Placeholder Content Image

‘Screaming, chanting, struggling teenagers’: the enduring legacy of the Beatles tour of Australia, 60 years on

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/michelle-arrow-45">Michelle Arrow</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/macquarie-university-1174">Macquarie University</a></em></p> <p>The Beatles began their first and only tour of Australia 60 years ago this week. It remains a landmark event in our social and cultural history.</p> <p>The Beatles spent almost three weeks in Australia and New Zealand. Touching down in a wet and cold Sydney on Thursday June 11 1964, they played 32 concerts in eight cities: first Adelaide (where drummer Ringo Starr, suffering from tonsillitis and pharyngitis, was replaced by Jimmie Nicol), then Melbourne (with Starr again), Sydney, Wellington, Auckland, Dunedin, Christchurch and two final shows in Brisbane on June 29 and 30.</p> <p>Charming and irreverent as they were, The Beatles themselves were only part of the reason the tour was so memorable.</p> <p>It was the hordes of screaming fans who followed their every move that astonished onlookers.</p> <h2>The rise of Beatlemania</h2> <p>By 1964, Australian teenagers had access to a global youth culture. As the feminist author Anne Summers, then an Adelaide teenager, recalled in her memoir Ducks on the Pond: "It was rare for world-famous pop stars to come to Adelaide and unheard of for a group at the height of their celebrity."</p> <p>That Australian teenagers had the opportunity to see The Beatles in person in 1964 was due to a stroke of luck for tour promoter <a href="https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/brodziak-kenneth-leo-kenn-32165">Kenn Brodziak</a>. In late 1963, Brodziak secured the then up-and-coming Beatles for a three-week tour of Australia at a bargain rate.</p> <p>By the time the tour took place, the Beatles were the biggest band in the world.</p> <p>Their popularity had skyrocketed throughout 1964. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jenWdylTtzs">I Want To Hold Your Hand</a> went to number one on the Australian charts in mid-January and the top six singles that year were <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_top_25_singles_for_1964_in_Australia">all by The Beatles</a>.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iUCl9FWLzgM?wmode=transparent&amp;start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> <p>So when the band arrived here, Beatlemania was the predictable result: crowds of surging, screaming young people, who turned out in massive numbers wherever the Beatles appeared.</p> <p>While the earliest rock ‘n’ roll fans (and even performers) in the late 1950s were often labelled <a href="https://eprints.qut.edu.au/633/1/moore_keith.pdf">juvenile delinquents</a>, there were too many teenagers swept up in Beatlemania for them to be dismissed in the same way. The crowds became a spectacle in themselves.</p> <h2>‘A chanting mass of humanity’</h2> <p>Beatlemaniacs were loud and unruly. The Daily Telegraph reported: "50,000 screaming, chanting, struggling teenagers crowded outside Melbourne’s Southern Cross Hotel this afternoon to give the Beatles the wildest reception of their careers."</p> <p>It was a similar story in Adelaide. The Advertiser described: "police, their arms locked together and forming a tight circle around the car carrying the Beatles, had to force a path through the surging, screaming crowd […] Police said they had never seen anything like it."</p> <p>The crowds overwhelmed observers with their sheer size – a “solid, swaying, chanting mass of humanity”, according to The Age – and noise. The Daily Telegraph consulted an acoustics expert to conclude “Beatles fans scream like [a] jet in flight”.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2MOFBmxPUCs?wmode=transparent&amp;start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> <p>Beatlemania was visible (and noisy) evidence of a growing teenage consumer market and the assimilation of rock music, dancing and youth culture into the leisure practices of middle-class youth. It was proof (if anyone still needed it) the youth market was highly developed and extremely lucrative.</p> <p>The speed with which companies found a ready audience for Beatles merchandise (wigs, souvenirs, magazines) demonstrated the relative affluence of the youthful consumer in mid-1960s Australia. This market would continue to grow throughout the decade.</p> <h2>A new idea of youth</h2> <p>Perhaps the most remarkable characteristic of Beatlemania was its femaleness. While not all Beatles fans were girls, it was the crying, screaming girls who attracted the most media comment.</p> <p>The Daily Telegraph described them this way: "It was the girls, the nymphets of 1964 in their uniform of black slacks and duffle coats and purple sweaters – who showed the orgiastic devotion due to the young men from the damp and foggy dead end of England […] the girls wept, screamed, grimaced, fainted, fell over, threw things, stamped, jumped and shouted […] [The Beatles] were the high priests of pop culture, taking due homage from a captive, hypnotised hysterical congregation."</p> <p>The references to “nymphets” with their “orgiastic devotion” tells us many Australians thought these young women were transgressing the norms expected for their era. Young women in the early 1960s were still expected to be demure and responsible. Beatles fans were breaking these rules, and helping to rewrite the meanings of youth and gender in 1960s Australia.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Wyrs5uR-nwc?wmode=transparent&amp;start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> <p>Beatlemania was an expression of female desire. The Beatles were powerful objects of fantasy for many fans in a world where sexual mores were slowly changing but where women were still expected to police male desire, stopping young men from “going too far”. A fantasy relationship with a Beatle became a way for young women to dream about their ideal relationship.</p> <p>Screaming, chasing a Beatle down the street: these were acts of rebellion and joy that prefigured the rise of women’s liberation, with its embrace of rebellious femininity.</p> <p>Beatlemania reminds us that, even if women were not always behind the microphone or playing the guitar, they have been important to the history of rock ‘n’ roll music as fans and audience members.</p> <p>Beatlemania marked the ascendancy of a new idea of youth: these young people weren’t mere replicas of their parents, but they were not juvenile delinquents, either. The Beatles tour drew young Australians more closely into a transnational youth culture, fostering the development of a distinctively Australian variant here.</p> <p>Beatlemania also demonstrated the massed power of youth. By the end of the 1960s, many Australian teenagers were gathering on the streets to protest, rather than celebrate, and to make political demands, rather than to scream.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/227680/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/michelle-arrow-45"><em>Michelle Arrow</em></a><em>, Professor of History, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/macquarie-university-1174">Macquarie University</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Granger/Shutterstock Editorial</em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/screaming-chanting-struggling-teenagers-the-enduring-legacy-of-the-beatles-tour-of-australia-60-years-on-227680">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Music

