The Beatles In Cleveland

From the Beatles press conference in Toronto - three days after the August 14, 1966 concert in Cleveland: 

Q: "You must get frightened sometimes with all these youngsters screaming so loud. If you do, what is the time or what city does this most happen in?" 

RINGO: "The screaming never frightens you, it's just when they start a break and try to get onstage."  

Q: "At what point or what tour have you been the most worried about maybe being attacked?"  

JOHN: "Manila."  

RINGO: "Cleveland, I think."  

Q: "Cleveland on the current tour?"  

RINGO: "Yeah."  

JOHN: "Oh, this tour."  

RINGO: (to the others) "Was it Cleveland?"  

BEATLES: (exaggerated) "Sure. Yeah." (laughter) 

RINGO: "They broke through there."

Since launching www.beatlesincleveland.com, we've received quite a few emails sharing memories of the concerts performed by The Beatles in Cleveland. The first was September 15, 1964 at downtown's Public Hall and caused the Beatles to be banned from Cleveland the next year. The ban was lifted in 1966 for a show at Municipal Stadium on August 14th - with the same fan reaction on a LARGER scale. Both concerts and many of these fan memories are included in The Beatles In Cleveland.

If you were at either of these concerts, we'd love to hear from you. This is the place to share those memories...

Please keep in mind that the book and website are not only for enjoyment, but also to record the historical impact The Beatles made in Cleveland and to fans around the world. Contributor's email addresses and last names will NEVER be shared with anyone - but we reserve the right to use your comments in future editions. As any Beatle historian should tell you, personal memories are a major part of the complete story. If you'd care to share - you'll be a welcomed contributor.

Since all the emails sent to us couldn't be included in the new book, The Beatles In Cleveland, they were still fun to read. I've included a few below and hope you enjoy them. Also - because some of the following emails do not pertain specifically to either Cleveland concert - they are included here rather than in the book because... well, as I just mentioned, they're fun! Thanks for the memories...

Beatles 1966 "Luxury Trailer" FOUND!!!

As readers of The Beatles In Cleveland already know, the 1966 Stadium concert was different than others in North America for various reasons. One in particular concerned their dressing room - which was a mobile home, (house trailer), parked behind the stage. After waving to the crowd, the Beatles waited in the trailer while the opening acts performed - then escaped back to the safety of the trailer when fans swarmed the stage during their performance. Joe Stipe, who was responsible for the trailer and stayed inside with the group, shares his memories of this experience in the book, (including the Beatles' offer to buy it). After a few years as an attraction at local fairs, the trailer disappeared into Fab Four legend.

Joe's granddaughter, Bobbie Laughman, recently visited northeast Ohio and located the trailer, (owned by the same company mentioned in the book). Here's her story followed by two photos...

"It was sitting right where I thought I'd seen it on Google Maps, by the maintenance building on the east side near the back. I recognized it right away. I couldn't have described it to you before, but it was stored in my "memory banks" and when I saw it, I knew I'd found it. We went to visit my aunt afterward, and described it to her. She confirmed we'd found the right one and reminded me that it had sat for a long time up front near the office, along with the "model trailers" they used to have for people to see when they went trailer shopping. They don't have those anymore. We couldn't get inside and when we made it there, the office was closed even tho there was a sign that said OPEN, COME ON IN! and the posted hours said "9 to " I guess they close whenever they want."

As a note to readers of the book, the photo on the right shows the door the Beatles used and where Brian Epstein is seen pushing away a fan during the riot. Thanks Bobbie for sharing with us!! - Dave

September 15, 1964

Hi Dave!! I just came back from a trip to Cleveland, my HOMETOWN, and bought your book. I read it all the way home on the plane, and it was a trip back in time! Very well-written!!! I went to the concert in 1964, and have some funny memories.

I "won" 4 tickets by calling in to a radio station, but then had to wait in a long line around Public Auditorium to pay for them and get them. I was 13 years old, and went with my Mom and girlfriend, and sold the other 2 tickets. Our seats were in the last row of the balcony. I don't have my ticket stub, but I do have the booklet that I bought at the concert. 

