The Beatles Interviewed at Kai Tak Airport, Hong Kong – 10 June 1964

June 10, 2026

The Beatles Interviewed at Kai Tak Airport, Hong Kong – 10 June 1964

Wednesday 10 June 1964 | Interview | Kai Tak Airport, Hong Kong

On 10 June 1964, The Beatles were at Kai Tak Airport in Hong Kong, waiting for their flight to Sydney, Australia. The previous day they had performed two shows at Hong Kong's Princess Theatre — the only Beatles concerts ever held in the colony. Joining them for the Australian leg of the tour was Bob Rogers, an Australian disc jockey who would accompany the group throughout their time in Australia and New Zealand.

While the group waited for their flight, Rogers recorded an interview, opening it by singing an introduction to the tune of 'Waltzing Matilda' — to which Lennon and Harrison immediately responded in kind. What followed was a characteristically relaxed and witty exchange, covering Hong Kong suits, the impossibility of going out in public, Paul McCartney's haggling skills, and the question of whether to buy a boomerang in Australia.

The Context: The 1964 World Tour

The Kai Tak interview took place during The Beatles' first world tour, which had taken the group to Denmark, the Netherlands, Hong Kong, and — next — Australia and New Zealand. The Hong Kong leg had consisted of two shows at the Princess Theatre on 9 June 1964 — the only Beatles concerts ever performed in Hong Kong.

Ringo Starr was absent, having been hospitalised with tonsillitis and pharyngitis. His place was taken by session drummer Jimmy Nicol, who played with the group in Denmark, the Netherlands, Hong Kong, and the first Australian dates before Starr rejoined the tour in Melbourne on 15 June.

Bob Rogers: The Australian Connection

Bob Rogers was one of Australia's most prominent disc jockeys in the 1960s, associated with radio stations including 2UE in Sydney. His recordings of the group during this period — including the Kai Tak airport interview — are among the most relaxed and candid documents of The Beatles in 1964.

The Full Interview Transcript

Q (sings): Here are the Beatles...

John and George (singing): Waltzing Matilda. Waltzing Matilda. You'll come a-waltzing Matilda with me...

Q: Don't ask me what a jumbuck is. I don't know.

George Harrison: Oh well. We know what a Frank Ifield is, though, don't we?

Q: Aye! And a Rolf Harris.

John Lennon: Cobber.

George (sings): Tie me kangaroo down sport...

Q: Well, in 24 hours overnight you've come from summer to winter. How do you think that's going to affect your health?

John: I don't think it'll affect it at all.

George: We're always just naturally unhealthy, so it doesn't matter.

Q: And you're gonna wear these Hong Kong suits that you've had made.

John: George and I haven't had any made.

George: No, 'cause we're saving up.

Q: We read about it in the papers.

John: Ah well, you never believe what they write in the papers. Paul's had two.

Q: Now what are you gonna do while you're in Australia?

John: We don't expect to get out, anyway. If we do it's lucky, you know.

Q: You can't go on living in a prison like this all your lives?

John: Well, it won't last all our lives, will it.

Q: How long do you think it'll last?

John: Well, don't ask me that. But we know it won't last all our lives. That's enough.

Paul McCartney: Yes, I got two suits. About 10 quid, I think.

Q: Did you have a chance to barter?

Paul: Yeah. Some little fellow was selling a watch, wanted 160 Hong Kong dollars for it. I got him down to a hundred. It was probably worth about 30 dollars, mind you.

Q: Do you want to buy anything in Australia?

Paul: I think everyone who goes to Australia buys a boomerang, don't they? I think I'll skip that one. There's not much chance to use it in London, really.

Key Facts: 10 June 1964

Date: Wednesday 10 June 1964
Location: Kai Tak Airport, Hong Kong
Interviewer: Bob Rogers (Australian DJ)
Context: Waiting for flight to Sydney; day after two shows at the Princess Theatre, Hong Kong
Beatles present: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison (Ringo absent — Jimmy Nicol deputising)
Next stop: Sydney, Australia (arriving 11 June 1964)

Frequently Asked Questions

Where did The Beatles go after Hong Kong in 1964?

After two shows at the Princess Theatre on 9 June 1964, The Beatles flew to Sydney, arriving 11 June. They were interviewed at Kai Tak Airport by Bob Rogers on 10 June while waiting for their flight.

Who was Bob Rogers?

A prominent Australian disc jockey associated with Sydney radio station 2UE who accompanied The Beatles throughout the Australian leg of their 1964 world tour.