Paul McCartney’s reflections in The Beatles ’64 shed new light on the band’s groundbreaking 1964 US tour. Alongside McCartney’s comments, a newly released trailer offers more glimpses of candid moments between the band members during their meteoric rise to fame.
Released two days ago, the trailer features a clip of the band traveling by train, departing Washington, D.C. In the scene, John Lennon questions whether they need to perform for the cameras. A touching moment follows, as Lennon and George Harrison inspect each other’s suit jackets—identical in design—before swapping them and Harrison humorously shouting, “Cut!”
This trailer, combined with the more personal moments featured in earlier previews, suggests the documentary will offer a closer look at the camaraderie and humour that defined the band during their early years.
The Beatles ‘64’ takes viewers back to the band’s first trip to the United States, where Beatlemania took hold almost overnight. This documentary dives into that transformative period, combining rare archival footage, captured by the late Albert and David Maysles, and new commentary to explore their impact on music, culture, and race relations in a rapidly changing America.
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The documentary is directed by David Tedeschi and produced by Martin Scorsese, marking another collaboration between the two . While Scorsese is a producer here, he has previously directed music documentaries on Bob Dylan (‘No Direction Home’) and George Harrison (‘Living in the Material World’), both of which were praised by fans of the artists.
The film premiered in New York City on Sunday (November 24), attended by Tedeschi, Scorsese and Paul McCartney. Fans were shocked to see him in attendance, with the musician recently touring his ‘Got Back’ show around South and Central America. His last date in the Americas was in Mexico City on November 17, and he is set to continue the tour in Europe, with UK dates in Manchester and London.
The Beatles’ debut on The Ed Sullivan Show in February 1964 catapulted them to fame, drawing over 73 million viewers. Shortly after, they made music history by occupying the top five spots on the Billboard Hot 100 with hits like ‘Can’t Buy Me Love’ and ‘She Loves You’.
On February 9, 1964, Ed Sullivan introduced American television to The Beatles Tune in all week long as we celebrate this landmark moment in history! #BeatlesWeek pic.twitter.com/Fs84cONSRi
— The Ed Sullivan Show (@EdSullivanShow) February 1, 2024
Paul McCartney shared a lighthearted story about ‘She Loves You’, recalling how his father once suggested swapping the famous “yeah, yeah, yeah” refrain for “yes, yes, yes” to sound less American.This playful anecdote contrasts with the band’s early rebellious image, which made them a sensation among a young audience craving something fresh.
The documentary also highlights The Beatles’ influence on a racially divided America. Smokey Robinson reflects on the unifying power of their music, stating, “The saving grace was the music, because it gave [black and white kids] something they both loved and enjoyed.” Ronnie Spector recounts sneaking the band into a Harlem restaurant to avoid recognition.
These personal moments align with the behind-the-scenes footage teased in trailers, capturing the Beatles’ dynamic as bandmates and friends. The project will aim to balance these candid glimpses with their rapid rise to global superstardom, exploring the pressures of fame and the loss of personal freedoms they faced.
‘The Beatles ’64’ promises to deliver an intimate portrait of the band’s most transformative year. The documentary premieres this Friday, November 29 on Disney+.
