Video: 'Raw news footage of The Beatles in Memphis, TN 19 Aug 1966'

(Thursday, August 19, 1966, scheduled for 7:00 p.m. CDT) — Backstage between their two Memphis shows tonight, The Beatles held a press conference and sat for a series of interviews as the controversy over John Lennon’s comments about Jesus continued to follow the band through their third what turned out to be their final North American tour.

Video: 'The Beatles at the press conference in Memphis at the Mid South Coliseum, 1966'

John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr answered questions from reporters at the Mid-South Coliseum between the afternoon and evening performances. The session came as the Beatles faced heightened scrutiny in Memphis, where protesters — including members of the Ku Klux Klan — had demonstrated outside the venue over Lennon’s remarks.

The Memphis press conference was among the most closely watched of the tour, with reporters questioning the Beatles about the controversy and the effect it was having on their American concerts. Contemporary accounts described the session as surprisingly relaxed, despite the tense atmosphere surrounding the band’s visit.

When asked about the reaction to the Lennon controversy, The Beatles acknowledged that the tour had become more serious and hectic than their previous American visits. McCartney said the controversy had not affected the band’s bookings but had changed the tone of the press conferences.

The Beatles also fielded questions about the so-called Bible Belt, record bans and their views on political issues including the Vietnam War. Lennon defended the group’s willingness to speak about events beyond music, while the band maintained that people were free to dislike their records or choose not to play them.

After the press conference, The Beatles also took part in several filmed and recorded interviews backstage as they prepared to return to the stage for their second Memphis performance, scheduled to begin at 8:30 p.m. CDT with four opening acts.