine company refused to supply vehicles to carry us to the airport the next day. Several people spent a long night on the phone making transportation arrangements. Everyone got into the act somehow, and sure enough, the next morning a bus pulled up and we left with little panic. A few fans, who promised to remain calm and quiet, were allowed to watch The Beatles depart, but they weren't able to keep their promise. The Beatles got through all right, but Alfie (the Beatles' chauffeur) fell down and cut his wrist and broke his glasses.
Barry Tashian (of the Remains): Awoke at 9:30am. After I showered, shaved and packed, I met the others in the lobby at twelve o'clock high. We took the bus to the airport, but the plane wasn't there, so we had to wait a good hour. Meanwhile, the Beatles arrived on another bus.
Judith Sims, Editor, TeenSet Magazine: Three of the Beatles circulated about the plane from time to time, but John usually remained seated. John seemed friendly and attentive when speaking with someone, but he appeared troubled and reflective when he wasn't busy. I could be wrong... We (most of the press people) were all aware of John's difficult position this year; so many people had taken verbal potshots at him that we were all a bit sensitive about anything relating to him.
Barry Tashian: Soon, a number of people were standing in the aisle, socializing and smoking cigarettes. I had a question about a percussion sound on "Rubber Soul" and thought this was a good opportunity to ask Ringo. "What's that tapping sound on 'I'm Looking Through You'?" I asked. He said, "Oh, I just tapped on a pack of matches with my finger." Fantastic!
The Beatles had a little gut string guitar on board. George said, "Wanna try it?" and passed me the guitar. I played a few bars of "Freight Train." George called me a "Show off!"
We had a lovely ride through parks and past monuments. The Beatles, a least, saw a goodly--and good--portion of our capitol.
The (press) conference was held before the show in a hot stadium room, but the heat and humidity did little to dampen the enthusiasm of the aggressive Washington press. ...it was generally a positive, pro-Beatle thing. And, those are nice.
The question has been asked about the origin of the art piece that was presented behind the Beatles as they held their press conference. I was so very happy to recently make my first contact with someone who is now a part of the Beatles' story and that person is Bob Casazza, the artist of this painting. (Photo courtesy of Bob Casazza. All Rights Reserved.)
(Photo courtesy of Bob Casazza. All Rights Reserved.)
Here is Bob's story in his own words!
©2016 by Bob Casazza. All rights reserved.
©2016 by Bob Casazza. All rights reserved.
I am so grateful to Bob for sharing his painting and his story!
Bob Casazza (1966)
Sometimes it's a little difficult to hear some of the questions, but I feel this press conference is still worth a listen. Some of the questions are directed at the Beatles' music, for a change, which is refreshing. They also discuss what happened to the Beatles' next film, what they think about musicals & John fields questions about the Ku Klux Klan & Vietnam.
The only photo I could find of the DC Stadium itself in preparation for the Beatles' show. It was from a badly damaged source.
Mark Lewisohn mentions in "The Complete Beatles Chronicles" that "five members of Prince George's County Ku Klux Klan, led by the Imperial Wizard of the Maryland clan, and dressed in red, white and green robes, paraded outside the venue."
The Washington Post said it was "three lonely...Klansmen...paraded for twenty minutes under close surveillance."
John Lennon remarked earlier in the day, "It's something now. But, there aren't as many people seriously upset as I was led to believe."
15 August 1966 - Backstage in Washington DC in DC Stadium.
15 August 1966 - at DC Stadium with a decent attendance of over 32,000.
16 August 1966 - Once more, the Beatles and their entourage had a lot of time the next day (in Washington DC this time) before they headed to Philadelphia for one evening show. Barry Tashian of The Remains (Beatles' opening act) said his group even had time to take all of their clothes to a dry cleaner "in the D.C. ghetto". Everyone was on a bus bound for the next destination by 2:15pm.
Judith Sims, Editor, TeenSet Magazine: As we approached Philly, our bus pulled over to the side of the highway and the four Beatles disappeared into a small panel truck--a florist's truck, no less. We learned that it was more for convenience than security--the bus (they were on) couldn't fit inside the stadium.
16 August 1966 - Judith Sims, Editor, TeenSet Magazine: The boys' dressing room in Philly was one of the few we saw from inside because a taping session was held there. John, Ringo, and George were seated on cots, Paul on a chair, and several fortunate young girls were dispensing sandwiches and soft drinks.
It was during this session that I asked Ringo about his rings--or lack of same. He was wearing only two. "Congratulations," he laughed. "You're the first to notice it. I was wondering when somebody was going to ask." He said he had just taken them off about ten days before the tour and would probably put some of them back on when he returned, if he felt like it. He was wearing his wedding band (handed down from his grandfather) and a black opal ring gifted by the Jewelers of Australia.
16 August 1966 - The Philadelphia Inquirer: While the Beatles were on stage at Kennedy Stadium on Tuesday night, lightening flashed and thunder underscored the electric guitars. But the rain politely waited until the British imports finished their last number and made a getaway before splashing down.
