Every Moment Has A Song

(Reprinted from MSN Reverb Music Blog and The Smoking Gun)

The Beatles had modest demands when they toured the U.S. in 1965 (The group’s standard three-page rider and a one-page contract for the tour’s Portland stop contain) no requirement of bendy straws, Rough Rider condoms, or Cristal for the Fab Four. Instead, the most influential band ever just wanted adequate police protection, a “hi-fidelity sound system with adequate number of speakers,” and “a platform for Ringo Starr and his drums.”

The backstage dressing room accommodations were also spartan: “four cots, mirrors, an ice cooler, portable TV set and clean towels.” As for ground transportation, the performers were not above sharing a ride: “Two (2) seven-passenger Cadillac limousines (air-conditioned if possible), with chauffeurs.”

…The four-page list of demands (is) modest by today’s standards. Dressing rooms? A fence to keep fans from rushing the stage from behind? Cots? What primadonnas those four were!

The fascinating thing is demand #5.

Remember, this is 1965 — mere months after the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was passed, and the band was demanding that all promoters extend racial equality to all the band’s fans. Say whatever you want about the way the ’60s are remembered through rose-colored glasses. Some people were walking the walk.

By the way, ticket prices for the Portland show: $6, $5 and $4.