In 1964, Beatlemania struck Ann Arbor and these old photos show it
Ann Arbor wasn’t immune to the fanatical craze sweeping the nation 60 years ago when the Beatles arrived in the United States.
With the British Invasion underway, Beatlemania struck Tree Town in 1964.
That was on full display that August as hundreds of enthusiastic teenagers lined up along State Street outside the State Theatre downtown for tickets to see the Beatles’ first feature film, “A Hard Day’s Night.”
“I love the Beatles” was among messages in the crowd, along with posters of the rockers from Liverpool, England, known for hits such as “She Loves You” and “I Want to Hold Your Hand.”
Beatlemania in Ann Arbor
Enthusiastic teenagers line up along State Street outside the State Theatre in downtown Ann Arbor for tickets to see the Beatles film "A Hard Day's Night" in August 1964.Duane Scheel | Ann Arbor News archives courtesy of OldNews.AADL.org
Ann Arbor News reporter Dave Bishop and photographer Duane Scheel were there to document the excited scene as tickets went on sale two weeks ahead of the movie’s Sept. 3 opening at the theater. The crowd filled the sidewalk down to Washington Street and was estimated to include about 300 to 400 people.
Ralph Hinterman, a 15-year-old from the Allmendinger Park area, was first in line, sitting in a camping stool, and said the line began forming at 1:30 a.m. — over seven hours before the ticket window was set to open that morning.
“I don’t believe it,” he said in response to rumors the Beatles were “dying out” in England.
“I love the Beatles,” proclaimed 14-year-old Karen Reese, also in line. “I’d do anything for them,” she added when asked if it was worth waiting since 6 a.m.
"I love the Beatles" is among the messages in the crowd, along with posters of the British rockers, as enthusiastic teenagers line up along State Street outside the State Theatre in downtown Ann Arbor for tickets to see the Beatles film "A Hard Day's Night" in August 1964.Duane Scheel | Ann Arbor News archives courtesy of OldNews.AADL.org
The length of the band members’ hair was a subject of discussion and debate.
Source: mlive.com