It wasn't really a big crowd (20,000 youngsters, in long hair, mod outfits and Beatle pins...) but it was LOUD. There were two funny things about this Beatles' concert--to anyone who has seen one in the past. First, you could hear them. (It may have been the sound system--very, very loud--but it may have been that the fans actually wanted to hear their idols.) And, second, there were BOYS there. About one-fifth of the audience was male.
Judith Sims, Editor, TeenSet Magazine: The Philadelphia concert was one of several threatened by rain, which broke loose immediately after the show. It was a damp ride to the airport for everyone--bus and flower truck together, but it was warm and secure once we got inside the plane.
For most of us, the plane flights were times for mingling, relaxing, taking stock and comparing notes. For George Harrison, the flights were an ordeal. "I just don't dig heights," he explained. It didn't help his height plight that our charter plane did not ride as smoothly as a jet. We hit some really rough weather more than once, which annoyed Paul (whose stomach is very easily upset anyway) and didn't exactly overjoy George.
Barry Tashian (of the Remains): We got aboard the chartered AA Electra, Toronto bound. They served a very nice dinner of steak and baked potatoes and salad. I asked George if he ever had any trouble going through customs. The response: "Nobody wants to bust a Beatle for anything."
We talked about Indian classical music. He's really into it, and let Bill Briggs and me listen to a tape of Ravi Shankar playing the sitar through his headphones. It's really different than Western music. I like it!
17 August 1966 - Arriving at Toronto, Canada in the early morning hours.
Judith Sims, Editor, TeenSet Magazine: There was a small get-together in their "living room" (at the King Edward Sheraton) which adjoined their four bedrooms. Food and drink were spread out for their arrival, as was the case whenever it could be arranged.
The two concerts at Maple Leaf Gardens were madness... These were two of only seven indoor shows, so the fans were closer and consequently threw things, usually flashbulbs, but also toys, candy--even shoes.
(The Maple Leaf Gardens was filled pretty well. Depending on the sources the afternoon show filled 14,500-15,000 seats and the evening show filled 16,500-17,000 seats. I've read the venue can hold roughly around 16,000. One source says 18,000, but according to this article the second show was sold out. In either case, a good turnout for both shows.)
Barry Tashian (of the Remains): Later, Ed, Vern, and I went up to the Beatles' suite. We watched TV for awhile with Ringo, John, and a few other people. The Beatles' suite looks like it's Christmas morning. Gifts everywhere, brightly wrapped with ribbons and bows--packages, stacks of letters and telegrams, big dolls, trays of food, rubber balls, a scooter, stuffed animals, and a Mickey Mouse tricycle. Pretty amazing scene!
17 August 1966 - The Toronto Press Conference.
17 August 1966 - The afternoon show in Toronto
Barry Tashian (of the Remains): What a cool place! The audience was up close and real near the stage. Great! After the baseball fields and stadiums, this was a relief. A chance for intimacy with the audience, and they were great. Yes...it was the best show we've done yet.
Barry Tashian (of the Remains): The second show was groovy. The sound was good--and the amplifiers too. I'm playing through a new Vox Super Beatle amp with two speaker cabinets, one on each side of the stage. At the show there was an incredible amount of screaming for US.
At the end of Bobby Hebb's act, N.D. ran out front and did three back flips across the stage. Show off!
Paul McCartney and a close call on stage tonight...someone threw a pair of scissors which narrowly missed his head. Why would a fan do something so idiotic?
Judith Sims, Editor, TeenSet Magazine: George was hit in the face with a flying object, but he just grimaced and never missed a note. John later told some of us that they frequently collect goodies that are tossed at them. "If I see something interesting, I'll ask Mal, 'Hey, Mal, get that or that.' He usually picks up most of it anyway."
17 August 1966 - Toronto Globe and Mail: About 400 police struggled to prevent the swarming fans from injuring their idols or themselves, and managed to keep incidents to a minimum.
St. John ambulance workers said 167 teenagers were given first aid (117 cases inside the building and 50 outside). Fifteen persons were taken to the hospital, mostly for hysteria. One policeman suffered an injured ankle.
Barry Tashian: (Back at the hotel after the show.) Eventually everyone went home or went to bed except George's uncle. (Apparently this relative of George's lived nearby in Canada.) George asked us to hang out for a bit, so we waited until his uncle had gone home. Then we gathered in George's little bedroom, had a smoke and grooved for about an hour. George burned perfumed incense papers that came in a little red box from Italy. They were called "Carta D'Armenia"
We played some guitar and listened to Ravi Shankar sitar tapes on a cassette tape player. I've never seen this kind of tape machine. It must be like a new invention. It's a Phillips tape machine, and plays the smallest tapes I've ever seen.
18 August 1966 - Thursday afternoon and heading now to Boston. It was an unusual venue as they played at a racetrack "complete with pond and swans in the back of the stage." I understand it was a makeshift stage made out of wood.
