Lennon And McCartney Give Interviews To US Press In New York
Monday 13 May 1968
During their promotional visit to the United States to launch Apple Corps in America, John Lennon and Paul McCartney spent 13 May 1968 conducting a series of interviews with major American media outlets in New York City.
The interviews took place inside a suite at the famous The St. Regis New York, where journalists gathered to question the pair about Apple Corps, modern culture, politics, spirituality and the changing state of America in 1968.
The Beatles Promote Apple Corps In America
The trip marked the first time Lennon and McCartney had visited the United States together since The Beatles stopped touring in 1966. Their mission was to promote Apple Corps, the ambitious multimedia company founded by The Beatles earlier in 1968.
Apple Corps was designed to combine music, film, publishing and artistic ventures under one umbrella, reflecting the group's desire to support creativity outside traditional business structures.
Larry Kane's Colour Interview Footage
One of the journalists present was Larry Kane, the Miami broadcaster who had supported The Beatles since their breakthrough in America in 1964.
Kane's interview was filmed in colour and later became historically significant after being included alongside his book Lennon Revealed. The footage captured unusually candid conversations with Lennon and McCartney during a turbulent political and cultural period in the United States.
Topics Discussed During The Interviews
The interviews covered a wide range of subjects including:
- The goals and future of Apple Corps
- The Beatles' recent trip to India
- LSD and changing attitudes toward drugs
- Student protests and campus riots in America
- The assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.
- The Beatles' memories of touring the United States
- The controversy surrounding the 1966 Memphis concerts
- The group's first arrival in New York during Beatlemania in 1964
Lennon spoke openly about the chaos surrounding The Beatles' final tours, while McCartney focused more heavily on Apple's creative ambitions and future possibilities.
A Snapshot Of America In 1968
These interviews now serve as a fascinating historical snapshot of both The Beatles and America during one of the most turbulent years of the 20th century. The discussions blended pop culture, politics, spirituality and business in a way few musicians had attempted publicly before.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were John Lennon and Paul McCartney in New York in May 1968?
They travelled to New York to promote Apple Corps, The Beatles' newly launched multimedia company.
Where did the interviews take place?
The interviews were conducted in a suite at the St Regis Hotel in New York City.
Who was Larry Kane?
Larry Kane was an American journalist and broadcaster who closely covered The Beatles during their rise in the United States.
What topics did Lennon and McCartney discuss?
They discussed Apple Corps, India, LSD, American politics, Martin Luther King Jr., campus protests and memories of Beatlemania.
Why are these interviews historically important?
They captured Lennon and McCartney speaking candidly during a period of major political and cultural change in both America and The Beatles' career.
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