April 1966 in London - repost

This is a classic story from Joyce Kilbane of "With a Little Help From My Friends" newsletter.   What makes this story even more special for me is that I got to hear Joyce herself tell me the story in person this past summer.   And while I was familiar with the story, there is something extra special about hearing a first generation fan talk about meeting the Beatles and seeing their expression on their face.   They go back to that 14-year-old Beatlemaniac in an instant.  

I just love this photo and thought it was perfect for the Thursday Throwback post for this week.  

England in April 1966

By Joy Kilbane

Originally published in the April 1974 issue of “With a little help from my friends”

You must realize that I was a mere kid of 15 when I went in ’66.  My first trip out of the country with my mother and younger brother.   A fun-packed trip going with one’s mom.  I would’ve been happy just spending all my time at EMI.  But naturally my mom had other ideas.  A boat trip along the River Thames during a blizzard.  Yeah, in April!  Bopping around Windsor Castle.  Staring at the Palace Guards.  The old tourist deal.   But MY basic interest was at EMI Studios, so I’m gonna tell you about the first time I ever met the guys.

Mom, Jim (my brother) and I found out where the now well-known EMI on Abbey Road was.  Actually, I was the one who found out.  You see, I promised to get pipe tobacco for one of my teachers back home and it just so happened that a “Beatles Monthly” book was on a rack.  I found it!  #29 with Lennon on the cover.  Well, I naturally acted very normal, you know, dancing around the shop, the whole bit.   So the nice man behind the counter decided that he liked the free entertainment he was getting so he gave me the address of EMI.  But first the all-important question, “Do you like the Beatles?”  Naw, I think while I chew on the book, I really came to see the broad in the Palace!  Naturally, I told the guy I did like the Beatles.

That night in our hotel room, I just happened to get “Run for your Life” on the radio.  The plans were made to go and see the guys at the studio tomorrow, which was Wednesday April 13, 1966.

We arrived at this green colored building, enclosed with a brick wall.  Two driveways and a sign at the top of the door, EMI RECORDING STUDIO.  Sounds reasonable.   Just to let people know what the green colored building was for.  Okay, as I check further into my mind I’ll tell you what I wore that day.  I wore pink trousers, blouse, tennis shoes (for fast running) and a blue raincoat.  There was quite a few girls outside the gates and I made friends with all.  American fans were very rare in ’66, so I was made welcome.  Found out each other’s “fave rave” and I stuck close to this one girl, Carole, who said “John Lennon,” the magic name.

As the minutes wore on, Mom decided to check at the building and see what time the guys were due to arrive. I waited to see if she’d come flying out of the door like she said she might (the studio guard wasn’t very nice). She didn’t fly out the door and she told me the guard said they’d be coming around 2:30.  I wanted at that moment to go home! It was almost time for them to arrive.  No way.  I was to stay until I saw all of them (the first time you do get to meet them, or anytime really, you get hit with the big chicken and that was me!).   The girls were very nice.  I remember one of the girls asking this other one what she would do if George turned up at that moment.  She said, “I’d let this paper fly (the paper with her address and those of the other girls) and I’d drop this pen.  Then go!”  All of us had a rather nice talk.  Not to mention-freezing together.  It was very cold that day!

One of the girls happened to look down the road, and she yelled, “Here comes Paul!”  I couldn’t move!!  As his car came into the driveway, on my right (first driveway you see), all the girls crowded around.  The poor baby couldn’t get his car inside the parking lot. Only one of the double gates was opened.  So he was waiting for the nice guard to let him in.   I was still stoned.  I just could not move!  Some of the girls moved away from Paul’s car and got behind me – a little helpful push and I became acquainted with his door handle—right in the gut, which hurt so, I made the facial agony look.  Ahhhh, must tell you that while all that was going on, HE smiled at me.  I just so happened to run into the driver’s side of the car---shit!   I pried the handle from my gut and just in time.  The nice guard had the gate open for Paul who then went into the parking area, and all the girls followed with me – in shock and lagging behind.  Paul got out of the car, and you’d never believe what he wore!  Besides the dark tight trousers, which I didn’t notice, he wore the black furry coat.  The one he wore in “Help.”  His hair was windblown, and he was holding a cigarette---shit!   He looked so damn good!  He came out of his car and I was pushed right up to him –not on my own power, mind you!  The girls helped me once again.  I was about a foot away and the reason for that is the fact that I somehow stopped myself from running right into him!  Power disc heels on my tennis shoes – one of the girls grabbed him by the arm and said, “Paul, this girl came all the way from America to see you.”  He looked down at me and smiled, “Oh really? Where is she?”  All the while, he kept looking at me.  I just couldn’t say anything!  I wanted so much to talk to him – but I just couldn’t!  I did find myself doing the splits though – no lie!  He still kept the torture going by watching me and smiling – he even winked at one point!  Torture!  He realized that I wasn’t up to talking to him, so he smiled once more and turned toward the stairs.  Shit!  It was in shock!  I can’t really put into words just how I felt but I just about had to be carried out of the parking lot.  Then mom started in on me.  “Why didn’t you….”  Do this and that.  I felt worse.  I wanted to talk to him.  The only thing Paul knew is that I made quaint faces and I can do the splits.  I ask you!  I wanted to go back home, right then and there!  I just couldn’t make an ass out of myself with the others as well, but mom vetoed the suggestion.  “We came here for you to see all of them, and we’re not leaving until you do!”

