Interview for WCFL • Thursday, August 18, 1966

Interview

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Throughout their 1966 US tour, some journalists had the opportunity to travel with The Beatles and hold in-depth “taping sessions” in their hotels or dressing rooms. These sessions allowed the journalists to interview each Beatle more deeply than was possible at press conferences.

Among the journalists who had this privilege were Judith Sims and Bess Coleman of TeenSet US magazine, Jim Stagg of WCFL Chicago radio station, Kenny Everett of Radio London, and Jerry Leighton of Radio Caroline.

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After a night’s rest in Toronto, The Beatles flew to Boston on August 18, 1966, to give one concert at the Suffolk Downs Racetrack, a horse racing course. The stage was set in the middle of the raceway, a mere 100 yards from the 25,000 screaming fans in attendance, and the Fab Four were driven to the platform in a limo.

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From “That Magic Feeling: The Beatles’ Recorded Legacy, Volume Two, 1966-1970” by John C. Winn:

On the morning of August 18, the Beatles flew from Toronto to Boston, where Jim Stagg chatted with George as he deplaned. It seems no press conference was held in Boston, but another taping session gave Stagg a further chance to talk with Paul and George.

Displaying extreme modesty, Paul insists there are “a thousand songwriters” as good as the Lennon and McCartney team, putting down most of their success to serendipity. On the other hand, George feels that people who don’t get lucky breaks are mostly people with no talent anyway. He also talks about meeting his uncle and aunt the previous night in Toronto, and staying up until 6 a.m. to talk with them. What George doesn’t mention is that after his relatives left, he spent another hour smoking pot and listening to music with members of the Remains.

From “That Magic Feeling: The Beatles’ Recorded Legacy, Volume Two, 1966-1970” by John C. Winn

Last updated on October 21, 2023