Video: 'The Beatles: Live In Chicago (August 12th, 1966) (Early Show)'

(Friday, August 12, 1966, 3:00 p.m. CDT) — The Beatles launched the band’s final tour this afternoon with the first of two performances at Chicago’s International Amphitheatre (the second performance was scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. CDT).

This was the first show of The Beatles’ third North American tour in as many years—a 14-city, 19-show trek that unfolded amid intense controversy.

John Lennon’s recent remark that The Beatles were “more popular than Jesus” had sparked outrage across parts of the United States, leading to record burnings, protests, and death threats. The group’s outspoken criticism of the Vietnam War added further fuel to the backlash.

Behind the scenes, the band had already grown disillusioned with touring. Constant screaming from audiences made it nearly impossible to hear themselves perform, while the pressures of Beatlemania left them increasingly frustrated with life on the road.

Having privately already decided to retire from live performances, the 1966 US tour would be the last series of commercial concerts undertaken by the Beatles. Following the tour’s conclusion later that month, they retired from touring altogether and devoted themselves exclusively to studio recording.

Support acts on The Beatles’ final tour included The Remains, Bobby Hebb, The Cyrkle, and The Ronettes.