Ivor Davis, author of "The Beatles And Me On Tour

Today, "Five Questions" were put to Ivor Davis, author of The Beatles and Me On Tour. As a reporter for the London Daily Express, Davis received unrestricted access to The Beatles as a member of their entourage on their 1964 tour of America and his book recounts that historic moment in rock and roll history from an insider's perspective.

 

You were “assigned” to cover the Beatles on their tour across America in 1964. How did they regard you: with suspicion, fear, respect or someone to take the piss out of?

At first the Beatles were cool, but within a day or two they quickly accepted me as part of the travelling family. John started off taking the piss and calling me "Ivan the Terrible" even though I insisted my first name was Ivor. George was a bit cool, and didn't really provide me with sufficient feedback, which was a pain, because I was supposed to write his column. After two weeks he loosened up. Paul was a charmer from the get-go. He'd serve me a drink on the private jet, and when he heard I had a cold one day, he said, "How ya doin?" I'm sure Paul came out of the womb PR-savvy. Ringo didn't really have a lot to say for himself, but like George, he warmed up after ten days or so. Don't forget Ringo was the "newbie" in the group — and that might have been the reason he was less volatile and vocal. But I was impressed: They were all pretty unpretentious considering they were huge idols in the UK and Europe. Because they were prisoners in their hotel, those of us along for the entire ride became surprisingly close to them.

Your personal story is an interesting one. From LA and soon freelancing “major breaking news stories” to, apparently, the “showbiz man” rather than the foreign correspondent. Can you talk about that? Did you view the Beatles as “major breaking” news?

I never considered the Beatles story as major breaking news. It was a terrific fun ride for me, but I never thought they'd last that long. Half a century later it still boggles the mind that they are such legends. Travel with the Beatles was just another assignment for me at the time. My editor would say "get alongside Brando" or "Cary Grant is divorcing and we want the first interview." But besides showbiz I found myself covering earthquakes, riots and politics. I went straight from the Beatles tour to writing about the Warren Commission Report!

We’ve seen the band’s reaction — through newsreels and, later, films —  to the reception they received here. What was your perspective on this major cultural shift towards these four young boys from Liverpool and how did the US reaction differ from how they were viewed in the UK?

America was getting a bit more interested in rock talent from the UK. It wasn't labelled as "The British invasion" until many years later in retrospect. The Beatles never thought their concerts would be as fabulously successful as their Euro experiences.  Paul said, "What can we give America that they don't already have?"  But from day one of the tour in San Francisco the receptions were rapturous and concerts crazy, because though I sat in the front row every show, I couldn't hear the Beatles sing--and neither could the Beatles! It was screaming girls from start to finish.

You were with the band non-stop for over a month. What kind of relationships did you forge with each?

Part of this question is answered in question one. At the end of the tour we were pretty close. I mean I'd wander into their suite and help myself to a drink. And on the plane we hung out, chatted, because on the private jet the Beatles felt unemcumbered,and while we would chat to them if we fancied, we were aware that they were entitled to some privacy. In private John was a real hoot, and he relaxed more than any of the others. And he loved to hold audience and provoke because that was the way he got his kicks.

Any groupie tales from journalists, or does what happen in 1964 stay in 1964?

You might call one of the most unusual groupie stories what happened in Atlantic City, with the local promoter showing up at a private screening of Help! in a party suite with several hookers — and the Beatles invited to (before my very eyes)  "take your pick." Chapter 11 in my book, 'Talkin' 'Bout Girls." And of course, the Beatles had eyes for lovely ladies — and lovely ladies — providing they were above the age of consent, willing to do more than hold the Beatles hands. They had to be very very careful that they hung out with ladies who were definitely above the age of consent, because in Las Vegas there was a scandal/scare that was narrowly averted.

 

#TheBeatles #IvorDavis #FiveQuestions