One of the things I treasure whenever I find them are the memories of Beatles fans that saw the Beatles in concert. However --- what I love are the stories that were written shortly after the concert -- within 5 years or less from the big event. These two stories were written in 1967 and the girls that wrote them still were excited about see the Beatles in concert.
As I remember
By Jean Lisieki and Patti Phillips
Around the Beatles fan club newsletter
August 1967
Picture yourself not in a boat on a river, but at Olympia
Stadium on August 13, 1966. Everyone you
see is full of life and you can sense the impatience for the arrival of the
idols. Yellow Submarines are being hung
from the balconies along with an infinite number of posters. Finally, when everyone thinks that THE moment
has come, D.J. Bob Green walks out. Of
course, this fails to satisfy the restless crowd who wants only THEM. Then, as if by instinct, the congregation
rises as their gods appear on stage. The
four English lads smile appearing as they start their first song, “Rock and
Roll Music.”; They look undeniably fabulous in pink shirts and gray suits, with
narrow pinstripes and bell-bottom trousers.
Even though the hysteria is not as great as two years previously the
crowds' love is strong and deeper. The group
attempts to start “Nowhere Man” but the drummer is having difficulty was his
microphone. Mal Evans and one of the
very few nice policemen fix it. It is now
about halfway through the concert. One
very lucky girl jumps on stage, but before she can reach THEM, she is stopped. The crowd boos. Finally, the dreaded moment comes, the bass
guitarist announces the last song. You
try your best to hold them there with your love but fail. The Beatles your beloved Beatles are
leaving. For you, it is the end of the
world, but life flows on within you and without you.
As I remember
By Carolyn Hicks
Around the Beatles fan club newsletter
August 1967
We now know why John's leg is up and he is sort of bending over...
First time around was August 18, 1965, at Atlanta Stadium. It was fab, but no tact was made between them
and me. Rats. Things I remember most – when they ran out
from the 3rd base dugout, you know grinning and waving, John had something
wrong with his foot or shoe or something.
Anyhow, he kept reaching for it and trying to run all at the same
time. Needless to say, that poor thing
nearly broke his neck. Paul, you know,
announced most of the time, and once, after about four numbers, he said, “Goodness,
it’s hot, isn’t it?” and a riot nearly broke out. Wonder why?
When they were in the middle of one song, George’s guitar string broke
and hew as frantic for a minute; then he spotted his other guitar, snatched I up, and grinned about two miles. Paul and
John were dying laughing, but Ringo looked so mournful the whole time. One more thing. Paul did a lovely waltz after announcing “Baby’s
in Black” which he classified as “a luvly slow waltz.” And during “She’s a Woman” his mike fell
over. And this last thing – when it was
time for Ringo’s song all three bowed to him.
When they umped in the limo they waved pieces of paper out of the
window. Everybody ran to the outside
railing and waved bye to them. The ones
that didn’t were either in the first aid room being treated for hysterics or
fainting or trying to get out to the stage.
Some just wanted to pick the grass where they had walked.
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Second time around was August 15, 1966, at Washington D.C. at
the D.C. Stadium. Our seats were closer
this time and we had a great view with binoculars. I couldn’t get over their suits. They were gorgeous. Sort of a cream-camel color with belled
pants. The Beatles were
Fantabulous! I’ve never seen them with so
much energy, you know, moving around and all.
Paul danced constantly. George
and John did their share of monkeyshines too.
They took turns (except Ringo) announcing this time. Funny thing.
You know, they, especially John and George, would announce the song then
tell what album it’s from; but they always got it wrong. I honestly thought Paul was going to kill
himself. He was “here there and
everywhere.” All over the stage. He and George waved a lot, George giving out
off waves just turning the screams on and off.
They were panting and could barely catch enough breath to talk much less
sing. When Paul sang “Yesterday” there
was really a riot. Several ran to rails
but police knocked them about and ushers carried them out. It was beautiful. When Ringo was singing this boy came from nowhere
and went flying out to the stage (with police in hot pursuit) and got up on the
stage and went for John. IT scared me to
death. John dodged and the boy fell off
the stage and was dragged, kicking, out by four men. John and to go around the mike three times to
get untangled. Then the next thing you
know, they were gone. But the main part –
we went to the stadium at 3:00 (concert time 8:00) and we were standing there (after
walking around the stadium three times trying to find some small space to get
inside the thing) at the gate peering in.
Suddenly, we began to see members of the other groups. Then we saw two tall figures inside. They came closer. Who was it?
It was George. Who was with
him? T was Paul. It was Paul and George! Natch we started screaming and frantically
waving. They were so sweet. They
stopped, smiled, waved and Paul said “Hello.”
That was about the most thrilling thing ever! Then they were gone – just like before.