18 August 1966 - Arrival in Boston
18 August 1966 - At Suffolk Downs Racetrack, East Boston, MA
Joseph Kennedy, 13 year old son of Robert Kennedy was there with "34 friends and relatives. They occupied two blocks of seats in the front sections. Joe...declared his favorite Beatle was John Lennon, adding, 'He looks suave and debonair, and I like his hair. I don't think my parents would let me grow mine very long.'"
Hear the Beatles' Boston "Taping Session" and radio commentary of the show by selecting this link.
[Audio archived at my account on SoundCloud]
Ringo discusses life away from touring. George talks about his music, going back to his old neighborhood. John mentions George has cut his hair for him and discusses what makes him happy. Paul talks about his farm in Scotland and answers the question, "Is this the final Beatles' tour?"
Also includes some talks with a Suffolk Downs Racetrack worker, a fan who consequently jumps on stage with the Beatles, and a general commentary of the event.
19 August 1966 - Depending upon who you talked to, this day seems to have turned out to be a mixed bag of good and bad. It started out early in Boston with everyone focusing on getting to their flight to Memphis, for it was this day two shows were scheduled. Along the way, Barry Tashian of The Remains, asked John how he was doing. He said, "Ask me after Memphis."
Rare look at a Beatles concert contract, this one for the Mid-South Coliseum in Memphis.
Judith Sims, Editor, TeenSet Magazine: The plane ride to the Southern city of Memphis,Tennessee wasn't exactly filled with fun and frolic, although several people were trying very hard to be casual about the whole thing. There was tension and undeniably worried frowns. As the plane landed, The Beatles began their familiar joshing with one another; one said, "Send John out first. He's the one they want." Another said, "Maybe we should just wear target motifs on our suits."
(As you can see from the photograph, John did indeed head out the door first.)
Barry Tashian: We landed at a military airstrip. As we made our way to the Mid-South Coliseum in a city bus, we saw protestors along the roadside holding signs saying, "Beatles Go Home." We were instructed to crouch down below the window level for security. Because of death threats to the Beatles, security had been tripled.
19 August 1966 - John shows a serious face and posture.
19 August 1966 - Still the last to remain standing in Memphis.
19 August 1966 - It appears things have begun to lighten up.
Judith Sims, Editor, TeenSet Magazine: Of course, Memphis was just great. From the moment we landed, we could tell that the people involved with The Beatles' concert (from motorcycle police escorts to bus drivers to fans) were outdoing themselves to make us feel welcome.
[Video archived at my account on Dailymotion]
19 August 1966 - Barry Tashian: The 4:00pm show was delayed for an hour because of a bomb scare. The police had to check under the stage and around the Coliseum before they would open the doors. After all this excitement, it was a relief that the audience was more sedate than other cities have been.
19 August 1966 - On their way to the afternoon show.
Once more, depending upon where you look, the Mid-South Coliseum had a seating capacity from either 10,000--13,300. The afternoon show was clearly not a sellout, but I understand it still had 10,000 attending. (The evening show was about 12,500 seats sold.)
The Commercial Appeal (Memphis newspaper) reported that the evening performance was a near-sellout crowd of 12,539. The afternoon performance only held 7,589 attendees. The Coliseum capacity (it said) was 13,050 "for each show". The total gate for the two shows was $110,704 and the Beatles took $71,957.60 as their share.
Hear the Beatles' Memphis "Taping Session" (August 19, 1966) by selecting this link.
[Audio archived at my account on SoundCloud]
19 August 1966 - The evening show in Memphis.
19 August 1966: Judith Sims, Editor, TeenSet Magazine: We started watching the second show with hardly a worry clouding our Beatlemaniac minds. We were shocked out of that reverie in the third number. Some idiot in the mezzanine had exploded a cherry bomb, which sounded far too much like a gunshot. It was several seconds (though it seemed like hours) before we started breathing again. The Beatles never missed a note.
When asked about it later, Paul simply said that when he heard it, his heart stopped, but he realized he was still standing and didn't feel anything. He looked at John and saw that he was still standing, so they all kept right on playing.
Barry Tashian: It was a real tense moment until we found out that it was only a cherry bomb. The Beatles were all right. In fact, their music never skipped a beat.
The Commercial Appeal (Memphis newspaper): The cherry bomb was thrown from the balcony into Section Z North just as The Beatles rocked into their third song in the night performance. ...withheld were the names of a 16-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl pointed out by other spectators as the bomb throwers. Both denied the charge, but police found a sack with about 25 cherry-bombs, and another with about 25 fire-crackers in the girl's purse.
Soh Hooker (Beatles fan): During the evening concert, someone threw a cherry bomb which sounded like a gun going off. A friend of mine happened to be watching Paul McCartney through binoculars. McCartney's face froze and his eyes darted about, but the band played on.
We all began singing together and laughing. George asked me if I wanted a smoke. I said sure, so we got off the plane and walked out onto the grass. Smoking was prohibited onboard while the plane was on the ground. It was groovy just being out there on the field with the stars and the runway lights in the distance. Briggs and Neil Aspinall joined us. We didn't mention the cherry bomb incident, but we were all relieved it was nothing serious.