I remember when all the people rushed the stage, and several people jumped off the balcony on to the floor. I got all excited to move down into their vacated seats, so I ran down the stairs. My Mom went nuts, thinking that I was going to jump and rush the stage, too, but I just wanted to get closer in the balcony! It was a total mess - most of the Balcony was empty, and chairs were all over the place on the floor. 

My funniest memory is that all of a sudden, I started yelling and screaming more than ever. My Mom said, "What's wrong?" I was hysterical and replied: "I just realized that I'M BREATHING PAUL'S AIR!!!!!!!!!" In my 13 year-old-Beatle-maniac mentality, I "reasoned" that every time Paul exhaled, I was breathing in his breaths. (Of course, there were hundreds of other fans there, too!!) Ha Ha!! 

When the Beatles came in 1966, a friend invited me to go with him, but my Mom wouldn't let me go because of the hype that the Catholic Church was saying that it would be a sin to go (because of John's "Jesus remark"). Plus, my Mom didn't approve of the boy who asked me to go. I have always regretted that I didn't attend, but I was a "good girl" and couldn't go against my Mom!! 

When "A Hard Days Night" movie came out, my girlfriend and I spent the day at the Van Aken Theater screaming like mad at the movie screen. Between shows, we hid in the Ladies Room, and then went in to watch the next showings! I think it cost 25 cents, but we saw it several times for our quarter!! I also had a crush on Jack Armstrong, and was a member of his Fan Club. I still have a few pictures of him that he sent. One is an autographed copy, and the others are regular snapshots of him in his office/studio. 

One more thing, the reason I was such a Beatles fan is because I had 2 pen-pals in England who sent me their 45 records on the Parlophone Label long before they were popular here and were on "The Ed Sullivan Show." They also gave me subscriptions to "The Beatles Magazine" from England, but I only have a few of those left. 

Any more books in the works? I enjoyed your writing style. I enjoy any "Growing up in Cleveland" memorabilia. I am now 57 years old, a retired teacher, and live in Upstate NY. Well, Dave, let me know if you want any more info. I wish I had known that you were writing this before you finished it. Thanks for the enjoyable trip back in time, Take care - Charlene

My father dropped me and my girlfriends at the Public Auditorium at around 4am to stand in line for tickets to the first concert. I remember the line going all around the building. There must have been thousands of fans. When the box office opened we were surprisingly calm in line-until the first girls started to come out screaming and crying their row and seat numbers. Then we started crying and screaming too. What if they sold out? 

On the day of the concert, my cousin and I had a plan to eat at the Kon Tiki Room in the Sheraton Hotel and then sneak up the to The Beatles rooms. We made reservations and felt very important going past the hundreds of fans waiting outside. The Kon Tiki was very expensive so the only thing we could order was one dessert. When we left The Kon Tiki, we sneaked into the hotel and ran around the looking for The Beatles. Other girls were doing the same thing. Finally, security caught us and threw us out. 

We went back to Public Square, which was filled with fans. Traffic was stopped because we were all in the street. We sang "We Love You Beatles" and screamed for our favorites. The Beatles finally came to their hotel window and the entire crowd became hysterical. I remember actually losing my breath when I first saw Paul. 

I sat in the first row of the balcony during the concert. When The Beatles came out, all the girls below stood on their seats and they began falling like dominos. Then they stormed the stage. I don't remember hearing them at all. There was just massive screaming and hysteria. I screamed so hard that I almost fainted. My friends and I still talk about that concert. Why did we scream? Why did we shout their names? Did we think they would actually see us? We did! We really believed that Paul, or George, or John, or Ringo would see just us and fall madly in love. Then, we'd go back to England with them and live happily ever after. It was such an innocent love affair with a band. 

I was in the 9th. grade and the 1964 concert was my first. My next concert was The Rolling Stones. Even though the mayor had banned concerts, the show went on. I think there were fewer than 2000 of us and that was a very different experience. - Andrea H.

I just ordered your book online. I used to live in Cleveland, living now in Indianapolis for 30 yrs but I can still remember my experience of going to see the Beatles in concert on September 15, 1964 at the convention center. I was 15. I remember there was a ticket lottery. I had a friend named Nancy who 'won' lots of tickets to go see the Beatles so I bought a pair from her. I was SO excited!

