BBC
Thought you all might be interested to hear this. While many here are still trashing out their feelings on race relations, The Beatles knew in 1965 that you just don't sing about peace and love, you live it. In a no-nonsense contract to be auctioned next week The Beatles specified that they would not be required to preform before a segregated audience at the Cow Palace.
The Beatles had previously taken a public stand on civil rights in 1964, when they refused to perform at a segregated concert at the Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, Florida.
City officials relented, allowing the stadium to be integrated, and the band took to the stage.
"We never play to segregated audiences and we aren't going to start now," said John Lennon. "I'd sooner lose our appearance money."
The struggle for racial equality in America later inspired Paul McCartney to write Blackbird.
We still need this message today.
"All You Need is Love" The Beatles
"Blackbird" The Beatles written by Paul McCartney in response to the Civil Rights struggles in US
AP
The Associated Press reports that a contract for a 1965 Beatles concert that states the group will not perform before a segregated audience has sold for more than $23,000! It's a piece o' history on many levels, both musical and cultural.