Fiery French Fans Make it a Fabulous Second Week! (1964)

 Fiery French Fans Make it a Fabulous Second Week

By Henry Kahn

Disc

February 1, 1964

    Fiery and enthusiastic fans and long queues--- this was the scene in Paris during the second week of the Beatles' fabulous season at the Olympia. In fact, the four Liverpool boys are doing even better than ever in the French capital.

     Things have changed since their tough first night audience, however, and it's now the young and enthusiastic Parisian fans who are storming the ramparts of the Olympia. The Beatles themselves have noticed the difference. Ringo told me, "This is not the same thing at all. We are getting a splendid reception. But of course, the audience is different. "

    Some French newspapers displayed hostility towards the Beatles' early concerts. This has made little difference. The hostility was not based upon the music or the talents of The Beatles, but on the fact that four young English boys had something that the French idols simply did not have. 

    Talk to the fans, and you will get the real feeling toward the Beatles. Everyone I spoke to thought they were terrific. The four Beatles have been spending their time mainly by sleeping late and stealing a few hours to see something of Paris itself. Whenever they go out, they are recognized, but they are never attacked, and they all agree with a statement made by one Beatle that "It was a pleasure not to have our ties snatched off."

     In fact, they have made such an impact on the French capital that they have been recognized in some most unlikely places. When they penetrated the Montemar jungle and climbed the famous hill to the place famous for its painters, I doubted whether the artist who wielded brushes and palettes would recognize the four idols of the pop world, but I was wrong. They were recognized. Within a few minutes, George and Paul were photographing the painters, and the painters were painting the Beatles

    Suddenly, one bright artist produced a canvas showing the Beatles in action, but they'd never have recognized it if the painting hadn't been marked with their names. The Beatles have also managed to visit the top of the world-famous Eiffel Tower and a late-night trip to the blues club where American blues artist Memphis Slim is performing. They created a sensation at the club, but declined all invitations to sing a number. 

    And perhaps the most unusual thing about the Beatles' visit is the tremendous success of Beatles wigs in Paris stores. They're selling at around 30s, and everyone is buying them, from the young people to elderly folk who insist they are for their grandchildren.