On June 9, 1964, Hong Kong witnessed an extraordinary event as The Beatles, the legendary UK rock band, made their much-anticipated visit. The arrival of George Harrison, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and Jimmy Nichol at Kai Tak Airport was met with an overwhelming reception from hundreds of ecstatic teenagers. Despite the rain, more than 1,000 young fans gathered, eagerly awaiting the plane carrying their idols.
The atmosphere at the airport was electric. Two hours before the plane’s arrival, the crowd was sparse, but as the time drew near, the numbers swelled. An English girl, unable to contain her excitement, admitted she might scream, while a Chinese girl confidently declared she would definitely scream. And scream they did. As the Beatles disembarked, a deafening roar erupted from the observation platform, with fans straining to catch a glimpse of the band.
The scene was chaotic yet controlled, with 13 police vehicles on standby to manage the crowd. However, the fans remained well-behaved, much to the relief of the authorities. Among the most dedicated were two young Chinese girls who had spent the entire previous day at the airport, only to be taken home by their parents at nightfall. They were among the first to arrive the next day, determined to secure a prime spot.
Three English girls, adorned with sashes bearing the Beatles’ names, were the earliest to arrive at the airport. The terminal concourse buzzed with excitement even after the loudspeaker announced that the Beatles had left for the city.
The Beatles’ presence in Hong Kong had a significant impact on the city’s traffic. Roads leading from the airport were clogged with vehicles moving at a snail’s pace, all heading towards the city.
The chaos continued at the President Hotel, where a press conference was held. The Beatles had to navigate through a throng of screaming teenagers to reach the conference room, where they faced a barrage of questions from eager photographers and reporters. John Lennon humorously asked if everyone from the press was present, while Jimmy Nichol, the temporary drummer replacing Ringo Starr, expressed his excitement at being thrust into the limelight.
The press conference was a mix of humor and curiosity. When asked why they named themselves The Beatles, Paul McCartney simply said it seemed like a good name at the time. George Harrison admitted they rarely had time to rehearse, and Lennon dismissed the “Mods” and “Rockers” as good publicity. McCartney humorously mistook Hong Kong for China, and Harrison joked about getting on the wrong plane. The band members also shared light-hearted responses about their haircuts and the rumor of bringing their mothers on the trip.
Despite looking tired from their journey, the Beatles were pleased when the questioning ended. A British journalist traveling with them noted their amazement at the international reception they received. From Beirut to Calcutta and Bangkok, the band was greeted by enthusiastic crowds, highlighting their global appeal.
Lennon and Nichol made a brief appearance at the ‘Miss Hong Kong’ semi-final at the President Hotel, where they spoke to the audience and shook hands with the beauty contestants. McCartney and Harrison, however, chose to rest after the long journey.
The concert at the Princess Theatre was highly anticipated, with some $75 seats still available. The Beatles’ visit to Hong Kong in 1964 was a momentous occasion, leaving an indelible mark on the city’s history and showcasing the band’s immense popularity and influence.