(Later back on board the plane.) John Lennon was in a good mood and looked especially relieved. It really blows my mind that I can sit and talk with The Beatles on the plane and feel perfectly relaxed and welcome. We talked about the fact that we'd be home in about ten days.
The group had left Memphis in such a hurry that they didn't bother to get out of their stage clothes until they were air-born.
Judith Sims, Editor, TeenSet Magazine: Cincinnati did not give a good impression. The hotel "was a sort of residential hangout of older people in a not-too-groovy section of town. ...there was no room service, nor was there an all-night coffee shop in the hotel. There was a hamburger stand a few blocks away, but we were cautioned not to go there because it was a rough neighborhood. Our rooms were decorated in Early American Poor Taste..."
Barry Tashian of the Remains explains: Am in the dressing room now--we go on in 15 minutes, and it's raining.
Well, the show was cancelled because of the rain. We changed and got ready for the show, then they cancelled it at about 10:15 pm!
Bussed back to the hotel, I just found out that room service is closed! NO #!*&@ FOOD!
Judith Sims, Editor, TeenSet Magazine: The Saturday night concert was rained out; the promoter kept saying things like, "But it's never rained on a Saturday night before." There was no canopy over the stage in anticipation of rain, so the equipment was soaked.
Dale Stevens, The Cincinnati Post & Times-Star: The Saturday night rainout was really something. It started pouring just before show time. The stage covering hadn't been installed, and before it could be, all electrical outlets were too soggy to permit the electric guitars to be used.
Still, I'm told, the Beatles were insisting that since the audience was getting wet, they were willing to get wet, too. But, the danger of electrocution was a major factor.
Paul writes a note to fellow Brit, Ken Douglas, who was invited to go along with the group for some of their 1966 tour and record interviews with them. Mr. Douglas, although a fellow countryman, was also deejay from the American radio station WKLO in Louisville, KY and wound up releasing a charity LP called "Beatleviews-66" later that year which contained some of these interviews. It is unclear what Paul is congratulating Mr. Douglas for, but it was important enough to warrant signatures from everyone in the Beatles.
21 August 1966 - The Cincinnati show of the previous evening on Saturday was now re-scheduled for an afternoon Sunday performance. It was hot and humid that day, but the much needed canopy was finally installed. By all accounts, because of this delay, many of the fans were not in attendance at this show for various reasons, which was such a shame because the stadium had a pretty good turnout the day before. (The Cincinnati Post & Times-Star claimed 15,000 showed up on Saturday, but only around 12,000 attended the Sunday show at noon.)
21 August 1966 - Everyone was up early and checked out of the hotel and on Crosley Field before noon. It would be a rough show because much of the equipment had gotten wet the day before during the rain storm.
Neil Aspinall and Alfie Bicknell (behind him to the right) fighting their way to the stage. (Photo copied from "Ticket to Ride: The Extraordinary Diary of The Beatles' Last Tour" [1997] by Barry Tashian)
21 August 1966 - It has been said that Paul was not feeling well on this day and when he first got on stage he found out his amplifier had been damaged in the rain the day before. It was a terrible feeling not being able to perform with working equipment.
21 August 1966 - At Busch Memorial Stadium, St. Louis, MO
21 August 1966 - From one rained-out postponed concert in Cincinnati to another rain-soaked evening in St. Louis.
Barry Tashian of the Remains: The show at Busch Stadium was wet. The stage was covered by a canopy, but everything was soggy. Our roadie, Ed Freeman, was stationed at the main AC connection to the stage to watch the performers and un-plug the whole stage if anyone showed signs of an electrical shock. I mean, it was pouring down rain. Ed, who was pretty drenched himself, had some towels wrapped around the extension cord connection, and had a tight grip on it, eagle-eyeing the stage, ready to yank those cords apart before anyone was electrocuted.
...the sound system at Busch Stadium was the toughest on the tour. We used the park P.A. system--the same system used to announce who's at bad and on deck during ballgames. It has a monstrous delay. We were singing on stage behind second base, and the sound was coming out in the stands 150 feet away, two or three seconds later. There were no monitors on stage, and it was impossible to sing in time with the music. What I heard was an out-of-sync echo from the stands, and all I could do was close my ears and plow through the songs.
To top that off, The Beatles went on in the middle of the show. After The Beatles, The Cyrkle played, and then we had to go up on stage again to back The Ronettes, who closed the show. By this time, everyone was thoroughly soaked and wanted to go home. They had seen what they came to see--The Beatles--so the majority of our audience was on their feet, and moving as quickly as possible to the exits.
First, we waited around for a bus to show up backstage. Then we waited in limousines. Then, we just waited. Finally, we were told that the bus was out in front of the stadium and we would have to brave the throngs to get to it. At this point, no one seemed to know exactly how The Beatles would get out through that crowd. We were told later that The Beatles had escaped in a police car, through a back exit, with little trouble.
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch: The Beatles played...before 23,143 paying spectators at Busch Memorial Stadium. ...the rain was substantial at times.
