Ask the Memphian: Did The Beatles’ show in Memphis lead them to stop touring?
This 1966 file photo shows The Beatles, from left, John Lennon, Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney and George Harrison as they leave London Airport on their trip to the U.S. and Canada. (AP Photo/File)
In August 1966, Beatlemania was in full swing. The Fab Four were in the midst of a popular decade, selling millions of records and drawing thousands of people to concert venues across the United States.
They were more popular than any other rock group in the world.
But a statement about John, Paul, George and Ringo being more popular than Jesus Christ drew the ire of people as the group arrived in Memphis to play two shows, a matinee and an evening performance, at the Mid-South Coliseum on Aug. 19, 1966.
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Clay Bailey
Clay Bailey, a lifelong Memphian, has worked as a reporter in the city four decades. He concentrated on suburban coverage for the bulk of his career, except for a stint as sports editor of The Daily Memphian when it launched in September 2018. He now is suburban editor and also serves as a freelance sports writer for The Associated Press.
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