1966:
Jan. 21: George marries Patti Boyd, who had a bit part in “A Hard Day’s Night.” (Her entire speaking role in the film consisted of one word: “Prisoners?”)
March: In an interview with journalist Maureen Cleave, John Lennon states, “Christianity will go. It will vanish and shrink. I needn’t argue with that; I’m right and will be proved right.” The comments cause an anti-Beatles firestorm that includes boycotts, record burnings and threats. At the Memphis show on Aug. 19, a small group of Ku Klux Klansmen pickets the afternoon show. Later, there was a momentary scare at the evening show when someone set off fireworks, causing the Beatles to duck slightly, then continue playing. John Lennon dedicates the next song, “Nowhere Man,” to the person apprehended by security. Lennon also issues a formal apology at a press conference.
June 15: The release of “Yesterday and Today” in America causes a controversy over its cover of the group dressed in butcher’s outfits covered with slabs of meat and broken dolls. The albums are recalled and pasted over with new covers, making the originals collector’s items.
July 4: The Beatles inadvertently snub Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos and wife Imelda by not showing up at a palace reception. In retaliation, no police protection is provided as the group leaves the country, and some of the Beatles’ entourage is roughed up at the airport.
Aug. 29: The group gives its final live concert at San Francisco’s Candlestick Park. Press officer Tony Barrow records the show on a hand-held tape recorder. Paul, introducing “I Wanna Be Your Man,” remarks, “It’s a bit chilly.”
Sept. 14-Oct. 22: George Harrison and wife Patti Boyd vacation in India and meet sitarist Ravi Shankar. Harrison begins taking lessons in the instrument and first uses it in sessions for the "Rubber Soul" album.