The Beatles: From Controversy to Legacy - A Look Back at the Band's Turbulent 1966
The Beatles had a smooth relationship with their fans and the press in the 60s, but a 1966 interview with John Lennon caused a major uproar. Lennon's offhand comment about The Beatles being "more popular than Jesus" was blown out of proportion in the American press, leading to backlash from religious groups and calls for boycotts. The band had to do damage control before their American tour, with Lennon clarifying his remarks in a press conference in Chicago.
The controversy surrounding Lennon's comments overshadowed the release of their groundbreaking album, Revolver, but eventually died down. The Beatles played their last show at Candlestick Park in San Francisco on August 29, 1966, with the incident contributing to their decision to retire from touring. Despite the backlash, The Beatles continued to make music that resonated with fans worldwide.