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Hello, goodbye: the Beatles’ chaotic, controversial final tour
Tired, emotional and besieged by fans and enemies alike, by 1966 the Fab Four were ready to quit touring for good. A new collection of images by rock photographer Jim Marshall captures their last gigs
TL;DR
- The Beatles played their last official concert on August 29, 1966, at Candlestick Park in San Francisco.
- By 1966, the band's artistic development had outpaced their ability to perform complex songs live, leading them to prioritize studio experimentation over touring.
- Touring had become a difficult and dangerous experience, marked by fan aggression, injuries, death threats, and controversies in various countries.
- The 'more popular than Jesus' controversy fueled hate campaigns, impacting record sales and potentially jeopardizing their career.
- Despite the hardships, the final tour solidified their decision to stop touring and focus on their creative purpose in the studio.
- The band's last performance concluded with 'Long Tall Sally,' and shortly after, they began working on 'Strawberry Fields Forever.'