I had heard of the group the Beatles actually about a year before that in 1963 from an Irish pen pal; she said there was 'this musical group' that was making the girls go crazy in Ireland and she sent me their picture from the newspaper... So at that time I did some research and wanted to hear all about them, the Beatles! Of course, by February '64 we all got to know them. 

So I got my concert tickets and the only way I could go, since I was only 15, was to go with my cousin's friend, Linda who was 4 years older than me. Linda was also a crazed Beatles fan. My parents drove us downtown and dropped us off at the old Sheraton Hotel on Public Square, because 'we heard' that's where the Beatles were staying. Oh my, there were people everywhere on the Square when we got out of the car and lots of commotion. We had to see what was going on. Sure enough the Beatles were looking out of their hotel room windows! They were waving and throwing paper airplanes out of the windows! OH my Gawd! 

Linda and I were both hysterical because we were seeing the Beatles 'live'! doing their silly antics! We must've been there for about an hour or so watching all of this and taking pictures with her Kodak Brownie camera! We could hardly wait to get those photos developed; in those days it took so long too to get them back! Couldn't believe when we finally got them back how far away the Beatles seemed to be and on one great shot, so we thought, one girl in front of us was waving her stupid "We love you Beatles flag" - so we only got half of them in the photo....oh well, funny how I remember that time so clearly. 

So we walked over to the Convention Center and sat in our row 51 seats smack dab in the middle of the row! I brought a jar so I could capture the breaths of the Beatles - I can't believe I was that stupid to do that...haha... But I remember seeing Dusty Springfield and hearing her sing and perhaps another opening group. I certainly remember when the Beatles came on stage - we stood on our chairs and cried and screamed! The police stopped the concert and we were even more upset! Oh no, they couldn't do this to us, after we waited so long, we thought and said among ourselves. I remember we got reprimanded for being so 'rowdy' or whatever and then they brought out the Beatles again! We still went crazy of course but in a tamer way. 

I remember them singing "Twist & Shout" and perhaps it was "Things We Said Today", and of course "I Want To Hold Your Hand". I know that it wasn't very many songs. And I hope your book will list the songs that I heard, (note from Dave: Yes - it does!). But I believe the concert with them may have only been 20 minutes in length. I was so happy to be there! I never wanted it to end. But it ended and my folks picked us up for home. I was still crying, because I was so excited and happy I guess, and my folks wondered why I was in this condition. I just got done seeing the Beatles and it was the best day of my life thus far!

I am still a Beatles fan - there will never be a group like them ever again. Though I didn't go to the stadium event because I was starting to grow up I guess. But I listen to them today and always will. I never saw them again but did have a chance to see Paul & Linda in a Valentine's Day concert in 1990 or 1991 in Indianapolis with my husband; who is also a big Beatles fan! Thanks for letting me reminisce....wish I knew about your book earlier so I could've shared my memories in it too....yea yea yea yea! Regards - Jenien B.

My sister and I won tickets from the radio station. I still have my button from the 1964 concert! It was quite the memory at Public Hall. I do remember being arm and arm with each girl next to me as we stood on the back of the chairs in front of us to be able to see. The police came out; stopped the show, took the Beatles off stage and told us to sit down or they would stop the concert. We all complied. I was in a quite the dream world that evening, I was 13. I can still see the "mind video" of the event; the small stage, the way they shook their hair on cue to their music, their gray mod suits. I can hear Paul and John's voices amidst the screams that lasted all night long. There was no fancy, large speaker systems back then. I can smell the antiquity of the auditorium. Cleveland Rocks! - Susan "C"

I just got the book and can't put it down. Ah the memories. I remember going down the day the tickets went on sale. Girls had camped out all night. Being only 14 with a protective mother, there was no way I was able to do that. So my friend and I trudged to the end of the long line. It was early, but someone yelled "they're opening the doors" it was like a tidal wave, we all ran for the doors. Of course, they weren't open. A policeman with a bull horn said those lined up along the wall would get in first. My friend had gone for coffee, so I stood in line, in the baking sun, (I think it was July), for 2 hours with some girl's suitcase in my back, stepping all over blankets, curlers and all the other stuff the girls that had camped out left in their rush to the door. Sure enough the line started to slowly move toward the door. 