(Tony) Barrow said more American fans had gone to see The Beatles in the first half of their tour this year than had attended in the first half of last year's tour.
Jack Goggin, public address system operator, said the music was piped through more than 200 speakers in the structure. The system works well when performers speak distinctly, he said, but distinct enunciation is not a notable ingredient in rock 'n' roll music.
(So that's how they pushed the blame back on these performers...)
22 August 1966 - Mark Drone of Guild Guitars presents a 12-string guitar to John during the NYC press conference. (Many thanks to Barry Tashian for explaining this.)
Hear the Beatles' First and Only "Junior Press Conference" held in New York City (August 22, 1966) by selecting this link.
[Audio archived at my account on SoundCloud]
Judith Sims, Editor, TeenSet Magazine: It was like a concert in microcosm, with flashbulbs, screams, and rushing. Police lined the front table, stooping so the girls could photograph the Beatles.
Note: My source lead me to believe this radio interview may have been taped on this day, August 22, 1966, however, I do not have conclusive proof this is true. There isn't a mention of a "taping session" occurring this day, although that doesn't mean a reporter didn't get a hold of the Beatles. If not today, it may have been taped at any time while the group awaited to get on stage at Shea Stadium the next day. I'll continue with the presumption that his was taped sometime while they were in New York City in 1966.
Quite a rarity. To wrap up the day, Brian Epstein made an appearance on "The Tonight Show" which is very difficult to get facts on, but you can hear them mention about the up coming concert to be held the next day and, of course, the show was televised from New York City in those days. I did get some assistance from a Lisa F. who let me know the host for this show was actually Hugh Downs filling in for Johnny Carson. Also, the fellow who speaks out in support of John Lennon is Larry Blyden. (The names of the guests are mentioned in the first 20 seconds of the audio, but they are very difficult to make out.)
22 August 1966 - Barry Tashian of the Remains: I invited George to come to my apartment to listen to records, but he said he didn't feel safe leaving the Warwick Hotel.
Tonight, I took my girlfriend, Valerie, over to meet the Beatles in the Hotel Warwick. As it turned out, John was the only Beatle we saw that evening.
After about an hour of small talk, we went into one of the bedrooms to play the Tim Hardin 1 album I brought along. We sat on the floor by a small record player. John asked Alfie to find Brian Epstein. Brian appeared almost immediately, dapper as usual. From his jacket pocket, he produced a gold cigarette case, opened it up and handed John a pre-rolled, filter-tipped joint. I've never seen such a perfectly rolled joint.
We played the record and listened closely, commenting between cuts. It was interesting to listen to an album with John Lennon...
John told us he enjoyed the evening. He courteously thanked us for coming to visit and for bringing the album, which I left with him.
23 August 1966 - On their way to Shea Stadium
23 August 1966 - New York Times: The Beatles arrived at the arc-lit stadium from their temporary digs at the Warwick Hotel...at 7pm. They pulled up to the stadium in a red Wells Fargo truck, having transferred from their limousine at the old World's Fair grounds.
23 August 1966 - At Shea Stadium with Brian Epstein and journalist Rumiko Hoshika who seems to still be following them from Japan. (I believe she was the journalist that interviewed them over there for the Japanese "Music Life" magazine.)
Thanks to the website meetthebeatlesforreal.com in identifying Brian's secretary on the right-hand side of him, Wendy Hanson. I think I recall seeing her before now from a previous film.
23 August 1966 - Judith Sims, Editor, TeenSet Magazine: The Shea Stadium concert was one of the most exciting (and packed) performances of the whole tour.
Barry Tashian: It was really strange to be out in front of 50,000 screaming fans with the stadium arc lights full on at night! The crowd was more restless and noisy than most, but a least some of the crowd paid attention to our set.
There was a record that came out many years back which gave you the Beatles' experience at Shea Stadium (1966) from the perspective of the 'erupting' fans. It's actually an interesting recording and an informal look into what Beatles fans were like even as their heroes were coming to the end of their touring, although no one really knew that yet at this time.
I've uploaded a copy of this LP, but couldn't resist including amateur audio from a Beatles' concert, the closest to this date actually being the Memphis appearance a few days earlier. It seems that someone recorded both of those shows so I was able to use the best from each, although most of what I present here is from the evening show, August 19, 1966. Yes, the sound is not very good but I like how it gives me, with a little imagination, a feeling of a complete show along with the fan reaction.
I've uploaded my entire 'performance' along with that fan reaction to the link below. For anyone not interested in the Memphis concert audio, I also am providing an additional link to just the fan reaction only.
[Audio archived at my account on MediaFire]
"Hear the Beatles as Described by Erupting Fans at Shea Stadium" (August 23, 1966) without the additional concert audio by selecting this link.
[Audio archived at my account on MediaFire]
We went straight from the stadium to the airport, where we were hustled about like something from a Mr. Bond movie. We went to the terminal to wait for the regular commercial flight (not our charter, but a real flight with "outsiders" on board.) The Beatles and party had the entire first class section; the supporting acts were staying over in New York before flying to Seattle the next day. The Beatles were going to L.A. for a press conference and some time off before Seattle.
