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The Date: August 22, 1965 The Place: Portland, Oregon The Event: The Beatles In Concert |
(Not a copy of my own ticket)
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I was nine years old. You couldn't really call me a true Beatles fan. I knew them only because my older sister was absolutely in love with them. I wasn't allowed to call her by her real name anymore, I had to call her "George". I had to call her best girlfriend, "John". Beatle music was continually being heard in our home as records were played non-stop on a cheap stereo with a worn out needle. This had been going on for over a year - ever since we saw the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show. I knew the lyrics to a lot of Beatle songs because my sister made me learn the backup vocals to various songs so she could sing lead.
When word came out that the Beatles were coming to town, my sister about went nuts. She insisted on going. I wasn't complaining, I wanted to go too. My mother, who also really liked them, agreed. My dad didn't want any part of it. Mom bought three tickets for a whopping $5.00 each. That was big money in those days and especially expensive for my parents on their limited budget.
When we entered the Memorial Coliseum I could feel the electricity of the crowd. I had never been in a place with so many people (Memorial Coliseum held a little under 12,000 people). We sat patiently through the bands preceding the main event. Finally, when the label "Ludwig, The Beatles", was placed over the bass drum, the crowd absolutely went nuts. I had never come close to hearing such screaming before in my life. It was so deafening and catching. I began screaming as loud as I could. To this day, I remember the concert very well. I could hear the Beatles play and sing above the deafening roar of the crowd and above my own screaming.
Through all I remember, there are a few things that stand out. One was the hat John was wearing. I thought it looked great on him. Click here to see a picture of the Beatles on stage in Minneapolis on August 21, 1965 (the day before we saw them). John is wearing the same hat I remember and the picture looks exactly how I remember them on stage in Portland. This picture also has the same song set that they played in Portland with the exception of the listed interviews.
Another thing that stands out in my memory is the row of policemen standing in front of the Beatles for security. All of the policemen were standing facing the crowd with stern looks on their faces, with the exception of one. One policeman had his back to the crowd during the entire concert and was staring up at the Beatles the whole time. He must have been a HUGE fan!
Another thing that peaks my memory is after the concert, when the Beatles were walking off stage, John stuck one leg over the edge of the stage as if he were going to jump off. The crowd absolutely went nuts.
I feel so fortunate to have been able to see the greatest band of all time. The memories I have about this event will always be cherished for the rest of my life.
jpgr