Not more than 5 minutes after that, I noticed a black Rolls Royce.  “Shit, it’s Lennon!”  Again I asked if we could go home.  No.

The Rolls went into the other driveway from the one Paul had gone into.  The other girls were already into the parking lot.  I followed the Rolls.  The door opened and Ringo got out.  I didn’t expect him!  But there he was.  I didn’t pay that much attention to him.  It’s the guy that came out after!  I couldn’t believe my eyes!  John came out and what he wore really freaked me out, but good.   Lennon wore that beautiful green cord outfit that he had on in “Help.”  Honest to God!  It looked like him and Paul just walked right out of the movie screen!  I just wanted to die.  I love that outfit!  I don’t know if he had his hat with him or not – but it wasn’t on his head and his hair was all windblown, like all their hair because it was windy as well as cold.   I got behind Lennon and I was so close to him—I could’ve just wrapped my arms around him, but too chicken!  Rich started to watch me to see what I’d do.  Do you know the feeling you get when you know there’s someone behind you?  John started to look over his right sholder—I went to his left side.  This little game kept up for a while.  Ringo was enjoying the little dance I was doing behind John.  I just thank God Lennon didn’t spin around and see me.  If he did, I would’ve croaked!  It didn’t matter much if the others saw me, but  I was really hung up on John at the time.  Not that I don’t still love him.  I do.  I just don’t understand now and I am messed up with Paul now.  Anyway he didn’t give me an attack by turning around.  He just walked toward the stairs.  Ringo was smiling or should I say laughing!  And my mother was talking loud again, “why didn’t you talk to him…”  I again felt terrible.

Harrison was on his way by this time into the parking lot.  I remember looking in his direction and seeing my mother poke her head into his smoked-glass windshield.  I remember thinking, “Oh poor George!”  Can’t help but feel sorry for the guys when people stare at them like they belong in cages.  Or—if they had a chance – try to shove them into a scrapbook like some of the so-called “fans” I know--- and naturally, can’t forget the “back stabbing” fans of the guys – but—that’s a different story.  Anyway, stupid me, I just ran in front of George’s lovely maroon Jaguar and he was nice enough to put the brake on or he’d have a nice RED Jaguar.  He parked his car and out he came!  Shit!  That man!  He had on a suede outfit with matching boots.  I about dropped my teeth!  I started walking up to him.  To be truthful, it wasn’t my idea to go to him.  My faithful feet just started and I naturally had to follow, soooo.  I was getting closer and closer to him and his eyes, forget it!  He watched while I approached him.  I guess the other girls were in a state of shock when they saw me going on my own power.  So was I!  I couldn’t have been more than three feet away from him when he moved his hand.  Man!  I never moved to the opposite direction so fast in my life!  I honestly thought he was going to belt me for running in front of his car.  I couldn’t’ say what his expression was when I flew to the other side of the parking lot.  Could take a guess though!

When I turned around, he wasn’t in sight.  My educated guess is he ran inside the studio to compare notes with the other 3 on the dingy American.  One of the girls grabbed him and stuck him in her scrapbook.  I was so sick!  Mom started on me again and I really didn’t want to appear like a jerk to the guys.  Mal Evans (such a sweetheart!) started up the stairs.  I don’t know where he came from but anyway, my mom asked if I knew who he was.  I nodded and she told me I should go up to him and ask him to get the guy’s autographs for me.  Now—I didn’t like that idea very much.  So my mother bopped up to him and talked to him for a bit.  Next thing I knew, Mal Evans was on his way toward me.  There was nowhere for me to run this time!  I was against the wall!  I had a Beatles Monthly with me (#32 with Ringo on the cover drinking tea) plus six Beatle postcards (2 group shots and 4 individual).  Mal took them from me and went inside the studio.  A few minutes later, he came out and started toward me once again with a big smile on his face. He put the book and cards in my hands and went back into the studio.  I couldn’t bring myself to open the book or look at the cards.  The girls kept coaxing me and finally I opened the book, First page had a photo of George with his furry coat.  It was signed.  Looked through the book and found that Harrison had signed two different pictures.  John signed one and Paul signed a really crazy one of him—he had this wild look on his face, and he’s about to attack a wall inside the studio with many switches on it.  Ringo didn’t sign any from the book –I guess the others didn’t let him have it.  But they all signed the cards.  I was so happy at that moment!  I just wanted to cry.