I had seats in the 14th row on the main floor (Paul's side of the stage). The day of the concert was something else entirely. My friend who didn't get tickets stood outside the Beatles' hotel screaming with all the other girls every time they waived out the window. When their limo left the hotel, she said she ran after it and fell in the street. (BTW, I'm sending her the book, she lives in Florida now).

 At Public Hall, it was like another world. I grew up in the City in a rather humble area of town, now known as Slavic Village. There were girls and boys there from the suburbs really decked out in the "Mod" style, long straight hair, great clothes and jellybeans. One of the Beatles had mentioned he liked them and every-other girl had a bag to toss beans at them. I remember Jackie DeShannon, not the other opening acts. I'm sure I was just taking it all in. 

Then the Beatles were there! I remember standing on my chair to see and others rushing from the back of the room and one gal jumped on my chair with me and begged me to let her stay. It was at that point I looked over an saw an entire row of chairs collapse. The chairs were grouped together, like in sixes, and the entire group hit the floor. It was then that the show was stopped and my new "friend" on my seat had to return to her seat. Yes, it was loud, my ears rang all the way home. But on the main floor you could hear some of the singing from the speakers mounted above. The next week another friend who was a dancer on the Big 5 show brought in black and white photos she had taken from the wings and sold them for $.50 a piece. I think I still have that grainy picture of Paul somewhere around here. If it hadn't been for my mom I wouldn't have been there, she was the one that saw the lottery form in the paper and asked if I wanted to go. Thanks Mom, you've been gone a long time, but you gave me that once in a lifetime memory. - Janet K.

I am from Mansfield, Ohio and was at the Sept. 15th, 1964 Beatles concert at Public Hall. I was 15 and won a ticket from the WKYC radio station with Jerry G. and the crazy deejays. My mom took me to Cleveland for the concert. I then met up with the other contest winners and we had a buffet dinner served at a hotel restaurant and the deejays were there. Jackie DeShannon came to the diner and was so nice. She was really awesome doing her part of the concert too. I was in the 6th row of the balcony on the right side... practically overhanging the stage! I still have my ticket. It is priced at $6.50!! When the crowd went totally berserk, I remember it was at the beginning of Paul singing "All My Lovin'." It was insane! I was so overwhelmed by the whole evening. I couldn't and still can't believe I saw The Beatles, won the ticket and that was my very first concert! I will be purchasing your book, for sure! Thanks for triggering a lot of memories!! - Peace, Toni S.

"My mother was at that first concert at Public Hall in 1964. She had seats just off the stage, I believe in the balcony. Her biggest memory is that of John Lennon mimicking (aping) a police officer behind his back after the concert had been stopped. Also, she tells of how before the concert started, the curtains opened and all you could see was Ringo's drums in all of their polished glory. I look forward to checking out your book and will buy it for my mother." - Brendan K.

An incredible experience! One that could never be repeated. The pandemonium, screaming... unbelievable. Things were fine until they rolled out Ringo's drums and then everyone went berserk. That's when all hell broke loose. When they finally came out, I think they made it through a couple songs when the police chief came on stage and said, "This concert is over," to which everyone responded with boo's! Once the deejay got everyone calmed down, someone in the audience started chanting, "Don't stand up! Don't stand up!" It worked for the most part and the Fab Four came out and the concert continued with no further incidents. I couldn't hear for two days afterwards. One other disappointment was when they landed at Cleveland Hopkins Airport. Instead of landing at a gate they deplaned them way out at the end of the runway. We never got to see them and the Beatles were also wondering where all the fans were. Don't know who's idea that was, but it sucked. At any rate, I was forbidden to see them when they came in 1966, but I had a friend who lived in Chicago. She got tickets and I went to visit her and see them there. I was way in the back, but it was still "THERE!" I am so glad I was able to be a part of the whole scene! - Lyn

