Format
1. This program begins with a short film overview of news events and popular culture during 1963 and how it influenced the baby boomer generation. A second short film shows The Beatles 1964 debut on The Ed Sullivan Show and ensuing Beatlemania in America.
2. Author Dave Schwensen discusses events leading up to the concert, beginning in early 1963 with promoter Sid Bernstein taking a class in International Business encouraging him to “think outside the box.” He contracts The Beatles, then unknown in America, for shows at New York's Carnegie Hall and two years later, Shea Stadium. Topics include business dealings within the music industry and selling-out 55,600 tickets with no advertising; relying only on word of mouth. All discussion segments are presented in an informative, humorous and fun manner since Dave is also a professional comedy coach, motivational speaker and humorist.
3. The day of the concert. Dave talks about the differences between this first major stadium rock event and modern shows, including equipment and security. Insights are shared about The Beatles arrival at Shea Stadium in an armored truck and backstage events.
4. A short film of television personality Ed Sullivan introducing The Beatles at Shea Stadium, the group running to the stage and performing their opening song, Twist and Shout. The clip demonstrates the enormity of this event with sweeping shots of the capacity crowd, screaming teenage fans, police and security, and the Beatles nervously singing, playing, laughing and sweating in front of their largest audience.
5. Making the television special. The Beatles At Shea Stadium was a primetime event on ABC Television, airing in January 1967. But the music wasn’t always what fans heard at the concert. This is a short discussion of the secret recording session (against the wishes of ABC, Ed Sullivan Productions, and the Beatles’ record label) to overdub (re-record) songs before the Beatles would allow the film to be broadcast. Audio (with video) examples of songs are played comparing the actual live performance to segments “fixed” in the recording studio.
6. Questions are always welcome (and encouraged!)
7. If there is adequate time at the end of the program, another short film clip of the Shea Stadium concert will be available.
Objectives
1. Understand the entrepreneurial spirit of thinking outside the box.
2. Explore music, news events and popular culture from the early 1960’s and the impact of the Beatles on American youth (baby boomer generation).
3. Give examples comparing stadium rock concerts in 1965 to modern concert events.
4. Discuss the experience of a Beatles concert during the height of their popularity.
5. Learn insights into making the television special and secretive Beatles recording session.
Standards Alignment
National Standards
NA-M.K-5.7 Evaluating Music and Music Performances
NA-M.K-5.8 Understanding Relationships Between Music, the Other Arts, and Disciplines Outside the Arts
NA-M.K-5.9 Understanding Music in Relation to History and Culture
NSS-USH.5-12.9 ERA 9: POSTWAR UNITED STATES (1945 TO EARLY 1970s)