An End and a Beginning

A huge public furor erupted in the United States over a remark John made to a British newspaper writer. In the interview, he had said that the Beatles “are more popular than Jesus now.” Taken out of context, the remark caused riots and mass Beatles record burnings all over the United States, especially in the South. The Beatles were stalked by Ku Klux Klan members outside many of their shows and received many threats. John, quite scared, eventually apologized publicly for the remark. Although it wasn't the only reason, the incident did contribute to the group's decision to stop touring in 1966.