Video: 'The Beatles - Vancouver 1964 - Interviews / Press conference part 1' (press conference begins at 12:16)

(Saturday, August 22, 1964, 7:00-8:00 p.m. PDT; during The Beatles’ 1964 North American tour) — The Beatles held a press conference this evening in Press Room 19 at Empire Stadium in Vancouver, British Columbia, ahead of their Canadian debut on the fourth stop of their 25-city, 32-show North American tour.

The Vancouver press seemed particularly interested in financial concerns, asking about the Beatles’ revenue, their tax situation, their accountant, and their contract with EMI.

Asked to name their favorite artists, they come up with Little Richard, Mary Wells, Marvin Gaye, the Miracles, and Chuck Jackson (“Derek Taylor,” quips George).

John Lennon also says Buddy Holly was a big influence and that the Crickets’ name probably inspired the Beatles’ name.

Paul McCartney complains about Capitol’s glut of Beatle releases in the North American market: “I think we’ve only ever made seven singles, and it seems to me like thousands.”

They also indulge in some cruel jokes at former drummer Pete Best’s expense. Asked “Who was the boy that was ahead of Ringo,” Ringo replies, “The one that died?” John matter-of-factly says, “We threw him out,” while Paul shifts the blame to George Martin.

One reporter wonders if they think they’ll ever get a knighthood, and the future Sir Paul replies, “No.” “Not if we can help it,” adds John.

The proceeding ends with the presentation of an oil-on-velvet portrait by a local artist.