Way, way before Taylor Swift's many eras, there were the Beatles - the "Fab Four" British pop phenomenon who defined the sort of hysteria we would come to expect from the world's biggest musical performers.
The group was at its peak of fame when it toured our shores in June 1964, taking in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide (which was added last-minute after a radio DJ organised a petition) and Brisbane.
Crowds swarmed Sydney Airport to welcome Paul McCartney, George Harrison and John Lennon, as well as fill-in drummer Jimmie Nicol (who played the earlier shows while Ringo Starr recovered from tonsillitis).
"The reaction the Aussies gave us the first time round, it was exceptional," Paul has since reflected. "You'd have to be half dead to not love it."
Wild scenes confronted the band wherever they went. In Sydney, one woman threw her child onto the back of the open truck the group was being paraded around town in (Paul helpfully handed him back), while in Melbourne, people climbed trees and swarmed the Southern Cross Hotel where the group was staying.
IT'S BEATLEMANIA!
This story is from the September 11, 2023 edition of Woman's Day Australia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 11, 2023 edition of Woman's Day Australia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
I SWAPPED RETIREMENT FORT NURSING!
Neysa is embracing adventure and a career change at 70
THE BLOCK - AUCTIONS TAKE TWO!
Just six months after it sold for an eye-watering $4.3 million at The Block auction in November, Eliza and Liberty Paschke's Hampton East home went under the hammer once again.
THE SPICIEST 50TH EVER!
It cost a whopping $480,000 but it was worth every penny!
A HOWLING SUCCESS!
The first memorial statue to the Queen is unveiled — and it's pawsitively adorable!
PRISCILLA CONFRONTED BY ELVIS' LOVE CHILD
Elvis' alleged love child Deborah Presley Brando had Priscilla Presley all shook up ahead of a book signing she was due to attend in May.
JAMES & SARAH - WHY THEY REALLY HID THEIR DIVORCE
After months of rumours, the actress has bravely told the truth
HENRY IS OUR MIRACLE BABY
In an Australian first, Kirsty birthed her son, thanks to her own mum's donated uterus
JEN GARNER FINALLY TELLS MY SIDE OF THE STORY!
The actress breaks her silence at last on her relationship with ex-husband Ben Affleck
MEGHAN WARNS HARRY - ARCHIE'S NEVER SETTING FOOT IN LONDON
Despite her husband's pleas, the duchess is determined to celebrate their son's birthday in the US
FURIOUS EXES.A WALKOUT & WEDDING!
Things have gone from bad to worse for Farmer Joe as his true intentions are called into question