The Beatles return to London after three-week residency in Paris 60 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Feb 5 1964)


Video: 'The Beatles Arrive Back In London From Paris - Associated Press - 5 February 1964'

(Wednesday, February 5, 1964, 1:00 p.m. GMT) — The Beatles and their entourage returned to London Airport today from Le Bourget, Paris, following their three-week residency at the Olympia Theatre, Paris.

Upon their arrival The Beatles were greeted by a couple hundred screaming fans, after which they gave their customary press conference.


Video: 'The Beatles Arrive Back In London From Paris - Reuters - 5 February 1964'

George Harrison says the main difference in French audiences was the lack of female screams; Paul McCartney adds that they seemed to enjoy more boisterous rockers, which is why they added “a wilder number” than usual as an encore (“Long Tall Sally,” not “Gone With the Wind,” as John Lennon gibes).

Paul demonstrates the only French phrase he knows: “Je me lève à sept heures.” (“I get up at seven o’clock.”)

Ringo Starr says he’ll be reciting some of Beethoven’s poems at the City of London Festival. This is an inside joke poking fun at an unknown pop singer who had claimed in an interview to be reading a book of Beethoven’s poetry.


Video: 'The Beatles Arrive Back In London From Paris + Interview - ITN News - 5 February 1964'

Ringo goes on to quote from Capitol’s first bit of Beatle promotion: “You can even be a Beatle Booster, folks! Fifty cents!” (50-cent buttons with that slogan were sold in the United States beginning in early January).

The reporter informs them of Detroit University’s “Stamp Out the Beatles” movement, started by some students who find the group’s haircuts “un-American.” John is unfazed: “Well, it was very observant of them, ’cause we aren’t American, actually.”