Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
A sad footnote: On the 22nd April 1966 that same plane crashed in Oklahoma, killing all 83 on board including 3 of the Beatles original flight crew :(
More Portland Info:
Lifes a Beach-boy: Guess who they met for the first time, The Beach Boys. Just Carl Wilson and Mike Love that were in Portland that night. From an article in 1965: Carl and Mike visited the Beatles backstage between the Liverpudlians' two performances today at the Memorial Coliseum in Portland, Oregon. During the meeting, Paul asks where Brian is. Carl replies, "Oh, he's given up touring. He just stays home, producing and recording our records." To which Paul replies, "That's a good idea." The Beatles will cease touring the next year.
Ticket To Scream: Tickets with Tax were $4.00-$5.00 and $6.00..with TWO Performances 4:00 and 8:30 PM.
That's all What I Want: A rider prepared by General Artists Corp. for Portland concert, where the Fab Four were contracted to play two performances for $50,000 per show against 65 percent of the gross box office receipts, shows an interesting list of items the promoter was expected to provide, including a "hi-fidelity sound system," as well as a "Monitor Speaker to be placed on stage." Other requirements called for "not less than two (2) super trouper follow spotlights," and "a platform for Ringo Starr and his drums." Also on the list were the band's transportation needs, including "One (1) one-ton enclosed truck," "One (1) 30-passenger bus with driver," and "Two (2) seven-passenger Cadillac limousines (air-conditioned if possible), with chauffeurs." Plus, a star act also includes certain "luxuries" on their concert rider, and the Beatles were no exception. For this particular show the promoter was tasked with providing a "portable dressing room, preferably a house trailer," which included "four cots, mirrors, an ice cooler, portable TV set and clean towels."
****
Blackbird* : However, one requirement listed on the contract is a stark and ugly reminder of a much darker time in U.S. history.
Item No. 5 on the document clearly states, "Artists will not be required to perform before a segregated audience."
A/N: I'm sure most of you have seen, by now, the Ron Howard Doco 'Eight Days A Week' delving into the segagation issues surrounding many states in America at that time.
Weren't there some images in that film........ the toilet signs, the water fountains.
The Beatles believed people were just people, all the same, all human. This would have come to them as they grew up Liverpool was a melting pot of immigrants. Allan Williams, a very early manager of the Beatles, his wife was Trinidadian. Lord Woodbine (Beryls brother harold!) too, who sang Calypso sounds on the same 1st stage in hamburg in 1960. All those rocking records the boys bought/ stole or borrowed Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Fats Domino would have them in unity with all races.
A very daring brave and corageous thing was for the Beatles to put that in a contract, in black and white- how fitting.
*Blackbird, as in the song. It has been mentioned in articles that Paul wrote this beautiful tune in sympathy for the segregated woman in America.....
The Contract:
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