Now was the time when my mother, Jim and I were on our way to do some tourist business.  Not that I wanted to, but what can you do?  We caught a cab, waved to the girls and were on our way.  I didn’t pay much attention to what went on after we left the studio, except when we arrived back to our hotel room, I noticed that I’d ripped my trousers (from doing the splits for Paul).

After I came home to Ohio, I received a letter from Janet, one of the girls at the studio.  I now quote from her letter, “after you had gone, Paul came out, and when he came back with Neil, he banged on the door but the doorman thought he was us fans so he would not let him in.  How marvelous it was, he was out there for at least 10 minutes and he was getting madder and madder.  Oh, he was so good looking.  I was right close against him.  He’s lovely!”

Wouldn’t you know it!  I missed that!  Oh!  By the way—the background of “Paperback Writer” was recorded on Wednesday April 13, 1966…that’s a day I will never forget.

A night to remember

The BEST concert memory of the Cleveland show comes from Joy Kilbane of MacLen magazine.  She wrote this in 1976 for the 10th anniversary of the show.    

A night to remember (round #2)

By Joy Kilbane

MacLen fanzine issue #10/11  February-April 1976

As of this writing it’s been almost 10 years since that night in Cleveland, Ohio.  I’d like to once again share my experience of the August 14^th Beatles concert.  That day was very overcast, but there wasn’t any rain, thank God!  I went to downtown Cleveland with some friends of mine.  Lynda L., Donna T., Sherry S., Nita C., Chris D. and your truly.  And all of us were on our way downtown via the rapid transit.  Once we reached Public Square – the big deal center of town, we headed toward the Cleveland Sheraton Hotel.  I wore a blue and green polka-dot mini dress with high heels.  You know, the blue and green was for Paul and John.   All over the place there were Beatle people!  It was really a beautiful and exciting experience to be a part of.  I can’t really explain how I felt then.  I’m sure all of you know the feeling.  Well, the first thing all of us did was look up at the hotel and at least in my mind I thought this was it!  The guys you’ve wanted to see in action and not on the movie or TV screen.  This was MY first concert and I still couldn’t believe I was actually going to see them in action!  Also this was the second time there were in Cleveland.  The first being September 15, 1964.  I wasn’t able to go.

We had plenty of time to kill before the concert, so Donna and I went back to the Terminal where the rapids are located.  I can’t remember the reason we went back there.  Inside the Tower, there is a decline, can’t really explain it—like a ramp, no steps you climb down, just a smooth ramp.  As I said, I wore heels and I started to slip on one of the declines.  Had this really WILD idea to scream out the guys’ names.  I just felt like doing it, just to see what would happen.  Well, I started letting go with “John! John!”  Donna picked up with yelling for George.  I had to run in order not to slip and fall on my boomer plus our yelling caused a near riot inside the building.  There were at least 200 or 300 kids running inside the building after us.  We hid, naturally.  The others stayed outside while Donna and I had our jollies.

Boarded the bus that was to take us to the stadium.  I was a nervous wreck!  The stadium came in sight and my stomach was really letting the butterflies go.  Such a Beatleful feeling it was.  Found our seats – they were directly in front of the stage but far away.  WIXY 1260 on a banner tacked n the front of the stage where the guys were going to be.  WIXY wasn’t even a year old and yet, it was them that brought the guys back!  All over the stadium were banners.  I can’t remember what all of them said but I think one said “Bernard Webb Forever” and “Give us a kiss” was another one I saw.  Too much! 

I spotted Mal Evans on the stage setting up the guys’ stuff.  I told the others who he was and we started to yell out his name just to see what he’d do.   He turned around and all of us waved like mad.  He waved back at us and then started to resume what he was doing.  Again his name was called and again he turned and  waved back at us.  We did it again and all he did was wave since he knew where we were.  Again came the beautiful feelings.  

The time passed and more kids arrived.  I spotted Brian Epstein leaning against one of the legs(??)   He wore a purple suit and I told Donna that he reminded me of a grape.  Then the guys came.  Shit! What a feeling I felt!  They got out of their limo – I saw all of them but I can’t remember what the others wore except John.  He was in all white.  Yes, that is what he wore.  It was as if by magic, when the guys arrived everyone stood right up.

  The acts before the guys were enough to drive you out of your mind!  The waiting. The waiting…I don’t remember all the acts except the Cyrcle and Bobby Hebb, and the Ronnettes.  If I remember correctly, the Cyrcle was the act before the guys.  The Cyrcle did pretty well—the flash from the cameras was like lightening for them.  

Then it was time.  The WIXY DJ’s all came on stage and I thought, “Oh God!  This is it!”  They started with their small talk which drove me up the wall!  Now, I was really a nervous wreck!  Then WIXY DJ’s introduced themselves and talked about the radio station.  Then began the “Give me a B (We screamed B)---give me an E (we again let the DJ’s have it)—give me an A (we did) –give me a T (again)—give me an L (ditto)—give me an E (we did)—give me as S (again)—what does it spell?  (The Monkees?  What do you think it spelled, you dumb DJ’s???).  BEATLES! (louder) BEATLES!! (louder) BEATLES!!! “Okay, here they are—the Beatles!!!!!!”

