It was June 23, 1966, shortly after 1 p.m., when the British European Airways plane touched down at the old Munich-Riem airport. On board: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr – the Beatles, then the biggest band in the world. Even as they descended the gangway, the scene turned chaotic: fans and dozens of photographers stormed the tarmac, the barriers gave way. The police, who had spent weeks crafting security plans, were overwhelmed.
Weeks of Preparation – and Chaos
Organizers, city officials, and police had coordinated for weeks. Officers were trained, schedules drawn up, emergency scenarios rehearsed. The main concern was the young fans, who had repeatedly lost control at earlier shows in other cities. But when the Beatles actually arrived in Munich, all the preparations were useless: the crowd on the tarmac was impossible to contain.
Wrestlers, Elevator, and Seven Ladies
What few people know: bizarre scenes unfolded behind the scenes. A group of wrestlers had been hired to keep order in the concert hall – they positioned themselves in front of the stage at Circus Krone. An elevator in the building broke down that very evening, forcing the band to be led through a back staircase. And seven ladies of Munich society, who had secured tickets for the exclusive evening event, drew extra attention with their elaborate dresses and hats. The police had their hands full keeping fans away from the musicians.
The concert itself at Circus Krone became a legendary event. The band played a handful of hits, including “Yesterday” and “Paperback Writer.” The fans screamed so loudly that the music was barely audible. After the performance, the Beatles left the city that same night – Munich would remain their only visit to Germany in this lineup. Photographs and reports document the fever that gripped the city back then.
Source: www.sueddeutsche.de
