Where were you on September 2, 1964?

In Philly, on that hot late summer day of September 2, 1964, the Beatles were invading Convention Hall on their first U.S. concert tour. Thousands of fans, wearing shorts and sandals, crowded the area most of the day waiting for the Liverpool Lads to arrive. “The City of Beatle Love” was only one of the many signs spotted that day. The white marquee in front of the stone building announced:

TONIGHT
THE BEATLES
HILIT M.C.
SOLD OUT

Screams rose each time a car passed in front of the fans. Word on the street was the Beatles would be smuggled in via truck. Police and barricades kept the crowds in hand, but my friend and I hid out behind the Hall—until we got thirsty. Some Beatlemaniacs schemed for weeks to meet their idols.

Where were you on that fan-tastic day? You Classic Philly Beatlemaniacs, were you hiding out, or among the thousands of frantic fans lining the streets? Did you have a fab plan to meet the group? All you other Classic Beatlemaniacs who saw John, Paul, George and Ringo on their first U.S. tour in ’64, are also welcome to share your “Before the Concert” stories and snapshots with us. Give us your Fab Fan Feedback at PGS@HyLitRadio.com