Interview for Reporting '66

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On August 18, 1966, The Beatles held a concert in Boston. Following the performance, they and their team lodged in a Boston hotel. The next morning, they departed at 11:30 am, heading to Memphis, Tennessee, where two concerts awaited them.

The Coliseum, with a seating capacity of 13,300, witnessed an audience of 10,000 for the 4 pm show. The second show, commencing at 8:30 pm, attracted a larger crowd of 12,500. Between these performances, The Beatles addressed the media in a press conference. They were also interviewed by UK television ITN.

From “That Magic Feeling: The Beatles’ Recorded Legacy, Volume Two, 1966-1970” by John C. Winn:

The ITV [sic ITN] camera crew caught up with the Beatles backstage at the coliseum for a sit-down interview. Paul explains that the main difference on this tour is that the press conferences are both more hectic and less frivolous. John says that people are entitled to have negative opinions about the group, and they can dislike those people in turn. The interviewer points out that their past success has hinged on their outspokenness and honesty, and they admit that it’s hard to have to bite their tongues.

Paul tries to explain that their controversial comments are meant to be helpful, and that it’s actually a good thing for them to be pointing out that the war in Vietnam is wrong. The reporter wonders why anyone should care what an entertainer has to think about politics, and John says that’s just a part of showbiz, but that one “can’t just keep quiet about anything that’s going on in the world, unless you’re a monk.” Thinking fast to avoid another religious uproar, John adds, “Sorry, monks, I didn’t mean it!”

From “That Magic Feeling: The Beatles’ Recorded Legacy, Volume Two, 1966-1970” by John C. Winn

Richard Lindley: Is there any difference from previous tours, in terms of tension, what do you think? On the whole? (pause) Paul?

Paul: Uh, I don’t think there’s much difference, except that it’s less organized, and there are a little less press conferences. We are told, you know, that our answers used to be more frivolous, and we are asked, “What has changed?” But the bottom line is that now the issues have become more serious.

John: That doesn’t apply to people who don’t like our records, don’t like our views, or what we say. You know, they have the right not to love us, and we have the right not to have anything to do with them if we don’t want to, or not to show them respect, you know? We have our rights, Harold.

Richard Lindley: It seems to me that you will always be successful, because you do not hide your views, beliefs, and you are sincere. Doesn’t it seem a little unfair to you, what do you get for such quite natural views?

John: Yes.

Paul: It’s happening, Richard…

John: It’s very hard.

Paul: It looks ruthless, it looks ruthless, you know… freedom of speech?

Richard Lindley: Do you mind the questions, for example, in America, when you are asked about Vietnam, does it seem acceptable?

Paul: Well, I don’t know. If you can say that war is a bad thing, and a few people share your opinion, then that might not be a bad thing. I don’t know. You can’t say too much about it, that’s the problem.

John: It seems a little silly to be in America and say nothing about Vietnam as if nothing is happening.

Richard Lindley: But why should they talk to you about it? You’re just successful artists.

John: Because Americans always ask show business people about it, just like in Britain, you know. (in the voice of the upper class) “Show business, you know what it is!” But I mean, you just have to, you can’t be silent about what’s going on in the world unless you’re a monk. (thinking he had said something wrong, John exaggeratedly apologized) Sorry, monks, that’s not what I meant!”

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