London May 1968 - A Fan Memory

 

As I remember

By Teri Garrick

Around The Beatles Fan Club newsletter

August 1968

I arrived in London early in the morning on Tuesday, May 21, 1968, determined to see Paul’s house and EMI.  Even if I never saw them (and I was pretty sure I wouldn’t), at least I had to see Paul’s house.  I love all the fellas, of course, but Mr. McCartney holds a special place in my heart.  A week and a half later, I found myself footsore but happy.  I was in Beatleland.  But, as of yet, I had not made it to St. John’s wood and Paulie’s abode.  It was now Thursday, May 30, and the next day would be my last day in London.  It was act now or never.  So, at about 2:30 or 3:00, I hopped on the #159 bus to St. John’s Wood.  I hadn’t a clue as to where I should get off the bus.  I asked several people where I might find Cavendish Avenue and no one knew.  I began to feel as though I were getting the run-around.  Finally, one kind lady said she was sorry she didn’t know, but if I asked the porter in the apartment building she’d just come out of, he should be able to tell me.  I thanked her, and off I went to find the porter.  He was very nice.  He pulled out his little map and directed me to Cavendish Avenue.  I got to Abbey Road to Circus Road, turn left, go two streets down on Circus and that should be it.  It was!  There’s no number in front of Paul’s house, but the writings on the gate clearly indicate where he lives.  There was no one around, and I felt rather conspicuous with that huge camera slung around me.  But I got a picture of the house and Pal’s dark blue Austin Mini.  Then, I got a picture of the street sign.  A couple girls came by and asked if I was waiting for Paul to come out.  I remembered an answer, and they told me he wasn’t home.  They’d spoken to the housekeeper a bit earlier, and Paul and the other three were all at EMI recording.  So, I trotted off to EMI.  As I was standing there, Peter Asher came out and nearly bumped into me.  Then Mal pulled up in the Beatles van.  I got a photo of him too. Some man came out and asked us (a few other girls had begun to arrive) if we were waiting for The Beatles.  If we were, it would be a long wait.  They would not be out until midnight or after

 The next day, Friday, was my last day in London.  Saturday, I’d be leaving for Liverpool.  I got up early and caught the bus to Baker Street and took the tour of Madame Tussauds.  I tried to find Apple, but couldn’t.  After arguing with myself for some time, I decided to go back to St. John’s Wood and see if I could see THEM today.  I parked myself in front of EMI about 1:45 and just waited.  I sat across the street so I could have a full view of the entrance. A little before 3:00 things began to happen.  Cliff Richards went in.   Then Mal came along again.  I saw this terrific-looking bod dressed in a cream-colored Indian outfit come walking along the street.  By the time I realized it was, indeed, John Lennon, he’d disappeared behind the gate of EMI.  I was stunned.  I couldn’t believe it!    Finally, I gathered what was left of my wit and went back across the street.  Pretty soon George Martin arrived in his white sports car.  Next to come was George Harrison in his gorgeous white Mercedes 600.  I hadn’t found my tongue yet, but I did get a picture.  Ringo came next.  He, too, had a Mercedes 600, only his is black and chauffeur driven.  He hopped out of the front seat and headed for the gate.  I finally found my voice and asked for his autograph.  He looked at me a second, then signed – resting his right hand on my left wristlet as he put down those dear letters. 

  By now it was almost 4:00.  I decided I’d wait for Paul (my love) until 4:30. Then I’d go back to the city and try again to find Apple.  Well, 4:30 came and went (Mal had gone too) and I head for the bus.  I took another look at his house, then as I looked over, I recognized the Beatles van, Mal Evans and Paul!  He was dressed in a dark shirt.  That’s all I really got a chance to see.  But he looked wonderful.  He was talking to Mal and kind of looking around.  Well, I could have kicked myself.  I might have spoken to him.  Even got a pic or an autograph.  But I was happy anyway.  I found Apple and went in.  It’s very small and is on 2 floors.  The main floor is trinkets and downstairs is all clothes.  I went downstairs to look around and suddenly heard a female voice say “Hi George.”  I looked and who should be standing next to me but George and Ringo!  After a bit, I decided I shouldn't just stand around and stare, so I went upstairs and out.  But George and Ringo decided to leave at the same time and were right behind me all the way to the sidewalk.  I went to England thinking that I’d never see even a glimpse of one Beatle.  But got so more than a glimpse and I saw all of them.  I never realized how four men could generate so much excitement.  But they do.  Just being in the same general area gives a person a feeling of elation.  I left London feeling so enriched by what I had seen.  Everything was so great.  But my last day was by far the best! 

Lennon Writty

 Lennon Writty

By Barb Chappel

Around the Beatle fan club newsletter

January 1968

 

Hello, all you Beatles Friends and Family (BFAF).  Don’t know how to start, but here it goes.  Thank you, Jeri for asking me to write every month.  It’s an honor and you’re a great friend.  Mates, you are now embarking upon my adventures in Jolly Ole and meeting with John, Paul, George, and Ringo – or trying to!  Have you ever tried to catch J.W.L.?  Nearly impossible!  He’s always son the move.  I even had an expected appointment on October 6.  I went up to Johns for the first time on October 2 and was given a ride to his door.  Leave it to John mind you, the front door happens to be the back door!  A bloke answered the door and said he’d tell John I’d be there on Friday.  On October 6 I walked and trekked up his walk.  It was lined with beautiful red flowers.  His housekeeper came to the door and said he wasn’t home again.  I gave her the flowers for Cyn’s birthday and talked to her for 20 minutes.  Then, since I had no way back, she let me use the telephone by the kitchen sink.  I keep pinching myself.  I used his phone!  Bet you’re wondering what John’s house looks like.  Well, it’s indescribable almost.  The living room is dark green with a settee (sofa) chair and stool, and lots o little kittens sleeping.   I saw Mimi, Neil, and Mel.  Mimi is black and white.  Weybridge is a lovely place, peaceful and quiet.  Julian’s cart was by the gate.  Wonder where the white horses were.  I saw Julian at Heath House. There he was sitting as good as gold, his big brown eyes looked at me and I smiled right back.  He takes after his daddy.  We’ve got another John Lennon on our hands.  To top it off, the other day a letter came for me from JOHN.  Imagine that.  Sometimes I can’t believe what’s happening to me.  He told me he was busy on his film and to wait a while before wandering up again.  He was pleased I wanted to come so badly.  Nice to him, huh?  Wonder where he got that idea.  I only went there 7 times…. 

 

P.S.  Anyone going to John’s go before 2pm, before he goes out. 

As I remember...

 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 3^rd 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.