Video: 'The Beatles: Press Conference at the Madison Hotel in Boston, MA (1964)'

(Saturday, September 12, 1964, afternoon EDT; during The Beatles’ 1964 North American tour) — The Beatles held a lively press conference this afternoon in the Madison Room at Hotel Madison, shortly after arriving in Boston, the 18th stop on their first full North American tour.

The event was filled with the usual mix of light-hearted questions and playful banter.

The press conference touched on a range of familiar topics, including the condition of Ringo Starr’s tonsils, the band’s extensive police protection, their upcoming movie projects, and even their interest in sports.

When informed that someone in the building believed they were Paul McCartney, Paul quipped, “As long as he isn’t, I don’t mind.” The room erupted in laughter again when another person was reported to resemble Ringo, to which Starr responded with a grin, “God help him!”

One question with a local twist involved Arthur Fiedler, the renowned conductor of the Boston Pops, who was said to find Beatles music relaxing. The band, in turn, expressed their appreciation for his work, acknowledging their mutual respect.