The door of the specially built trailer for their use behind the stage opened and out they came!  All the screaming and the flashes from cameras all over the stadium—what a sight that was!  The guys ran up on the stage and went right to their instruments.  I was in such a state of shock that I can’t remember the first song they did!  Whatever it was, it was beautiful!  I know they sang “Nowhere Man.”  I had this great love for “If I Needed someone”—I really adore that song very much.  It wasn’t released in the States until the summer American LP “Yesterday and Today.”  So, I was really zonked out when George started that one!  I started crying.  I just couldn’t take it anymore!

The snow fence—if you’ve ever read in any magazine about the tours, in their description of the Cleveland Stadium concert, they mention a little fence (about waist high and very flimsy which surrounds the outfield).  This  my friends is the snow fence.  The police, thinking that they were so smart and not many police would be needed for the concert since the Beatles weren’t as popular.  There weren’t many of the little blue meanie there.   George really started the gathering during “If I Needed Someone” and so it began.  A guy was able to get on the field and naturally he was cheered on.  But the police cut the trip short.  George began the beginning of “Day Tripper” and that’s when it happened!  The kids (including yours truly) started to leave their seats.  It was like magic.  I could see the fence slowly give way and the police running toward the stage since that was the only thing they could do.  The guys on stage were really enjoying all of this.  They really started to act up and motioned for us to keep coming, which we did!  Those four were really throwing themselves into that song, all the while motioning for us to keep coming.  The police couldn’t argue with thousands of kids.  Speedy here made it to the middle of the ground, my stupid heels got stuck in the mud!  Needless to say, I was able to see the men I love up close once again, only in action this time.  John was having a good time.  He kept teasing the girls that were right up to the stage with his foot.  Paul was laughing because of the girls  came with were tickling him (on his leg).  The police began throwing the kids off.  That’s no joke!  In one of the articles about the Cleveland riot, it stated that Ringo was pulled off the drums, but that’s not true.  A girl asked if she could shake his hand and he said it would be okay.  It is just that a “nice” policeman just happened to grab her while she was still hanging onto Ringo’s hand!  That’s why he was “pulled off I his drums.”

I felt like I was going to faint.  It was so hot on that field and all the kids were just shoved together which didn’t help matters.  It was bad news, but I told myself that I couldn’t let myself faint.  I watched Paul and the guys, with the help of the police leave the stage and go into the trailer rather fast, I must say.  Jack Armstrong, one of the DJ’s started yelling that we broke our promise about not mobbing the stage.  He was crying!  That’s what I said—he was crying.  Since he’s a jerk, nobody listened to him.  The field was covered for about 20 minutes but it seemed like an hour.  After a while, it was finally cleared and an English voice came over the loudspeakers and told us that if the field wasn’t cleared right away, the show wouldn’t go on.  I swear to this day that the voice belonged to George!  After the little speech, the field was cleared fast.  I remember telling Donna that we were going to really  make news because of the riot.  Well, would you believe that in one of the Cleveland papers the next day they printed just what I said?

Also before the riot I remember one of the amps weren’t working and Paul announcing a song, “Our next number will be--- our next number WON’T be…” as no sound came from the amp.  Then Mal was called on stage and with a quick flip of a knob, got it to work (good old Mal!)

Anyway, the show started up again and the guys played “I feel Fine.”  I just wanted to die!  That’s another one of my songs.  Oh!  Another thing I forgot to mention.  One time during the show Donna was standing on her seat and was bouncing up and down.  It seemed as though Lennon was looking in our direction or our section.  Good old Donna—she was still bouncing up and down and her half-slip fell down!  It was so funny!  And John just doubled over at that moment, laughing (strange).   Also, Lynda leaned over too far and fell right into the dugout, where some of the DJ’s were sitting along with other people and on the news that night there was a film of her display of grace.

The concert ended with “Long Tall Sally” then the guys left the stage because the filed was getting full again since everyone knew that would be their last song.  I was in total shock and I just couldn’t believe that I was actually at the concert!  All of our “gang” or most of us anyway, some  were lost in the riot, met up and started back toward the Terminal Tower.  Outside the stadium the WIXY satellite studio was playing all Beatles songs and “And I love her” was playing.

