Beatlemania: The airport landing that started it all

50 years ago, on February 7, 1964, three nervous but excited Liverpudlians landed at one of the most famous airports in the world.  And although the Beatles would become world famous too, they had yet to make a name for themselves outside of Great Britain. 

Beatles land at JFK. Photo courtesy: ringofstars.ru

They flew in on PanAm flight 101 from London and touched down at JFK at 1:20 pm. It was their first ever time in the US and it did not disappoint.  They were greeted by thousands of screaming girls and a flurry of reporters. 

Girls lined up on the observation deck desperately vying for the attention of the Englishmen. Photo courtesy: ringofstars.ru

Many girls, so excited by the presence of these British Rock N Rollers, were reduced to tears and some even fainted -- the emotion was palpable.
 

Crowds went mental for the newcomers. Photo courtesy: ringofstars.ru

After posing for photos on the tarmac, they took questions from the press in the PanAm terminal in what would be one of their most famous press conferences. Their back and forth between the reporters was sharp and witty. 

Asked at one point their thoughts on Beethoven, Ringo Starr answered, “Great, especially his poems.”

Beatles, quipping with reporters, at their first U.S. Press Conference. Photo courtesy: ringofstars.ru

Their funny accents, mop-top haircuts and popular tunes took America by storm, resulting in widespread Beatlemania -- which is somewhat akin to Bieber Fever from the looks of it.  According to Capitol, they had the fastest selling album in history.  

All in, it was a landmark arrival for the Beatles as well as the rest of the nation. They went on to perform on The Ed Sullivan Show, which was, in true Beatles style, a smashing success.  

This article accurately captures the tone of the airport reception as "delirious". Photo courtesy: rarenewspapers.com

Fans from all over the world poured into JFK today to celebrate the anniversary, although they didn’t quite match the gusto of that first reception in 1964.  The Port Authority hosted the event at the renovated TWA Flight Center with a musical performance from Beatles tribute band, Liverpool.  All in, sounds like a great way to celebrate the day.