Friday, November 4, 2011

Beatle Fact Friday


Famous Beatles historian, Mark Lewisohn, has unearthed legal documents that include a clause that states that the Beatles would not play for segregated audiences. According to his findings, there were multiple tours in 1965 and 1966 in which the Far Four refused to play their music to a racially unequal audience.

The Beatles came to America right as the Civil Rights Movement was gaining momentum. Ahead of a gig they were set to play at the Cow palace in Daly City, California, the band inserted into their rider that they would not play a concert if the audience was segregated. Mark Lewisohn says, "I have contracts for the 1965 and 1966 tours and that rider was always there."

Other stipulations listed in the Beatles rider include at least 150 uniformed officers for protection, a special drumming platform for Ringo, electricity and water, and dressing rooms with "four cots, mirrors, an ice cooler, portable TV set and clean towels."

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