Source: Wikimedia Commons (Public Domain)
On February 7, 1964, four young men from Britain stepped off a plane at John F. Kennedy airport in New York City. Two days later, they appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show to what was at that time the largest television viewing audience in history.
I don’t remember the first Beatles’ song I heard, where I was, or what I was doing. I can’t recall watching them on TV that night. But I do know that in the spring of 1964, I came down with a severe case of Beatlemania. And it never went away.
On my birthday that year my older brother bought me a 45 of I Want To Hold Your Hand. (Which so happened to be the number one song on the charts that day.) I liked all the Beatles, but at first, Ringo was my favorite Later, I began to like George. I thought he was so darn cute in those early years.
I remained a fan throughout their years together, was saddened by their break-up, and continued to listen to their music after they each became solo artists. But I never saw them in concert until…
Saturday night. Yes, my husband and I were able to see Ringo Starr and his All Starr Band! We heard some Beatles songs—Yellow Submarine, I Want To Be Your Man, and Don’t Pass Me Bye to name a few. Ringo sang some of his solo hits such as Photograph and It Don’t Come Easy. We heard songs by Todd Rundgren, Santana, and Toto. And the finale was, as expected, With a Little Help From My Friends.
Ringo may be seventy-four years old, but he can still rock. And in 1964 I never dreamed that one day I would seen any of the Beatles in concert. Some things are worth waiting for.
Have you ever had a dream? Something you’ve desired to do for a long time, but perhaps thought it would never come to pass? It could be something as simple as attending a musical concert. Or it could be a desire to write a book, take art lessons, or even return to college.
If you think it’s impossible, remember the words of C. S. Lewis:
You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.
Have a dream? Goal? Desire? Share in the comments.
4 Responses
Ringo was always my favorite. (He usually gets the short end of the stick, but I adore him.) Looks like you had a great time.
Staci, I agree. My brother says that Ringo was underrated, but without his drums, they wouldn’t have been the band they were. Of all four of the Beatles, I always thought that I would like Ringo the best if I met them in person. George was the quiet one, John was cocky, Paul is arrogant (IMO), but Ringo seems down to earth. He has a dry sense of humor – quipped about still being able to climb stairs and at one point made reference to “That other band I used to be with.” I wished we could have taken cameras in the auditorium (other than our phones.) Would have loved to have taken a close up shot. Oh well…can’t have everything.
I am a Beatles fan as well. And like you, never saw them in person. So glad you got to realize a dream.
Thanks, Michele. I never dreamed of seeing even one of them in person. We had a great time. I have to admit that I couldn’t imagine anyone other than George, John, and Paul backing up Ringo on A Little Help From My Friends, but the band did a fantastic job!