New York Times: More than 45,000 teen-age girls--and a few anguished parents as well--rent the sultry Flushing Meadow air with shrieks and moans last night as The Beatles returned to Shea Stadium for their annual concert.
The attendance was about 10,000 shy of the Queens stadium's capacity, and at least one person--Sid Bernstein, the tireless promoter--was a trifle disappointed.
This year, with higher ticket prices, the gross was $292,000... When it as over, the Beatles left with a wave of the hand for Los Angeles, the next stop on their American tour. Mr. Bernstein said he believed the days of English rock 'n' roll groups, with the possible exception of The Beatles, were numbered.
"From now on," he said, "It'll be all American. Remember what I said--I've never been wrong before."
24 August 1966 - The Beatles make a base in Los Angeles for the rest of their North American Tour. The idea of this was they could rent a house and therefore have no more of hotel living, and instead have a better more restful period to enjoy their surroundings before going home to England. No concerts today, but there was a press conference. I think it was also a day which Capitol records could honor them for their release of "Revolver".
The Press Conference in Los Angeles is available on the internet in many configurations. All seem to have something a bit 'off' whether it be bad sound, a picture marred with a watermark, or the presentation is incomplete, or as in this case, the sound is decent and it seems to be the most complete version out there but the picture is blurry. In either case, I'm providing a link to this copy (it is in 2 parts) as it seems to be the best I could find.
25 August 1966 - From their new base in Los Angeles, the Beatles flew into Seattle on their chartered jet for two shows on this day arriving at 1:40pm.
25 August 1966 - This is the only photograph I could locate which indicates itself as of the Beatles at the Seattle Coliseum in their lighter suits. I am pretty confident this would be the first show. That show sold what I suppose would be considered a disappointing 8,200 seats in a roughly 15,000 seat arena.
Nonetheless, the Seattle Post - Intelligencer reported that after the two performances (the second was a sell-out) The Beatles took $73,717.81 "from Seattle in the biggest single day's gross ever in entertainment history here, according to Zollie M. Volchok of Northwest Releasing, the sponsoring agent."
Judith Sims, Editor, TeenSet Magazine: The first show was another blast, except that one of the microphones kept swinging around and wouldn't stay put. Paul finally gave up and went where the microphone went, sometimes singing with his back to the audience, sometimes on tiptoe...the hazards of show biz!
25 August 1966 - We literally have one person, Mr. Wallie V. Funk, to thank for all of these wonderful photographs from this day in Seattle. According to Mr. Funk, and as evidence of the lack of photographs that are available, picture taking was prohibited at the concert, yet he managed to get a few.
Mr. Funk was, in 1966, publisher of the Whidbey News-Times and knew the significance of The Beatles and the importance to his paper in getting a story on them. Obtaining admittance to the final Beatles Press Conference, we have these wonderful moments of history, which include the pose above of Scotty Nix from Oak Harbor High School, and The Beatles themselves becoming honorary citizens of Washington state.
For a look into Mr. Wallie V. Funk's incredible story behind the camera, please select this link.
25 August 1966 - The final press conference.
25 August 1966 - The Beatles are named honorary Washington citizens with a certificate presented to them by Mary Ellen Shogren.
25 August 1966 - Showtime for the Beatles in Seattle!
25 August 1966 - Seattle Post - Intelligencer: In protest against John Lennon's comment...the pickets outside bore hand-lettered signs with Biblical phrases. One individual, handing out tracts, remarked, "We are protesting against the atheistic, anti-Christ Beatles. It's a sad day for America when we fall for this. It's straight out of the pits of Hell."
25 August 1966 - Since Wallie V. Funk was able to first attend the press conference, and we have evidence that it was held in-between the two shows this day, it is pretty certain this was the evening show that Mr. Funk attended.
Wallie V. Funk: "I was there for just a brief time before a policeman said there was no picture-taking allowed during the concert."
25 August 1966 - Seattle Post - Intelligencer: During the evening show, the Reverend Thomas Miller, Pastor of the Calvary Bible Presbyterian Church, arranged a concert of sacred music in the Rainier Room at the center, with baritone soloist Fague Springmann. About 250 persons attended.
Barry Tashian of the Remains: Just boarded the plane, an aging charter, for L.A., and we're waiting for the equipment. It's night, and George and I went outside again for our nightly meeting of the "tarmac smoker's club."
The plane was really old. It looked bad and sounded worse. To make matters worse, aviation fuel had been spilled on the runway. As we began to taxi, one of the engines backfired and N.D. (N.D. Smart; the drummer of the Remains) freaked out. He stood up in the aisle and demanded to be let off the plane. He said he had a fear of flying and had premonitions before and was always right. To my amazement, the pilot actually turned the plane around, returned to the hangar, and let N.D. off, along with Estelle of The Ronettes and their road manager, Joey. It takes a lot of guts to do something like that, or a lot of fear.
