The Jerusalem Post - The Jerusalem Post Magazine
I saw The Beatles but did not hear them – as the hundreds of screaming teenagers drowned out any audio
FAB 4 IN FINSBURY
A breath of fresh air emanated from the article about The Beatles (“It was 60 years ago today,” Feb. 9), which resonated even more following a wonderful event arranged by the ladies of Emunah Jerusalem, coincidentally taking place two days before the article appeared in the Magazine.
Paul Salter, musical director of the Encore Theatre Company, presented a lecture titled “The Beatles: From Mania to Meltdown,” during which the 70+ participants gathered at the home of Clare Rogoff, enjoyed the history of the Fab Four, and sang along with many of their popular songs.
On a personal note, I was fortunate as a youngster to attend one of their concerts in early 1964 at the Finsbury Park Astoria, North London, before their meteoric rise in popularity all over the world. A slice of history never to be forgotten. LINDA STERN
Safed
It was truly a trip down memory lane reading Howie Kahn’s article covering the musical phenomenon that was The Beatles.
I was a teenager living in London throughout the period, and although the article repeats the famous quote “If you can remember the ‘60s, you weren’t there” – well, I am pleased to say I do remember those times very well, as the Swinging Sixties were truly special.
During the ’50s, London still presented the dullness and after-effects of World War II, especially as a youngster, when we used to play among some of the bomb shelters (today, unfortunately, the safe rooms are also a reminder).
What the article did rekindle for me was December 24, 1963, when I went to the Finsbury Park Astoria theater in North London to see The Beatles perform a Christmas show (the venue is now an evangelical church).
I said I went to “watch” the group because I did literally see but not hear them, as the hundreds of screaming teenagers drowned out any audio.
However, it was some experience – as was that very extraordinary, significant, and memorable decade.