On our way back, I heard this English voice.  So the lot of us ran to see who it was.  Would you believe it was Mal? I about croaked when I saw him!  He was walking back to the hotel.  I no doubt figured that he thought nobody knew who he was so he’d be safe.  Only a few girls were with him with Donna, Bonnie, Lynda, Sherry and myself ran up to him and started to rattle off about meeting him at EMI Studios on Abbey Road that past April.  I asked him if he remembered me and he did.  He asked how I liked the concert and I told him I just loved it!  Someone asked him if it would be okay with him if we kissed him.  He said it would be okay so each of us gave him a kiss.  When it was my turn, he put his hand on my back and helped me up to him.  That man has such a soft cheek and he smelled so good!  Bonnie asked him to give John and kiss and he gave her a funny look.   I offered to do it for Mal, but he just looked at me as if to say “I just bet you would.”  Oh well. I would have been able to give John that kiss if I had a few drinks in me.  Told Mal that we saw “Help!” and we liked the part he had – you know, coming out of the water and asking Lennon if he made it to the White Cliffs of Dover.  I asked him if he was cold and he said he was.  I told him I wished I’d been there to give him a towel and he said he wished I was too.  One of his friends met up with Mal and he said that he had to go.  We begged him to let us come with him but he said there were too many of us and he was going for a drink with this other guy and we weren’t old enough.  So we gave Mal all the gum chains that we had made for the guys.  I bet he was most thrilled about that.  But he did take them from us.  I bet he threw them away from we left.  Then again maybe he didn’t—I’ll never know.  And we said goodbye to him as did the other girls.

I’ll never forget that wonderful day as long as I live.  Thanks Mal!  Indeed it was a night to remember. 

April 1966 in London

The following story is interesting, because you just do not hear very many fan stories from EMI studios in 1966.  There was a regular fan base that hung around the studio at that time, but the stories just don't seem to be out there as much as the later years.    This is a story of a young girl with a very sweet mother (although I do not think she appreciated it at the time).   As I have been reading through these stories over the years, the kindness of the fan's parents really sticks out.    The story I had always heard was that there was a huge generation gap and the parents of first generation fans hated the Beatles.  But that is just a myth.   As you see in this story, one mother took time out of touring London so her daughter could see the Beatles and made sure her daughter stayed to see all four.  She then went to Mal and asked for autographs.   Now....I am not sure if she received genuine autographs or Mal's forgery, but still....great mom!  

This story is by Joy Kilbane and first appeared in With a Little help from my friends, but I found the reprint of it in "All Together now" issue from 1976.


The photos are from the day after the story takes place.

England in April 1966

By Joy Kilbane

Originally published in the April 1974 issue of “With a little help from my friends”

You must realize that I was a mere kid of 15 when I went in ’66.  My first trip out of the country with my mother and younger brother.   A fun-packed trip going with one’s mom.  I would’ve been happy just spending all my time at EMI.  But naturally my mom had other ideas.  A boat trip along the River Thames during a blizzard.  Yeah, in April!  Bopping around Windsor Castle.  Staring at the Palace Guards.  The old tourist deal.   But MY basic interest was at EMI Studios, so I’m gonna tell you about the first time I ever met the guys.

Mom, Jim (my brother) and I found out where the now well-known EMI on Abbey Road was.  Actually, I was the one who found out.  You see, I promised to get pipe tobacco for one of my teachers back home and it just so happened that a “Beatles Monthly” book was on a rack.  I found it!  #29 with Lennon on the cover.  Well, I naturally acted very normal, you know, dancing around the shop, the whole bit.   So the nice man behind the counter decided that he liked the free entertainment he was getting so he gave me the address of EMI.  But first the all-important question, “Do you like the Beatles?”  Naw, I think while I chew on the book, I really came to see the broad in the Palace!  Naturally, I told the guy I did like the Beatles.

That night in our hotel room, I just happened to get “Run for your Life” on the radio.  The plans were made to go and see the guys at the studio tomorrow, which was Wednesday April 13, 1966.

We arrived at this green colored building, enclosed with a brick wall.  Two driveways and a sign at the top of the door, EMI RECORDING STUDIO.  Sounds reasonable.   Just to let people know what the green colored building was for.  Okay, as I check further into my mind I’ll tell you what I wore that day.  I wore pink trousers, blouse, tennis shoes (for fast running) and a blue raincoat.  There was quite a few girls outside the gates and I made friends with all.  American fans were very rare in ’66, so I was made welcome.  Found out each other’s “fave rave” and I stuck close to this one girl, Carole, who said “John Lennon,” the magic name.

As the minutes wore on, Mom decided to check at the building and see what time the guys were due to arrive.  I waited to see if she’d come flying out of the door like she said she might (the studio guard wasn’t very nice).  She didn’t fly out the door and she told me the guard said they’d be coming around 2:30.  I wanted at that moment to go home! It was almost time for them to arrive.  No way.  I was to stay until I saw all of them (the first time you do get to meet them, or anytime really, you get hit with the big chicken and that was me!).   The girls were very nice.  I remember one of the girls asking this other one what she would do if George turned up at that moment.  She said, “I’d let this paper fly (the paper with her address and those of the other girls) and I’d drop this pen.  Then go!”  All of us had a rather nice talk.  Not to mention-freezing together.  It was very cold that day!

