The Beatles were sometimes the target of criminal investigations, even deportation.
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The Beatles are widely regarded as one of the most influential and iconic bands in music history. But their impact extended far beyond their timeless tunes. They played a pivotal role in the cultural and social revolutions of the 1960s, challenging norms and inspiring a generation with their messages of peace, love, and creativity.
We all remember the band’s classic lineup: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and, last but never least, drummer Ringo Starr (born Richard Starkey). But before Ringo joined the band, two other mates passed through the group. Bass guitarist Stuart Sutcliffe was with the band from 1960 to 1961, and Pete Best was the drummer before Ringo, from 1960 to 1962.
The Beatles’ path through modern culture was not an entirely smooth “long and winding road.” From their earliest days through their careers post-breakup, members of the group had encounters with the law that ran from slaps on the wrist to jail time and even deportation! Let’s run through five memorable moments in Beatles history when the police were called in to restore order.
Find out more about the Beatles’ rhythm guitarist in this fascinating documentary.
A Chronology of Fines, Arrests, and Deportations
November 10, 1960: Paul McCartney and Pete Best were arrested in Hamburg, Germany. They were accused of attempted arson after lighting a condom on fire in a concrete corridor as a prank. At the time, the “early” Beatles were trying to establish themselves in the competitive Hamburg music scene, which was crucial for honing their musical skills and stage presence. However, the German authorities saw things differently, and the boys were deported.
January 12, 1965: Ringo Starr, along with the other Beatles, was fined and had his car impounded for illegal parking outside the British Embassy in Washington, D.C., during the Beatles’ visit to the United States.
October 18, 1968: John Lennon and Yoko Ono were arrested at their home in London for possession of cannabis resin. They were charged and later fined £150. This arrest later played a big role in the U.S. government’s attempt to deport Lennon in the early ’70s.
The Beatles weren’t always on bad terms with the authorities. (Source: West Midlands Police, via Wikimedia Commons)
March 12, 1969: George Harrison and his wife Pattie Boyd were arrested for possession of cannabis at their home in Esher, Surrey. Despite Harrison’s claim that the drugs may have been planted, they were fined £250 each. The timing of the raid was notable, as it occurred just a few days before Paul McCartney’s wedding to Linda Eastman, adding to the frenzy over the Beatles’ personal lives.
January 16, 1980: Paul McCartney was arrested in Tokyo, Japan, for possession of marijuana. He spent nine days in jail before being released and deported. This incident led to the cancellation of Wings’ tour in Japan.
Despite these run-ins with the law, the majority of which involved the Beatles’ penchant for indulging in herbal intoxicants, respect for them has never dimmed. Even now, the two surviving members of the “Fab Four” sell out concert venues worldwide. While both of them may have been “bad boys” in their youth, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr are now international musical statesmen and time-tested purveyors of “rock and roll music.”
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Title Image: The Beatles arrive at J.F.K. Airport, February 7, 1964 (Source: United Press International, via Wikimedia Commons)
