3,000 Fans Rock the Beatles (1963)

 

3,000 Fans Rock the Beatles

No Writer Listed

Daily Record

October 21, 1963

    3,000 fans of Britain's latest pop idols, The Beatles, rioted outside the television studio last night. A taxi was wrecked as fans stormed through a police cordon after the recording of Thank Your Lucky Stars ended.

     The riot at Birmingham started after 20 girls forced their way into the studio's main entrance; hundreds of fans followed them. A cab which had called to pick up a studio technician, was besieged. Its windscreen was smashed, mirrors were broken, and the bodywork was dented. 

    For 13 hours, the fans had stood outside the theater, chanting, "We want the Beatles!" When the recording was over, the fans stampeded in a hope of catching a glimpse of their idols. More than 40 policemen struggled to keep them back, but their efforts were in vain. Time and again, the crowd broke through, surging toward the barricaded studios. Part of the main road was blocked for a time until the fans began to disperse.

     During the riot, Beatle Paul McCartney said, "The fans think we are a bit mean if we don't show ourselves. We'd at least like to wave to them, but the police have said that this could be dangerous and might provoke trouble."

     Earlier, Beatle John Lennon talked about his marriage. "There is no rift in my marriage," he said. "I'm very happy. We have not attempted to hide it or keep it secret, but my wife wants to stay out of the limelight if possible. We wish to lead a normal life without interference from the outside. She is living with her mother at the moment. I see her as often as I can."