Video: 'Ozarks Life Vault: The Beatles visit the Ozarks'
(Saturday, September 19, 1964; during The Beatles’ 1964 North American tour) — After thrilling a crowd of 10,000 fans in Dallas, Texas, The Beatles retreated to a secluded ranch today in Missouri for a much-needed day of rest and relaxation before heading to New York for the final concert of their first full North American tour.
The ranch, owned by millionaire Reed Pigman, served as a private hideaway for the exhausted band members.
Pigman, who also provided the aircraft for the journey, flew The Beatles from Dallas to an intermediate stop at Walnut Ridge, Arkansas, where they transferred to a smaller, seven-seater plane for the final leg to the ranch in the Ozark Mountains.
Walnut Ridge, a quiet and remote airstrip, was chosen to avoid the attention of the band’s ardent fans. However, the arrival of The Beatles did not go entirely unnoticed.
Video: 'The Beatles' not so secret visit to an Ozarks ranch'
Three teenage boys, curious about the rare nighttime activity at the airstrip, raced to the airport, where they became the first in town to learn of the surprise visitors. News of The Beatles’ presence spread quickly throughout the small town.
George Harrison later recalled the tension during the flight, likening it to the tragic last journey of Buddy Holly. The pilot navigated the pitch-black sky with a map on his knee and makeshift runway lights, landing the plane safely despite the challenging conditions.
Once at the ranch, The Beatles enjoyed a brief but invigorating 36-hour retreat. They indulged in activities like swimming, hiking, horse riding, go-karting, shooting, and fishing under the warm autumn sun.
Video: 'The Beatles riding horse at Pigman Ranch, 1964'
The downtime was a welcome break for the band, who were feeling the strain of the relentless tour schedule.
Brian Epstein, The Beatles’ manager, celebrated his 30th birthday during the retreat. Paul McCartney took control of the aircraft’s intercom on the flight and led the band in singing “Happy Birthday” to Epstein, who was later presented with an antique telephone and a set of water glasses as gifts.
Despite not being particularly enthusiastic about sports, The Beatles took to horseback riding with gusto. McCartney was so enamored with the experience that he woke up early the next morning for another round, despite the bruises from the previous day’s ride.
The ranch retreat provided The Beatles with a rare moment of calm before their final performance in New York, recharging the band for the final show of their groundbreaking American tour.
