Video: 'Beatles - Seattle Press Conference (1964)'

(Friday, August 21, 1964, 9:00 p.m. PDT; during The Beatles’ 1964 North American tour) — The Beatles held a press conference tonight backstage at the Seattle Coliseum, just before performing the fourth show of their 25-city, 32-show North American tour.

The band shared that they dined on omelets and had no luck fishing out of their suite window at the Edgewater Inn overlooking Elliott Bay.

The usual topics were discussed: their film, screaming fans, longevity, and Ringo Starr’s throat troubles.

When asked why he receives the most fan mail, Ringo deduced, “Perhaps ’cause more people write to me.”

Video: 'Beatles - Seattle Press Conference (1964)' (press conference at 3:31)

Regarding future plans, Paul McCartney gave his stock answer, “John and I’ll carry on songwriting.” John Lennon, with a snort, interjected, “I’m not doing it with you,” prompting Paul to quip about a potential headline: “Are the Beatles Breaking Up?”

The band mentioned they unknowingly flew over Boulder Dam on their way to Seattle. Paul marveled, “That’s what it was; he was flying ’round for hours!” and added that he learned about the dam in school.

Talk turned to John’s poetry, and he dismissed the idea of writing about his personal experiences on tour. However, he was persuaded to reluctantly read “Good Dog Nigel.”

The Beatles expressed disgust at the wild rumors printed in gossip magazines, such as “Ringo asks John to share wife” and “Paul definitely married.”

The conference was called to a halt with only eight minutes left before showtime.