For my iconic 1960's rock moment, I picked August 29th, 1966, the final live concert the Beatles ever did. It was at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, which is where the San Francisco Giants played at the time, and although it wasn't a very raucous crowd (ticket sales were relatively low), it's iconic because it's the last time that Paul, John, George, and Ringo played a live concert together. This final concert was the beginnings of their album, "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band", but it was also the end for the Beatles live concerts, and they knew it. Apparently John and Paul brought a camera with them onstage because they knew this would be the last time they really played a full concert at an arena on tour. John Lennon's use of LSD ended up causing problems with the band shortly after this performance, but the Beatles obviously still live on today.
Paul McCartney had asked one of his management people to record the concert on a cassette because they were all aware this was the last one. Somehow, the tape has been bootlegged and you can listen to it here!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuyaB0f3rVE
The fact that the Beatles knew this was going to be their last concert is bitter sweat. Even though the boys were moving to bigger and better things (i.e. Paul McCartney's solo career), it was truly an end of an era. Many scholars and fans alike widely recognize the Beatles as being one of the greatest and most successful bands of all time. Their fame was unmatched worldwide. Their look and musical sound made them a fan favorite of both younger and older generations.
ReplyDeleteIm curious to know if the band new this was the end of the Beatles for good, or if they thought there was a possibility of getting back together again? It was as if they broke up during their peak. The band would have, most likely, stayed relevant for years to come. I suppose them breaking up at the time they did only serves to add to the lore of their greatness.