I have always been a big Beatles fan. I was only ten when they came to Cleveland's Public Hall, but I remember it like it was yesterday. A friend of my dad's got the tickets for my mom, sister Jeri and myself. We were up in the balcony front row. Sitting there, I heard them announce The Beatles were about to come on stage. Screaming and crying was all around me. My mom turned to me and asked, "Why are all these girls screaming and why in the world are they crying?" Well, there I was crying and mom just smiled and hugged me. I do remember getting out of our seats and going really close to the stage. I was maybe twenty feet away if that. There they were... MY BEATLES!! I just wish that we had the cameras that are available today. Who would have thought these guys from England would make such an impact on my life. I have all the vinyl records and albums of the Beatles and of course, the same on CD's. I even have the ticket stubs from the concert in 1964 and all my old Beatle cards and buttons from the 60's. No one will ever be close to The Beatles. - Jackie R.

August 14, 1966 - Cleveland Stadium

Hello. We (my husband and I) recently returned from a trip to England that included visiting Liverpool. Before leaving, I Googled “Beatles in Cleveland” and found your book. I was 13 years old at the August 14, 1966 concert and was thrilled to find your book. I was able to finish it on the flight over and it got me pumped up for my visit to Liverpool. Thanks so much for helping me put my concert experience in the context of the times. 

I was one of the ones who rushed the stage and I touched Paul McCartney’s shoe. My most vivid recollection is seeing the terror on Ringo’s face. It pretty much stopped me dead in my tracks and caused me to rethink what I was doing. This along with seeing the billy clubs being wielded by the policemen sent me retreating to my seat. 

The next day ( I think it was the next day) my picture was in the Cleveland Plain Dealer. It was a close up of my face, screaming of course. ( I remember vividly what I was wearing – a dress with a madras top and navy blue bottom and a matching madras scarf!) I lost my copy of the Plain Dealer when I took it to high school several years later to show to a class. Now I have a poor copy from microfilm. If you have any information how I could get a copy of the actual picture I’d appreciate you pointing me in the right direction.

The book signing events sound quite interesting. I had no idea that there was film of the event! By the way, when I was in Liverpool, I visited “The Beatles Story” on Albert Dock. One of the exhibits featured George Martin talking about the day he first heard the Beatles. Although I am paraphrasing, he said something like this: When I heard them I felt joyous. And, when they were finished, I felt greatly diminished.” That captures exactly how I feel about the Beatles. That day in August of 1966 was one of the happiest and exciting of my life. And, even though their music lives on, I now feel “greatly diminished”. Again, many, many thanks for the excellent book. - Gerry S.

I remember standing on Public Square (waiting for a bus) during the Beatles Municipal Stadium concert. As the wind came in from Lake Erie, you could hear a rolling roar of girl screams. My brother and I decided to walk down to the Municipal Stadium to see if we could hear the band. Well, hundreds of people had had the same idea and the cops were telling us to move on. So, we went back to Public Square and got on the bus that took us over the Lorain-Carnegie Bridge to West 25th. Street. we had the bus window open as we crossed over the Cuyahoga River and you could still hear the screaming (more than two miles away). - Gus in Cleveland Heights

A couple of months ago I was leafing through an old OHIO MAGAZINE when I saw a picture of the Beatles concert ticket. I was so excited! I was there in August 1966 at the stadium. Went with my cousins, was going in to the 8th grade and I'll never forget it. I even remember what I wore. We had good seats, right behind home plate, which was a good thing as it served as a marker on how to find my seat after running up to the stage. I remember watching a girl run across the field to the stage. I remember 4-6 policemen trying to carry her off the field, her arms flailing and legs kicking. Then all of a sudden I saw a guy running up to the stage to I think get a hold of Ringo. By then the crowd started headed toward the stage...me included. All of a sudden I remember almost tripping. It was a girl lying on the ground but I just kept on running. I've thought of her off and on over the years...not knowing who she was and hoping she hadn't really gotten hurt. Well there I went. All the way to the stage. It was awesome! I was about 3 feet from Paul as they were being led away. There were 2 or 3 policemen running up and down the stage's edge to fend off the fans. I got my knuckles clubbed a few times and that to me was the ultimate (besides being so close to the Beatles). Then a guy came on the loud speaker scolding everyone, threatening to not bring back the Beatles if we did not behave. ( My how concerts have changed...). Anyhow, that's when I realized that my home plate seat would be easy to find and I wouldn't get lost. My dad teased me about never wanting to wash my hands again....I've told this story several times over the years and have NEVER run into anyone who was at the concert. I will say that reading through your Beatles web site you mention how they stopped at a Lorain County rest stop near Vermillion. A 10 minute drive from my home. I would've had to wake up my dad to run me up there. Anyhow, just wanted to give you my little story on when I saw the Beatles. My daughter has already checked on ordering a book. I'm looking forward to it. - Judy M.

