I think 1965 was the pivotal year of the Sixties. So many changes between then and Woodstock. Things kicked into high gear after “HELP!” appeared in movie theaters at the end of July, then the Beatles made their final in-person appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show (Ed’s last black&white broadcast), before their landmark concert at Shea Stadium. “Rubber Soul” was released in December, and for once the shorter American version of a Beatles album was the better one.
What got me thinking about this was Paul McCartney performing “I’m Down” at his first show in Boston this week at Fenway Park.
This reminded me of the Shea Stadium show, which took place while the fantastic 1964 World’s Fair was still open nearby. I got to see the World’s Fair with my family, but only my big sister saw the Beatles at Shea.
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Note Ringo’s comment about John cracking up and playing the organ with his elbow. The Beatles’ appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show was recorded August 14 for broadcast on September 12. John did the same thing on the show, so it wasn’t spontaneous at Shea Stadium. In this video, the well-known voice in the Pillsbury’s commercial is Peter Thomas.
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To give you a better feeling for those times I’m going to run the entire final third of the Sullivan program, including a song by Cilla Black and the closing credits, both of which I’ve used before. You’ll also get to see Soupy Sales “Do the Mouse,” and look fast for Bonnie Franklin in an Anacin commercial.
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Sullivan owed the Beatles so much, and yet he complimented them for how they handled themselves?? He could have said, “I admire your accomplishments and your professionalism.” Instead, eighteen months after the Beatles first appeared on his show, Sullivan still affected an air of paternalism. But there was no stopping what was happening in society and culture, and by the end of the decade Sullivan was wearing loud suits and sporting sideburns.
Oh, yes, in my bound copy of “Beatles Anthology,” there’s a big deal about the terror the boys experienced in the Phillipines prior to the first Shea concert, and how Mal Evans got called off the plane home; they were all hysterical with fear! All due to the fact that they politely turned down a visit with Imelda Marcos. That horrible time nearly made them cancel ALL their upcoming concerts, including these!
Just one comment/question Dougie: what’s the size of Shea compared to Fenway? You lucky dudes had a huge-screen TV, so the guys in the back could see Paulie as well. Can you remember how far back Leslie sat at both Shea concerts? I think pretty far back. AND, finally, how much did M&D shell out for the tickets?
Molly STILL says the rolls look piping hot and good more in B&W! Go figure! and yes, there’s no mistaking Bonnie Franklin now.
I’d bet anything daughter Stella designed Dad’s groovy purple suit! 😉
Yeah, Sullivan could be condescending, alright. I don’t remember Leslie’s binoculars. What did she do with them?
Oh! Your sister was there!. I saw that people were wearing binoculars but I didn’t knew that it were purchased at the show. That is wonderful!. I’d be nice if you do an interview to her someday 🙂
Somewhere in that crowd was my big sister, who was 13 at the time. I remember when she got home after the show, she had a pair of plastic binoculars, purchased at the show for $1. I should ask her what she remembers.
Yeah, I love that too when they crack up laughing while singing “how can you laugh?” The badges came from the armored car driver who delivered them to the stadium.
OhmiGod! when I see the Shea Stadium video I have gooseboumps 🙂 I love Beatles!!
My favorite moment of all the Beatles performances is when John and George are laughing in “I’m Down”!!!!!!!!!