This Moment in Music History for 06-14-2024

Music History Daily

14-06-2024 • 2 mins

On June 14, 1965, The Beatles kicked off their second European tour at the Palais des Sports in Paris, France. This tour was significant for several reasons:

1. The setlist: The Beatles performed a mix of old favorites and new songs from their recently released album "Help!" including the title track, "Ticket to Ride," and "The Night Before."

2. The audience: The concert was attended by a star-studded audience, including French singer Johnny Hallyday and actress Brigitte Bardot. The crowd was so excited that they drowned out the band's performance at times with their screaming.

3. The sound system: The Beatles used a new sound system called the "Vox AC100" during this tour. It was a powerful amplifier that allowed the band to be heard over the screaming fans.

4. The press conference: Before the concert, The Beatles held a press conference where they answered questions from French journalists. John Lennon made headlines when he jokingly referred to the band as "more popular than Jesus," a comment that would later spark controversy in the United States.

5. The cultural impact: The Beatles' appearance in Paris was a significant moment in the spread of "Beatlemania" across Europe. The band's music and style had a profound impact on French youth culture and helped to define the sound and look of the 1960s.

The Beatles' 1965 European tour was a thrilling moment in music history that showcased the band's incredible popularity and influence. The tour also marked a turning point in the band's career as they began to experiment with new sounds and styles that would shape their future albums, such as "Rubber Soul" and "Revolver."