Placeholder Content Image

Musician divides audiences over controversial Margaret Court slating

<p>Phoebe Bridgers has been both praised and condemned for her brutal slating of Margaret Court. </p> <p>The American musician was performing to a sold out crowd in Melbourne's Margaret Court Arena, when she took aim at the venue's namesake. </p> <p>The 28-year-old Los Angeles native condemned the 80-year-old tennis champion-turned-Christian pastor, who has in recent years become a vocal opponent of same-sex marriage and transgender rights. </p> <p>Turning to the crowd during the concert on Wednesday , Bridgers declared: “So, Margaret Court. F*** that stupid***, dumb*** b****. F*** that stupid c***. Change your name!”</p> <p>She then encouraged the riled-up crowd to chant “F*** Margaret Court!” before continuing, “I think hate is undervalued. I think it’s like a f***ing weird, white supremacist idea that hate is bad, or something?"</p> <p>“You know what I mean? It’s like hate is like what moves things throughout history. I hate that stupid b****!"</p> <p>“Hate is like how you protect yourself. What, are you never supposed to be angry, ever?”</p> <p>Phoebe's full rant was posted to Twitter and can be viewed <a href="https://twitter.com/ChrystalChristi/status/1623323236800036864" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. </p> <p>The expletive-ridden tirade quickly went viral online, with Bridgers' fans and Court's critics hailing the move as "iconic".</p> <p>“It was the most beautiful moment of my life” one concertgoer raved, while another social media user posted: “Now I’m a fan!” as others called for the venue to be renamed Phoebe Bridgers Arena.</p> <p>While the reaction to the musician's protest was mostly supportive, a small group of Margaret Court sympathisers online slammed her on-stage chants. </p> <p>One person wrote, "Any clue why she’s saying f*** Margaret Court: a world famous tennis player who’s home was actually broken into this week?….. very vile."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Music

