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Paul McCartney Reveals Beatles Refused to Play for a Segregated Audience in 1964

Rebelander Basilan
Jun 14, 2020
04:00 P.M.

Paul McCartney took to social media recently to reveal that during a trip to the US in 1964, the Beatles had been listed to play a segregated show, which they wouldn't do.

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"In 1964 The Beatles were due to play Jacksonville in the US and we found out that it was going to be to a segregated audience," McCartney, 77, wrote in a statement shared on Twitter.

"It felt wrong. We said 'We're not doing that!' and the concert we did do was to their first non-segregated audience," he added. "We then made sure this was in our contract. To us it seemed like common sense."

Paul McCartney at Waterstones Piccadilly on September 06, 2019 in London, England. | Photo: Getty Images

Paul McCartney at Waterstones Piccadilly on September 06, 2019 in London, England. | Photo: Getty Images

McCartney went on to share that they support and remain alongside everyone who are protesting and raising their voices at this time.

The singer wants justice for the family of George Floyd. He also wants justice for all those who have died and suffered. McCartney concluded his post, reiterating that silence is a hindrance to equity.

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As reported by PEOPLE, McCartney likewise shared a rundown of associations that are already battling for racial justice. That includes Black Lives Matter, Color of Change, the NAACP, Stand Up to Racism, Campaign Zero, and Community Justice Exchange.

George Harrison, John Lennon, Ringo Starr, and Paul McCartney pose for a portrait in circa 1964 in England. | Photo: Getty Images

George Harrison, John Lennon, Ringo Starr, and Paul McCartney pose for a portrait in circa 1964 in England. | Photo: Getty Images

The English rock band, The Beatles, were formed in Liverpool in 1960. With a line-up containing McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, they are viewed as the most powerful band of all time.

According to McCartney, he had guessed in the Beatles' success when the band's debut single, "Love Me Do," first appeared on British charts in 1962, as reported by Rolling Stone.

It had taken about a year before they won attention in the US.

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Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney, John Lennon, and George Harrison pose for a portrait in circa 1965. | Photo: Getty Images

Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney, John Lennon, and George Harrison pose for a portrait in circa 1965. | Photo: Getty Images

In 1964, they had left England and headed for their first American appearances. That includes an appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show."

It had taken about a year before they won attention in the US. Their first single for Capitol Records, "I Want to Hold Your Hand," had hit Number One on Cashbox. The song sold a quarter-million copies in the U.S. within three days of its release.

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Meanwhile, on May 25, Floyd passed away after begging that he was unable to breathe while a police officer held him down with a knee on his neck. After a week of protests, Beyoncé shared an inspiring message on Instagram, PEOPLE reported.

In her post, the acclaimed singer stated that while "the world came together for George Floyd" recently, there is still a lot of work to be finished.

She then asked her legion of followers to "remain aligned and focused in our call for real justice" as the world pushes ahead in the battle for change.

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Singer Halsey, on the other hand, has been blunt about social justice reform, as reported by Insider. She shared images and live commentary from the ground while protesting in LA.

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Halsey, who is noted for her distinctive singing voice, revealed that unwarranted violence from the LAPD has been swift and widespread.

Ben Affleck, who began his career as a child, also joined the protesters. The actor was with his current girlfriend, actress Ana de Armas.

The couple tuned in to protesters at the Save Venice march in Venice Beach, California. Affleck carried a sign showing support for Black Lives Matter and another for Save Venice.

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