Next, when we finally taxied out to the takeoff position, it didn't help matters when I looked out the window and saw firetrucks following us down the runway with their blue lights flashing.
After we took off, Tom Dawes, George Harrison and I sat together in the back of the plane. It was late, the lights were low, and most everyone was dozing or asleep. In the dark someone passed me a cigarette with a small piece of hashish smoldering on the tip. I sucked in some of the harsh smoke and passed it on. It burned my throat.
Somehow the subject of Bob Dylan came up and George remarked on the influence Dylan had on The Beatles, saying he had really blown their minds when they first heard him.
I really dug it when Bob went electric and released Like a Rolling Stone, but a lot of folk purists hated it.
The old plane got us back to Los Angeles, but not until almost five o'clock in the morning. Another long day on The Beatles' tour.
26-27 August 1966 - This is probably the best photo we have from these two days that the Beatles stayed in Los Angeles before the next concert.
26-27 August 1966 - We do have a story from during these days thanks to Barry Tashian of the Remains: The Beatles are staying in a house on Curson Terrace, up in the Hollywood hills.
George gave me his phone number there, so I called him from my room at the Hotel Knickerbocker. He sent their limousine to pick me up and take me over there.
What a pad. Very spacious. Derek Taylor and his wife and children were visiting.
(Derek Taylor shown with Brian Epstein ca. mid 1960s.)
26 August 1966 - Barry Tashian: I wandered down the hall and found Ringo playing pool with David Crosby from The Byrds. I joined them for a short while and sunk two balls in a couple of lucky shots.
(26-27 August 1966 - David Crosby with George Harrison from a very small photo)
26 August 1966 - Barry Tashian: Dinner was served. The diners were Ringo, Paul, George, John, the Derek Taylors, David Crosby, and myself. We were served by the kitchen staff--roast beef and gravy, baked potatoes, broccoli, salad, rolls, and chocolate cake.
After dinner, George and I hopped into David Crosby's silver Porsche and headed down the hill into the Hollywood night. First stop was a visit with photographer Barry Feinstein and his wife, Mary Travers, of Peter, Paul & Mary. We were talking out on the balcony, which had a fantastic view of Los Angeles by night. The lights were really beautiful. It was a brief visit.
(Mary Travers, ca. mid 1960s)
26 August 1966 - Barry Tashian: Next stop was Jim McGuinn's house. He was really nice and showed us a movie that he'd made with flashes of many colors and abstracts of many shapes. The sound track was The Beatles' Tomorrow Never Knows. It worked very well and George really enjoyed it.
(David Crosby and Jim McGuinn, ca. mid 1960s)
26 August 1966 - Barry Tashian: Then we drove over to Cass Elliot's house. I met Peter Tork of The Monkees there and had a good chat with him. A nice guy. Denny from the Mamas & Papas and Jim McGuinn were there as well. Had a cup of tea. There was an excited mood in the air. Some of those present were meeting George for the first time. Others knew him already. I felt like George's old friend, having traveled with The Beatles for over two weeks.
(Michelle Phillips & Cass Elliot, ca. mid 1960s)
(Peter Tork, June 1966)
(Denny Doherty, ca. mid 1960s)
26 August 1966 - Barry Tashian: Later, we went on to Derek Taylor's house where John and Paul had already assembled.
Brian and Carl Wilson from the Beach Boys were there. At one point, Derek put on a Byrds record, which rubbed Crosby the wrong way. "Don't play that," he said, removing the record from the turntable.
It was an interesting group of people to observe -- Rock Royalty. The Beach Boys and The Beatles! It was funny--they were very friendly and genial, but really shy with each other. The Beach Boys looked so clean-cut in their button-down madras shirts and khakis. I sat quietly and sipped my orange juice.
I don't know how John got home, but I squeezed into the Porsche with George, Paul and David. It wasn't a long drive up the hill to The Beatles' residence. Crosby drove me back to the Hotel Knickerbocker. What a night!
(Brian Wilson, ca. mid 1960s)
(Carl Wilson, ca. mid 1960s)
26-27 August 1966
Many thanks to the website solobeatlesphotosforums.freeforums.org for all of these fab photos of the Los Angeles concert.
28 August 1966 - Los Angeles Dodger Stadium
28 August 1966 - Barry Tashian (shown on the left): We took the bus to Dodger Stadium and faced the WALL again: fifty thousand people. I couldn't feel any of them. The stage was in its usual distant position on second base, over a hundred feet from the audience. I felt so isolated out there trying to compete with Beatlemania. If I've learned anything from this tour, it's how insignificant I am in this whole scenario. The Beatles gave a great show and the crowd was absolutely wild!
As I was walking back to the dressing room after our set, I saw Edward G. Robinson sitting just behind the dugout. On the way home we stopped at the Hollywood Ranch Market for some snacks then went back to the Hotel Knickerbocker to sleep.
