Overview
The Beatles were involved in some of the most groundbreaking moments on television and live performances. Beatlemania sold-out stadiums and generated television ratings that would go unmatched for decades. Times were simpler in the 60s and there wasn’t the talk show syndicate that we have today. When you could watch The Beatles on TV or in concert, it was a big deal.
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Best Beatles Concerts & Appearances
The Beatles performed and toured for live crowds from 1961 to 1966 – with an occasional on-off (like the Abbey Road Rooftop concert). The group started with members Stuart Sutcliffe and Pete Best, but transformed over time into the Fab Four that we know today. Venues like The Cavern Club have become world-famous by having the early “Beatles” perform at their location.
Although you can find plenty of television interviews with John, Paul, George, and Ringo – during their time as a band it was a bit more farce. There were several televised performances, but nothing like you see today.
The Beatles at Shea Stadium
The Beatles set records for attendance and revenue with their concert in New York’s Shea Stadium. It’s said that over 55,000 people were in attendance. The Beatles often recalled how loud the audience was – making it difficult to perform.
The Ed Sullivan Show
- Date: February 9, 1964
- Show: The Ed Sullivan Show
“The Ed Sullivan Show” was part of American culture and a staple for evening entertainment for most households in the US. Watched by over 73 million viewers, this performance helped spread Beatlemania across America – and inspired youth across the country to pay attention to Rock n’ Roll.
The Rooftop Performance
- Date: January 30, 1969
- Location: Apple Corps. London, UK
The Beatles created one of the greatest impromptu concerts of all time when they decided to film a few sets for their upcoming “movie”. People gathered in the streets to hear some several new Beatles’ songs – not realizing this would be the last time the group would play together in front of an audience.
The Beatles at Candlestick Park
- Date: August 29, 1966
- Location: Candlestick Park, San Francisco, CA
The Beatles’ final paid concert took place in San Francisco – in front of 25,000 fans. As The Beatles grew tired of touring, the 1966 US Tour would be the final time they would go from town to town, promoting albums.
Budokan Hall in Tokyo
- Date: June 30, 1966
- Venue: Nippon Budokah Hall, Tokyo, JP
In 1966, The Beatles played live at Nippon Budokan of Tokyo, Japan,a venue known for martial arts, not music. Several concerts were performed over a few days for Japanese television. The Budokan would soon become a venue for future rock acts, like Led Zeppelin and Queen.
John & Paul on The Tonight Show
- Date: May 14, 1968
- Show: The Tonight Show
The interview is nothing spectacular to watch, but this is the first and only time iconic John and Paul visited the Tonight Show – together. Although Johnny Carson was off this week, it was a chance for the US audience to see John and Paul, as Beatles, on late night.
Royal Variety Performance
- Date: November 4, 1963
- Venue: Prince of Wales Theatre, London, UK
Playing for the Queen is a big deal and The Beatles had their chance in 1963. Deemed one of Britain’s most prestigious events, The Beatles played several songs for the royals and John told everyone to “rattle your jewelry”.
Our World "All You Need is Love"
- Date: June 25, 1967
- Show: Our World
The Beatles would perform live for the television show called Our World on June, 25, 1967. This was the first live, international, satellite television production broadcast – which was a big deal in the 60s. The Beatles would debut the song “all you need is love” and features Eric Clapton and Mick Jagger in the audience.
The David Frost Show (John & Yoko)
- Date: June 14, 1969
- Show: The David Frost Show
David Frost was a well known journalist and talk show host during The Beatles hay day. John and Yoko spent time talking with Frost in 1968, before the band would dissolve. John and Yoko discuss the arts and slightly promote “Hey Jude”.
Frost on Sunday "Hey Jude"
- Date: September 8, 1968
- Show: Frost on Sunday
The video “Hey Jude” premiered on Frosts’ show and appeared to be live, although it was prerecorded. The Beatles were not featured much on television during the previous year, making this appearance a big deal and bringing us one of the most memorable music videos of their career.
More Concerts & Appearances Videos
Over the years, there has been plenty of footage released of the band appearing on shows and performing in front of live audiences. Although not all are as impressive as Shea Stadium or Candlestick Park, there are plenty worth watching for the hardcore Beatles fan.
