Behind the Scenes at The Beatles' Rooftop Concert: A Former Apple Employee's Starstruck Experience
Starstruck reactions to celebrities can sometimes defy all logic and common sense, even for those who work closely with superstars. Chris O’Dell, a former Apple employee and the inspiration behind George Harrison’s song “Miss O’Dell”, found herself in a unique position to witness iconic moments in music history. Despite her proximity to star power, O’Dell never felt entitled to special treatment or access to exclusive events.
One such event was The Beatles’ legendary rooftop concert at Apple headquarters in London on a cold day in January 1969. O’Dell, who had an office next to the stairwell where equipment was being transported to the roof, received an invitation to watch the performance but was too nervous to accept. The rooftop had to be stabilized for safety reasons, and a memo explicitly stated that non-essential personnel were not allowed on the roof.
Despite her initial hesitation, O’Dell was eventually invited by the cameraman filming the concert to join a small group of essential personnel on the roof. She sat just a few feet away from The Beatles as they played their final live set, which included iconic songs like “Don’t Let Me Down” and “Get Back”. The police attempted to shut down the concert, but the band managed to finish their performance before being interrupted.
In the end, O’Dell’s nerves about being on the roof were unfounded, and she was able to witness a historic moment in music firsthand. The experience of being in such close proximity to The Beatles during their rooftop concert is a testament to the enduring allure of celebrity and the impact that star power can have on even those who work behind the scenes.