Video: 'The Beatles - Live at Chicago & Press Conference (1964, 1965, 1966) [2K, 60 FPS]' (Sep. 5, 1964, at 13:31-23:09)
(Saturday, September 5, 1964, evening CDT; during The Beatles’ 1964 North American tour) — The Beatles faced a challenging press conference this evening at Stockyards Inn in Chicago during their 13th stop on their first full North American tour.
The atmosphere was charged, with noticeable tension, particularly from John Lennon.
When a reporter inquired about the Chicago skyline, Lennon dismissed it as similar to any other, stating, “Everybody likes their own hometown.”
His indifferent response did not satisfy the reporter, who insisted on the city’s uniqueness. Lennon, however, did not back down and was reluctant to fully blame the police for any recent issues, adding, “There’s always somebody that does something.”
Paul McCartney expressed frustration over a biased TV news report from Milwaukee the previous night, which seemed to imply that the band was uninterested in their fans.
Lennon, visibly irritated, sharply addressed another reporter who questioned the band’s preference for celebrity girlfriends, saying, “It’s the first time we’ve heard it. I mean, are you making it up or did somebody say that?”
The press conference further soured when asked about the band’s popularity. Lennon began to trot out his usual joke about forming another group and becoming managers but was unable to complete the thought, sounding exasperated.
The situation worsened as the band was asked where they would like to visit next, and all four Beatles replied in unison, “Home!” When a reporter probed further, asking if they didn’t like the U.S., Lennon retorted, “No, don’t be stupid.”
Derek Taylor, the band’s press officer, eventually stepped in to address the situation, and when asked for his name, McCartney responded, “Derek Taylor,” to which Lennon added sarcastically, “He’s our twenty press officers.”
The press conference ended on a strained note, reflecting the band’s growing weariness amid their demanding tour schedule.
