Can you imagine a sound so loud it physically hurts your ears? That is what happened at the first Beatles concerts in Chicago. The screaming from the crowd was absolutely deafening. Flashbulbs blinked like thousands of stars. The band could not even hear themselves play. This was the wild scene of Beatlemania with pure excitement and chaos all happening at once.
The Beatles played several shows in Chicago between 1964 and 1966. Their first visit created a frenzy of screaming fans. By 1965, they played to huge crowds at a baseball park but in 1966 things got serious. John Lennon was in big trouble for comments he made about religion. He was scared and had to apologize to the world at a press conference in Chicago. The joyful tours were becoming a difficult and stressful experience for the band.
The Beatles – Concerts in Chicago, 1964-1966
Fans at the time remember the incredible noise. One person said they put cotton in their ears. The energy was unbelievable. It was a historic moment in music and everyone wanted to see the famous band live.
You can see the pressure the band was under in a television performance of their song “Help!” from this time. John Lennon introduces the song by joking it is their “latest electronic noise.” The song’s words are actually a real cry for help. Lennon sings about feeling down and losing his confidence. This shows a different side to the band away from the screaming crowds; they were becoming tired and needed a break from their crazy fame.
The Beatles – Help! [Blackpool Night Out, ABC Theatre, Blackpool, United Kingdom]
Both videos show The Beatles at a turning point. The Chicago concerts show the crazy height of their fame while the “Help!” performance reveals their true feelings. The fun was starting to fade. The music was becoming more personal. You can see the journey from pure joy to a need for something different in their lives.
Follow the official social media pages for The Beatles to discover more. You can see many classic videos and photos from their amazing career and learn all about their timeless music and incredible story.