Australia 1964
The Beatles traveled to New Zealand and Australia in 1964 – with several of the concerts/press being mashed up in this YouTube video.
Cavern Club 1962
The Cavern Club in Liverpool, UK was the regular host of The Beatles in the early part of their career. Early footage from August 1962 is available online for our enjoyment.
"The Dick Cavett Show"
George Harrison visited with Dick Cavett in November 1971, a few years after the break-up of the group. George talked about John Lennon, LSD, and Ravi Shankar.
Documentaries
The Beatles Anthology (1995)
Nearly 30-years after The Beatles took over the music industry, we were served a three-volume documentary covering the start and end of the band. The highlight for many was the two new songs based on Lennon demo recordings.
The Compleat Beatles (1982)
Although it’s tough to compare against The Beatles Anthology, this 1982 documentary does a great job giving you a run-down of the success and shortcomings of the iconic band – all within 2-hours.
Get Back (2021)
TV Show, Movie, or Documentary – it’s tough to really define exactly what Get Back is. It’s probably a combination of all the above. We are a fly on the wall, watching The Beatles as they recorded Let It Be and it’s terrific.
Beatles Music Videos
"Don't Let Me Down"
Although there were several iconic videos from the famous rooftop concert in 1969, “Don’t Let Me Down” captures the atmosphere perfectly.
"Penny Lane"
A few years earlier, The Beatles started using cinematic techniques in their promotional videos. “Penny Lane” went next level and was one of the early examples that video narrative can help promote songs.
"Strawberry Fields Forever"
“Strawberry Fields Forever” acts as a true music video (not just a recording of the band playing live). The produced video is perfectly in sync with experimental songs The Beatles were releasing at the time.
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Favorite Beatles Podcasts
The Todcast with Eric!
Music Ranked! creator Eric talks about his number one band: The Beatles, whom Todd (surprisingly) only truly discovered in recent years. The Hersey brothers share their thoughts, memories, and some of Eric’s research.
Producing the Beatles
This is a nifty show that talks about George Martin and how he produced the group. After listening to a few shows, you will understand the importance of George Martin in albums like Sgt. Peppers and his lack of involvement in other albums.
Something About The Beatles
As the name implies, this podcast series covers everything Beatles. From facts, interviews, and everything in between, if you like podcasts and like the Beatles, well…
Top Rated Beatles Books
You Never Give Me Your Money: The Beatles After the Breakup
Acclaimed journalist Peter Doggett recounts the previously untold story of the dramatic final chapter in the lives, loves, and legal battles of John, Paul, George, and Ringo—aka The Beatles—from their breakup in 1969 to the present day.
Dreaming the Beatles: The Love Story of One Band and the Whole World
Dreaming the Beatles tells the story of how four lads from Liverpool became the world’s biggest pop group, then broke up—but then somehow just kept getting bigger. This book is a celebration of that music, showing why the Beatles remain the world’s favorite thing—and how they invented the future we’re all living in today.
The Beatles: The Authorized Biography
There’s only one book that ever truly got inside the Beatles and this is it. The landmark, worldwide bestseller that has grown with the Beatles ever since. During 1967 and 1968, Hunter Davies spent eighteen months with the Beatles at the peak of their powers as they defined a generation and rewrote popular music.
You Might Also Like these Related Concerts & Appearances
After The Beatles broke up, the members were not silent. John, Paul, George, and Ringo all had successful music careers and were often promoting their latest project. Whether you are looking to watch full concerts or a sitdown interview, there are plenty to choose from and consume.
"Unplugged"
Popular MTV show “Unplugged” had their fair share of stars show up in the 90s – but getting Paul McCartney is certainly the top of the bill.
"Concert for Bangladesh"
George Harrison was part of (and organizer) of this benefit concert in 1971. This concert has gone down as one of George’s best contributions to live music.
"Live in New York City"
Lennon performed two benefit shows in 1972 with the concert later being released as an album. “Imagine”, “Instant Karma!”, and “Come Together” were all performed live for the New York audience.