Beatlemania Reviewed

Quartet Continues to Agitate the Faithful

By JACK GOULD
NY Times
February 10, 1964, Monday
Section: BUSINESS FINANCIAL, Page 53

The cyclical turnover in teen-age trauma received recognition last night in the businesslike appearance of the Beatles on the "Ed Sullivan Show" over the Columbia Broadcasting System. The boys hardly did for daughter what Elvis Presley did for older sister or Frank Sinatra for mother.

The Liverpool quartet, borrowing the square hairdo used every morning on televisions by Captain Kangaroo, was composed of conservative conformists. In furthering Britain's comeback as an international influence, they followed established procedure for encouraging self-determination in underdeveloped areas.

The pretext of a connection with the world of music, a matter left to separate consideration below, was perfunctorily sustained by the Beatles. But in the quick intelligence beneath their bangs, there appeared to be a bemused awareness that they might qualify as the world's highest paid recreation directors.

In their sophisticated understanding that the life of a fad depends on the performance of the audience and not on the stage, the Beatles were decidedly effective. In their two sets of numbers, they allowed the healing effect of group therapy to run its course under the discipline of Mr. Sullivan, the chaperon of the year.

Televised Beatlemania appeared to be a fine mass placebo, and thanks undoubtedly are due Britain for a recess in winter's routine. Last night's sedate anticlimax speaks well for continuing British-American understanding. The British always were much more strict with children.

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Beatlemania in the NY Times

3,000 FANS GREET BRITISH BEATLES
4 Rock 'n' Roll Performers Hailed by Teen-Agers,
3,000 Screaming Teen-Agers Greet the Beatles (Yeah, Yeah)

By PAUL GARDNER
New York Times
February 8, 1964, Saturday
Section: food fashions family furnishings, Page 25

The Beatles were met by 200 reporters and photographers from newspapers, magazines, foreign publications, radio and televisions stations, and teen-age fan magazines. A press conference was bedlam.

While the Beatles stood quietly on a platform, smoking and smiling, photographers cried: "Down in front...gimme some room...whatsa matter...I can't see...please, down...more...no more...be a sport...hey, Beatles, looky over here..."

Brian Somerville, their press agent said, "Would the photographers please be quiet now so the reporters can ask questions? Please." This was met by cries of anger. Finally, Mr. Somerville grabbed a microphone. "All right. Shut up! Just shut up!."

The Beatles joined in. "Yeah, yeah, everybody shut up." Reporters applauded. Someone asked, "Will you sing for us?"

Mr. Lennon replied, "We need money first." More applause.

"How do you account for your success?" Mr. Lennon again: "We have a press agent."

Mr. Starr was asked what he thought of Beethoven. "I love him," he said, "especially his poems."

A reporter cried: "Hey you're keeping kids outa school!"

"That's a dirty lie," Mr. Lennon said, laughing.

Mr. McCartney beamed. "We have a message," he said. Suddenly there was a moment of silence. "Our message is," he began, "buy more Beatle records!" click here to
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