One of the girls happened to look down the road, and she yelled, “Here comes Paul!”  I couldn’t move!!  As his car came into the driveway, on my right (first driveway you see), all the girls crowded around.  The poor baby couldn’t get his car inside the parking lot. Only one of the double gates was opened.  So he was waiting for the nice guard to let him in.   I was still stoned.  I just could not move!  Some of the girls moved away from Paul’s car and got behind me – a little helpful push and I became acquainted with his door handle—right in the gut, which hurt so, I made the facial agony look.  Ahhhh, must tell you that while all that was going on, HE smiled at me.  I just so happened to run into the driver’s side of the car---shit!   I pried the handle from my gut and just in time.  The nice guard had the gate open for Paul who then went into the parking area, and all the girls followed with me – in shock and lagging behind.  Paul got out of the car, and you’d never believe what he wore!  Besides the dark tight trousers, which I didn’t notice, he wore the black furry coat.  The one he wore in “Help.”  His hair was windblown, and he was holding a cigarette---shit!   He looked so damn good!  He came out of his car and I was pushed right up to him –not on my own power, mind you!  The girls helped me once again.  I was about a foot away and the reason for that is the fact that I somehow stopped myself from running right into him!  Power disc heels on my tennis shoes – one of the girls grabbed him by the arm and said, “Paul, this girl came all the way from America to see you.”  He looked down at me and smiled, “Oh really? Where is she?”  All the while, he kept looking at me.  I just couldn’t say anything!  I wanted so much to talk to him – but I just couldn’t!  I did find myself doing the splits though – no lie!  He still kept the torture going by watching me and smiling – he even winked at one point!  Torture!  He realized that I wasn’t up to talking to him, so he smiled once more and turned toward the stairs.  Shit!  It was in shock!  I can’t really put into words just how I felt but I just about had to be carried out of the parking lot.  Then mom started in on me.  “Why didn’t you….”  Do this and that.  I felt worse.  I wanted to talk to him.  The only thing Paul knew is that I made quaint faces and I can do the splits.  I ask you!  I wanted to go back home, right then and there!  I just couldn’t make an ass out of myself with the others as well, but mom vetoed the suggestion.  “We came here for you to see all of them, and we’re not leaving until you do!”

Not more than 5 minutes after that, I noticed a black Rolls Royce.  “Shit, it’s Lennon!”  Again I asked if we could go home.  No.

The Rolls went into the other driveway from the one Paul had gone into.  The other girls were already into the parking lot.  I followed the Rolls.  The door opened and Ringo got out.  I didn’t expect him!  But there he was.  I didn’t pay that much attention to him.  It’s the guy that came out after!  I couldn’t believe my eyes!  John came out and what he wore really freaked me out, but good.   Lennon wore that beautiful green cord outfit that he had on in “Help.”  Honest to God!  It looked like him and Paul just walked right out of the movie screen!  I just wanted to die.  I love that outfit!  I don’t know if he had his hat with him or not – but it wasn’t on his head and his hair was all windblown, like all their hair because it was windy as well as cold.   I got behind Lennon and I was so close to him—I could’ve just wrapped my arms around him, but too chicken!  Rich started to watch me to see what I’d do.  Do you know the feeling you get when you know there’s someone behind you?  John started to look over his right sholder—I went to his left side.  This little game kept up for a while.  Ringo was enjoying the little dance I was doing behind John.  I just thank God Lennon didn’t spin around and see me.  If he did, I would’ve croaked!  It didn’t matter much if the others saw me, but  I was really hung up on John at the time.  Not that I don’t still love him.  I do.  I just don’t understand now and I am messed up with Paul now.  Anyway he didn’t give me an attack by turning around.  He just walked toward the stairs.  Ringo was smiling or should I say laughing!  And my mother was talking loud again, “why didn’t you talk to him…”  I again felt terrible.

Harrison was on his way by this time into the parking lot.  I remember looking in his direction and seeing my mother poke her head into his smoked-glass windshield.  I remember thinking, “Oh poor George!”  Can’t help but feel sorry for the guys when people stare at them like they belong in cages.  Or—if they had a chance – try to shove them into a scrapbook like some of the so-called “fans” I know--- and naturally, can’t forget the “back stabbing” fans of the guys – but—that’s a different story.  Anyway, stupid me, I just ran in front of George’s lovely maroon Jaguar and he was nice enough to put the brake on or he’d have a nice RED Jaguar.  He parked his car and out he came!  Shit!  That man!  He had on a suede outfit with matching boots.  I about dropped my teeth!  I started walking up to him.  To be truthful, it wasn’t my idea to go to him.  My faithful feet just started and I naturally had to follow, soooo.  I was getting closer and closer to him and his eyes, forget it!  He watched while I approached him.  I guess the other girls were in a state of shock when they saw me going on my own power.   So was I!  I couldn’t have been more than three feet away from him when he moved his hand.  Man!  I never moved to the opposite direction so fast in my life!  I honestly thought he was going to belt me for running in front of his car.  I couldn’t’ say what his expression was when I flew to the other side of the parking lot.  Could take a guess though!

