On March 4, 1966, an interview featuring an offhand comment by John Lennon of The Beatles was published in the London Evening Standard, which later ignited the infamous "Bigger than Jesus" controversy.
The Interview and Its Publication
This date marks the initial appearance of an interview conducted by journalist Maureen Cleave for the London Evening Standard. While the article initially garnered little attention in the United Kingdom, it contained a particular remark by John Lennon regarding the decline of Christianity and the rising popularity of The Beatles. Lennon's exact words, "Christianity will go. It will vanish and shrink. I needn't argue about that; I'm right and I will be proved right. We're more popular than Jesus now; I don't know which will go first—rock 'n' roll or Christianity," were published without immediate widespread controversy.
Escalation: The "Bigger than Jesus" Scandal
Months after its quiet publication in the UK, the interview was reprinted in the American magazine Datebook in July 1966. This reprinting, particularly with a headline highlighting the "Bigger than Jesus" comment, sparked immense outrage across the United States. Religious groups, especially in the Bible Belt, reacted strongly, leading to widespread protests, public burnings of Beatles records, and calls for boycotts of their music and concerts.
Key aspects of the controversy included:
- Widespread Public Outcry: Numerous radio stations across the U.S. banned Beatles music from their airwaves, and public bonfires of their albums and memorabilia became a common, visually dramatic form of protest.
- Threats and Security Concerns: The intense backlash escalated to threats against the band, particularly directed at John Lennon, which significantly heightened security concerns for their upcoming U.S. tour.
- Public Apology and Clarification: Faced with overwhelming pressure and the potential cancellation of their tour, John Lennon was compelled to issue a public apology and clarify his remarks during a press conference in Chicago in August 1966. He explained that his comment was an observation on the declining influence of the church, not a boast of the band's superiority.
Aftermath and Impact
The "Bigger than Jesus" scandal proved to be a pivotal moment for The Beatles. While it did not immediately end their musical careers, it severely impacted their public image, especially in the U.S., and contributed to a major shift in their approach to live performances.
| Date | Event | Key Figure | Publication | Initial Reaction | Long-term Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 4, 1966 | Interview featuring offhand comment | John Lennon | London Evening Standard | Limited attention | Months later, erupted into the globally recognized "Bigger than Jesus" scandal, profoundly affecting The Beatles' public perception and accelerating their decision to cease live touring after their 1966 U.S. tour. |
The controversy led to a "semi-official end" to their relentless touring schedule, exacerbating their existing frustrations with the overwhelming nature of live performances in massive stadiums. This period is often seen as a significant catalyst that pushed the band towards focusing more on innovative studio work and less on public appearances, ultimately contributing to their decision to cease touring permanently after their final U.S. tour in August 1966.
For more details on the controversy, you can refer to the Bigger than Jesus controversy on Wikipedia.
