Beatle Fans Arrive Early

 

Beatle Fans Arrive Early 

By Kathie Estelle

The Independent

November 11, 1974

    Festival seating for former Beatle George Harrison's concert Sunday night at the Long Beach arena meant only one thing to his fans, get there early. Festival seating is informal and on a first come first served basis for ticket holders. The arrangement usually means long lines formed hours before a concert, and fans jostle for a position that will guarantee them upfront seats

. By 4pm at least 1000 concert goers were sitting on the dirt and standing on the sidewalk patiently waiting for the 8pm concert. Some eased the boredom by quietly drinking or smoking marijuana and talking among themselves. About 15 persons bedecked in rainbow-colored robes, blew bubbles over the crowd and planted silver stars on people's foreheads. 

    The smogless, 80-degree weather was perfect for the long wait. Other Harrison fans attempted to panhandle enough money to buy tickets. "I know you've heard this rap before," said one girl dressed in blue overalls and a brightly colored shirt, "but I've been offered a $5 ticket, and I've only got $2.50." Minutes later, the girl was handed a $9.50 ticket for the money she had in her pocket.

 The crowd's spirit was lifted by an abundant supply of beer, wine, and other exotic drinks. Among the more creative concoctions was a mixture of chocolate ice cream, mashed bananas, and vodka. The heady brew, like most of the other drinks, was generously passed through the crowd.  Periodically, a few policemen provided security outside the arena and told the crowd to keep in mind, hold their own tickets, and mellow out. 

    Many of those in the crowd responded by joking with the police. The only uneasiness came when the doors opened at 5:30pm, "We're moving!" shouted delighted fans and stampeded for the open door. When everyone was safely inside the arena, Frisbees, large rubber balls and paper airplanes went whizzing over the heads of the crowd. This prompted Producer Bill Graham to ask audience members to throw the objects away from the stage. The crowd cheered and swiftly obliged. 

    Fans then settled in to watch the real show, which was not to start for two and a half hours. When Harrison came on, the audience held up lighted matches in greeting.  Harrison's voice showed signs of the throat problems that have been bothering him, but the audience reacted warmly. However, it was Billy Preston who stole the show with his hit, "Going 'Round in Circles."