28 August 1966 - Judith Sims, Editor, TeenSet Magazine: A tent in the back of the stage concealed a car. Apparently, the car couldn't get out of the stadium because the exit was blocked by other vehicles. It reversed right back into the stadium, where they transferred to an armored car, but that couldn't make it through the crowd either, so The Beatles went back to their dressing room, changed, and sat around for about two hours before they finally made it out in the limousine. (Some enterprising fans had reportedly let the air out of the armored car's tires.)
29 August 1966 - Judith Sims, Editor, TeenSet Magazine: Monday...the last concert date of the tour. We gathered at the hotel for the limo ride to the airport--jet this time, which meant a short flight. We were already beginning to get that "It's almost over" bluesy feeling.
29 August 1966 - Elaine Mayes from The Ronettes sits with Paul.
29 August 1966 - Arriving in San Francisco around 5:45pm.
29 August 1966 - Judith Sims, Editor, TeenSet Magazine: In San Francisco, we transferred to a bus which drove us to Candlestick Park. This provided some light entertainment when we arrived at the park. It seems that the gate through which we were supposed to enter wasn't open when the bus arrived, so the bus went around in circles--literally, in circles--all around the parking lot, trailing cars with fans hanging out the windows and also trailing girls who could enter the Olympics as track stars. We then left the park, drove around a few hills, turned around, came back, took a few turns around the parking lot again and then, finally, through a gate (and through several hundred fans) into the stadium.
29 August 1966 - Judith Sims, Editor, TeenSet Magazine: Before the performance, we had our last goodbye taping session in The Beatles' dressing room. They had just finished eating, so amidst coffee cups and tape recorders, we all took our leave, so to speak.
29 August 1966 - Judith Sims, Editor, TeenSet Magazine: George was in the process of drawing a weird purple face among green leaves, and Paul had just finished a yellow and orange impressionistic drawing, which he gave to Kenny Edwards. The atmosphere was getting a little heavy with end-of-the-tour nostalgia.
29 August 1966 - John & Paul carry cameras with them on stage to take photos of each other and themselves in-between songs! 25,000 attended the Beatles' final concert.
Two slightly different points in time.
29 August 1966 - Marty Fried of The Cyrkle gets a stage-level view.
29 August 1966 - Joan Baez hugs Mal Evans on a tour well done!
Nonetheless, I offer this video presentation containing a couple of radio promotional spots, John talks a moment with friend Kenny Everett and fans react to another FAB concert in San Francisco.
Judith Sims, Editor, TeenSet Magazine: On the plane heading for L.A. The Beatles faced another hazard of their particular profession--lack of privacy. They were forced to change from their stage suits to regular clothes in front of just about everyone, but they handled it discreetly. They're past masters at handling lack of privacy with aplomb.
Since I hadn't the time to speak with Paul in San Francisco, he sat down next to me on the plane, and we talked all the way back to L.A. We discussed the possibility and probability of a 1967 tour, and he talked at great length about tentative plans. All four Beatles want to cut down on their performing time so they can concentrate more on recording, which they feel is their best way of expressing their creativity.
The flight back was far too short, and when we touched down in L.A., it was time for the real, final goodbye. Three weeks of Beatles had become a sort of delightful habit, and none of us could imagine life without them around.
Barry Tashian: We're on the 707-Boeing Super Deluxe--television, candlelight, stereo, steak dinner, and red wine. Superb feeling! We should be back in L.A. within an hour or so.
When we landed, I asked for The Beatles' autographs (I saved this for the last minute). George wrote his address in my address book, and we had a portrait photo taken on the plane, sitting together--hope it comes out.
It was time to say goodbye to The Beatles. John said, "Whenever you're within a hundred miles, look us up." We shook hands, and I bid them each "Cheerio".
Judith Sims, Editor, TeenSet Magazine: Most of the press party gathered in the hotel bar after that. The men were trying to look casual, but it wasn't working. We all sat around and looked abandoned and bereft. We had, for a brief mourning period, lost our identity and that wonderful sense of belonging. All would be "back to normal" in a few days we assured ourselves.
That was the problem. After being with The Beatles, who wanted to go back to normal?
Barry Tashian (who stayed in L.A.): I'm feeling kind of low today--having been on The Beatles' tour was much too exciting. But, one thing is true, I feel lucky to have spent some time with The Beatles. They're so bright, funny, and enlightened. After three weeks on The Beatles' tour, normal life looks pretty dull. I didn't expect to feel such a let-down after leaving The Beatles' party.
Once again a huge thanks to the website meetthebeatlesforreal.com especially for these final photos that are invaluable. They may be tiny, but without them I wouldn't have an ending!
31 August 1966 - During the morning hours, the Beatles touch down, back home in England.
The clock just struck midnight--it's now September 1st. Goodnight.
©2016 by Bob Casazza. All rights reserved.
I can't think of a better way to end the Beatles' 1966 Tour than with this original art by Bob Casazza. Please take the time to select the photo to enlarge and enjoy the detail of this painting, which along with others has been published in a book on new Beatle art. (Read about Bob's story in relation to the Beatles above, at the Washington DC press conference, August 15, 1966.)
So play the game "Existence" to the end...
... Of the beginning, of the beginning.
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