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(Wednesday, September 2, 1964, 6:30-9:15 p.m. EDT; during The Beatles’ 1964 North American tour) — WFUN-AM’s Larry Kane captured a series of revealing interviews with the Beatles tonight backstage at Convention Hall, Philadelphia, between their press conference and evening concert on the 10th stop of the band’s first full North American tour.
In individual chats, Paul McCartney, John Lennon, and Ringo Starr shared personal reflections and band dynamics.
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Paul discussed the group’s country music influences, particularly Carl Perkins, and mentioned that both he and John try to read as much fan mail as possible.
John noted that the day’s press conference was better than the one in Atlantic City due to more reporters and fewer fans, quipping, “Kids are to play songs to and wave at.”
Reflecting on their film, John admitted the Beatles felt uneasy, especially in the opening scenes, despite appearing natural. He revealed that their witty press conference responses weren’t scripted but reused if someone came up with a good line.
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Ringo’s interview covered various topics including his love for country music, aspirations to be a DJ, fan reactions, sports, and his preference for playing cards over Monopoly. He explained why he used to be quiet during press conferences and shared his thoughts on fan clubs.
With no hotel stay, the group had ample backstage time, allowing Kane to record an extended conversation with John and Ringo, released in two segments.
Ringo explained the meaning of “cheeky,” a term from their film, and admitted they learned most lines en route to the studio to keep performances fresh. He also debunked dating rumors about actress Hayley Mills, humorously noting that any photo with someone could spark rumors.
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Kane asked about family members being exploited. John identified insincere fan letters to his wife, Cyn, with exaggerated requests.
Ringo lamented their no-win dating situation, where dating sparks marriage rumors, and not dating fuels homosexual rumors. John was shocked by the latter, while Ringo resignedly accepted it.
Further topics included Sgt. Buddy Dresner, mixed-religion marriages, and humorous anecdotes. John shared a peculiar story about a man and a bad egg on a train.
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The conversation touched on adolescent girls growing up too fast and the looming threat of nuclear war, with Ringo expressing pessimism and John believing only a madman like Hitler would launch an attack.
Despite their disagreements, the Beatles assured they had no intentions of splitting, with Ringo stating he couldn’t stand going solo.
They concluded by discussing Hollywood phonies and clarifying their side of the Whiskey a Go Go drink-throwing incident (on Aug. 24, 1964, George Harrison threw a drink at a photographer at the Whisky a Go-Go because the photographer was trying to take his picture).