"I've read your book and especially loved Ira M.R.'s memory on page 158. She said that she was only 6 feet away from the limo as she watched "some young thing throw herself on the trunk". That's the same girl I mentioned in my earlier email who was banging on the rear window. Ira said that the Beatles waved and smiled as the police removed the girl. Well, I saw the look on John's face as he turned around to look at her, and he wasn't smiling. He was pissed. That limo was crawling with kids, but she was the craziest. I backed off. I didn't want him to look at me like that. 

I was one of the kids that waited for the Beatles in the right field exit. I was the ONLY boy (that I remember) among at least 100 girls. We looked across the outfield waiting for the limos to come our way, and then someone shouted that they were going the other way. I was 14, and fast (I was a sprinter in high school track). I ran over to the gate (that fenced off the tunnel under the bleachers), and I flew over that 6-8 ft gate. Then I sprinted through that tunnel, by myself. I left all those girls in the dust. They couldn't climb that fence fast enough, let alone run. I remember to this day the excitement I felt, running after the Beatles, like in A Hard Day's Night. How often does a kid from Cleveland get to do that? 

I got to the other side of the bleachers and was in front of the limos as they came through the left-field tunnel. The limos had their lights on and they blew their horns to get me out of their way. As they sped past, I couldn't see in the windows, it was too dark. I thought I had lost my chance to see The Beatles up close. Then I saw that the second limo was held up outside the stadium. I ran out and got to the back of it, and saw them through the rear window. It's been 40 years, and I've never had a moment top that one. 

Sandy, on page 145, confirmed my memory that they wore green suits. When the kids rushed the stage, my friend and I walked down to the lower deck and watched the commotion from there. There were still some police guarding the stands. We actually asked a cop if we could go out there. He smiled, and shook his head no. I could go on forever. Nice job. I really enjoyed your book." - David L.

Yes, I was at the Beatles concert in Cleveland in 1964. My dad worked at WERE Radio at the time and got tickets through someone he knew at WHK. I sat in the balcony on the right side of the stage, very close to the stage. I think there were two warm-up acts, though I can only remember one, Jackie DeShannon. She really rocked the place. I think she helped get everyone in the mood for the pandemonium that ensued! She really go that crowd going. She was one of the best warm-up acts I have ever seen. That crowd was not only warm, they were HOT! 

When the Beatles hit the stage, girls were fainting, throwing things, screaming, etc. It was unbelievable. The screaming was so loud we couldn't hear much of anything, perhaps a bit of Ringo's bass drum from time to time. I borrowed some opera glasses from the girl next to me and was able to read their lips, as I had memorized the lyrics to mist of their songs already. I screamed once at the top of my lungs, just because everyone else was, and I literally could not hear myself at all! 

I was 11 years old at the time and had to come with my mother to the show. She was in her 40's and actually was a Beatles fan herself. Neither she nor I ever felt we saw anything that even closely resembled that pandemonium ever since. (My mother said up until that day, the most excitement she ever saw in one place was Madison Square Garden in 1951 when Rocky Marciano knocked out Joe Louis in the 8th round). The girls on the main floor got up on their chairs to get a better view. People were falling off the chairs and rushing the stage. At one point, they had to stop the show and put down the fire curtain on the stage. Someone came out and said if everyone would PLEASE sit down, they would allow the show to continue. They said the Fire Marshall could not allow the show to continue if people did not get away from the stage. 

