The Beatles in Bangor
Last updated: 04 September 2007
On 25 August 1967 a four-piece band arrived at Bangor station to a sea of screaming fans. It would prove to be a life-changing day for the people who got to meet their idols, and for the band as well. These interviews, recorded for Beatles in Bangor on BBC Radio Wales, tell the story.
The Beatles had come to attend a seminar led by the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, who had risen in popularity because of his transcendental meditation techniques. The band was in a period of transition and was searching for a way forward - this seemed like the perfect answer.
John Savage, writer and television producer, sets the scene for the Beatles' arrival in Bangor. With their touring days and mop-tops behind them, they hadn't been seen in public for quite a while before making their appearance in Bangor to learn about the Spiritual Regeneration Movement under the guidance of the Maharishi.
Click here to listen to John Savage
It took Brian Dunn a while to realise that the Beatles were actually on the same train as him, despite walking right into their carriage. But his girlfriend Christina, waiting for him on the platform, was fully clued up - and got as far as touching Paul's shoulder.
Click here to listen to Brian and Christina Dunn
Carol Jones from Bethesda still can't believe her 13-year-old self is in a photo with the Beatles, on show in their museum in Liverpool.
Click here to listen to Carol Jones
Sensing the buzz about town, Gwenllian Daniel and her friend managed to gatecrash the Maharishi's first lecture. But did it make any sense to her?
Click here to listen to Gwenllian Daniel
Bob Hewitt was a 17-year-old trainee photographer
in 1967. Despite the intimidating crush of the crowds, he managed to capture an iconic picture of the band - plus Mick Jagger.
Click here to listen to Bob Hewitt
As head gardener at the Normal College, Leonard Morris Jones had no idea the Beatles had landed until lots of half-naked people meditating took over the grounds. Was it really the start of flower power? The college gardens were certainly left quite bare.
Click here to listen to Leonard Morris Jones
Pamela and Norman Williams from Caernarfon were going out for a quiet meal at The Senior Chinese restaurant in Bangor when the Beatles, Mick Jagger and Marianne Faithfull walked in.
Click here to listen to Pam and Norman Williams
Roy Flynn, a Bangor telegram boy and Maldwyn Hughes, a postman, fought their way through the screaming crowds to deliver a message to the Beatles. But without a camera and not thinking to ask for autographs - or even keep the telegram - will anyone believe they got so close to the Beatles?
Click here to listen to Roy and Maldwyn
Gareth Roberts takes a tour of the Bangor locations visited by the Maharishi and his followers, including lectures at Neuadd John Phillips and the small room in Neuadd Alun where Paul McCartney answered a fateful phone call.
Click here to listen to Gareth Roberts
Barry Miles, Brian Epstein's biographer, and John Savage speak about the effect of the news of manager Brian Epstein's death on the Beatles. Was their trip to Bangor really the beginning of the end for the Fab Four?
Click here to listen to Barry Miles and John Savage
Beatles in Bangor was made for BBC Radio Wales by Acme and broadcast in August 2007.
More about The Beatles in Wales.
