Beyond Hamburg: The Beatles in West Germany and Beyond in 1966
In the pre-fame days, the only city the Fab Four performed in was Hamburg. However, during a critical period in 1966, The Beatles ventured into other cities within West Germany and further afield. This tour marked a pivotal moment before the band's eventual breakup.
The 1966 World Tour: From Hamburg to Beyond
The Beatles embarked on their last and ill-fated world tour in June 1966, just after concluding studio sessions for Revolver. The initial leg of the tour covered West Germany, Japan, and the Philippines. This article explores the venues and experiences of this memorable journey.
West Germany Performances
The first stop was Munich, where the band played two shows at the Circus Krone Bau, which has some excellent footage to commemorate the concert. From there, they traveled by luxury train to Essen, where they performed two shows at the Grugahalle. The final leg brought them back to Hamburg, the city that made them famous, where they played two shows at the Ernst Merck Hall.
Reeperbahn Freckouts
The band made time to catch up with old friends and visit some landmarks in the Reeperbahn area late at night, as described in their memoirs. Despite being unannounced, they found a way to explore and relive their early days.
Japan Audit
The Beatles then journeyed to Japan, where they faced similar security challenges. Security personnel used tear gas on over-enthusiastic fans, and the band was appalled by the rigorous security measures. In Tokyo, there were local protests about holding concerts at the venerable Budokan, which had never before allowed rock music to be performed there. This created a tense atmosphere for the band and the local audience.
Philippines Visit
The final destination was the Philippines. However, the Beatles' security was withdrawn, leading to a fiasco when they missed a lunch appointment at the Presidential Palace, as shown on their hotel room TV. This incident was interpreted as a snub of the First Lady, Imelda Marcos, and caused significant problems for the remaining days of their tour.
Beatlemania and the Last Tour
By the time the Beatles reached the United States, Beatlemania had largely lost its appeal. The tour was marred by various mishaps and confrontations, foreshadowing the band's eventual breakup. The first leg of the tour in West Germany and beyond was just the beginning of the final farewell to their global superstardom.
This tour in 1966 was not just a musical excursion but a journey that marked a pivotal moment in the band's history. It offered a glimpse into the future that lay ahead and the challenges they would face before their legendary dissolution.