The Beatles had a less-than-pleasant trip to Manila back in 1966.
On February 7, 1964, The Beatles spread Beatlemania worldwide with their first performance outside of the United Kingdom in New York City. This marked the beginning of the English rock band’s meteoric rise, captivating millions across the globe. The Philippines was no different, with Filipino fans eagerly embracing the group’s music and iconic style.
At the height of their popularity in 1966, The Beatles went on a world tour, which included stops in Germany, Japan, and the Philippines. While the band was greeted with immense fanfare in the first two countries, their stay in the Philippines would soon take a troublesome turn.
The Beatles landed in Manila on July 3, 1966, and were warmly welcomed by Filipino fans. Their shows at Rizal Memorial Stadium were a huge success, with over 80,000 fans in attendance. The excitement surrounding the band was palpable, and their performances were met with adoration.
The trouble began when Tthe Beatles failed to make a courtesy call to former President Ferdinand Marcos and his wife, Imelda Marcos. Ramon Ramos, the band’s concert promoter in Manila, had reportedly accepted an invitation from Malacañang Palace on behalf of the band. However, while The Beatles were still performing in Japan, their band manager Brian Epstein declined the request, as per the band’s policy on accepting invitations to embassies and other political functions while on tour.
The Beatles’ last day in Manila was, to say the least, a stressful one. After their final concert, the band was left to fend for themselves as they tried to leave the country. Hotel staff ignored their requests, and security was abruptly pulled away, leaving them with no assistance. Forced to carry their own luggage to the airport and even hail their own cabs, the band’s departure was anything but smooth.
At the airport, they were jostled and heckled by Marcos loyalists. Guillermo Jurado, the airport manager, played a key role in making their exit miserable — he shut down all the escalators and made sure no employees could offer any help to The Beatles. As the band waited to board their flight, they were physically beaten by the crowd. Jurado himself boasted about having punched John Lennon and Ringo Starr in the face.
The Beatles’ experience in Manila undoubtedly left a lasting impression, and it’s no surprise that the band never returned to the Philippines. What started as a thrilling experience with thousands of adoring fans quickly turned into a nightmare of political drama and airport chaos. The band’s rough exit from the country probably made them swear off the Philippines for good.