Amazingly, the unruly crowd did calm down and attempt to return to their seats. However, some of the folding chairs were broken or pushed away and it was impossible to return the main floor to order. Finally, the Beatles came back onstage and the crowd was subdued maybe five percent for the rest of the concert! When the Beatles returned to Cleveland, my mother absolutely FORBADE me to go to the show! I will say one thing, I have followed the Beatles throughout my life. They were a most amazing group of talented men. If anyone was worthy of such devotion, it was truly them. - Becky B., Orlando, FL

I was lucky enough to be at both Cleveland concerts, the first on Sept. 15, 1964 and the second on August 14, 1966. I was young enough that my parents hired a babysitter to take me as they had no desire to go! For the first concert, I won a pair of tickets at a May Company fashion show. Actually, I didn't really win them, a girl a few seats down did and my dad bought them from her for me. At the second concert, my mom and dad were walking through the Cleveland stadium parking lot coming to meet us as the show ended and 2 limos came racing out from beneath the back of the stadium. One of them hit a small concrete pole in the parking lot in from of them, and inside were George and John! They waved at my parents! Interestingly, at both shows the Beatles were forced to stop playing and leave the stage because of what the security folks called "unruly behavior" at the time. Ok, I admit, I was right there climbing over railings and running across the infield to the stage (by the second concert, I was a preteen and feeling a little more rebellious). Having seen the Beatles live makes me somewhat of a folk hero to my kids and their friends! Thanks for bringing back these great memories! - Dr. Wendy V.

How lucky to have been born at the right time. The 1966 concert was my FIRST concert. I clearly remember taking a bus to the stadium at 3am and then standing in line for tickets. $5.00 Oh if only concerts were still that cheap! I was well back in the stadium, third base side. I did see the rushing of the stage, etc but was not a part of that. And despite all the screams, I could hear them. Many people today don’t believe me, but I heard them. Then after leaving the stadium, it seems my girlfriend and I were one of the first out. As we walked up the ramp towards the street, a limo came slowly up from behind us. Was it really them or doubles? I don’t know, but I was next to the limo and put my hand on the window and looked in Paul’s eyes. It lasted, maybe 3-5 seconds but seemed like forever. Then the limo took off. Then my girlfriend fainted on the bus and we ended up at the ER and her father came and got us. - Catherine S.

I attended the 66 concert in Cleveland! Wow! My first & best concert! I still have my (intact) ticket, as it was never taken as I went through the turnstile. A rumor had circulated in the crowd standing in line that there were no more seats available inside. As I held out my ticket, the panicky ticket taker said, "Just go!" My mom found the ticket in my pocket after the concert, wrapped it in good old Saran Wrap, and put it in her safety deposit box. (It is still in mint condition today - 42 years later) - Kathy B. 

PS - In the 8 mm. video that begins with a "long shot" of the crowd, I'm the girl with the binoculars!

Can you believe it's been 40 years? I didn't see the Beatles in Cleveland, but I found this website while researching their 1966 tour. I saw them the following night in Washington, DC - RFK Stadium. We didn't have the stage rushing problem that the Cleveland show had, nor did we have any rain. But the band was far away from the crowd and the sound system was anemic. I remember the whole stadium lighting up with flashbulbs when the band came on. I asked my brothers, who are both older than me and drove me to the concert what they remember. The following response is from one of them... - Bruce

(Sent August 15, 2006) - Forty years ago today, (Washington, DC) - what do I remember? I remember seeing a man faint, about 12 rows down in front of us. That was a surprise. A couple of females got the vapors too, but that was to be expected at a Beatles show.

I remember the roar from our section when McCartney turned and waved our way. (He had to turn to his right about 50 - 60 degrees to do so). I remember a fan behind the home plate area breaking loose and making it to the stage during, "I Wanna Be Your Man." The guy actually bellied up onto the edge of the stage enough to grab John Lennon's foot - or maybe he just touched him. Maybe he just wanted to be able to say he touched a Beatle - such was the power of the Beatles then. John backed up and the police hauled the guy away - none too gently. Later we found out that John had the flu this night - had a fever while he was performing.

But most of all I remember "Yesterday." After the initial scream of recognition died down, the crowd - something like 32,156 - quieted down and actually listened. The song was magical then - spellbinding, to me anyway, and when I saw him do it in 1976 with Wings, it still held quite a bit of power.