When I turned around, he wasn’t in sight.  My educated guess is he ran inside the studio to compare notes with the other 3 on the dingy American.  One of the girls grabbed him and stuck him in her scrapbook.  I was so sick!  Mom started on me again and I really didn’t want to appear like a jerk to the guys.  Mal Evans (such a sweetheart!) started up the stairs.  I don’t know where he came from but anyway, my mom asked if I knew who he was.  I nodded and she told me I should go up to him and ask him to get the guy’s autographs for me.  Now—I didn’t like that idea very much.  So my mother bopped up to him and talked to him for a bit.  Next thing I knew, Mal Evans was on his way toward me.  There was nowhere for me to run this time!  I was against the wall!  I had a Beatles Monthly with me (#32 with Ringo on the cover drinking tea) plus six Beatle postcards (2 group shots and 4 individual).  Mal took them from me and went inside the studio.  A few minutes later, he came out and started toward me once again with a big smile on his face. He put the book and cards in my hands and went back into the studio.  I couldn’t bring myself to open the book or look at the cards.  The girls kept coaxing me and finally I opened the book, First page had a photo of George with his furry coat.  It was signed.  Looked through the book and found that Harrison had signed two different pictures.  John signed one and Paul signed a really crazy one of him—he had this wild look on his face, and he’s about to attack a wall inside the studio with many switches on it.  Ringo didn’t sign any from the book –I guess the others didn’t let him have it.  But they all signed the cards.  I was so happy at that moment!  I just wanted to cry.

Now was the time when my mother, Jim and I were on our way to do some tourist business.  Not that I wanted to, but what can you do?  We caught a cab, waved to the girls and were on our way.  I didn’t pay much attention to what went on after we left the studio, except when we arrived back to our hotel room, I noticed that I’d ripped my trousers (from doing the splits for Paul).

After I came home to Ohio, I received a letter from Janet, one of the girls at the studio.  I now quote from her letter, “after you had gone, Paul came out, and when he came back with Neil, he banged on the door but the doorman thought he was us fans so he would not let him in.  How marvelous it was, he was out there for at least 10 minutes and he was getting madder and madder.  Oh, he was so good looking.  I was right close against him.  He’s lovely!”

Wouldn’t you know it!  I missed that!  Oh!  By the way—the background of “Paperback Writer” was recorded on Wednesday April 13, 1966…that’s a day I will never forget.

5,000 ways to torture a fan

Photo taken by Joy K.

I enjoy all of the stories I post about fans meeting one of the Beatles, the stories of the fans who met the guys in the 1960's are always the most special.   I know that I have posted part of this story in the past, but I now have the entire story, so I will post it.   It is from the fanzine, "with a little help from my friends" and from the July 1985 issue.  It was written by Joy K. 

5,000 ways to torture a fan

By Joy K.

England – 1968

That man can have you eating out of the palm of his hand.  Whom, you might well ask?  Paul.   Simple as that.  Let me start at the beginning.

1968 was my second trip to London, and I went along with Pat S., Pat K., Sandy M. and Nancy S.  It was the first trip for them, so I was a “veteran” so to speak.  I made the trip two years before in April 1966, but this time—no family!  In 1966 it was a bit rare to see any Americans over there, but in ’68 everybody and his brother was there –it was rare to see anyone English!

Let me get back to Paul.  Seeing as how the first time I met the man on April 13, 1966 at Emi, when the background of “Paperback Writer” was being recorded, and seeing as I could not open my mouth to say anything and instead did a cheerleader proud by doing the splits when I first saw him.  Well I made up my mind that this time I was going to talk to them and not act like a fool.

One of the first times in 1968 I saw Paul, we were waiting outside his house when the gate opened and Mike McCartney ran out trying to catch Eddie, the little Yorkshire that Paul had who had made a beeline outside as soon as the door had opened.   The ole brain said, “Yo! That’s Mike!” and all was right with the world.  But I didn’t expect to see George there!  He bopped through the gates and into a waiting taxi, apparently having spent the night at Paul’s after a late session at EMI.  Freaked my little socks off, that did, seeing George at Paul’s house!  Seeing these Beatles is traumatic enough but even worse when it’s totally unexpected.  And who should follow him into the cab?   Francie Schwartz!  A fan approached the car, unable to speak any English, babbled at George in her native French.  Much to everybody’s amazement, George answered her back in French!  Whoa, was I impressed! (By the way, Mike did catch Eddie).

After all that excitement, we still had to wait for Paul, so you have to entertain yourself when passing long hours waiting for these Beatles.  I was very pleased with myself because I suddenly discovered I could talk – that’s very important when trying to make a good impression on Beatles, you know.  This feat is particularly overwhelming considering in 1966 at EMI I was frozen like a statue.  So when I found out my mouth was in working order this year, I figured this has to be progress.  This revelation was short-lived, however when Paul finally bopped out, the first thing out of my mouth was a very loud “Paul!!”  This made him jump about three feet straight up in the air!  He looked right at me, all wide-eyed “What?” he said.  Don’t ask me how my mouth managed to ask this, but it did, “Can I kiss you?”  God, not only was I learning how to talk, I was getting downright dangerous.  The crowd was waited with baited breath for his answer.  Meantime, I’m still not believing the question that came out of my mouth. “Nah,” he finally answered, “it’d be too embarrassing….”  I didn’t push the subject.  God help me if he would’ve said “Sure!”  He actually looked disappointed that I didn’t try to coax him, the little bugger!    Alas, I’m a chicken at heart.   When Paul realized I wasn’t going to jump him he stopped with the torture and got into the car, waiting to take him wherever. 