Placeholder Content Image

NSW Deputy Premier counters claims road map changes weren’t endorsed

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Paul Toole, New South Wales’ new Deputy Premier, has hit back at claims that chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant did not endorse changes made to the state’s road map out of lockdown.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mr Toole argued against claims that Dr Chant didn’t support </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/major-relief-dom-outlines-massive-changes-to-nsw-roadmap" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Premier Dominic Perrottet’s changes</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> to mask rules, caps on gatherings, and a fast-tracked return to face-to-face schooling.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Appearing on </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sunrise</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> on Friday, Mr Toole </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/world/coronavirus/australia/australia-covid-news-live-restrictions-lockdown-and-cases/news-story/b4a97b9f7558c21d673e46e2673a9bae" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">told Natalie Barr</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, “no, that’s not the case”.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It was endorsed by Kerry Chant and it was endorsed by NSW Health,” he continued.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“We had a crisis cabinet the day before and Kerry Chant was in that meeting. We don’t make decisions without the support of NSW Health and Dr Kerry Chant.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The clarification comes as other health experts express concerns over the changes, with worries that the state could be put at risk.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr Omar Khorshid, president of the Australian Medical Association (AMA), said he was “very concerned” about the change to NSW’s approach and the “potential sidelining of public health advice”.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr Khorshid said the absence of Dr Chant when the changes were announced and the renaming of the Crisis Cabinet as the Economic Recovery Committee suggests that health advice will “no longer guide the NSW government”.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“The ultimate outcomes of opening too fast or too early will be avoidable deaths and the reintroduction of lockdowns and other restrictions - things no-one NSW wants to see,” he </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://7news.com.au/sunrise/on-the-show/nsw-deputy-premier-hits-back-at-claims-chief-health-officer-didnt-endorse-changes-c-4179043" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">said</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“If the NSW ‘Covid and Economy Recovery Committee’ moves to open the economy faster than is advised by health experts and the modelling, they will ultimately be held accountable for the impacts of those decisions, including potentially excess deaths, overwhelmed hospitals and the economic catastrophe that would accompany further lockdowns.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mr Toole acknowledged the concerns of health experts, arguing the decision will have to balance safety and the economy.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I think it’s important we get the balance right between keeping people safe but also opening up the economy,” he said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“We have always said there is going to be an increase in cases. We’re going to have to live with the virus.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It’s going to be part of our community and part of society, but we still need to make sure we’re not complacent, we’re following the rules.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I know people are looking forward to starting to see some freedoms again on Monday October 11.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr Khorshid said the AMA is “concerned” about the change in leadership after </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/no-option-bombshell-gladys-resignation-amid-anti-corruption-probe" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Gladys Berejiklian stepped down as premier</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> last week, saying the “decisions taken in NSW” may “signal a very different approach”.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“The AMA supports opening-up, but it must be done wisely and cautiously, with the ability to pause and assess the impact of lifting restrictions, before moving to the next stage,” he said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“To do otherwise risks far too much.”</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Getty Images, @paultoolemp / Instagram</span></em></p>

News

Placeholder Content Image

Dr Kerry Chant and Brad Hazzard sued over mandatory jabs

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A lawsuit has been filed in the NSW Supreme Court in response to mandatory COVID-19 vaccine requirements for some NSW professions.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sydney solicitor Tony Nikolic - who previously represented the protestor accused with punching a horse at Sydney’s anti-lockdown march - has filed the suit against Health Minister Brad Hazzard and Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant, with the matter expected to be heard on Friday, August 3.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Law firm Ashley, Francina, Leonard and Associates argues that the public health orders requiring “a broad class of workers” to be vaccinated is illegal and unconstitutional.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The firm also argues that the additional powers granted to police to enforce public health orders during the most recent lockdown are illegal.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“We have received thousands of inquiries from front-line workers - police, paramedics, nurses, aged care [staff], doctors, firefighters - construction workers, teachers, airline staff, miners, truck drivers, university students, mums and dads and, importantly, employers,” a spokesperson said in a statement.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It is our view that vaccine compulsion strips citizens of their basic human rights, including their right to work, their right to bodily integrity and their right to informed consent to medical treatment without coercion.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The suit seeks a declaration that the NSW public health orders are invalid, as well as a ban on any further orders made by Mr Hazzard and Dr Chant.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“No-one is above the law, including ministers and public health officers.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mr Nikolic has advertised for plaintiffs to join the suit via the firm’s website and the social media platform Telegram, which has also been used to organise and incite anti-lockdown protests across Australia.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Nikolic posted to Telegram on Saturday, praising politicians such as Craig Kelly, Reverend Fred Nile, and Pauline Hanson for their opposition to lockdowns and mandatory vaccinations.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“You are born free, free to choose, freedom from arbitrary detention, freedom of bodily integrity - don’t give it away for free,” he said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Don’t be bullied.”</span></p> <p><strong>Is it illegal?</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">According to an </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2021/215/1/medico-legal-considerations-mandatory-covid-19-vaccination-high-risk-workers" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">article</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> published in </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Medical Journal of Australia</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> by Dr Dev Kevat and colleagues from several Melbourne health institutions, Australian employers could mandate vaccination of high-risk workers.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Such a direction may well be lawful and reasonable, excepting for those with relevant medical exemptions, for whom low risk roles must be sought if possible,” Kevat and his colleagues wrote.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">However, this would vary state to state, based on their legislation.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Getty Images</span></em></p>

Legal

Our Partners