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Lot # 87: Rare Beatles Manila July 4, 1966 Philippines Handbill

Category: The Beatles

Starting Bid: $3,500.00

Bids: 1 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed

Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "December 2004",
which ran from 12/18/2004 12:00 AM to
12/19/2004 9:00 PM



About as rare as it gets in Beatles memorabilia, this handbill reprises the incredible July 4, 1966 day the Fab Four played a concert in Manila -- and touched off a diplomatic incident that for a few scary hours had their lives in danger. The story of the fiasco in the Phillippines is the one of the more colorful of Beatles legends, revolving around a comedy of errors. Seems the day before, without their knowledge, they were invited to join President and Mrs. Marcos at the Malacanang Palace at 11 AM. The boys only heard of a invitation to "pop in" at 4 PM, which they had to decline since that was the time of the concert at Rizal Stadium. Consequently, when word got out that they'd "stood up" Imelda Marcos, fans were enraged, promoter Ramon Ramos refused to pay them for the gig, and they received death threats. Beatles manager Brian Epstein called a press conference to apologize but the signal was jammed (reputedly by the government). The next day, the band tried to depart the country but were given scant security and upon leaving the hotel were attacked and kicked by irate Filipinos. Then at the airport a mob came at them. Luggage in hand, they had to hurdle up a broken escalator trying to get away. In the melee, Ringo sparined an ankle and others in the entourage were injured. Finally, they were refused to get on their plane until they paid a bogus $18,000 tax bill and resolved other red tape obstacles. Only when they were in the air did Ferdinand Marcos officially absolve the band, hours late. The Beatles vowed never tor eturn to the country, and had no trouble keeping their word. The 6 x 9" handbill, which is absolutely untarnished and undamaged, depicts the group above a red-emblazoned "The Beatles Show." Other acts are billed as well and there is a logo of the sponsor, Pepsi. Ironically, there is a box reading, "July 4th, 1st Show 4:00 P.M., 2nd Show 8:00 P.M." Of course, that second show never occurred. On back are the lyrics to the Beatles tune "I'm Looking Through You." A super rare, extraorindary and mint slice of Beatemania. Just don't show it to Ringo.

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