Another time, a British girl I’d met at Paul’s told me over a dinner that Paul loves to listen on his intercom to what the fans are saying about him.  After she said that, I almost reached across the table and choked her!  The reason?  Paul had done just that with a conversation which I was a party to:  One time while waiting at Paul’s, Sandy (or maybe it was Nancy) said she had to go to the “john” and I had a horrible thought (this conversation by the way was taking place right by Paul’s gate at the intercom)—it made me think of Lennon, so I asked her to say “bathroom.”  (can you picture Paul’s face during this exciting little exchange?).  After a short while the conversation got interesting and took a new turn towards Paul’s bedroom and devious guesses as to what it must look like and a chat along those lines (I won’t’ elaborate further since this is a family newsletter, but I’m sure you get the general idea).  Anyway while we were deep into this little discussion, a loud “click” emitted from the intercom.  Nancy looked at Sandy and me and we looked at her and then we all stared at the gate.  Sure enough, before too long, we heard the front door open and shut and we proceeded to back away from the gate.  Lo and behold, Rose proceeded to unlock the gate.  Nancy and Sandy were on one side of the driveway and I alone was on the other.  All of a sudden Paul’s car was there and the driver’s side was facing me.  Paul had the hugest smile on his face!  The blood proceeded to drain from my face and return like Niagara Falls and my eyes must’ve been a mile wide.  He heard that whole conversation!    So, leaving us with the knowledge that he’d heard everything, he smugly drove off, very pleased with himself no doubt.  I stood in the middle of Cavendish Avenue, pointed at the departing Paul, and groaned, “Oh my God—he heard us!  He heard us!”  So you can see why I wanted to chock my English friend when she casually made mention that Paul likes to listen to what the fans say about him by deliberately leaving his intercom on.

Then there was the time an English lady and her daughter were waiting with us at Paul’s and when he bopped out he struck up a conversation with her about how she likes living in the States and how long she’s been away from England.  Meantime, her daughter is frozen solid.  This woman also had a movie camera and wanted to film Paul.  Here’s the scene” there are about 20 fans, this woman, the movie camera, and Paul.  The man clicked into action, his face a picture of sweetness and little boy shyness.  The woman fell for it, hook, line and sinker, much to Paul’s absolute glee.  “come on Paul,” she said, very much coaxing him, “Smile!”

Paul looking down, pouting, “I can’t smile…”  “Come on Paul, smile,” she pleaded, encouraging him.  “I can’t…” still looking down, still doing his sky act, every once in a while glancing up at her and melting her with this ol’ big brown eyes.   This went on for some time.  Torture!   God, did he MILK this whole thing.  “Come on Paul…”   All of a sudden he looked up with the sweetest, most heart melting smile pasted on his conniving little face, and needless to say it had exactly the effect he wanted it to have.  All of us witnessed this exchange would’ve made the Mormon Tabernacle Choir proud as we sang in unison the 20-part harmony “Awwwwwwww…..”

It goes without saying that Paul ate this up with a large soup ladle.  Not only had he done a number of his poor sweet innocent lady, he’d zapped the rest of us suckers who should have known better in the process!!  Of course, this made Paul all the happier as he watched us all turn into a pile of Jell-O.   Peter Brown, who was waiting patiently nearby during Paul’s little routine, finally said, “C’mon Paul, we’re late”—something like that anyway and Paul, no doubt in a great mood now, got into the car and off he went to go bother someone else.

Late night sessions at the Abbey Road Studios were great fun –many times we froze our buns off and tried to entertain ourselves through the long hours as best as we could.  One session didn’t end until way after midnight, long after the trains had stopped running.  Paul was already home by the time the few of us arrived at 7 Cavendish.  While we waited hopefully outside his gate, one girl realized she’d left her camera at EMI.  Her friends went back with her to look for it, leaving me completely by myself.  It was around 3 or 4 in the morning and the street was quiet and deserted and spooky!  I pressed myself against the wall trying not to be obvious.  When the girls returned, one of them decided to be brave and ring the buzzer on the intercom.  Paul answered, and the girl who’d pushed the buzzer was so shocked hearing his voice that she was only able to utter strange noises, like “uhhhhh…..uhhhh….”  I imagine Paul found this most amusing.  I know I sure did because I cracked up, although I didn’t exactly volunteer to take over either.  Finally Paul said, “You girls should be in bed.”  You can imagine the looks on our faces at THAT!  The walk back down Cavendish when we left was definitely on shaky legs that time!

But then he’s a pro, that man, when it comes to torturing the fans!