A moment in history: Columnist shares poster of historic Beatles event

Thursday, September 17, 2009
Weekend Herald-Tribune columnist Ken White, of Stockton, displays a poster compiled from six photos he took at an unscheduled Beatles concert conducted in September 1964, at Municipal Stadium in Kansas City. --submitted photo

It was 45 years ago, on Sept.17, 1964, when a newly-formed group called the Beatles made their only appearance in Kansas City during their first major tour across the United States.

At a morning press conference I talked with John Lennon and he asked me if I was going to the concert that night. I told him "Of course I was, I have two daughters who are Beatle fans."

Thanks to Charlie Finley, owner of the Kansas City Athletics, the Beatles made an unscheduled stop in Kansas City. Finley offered them big money to stop in Kansas City on their way to Dallas. The first offer was $50,000 which was turned down. Finley upped the offer to $100,000 which was also refused. A final offer of $150,000 was made and after a few moments the Beatles agreed.

The concert wasn't widely publicized because of its not being on their schedule. However, more than 20,000 screaming fans showed up for the concert that was held at the old Municipal Stadium.

I was standing in front of the stage, near second base, when someone tapped me on the shoulder. It was John Lennon and he said, " Come on up and you'll get a better picture."

I only shot one roll of black and white film, but afterwards I wished I would have shot 20 rolls.

For 32 minutes the Beatles gave the cheering crowd what they paid from $2 to $8 per ticket to see and hear. They generated the hype with the audience.

Only a handful of photographers had the opportunity to record for history at the only Beatles visit to the area. The film lay dormant in my basement until several years ago when, with my wife's encouragement, we decided to make a 29-by-24-inch poster out of six rare snapshots of the Beatles in action in Kansas City and make them available to the many fans in the area.

For more information on the posters, visit online at www.beatleskc64.com.

Respond to this story

Posting a comment requires free registration: