Throwback: The Beatles’ Second-to-Last Surprise TV Performance in 1966
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A Rare Live Appearance on Television
Just three years after their first appearance on national British television—and two years after their major U.S. debut on The Ed Sullivan Show—the Beatles gave fans an unexpected treat in 1966. This surprise performance ended up being their second-to-last time performing live on TV. Many watching at home didn’t realize they were seeing one of the final moments like this from the Beatles.
That appearance happened on June 16, 1966, during an episode of Top of the Pops. At the time, the Beatles were at the height of their fame and musical success. Their decision to join the show was unexpected, especially since they were doing fewer public appearances.
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Performing “Paperback Writer” and “Rain”
When their manager Brian Epstein told them about the invitation from the BBC show, the Beatles agreed to perform. Although they had previously been featured on Top of the Pops, those were all either promotional videos or pre-recorded performances. This time, they were live in the studio.
On the show, they performed their newest single “Paperback Writer” and its B-side “Rain.” Like most performers on the show back then, they mimed their performance—lip-syncing and playing along to the recorded track. Still, it was rare to see them doing anything live on television at that point in their career.
For the Beatles, this would have been a simple event compared to their past concerts and press appearances. What they didn’t know was that it would be the second-to-last time they appeared live on television together.
Looking Back on a Short but Impactful Career
People often think of the Beatles as a band that shaped the entire 1960s, but their main career lasted just a few years. Their national TV debut in the UK happened in April 1963 on The 625 Show, where they performed “From Me to You,” “Thank You Girl,” and “Please Please Me.”
By February 1964, they had already become global stars with their appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show in America. In just a short time, they became a musical force known around the world. And by 1966, they were starting to step away from public performances.
One Last Performance After This
Their final live TV appearance came on June 25, 1967, when they performed “All You Need Is Love” during a satellite broadcast seen worldwide. After that, they stopped touring and focused only on studio work. Fans would have to wait for new music on vinyl, rather than seeing the band live on screen again.
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