Anyway - I don't remember much else except that when it was over, I couldn't believe it was over already. I didn't know they only did 35 minutes. And I have often wondered about how that came to be. This is the band that did 7 hours a night in Hamburg at times. Heck, a couple Saturday nights they did 12 hours at one club - one or two hours on - and then off, then on and off - alternating with Rory Storm and the Hurricanes, (whose drummer was Ringo Starr). How could these marathon jammers let their act morph into 35 minutes??! But what they heck - what did they know? They were the first to do so many things, they had no path to follow.

Love this site about The Beatles Cleveland visit!! I was also in that trailer. I can't remember the year, but it may have been 1966. I always went to the Geauga County Fair since my grandmother was on the Women's Auxiliary Board. I paid twenty-five cents to enter the trailer for as long as I wanted. I DO remember light bulbs encircling floor to ceiling mirrors, and bright colored bedcovers. At the time, to me, it was like visiting The Beatles themselves! To actually be IN the trailer they were in only a few days previous!! - Sincerely, Brian P.

Hello. I just wanted to let you know I enjoyed your 1966 Beatles review, with WIXY 1260. Especially since my father who recently passed away used to be a DJ with that station. Do you remember WIXY Appreciation Day at Geauga Lake Park? Well anyway just wanted to say hi and thank you for bringing back some memories.  - Thank You, William

I'm from the Detroit area, so I saw The Beatles about the same time, (actually, the night before on August 13th), at Olympia Stadium in 1966. Man, what a show that was! I couldn't hear much, but the screams... I could make out some of the songs, though we were facing the backs of The Beatles. But they would turn around and wave after each song, so we still had good seats. We had a lotta fun before the show as well, watching the fans, seeing Mal Evans rolling out the front of Ringo's bass drum and hearing the screams. One girl got down there and walked by the stage and gave one of the drums a tap and sent another roar through the crowd! It could be a little scary as well when after the show we were walking down the steps when someone thought they saw Paul. All these screaming girls started rushing the stairway and we just held on to the rail hoping not to get knocked down the stairs or over the railing! IT COULD ONLY HAPPEN AT A BEATLES CONCERT! What an adventure! When we got home my poor sister cried her eyes out, her hopes dashed that she would have been one of those girls who would have met The Beatles back stage, like those stories you would read about in "16 Magazine." She got over it and now over 40 years later I still look back to that day and say to myself, "I was there! I had a part in Beatle history!" - Dave (Dr. Swave) Piper

I just read your review of the Beatles 8/14/66 concert, I really enjoyed it. I was at their concert the next night, August 15, at D.C. Stadium in Washington D.C. Every year on that date, I remember how great it was. (Actually, I remember it a lot more frequently than that). I wish I could find some pictures of that concert. I have seen one or two, a long time ago and I don't remember where. Anyway, thanks for bringing back some really terrific memories for me. (My ticket only cost $5.00 - the best deal in Rock and Roll to this day!!)   I still have my dress I wore that night. My great-uncle paid for it, it came from Sears. I call it my "Beatle Dress," oddly enough!! I do remember some photographer taking my picture. I had these goofy binoculars you wore like glasses on (borrowed from the same uncle). Somewhere, maybe is a really silly picture of me in them.  - Thanks!! Karen S.

No such luck - I wasn't at either show, (by The Beatles in Cleveland). BUT my first girlfriend was actually present at the first show, in 1964. This was before we met. She had entered a contest by WHK Radio, which sponsored the show, and she won two tickets. So I can give you HER eyewitness account... She was actually on the floor of the auditorium, in front of the stage, where folding chairs had been placed. Everyone stood on top of the chairs because they couldn't see. Otherwise, she couldn't hear any music because of all the screaming - and she could see "figures" on the stage. That was about it!!!!! It was more of an "event" than it was a musical concert. By the way, I was fortunate to get to see Elvis at that same Public Hall, seven years after The Beatles performed there. - Steve S.

Thank you very much. Is an honor to read this chronicle about Beatles At Cleveland Stadium. Truly, you are very lucky and I admire you. Nevertheless I am satisfied to have seen Paul in Mexico during his last tour. - Sergio Orozco Abarca